Hi. I saw this at our L5 meet this weekend. Took me by surprise. Great that the kid can do it, but is that okay for a L5 compulsory bar routine? Just curious. Thanks.
It is allowed, but not done frequently. I heard from one coach who had a kid competing one that the judges were confused and after deliberating scored it very harshly. But I imagine a TOPs kid who is working them anyway could do one very nicely.
It's not common, but gymnasts can do a stalder or toe-circle instead of a clear hip. I think last year all of our level 5s did the clear-hip, but we had a stalder and toe-circle the year before, and a stalder the year before that. Provided they hit the angle requirement, I do not think they are scored any harder or "easier." Judges have commented that it is nice to see the variety, but it's compulsory. There's no bonus for variety.