What happens if a gymnast exceeds the fall time on uneven bars or balance beam?

When a gymnast exceeds the allowed fall time on uneven bars or balance beam, the exercise is terminated. This rule is put in place to maintain the flow of competition and to ensure that each gymnast adheres to the time limits set for their routines. The time limits are part of the overall judging criteria and are designed to keep the routines concise and competitive, preventing any delays that could disrupt the event.

If the routine is terminated due to exceeding the fall time, the gymnast will not be eligible to receive a score for their routine. This is different from merely receiving a warning or a score adjustment, as termination of the exercise signifies that the gymnast has not completed their routine satisfactorily according to the established rules. This emphasizes the importance of time management during performances in gymnastics.