The balance beam is a rectangular artistic gymnastics apparatus and an event performed using the apparatus. The apparatus and the event are sometimes simply called "beam". The English abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring is BB. The balance beam is performed competitively only by female gymnasts.

The beam is a small, thin beam that is typically raised from the floor on a leg or stand at both ends. It is usually covered with leather-like material and is only four inches wide.^[1]

Balance beams used in international gymnastics competitions must conform to the guidelines and specifications set forth by the International Gymnastics Federation Apparatus Norms brochure. Several companies manufacture and sell beams, including AAI (USA), Janssen-Fritsen (Europe) and Acromat (Australia). Most gymnastics schools purchase and use balance beams that meet the FIG's standards, but some may also use beams with carpeted surfaces for practice situations. While learning new skills, gymnasts often work on floor beams with the same dimensions and surface of regulation apparatus but are set a very short distance from or on the ground. They may also work on medium beams, mini beams, road beams, or even lines on a mat.

Originally, the beam surface was plain polished wood.^[2] In earlier years, some gymnasts competed on a beam made of basketball-like material. However, this beam type was eventually banned due to its extreme slipperiness. Since the 1980s, beams have been covered in leather or suede. In addition, they are now also sprung to accommodate the stress of high-difficulty tumbling, turns, and poses.^[3]

The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) publishes the apparatus's measurements in the Apparatus Norms brochure.

• Height: 125 centimetres (4.10 ft)^[4]
• Length: 500 centimetres (16 ft)^[4]
• Width: 10 centimetres (3.9 in)^[4]

A beam routine must consist of:^[5]

• A connection of two dance elements, one a leap, jump, or hop with legs in a 180-degree split
• A full turn on one foot
• One series of two acrobatic skills, one being a salto
• Acrobatic elements in different directions (forward/sideward and backward)
• A dismount

The gymnast may mount the beam using a springboard or from the mat; however, the mount must come from the Code of Points.^[5] The routines can last up to 90 seconds.^[5]

For detailed information on score tabulation, please see the Code of Points article.

Several aspects of the performance determine the gymnast's final mark. All elements in the routine, as well as all errors, are noted by the judges.

Deductions are taken for all errors made while on the beam, including lapses in control, balance checks (i.e., wobbling or stumbling to maintain balance), poor technique and execution, and failure to fulfill the required Code of Points elements. Falls automatically incur a deduction depending on the level the gymnast is on.^[6]

The gymnast may compete barefoot or wear special beam shoes if she chooses. She may also chalk her hands and/or feet for added stability on the apparatus. Small markings may also be placed on the beam.^[7]

Once the exercise has started, the gymnast's coach may not spot her or interfere. The only time the gymnast may be accompanied on the podium is during a mount involving a springboard. In this instance, the coach may quickly remove the springboard from the area. In the event of a fall, once the athlete is on her feet, she has 10 seconds to remount the beam and continue the routine.^[5] If she does not return to the beam within this time limit, she cannot continue.^[5]

Under FIG rules, the maximum allowed time for a balance beam routine is 1:30 minutes.^[5] The routine is timed on the scoreboard timer, visible to gymnasts and judges. In addition, a warning tone or bell is sounded at 1:20 into the exercise.^[5] If the gymnast has not left the beam by 1:30, another bell is sounded, and a score deduction is incurred, which is 0.1.

In the early days of women's artistic gymnastics, beam was based more on dance than in tumbling. Even at the elite level, routines were composed of combinations of leaps, dance poses, handstands, rolls, and walkovers. In the 1960s, the most difficult acrobatic skill performed by the average Olympic gymnast was a back handspring.

Balance beam difficulty began to increase dramatically in the 1970s. Olga Korbut and Nadia Comăneci pioneered advanced tumbling combinations and aerial skills on beam; other athletes and coaches began to follow suit. The change was also facilitated by transitioning from wooden beams to safer, less slippery models with suede-covered surfaces and elastic padding.^[2] By the mid-1980s, top gymnasts routinely performed flight series and multiple aerial elements on beam.

Today, balance beam routines still consist of a mixture of acrobatic skills, dance elements, leaps, and poses, but they are significantly more difficult. It is also an individual medal competition in the Olympics.

• Apparatus description at the FIG website
• History of the balance beam (in German and English)
• US Gym Net's glossary of beam skills