Rhythmic gymnastics is one of the most artistic and aesthetically pleasing sports at the Olympics. But to ensure that RG - formerly known as modern gymnastics - remains part of the Games programme, there are numerous standards, rules and scoring regulations to ensure the exercises are judged as fairly as possible. The overall score for the performance of an individual gymnast or a gymnastics group is made up of three components: the difficulty (D) score, which is unlimited, and the artistry and execution (E) score (up to a maximum of 10.00 points each).
The competition area is always 13 x 13 metres, but the duration of the routine differs depending on whether it’s an individual or group event. In an individual competition, the performance lasts 75-90 seconds, while five-member group performances run for between 2:15 and 2:30 minutes. Important basic requirements are the so-called Body Difficulties, which include balances, turns, leaps and jumps. Two dance step sequences lasting at least eight seconds are also compulsory. The biggest crowd-pleaser in a routine comes through the dynamic Risk-Elements with Rotation. Audiences are thrilled by the impressive moves, in which the gymnast throws a hand apparatus into the air and catches it while simultaneously rotating. The “Difficulty of Apparatus” elements are also very important for the top gymnasts, as they can earn up to 0.4 bonus points.
The rules for the hand apparatus themselves leave little room for manoeuvre, meaning competitors cannot gain an advantage. Both the clubs and the hoop must be made of plastic, each club must weigh at least 150 grams and the length must be between 30 and 50 centimetres. The hoop must weigh at least 300 grams and the inner diameter is limited to between 80 and 90 centimetres. The most detailed specifications are for the ribbon, which is particularly popular with fans. It must be at least six meters long and four to six centimetres wide, and the only fabrics permitted are silk or satin. The diameter of the ribbon stick must be exactly one centimetre. The minimum weight is 35 grams. The ball must be made of rubber or plastic. The minimum weight is 400 grams and a diameter of 18 to 20 centimetres is permitted.
A fifth apparatus - the rope - has not been used in major international competitions since 2013, because it is considered too “unglamorous.” The reduction from five to four apparatus is just one example of how the rules have been regularly adapted to modern developments over the past few decades. At the World Championships in 1963, 1965, 1967 and 1969, World Championship medals were still awarded in a competition without hand apparatus. Since 2013, all exercises may be accompanied by music with vocals. A year later, the era of live piano accompaniment came to an end. As recently as the 1980s, Romanian pianist Eugen Filipescu was a regular official member of the DTB delegations at World and European Championships.
