In what scenario does a chief judge apply the deduction for a gymnast touching the vault table with one hand?

The correct scenario for a chief judge to apply a deduction for a gymnast touching the vault table with one hand is when half the panel sees it. In gymnastics judging, it is important for deductions to be based on the consensus of the judges present. When at least half of the judges witness a specific infraction or error, it indicates that there is enough agreement among the judges to justify a deduction being applied for that performance flaw.

This process ensures that deductions are fair and consistent, relying on multiple perspectives within the judging panel. If only one judge sees the infraction, it may not be deemed sufficient to warrant a deduction, since the opinion of a single judge does not represent the overall consensus. Conversely, if all judges agree, it would also justify the deduction, but the scenario specifically focuses on the situation where at least half witness the infraction as a valid basis for deducting points.

Understanding these nuances of how deductions are applied helps ensure clarity in judging standards and promotes fairness in scoring throughout the gymnastics competition.