The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham has seen a strong start for the home nations in artistic gymnastics, with Team Scotland's Reuben Ward making history by clinching the nation's first-ever gold medal in the men's all-around event. England also secured a bronze medal in the women's all-around team competition, with Wales finishing fourth. With several individual events still to come this week, the spotlight remains on this highly technical sport, where judges alone determine the winners.
Understanding how points are allocated is key to appreciating the gymnasts' performances. Unlike many sports, artistic gymnastics relies on two primary scoring components: the 'D-score' for difficulty and the 'E-score' for execution. Each score is determined by a dedicated panel of multinational judges, all approved by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). These scores are then combined, along with any 'neutral deductions', to produce a final score for each routine or a cumulative score for all-around contests.
The D-score, or Difficulty Score, begins at zero and increases based on the complexity and challenge of the routine. There is no upper limit to this score, encouraging gymnasts to push boundaries with innovative and demanding elements. Points are assigned according to predetermined values outlined in the FIG Code of Points, ranging from 'A-grade' basic skills worth 0.1 points to 'H-J grade' exceptional, pioneering moves valued at 0.8-1.0 points. Additional difficulty points are awarded for routine composition, ensuring a balance of skill types, and for connection points, which assess the fluidity and seamless linking of skills.
Conversely, the E-score, or Execution Score, operates on a deduction system. Gymnasts start each routine with a perfect 10.0, from which points are subtracted for errors. Minor mistakes, such as a small loss of balance, incur a 0.1-point deduction. Medium errors, like a significant loss of balance, result in a 0.3-point penalty, while large errors, such as a deep squat on landing, lead to a 0.5-point deduction. Major errors, including falls, are penalised by a full 1.0 point. The only exception to this dual D-score and E-score system is the vault event, where each routine has a pre-determined D-score, meaning only the E-score is judged.
Beyond the core scoring, there are also distinctions between men's and women's artistic gymnastics. Men compete on six apparatus: pommel horse, rings, parallel bars, horizontal bar, vault, and floor exercise. Women compete on four: uneven bars, balance beam, vault, and floor exercise. In the all-around events, men's scores are based on all six events, while women's are based on four. Women are also judged on 'artistry' in their floor and balance beam routines, which includes elements like expression, confidence, personal style, and varied tempo. Men's floor routines, notably performed without music, do not include these specific artistry criteria, though originality and creativity are still valued. Furthermore, the women's vault apparatus is set at a lower height than the men's.