What kind of deductions might be taken for poor form during a routine?

Taking into account the nuances of judging gymnastics, both major and minor deductions can indeed be applied for poor form during a routine. This means that if a gymnast demonstrates form errors, such as bent knees, missing pointed toes, or poor body alignment, judges have the authority to evaluate these errors on a scale that reflects their severity.

Major deductions are typically reserved for more significant errors that impact the overall execution of a skill or pose considerable risk to the gymnast's safety. For instance, a major deduction may be warranted for a large deviation from the intended body position during a critical move.

On the other hand, minor deductions are appropriate for less severe form issues that still affect the aesthetic quality of the routine but do not critically undermine a skill. These could include slight knee bends or minor discrepancies in body posture that do not dramatically alter the execution.

Judges are trained to discern the severity of various form errors and apply the appropriate deductions accordingly, ensuring that all aspects of a gymnast's performance are fairly evaluated. Thus, it is essential to recognize that both types of deductions serve to maintain high standards in gymnastics and ensure that athletes compete safely and effectively.