How much can be deducted for bent knees during a gymnastics routine?

In gymnastics judging, bent knees are considered a common form deduction that can occur during various elements of a routine. The deduction for bent knees is typically assessed based on the severity and duration of the bend.

A deduction of 0.3 is appropriate when the gymnast demonstrates noticeable bent knees throughout significant elements of their routine, especially if the knees are consistently bent during the execution of skills where straight legs are expected. This level of deduction reflects a moderate error, acknowledging that the technical execution of the maneuver has been compromised but not to the extent that it warrants the highest level of deduction.

Smaller deductions, such as 0.1 or 0.2, would apply for minor or momentary instances of bent knees that do not significantly detract from the overall performance. The 0.4 deduction usually pertains to more severe errors or falls, which would not strictly apply to the issue of bent knees alone. Therefore, a 0.3 deduction serves as a justified assessment for this particular execution fault, capturing the impact of bent knees on the overall aesthetic and technical integrity of the gymnast's performance.