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Teaching Rhythmic Gymnastics Rules The best time to teach the rules of rhythmic gymnastics is during practice. For example, athletes must learn the routines they will perform in competition.  Please refer to Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for the complete listing of rhythmic gymnastics rules.   Rules for Sport Competition FIG (Fédération Internationale Gymnastique) regulations govern competitions, except when they are in conflict with Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. Special Olympics order of events is:  rope, hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon.   Levels of Competition The current rhythmic gymnastics rules and routines can be found in the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. For each level, there are four routines.   Athletes who perform all four routines in the same level are considered All-Around.  The All-Around score is the sum of the scores from each of the four routines.  Athletes may receive an award for their placement in the All-Around.  Level A Routines for athletes who compete seated. Male and female athletes may participate. Level B Routines for lower level athletes who are mobile. Male and female athletes may participate. Level 1-3 Compulsory routines — The music and choreography are prescribed. Female athletes may participate. Level 4 Optional routines for the advanced level athlete — The music and choreography are individual for each athlete. Female athletes may participate. Group Compulsory routines for groups of either four or six athletes. Female athletes may participate.    Age Groups Competitors are divisioned into age groups according to the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules:  8-11, 12-15, 16-21, 22-over. Age groups may be combined in divisioning if there are not enough athletes of similar ability within an age group to allow for fair competition.   Apparatus Specifications for the size of the hand apparatus can be found in the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules.  If an athlete needs to use modified equipment due to a disability, the coach must submit (to the competition management) the Request for Equipment Modification Form, which can be found in the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules.  (Refer to the Training and Competition section for more information.) During competition, one replacement apparatus for each routine may be placed by the competitive floor.  A deduction will be taken if the athlete uses the replacement apparatus.  (For example, the athlete will receive a deduction if the attachment of the ribbon to the ribbon stick breaks during the routine and she uses the replacement ribbon to complete the routine.) Spectators should be instructed not to touch the apparatus if it goes out of bounds.  An additional deduction is taken if the athlete has help retrieving the apparatus. The apparatus should be measured before competition to make sure it meets Special Olympics specifications.  The apparatus may be re-measured as the athlete leaves the competition floor at the completion of a routine.   Attire Regulations pertaining to competition attire can be found in the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules.  However, if FIG rules regarding attire should change between Official Special Olympics Sports Rules updates, athletes may follow the current FIG rules.  (Refer to the Training and Competition section for more information.)   Judging Each routine is judged by one judge or a panel of judges, depending on the organization of the competition. Judging forms and guidelines can be found in the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. The score awarded by the judges is final.  See the section below regarding protest procedures. Line judges should be positioned at opposite corners of the competition floor to record out-of-bounds violations.  All other deductions are determined by the acting judge or judges. Most neutral deductions (out of bounds, apparatus, attire, etc.) follow FIG rules.  There are some neutral deductions that are unique to Special Olympics.  Because many athletes have memory problems and require assistance during the routines, coaches are allowed to stand in designated areas, in view of the judges, to provide help as needed.  Deductions will be taken for physical assistance, verbal assistance and gestures. Compulsory Routines are judged on: Exactness of Text Difficulty (Identified Skills) Connections (All parts of the  routine except the Identified Skills) Floor Pattern Music Execution and Amplitude Execution includes form (straight legs, pointed toes, position, extension of the upper body, etc.) and apparatus errors (drops, incorrect handling, static, etc.) Amplitude refers to the general extension of both the body (height of jumps, extension of the legs and upper body, high on toes, etc.) and apparatus (height of tosses, extension in swings, etc.) Elegance and General Impression Elegance includes graceful, soft, flowing arms, supple body movements and an elegant carriage of the upper body. Good general impression is a performance with few errors.  The gymnast must be full of confidence and perform with style and emotion. Optional Routines are judged on: Technical Value (Body Skills in the routine) Apparatus Technical Movements (four required technical movements for each apparatus) Connections and apparatus technique Musicality Floor pattern and use of space Execution and Amplitude Elegance and General Impression Group Routines are judged on: Difficulty (Identified Skills and Formations) Connections Uniformity of the group Music Execution and Amplitude Elegance and General Impression     Competition Floor The judges will always sit by Side 1 of the competition floor.  Athletes should train routines and learn floor patterns accordingly. Traveling clockwise (to the right) around the competition floor:  Side 1, Corner 2, Side 3, Corner 4, Side 5, Corner 6, Side 7, Corner 8.

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