Start Value: This is a term that refers to gymnastics scoring. The start value of a routine indicates the relative difficulty of the routine. Compulsory routines all start from a 10.0 start value and deductions are made from 10.0. Currently, in lower level optional competition in the United States, gymnasts must accumulate bonus points to have their routine start from a 10.0. New Elite and International rules allow unlimited difficulty, which means the start value of routines will be as high as a gymnast can make it.