For a routine scored in the range of 9.5 - 10.0 what is the precise score awarded?

In gymnastics scoring, particularly in the context of routines that fall within a high-performance range like 9.5 to 10.0, the precise score awarded serves to define the quality and execution of the performance. When a gymnast performs exceptionally well, judges look for elements of skill, artistry, and technical precision.

The scoring increments within this range allow judges to differentiate between slight variations in performance quality. The choice of a 0.7 deduction reflects a specific standard of excellence. It indicates that, although the routine may not have reached the flawless standard of a perfect 10, it is still an exceptional and highly skilled performance worthy of recognition.

Deductions are often made for minor errors, such as slight imperfections in form, execution, or artistry. Therefore, awarding a score of 9.7, for example, can signify that the gymnast performed a routine in the upper echelons of scoring while still exhibiting some minor faults. This approach maintains a nuanced and transparent evaluation system, wherein high-performing gymnasts are encouraged to refine their skills while clearly conveying performance differences.