Gymnastics floor music has a bit of a "checkered" history with lyrics. For years, words were strictly forbidden, but the rules have evolved significantly to allow for more creative expression—provided you don't turn your floor routine into a karaoke session.
The official rules depend on the governing body (FIG vs. USAG), but the general consensus is as follows:
As of the current 2025-2028 cycle, spoken words and lyrics are permitted, but they must follow specific guidelines to avoid a neutral deduction (usually 0.10 or 0.20 depending on the level).
Rhythmic Integration: Words used as "part of the rhythm" are perfectly legal. If the voice is treated like an instrument or emphasizes a beat (e.g., "Yeah!", "Go!", or rhythmic chanting), it is generally accepted.
Content Restrictions: The most "official" part of the rule is about appropriateness. Lyrics or spoken words must not be:
Offensive or profane.
Political or religious in nature.
Explicitly suggestive.
The "Human Voice" Distinction: Under FIG (Elite) rules, music with lyrics is allowed for Floor Exercise, but it must be "musically meaningful." The music shouldn't just be a background for a speech; it needs to be a cohesive artistic piece.
| Feature | FIG (Elite/International) | USAG (Developmental/JO) |
| Lyrics/Words | Allowed | Allowed (Levels 8-10) |
| Lower Levels | N/A | Generally not allowed (Levels 1-7 usually require instrumental only) |
| Deduction | 0.10 for "unsuitable music" | 0.10 for "illegal lyrics" |
| Tone | Must be "artistic" | Must be "appropriate" |
If you are worried about a judge flagging your music for spoken effects, keep these three things in mind:
Avoid Full Sentences: Short bursts of spoken words (e.g., "Hit it!", "One, two...") are safer and more effective for rhythm than long strings of dialogue.
Check the Level: If you are competing in lower USAG levels (Levels 1-7), the rules are much stricter. Many regions still require 100% instrumental music for these compulsory and early optional levels.
The "Cringe" Test: Judges are looking for artistry. If the spoken word effect feels like a random interruption rather than a beat-driven choice, they may take a deduction for "poor music choice."
Pro Tip: When in doubt, have your coach submit the music to the state or regional technical chair for pre-approval. It beats finding out you have a deduction after you've stuck your double tuck!
For the Dev program, the rules are split between "Compulsory" and "Optional" levels.
Levels 1–5 (Compulsory): * Music Rule: These levels use standardized music provided by USAG. You cannot choose your own music, so you don't have to worry about lyrics—they are already 100% instrumental.
Levels 6–10 (Optional): * Lyrics/Voice: Allowed. Following a major rule reversal in 2024, USAG confirmed that music with lyrics and human voices (including spoken words as rhythm) is permitted.
The Catch: While allowed, the music must still be "artistic" and "appropriate."
Deduction: If the music is deemed inappropriate or contains "song/speech" that isn't musically integrated, a 1.00 Chief Judge deduction can be applied (though this is rare for rhythmic spoken effects).
The Xcel program has traditionally been more flexible, and that remains true for the current cycle.
| Division | Music Rule for Spoken Words/Lyrics |
| Bronze & Silver | Allowed. Words and rhythmic vocal effects are permitted. |
| Gold & Platinum | Allowed. Same as above; must be tasteful and appropriate for a family audience. |
| Diamond & Sapphire | Allowed. These higher divisions follow the same "human voice" allowances as Level 9/10. |
Even though lyrics are "allowed," there are two specific areas where you can still lose points:
Technically, USAG differentiates between "human sounds" (like whistles, cheers, or rhythmic grunts) and "speech."
Safe: "Hey!", "Ho!", rhythmic chanting, or using the voice as an instrument (la-la-la).
Risky: Long sections of spoken dialogue, movie quotes, or anything that feels like a speech rather than music. This can trigger the 1.00 "Absence of Music / Music with Song" deduction if the judge feels it’s no longer "musical accompaniment."
While lyrics are legal now, there is a standing recommendation and ongoing discussion about moving back to instrumental-only or strictly limited vocals starting August 1, 2026. If you are buying music now for a multi-year routine, it is safest to look for a "clean" (instrumental) version or one where the vocals are purely rhythmic.
| Level/Division | Allowed? | Common Deduction |
| Level 1–5 | No (Preset Music) | N/A |
| Level 6–10 | Yes | 1.00 (if inappropriate) |
| All Xcel | Yes | 1.00 (if inappropriate) |
Recommendation: If your music has a "shout" or a spoken "drop" in it, it's 99% safe. If it has a 30-second monologue from a movie, you should check with your Regional Technical Committee Chair (RTCC) for official approval to avoid the 1.00 deduction.
While many gymnasts opt for popular radio hits or pre-cut tracks from common libraries, savvy athletes are turning to exclusive custom gymnastics floor music to give themselves a competitive edge.
