What should judges look for when evaluating the "pike" position in a vault?

When evaluating the "pike" position in a vault, judges specifically look for the gymnast’s legs being bent. The pike position is characterized by the gymnast bending at the hips while keeping the upper body and legs in a compact shape. This position is a key part of the vault and is often executed during aerial or transitional elements.

In this context, bending the legs demonstrates the proper form associated with a pike, as the gymnast needs to maintain a specific body alignment and control during the execution of the vault. A bent position helps with the center of gravity and can aid in landing stability post-vault.

While other characteristics, like legs together or feet pointed, can enhance the overall appearance of the execution, they are not defining features of the pike position specifically in this context. Instead, the focus is primarily on the degree of the bend in the legs and how the gymnast maintains that position throughout the move.