For the Level 5 beam scale, what deduction is applied for failing to lift the leg to horizontal?

In the Level 5 beam routine, when a gymnast is required to lift the leg to horizontal and fails to do so, a deduction of 0.20 is appropriately applied. This standard reflects the importance of maintaining the correct body positions and lines during routines, which are critical for demonstrating strength and control. The expectation for the leg to reach horizontal is part of executing skills that require balance and proper alignment. A failure to meet this standard indicates a lack of execution that hinders the overall quality of the performance, justifying the 0.20 deduction.

By setting this specific deduction level, judges are reinforcing the importance of precision and technique, which are essential elements in gymnastics. Lower deductions, such as 0.10 or 0.15, would not accurately reflect the significant impact that failing to achieve horizontal leg position has on the routine, while a higher deduction like 0.25 may be reserved for more severe errors. Therefore, 0.20 is the appropriate deduction to emphasize the gymnast's need to achieve a high standard of performance.