• The cross, or Iron Cross, is a high-scoring strength element.iron cross image by Galina Barskaya from Fotolia.com
  
  Gymnastic rings, more properly referred to as still rings (not to be confused with flying rings), is an apparatus of competitive artistic gymnastics. This apparatus allows for competitors to display skills of strength by swinging and holding certain moves while being evaluated by a panel of judges. Because of the reliance on extreme upper-body strength, only males compete on still rings.
  
  

Specifications

• As stated in the Apparatus Norms publication by the International Federation of Gymnastics, the physical structure includes two circular rings hanging from a support tower 19 feet (575 cm) tall on cables and straps 9 feet 8 inches (300 cm) long placed 19.7 inches (50 cm) apart with the inner diameter of each ring being 7.1 inches (18 cm). At their suspension point, the cables have a pivot mechanism and must hang vertical in their still position. Each support tower frame includes two supports connected by a horizontal bar where the cables connect and anchored to the floor by four tension cables.
  
  

Required Elements

• Each routine must include swings to strength hold elements and one swing to handstand move along with a dismount. Four elements must be held for two seconds in the routine including a static strength element, one swing to strength element and two other elements of strength. Strength elements and a well-executed dismount are the keys to being successful, as they are rewarded with higher points. They include the often noticed rings element, the Iron Cross, which is executed with arms vertically extended to each side. Full-body, or giant swings, are also easily recognizable to most spectators.
  
  

Scoring

• The goal is to keep the rings still and controlled at the end of each strength and swing element before performing a well-executed dismount. The judges watch for a straight body without arching and strong, sturdy arms with no shaking. Judges administer deductions for lack of precision. According to USA Gymnastics website, each gymnast is scored in Difficulty and Execution with the sum of the two representing the final score. The Difficulty Score, or start value, is determined by a two-member panel of judges for the routine's level of difficulty according to the planned content. The Execution Score is produced by a six-member panel of adjudicators grading every aspect of the routine on skill and technique minus any neutral deductions. The system is regulated by FIG's Code of Points revised in 2006 after controversy at the 2004 Olympic Games.