The criteria for scoring in a gymnastics competition include execution, difficulty, and artistic merit. Judges assess athletes based on their ability to perform required skills with precision and control. Execution scores reflect how well a routine is performed, while difficulty scores consider the complexity of the skills included. Additionally, artistic merit evaluates elements such as creativity, choreography, and overall flow. The final score is a combination of these components, typically resulting in a total that is used to determine rankings in competitions.