Design of an expert (EC) judging program to evaluate the performance of the front handspring skill on the vaulting platform in artistic gymnastics.

Abstract

The researcher designed an artificial intelligence program that simulates the judge's experience in making a decision through angles,
measurements, possible errors, and movement paths of performance, which were pre-defined to be a database on which the designed program
is based in making a judgment according to the international law of gymnastics in evaluating the performance of the front jump on the vaulting
platform for men. It is hoped that it will be the appropriate solution to support the judges' decision in a more objective manner. The aim of this
study was to design an artificial intelligence program using expert systems technology to evaluate the performance of the front foot vault skill
in men's artistic gymnastics. The research methodology employed was descriptive, utilizing the interrelationship and causal relationships
approach, as it was deemed most suitable for the nature of the problem. The researcher defined the population as (30) federal gymnastics judges
in Iraq. A purposive sample of (10) federal judges was selected to evaluate the performance of male gymnasts in executing the front foot vault
on the vault platform after completing the judging program for the men's artistic gymnastics front foot vault. Following initial pilot trials and
confirmation of the program's scientific foundations, the researcher conducted the main trial on September 25-27, 2025, in the Samir Khammas
Hall. International and local judges were present, and the top 20 performances were judged. The judges evaluated the performances, and the
expert systems judging program, designed concurrently, provided all necessary requirements for the trial were met, including lighting,
equipment, and cameras, which were positioned vertically on the vault platform. At a distance of six meters from the platform so that the
beginning and end of the performance can be seen, and the laptop is placed in a location close to the camera so that it does not obstruct the
judges' view.