The one where our USAG Judge dives deep into new apparel rules governing bra strap visibility.
One of the memorable storylines in Stick It is the gymnasts’ protest in the vault rotation during competition. The first competitor, Mina, receives a deduction for her bra strap showing while competing. All gymnasts in the line up then protest by purposely showing their bra straps. Is this storyline based on real judging deductions? Let’s get into it!
In the USAG Women’s Gymnastics Code of Points, there is a -0.2 deduction for Incorrect Attire. In fact, a whole page in the Code is dedicated to a description of how to apply this deduction and what may be considered incorrect attire.
How is a deduction for incorrect attire applied? The -0.2 deduction is a Chief Judge deduction. Meaning if applied, the chief judge on the event would take -0.2 off the average score on that event. This deduction can only be applied one time. However, the gymnast must receive a warning first of the incorrect attire before the deduction is applied. This means, a judge must give a verbal warning first, usually to the gymnast’s coach. The deduction is only applied at the first event competed with incorrect attire after a warning is given. The Meet Referee is responsible for informing all chief judges that a warning has been given and the -0.2 deduction has already been applied or needs to be applied on the next event if the gymnast still has incorrect attire.
What is considered incorrect attire? The list is long! Here are a few examples listed in the Code of Points:
- Leg cut of leotard above the pelvis/hip bone
- Wearing tennis shoes during competition
- Wearing ear buds/pods on the competition floor
- Any piercing other than a stud earring in any part of the ear
- Necklaces or bracelets
- Backless leotards
So what is the deal with bra straps? On August 1, 2025, the Code of Points will state that exposed bra straps may be black, match the leotard, may be skin tone, or clear in color without receiving a deduction. This allows for more options than what has been listed in the Code of points. Up until this change, the Code only allowed for clear bra straps if exposed. While this change in the rule will give the gymnasts more undergarment flexibility, it still does not grant limitless bra strap color options so plan your competition season accordingly!
According to the new 2025 Code of Points effective August 1, 2025, Missy would still be subject to the .2 deduction (after a warning – but you know Missy would totally ignore that) because the strap does not match her Leo in color, isn’t skin tone and also isn’t black or clear.
Here is what the Code of Points states for applying this deduction: “If underwear is visible due to cut of the leotard, warn the gymnast’s coach . If gymnast does NOT correct it, take a deduction on subsequent event . Underwear, including sports bras, should NOT be intentionally visible throughout the entire routine. However, if briefs or bra straps show due to activity, do NOT take a deduction.”
The inside scoop? Most judges do NOT want to police what gymnasts wear. We are there to evaluate gymnastics routines. And we are quite honestly busy evaluating your gymnastics – assessing body position, amplitude, positioning of feet, etc., to notice some minor details of attire. However, it is also our job to apply all rules in the Code of Points as applicable across all competitors. So if we see incorrect attire, the procedure must be followed and a warning given followed by the deduction if the attire is not corrected.
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