What is the deduction for a gymnast who begins their routine without a signal from the Chief Judge?

When a gymnast begins their routine without receiving a signal from the Chief Judge, it demonstrates a lack of adherence to the competition protocols that are designed to ensure fairness and consistency during performances. The deduction imposed for this infraction is significant because starting without a signal can disrupt the flow of the competition and take away from the organization of the event.

The deduction of 0.50 reflects the seriousness of this error, as it indicates that the gymnast has failed to follow an essential procedural guideline. This rule is in place to ensure that all gymnasts start their routines at the appropriate time and helps maintain the integrity of the competition. Therefore, this specific deduction is appropriately set to emphasize the importance of complying with competition rules and signals from judges.