When Does the Floor Exercise Timer Start?

By Christina Gambino, NAWGJ Level 10 Rated Judge

One of the most common questions we get from parents, coaches, and gymnasts is: When does the timer start for the judges?

The answer is simple...the timer starts with the gymnast’s first movement. It doesn’t matter how long your music file is; what matters is when the gymnast begins their choreography and when they finish their final movement.

This means if the gymnast waits several seconds before starting their routine, those seconds are not part of the timed routine. On the other hand, if the music is longer than the maximum allowed time for the level, that’s not an issue unless the gymnast’s actual movement exceeds the limit. That doesn't mean we suggest choosing long music!

Tip for Choosing Music Length:
Never choose the exact maximum time allowed for the level. The longer a gymnast is out on the floor, the more opportunity there is for deductions on footwork, leg form, artistry, and possibly adding more gymnastics elements than required. A shorter, well-executed routine will almost always score better than a long routine filled with extra risks.

If you need help deciding which music length to purchase or how to time your routine strategically, contact us! we’re here to help you make the best choice for your gymnast’s success.