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Gym Terms - S
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Saddle:
The middle portion of the pommel horse

Salto:
A somersault

Salute:
The act when a gymnast raises his or her hand before they begin their routine to signal the judges they are ready to begin, and after to signal they are finished with their routines.

Scale:
Balancing on one leg or knee while holding the other leg in one of many postitions.
Example: Gymnast shown in a scale position.

Scissors:
Each leg swings alternately to the back and front of the pommel horse.

Score Protest:
A written complaint filed by either the gymnast, their coach or federation, to request reconsideration and possible revision of scores felt to be incorrect or unfair. Under FIG rules, the protest must be filed after the score is originally reported, and before the end of the rotation.

Senior:
A world class/elite gymnast who is at least 15 years of age within that year who competes at the highest level of the sport.

Senior Level:
Common phrase meaning the elite, or highest, competitive level of the sport.

Sequence:
A series of movements.

Side horse:
Another name for the pommel horse.

Sole circle:
Revolution on high bar or the uneven bars in which the feet, as well as the hands, remain on the bar.

Somersault:
A complete 360 degress rotation of the body in the air.

Specialist:
A gymnast who is especially strong on one or two events. This gymnast typically only competes on his or her specific events.

Split:
The act of spreading the legs as wide apart as possible.

Split leap:
A forward leap from one foot, landing on the opposite foot and assuming a split position mid-air.
Example: Carly Patterson photographed mid-leap.

Spotter:
An assistant who is positioned near the apparatus to aid the gymnast in case of a fall.

Springboard:
The takeoff board used for vaulting and performing mounts on other events.

Stalder:
On the high bar or uneven bars, a giant swing with the legs stradled, body piked, or moving into a handstand.
Named after Josef Stalder of Switzerland.

Standing:
As an adjective, sometimes used in reference to a skill which is started when the gymnast is in a standing position.
Example: a standing back tuck

Start Value:
Under the pre-2006 Code of Points, the maximum score a gymnast could receive for their routine. The start value was determined by taking into account the bonus points, combinations, and fullfillment of required elements. The final score was then determined by subtracting all deductions from this start value.

Stick:
To land a dismount cleanly, without taking a step.

Still Rings:
Also known just as "Rings", a stationary pair of rings supported from ropes and straps. This event is performed by men only, who do either strength or swinging elements while holding onto the rings.

Straddle Position:
The act of spreading the legs sideways as wide as possible.

Stoop:
Vault in which the body is bend forward as the feet pass over the horse.

Strength part (element):
A movement performed with strength.

Stuck Landing:
A perfect landing without any wobbles, hops or steps.

Stutze:
A skill on the parallel bars in which the gymnast turns 180 degrees during a forward support swing.

Support position:
A position in which the gymnast supports his or her body weight with the hands and arms, above the equiptment.

Swan dive:
The gymnast leaps from a standing position into a roll or handstand.