thumb|275px|[[Daniela Silivaș performing on the balance beam at the 1987 World Championships]]
The balance beam is a rectangular artistic gymnastics apparatus and an event performed using the apparatus. The apparatus and the event are sometimes simply called "beam". The English abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring is BB. The balance beam is performed competitively only by female gymnasts.
The Apparatus
The beam is a small, thin beam that is typically raised from the floor on a leg or stand at both ends. It is usually covered with leather-like material and is only four inches wide.
Balance beams used in international gymnastics competitions must conform to the guidelines and specifications set forth by the International Gymnastics Federation Apparatus Norms brochure. Several companies manufacture and sell beams, including AAI (USA), Janssen-Fritsen (Europe) and Acromat (Australia). Most gymnastics schools purchase and use balance beams that meet the FIG's standards, but some may also use beams with carpeted surfaces for practice situations. While learning new skills, gymnasts often work on floor beams with the same dimensions and surface of regulation apparatus but are set a very short distance from or on the ground. They may also work on medium beams, mini beams, road beams, or even lines on a mat.
Originally, the beam surface was plain polished wood. In earlier years, some gymnasts competed on a beam made of basketball-like material. However, this beam type was eventually banned due to its extreme slipperiness. Since the 1980s, beams have been covered in leather or suede. In addition, they are now also sprung to accommodate the stress of high-difficulty tumbling, turns, and poses.
The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) publishes the apparatus's measurements in the Apparatus Norms brochure.
- Height:
- Length:
- A connection of two dance elements, one a leap, jump, or hop with legs in a 180-degree split
- A full turn on one foot
- One series of two acrobatic skills, one being a salto
- Acrobatic elements in different directions (forward/sideward and backward)
- A dismount
The gymnast may mount the beam using a springboard or from the mat; however, the mount must come from the Code of Points.
right|thumb|[[Dorina Böczögő performing a one-arm press hold during her mount, 2012.]]
Rules
The gymnast may compete barefoot or wear special beam shoes if she chooses. She may also chalk her hands and/or feet for added stability on the apparatus. Small markings may also be placed on the beam.
Once the exercise has started, the gymnast's coach may not spot her or interfere. The only time the gymnast may be accompanied on the podium is during a mount involving a springboard. In this instance, the coach may quickly remove the springboard from the area.
In the event of a fall, once the athlete is on her feet, she has 10 seconds to remount the beam and continue the routine.
GutsMuth suggested as one exercise having children walk along a tree trunk laid horizontally and supported by two posts. Ling invented a round bar affixed to wooden blocks, which could be low to the ground or high. As Ling's bar was difficult to stand on, a low, flat wooden beam was also used. The beam was commonly used in Swedish gymnastics to train balance and other physical skills.