Men and women competitors take part on their own in individual events in trampolining competitions.
In the initial qualifying round, competitors complete both compulsory and optional routines, while the final consists of just an optional routine.
The compulsory routine consists of a prearranged set of skills, which must then be carried out in a set order, while the optional routines must contain 10 acknowledged skills.
These skills are then submitted on cards to the judges, but can be performed in any order. Each of the 10 skills in an optional routine must be different, for example, the chosen skills should not be repeated in the same routine.
The trampolinists should end their routine in an upright position with both feet on the trampoline bed. They must remain upright for at least three seconds, before ending their routine, with points deducted for instability.
For all skills apart from straddle jumps, the legs should be kept together with the toes pointed.
Trampolinists are only allowed to attempt their routine once, unless the routine is interrupted by outside interference.
Trampolinists do not have a time limit to compete their routine.
Skills include twists and somersaults in a variety of positions. Each skill is given a degree of difficulty, the higher the difficulty, the higher the score. The number of twists and somersaults in each skill determines its difficulty rating.
If a move includes a somersault and a twist, the scores are added.
If the somersault does not include a twist but is performed in the pike or straight position, 0.1 of a point is added for each complete somersault.
Two difficulty judges confer to award each routine a difficulty score, which is typically in the range of 11-15 points.
A panel of five judges rate the execution of each routine, giving the competitor a score out of 10.
The judges look at form, consistent height and control, deducting fractions of points for faults.
Failing to hit the trampoline with both feet at the same time costs 0.3 of a point, touching the trampoline bed with the hands draws a 0.4 of a point penalty, touching the bed with the hands and knees is worth a half a point penalty and landing on a safety platform also results in a penalty.
Like the other gymnastics disciplines, in trampolining technical ability is not enough for a good score, style is also important.
Judges reward competitors who perform with artistry and grace.
The highest and lowest scores for each routine are discarded and the other three are totalled.
The difficulty score is then added, giving a final score for the routine.
If scores are tied, the scores are added again, this time including the two discarded scores, to determine a result.