If a major element is substituted or omitted, what is the penalty?

When a major element is substituted or omitted in a gymnastics routine, the penalties are designed to reflect the impact of missing significant skills. Losing double the value of the element serves to emphasize the importance of including required elements in a routine. Major elements are critical for achieving the desired level of skill and difficulty, and omitting or incorrectly substituting them can significantly affect the performance's overall quality.

This penalty structure encourages gymnasts to demonstrate their full range of skills as required by their level. A double penalty is particularly severe because it reflects the fact that the gymnast has not only failed to perform the required element but has also potentially undermined their overall execution and the integrity of the routine. Therefore, this penalty system plays a vital role in maintaining standards and encouraging athletes to meet their level's requirements fully.