Each season, the NCAA publishes updates to the Code Modifications to the general USA Gymnastics (USAG) Level 10 Code of Points.  These modifications apply to the current set of rules used to the judge women's collegiate gymnastics.  The underlying changes to the USAG Level 10 code also apply to the NCAA, as long as they are published before November 1st, 2020.  The changes are so few, we can list them here simply:

Beam: Dance or Dance/Acro Series

The code has been strengthened to clarify that the series must start and end on the beam in order to meet the special requirement.  Thus, a dance series connected to a dismount will no longer satisfy this requirement.  The special requirement to include a leap of at least 180 degree split can now be met with a dance-acro series. 

Floor:  Acro/Dance Acro Combinations

The rules regarding a special bonus for acro/dance acro combinations have been clarified and adjusted.  The series must include a minimum C salto and include minimum A level dance skill followed by a minimum A level salto.  The C+ salto does not have to be directly followed by the dance skill.  The entire combination can also be used to satisfy the dismount special requirement and meet the "up to the level requirement" on the last pass, even though the dance skill normally would break the pass and create an isolated final salto.  Thus a gymnast doing a back layout with a 1 1/2 twists into a layout 1/2 (barani) followed by a split jump can add a punch front at the end for an additional 0.1 bonus.  Thus, this pass would receive a total of 0.3 in bonus, with 0.2 from the C+B combination and 0.1 in bonus for the extra dance/acro dance combination.  

Watch Those Pauses

A few changes from the USAG Code will ripple through to the NCAA.  Many of the execution refinements are clarifications of basic principles on evaluation, like deductions for feet apart or staggered on landing, proper split position on switch splits and body position on landing of dismounts and elements.  But pauses were also addressed specifically.  Pauses for two seconds or more on the floor get a flat 0.1 deduction.  Pauses on BB no longer have to before difficult elements or connections to be subject to a deduction.  Pauses of 2 seconds of more anywhere in the routine can get a deduction, even if they do not immediately proceed the difficult element or combination. 

Less Travel for Judges

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on athletic operating budgets, judges will be assigned based on geographic proximity and Division I teams will be able to see a judge three times at home and twice on the road.  Division II and III teams will be able to see the judges three times on the road. 

But Left Open

The NCAA has left some potentially problematic issues open.  For example, a gymnast can do a double back in her second and final tumbling line, 30 seconds into a floor routine, and then dance the remainder of the set, while still qualifying for the 0.1 last pass dismount bonus.  

Link:  NCAA Rules Modifications