Code of Points: The official FIG rulebook for judging gymnastics skills from the International Gymnastics Federation and/or other national federations with the rules in which the scoring system and the composition of a program are based. The code of points specifies the difficulty value of all skills, as well as outlines requirements that must be fulfilled for each event. It is a necessary and valuable tool for coaches and judges.

The Code of Points was radically overhauled after the 2004 Olympics for 2006. Under the new open-ended Code of Points there are two scores, evaluating two different aspects of the routines. The supposedly unlimited D-score covers difficulty value, routine requirements and connection bonuses and value. The E-score deducts for errors in execution, routine composition and lack of artistry. The new Code is considerably more complicated and difficult to understand, especially for casual spectators, but also even for average gymnasts and coaches.

The most difficult change to understand and accept was the abandonment of the “Perfect 10.0” scoring system. Literally a trademark for gymnastics, the International F.I.G. simply dumped a term and scoring system that had literally become so often used that it was accepted into popular use the English language. It is now not possible for gymnasts to get a “Perfect 10” anymore.

You can currently download a free copy of the Women’s Code of Points from the F.I.G. web site in a number of languages, along with a number of other pertinent documents, like a list of new skills added to the Code since the current version was published.

The Men’s and other gymnastics sports rules are also usually posted online by the FIG, but may be down because of upcoming meetings to revise those rules.

USA Gymnastics has its own J.O. Code of Points, with some skills differing in difficulty value from the F.I.G. It sells its Code of Points, currently for $45.00.

See FIG.