For this reason, many gymnasts and coaches considered compulsories more challenging to execute than optionals. Opponents believed that compulsories harmed emerging gymnastics programs. Many gymnastics federations have maintained compulsories in their national programs. The compulsories were routines that were developed and choreographed by the FIG Technical Committee. The compulsories are performed in succession in the above order, without pause or dismounts. Many members of the gymnastics community still argue that compulsories should be reinstated. After the compulsories, Russia was in first place. The team compulsories took place on July 21, 1996. Three compulsories were performed and each team was drawn to perform a specific dance. Compulsories were eliminated at the end of 1996.