This article has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-2026 DP Code of Points. It has been modified using the new 2024 composition deductions.
Have you ever watched a floor routine that looked amazing, but then it scored low? I know I have! Especially before I started judging, it just didn’t make sense! What was the problem? Composition deductions!
But what exactly does that mean? We’ll take a closer look today.
This is the third article in a three-part series. In case you missed the first two articles, you can read here about Level 8 and Level 9 composition deductions.
This series discusses composition deductions on floor for levels 8, 9, and 10. In 2026, USAG made changes to their compositional deductions. Some of these deductions now are reflected in the Start Value, but some are not. This article will review the different types of composition required in a Level 10 floor routine.
Value Parts in a Level 10 Floor Routine
When a coach and gymnast are constructing a routine, they will first want to consider the skills, or Value Parts, that are allowable for the gymnast’s level. For those who are unfamiliar, skills in the Dev Program are valued from A to E, with A skills being the easiest, and E skills being the most difficult. Level 10 gymnasts are allowed to perform any elements, A through E, for both acro and dance skills. Gymnasts will use these skills to fulfill the required Value Parts and Special Requirements in their Level 10 floor routine.
Level 10’s will want to fulfill their Special Requirements and compositional requirements using skills that showcase the gymnast’s strengths, meet the difficulty level to the best of the gymnast’s ability, and that minimize deductions.
Composition Credit in a Level 10 Floor Routine
The composition requirements for Level 10 changed significantly for the 2026-30 Code of Points. Gone are the Acro Level, Dance Level, and Dismount Level deductions.
Now there is a new way of evaluating composition: Composition Credit.
Composition Credit (CC) are certain values of skills, or combinations of skills, that must be performed for the routine to start at a 10.0.
A Level 10 floor routine starts from 9.20, with the remaining 0.80 split between Bonus and CC. A gymnast can receive up to 0.50 in Bonus, and up to 0.30 in CC. If she maximizes both of these categories (and fulfills all of the Value Parts and Special Requirements), the routine will have a Start Value of 10.0.
Let’s take a look at the requirements, and how this might look in a routine.
Let’s look at some examples.
Other Composition Deductions
- Lack of minimum “B” turn: 0.2. If the gymnast attempts a B turn but it is more than 90 degrees incomplete, or if she does not attempt one at all, she will receive this deduction. It doesn’t come off the start value, but instead is taken at the end of the routine.
- Lack of minimum of C salto: 0.3.
- Failure to perform saltos or aerials in two different directions: 0.1. The gymnast must perform a backward salto/aerial, and a forward or sideward salto/aerial. An Arabian salto is considered a forward salto. Aerial cartwheels or walkovers will fulfill this compositional requirement, even though they do not fulfill the salto Special Requirement.
- Overuse of dance elements with same shape: 0.1. This deduction would be taken only for more than two straddle jumps (with/without turn), or more than two elements with a wolf or tuck position (with/without turn).
- Insufficient use of floor exercise area: up to 0.1. This deduction could be applied if the gymnast stays in the same section of the floor mat for most of her routine.
As you can see, there are many different components of composition deductions for Level 10 floor. If you’re meeting all of these categories and are still unsure of the deductions, general deductions and specific execution are the next place to look. Put it all together and the result will be fantastic!
I love watching Level 10 floor because of the exciting skills and combinations you will see! Are there any of your favorites that I didn’t mention here?
Further Reading
The Ideal Composition for a Level 10 Bar Routine
Making Sense of Composition: Level 10 Beam
Making Sense of Composition: Level 8 Floor
Making Sense of Composition: Level 9 Floor
How to Demonstrate Artistry in Gymnastics
References
USA Gymnastics Development Program Code of Points, 2022-2026.