- Jan 31, 2021
- 520
- 720
www.mensgymnasticsramblings.com/blog/3mvhjswx16jwbefunez7zyslmpex48
All the details are here.
The biggest news is that the NCAA rules will now align with the FIG Code. Each element group requirement will now have to be D (as opposed to C as in 2025) to be awarded 0.5 by the D-Jury - except for EG I for all apparatus, where any letter element will still be awarded 0.5 EGR points.
There is some concern that this will reduce the parity we saw last season, but as dismounts will be capped at 0.5, it won’t be as dramatic as it could have been. Also, some of the parity is due to four-up-four-count, as this format decreases the advantage of teams with greater depth and increases the importance of luck.
At the request of the judges, specific colors of dark pants will no longer be allowed during competition, as these make it harder for judges to see leg form. This rule will not be implemented until September 1, 2026, to allow schools time to comply with the rule.
Previously, In all meets, the E judges arrived at their score independently but could adjust their scores according “to the grid below” after a brief conference. The line about adjusting scores according to “the grid below” (which I could not find in the current rules) has been removed.
The inquiry process was clarified (see the linked document for full details). The rules now specifically forbid coaches from standing by the judges’ table, pressuring judges, or carrying on a conversation. There is NO provision for coaches from the opposing team to protest a D score.
The NQA formula dates have been revised to start using the 4 score average on March 1 (instead of February 1), to allow all teams to get enough competition results to be ranked properly by Road to Nationals. In past years, some teams (usually Nebraska) would end up at the bottom of the February 1 rankings because they did not yet have four scores.
A proposal to return to five-up-four-count was rejected. As a spectator, I love four-up-four-count, but as a fan of the sport, I don’t love the decrease in participation opportunities.
A discussion of a proposed championship format change was tabled to allow more time for discussion. I’m guessing this may be about reducing the number of qualifying teams, since 12 out of 15 qualifying seems like… a lot. Personally, I hope this doesn’t happen. Nationals is as much about the community getting together as it is about the competition. And fewer teams will mean a smaller audience.
ESPN staff provided feedback on the 2025 championships, but no details were shared. I (and probably other fans) would love to see that information,
ProScore will continue providing scoring services to the championships. I wish they would stop combining stick bonus with D score instead of reporting separately. Maybe someday they will (as Beaver Creek and Virtius already do.)
All the details are here.
The biggest news is that the NCAA rules will now align with the FIG Code. Each element group requirement will now have to be D (as opposed to C as in 2025) to be awarded 0.5 by the D-Jury - except for EG I for all apparatus, where any letter element will still be awarded 0.5 EGR points.
There is some concern that this will reduce the parity we saw last season, but as dismounts will be capped at 0.5, it won’t be as dramatic as it could have been. Also, some of the parity is due to four-up-four-count, as this format decreases the advantage of teams with greater depth and increases the importance of luck.
At the request of the judges, specific colors of dark pants will no longer be allowed during competition, as these make it harder for judges to see leg form. This rule will not be implemented until September 1, 2026, to allow schools time to comply with the rule.
Previously, In all meets, the E judges arrived at their score independently but could adjust their scores according “to the grid below” after a brief conference. The line about adjusting scores according to “the grid below” (which I could not find in the current rules) has been removed.
The inquiry process was clarified (see the linked document for full details). The rules now specifically forbid coaches from standing by the judges’ table, pressuring judges, or carrying on a conversation. There is NO provision for coaches from the opposing team to protest a D score.
The NQA formula dates have been revised to start using the 4 score average on March 1 (instead of February 1), to allow all teams to get enough competition results to be ranked properly by Road to Nationals. In past years, some teams (usually Nebraska) would end up at the bottom of the February 1 rankings because they did not yet have four scores.
A proposal to return to five-up-four-count was rejected. As a spectator, I love four-up-four-count, but as a fan of the sport, I don’t love the decrease in participation opportunities.
A discussion of a proposed championship format change was tabled to allow more time for discussion. I’m guessing this may be about reducing the number of qualifying teams, since 12 out of 15 qualifying seems like… a lot. Personally, I hope this doesn’t happen. Nationals is as much about the community getting together as it is about the competition. And fewer teams will mean a smaller audience.
ESPN staff provided feedback on the 2025 championships, but no details were shared. I (and probably other fans) would love to see that information,
ProScore will continue providing scoring services to the championships. I wish they would stop combining stick bonus with D score instead of reporting separately. Maybe someday they will (as Beaver Creek and Virtius already do.)
