Editing Balance beam (section)

== The Apparatus==
The beam is a small, thin [[Beam (structure)|beam]] that is typically raised from the floor on a leg or stand at both ends. It is usually covered with leather-like material and is only four inches wide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockstaracademy.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-balance-beam-in-gymnastics |title=Everything You Need To Know About Balance Beam in Gymnastics |website=Rockstar Academy |access-date=26 July 2024}}</ref>

Balance beams used in international gymnastics competitions must conform to the guidelines and specifications set forth by the [[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|International Gymnastics Federation]] ''Apparatus Norms'' brochure. Several companies manufacture and sell beams, including AAI (USA), [[Janssen-Fritsen]] (Europe) and Acromat (Australia). Most gymnastics schools purchase and use balance beams that meet the FIG's standards, but some may also use beams with carpeted surfaces for practice situations. While learning new skills, gymnasts often work on floor beams with the same dimensions and surface of regulation apparatus but are set a very short distance from or on the ground. They may also work on medium beams, mini beams, road beams, or even lines on a mat.

Originally, the beam surface was plain polished wood.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title= History of Balance Beam|url= http://www.gymmedia.com/Ghent2001/appa/beam/history_be.htm|access-date= 2009-10-04|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090618150645/http://gymmedia.com/ghent2001/appa/beam/history_be.htm|archive-date= 2009-06-18|url-status= dead}}</ref> In earlier years, some gymnasts competed on a beam made of basketball-like material. However, this beam type was eventually banned due to its extreme slipperiness. Since the 1980s, beams have been covered in leather or suede. In addition, they are now also sprung to accommodate the stress of high-difficulty tumbling, turns, and poses.<ref>{{cite web|title=Apparatus Norms |url=http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1540 |publisher=[[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|FIG]] |page=II/50 |format=PDF |access-date=2009-10-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219195725/http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1540 |archive-date=2011-12-19 }}</ref>

The [[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique]] (FIG) publishes the apparatus's measurements in the ''Apparatus Norms'' brochure.
*Height: {{convert|125|cm|ft}}<ref name=dimensions>{{cite web|title=Apparatus Norms |url=http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1540 |publisher=[[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|FIG]] |page=II/51 |format=PDF |access-date=2009-10-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219195725/http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1540 |archive-date=2011-12-19 }}</ref>
*Length: {{convert|500|cm|ft}}<ref name="dimensions"/>
*Width: {{convert|10|cm|in}}<ref name="dimensions"/>

[[File:2019-06-30 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Women's Apparatus finals Balance beam (Martin Rulsch) 107.jpg|thumb|Chinese gymnast [[Wei Xiaoyuan]] competing on the beam at the [[2019 Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships|2019 Junior World Championships]].]]