What is the result of using incorrect apparatus specifications during a routine?

Using incorrect apparatus specifications during a routine leads to a general deduction. Each apparatus in gymnastics has specific design and usage standards that gymnasts must adhere to in order to ensure the safety and fairness of competition. If a gymnast employs equipment that does not meet these standards—such as using a balance beam of the wrong height or uneven bars that are not set up correctly—it can compromise the integrity of the routine and may result in the scoring being affected.

General deductions are applied to maintain consistency and uphold the standards of the sport. These deductions help ensure that all competitors perform under the same conditions and that any advantages or disadvantages created by the use of incorrect equipment are mitigated. As a result, the judge will deduct points, reflecting the importance of adherence to equipment specifications, rather than simply losing difficulty points or achieving a full score.