Scoring / Code of Points (CoP)
Rhythmic gymnastics scoring is certainly not the easiest thing in the world to understand and then also apply mentally during a competition - Way too many things happening all at the same time
The CoP (essentially the equivalent of the technical handbook in figure skating) spans 225 pages currently and is changed/modified after each Olympic cycle. Apart from the actual elements and guidelines for execution and artistry for both individuals and groups, it also details the composition of the jury, the responsibilities of each judge and the apparatus program (i.e. which apparatus will be used in which year).
While I certainly could write a huge block of text going into all of the detail about the scoring (and even now it already is), I'm going to try and include the most important aspects and point out some things during the competition itself when they come up
Requirements for individual routines:
Difficulty of Body (DB):
3 different body groups (leaps, balances and rotations), at least one of each. 9 BDs with the highest value are counted
Up to 3 combined BDs, i.e. two different BDs (of the same or different type) executed on the same leg without interruption right after the other
Validation through correct apparatus handling, no repetition of BDs possible (unless done in series)
Dynamic Elements with Rotation (R):
Large throw with at least two uninterrupted rotations (rolls, cartwheels, ...) under the throw and catch of the apparatus at the end
Difficulty built up with more rotations under the throw and additional criteria (catch without hands, catch in rotation, change of axis/level during the rotations, ...)
Rotations have to be different in each R
Maximum 5, counted in order of performance
Difficulty of apparatus (DA):
Apparatus handling like rolls, throws/catches, rebounds, ... and at least two criteria (for example without hands, on the floor, during BD, outside of visual field (i.e. "blind" catches), ...)
High throws are over 2 times the standing height of the gymnast (from point of release), small throws are below
Between 1 and 20 DAs, counted in order of performance
In addition, each apparatus has fundamental apparatus technical groups, like rolls for ball and hoop,
spirals for ribbon and
mills for clubs, which have to be included in the routines. Gymnasts also have to include 2 dance steps reflecting the character of the music with a length of 10 s each (no value).
Values of elements:
I'm not getting deep into the values here, but just offering a small frame for reference.
DAs are between 0.2 and 0.4 (for catches from high throws).
DBs can be at the lowest 0.1 (passe balance or a tuck jump) to 0.8 for leaps (turning split leap with switch of the legs and back bend of the trunk - nobody does this element though), up to 0.6 for balances (
Front split without help, trunk backward below horizontal from the seated position) on releve (0.1 lower if done on flat foot), and rotations up to 0.7. Again, doing a rotation on flat foot lowers the value by 0.1. Each additional rotation over the base (360° or 180°) adds 0.1 (on flat foot/BV 0.1) or 0.2 to the difficulty score of the element.
The base value of Rs is 0.2, each additional criterion adds 0.1 to 0.2.
Execution deductions:
Deducted from 10.0
Small (0.1):
Adjustment of body position, loss of balance without travel, incorrectly held body segment (bent knee, foot not pointed, ...), incorrect shape in BD (<10° deviation), small hop during rotations, catch with one step due to incorrect trajectory, incomplete roll, incorrect catch, ...
Medium (0.3):
Loss of balance with movement, medium deviation in BD (10-20°), shape in balances not held for at least 1 second, catch with two steps due to incorrect trajectory, ribbon wrapping around parts of the body without interruption, for each requirement for the routine that has not fulfilled (no leaps for example)
Large (0.5+):
Faults with 0.5+ deduction invalidate the attempted element
Loss of balance with support (0.5) or fall (0.7), incorrect shape in BD (>20° deviation), loss of apparatus without travelling for retrieval (0.5), 1-2 steps (0.7) or 3+ steps/outside of floor area (1.0), knot of ribbon (Careful! All elements performed with the knot are also supposed to be invalid), ...
Artistry deductions:
Deducted from 10.0
0.3: character of movement is present in most of the exercise, body and facial expression underdeveloped, less than 2 dynamic changes, insufficient variety of high throws and catches, ...
0.5: character of movement is present in some of the exercise, body and facial expression absent, no dynamic changes, missing one of the dance steps, lack of harmony of music and movement at the end of the exercise
1.0: character of movement is present only in dance steps, missing both of the dance steps
Additionally, up to 2.0 points each in deduction for missing connections and rhythm faults.
Neutral penalties:
Applied to the end score separately.
Time deductions (missing or additional): 0.05 per full second
Leaving the floor area: 0.3 for each body part/athlete or apparatus
Unauthorized use of replacement apparatus: 0.5
Apparatus returns to floor area after retrieval of reserve apparatus and isn't removed: 0.3
...
Like what makes this gymnast so much better than the others ?? etc...
Currently, the chances are looking good, as I am still waiting for a necessary component to be delivered before I can start my next project in the lab - We ordered it last Wednesday, and it should have been here on Monday 
)
