Parallel bars is an apparatus used by male gymnasts in artistic gymnastics

Artistic gymnastics

Artistic gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics where gymnasts perform short routines on different apparatus, with less time for vaulting . The sport is governed by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique , which designs the Code of Points and regulates all aspects of international elite...

. Gymnasts may optionally wear grip

Grip (gymnastics)

Grips are devices that are worn on the hands of artistic gymnasts when performing on various gymnastics apparatus. They are worn by female gymnasts on the uneven bars, and by male gymnasts on the high bar, still rings and parallel bars...

s when performing a routine on the parallel bars, although this is uncommon.

The apparatus

The apparatus consists of two parallel

Parallel (geometry)

Parallelism is a term in geometry and in everyday life that refers to a property in Euclidean space of two or more lines or planes, or a combination of these. The assumed existence and properties of parallel lines are the basis of Euclid's parallel postulate. Two lines in a plane that do not...

 bars that are held parallel to, and elevated above, the floor by a metal

Metal

A metal , is an element, compound, or alloy that is a good conductor of both electricity and heat. Metals are usually malleable and shiny, that is they reflect most of incident light...

 supporting framework. The bars are composed of wood

Wood

Wood is a hard, fibrous tissue found in many trees. It has been used for hundreds of thousands of years for both fuel and as a construction material. It is an organic material, a natural composite of cellulose fibers embedded in a matrix of lignin which resists compression...

 or other material, with an outer coating of wood. The vertical members of the supporting framework are adjustable so the height of the bars above the floor and distance between the bars can be set optimally for each gymnast.

Dimensions

• Bar length: 350 centimetres (11.5 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.393700787401575 in)
• Bar height: 5 centimetres (2 in) ± 1 millimetre (0.0393700787401575 in)
• Bar width: 4 centimetres (1.6 in) ± 1 millimetre (0.0393700787401575 in)
• Height of bar from floor: 200 centimetres (6.6 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.393700787401575 in)
• Distance between bars: 42 centimetres (16.5 in) - 52 centimetres (20.5 in) (adjustable)

Routines

A routine performed on the parallel bars must include various elements that depend on the gymnast's competitive level. A typical performance will involve swinging skills in a support position (on the hands), a hanging position, and an upper arm position. Also, parallel bar routines often feature a strength or static hold skill . Each routine ends with a dismount from either the ends of the bars or the side of the apparatus.

International level routines

A rings routine should contain at least one element from all element groups:

• I. Elements in support or through support
• II. Elements starting in upper arm position
• III. Long swings in hang, face on 1 or 2 rails
• IV. Underswings
• V. Dismounts

Scoring and Rules

Deductions are taken for form and exactness of elements performed. There are specific deductions for adjusting hand position in handstand and not controlling swing elements; swing type elements should momentarily show handstand.

See also

Parallettes

Parallettes

Parallettes are small gymnastics devices, employed in pairs, used primarily to simulate the parallel bars that can be found in professional gymnasiums. Parallettes are similar to pushup bars, or dip bars, but they are generally longer and very low to the ground...