What deduction occurs if a coach spots the gymnast during the landing of a vault?

When a coach spots a gymnast during the landing of a vault, it indicates that the coach is providing assistance to ensure that the gymnast remains safe and is able to achieve a controlled landing. In gymnastics, any form of assistance or support provided during skills or routines generally incurs a deduction.

Specifically, the deduction for a coach spotting during a landing is 0.5 points. This is assessed because it is seen as a lack of independence and control by the gymnast, which are crucial elements being evaluated during vault performances. As such, the deduction reflects the importance of the gymnast demonstrating their skills confidently on their own without reliance on outside help.

This understanding emphasizes the significance of self-sufficiency in gymnastics and is a critical factor in judging performance at higher levels. The other options represent different deductions that would be applicable to other types of errors or assistance, rather than the specific scenario of a coach spotting during landing.