What deduction can be made for having bent arms during the Support Phase?

In the context of gymnastics judging at Levels 4 and 5, bent arms during the Support Phase are treated seriously due to their impact on the overall execution and aesthetics of the routine. Deductions for bent arms reflect the importance of maintaining proper form and alignment, which are essential for both safety and the skill's visual presentation.

A deduction of up to 0.50 is appropriate in this case, as it signifies a substantial fault. Bent arms can significantly affect the level of strength and control displayed by the gymnast, thus detracting from the overall performance quality. This higher deduction emphasizes the importance of striving for straight arms during this phase, as it shows the level of skill and technique that is expected at these levels.

Maintaining straight arms helps ensure proper body alignment and balance, which are key components in executing skills effectively. Therefore, the deduction of up to 0.50 accurately reflects the degree to which bent arms can compromise a gymnast’s performance.