Chest Position and today's code

LilyPod · #1 11-28-2009

Could also be titled "How low is too low?"

I need help from the code experts with this one! Under today's code, what degrees of chest position earn a deduction, and how many tenths are deducted at each degree? (if that makes sense). Where do you draw the line between acceptable and "too low" when a gymnast dismounts or lands a pass?

I screencapped 4 girls who are currently doing the full-twisting double pike in today's code at the moment their feet hit the floor. Can anyone use the pics to explain to me who is getting a deduction and who is not? I'm really just trying to understand.

HuangQ:

Ivie:

Bridget:

Semenova:

(I should add that unless the gymnast stumbles forward, low landings don't bother me at all)

SvetlanaBaitovaFan · #2 11-28-2009

I think the gymnasts chest has to be above horizontal to not recieve the deduction. I'm for sure Bridget wouldn't get a deduction, possibly Semenova but from the camera andgle I really can't tell.

alexandrite105 · #3 11-28-2009

i think they all get a deduction, but bridget sloan the smallest deduction. i know at least the other three would get a deduction unless the judges somehow missed it if it happened too fast or something.

Jeff5482 · #4 11-29-2009

Piked elements are always so tough for me to judge in regards to landings. Probably b/c most gymnasts always land in a pike-esque way anyway. The rule of thumb that I go by is watching where the gymnast's head is. If it is below hip level (like Huang and Ivana) I would deduct. Semenova is iffy based on that angle, but for Sloan where her head is clearly above her hips, I would not deduct.

I also try to look for the position of the hands and arms. Notice Huang and Ivana. Their's have the appearance of dangling as if the landing was sooner than anticipated. Sloan's are somewhat upright and her hands are open, although the latter could be the way she lands on ANY pass, same of the other gymnasts. Sloan's arms and hands are prepared for landing, ready to absorb and shock the body has when hitting the floor. The others look as if they are dropping to the floor, continuing the motion from the flip, thereby bringing the chest down with them.

That said, it's only my opinion.

I've noticed in recent years that low landings really do irk me a bit. I can understand that having a skill land low every once in a while is going to happen for every gymnast. I can overlook that. But when it happens consistently it makes me question why they are even bothering to do the skill. Especially if it's a D value or lower. The deduction for the low landing negates any bonus they receive fro the skill itself, and quite possibly will have deductions that are even greater than the skill! I just don't like them. Especially on vault. Ugh...

LilyPod · #5 11-29-2009

Thanks for the explanation, Jeff. I DO see the difference in the angle of Huang/Ivie and Bridget.

Because they raise themselves so quickly anyway, it's never bothered *me* so much, but I do get that it is a technical execution deduction.

NastiaFan101 · #6 11-29-2009

I think if their face/chest is in their knees, deduct .3, if they're closer to horizontal, .1

I'd say .3 for Huang, .1 for Hong, .1 for Sloan (she's landed higher than that), and .3 for Semyonova

myGymnast · #7 11-29-2009

what's the reasoning? it looks like semenova is a bit higher than hong and much higher than huang, but I think it's just me.

NastiaFan101 · #8 11-29-2009

Semyonova's knees are severely bent, so even if her chest isn't THAT low, it's still a much lower landing than Hong's.

Elaine · #9 11-29-2009

I'm going to have to disagree, NastiaFan101.

Officially, the deductions are as follows...

Body posture deductions:
- head at hip level: 0.10
- head at knee level: 0.30

Therefore, if I read the photos correctly, Huang Qiushuang would receive a 0.30 deduction, Ivana Hong would receive a 0.10 deduction, and Bridget Sloan and Ksenia Semyonova might not receive any deduction at all. Semyonova would probably be hit with 0.10 for deviation from ideal position in regard to hip position, though.

theghastlypirate · #10 11-29-2009

Who lands a double back pike with their chest higher than Sloan's? Does anyone have any pictures of that?

Double backs are hard to land with your chest upright... that's for sure.