Gymnastics Judges: A Classroom Scoring Code

Inspired by the artistic gymnastics code of points, the class applies a difficulty score and an execution score to short routines. Students rotate between gymnast and judge, calibrate their criteria and discuss how to score fairly.

How to play

1. Introduce the code: a D score, which adds up the value of the elements, and an E score, which starts at 10 and takes off 0.1, 0.3 or 0.5 depending on how serious the error is (5 min).
2. Calibration: everyone scores the same routine performed by the teacher or on video and compares scores to align criteria (5 min).
3. Groups of six: three gymnasts, two execution judges and one difficulty judge who also keeps time (45 seconds max per routine) (4 min).
4. Rounds of performing and scoring; the E score is the average of the two judges, and roles rotate after every round (12 min).
5. Discussion: where judges disagreed the most and how they settled it (4 min).

Rules

• Gymnasts only perform elements they have mastered; an unsafe element loses 0.5 in execution.
• Inverted elements are spotted, and that does not cost points.
• Judges score in silence and do not discuss the score until it is shown.
• Score the performance, never the person; any put-down cancels that judge's score.

Variations

Adaptations

• Injured students: always take part as a judge or as panel chair who breaks ties.
• Dyscalculia: gets a table with the deductions already worked out for each number of errors.
• Visual impairment: serves as timekeeper with a talking stopwatch and calls out the time.

Learning goals

• Apply objective criteria to assess a gymnastics performance.
• Act fairly and respectfully in the role of judge.
• Understand how difficulty and execution combine in a score.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 12
• worksheets: 30
• stopwatch: 4

Teacher tip

Calibration is the key step: without it, scores vary too much and complaints follow. Have a ready-made table of element values so no time is lost.

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