event platform

Platform that contains the necessary material and apparatuses to hold gymnastics competitions.

approach runs

82 ft runs made of foam matting; they allow gymnasts to gain the speed they need to execute an exercise.

floor exercise area

40 ft2 pad on which the gymnast performs exercises on the floor.

line judge

Official who ensures that the gymnasts on the floor stay within the floor exercise area.

balance beam

Women’s gymnastics apparatus made up of a long horizontal bar, on which the gymnast performs static and dynamic balance exercises.

pommel horse

Men’s gymnastics apparatus with two handles (pommels), around which the gymnast maneuvers.

overall standings scoreboard

Board on which the performances and the gymnasts’ marks are posted.

uneven parallel bars

Women’s gymnastics apparatus made up of two horizontal bars of different heights for performing various acrobatic exercises.

vaulting horse

Men’s and women’s gymnastics apparatus that is similar to a pommel horse; after a run, the gymnast leaps over it.

horizontal bar

Men’s gymnastics apparatus composed of a horizontal bar attached to uprights, around which the gymnast maneuvers (rotations, flight elements).

floor mats

Padded carpets that cushion falls and provide balance when landing.

judges

Officials who evaluate performances on the uneven parallel bars.

judges

Officials who evaluate the performances on the vaulting horse (women).

magnesium powder

White magnesium-based powder that absorbs sweat from the gymnasts’ hands; this provides a surer grip on the apparatuses.

parallel bars

Men’s gymnastics apparatus made up of two horizontal bars set at the same height; they are for performing various acrobatic exercises.

rings

Men’s gymnastics apparatus made up of two rings that hang from cables, which are fixed to a frame; they are used especially for power elements and fast swing exercises.

vaulting horse

Men’s and women’s gymnastics apparatus that is similar to a pommel horse; after a run, the gymnast supports the body on it with both hands to make a jump.

judges

Officials who evaluate floor exercises.

current event scoreboard

Judges grade exercises performed by the gymnasts based on execution, technique and artistic value.