With college students going back to school, gymnastics season is right around the corner. The new 2025 NCAA Gymnastics Rules and Modifications is out, and I highlighted the most notable changes below.
General
Recently, USA Gymnastics changed its policy, allowing athletes to compete wearing shorts or tights over or under their leotard. This year, the NCAA has also explicitly stated that shorts, tights, or leggings are allowed during the competition.
The half-tenth deduction for the failure to hold a “finishing position,” introduced last year, is further clarified in this year’s edition, following several clarifications during clinics, calls, and judging newsletters. A gymnast must stand with their legs straight and arms up for one second, facing the direction of their landing. Gymnasts are not allowed to move during the finishing position, so no more fist pumps, waves, or signs of school spirit during the one-second hold.
I am very excited to tell you all that the judges have updated the allowable range of scores. If a score average is above a 9.8, a two-judge panel must be within a one-tenth range. This rule does not apply to the postseason with four- and six-judge panels. Presumably, any egregious errors in scoring would be dropped in the final calculation,…
