How is the difficulty of a gymnastic routine established?

Question

Are gymnasts limited to a certain amount of moves with predetermined value, with difficulty being judged by these combinations in their routine?

Also, as gymnasts get stronger, faster, and more daring with each new generation, do these values change through some democratic system involving the gymnasts and judges?

I can't imagine how any other system wouldn't be subjective and easily controlled by a small minority. Then again, I know almost nothing about gymnastics.

Answer 1

Guess.

Answer 2

It's composed of an A score and a B score. The A score is based on the 10 hardest moves in the routine, all given values. There are a few requirements that they all have to do in a routine. The B score is based on 10 and is for execution. Deductions are taken from the B score, and that is added up to the A score. If the gymnast does all her A score moves then he/she is given the whole value of the A score, if some were left out OR not done well enough to be credited then that score is brought down and then added to the B score.

A score 7.7 + B score 10 would = 17.7 maximum score.

Every year the FIG goes over new moves and gives them a value, and so this can decrease the value o a previously similar move that is now considered less difficult. This committee is composed of ex-athletes and current judges.