What is the maximum deduction for hitting the apparatus with foot/feet bars?

The maximum deduction for hitting the apparatus with foot or feet bars is 0.20. This deduction reflects the importance of maintaining control and precision during a routine. When a gymnast makes contact with the apparatus in this manner, it indicates a loss of body alignment and can disrupt the overall flow and execution of the skill being performed. The deduction is designed to address this minor error without heavily penalizing the gymnast, as hitting the apparatus with the feet can be an involuntary mistake during a complex routine.

In judging, it's vital to differentiate between more severe mistakes and minor infractions, and a deduction of 0.20 strikes a balance by recognizing the impact of the error while still allowing room for positive execution in the overall performance. Lower deductions reflect less significant errors, whereas higher deductions may be reserved for major infractions that considerably affect the routine.