Vault (gymnastics)
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The vault, formerly known as vaulting horse, is an artistic gymnastics apparatus. It is used by male as well as female gymnasts.
The term vaulting horse may also be used literally. The equestrian sport of vaulting, from which the gymnastics version of vaulting is believed to have developed, uses a specially trained horse. Competitors perform a one to two minute dance/gymnastics routine on the back of their horses either solo or in pairs or trios. This is an adaptation of the horseback performance at a circus.
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[edit] Scoring and rules
As in other gymnastics events, scoring is regulated by the Code Of Points. Under the new Code, two panels of judges evaulate the vault.
- D-score: Every vault has been assigned a specific points value in the Code. The D-score is simply this value. Every gymnast performing the same vault will receive the same number of points.
- The E-score is the most important score on this apparatus. The judges on this panel work from the 10.0 base mark and deduct for errors in form, technique, height, amplitude, execution and landing. Judges will look at the body position: whether the knees and feet remain together whilst in flight; straightness of legs and back; whether arms are tidily drawn in or flailing about. As with some other gymnastic events a stuck landing is desirable, whereby the feet hit the mat at the same time and together with no steps, hops or strides are taken in order for the gymnast to remain upright: in addition there are tram lines between which the gymnast must land.
The D-score and E-score are added together for the gymnasts's mark.
Depending on the competition, the final score is derived from a) a single vault; b) the average of two vaults; c) the better of two vaults.
The evaluation of the gymnast's vault begins when she or he touches the springboard. If a gymnast "balks" -- ie, stops in the middle of the runway or breaks his or her run before touching the springboard -- no deductions are taken. The gymnast is given thirty seconds to return to the top of the runway and make a second attempt at the vault.
The distance of the springboard from the vaulting table is determined by the height and strength of the gymnast, as well as the vault she or he is performing. Similarly, the portion of the runway the gymnast uses is also of personal preference. Some gymnasts use the entire length of the runway; others do not. Judges neither note nor evaluate the gymnast's run. Similarly, springboard settings are of no consequence to the score, unless coaches have failed to put safety mats in place.
Coaches must tell the judges which vault the gymnast plans to perform in advance. Every vault is assigned a specific number; this number is "flashed" or displayed on a board or electronic screen before the gymnast begins. In the past, gymnasts incurred a deduction for flashing one vault and performing a different one. However, this penalty has been removed from the Code of Points.
Gymnasts are allowed to chalk their hands and feet. They are also permitted to wear gymnastics shoes and wrist guards as they so choose.
There are several acts that completely invalidate the vault and result in a score of 0. These include receiving spotting (assistance) from a coach and not using the U-shaped safety mat for Yurchenko-style vaults.
[edit] Dimensions
Measures of the apparatus are published by the FIG in the Apparatus Norms brochure.
[edit] Horse vault
- Height 125 cm/04' 01" (women) 135 cm/04' 05" (men)
- Length 120 cm/03' 11 1/4"
- Width 95 cm/37 07/16"
- Approach run up to 25m/82' 1/4"
The horse had several disadvantages. If gymnasts' hands slipped from the narrow horse, they risked serious injury. At the 1998 Goodwill Games, Chinese gymnast Sang Lan suffered a terrible fall during warmups that left her paralyzed. At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, the vault's height was set incorrectly for the women's all-around competition, causing numerous falls and injuries.
[edit] Vaulting table
After 2000, in an attempt to make the event safer, the horse was phased out and replaced by the new vaulting table. The first major competition that used the new apparatus was the 2001 World Championships in Ghent, Belgium.
The table, which is much wider, longer and springier than the old horse, has many advantages for gymnasts. It provides the athlete with a larger surface to "block" or push away from; this diminishes the possibility of accidents. The new table is also sprung, giving gymnasts more lift and amplitude in post-flight.
The vaulting table is still set at different heights for men's and women's competition, but it remains in the same positions.
[edit] Vaulting-buck
This is a similar apparatus, used for similar vaults, except there is no pommel version and it has a smaller, almost square surface. The word buck is an old term for a goat, which is also smaller than a horse.
[edit] External links
- The 2006 Code of Points
- WAG apparatus description at the FIG website
- MAG apparatus description at the FIG website
- US Gym Net's glossary of vaulting skills
- Report on the vaulting table, with photographs
- Gymnastics Apparatus
| WAG apparatus (in Olympic order) |
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Vault | Uneven bars | Balance beam | Floor |
| MAG apparatus (in Olympic order) |
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Floor Exercise | Pommel Horse | Still Rings | Vault | Parallel Bars or P-Bars | Horizontal bar or High Bar |
| Equipment and uniforms |
