What deduction is applied if there is a failure to use the safety zone mat during round-off entry vaults?

In gymnastics, safety zones are crucial for ensuring the safety of athletes during performances, especially in skills that involve significant risk, such as vaults. When a gymnast performs a round-off entry vault, the expectation is that they utilize a safety zone mat to provide a layer of protection in case of a fall or incorrect landing.

If the safety zone mat is not used during the execution of the round-off entry vault, the routine is rendered unsafe, leading to a violation of safety protocols. Consequently, the proper deduction in such a situation is to assign a VOID to the vault. This signifies that the skill did not meet safety requirements, resulting in the routine not being eligible for any score.

This rule is in place to prioritize the safety of gymnasts and emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety regulations during competition. Thus, failing to utilize the safety zone mat has serious implications for the evaluation of the performance and directly leads to the crediting of a VOID for that skill.