What is awarded when a judge assesses an exercise with a score of below 8.0?

In gymnastics judging, when a judge assesses an exercise and assigns a score below 8.0, it indicates that the performance did not meet the minimum standards expected for a passing score. In this context, a 1.0 score is given as a means to acknowledge the attempt despite the exercise's shortcomings. This scoring reflects the value of recognizing participation and effort even if the execution does not meet the criteria set for higher evaluations. This approach aims to encourage gymnasts to continue refining their skills without excessively penalizing them for lower performances.

Other scoring options typically involve penalties or deductions that are applied to the overall score but do not represent a baseline score for recognized effort, which is why they do not fit the scenario described in the question.