{{Short description|Artistic gymnastics apparatus}} [[File:Arthur Zanetti Rio 2016.jpg|thumb|[[Arthur Zanetti]] dismounting from the rings at the [[2016 Summer Olympics|2016 Olympics]]]] [[File:2015 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships - Rings - Courtney Tulloch 08.jpg|thumb|[[Courtney Tulloch]] competing at the [[2015 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships]]]] The '''rings''', also known as '''still rings'''<ref name="Tyagi">{{cite book | last1 = Tyagi | first1 = Arun Kumar | title = Gymnastics Skills and Rules | publisher = Pinnacle Technology | year = 2010 | isbn = 978-1618200334}}</ref> (in contrast to [[flying rings]]), is an [[artistic gymnastics]] apparatus and the event that uses it. It is traditionally used only by [[male]] [[gymnast]]s due to its extreme upper body strength requirements. Gymnasts often wear [[Grip (gymnastics)|ring grips]] while performing.
== Apparatus == The apparatus consists of two rings that hang freely from a rigid metal frame. Each ring is supported by a strap, which connects to a steel cable suspended from the metal frame. The gymnast, who grips one ring with each hand, must control the movement of the rings and their body movements at all times.<ref name="Tyagi" />
=== Dimensions === The measurements of the standard apparatus are specified by [[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|Fédération internationale de gymnastique]] (FIG) in its ''Apparatus Norms'' document:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fig-gymnastics.com/publicdir/rules/files/en_Apparatus%20Norms.pdf|title=Apparatus Norms|publisher=[[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique]]|year=2020|access-date=21 June 2020}}</ref>
* Inner diameter: {{convert|18|cm|in}} ± {{convert|0.1|cm|in}}<ref name="Tyagi" /> * Diameter of profile: {{convert|2.8|cm|in}} ± {{convert|0.1|cm|in}}<ref name="Tyagi" /> * Distance from the point of attachment to the lower inner side of the rings: {{convert|300|cm|ft}} ± {{convert|1|cm|in}}<ref name="Tyagi" /> * Distance between two points of attachment: {{convert|50|cm|ft}} ± {{convert|0.5|cm|in}}<ref name="Tyagi" />
== Routines == An exercise on rings consists of swing, strength, and hold elements. Generally, gymnasts are required to fulfill various requirements, including a swing to hold [[handstand]], a static strength hold, and an aerial dismount. More experienced gymnasts often perform more than one strength element, sometimes swinging into hold positions or performing different holds consecutively.<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Readhead | first1 = Lioyd | title = A World-Class Gymnast | year = 2004 | edition = illustrated | publisher = Heinemann-Raintree Library | isbn = 978-1403446725 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/worldclassgymnas0000read }}</ref>
One of the most widely recognized skills performed on the rings is the ''Iron Cross'', which is executed by extending both arms straight out from the sides of the body while suspended mid-air for at least two seconds. Other common strength moves include the inverted cross (i.e., vertically inverted Iron Cross) and the Maltese cross, in which the gymnast holds their body parallel to the ground at ring height with arms extended laterally. Swing elements include [[giant (gymnastics)|giant swings]] from handstand to handstand, in both front and back directions, similar to giants performed on the [[horizontal bar]]. Elements on the rings are regulated by the [[Code of Points (artistic gymnastics)|Code of Points]].
=== International level routines === A rings routine should contain at least one element from all element groups: * I. Kip and swing elements & swings through or to handstand * II. Strength elements and hold elements * III. Swings to strength hold elements * IV. Dismounts
=== Scoring and rules === Gymnasts will take deductions for form similar to other apparatus. On rings, gymnasts will also take deductions for having bent arms while performing nearly all elements or using the straps/cables to support or balance themselves. Additional deductions are applied to gymnasts unable to maintain a neutral head position during holds, a neutral face (not grimacing), or grunting. There are also deductions for each extraneous swinging of the cables during the routine. Bonus points on the still rings are earned by performing consecutive distinct static hold elements based upon the letter value of both moves, listed in the code of points.
==See also== *[[List of gymnasts specializing in rings]]
== References == {{Commons category|Still rings}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus and Equipment}} {{Footer Olympic Champions Rings Men}} {{NavigationWorldChampionsArtisticGymnasticsMen’sStillRings}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rings (Gymnastics)}} [[Category:Artistic gymnastics apparatus]]