What is the penalty for a coach being present beside the bars or the beam throughout the routine?

The correct answer, which indicates a point deduction for the gymnast, stems from the rules governing the presence of coaches during routines. In gymnastics, the expectation is that while coaches may provide support and encouragement, their physical presence near the apparatus is limited. When a coach is positioned beside the bars or the beam during the entire routine, it creates a situation that contradicts this expectation. This can lead to a perception that the gymnast is receiving undue support, which undermines the integrity of the performance. Therefore, as a consequence, point deductions are applied to the gymnast's score to reflect this breach of competition regulations.

This rule emphasizes the importance of athlete independence and the self-sufficiency expected during performances at this level. The intent is to maintain a fair competitive environment where the gymnast’s abilities are the sole focus of the evaluation. While the presence of a coach may not necessarily result in a severe penalty like disqualification, it does warrant a deduction to uphold these standards.