As a principle, this Code of Points (Rules) is for the senior division World Championships (18 years and above) providing the means of guaranteeing the most objective evaluation of routines in Aerobic Gymnastics at International level.
1. COMPETITIONS
A. Status
The International Gymnastics Federation (French: Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, FIG) is the governing body of competitive gymnastics. Its headquarters is in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was founded on July 23, 1881, in Liège, Belgium, making it the world's oldest existing international sports organisation. The official FIG Aerobic Gymnastics Competition is the “World Championships” in Aerobic Gymnastics.
1.2 COMPETITION PROGRAMME
The World Championships in Aerobic Gymnastics are held every two years in the even years.
B. COMPETITION SCHEDULE
- The competitions may not start earlier than 10.00 hours and not finish later than 23.00 hours.
- The competition schedule must be approved by the Aerobic Gymnastics Technical Committee and published in the Work Plan.
1.3 QUALIFYING ROUNDS AND FINALS
A. Number of Participants in the Qualifying Rounds
The maximum number for the Qualifying Rounds for World Championships (“WCH”) and World Aerobic Gymnastics Championships (“WAGC”) are:
- One per Federation for Individual Men (“IM”), Individual Women (“IW”), Group (“GR”), Aerobic Dance (“AD”) and Aerobic Step (“AS”).
- Two per Federation for Mixed Pair (“MP”) and Trio (“TR”).
B. Number of Participants in the Finals
The eight best scores of all categories may participate in the finals.
C. Tie Breaking Rules
In case of a tie at any place in qualifications or finals, the tie will be broken based on the following criteria in this order:
1. The highest total score in Execution
2. The highest total score in Artistic
3. The highest total score in Difficulty
If there is still a tie, the tie will not be broken.
D. Ranking by Teams
In case of a tie in points at any place in the Team Ranking, the ranking will be determined by the following criteria:
1. The best ranked Group
2. The best ranked Trio
3. The best ranked counting Aerobic Dance or Aerobic Step
If there is still a tie, the tie will not be broken.
2. STARTING ORDER
A. Procedure for Drawing Lots
1. A draw will decide the starting order of the qualification rounds and the finals. Lots will be drawn in the presence of the President of the Aerobic Gymnastics Technical Committee (“TC”) or a nominated Aerobic Gymnastics TC member.
2. The drawing of lots will take place within two weeks after the deadline of the definitive entry.
3. The federations will be informed by the Secretary General at least one month beforehand of the time and place of the drawing of lots and they will be entitled to be present at the draw.
4. The media will be informed and allowed to send representatives and the local authority, in whose area the draw will be held, will be invited to send representatives.
5. The lots shall be drawn by a “neutral” person or by computer.
6. The draw will decide the order in which the lot for each team or gymnast will be drawn and determine the order in which the team or gymnast will start to compete in the competition
7. “10 minutes rules”
- For the health and safety of gymnasts, FIG has accepted that gymnasts competing in multiple qualification/finals require 10 minutes to recover before competing again. This recovery period has been translated to equal to 4 competition performances.
- The draw will be adjusted according to this principle. If a gymnast or group competes 7th in one rotation and are drawn in positions 1-3 in the next rotation the new starting position will become 4th. If a gymnast or group competes last in a rotation and are drawn in positions 1-4 in the next rotation the new starting position will be 5th.
- The Superior Jury President, if necessary, will make this adjustment, and once the qualifying gymnasts are determined, the scoring provider will produce an adjusted draw and start list. This principle applies for all following rotations and also during other final competitions as well as for World Games (qualifications).
3. FACILITIES
A. Training Area
- A training hall is available to the competitors 2 days prior to the start of the competition.
- It is equipped with appropriate sound equipment and a full-size competition floor.
- Access to the floor is given by a rotation schedule set up by the Local Organizing Committee (“LOC”) and approved by the Aerobic Gymnastics Technical Committee.
B. Waiting Area
A designated area connected to the Podium is referred to as the Waiting Area. It is only to be used by the competitors and their coaches of the next two starts. The area is not allowed to be used by any other person.
4. EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES
Extraordinary circumstances are described as follows:
- Incorrect music is cued.
- Music problems due to the malfunction of the equipment.
- Disturbances caused by general equipment failure - lighting, stage, venue.
- The introduction of any foreign object into the performance area by an individual or means other than by the competitor.
- Extraordinary circumstances causing a walk-over out of the competitor’s control.
It is the responsibility of the competitor to stop the routine immediately if an extraordinary circumstance as mentioned above arises. A protest after the completion of a routine will not be accepted.
Upon the decision of the Chair of Judges Panel, the competitor may restart the routine after the problem has been corrected. Any scores previously given will be disregarded.
Where situations not stated above may arise, they will be resolved by a review of the circumstances by the Superior Jury. The decision of the Superior Jury is final.
