A Development of Electronic Scoring System for Artistic Gymnastics Competitions Based on International Gymnastics Rules and Regulations

Background and Aim: In China, artistic gymnastics is one of the traditionally advantageous programs in competitive sports, and it has long been in the leading position in the world. It is considered that the quality and objectivity of the refereeing work in gymnastics are a rather complex problem. Therefore, to solve this problem, it is necessary to improve the rules of the competition, the preparation of the referees, the principles of formation of the team of referees, the control of the work of the referees, and the use of technical equipment. This research aimed to develop an electronic scoring system for artistic gymnastics competitions based on international gymnastics rules and regulations. Materials and Methods: This research was a mixed-methods research, the process followed by these steps: First, research documents related to the international gymnastics rules and the electronic scoring system for artistic gymnastics competitions were studied. Second, five experts were invited to conduct in-depth interviews to create a draft components and system flowchart of an electronic scoring system for competitive gymnastics competitions, providing valuable insight into the current state of gymnastics scoring. Third, 20 experts were invited to conduct a Delphi consensus to screen the core indicators for the development of the electronic scoring system. In this step, an electronic scoring system for artistic gymnastics competitions was developed. Finally, nine experts were invited to confirm and improve the developed electronic scoring system for artistic gymnastics competitions through the connoisseurship method. This research used mean, standard deviation, median, and interquartile range to analyze the data. The criteria were median ≥ 3.50 and interquartile range ≤ 1.50. Results: The results found that the developed electronic scoring system for artistic gymnastics competitions based on international gymnastics rules and regulations comprised three first-level indicators: (1) Electronic scoring system user interface; (2) Scoring modules and data processing; and (3) Data transmission. Additionally, the system incorporates 20 second-level indicators to support these key components, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient scoring process tailored to meet international standards.  Conclusion: The electronic scoring system for artistic gymnastic competition responded to the rules and regulations of artistic gymnastics, was appropriate, practical, and acceptable among the users who were referees.