International gymnastics is governed by the FIG, the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, which writes the rules, publishes the Code of Points for each discipline, sets the minimum ages for senior competition and runs the World Championships and World Cup events. Founded in 1881 and based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the FIG oversees artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, acrobatic, aerobic and parkour gymnastics, as well as the non-competitive Gymnastics for All. The Olympic Games are the sport’s biggest stage, featuring artistic, rhythmic and trampoline gymnastics.
This guide explains the FIG disciplines, how scoring works, the main international competitions, how the Olympic program is structured, how gymnasts qualify and what fans should know when following the sport.
FIG disciplines
| Discipline | What it involves | Olympic? |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s artistic | Vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise | Yes |
| Men’s artistic | Floor, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar | Yes |
| Rhythmic | Routines with apparatus such as hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon, individually and in groups | Yes |
| Trampoline | Individual trampoline at the Olympics; synchronized trampoline, double mini and tumbling at world level | Individual trampoline only |
| Acrobatic | Pairs and groups performing balances, throws and dynamic elements | No |
| Aerobic | High-intensity routines to music combining movement patterns and difficulty elements | No |
| Parkour | Speed runs and freestyle routines over obstacle courses | No |
| Gymnastics for All | Non-competitive gymnastics for all ages and abilities | No |
How artistic scoring works
Since 2006, artistic gymnastics has used an open-ended scoring system instead of the perfect 10. Each routine’s final score combines two parts:
- D-score (difficulty). Based on the value of the counted skills, connection bonuses and composition requirements. There is no upper limit, so harder routines can earn higher scores.
- E-score (execution). Starts at 10.0, with judges deducting for form errors, balance problems, landings and falls.
Neutral deductions, such as stepping out of bounds on floor or exceeding time limits, are subtracted from the total. The Code of Points is revised each Olympic cycle, so skill values and requirements change every few years.
Other disciplines’ scoring
Rhythmic gymnastics scores combine difficulty, artistry and execution, reflecting the importance of choreography and handling of the apparatus. Trampoline adds difficulty, execution, time of flight and horizontal displacement, rewarding height and staying near the center of the bed. Each discipline has its own Code of Points tailored to its skills.
A short history of international gymnastics
Gymnastics was part of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 in Athens, with men’s events only. Women’s team gymnastics first appeared at the 1928 Olympics, and individual women’s apparatus events were added in 1952. Rhythmic gymnastics joined the Olympic program in 1984, with the group event added in 1996, and trampoline became an Olympic sport at the 2000 Sydney Games. The FIG has since recognized newer disciplines such as parkour, reflecting how the sport continues to evolve. Over the decades, equipment has changed significantly, from the introduction of the vaulting table to sprung floors, allowing far more difficult skills than early gymnasts could attempt.
Rhythmic and trampoline at the Olympics
Olympic rhythmic gymnastics features an individual all-around, where gymnasts perform routines with different apparatus, and a group all-around with five gymnasts performing together. Judges score difficulty, artistry and execution, with close attention to apparatus handling and synchronization. Olympic trampoline features men’s and women’s individual competitions, where athletes perform a routine of ten skills. Scores reflect difficulty, execution, time of flight and how well the gymnast stays near the center of the trampoline bed. Both disciplines have passionate followings and their own world championships outside the Olympic cycle.
Major international competitions
| Competition | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | Every four years | Artistic, rhythmic and trampoline events |
| World Championships | Held in most years, with artistic Worlds skipped in Olympic years | Each discipline has its own World Championships |
| World Cup series | Annual | Individual apparatus events and qualification opportunities |
| Continental championships | Usually annual | Such as the European Championships and Pan American Championships |
| Multi-sport games | Varies | Including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Pan American Games |
How the Olympic artistic program works
- Qualification round. Teams and individuals compete, with scores determining who advances to finals.
- Team final. The top teams compete, with a limited number of gymnasts competing on each apparatus and every score counting.
- All-around final. The top individual all-around gymnasts, limited to two per country, compete on every apparatus.
- Apparatus finals. The top eight gymnasts on each apparatus, again limited to two per country, compete for medals on that event.
Team sizes and qualification systems are set by the FIG for each Olympic cycle. At the Paris 2024 Games, artistic teams had five gymnasts.
Age rules and eligibility
The FIG sets minimum ages for senior international competition. In women’s artistic gymnastics, gymnasts must turn 16 during the calendar year to compete as seniors at the Olympics and World Championships, while men’s artistic gymnasts must turn 18. The FIG also runs junior competitions, including Junior World Championships, for younger athletes. Gymnasts represent national federations, which are members of the FIG and select their own teams.
How to follow international gymnastics
- Learn the apparatus order. Olympic order helps you follow team competition rotations.
- Watch D and E scores. A high D-score shows difficulty, while a high E-score shows clean execution.
- Follow qualification. The qualification round decides finals places and is often dramatic.
- Know the two-per-country rule. Strong nations sometimes have top gymnasts miss finals because of it.
- Check official results. The FIG publishes results and scores for major events.
Common misconceptions
- Gymnastics still uses the perfect 10. Elite artistic gymnastics moved to open-ended scoring in 2006. The 10.0 system remains in U.S. college gymnastics.
- All disciplines are in the Olympics. Only artistic, rhythmic and individual trampoline are currently on the Olympic program.
- Any gymnast can make an Olympic final. Finals limit each country to two gymnasts, so strong athletes can miss out.
- Scores are comparable across cycles. Because the Code of Points changes, scores from different eras are not directly comparable.
- Gymnastics is only artistic. Rhythmic, trampoline, acrobatic, aerobic and parkour are all FIG disciplines with their own world championships.
Rulebook note
Codes of Points, age rules, team sizes and Olympic qualification systems are set by the FIG and updated regularly, often each Olympic cycle. National federations add their own selection procedures. Check the FIG’s current technical regulations and your national federation’s rules for the latest details.
Frequently asked questions
Who governs international gymnastics?
The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), founded in 1881 and based in Lausanne, Switzerland, governs gymnastics worldwide.
Which gymnastics disciplines are in the Olympics?
Artistic gymnastics for men and women, rhythmic gymnastics and individual trampoline are on the current Olympic program.
How old do gymnasts have to be to compete at the Olympics?
In women’s artistic gymnastics, athletes must turn 16 during the calendar year of the competition. Men’s artistic gymnasts must turn 18. Other disciplines have their own age rules.
