Editing Balance beam (section)

== Competition ==
A beam routine must consist of:<ref name=bb>{{cite web|title=WAG Code of Points 2009-2012 |url=http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/public.php?folder=243 |publisher=[[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|FIG]] |page=26 |format=PDF |access-date=2009-10-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212150907/http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/public.php?folder=243 |archive-date=February 12, 2009 }}</ref>
*A connection of two dance elements, one a leap, jump, or hop with legs in a 180-degree split
*A full turn on one foot
*One series of two acrobatic skills, one being a [[somersault|salto]]
*Acrobatic elements in different directions (forward/sideward and backward)
*A dismount

The gymnast may mount the beam using a springboard or from the mat; however, the mount must come from the Code of Points.<ref name=bb /> The routines can last up to 90 seconds.<ref name=bb />

=== Scoring ===
''For detailed information on score tabulation, please see the [[Code of Points (artistic gymnastics)|Code of Points]] article.''

Several aspects of the performance determine the gymnast's final mark. All elements in the routine, as well as all errors, are noted by the judges.

Deductions are taken for all errors made while on the beam, including lapses in control, balance checks (i.e., wobbling or stumbling to maintain balance), poor technique and execution, and failure to fulfill the required ''Code of Points'' elements. Falls automatically incur a deduction depending on the level the gymnast is on.<ref>{{cite web|title=WAG Code of Points 2009-2012 |url=http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1258 |publisher=[[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|FIG]] |page=15 |format=PDF |access-date=2009-10-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219204732/http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1258 |archive-date=2011-12-19 }}</ref>

[[File:Dorina Böczögő, balance beam, 2012.jpg|right|thumb|[[Dorina Böczögő]] performing a one-arm press hold during her mount, 2012.]]

=== Rules ===
The gymnast may compete barefoot or wear special beam shoes if she chooses. She may also chalk her hands and/or feet for added stability on the apparatus. Small markings may also be placed on the beam.<ref name=beamrules>{{cite web|title=WAG Code of Points 2009-2012 |url=http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1258 |publisher=[[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|FIG]] |page=2 |format=PDF |access-date=2009-10-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219204732/http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1258 |archive-date=2011-12-19 }}</ref>

Once the exercise has started, the gymnast's coach may not spot her or interfere. The only time the gymnast may be accompanied on the podium is during a mount involving a springboard. In this instance, the coach may quickly remove the springboard from the area.
In the event of a fall, once the athlete is on her feet, she has 10 seconds to remount the beam and continue the routine.<ref name=bb /> If she does not return to the beam within this time limit, she cannot continue.<ref name=bb />

Under FIG rules, the maximum allowed time for a balance beam routine is 1:30 minutes.<ref name=bb /> The routine is timed on the scoreboard timer, visible to gymnasts and judges. In addition, a warning tone or bell is sounded at 1:20 into the exercise.<ref name=bb /> If the gymnast has not left the beam by 1:30, another bell is sounded, and a score deduction is incurred, which is 0.1.