When is a deduction of 0.0 to 0.4 applied in a gymnastics routine?

A deduction of 0.0 to 0.4 is applied for very minor errors during a gymnastics routine. This range of deduction reflects the intent to recognize small, insignificant mistakes that do not substantially affect the overall performance or execution of the routine. Examples might include slight form issues, minimal balance adjustments, or inconsequential breaks in rhythm that show that the gymnast maintained control and composure throughout the routine.

In contrast, more significant errors would typically receive higher deductions. For instance, routine performance errors would merit a greater deduction, as would serious mistakes that indicate a loss of control or technique. The absence of a salute, while an important aspect of gymnastic protocol, results in a specific deduction that reflects a failure to follow competition rules, rather than a minor performance error. Thus, the understanding that very minor issues warrant only slight deductions helps judges accurately assess and score routines without penalizing gymnasts excessively for trivial mistakes.