During the first counterswing, what is penalized if the gymnast's hips make contact with the bar?

When the gymnast's hips make contact with the bar during the first counterswing, a deduction of 0.20 is applied. This specific penalty is in place to assess the gymnast's execution and control during the skill. Contact with the bar indicates a lack of proper technique and body position, which can negatively impact the overall quality of the routine. The deduction reflects the seriousness of this error in terms of execution.

This penalty structure serves to encourage athletes to maintain smooth and controlled movements throughout their routines, as well as to reinforce the importance of precise technique as they learn and perform more complex skills.