the highest value according to the Table of Elements. The dismount is included as one of the eight elements. Elements are rated from 0.10 to 1.0 according difficulty. Composition Requirements (CR): In the 2017 Code of Points, gymnasts must demonstrate skills from four required Element Groups on each apparatus. For each composition requirement completed, 0.5 points are awarded. The maximum CR score is 2.00. From 2008 to 2016, there were five different Element Groups for each apparatus, allowing a gymnast to earn up to 2.5 points. Connection Value (CV): Gymnasts can earn extra points by connecting two or more elements. The number of points awarded is determined by the rating of the elements performed in combination. The D-score judging panel does not take deductions. However, they may decide not to award points for elements that are performed incorrectly or not completed. They may also decide not to award connection value points if there are extra steps or pauses between skills that are meant to be connected. There is no upper limit on the D-score. The E-score (or execution score) evaluates the execution and artistry of the routine. The base score is 10.0 for all routines. The E-score judging panel deducts points for errors in form, artistry, execution, technique and routine composition. Errors are judged to be small, medium or large and respective 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 deductions are applied. There is a 1.0 deduction for falling. The D-score and E-score are added together for the gymnast's final mark. Scoring for vault is somewhat different: Every vault is assigned a points value. The D-score is simply this value. Every gymnast performing the same vault will receive the same D-score. The E-score starts at 10.0. Judges deduct for form, technique, execution and landing. As with other apparatus, the D-score and E-score are added together for the gymnast's final mark. There are several acts that completely invalidate the vault and result in a score of 0. These include receiving spotting (assistance) from a coach, going before the signal and not using the U-shaped safety mat for Yurchenko-style vaults. An inquiry into a gymnast's score can be initiated if it was felt that the score was too low. Only the D-score can be contested, however. Pre-2006 Code Skills: Every acrobatic and dance element was awarded a specific difficulty rating, ranging from A (easiest) to “Super E” (hardest) in the Table of Elements. A gymnast