Election in Competitive programs is made after participating in Gym for All classes for a minimum of one term. Invitation into these groups involves an increase in the number of hours trained per week. Gymnasts in the competitive program focus on skill acquisition and development to a high level of technical specificity. Based on attitude and ability to perform these skills and routines, children may then be selected to start attending local competitions.
Progression to higher levels is through further selection by head coaches and based on skills and strength testing held throughout year. A greater degree of self-discipline and control is expected, and a commitment to increased training hours is required as children progress higher through the levels and competitive structure. Competitive gymnasts are offered the opportunity to compete in competitions locally through to National events.
Gymnastics Townsville strives to offer programs that allow athletes to develop at their own pace and progress through the Australian Level’s Program. The gymnastics Townsville competitive structure allows gymnasts to gradually increase training hours and level of commitment, whilst aiming to allow gymnasts balance between gymnastics commitments, schooling, and other extracurricular activities. Please see diagram on the right for competitive structure.
This is an exercise in pure acrobatics, alternating between powerful tumbling series and the composure necessary for balance and strength elements. The gymnast endeavors to display virtuous rebound height, whilst connecting the elements of their routine with gymnastic artistry.
A predominately swinging apparatus, that is interspersed with only a few held or strength elements. Swings are completed above and below the bars and consist of acrobatic flight elements, changes of direction and swing types. The gymnasts routine ends in a dramatic dismount off the side or the end of the bars.
We balance while flipping…
This apparatus is known for its difficulty of strength and swinging elements. The free moving quality of the rings makes it difficult to remain stationary during held elements, where any movement of the rings incurs a penalty. During his performance, the gymnast should demonstrate control, strength, and balance in the presentation of forward and backward swings and strength holds parts. The gymnast’s dismount allows him to show his aerial abilities prior to landing.
The gymnasts during their twenty-five metre approach to the vault must develop the necessary power to complete all their aerial skills before landing. Upon take-off from the board the gymnast explosively propels herself upwards, dynamically pushing off the table to generate greater height and distance in the second phase of flight. This enables a higher level of acrobatic skill and extension to be performed prior to a stable landing.
This is a very spectacular apparatus, largely due to the acrobatic releases and re-grasp flight elements. The routine is based on swinging parts without stops, and includes extended forward and backward giant swings, combined with near bar elements, changes of direction and grip, as well as the release and re-grasp movements. The high dismount from the bar allows the gymnast to show her acrobatic talents and landing prowess.
