A Dimensão Artística da Ginástica Rítmica no Código de Pontuação 2025-2028: reflexão sobre a sua importância a partir da opinião de treinadores e juízes.

Abstract

The Artistic Dimension plays a significant role in Rhythmic Gymnastics, setting it apart from other sports and gymnastic disciplines, as it strikes a balance between sport and art. Indeed, the aim of this study was to understand the views of coaches and judges on the Artistic Dimension in Rhythmic Gymnastics, focusing on identifying the main changes introduced in the 2025-2028 Code of Points, the implications for the evaluation and construction of routines, and the reasons behind their implementation. This aim is embodied in the following specific objectives: to analyze, compare and critically interpret, through a review of the literature, the importance attributed to the Artistic Dimension in the 2017-2020, 2022-2024 and 2025-2028 editions of the Code of Points, and to ascertain the understanding of a group of judges and coaches regarding the Artistic Dimension in Rhythmic Gymnastics, particularly with regard to the latest Code of Points currently in force (2025-2028). To this end, a literature review was conducted, alongside semi-structured interviews with three judges and three coaches with international experience in the sport. The results showed that the components considered to have the greatest impact, as introduced in the 2025-2028 Code of Points were the 'Guiding Idea and Character', and 'Facial and Bodily Expression'. They also highlighted the growing importance attached to the clarification and systematization of the artistic evaluation criteria, as, according to the interviewees, these changes contribute to a more consistent, objective and fair artistic evaluation. However, the interviewees highlighted some limitations associated with the assessment of the Artistic Dimension, which deserve some attention from the International Gymnastics Federation Rhythmic Gymnastics Technical Committee. Among these limitations, the following stand out: the difficulties posed by certain artistic components for younger age groups, owing to their lower physical and motor skills, which hinder the process of learning the basic elements of rhythmic gymnastics; the double penalty imposed on the gymnast in certain situations, as a mistake is penalized both in the 'Execution' and in the Artistic Dimension through the 'Interruption of Continuity' component; the difficulty in prioritizing artistic quality over quantity; and the risk of excessive dramatization, which could compromise the identity of the sport. It was concluded that the Artistic Dimension has been taking on increasing importance in Rhythmic Gymnastics, reflecting an effort on the part of the International Gymnastics Federation to enhance the Artistic Dimension by promoting more communicative and appealing routines, reducing the subjectivity inherent in their assessment, in order to preserve the identity of the sport, and to make the assessment of routines clearer and more objective.