Editing Balance beam (section)

=== 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.