Acro Competition Rules: Essential Guidelines for Competitors and Judges

If you’re stepping into the world of acro gymnastics, understanding the competition rules is a crucial first step to performing at your best and avoiding penalties. Acro competition rules define everything from the types of routines you must perform, the skills you’re expected to demonstrate, to the way athletes are judged and scored.

Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned competitor, knowing the latest standards helps you stay prepared and confident on the mat.

Competitions typically require you to complete routines that test your balance, strength, and dynamic ability, all set to music. Judging is based on technical difficulty, artistry, and execution, with each routine evaluated according to strict guidelines set by governing bodies like USA Gymnastics and the International Gymnastics Federation.

The right costume, proper conduct, and adherence to safety regulations can also impact your overall score and competition experience.

Key Takeaways

• Acro competitions require a solid grasp of official rules and judging standards.
• Routines must meet specific performance and technical requirements.
• Proper attire, conduct, and adherence to safety are essential for success.

Core Acro Competition Regulations

All participants in acrobatic gymnastics competitions must adhere to official rules that govern eligibility, registration, payments, age groups, competition classes, and venue standards. Understanding these requirements helps ensure a smooth and fair competition experience.

Eligibility and Registration

To participate in acro competitions, you must complete an official registration process, often mandated by the event organizer or governing body such as USA Gymnastics. Athletes may enter as solos, duets, trios, groups, or in production numbers, based on their team composition and level.

You need to provide necessary documentation, including age verification and valid memberships, when registering. Many competitions require advance registration, with strict entry deadlines that are typically enforced for all levels—novice, intermediate, advanced, and open.

Incomplete registration, missing documents, or late submissions generally result in disqualification from the event. Some competitions may also require coaches and clubs to be registered or certified with an official organization.

Entry Fees and Payment

Entry fees vary by class level, group size, and event format. Fees usually cover each athlete for solos, duets, trios, groups, and production numbers, with larger ensembles typically incurring higher charges.

You will generally need to pay the entry fee before the event, often at the time of registration. Payment methods accepted may include credit cards, online transfers, or checks, and non-payment by the deadline results in exclusion from the event roster.

Many governing bodies, such as USA Gymnastics, specify that fees are non-refundable except under specific, pre-listed circumstances. Occasionally, separate administrative fees, late fees, or additional costs for changes to registration may apply.

Age Divisions and Class Levels

Competitions are organized by age divisions such as minis, junior, and senior. You will be placed in a division according to your age as of a specified cutoff date, typically published well ahead of registration.

Class levels within each division include novice, intermediate, advanced, and open. Placement depends on factors like skill proficiency and experience.

Some competitions may combine levels if there are not enough entries in a particular category.

Typical Structure:

Age Division	Common Classes
Minis	Novice, Intermediate
Junior	Intermediate, Advanced, Open
Senior	Advanced, Open

Entry requirements for each class and division are clearly defined in event guidelines. It’s important to review these rules to ensure you are entering the correct category based on your qualifications.

Competition Area Requirements

The competition area must conform to specific size, safety, and equipment standards set by the overseeing organization. The floor space is usually a minimum of 12m x 12m, and the surface must be suitable for tumbling, lifts, and landings.

All apparatus used—including mats, spring floors, and barriers—must meet established criteria for safety and consistency. Spaces should be free of hazards and provide unobstructed access for athletes, coaches, and judges.

Organizers are required to inspect the area before events to confirm safety and compliance, as detailed in USA Gymnastics and FIG guidelines. Failure to meet these requirements can halt the competition or force modifications to the schedule or format.

For specific facility and equipment standards, consult documents such as the Acrobatic Gymnastics Program Rules and Policies.

Performance Standards and Judging Criteria

Clear, consistent judging in acrobatic gymnastics relies on established standards that measure both technical proficiency and artistry. You must demonstrate strong skills, present unique routines, and maintain exemplary sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Scoring Breakdown

A panel of judges evaluates your performance using a standardized scoring system. The three primary categories are execution, artistry, and difficulty.

Each category contributes to your total points, with execution generally carrying the most weight due to its focus on technical precision. Your execution score reflects the accuracy, form, and control demonstrated in each element.

Deductions can be applied for falls, bent arms, poor synchronization, or incomplete movements. The artistry score, often ranging from 5.0 to 10.0, measures both presentation quality and creativity within your routine.

Difficulty scores are calculated based on the complexity of skills performed and the combinations used. Judges and the jury work together to ensure fairness, applying strict guidelines from international rules such as those outlined by the FIG Acro Code of Points.

Presentation and Originality

Presentation is assessed by how well you engage the audience and judges with your movements, facial expressions, and overall presence on the floor. Judges expect to see routines that are clean, expressive, and coordinated.

Originality is also crucial for higher artistry marks. You should aim to present fresh elements, transitions, and themes that set your performance apart from others.

Evaluators look for routines that avoid repeated or clichéd choreography. Pair or group dynamics are important.

Synchronized lifts, tosses, and landings highlight your group’s unity. Judges reward teams that show a seamless flow from one skill to the next, resulting in a visually compelling performance.

Creativity and Choreography

Creativity in acro routines means incorporating unexpected or innovative movements, patterns, or partner balances. Judges pay close attention to the choreography’s complexity, musical interpretation, and how well each sequence aligns with the routine’s theme.

Strong choreography integrates dance, acrobatic elements, and storytelling. Your transitions should feel natural, with each position, line, and interaction contributing to a cohesive whole.

Judges are attentive to how inventively you interpret music, including how dynamic changes in your routine align with rhythm and tempo. Clear intent, spatial awareness, and the use of the whole performance area are additional points of critique.

You should design each routine to maximize impact, employing various formations and directions.

Sportsmanship and Discipline

Your conduct before, during, and after the routine is part of the evaluation. Judges and meet officials closely monitor sportsmanlike behavior, expecting respect toward competitors, officials, and event staff at all times.

Discipline is reflected in your punctuality, readiness, and adherence to rules and instructions. The jury may consider points for or against your team based on how you handle mistakes or respond to judging decisions.

Any unsportsmanlike conduct, including disruptive appeals or negative reactions, may lead to point deductions or penalties under the USA Gymnastics Acro Competition Rules.

Maintaining a positive attitude and responding with professionalism is essential for your overall success.

Routine Requirements and Technical Elements

Routine composition in acrobatic gymnastics requires a careful blend of technical precision, artistry, and compliance with strict rule sets. Understanding the expectations for elements like time limits, required skills, and execution standards will help ensure your performance meets judging criteria.

Time Limits and Music Guidelines

Your routine must fit within the official time limits, which usually range from about 2 to 2.5 minutes, depending on the level and category. Exceeding or falling short of these boundaries results in point deductions, so precise timing is essential.

Music is mandatory for most routines, except sometimes for men’s pairs balance. The music must be free of inappropriate content and should enhance your routine’s artistic impression while matching the rhythm of your movements.

Electronic devices must be checked for functionality prior to competition. There are also specific rules for how music may be presented, and you may incur penalties if the music starts too late, ends incorrectly, or contains lyrics where not allowed.

Always review the latest Acrobatic Gymnastics Rules for detailed guidance.

Required Acrobatic Elements

In each routine, you are required to demonstrate a selection of compulsory acrobatic elements. These usually include pair or group tricks, such as holds, balances, throws, and dynamic releases.

The nature of required elements will differ based on whether you compete as a pair (IM, MP, TR) or as a group (GR). Balance (static) elements must be held for at least 2 seconds to avoid deductions.

Failure to meet this minimum hold time can result in a significant penalty, reinforcing the importance of maintaining control during these tricks. Dynamic elements, like throws or catches, are also mandatory and must be performed with stability upon landing.

These requirements promote variety in routines and challenge teams to demonstrate both strength and technical versatility as outlined in the FIG Code of Points.

Flexibility and Strength

Judges closely evaluate your range of movement and muscular control throughout the routine. Flexibility is assessed through elements such as splits, walkovers, and extensions, with proper form and full range being critical for high scores.

Strength is showcased in skills like planches, handstands, and partner lifts. Your ability to perform slow, controlled transitions and to maintain positions steadily is as important as raw muscle power.

Both flexibility and strength should be apparent in your transitions and poses, not just in isolated movements. This highlights your comprehensive physical abilities and meets the technical expectations described in official development codes.

Tumbling and Balance Skills

Tumbling combines running, aerials, handsprings, and saltos in rapid succession, measuring your speed and spatial awareness. Successful tumbling sequences serve as a dynamic contrast to the static balance components of your routine.

Balance skills test both static holds and your ability to maintain posture during partner work. You must demonstrate full control in each balance pose, with precise alignment and minimal wobbles, especially during pair and group elements.

To maximize your score, integrate tumbling passes fluidly with slower balance tricks and transitions. This combination provides a complete display of technical mastery and conforms to both national and international standards.

Costume and Equipment Guidelines

Adhering to strict rules about clothing and personal appearance is required in acrobatic gymnastics competitions. Judges look for clean, uniform presentations that emphasize safety, functionality, and sport-specific aesthetics.

Leotard and Costume Rules

Your leotard must fit securely, helping judges see your body lines and preventing any wardrobe malfunctions. Both male and female athletes typically wear long or short-sleeved leotards, though unitards are also permitted in some cases.

No skirt extensions longer than the hip line are allowed for females, and designs should not create the illusion of nudity. Team costumes must match in color and style.

Decorations and colors should enhance, not detract, from the uniformity of the group. Transparent fabric is allowed only on the arms or legs, so long as it’s not provocative.

Any sponsorship or club logos that appear on leotards must follow size regulations as set by governing bodies. For more information on attire standards, refer to the official Code of Points.

Hair, Jewellery, and Props

Hair should be neatly styled and securely fastened to keep it away from your face, ensuring safety and a tidy appearance. Hair accessories may be used but must match the costume and are checked to prevent injury hazards.

Jewellery is usually prohibited due to the risk of injury. This includes rings, necklaces, bracelets, and visible piercings.

A medical alert necklace may be worn if necessary, but it must be taped or covered appropriately. Props are not permitted during acrobatic gymnastics routines, except as declared by special regulations in rare cases.

Any costume decorations must be securely attached to avoid falling onto the performance floor and becoming obstacles. A fall or dropped accessory can result in penalties.

Footwear Standards

Most routines are performed barefoot, aligning with tradition and preserving your ability to grip the floor mats.

Some competitions may allow foot thongs or pointe shoes, especially when required for artistry or protection. These must be skin-toned or match the costume.

You are not allowed to use jazz shoes or socks unless specifically permitted for your category.

All footwear, if worn, must be clean and designed for gymnastics, without hard soles or prominent logos.

Any deviation from the approved standards may result in scoring deductions or even disqualification.

If unsure, always consult the detailed guidelines in the competition handbook.

Conduct, Safety, and Penalties

In acro competition, your behavior and adherence to regulations directly affect athletes’ experiences and the fairness of the event.

Bringing the correct attitude, following safety rules, and being aware of restricted conduct help maintain order and integrity.

Participation and Respect

You must treat all competitors, judges, coaches, officials, and other participants with courtesy and professionalism.

Acrobatic gymnastics regulations require you to operate in line with principles of respect and discipline at all times.

Disrespectful behavior, including inappropriate language or gestures, is not tolerated.

Athletes, parents, and coaches share the responsibility for creating a supportive environment.

If you are a parent or coach, model respect during competition and in communications.

Team members are expected to show sportsmanship after both wins and losses.

Officials will monitor conduct and issue warnings or penalties for breaches.

Observing protocol ensures a positive experience for everyone involved.

This helps reinforce the commitments to fairness outlined in the Acro Code of Points.

Prohibited Items and Behavior

Certain items and actions are banned during acro competitions to ensure the safety and focus of athletes.

The use of mobile phones by competitors or coaches near the competition floor is typically not allowed.

Unauthorized use of flash photography is forbidden due to the risk of distracting performers and judges.

Additional restrictions include no food or drinks on the competition floor.

There should be no loud or disruptive cheering from spectators.

The goal is to minimize distractions so athletes can perform safely and at their best.

Judges and officials will keep watch for any violations.

Ignoring these rules can result in warnings or further consequences.

Respect the event’s specific safety protocols, which are described in detail in the 2024 Acrobatic Gymnastics Program Rules.

Disqualification and Penalties

Penalties are enforced for various infractions, including unsportsmanlike conduct, use of prohibited items, or repeated safety violations.

Infractions can result in point deductions, time penalties, or in severe cases, disqualification.

For instance, failing to complete a required skill or holding a position for too short a duration may lead to a specific time-fault penalty.

Disqualification is reserved for serious or repeated breaches, such as gross misconduct or endangering others.

The judging panel has the authority to remove a competitor if they jeopardize safety or repeatedly ignore instructions.

A table of potential penalties might look like this:

Infraction	Consequence
Incomplete skill	-0.3 per second
Prohibited device usage	Warning, deduction
Disrespectful behavior	Warning, deduction
Repeated gross violation	Disqualification

Event Procedures and Awards

Each acrobatic gymnastics competition follows a set structure to ensure fairness and consistency.

The procedures for scheduling and awarding participants are standardized for clarity and smooth event management.

Competition Schedule

Schedules for acro competitions are usually published ahead of time by event organizers.

You will find specific times for registration, warm-ups, preliminary rounds, finals, and any scheduled breaks.

Events typically group athletes by level, age, and discipline—such as pairs, groups, or mixed categories.

Each group receives an assigned time slot, with clear instructions on when and where to report.

It is important to arrive on time and be prepared, as late arrivals may not be allowed to compete.

Check-in usually occurs at the start of the day.

The competition may proceed in order of apparatus or by athlete number.

You’ll also find details about technical meetings or briefings on the official rules and policies document.

Prize Giving and Recognition

Award ceremonies follow strict protocols, often right after the final event or at a dedicated closing session.

Medals or trophies are provided to the top three scorers in each category.

Some events may also offer certificates or special awards for participation.

Competitors are typically required to wear their team uniform during prize giving.

Athletes usually assemble in a designated waiting area before being called to the podium.

The FIG rules for award ceremony emphasize respect and order.

Athletes stand on numbered platforms according to their ranking.

Applause, national anthems, and photographs may be part of the ceremony.

This ensures proper recognition for each participant’s achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rules and formats in Acro competitions update regularly, affecting scoring, routine content, and participant requirements.

You need to pay careful attention to how each rule and standard applies based on your competition level and discipline.

What are the most recent changes to the Acro competition rules?

The latest updates for the United States are outlined in the 2024 Acrobatic Gymnastics Program Rules and Policies.

These include changes regarding competition regulations, skill requirements, and athlete eligibility.

You should review all updates prior to competition since new safety protocols, age divisions, or technical elements may be introduced regularly.

How is scoring calculated in an Acro competition?

Judges use separate panels to evaluate execution, artistry, and difficulty.

Each panel scores according to set criteria for form, synchronization, composition, and degree of difficulty.

Deductions are made for technical faults, lack of synchronization, or not meeting required elements.

The total score usually combines these panels’ marks for a final result.

Can you explain the differences between Acro and artistic gymnastics competitions?

Acrobatic gymnastics (Acro) focuses on group routines with balances, throws, and dynamic skills.

It requires teams to perform synchronized elements and partner skills.

Artistic gymnastics emphasizes individual performances on apparatus such as the balance beam, vault, and rings.

Scoring and routines are individualized, unlike the team focus seen in Acro.

Which elements are mandatory in a National Acrobatic competition routine?

Mandatory elements are detailed in official competition rules and policies.

Routines must include required balance and dynamic skills, plus transitions and choreography that fit within the time limitations.

Elements are chosen based on age group and competition level.

Some skills are compulsory for all routines.

How do the levels in Acro Gymnastics differentiate?

Levels determine the complexity of required skills.

Lower levels focus on basic partner balances and simple dynamic moves, while higher levels require advanced throws, catches, and complex pyramids.

Progression through levels depends on mastery of the current level’s skills and age eligibility, as established by national organizations.

What is the role of the Acro Code of Points in competitions?

The Acro Code of Points provides the official scoring framework used by judges at all levels. This code outlines values for skills, compulsory elements, deductions, and performance guidelines.

It ensures objective evaluation and fairness by standardizing what is expected from routines in sanctioned competitions.