If a gymnast changes, reverses, or omits a series of connections, what penalty is applied?

When a gymnast changes, reverses, or omits a series of connections during a routine, it affects the overall flow and composition of the performance. A penalty of 0.3 is applied in this case because such actions indicate a significant disruption to the execution of the routine.

This penalty reflects the higher degree of deduction associated with compromising the gymnast's intended skill progression. In gymnastics, maintaining a seamless transition between elements demonstrates a gymnast's proficiency and composure. Therefore, the act of altering connections suggests a breakdown that significantly detracts from the routine's quality, justifying a deduction of 0.3 points.

In contrast, lesser penalties would indicate minor infractions that do not substantially alter the performance, which is why they are not applicable in situations where a series of connections is fundamentally changed or omitted.