What is the upper limit for the deduction of a clear hip circle finishing at vertical?

The upper limit for the deduction of a clear hip circle finishing at vertical is 0.4. This deduction applies because a clear hip circle demonstrates specific technical requirements that must be met for optimal execution.

When the gymnast performs the clear hip circle, the ideal position at the top, where the circle finishes at vertical, signifies that the gymnast has executed the element correctly. However, if there are minor imperfections in the execution, such as a lack of body alignment or slight deviations during the transition into and out of the skill, judges assess these deductions.

A clear hip circle that finishes at vertical but exhibits minor errors may warrant a deduction within the established range. The 0.4 deduction encapsulates the severity of these minor execution flaws while allowing for a distinction that recognizes the gymnast's effort to achieve the required position. This standard deduction ensures that while the muscle memory and technique are acknowledged, it also encourages gymnasts to refine their precision in performing such skills.

Understanding this deduction framework is crucial for both judges and gymnasts, as it emphasizes the value placed on technical execution in high-level gymnastics.