Academy judge and coach Marina Shpekht was a lecturer during the seminar on the judging rules of the Sky Grace International Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs Association.
She explained the features and subtleties of developing rules.
"The cost of certain elements of the body or for objects has changed. There are a number of elements that we have increased in cost. Again, based on the fact that not every gymnast can perform them. We have increased the cost of rotations: if, for example, a gymnast makes two rotations, then they are calculated in the same way as in the rules of the international federation. And if she makes more than three spins, three or more spins, then the subsequent spins also go up in value," Marina said.
She explained how the new elements are being implemented.
"A coach and gymnast who want to introduce a new element, they record a video, write up a technical description of it and send it to us. We then discuss it with the main panel of judges how much this element can cost, what it will look like, which body or object group it will go into it, jumping, balance or rotation. Or either it is some type of unique element of the object with a catch or some new work with the object. We evaluate it, and then, as soon as we have the opportunity to add this element to the rules, we add it," the coach said.
In addition, Marina noted the importance of a spectacular ending to the exercise, which is valued in the rules.
"Every gymnast has an end to an exercise, and, as a rule, lately there has been a tendency to end an exercise not with some complex throw with a catch, but rather let’s say by lying on the floor and doing minor work with the object. We recently spoke with Alina Kabaeva and she supported the idea that if there is a spectacular ending to an exercise, and if the gymnast ends the exercise with a difficult catch after some kind of throw, she will receive additional points and a bonus," she said.
Marina Shpekht was a lecturer at a seminar for judges and coaches on the judging rules of the Sky Grace International Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs Association which took place at the Academy on January 13–14.