Floor Routine Guide — SWL Gymnastics

Floor & Vault Squad · IGA Competition Rules

IGA Floor

Level 8 Floor Routine

Everything you need to know about building your floor routine — what skills you can use, what the judges are looking for, and how to put it all together. Written for gymnasts, parents, and coaches at SWL, Fulham, and Apex.

A–C Skills Only

No Saltos

Saltos Allowed

Max 1 min 30 secs

Full Routine Required

Artistry Judged

Before we start

What are CRs?

CR stands for Composition Requirement. Think of them as 4 boxes your routine has to tick. Each one is a specific type of skill or combination that the judges are checking for. If you include all 4, you earn bonus marks. If you miss one, you lose marks. The rest of your routine — the dance, the transitions, the performance — is what ties everything together between the CRs.

At a glance

How Your Routine is Scored

These rules are the same at both Level 8 and Level 7. Your best 8 skills count towards difficulty. The goal is to reach a start value of 4.0.

Best skills
count

4.0

Start value
target

CRs to
hit

Max C
skills

Skill values:

A = 0.1

B = 0.2

C = 0.3

D = 0.4 — not at L7 or L8

How your start value works

Start Value = CR Value + Difficulty Value.

Every CR you hit adds 0.5 to your score. Hit all 4 = 2.0 from CRs alone. Then the judges add up your best 8 skill values (A = 0.1, B = 0.2, C = 0.3) to get your difficulty score. Add them together and that's your start value. Your routine then gets judged on execution — how cleanly you perform — with deductions taken off the start value.

Level 8 composition requirements

The 4 CRs You Need to Hit

Each CR adds 0.5 to your start value. Miss one and you lose −1.0. That's a big deal — so make sure every CR is covered.

Acro Line

A tumble run where at least 2 acro skills are connected (one after the other, no pause). At Level 8, no saltos — so use skills like round offs, flicks, handsprings, and dive rolls.

−1.0 if missing

Example combinations

Dive Fwd Roll ^B→HS Fwd Roll ^A✓ 0.3

Round Off ^B→Flick to 2 ^B✓ 0.4

Frt HS to 1 ^B→Frt HS to 2 ^B✓ 0.4

Leap Series

Two or more dance or leap elements connected together. At least one of them must show a split position (like a split leap or split change).

−1.0 if missing

Example combinations

Cat Leap ^A→Split Leap ^B✓ 0.3

Cat Leap 1/1 ^C→Split Leap ^B✓ 0.5

Cat Leap 1/1 ^C→Split Change ^C✓ 0.6

Mixed Series

A combination where you connect a dance element and an acro element together. Can be in any order — dance into acro or acro into dance.

−1.0 if missing

Example combinations

Cat Leap ^A→Cartwheel ^A✓ 0.2

Cat Leap ^A→1-Hand CW ^B✓ 0.3

Cat Leap 1/1 ^C→HS Fwd Roll ^A✓ 0.4

Cat Leap 1/1 ^C→Fwd Walkover ^B✓ 0.5

Cat Leap 1/1 ^C→Fwd WO 1 Hand ^C✓ 0.6

Bwd Walkover ^B→Str. Jump 1/1 ^B✓ 0.4

Round Off ^B→Tuck Jump ½ ^B✓ 0.4

B Spin

A spin on one foot that's B-value or higher. You need to show a clean, controlled full rotation.

−1.0 if missing

Qualifying spins

Full Spin (1/1) ^B✓ 0.2

Leg at Horiz. Spin ^B✓ 0.2

1½ Spin ^C✓ 0.3

Level 7 composition requirements

The 4 CRs You Need to Hit

Same idea as Level 8 — each CR = 0.5, miss one = −1.0. But the requirements are harder. You now need flighted backwards acro and a C spin.

Flighted Backwards Acro Line

At least 2 flighted backwards elements connected. At Level 7, saltos are allowed — so you can include skills like back somersaults alongside flicks and round offs.

−1.0 if missing

Example combinations

Round Off ^B→Flick to 2 ^B✓ 0.4

Round Off ^B→Back Somersault ^C✓ 0.5

Round Off ^B→Flick to 1 ^B→Back Somersault ^C✓ 0.7

Dance Series

Same as Level 8 — connected dance/leap elements, at least one must include a split.

−1.0 if missing

Example combinations

Cat Leap ^A→Split Leap ^B✓ 0.3

Cat Leap 1/1 ^C→Split Leap ^B✓ 0.5

Cat Leap 1/1 ^C→Split Change ^C✓ 0.6

Mixed Series

Same as Level 8 — connect a dance element and an acro element in any order.

−1.0 if missing

Example combinations

Cat Leap ^A→Cartwheel ^A✓ 0.2

Cat Leap ^A→1-Hand CW ^B✓ 0.3

Cat Leap 1/1 ^C→HS Fwd Roll ^A✓ 0.4

Cat Leap 1/1 ^C→Fwd Walkover ^B✓ 0.5

Cat Leap 1/1 ^C→Fwd WO 1 Hand ^C✓ 0.6

Bwd Walkover ^B→Str. Jump 1/1 ^B✓ 0.4

Round Off ^B→Tuck Jump ½ ^B✓ 0.4

C Spin

Harder than Level 8 — you now need a spin valued at C or higher. That means more rotation or a harder position.

−1.0 if missing

Qualifying spins

1½ Spin ^C✓ 0.3

1/1 Spin Leg at Horiz. ^C✓ 0.3

Wolf Spin 1/1 ^C✓ 0.3

Putting it all together

Building Your Routine

Your routine isn't just skills — it's a performance. Here's how to think about building the whole thing, from picking your music to filling the floor.

Pick your music

Choose a song that's about 1 minute long (remember, your routine can't be longer than 1 min 30 secs including your skills). The music sets the mood for your whole routine — pick something you love performing to. It can be fast, slow, dramatic, fun — whatever suits you.

Map your CRs to the music

Listen to your song and find the natural moments where your CRs will fit. Big build-ups work well for tumble passes (acro line). Flowing sections are great for your leap series. A calm moment can suit a spin. Your coach will help you match skills to music — the goal is that the dance fits the music.

Fill in with dance and artistry

Everything between your CR passes is dance, movement, and performance. This is where you show expression, use your arms, move across the floor, and tell a story with your body. Don't just walk between skills — dance between them.

Show levels

Judges want to see you go up and down during your routine. That means some movements close to the floor (kneeling, rolling, low shapes) and some standing tall or jumping. This is called showing levels and it makes your routine look more interesting and dynamic.

Use the whole floor

Don't just perform in one corner. Move around, change direction, and try to use all 4 corners of the floor. Your routine should fill the space and show confidence.

Level 8 — encouraged

At Level 8, artistry is not judged or deducted. But we still want you to practice it. Try to hit all 4 corners, show levels, and make your dance fit your music. Think of it as training for when it does count.

Level 7 — judged

From Level 7 onwards, judges deduct for artistry. They're looking for: rhythm, expression and engagement, tempo, use of all 4 corners, and overall performance quality. Deductions are 0.1, 0.3, or 0.5 depending on how much is missing.

Rules & deductions

What to Watch Out For

⏱️

Max 1 minute 30 seconds

Go over and the judges deduct −0.3 from your final score. Time starts from your first movement.

🚫

No saltos at Level 8

No somersaults of any kind — no tuck backs, no whip saltos, no front somersaults. Stick to flighted acro like flicks, handsprings, and round offs.

📋

Missing a CR = −1.0 each

Every CR you miss costs you 1.0. Miss all four and that's −4.0 gone. Always double-check your routine covers all 4.

🎵

Choreography required — but no artistry deduction

You must include choreography and dance between your passes. But at Level 8, judges don't deduct for artistry. Use this level to practice performing — it'll matter at Level 7.

4️⃣

Maximum 4 × C-value skills counted

You can do as many C skills as you want in the routine, but only 4 of them count towards your difficulty value.

✅

Full floor routine

This isn't a skills showcase — it's a complete routine with music, dance, and performance. Treat it like a show.

Rules & deductions

What to Watch Out For

⏱️

Max 1 minute 30 seconds

Same as Level 8 — exceeding 1:30 = −0.3 deduction.

📋

Missing a CR = −1.0 each

Same penalty — every missing CR costs 1.0.

💃

Artistry is now judged

This is the big change from Level 8. Judges deduct for: lack of rhythm, lack of expression and engagement, poor tempo, not using all 4 corners, and lack of performance quality. Deductions are 0.1 / 0.3 / 0.5 depending on severity.

🔄

Aerials can't count as a salto in your acro line

Free cartwheels and free walkovers are aerial skills — they can't replace a salto in your acro line. Use proper flighted backwards elements.

4️⃣

Maximum 4 × C-value skills counted

Same as Level 8 — only 4 C skills count towards difficulty.

✅

Full floor routine with performance

Now more than ever — this is a performance. Fill the floor, engage with the music, and show the judges you're not just doing skills.

Example build

Sample Level 8 Routine

Here's one way to build a routine that hits all 4 CRs and reaches 4.0. Your routine will have more than 8 skills — only the best 8 count for difficulty. Lower-value skills can still fulfil CRs even if they get bumped.

CR1

Round Off → Flick to 2 → Flick to 1

Acro Line — 3 connected flighted acro

B+B+B = 0.6

CR2

Cat Leap 1/1 → Split Change

Leap Series — split shown in change leap

C+C = 0.6

CR3

Cat Leap → Forward Walkover

Mixed Series — the Cat Leap (A) gets bumped from best 8 but still fulfils the CR

A+B = 0.3

CR4

Full Spin (1/1)

B Spin requirement ✓

B = 0.2

Straight Jump 1/1

Standalone jump — not connected to any CR

B = 0.2

Backward Walkover

Additional acro skill

B = 0.2

Korbut Flick

Additional flighted acro

C = 0.3

—

Cat Leap (from CR3)

Fulfils the Mixed Series CR but gets bumped from best 8 by higher skills

A = 0.1 ✕

Start Value Breakdown

CRs: 4 × 0.5 = 2.0 · Best 8: 3C (0.9) + 5B (1.0) = 1.9 + cat leap bumped

3.9

Why 3.9 and not 4.0?

This example scores 3.9 because the Cat Leap (A = 0.1) from the mixed series got bumped from the best 8. To reach exactly 4.0, you could swap one of the B skills for a C skill — for example, using a 1½ Spin (C) instead of the Full Spin (B) for CR4. Your coach will fine-tune the maths for you.

Example build

Sample Level 7 Routine

Level 7 opens up saltos in your acro line and requires a C spin. Artistry counts now — so the whole routine needs to be a performance, not just skills.

CR1

Round Off → Flick to 1 → Back Somersault

Flighted Backwards Acro Line — salto allowed at L7

B+B+C = 0.7

CR2

Cat Leap 1/1 → Split Change

Dance Series — split shown in change leap

C+C = 0.6

CR3

Cat Leap 1/1 → Forward Walkover (1 Hand)

Mixed Series — dance into acro

C+C = 0.6

CR4

1½ Spin

C Spin requirement ✓

C = 0.3

Straight Jump 1/1

Standalone jump

B = 0.2

Backward Walkover

Additional acro

B = 0.2

—

Cat Leap 1/1 (from CR3)

Fulfils CR3 but gets bumped — already counted one Cat Leap 1/1 from CR2

C = ✕ dup

Start Value Breakdown

CRs: 4 × 0.5 = 2.0 · Best 8 difficulty: 4C (1.2) + 4B (0.8) = 2.0

4.0

✓ Meets target

Skill reference

Floor Skills by Value

All the skills you can use in your routine, organised by category and value. Only A, B, and C skills count at Level 7 and 8. D skills are shown for reference only.

A-Value Dance

0.1 each

Straight JumpStar JumpTuck JumpW-JumpPike JumpCat LeapW HopStr. Leg Hop to HorizontalScissor Kick

B-Value Dance

0.2 each

Straight Jump 1/1Tuck Jump ½W-Jump ½Pike Jump ½Split JumpCat Leap ½Split LeapSide LeapStraddle JumpSissonneW Hop ½

C-Value Dance

0.3 each · max 4 C skills total

Split Jump ¼Straddle Jump ½Tuck Jump 1/1Change Leg LeapW Hop Change LegCat Leap 1/1W Hop 1/1Fouetté Hop Land in ArabesqueIllusion ½

D-Value Dance — reference only

0.4 · not counted at L7/L8

Change Leg ¼Ring LeapCat Leap 1½Ring JumpStraight Jump 1½Tuck Jump 1½Sheep JumpSplit Jump ½Straddle Jump 1/1Tourjeté

A-Value Non-Flighted Acro

0.1 each

CartwheelHandstandForward RollBackward RollHandstand Bridge to StandHandstand Forward RollBridge KickoverJapanaPike FoldPress Up

B-Value Non-Flighted Acro

0.2 each

Bwd Roll to Front SupportTick TockBackward WalkoverForward WalkoverOne Handed CartwheelHS Fwd Roll Pike to StandHandstand ½ Pirouette

C-Value Non-Flighted Acro

0.3 each · max 4 C skills total

Bwd Walkover to SplitsValdezBwd Roll to HandstandBwd Roll to HS (1 Hand)Fwd Walkover (1 Hand)Handstand 1/1 Pirouette

B-Value Flighted Acro

0.2 each

Round OffHandspring to 2 FeetHandspring to 1 FootFlick to 1Flick to 2Dive Forward RollHecht RollFlighted Forward Roll

C-Value Flighted Acro

0.3 each · max 4 C skills total

Gainer FlickKorbut FlickBarani (Two Feet Take Off)Tuck Back SomersaultTucked/Piked Front SomersaultWhip Salto

⚠️ Salto skills (Tuck Back Somersault, Front Somersault, Whip Salto) are allowed at Level 7 but not at Level 8. At Level 8, stick to non-salto flighted skills like Gainer Flick, Korbut Flick, and Barani.

D-Value Flighted Acro — reference only

0.4 · not counted at L7/L8

OnodiStr. Back Somersault ½Straight Front ½Str. Back SomersaultStraight Front

C-Value Aerial

0.3 each · max 4 C skills total

Free Cartwheel from Run or Chassé

D-Value Aerial — reference only

0.4 · not counted at L7/L8

Free Cartwheel from StandFree Walkover from Run or ChasséSide Somersault from Run or Chassé

Important: Aerials cannot be used in an acro line as a salto. They're their own category.

A-Value Balance

0.1 each

Arabesque Leg at HorizontalV-Sit with Hand SupportY BalanceRussian Lever TuckedShoulder-Stand with Arm SupportBridgeR or L Leg SplitsFrog Balance

B-Value Balance

0.2 each

Arabesque on RelevéV-Sit without Hand SupportPike or Straddle LeverShoulder-Stand Straight Arms Above Head

C-Value Balance

0.3 each · max 4 C skills total

Y Balance on RelevéStraddle Lever ½Russian Level Pike or Straddle

A-Value Spins

0.1 each

½ Spin (One Foot)

B-Value Spins & Additional

0.2 each · L8 CR4 ✓

Spin 1/1 (Full Spin)½ Spin Leg at HorizontalWolf Spin ½Shushunova Tuck or Straddle

C-Value Spins & Additional

0.3 each · L7 CR4 ✓ · max 4 C total

1/1 Spin Leg at Horizontal1/1 Spin Leg at VerticalWolf Spin 1/1Spin 1½Shushunova ½ Tuck or Straddle

D-Value Spins — reference only

0.4 · not counted at L7/L8

2/1 SpinWolf Spin 1½

Common questions

FAQs

🧮 How do I work out my start value?

Scoring

It's two parts added together:

1. CR Value: Each CR you hit = 0.5. Hit all 4 = 2.0.
2. Difficulty Value: Add up your best 8 skills (A = 0.1, B = 0.2, C = 0.3).

So if you hit all 4 CRs (2.0) and your best 8 skills add up to 2.0, your start value is 4.0.

Quick maths: 4 × C (1.2) + 4 × B (0.8) = 2.0 is the magic combo for your best 8 skills.

🤔 Can a skill count for a CR AND be in my best 8?

CRs

Yes! A skill can tick a CR box and also count towards your difficulty. But sometimes a low-value skill (like a Cat Leap used in a Mixed Series) gets bumped out of the best 8 by higher-value skills — that's fine, it still counts for the CR.

Each skill can only fulfil one CR though. You can't use the same round off for both your acro line and your mixed series.

💡 What's the difference between Level 8 and Level 7?

Levels

Both use A–C skills, best 8 count, 4.0 target. The differences are:

Acro line: L7 must be flighted backwards and saltos are allowed. L8 = any acro line, no saltos
Spin: L7 needs a C spin. L8 only needs a B spin
Artistry: L7 judges deduct for artistry (rhythm, expression, 4 corners, performance). L8 = no artistry deductions
Aerials: L7 says aerials can't count as a salto in an acro line

🎵 How long should my music be?

Music

Your music should be about 1 minute long. The total routine (including skills performed before or after the music) cannot exceed 1 minute 30 seconds or you'll get a −0.3 deduction. Pick music that has natural highs and lows so your CRs can land on the exciting parts and your dance can flow between them.

🔢 Can my routine have more than 8 skills?

Rules

Absolutely. Most routines have more than 8 skills. Only the best 8 (highest-valued) count for difficulty. The extras still need to be done well — judges deduct for poor execution on every skill, even ones outside your top 8. And lower-value skills can still fulfil CRs even if they don't make the best 8.

🏅 What grade do I need to compete?

Competition

You need to be at Performance grade within your squad. All squad gymnasts start at In-Club and work up through Prep. Coaches decide when you're ready — it's earned, not automatic. Check the Pathways page for the full breakdown.

📐

Always work with your coach

This guide explains the rules, but your coach knows your skills, your strengths, and what you're ready for. They'll build the best routine for you and help you reach your target. Trust the process.

Based on IGA competition rules · Floor & Vault Squad