To newcomers, a rhythmic gymnastics score like 28.650 looks like magic. It isn't. Every score is the sum of two open panels of judges, minus penalties. Here's the FIG system, decoded, along with the basic rules that shape every routine.
Quick answer: the rules in a nutshell
- A gymnast performs a choreographed routine to music with a hand apparatus: ball, rope, hoop, clubs or ribbon.
- She performs on a 13 x 13 m carpet, and individual routines last 1:15-1:30.
- Final score = D (difficulty) + E (execution) − penalties.
- E starts at 10.00 and only goes down. D has no maximum.
- Stepping out of bounds, running over time, losing the apparatus out of the floor area or breaking attire rules all bring penalties.
New to the sport? Our guide on what rhythmic gymnastics is covers the basics before the scoring details.
Two judge panels, two numbers
- Difficulty (D) panel — counts what the routine contains: body difficulties (leaps, balances, rotations), apparatus difficulties, dynamic elements with rotation ("risks"), and full apparatus handling. The D-score is open-ended. There is no maximum, which is why top routines keep pushing content.
- Execution (E) panel — starts from 10.00 and deducts for every fault, both technical (bent knees, imprecise catches, traveling on balances) and artistic (poor music connection, monotone choreography). Deductions run from −0.10 for small blemishes to −0.50+ for a dropped apparatus.
The formula
Final score = D + E − penalties. Penalties come from the line and time judges: stepping off the 13×13 m carpet, exceeding 1:30, apparatus leaving the floor area, or attire violations (see our attire rules guide).
How a score is built, step by step
- The routine is performed within its time limit, on the carpet, to music.
- The D panel counts content: body difficulties, apparatus difficulties, risks and apparatus handling.
- The E panel starts at 10.00 and subtracts for each technical and artistic fault.
- Line and time judges record any penalties.
- The final score is D plus E, minus penalties.
The equipment and time rules
Apparatus must meet FIG norms. The figures below are for seniors unless stated.
| Apparatus | Key norms |
|---|---|
| Ball | Rubber or synthetic, 18-20 cm diameter, at least 400 g. Juniors, seniors and USA Levels 9-10 use this size; children train with 15-17 cm. |
| Rope | Hemp or synthetic, no handles, knots allowed at the ends. Length is proportional to the gymnast: stand on the middle and the ends should reach the armpits. |
| Hoop | 80-90 cm inside diameter, at least 300 g. |
| Clubs | 40-50 cm long, at least 150 g each. |
| Ribbon | Stick 50-60 cm. Ribbon 4-6 cm wide, 6 m for seniors and 5 m for juniors, at least 35 g. |
Individual routines last 1:15-1:30. Group routines last 2:15-2:30.
If you're buying for practice, our beginner thermoplastic clubs (36 cm) are one option. Our beginner equipment guide explains what a young gymnast really needs first.
What separates a 24 from a 30?
At high level, execution is the battleground: elite gymnasts perform similar difficulty content, so medals are decided by tenths lost on catches and lines. A clean, slightly easier routine routinely beats an ambitious one with a drop. The drop alone can cost over a point between deduction and the lost difficulty.
Group scoring differences
Groups are judged on the same D + E structure with one addition: exchanges, the signature simultaneous throws between all five gymnasts, carry their own difficulty value. Collaboration elements reward the group working as a single organism.
Common mistakes parents and new fans make
- Thinking a higher D always wins. A drop or lost control can cost more than extra difficulty earns.
- Forgetting that E only goes down. Every small fault counts, so clean basics matter.
- Ignoring the boundaries. Stepping off the carpet or sending the apparatus out of the floor area costs points even when the skill itself was great.
- Overlooking attire. A violation can become a penalty, so check the rules before competition day.
- Treating music as decoration. Poor music connection is an execution fault, not just a style choice.
Watching like a judge
Next competition, watch for three things:
- Does the apparatus ever stop moving? It shouldn't.
- Does the gymnast catch without adjusting her feet?
- Does the routine hit the music's accents?
You'll predict the E-score within a few tenths. For how routines are built around the music itself, see our music guide. If your gymnast is starting to compete, our USA levels guide shows how the pathway fits together.
FAQ
What are the rules of rhythmic gymnastics?
Gymnasts perform a routine to music on a 13 x 13 m carpet with one apparatus. Individual routines last 1:15-1:30. Judges score difficulty and execution, and penalties are subtracted for things like stepping out of bounds or exceeding the time limit.
How is rhythmic gymnastics scored?
The final score is the D-score plus the E-score, minus penalties. The D-score counts the difficulty of what the routine contains. The E-score starts at 10.00 and loses points for each technical or artistic fault.
What is the difference between D-score and E-score?
The D-score rewards content such as body difficulties, apparatus difficulties and risks, and it has no maximum. The E-score measures how well everything is performed, starting at 10.00 and only going down. Elite medals are often decided by execution.
How long is a rhythmic gymnastics routine?
Individual routines last 1:15-1:30 and group routines last 2:15-2:30. Going over the time limit can bring a penalty from the time judges.
What happens if the apparatus is dropped?
A drop is an execution fault, with deductions of −0.50 or more. The gymnast may also lose difficulty she was attempting, so the total cost can be over a point. If the apparatus leaves the floor area, a penalty can apply as well.