The NCAA News - News & Features

Men's gymnastics approves increase in base-scoring system

At its annual meeting May 7-10 in Kansas City, Missouri, the NCAA Men's Gymnastics Committee voted to adopt a 9.5 base score, effective in 1997. In 1996, a base score of 9.3 was used for all competition.

The committee decided to increase its base-scoring system after reviewing the 1997 FIG Code of Points. Effective in 1997, the FIG Code of Points will require that gymnasts competing internationally perform routines using an 8.6 base-scoring system. The previous code of points implemented a 9.0 base score.

Under the base-scoring system, points are awarded to and deducted from a gymnast starting at 9.5. For example, when a gymnast begins a routine, he is awarded a score of 9.5 if he satisfies all the event requirements. Any bonus points he may earn are added to the base score; likewise, any deductions are subtracted from the base score.

The committee believes that an increase in the base score from 9.3 to 9.5 will prevent scores from dropping significantly due to the increased requirements of the 1997 FIG Code of Points, while also narrowing the competitive gap between teams and individuals.

In addition to altering the base-scoring system, the committee agreed that a gymnast may replace a missing skill of greater difficulty with a skill that has less value. Under the new format, a gymnast who does not incorporate a D skill into a routine could replace that missing skill with a skill valued B or C and still receive partial credit.

The committee noted that as interpretations are made for the new code, it will determine whether those interpretations will be applicable to collegiate gymnastics.

Other Highlights -- Men's Gymnastics Committee

May 7-10/Kansas City, Missouri

* Recommended to the NCAA Executive Committee that the U.S. Military Academy serve as the host site for the 1997 East regional. The committee noted that no bids have been received for the 1997 West regional or 1997 national championships.

* Voted to require judges to flash the starting score (start value plus the bonus points) for competitors.

* Developed an NCAA modified vault table that will be used for the 1996-97 season.

* Evaluated the current system used to select judges and determined that it will develop a list of prospective judges in conjunction with the National Gymnastics Judges Association (NGJA). Also, the committee noted that the list will be used to select judges for the 1997 championships no later than September 15.

* Implemented a six-team rotation plan at the national championships. The committee determined that one all-around and one individual-event specialist will be attached to each of the six teams. A maximum of seven individuals on a team may warm-up during the controlled warm-ups. The eight-team rotation plan that previously has been used still will be used at regional championships.

* Implemented a team-finals format for preliminary rounds of the national championships, noting that such a format will highlight a maximum of two performers at one time. Previously, all six apparatuses were in use at the same time during preliminary competition.

* Voted to retain the current three-day championships format, noting that the format provides student-athletes with the best competitive situation.