For most artistic gymnastics floor routines, the answer is no. The FIG Code of Points requires floor music to be instrumental, meaning wordless vocal sounds are fine but sung lyrics are not, and a track with actual words brings a scoring penalty.
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics
Under the current FIG Code of Points, floor music must be instrumental. Vocals without lyrics, like chanting or humming, are permitted, while a song with words is not, and using one carries a real deduction. Recent code updates have also sharpened how judges score musicality and expression, so the music needs to be performed, not just played in the background, regardless of which genre is chosen.
NCAA Gymnastics Plays by Different Rules
College gymnastics has historically been more lenient about lyrics than the FIG rulebook. That said, judging panels are paying closer attention to thematic consistency, meaning the choreography needs to clearly reflect what the lyrics are saying. A mismatched lyric moment can still cost artistry points even when using lyrics is technically within the rules.
Men’s Gymnastics and Rhythmic Gymnastics
Men’s floor exercise is performed without any music at all, so the lyrics question does not apply. Rhythmic gymnastics is a different story: the restriction on lyrics was dropped from a recent code of points, so lyrics are now permitted in that discipline. Because the rules genuinely differ by discipline, level, and organization, it is worth double checking against the current handbook, or working with a provider that builds gymnastics tracks to the exact requirements for your level, before finalizing a track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a gymnast use their favorite pop song if it has lyrics?
Usually only the instrumental version, for FIG and most USAG level routines. Always check the rules for the specific level and organization.
Does NCAA gymnastics allow lyrics?
It is more lenient than FIG rules, but the choreography still needs to match the theme of the lyrics closely.
Do rhythmic gymnasts compete to songs with lyrics?
Yes, lyrics are permitted in rhythmic gymnastics under recent codes of points.
