Mat (gymnastics)

On every event except floor exercise, pommel horse, and vault, gymnasts may use an additional landing mat without deduction, which may be adjusted for distance.

They are used only in high-level training to give gymnasts additional protection and a more expansive landing space while working on the apparatus.

Blocks are routinely used as step-stools for gymnasts working on the bars or beam and as practice vaulting surfaces.

These mats protect the body from high-impact collisions with hard, solid surfaces such as hardwood or concrete flooring.

Because of the lack of firmness, mats made with this type of foam generally use specifically 2" thick 100 ILD open cell 4.5 lb.

Generally accepted uses of mats with this kind of foam are practice venues, home use, and youth amateur sports events.

In most cases – like in gymnastics – multiple mats are purchased to be strung together via velcro to create the ultimate sure-footed tumbling experience.

If the gymnast's foot misses the springboard during their vault attempt, they can push off the mat for momentum and, hopefully, avoid a serious injury.

Under the current Code of Points, performing a Yurchenko-style vault without the safety mat results in an automatic score of zero.