A gymnast performing an Iron Cross.

Ring grips.

The rings, also known as still rings (in contrast to flying rings), is an artistic gymnastics apparatus and the event that uses it. It is traditionally used only by male gymnasts, due to its extreme upper-body strength requirements. Gymnasts typically wear ring grips while performing on the rings.

[edit] The apparatus

The apparatus is two rings hanging from a support frame. The cables attached to the support are attached to straps, which are attached to the rings. The cables and straps are not taut, and the gymnast must control the movement of the rings while performing the routine.^[1]

[edit] Dimensions

Measurements of the apparatus are published by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) in the Apparatus Norms brochure.

• Inner diameter: 18 centimetres (7.1 in) ± 0.1 centimetres (0.039 in)^[2]
• Distance from point of attachement to lower inner side of the rings: 300 centimetres (9.8 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)^[2]
• Distance between two points of attachement: 50 centimetres (1.6 ft) ± 0.5 centimetres (0.20 in)^[2]

[edit] Routines

An exercise on rings consists of swing, strength and hold elements. Generally, gymnasts are required to fulfill various requirements including a swing to held handstand, a static strength hold, and an aerial dismount. More experienced gymnasts will often perform more than one strength element, sometimes swinging into hold positions or consecutively performing different holds.

One of the most widely recognized skills performed on the rings is the Iron Cross, which is executed by extending both arms straight out from the sides of the body while suspended mid air for at least two seconds.^[3] Other common strength moves include the inverted cross^[3] (i.e., vertically inverted Iron Cross) and the Maltese cross, in which the gymnast holds his body parallel to the ground at ring height with arms extended laterally.^[3] Swing elements include giant swings from handstand to handstand, similar to giants performed on the horizontal bar. Elements on the rings are regulated by the Code of Points.

[edit] International level routines

A rings routine should contain at least one element from all element groups:^[4]

• I Kip and swing elements (including to L-sit)
• II. Swings to handstand
• III. Swings to strength hold elements (not L-sits)
• IV. Strength elements and hold elements
• V. Dismounts

[edit] Scoring and Rules

Gymnasts will take deductions for form similar to other apparatus. On rings gymnasts will also take deductions for have bent arms in strength elements, or using the straps/cables to support or balance themselves.^[1] There are also deductions for excessive swinging of the cables during the routine.^[1]

[edit] Gymnasts who specialise in the Rings discipline

• Leon Štukelj
• Jury Chechi
• Albert Azaryan (Azarian)
• Jordan Jovtchev
• Yuri van Gelder
• Chen Yibing

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b c} "MAG Code of Points 2009-2012" (in English) (PDF). FIG. p. 70. http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1205. Retrieved 2009-10-08. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} "Apparatus Norms" (in English) (PDF). FIG. p. II/18. http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1540. Retrieved 2009-10-07. 
3. ^ ^{a b c} "MAG Code of Points 2009-2012" (in English) (PDF). FIG. p. 78. http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1205. Retrieved 2009-10-08. 
4. ^ "MAG Code of Points 2009-2012" (in English) (PDF). FIG. p. 69. http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1205. Retrieved 2009-10-08. 

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Still rings

Gymnastics portal

• The 2006 Code of Points
• Apparatus description at the FIG website