What happens if a gymnast fails to perform a dismount off the starting value?

When a gymnast fails to perform a dismount that aligns with the routine's starting value, the appropriate consequence is a general deduction. This deduction reflects the failure to fulfill the requirements of the routine, as a complete routine is expected to include a dismount. General deductions are applied to indicate that a significant element of the routine has been neglected, which impacts the overall score. The gymnast's execution and artistry throughout the routine are assessed, but failing to complete the dismount compromises the integrity of the performance, leading to automatic deductions for not adhering to the expected standards. Therefore, the gymnast's score will reflect this drop for not meeting the required elements outlined in the judging criteria.