Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) and Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) Competitive Handbook MIGS

2016 Definition of Gymnastics – Physical exercises designed to develop and display strength, balance, and agility, especially those performed on or with specialised apparatus.

Table of Contents

1.

Introduction .............................................................................................................................. Page 3 Introducing our Coaches: ........................................................................................................... Page 3

2.

Competitive Squad .................................................................................................................... Page 4 WAG Programme Overview ....................................................................................................... Page 4 Age Divisions: ............................................................................................................................. Page 4 Expectations and Parent Involvement ................................................................................ Page 5 and 6

3.

Training ..................................................................................................................................... Page 6 Respect yourself and others ...................................................................................................... Page 6 Supporting Your Child ................................................................................................................ Page 6 Injured Gymnasts/Illness .......................................................................................................... Page 6 Personal Gear ............................................................................................................................ Page 7 Discipline and its actions ........................................................................................................... Page 7 Not for you ................................................................................................................................. Page 7 Training Hours............................................................................................................................ Page 7

4.

Competition Guidelines ............................................................................................................ Page 7 Entering Competitions ............................................................................................................... Page 7 Competitions/Entry Fees ........................................................................................................... Page 7 Qualifying Competition ............................................................................................................. Page 8 Competition Leotards ................................................................................................................ Page 8 Tracksuits ................................................................................................................................... Page 8 Competition Number ................................................................................................................. Page 8 Team Selection .......................................................................................................................... Page 9 Competition Day ............................................................................................................ Page 9 and 10

5.

MIGS Annual Competition ..................................................................................................... Page 10 Nationals ..................................................................................................................................Page 10 Fundraising .............................................................................................................................. Page 11 Club Prize giving ........................................................................................................................ Page 11 First Aid for Home and hand care………………………………………………………………………………………Page 11 and 12

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1.

Introduction

This booklet is a guide to Women’s and Men’s Artistic Competitive Gymnastics. It will outline the WAG STEP System, and the Mens Level System. It will go over the involvement needed from parents and the gymnasts, and a guide to the costs involved. It will also provide detailed information on the running of competitions and selection to Nationals. Key Success Factors •

Happy and enthusiastic gymnasts

•

Gymnasts reaching their potential

•

Gymnasts continuing to improve their skills

•

Gymnasts from the club being competitive at the highest level

•

Coaching staff having the resources they require

•

Coaching staff developing their own skills

•

Local and non-profit community groups using the gym

Introducing our Competitive WAG and MAG Coaches: Name

Position

Contact Details

Lynette Farkash

Centre Manager Head Tramp and Tumbling Coach

Email: [email protected]

Kat Tierney

Coach WAG - Steps 2-3

Email: [email protected]

Kelsey Carter

Coach WAG - Steps 1 and 4-10

Email: [email protected]

Maxine Katting

Coach Tramp, Tumbling and Pre Competitive

07 3493108

Ken Bow

Coach MAG Senior

07 3493108

Ron Campbell

Coach MAG Senior

07 3493108

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Todd Jordan

2.

Coach MAG Junior

07 3493108

Competitive Squad

The competitive system requires that the gymnasts have natural physical and mental attributes. There are no hard and fast requirements, as it is known that strength in some areas compensates for challenges in other areas. It is hard to predict a gymnasts potential as a junior because of their young age, and physical development. There can be a place for everyone on the competitive gymnastics field and the reality is that only a few will make it to the top. Accomplishment and success comes from a lot of commitment and hard work.

WAG Programme Overview WAG is broken down into 4 apparatus. They are Vault, Bar, Beam and Floor. The Sport Development Committee (SDC) have developed a programme called ‘Strive Towards Excellence in Performance” (STEP). They believe this will encourage the majority of gymnasts to STEP at their own level and pace through the WAG programme. The STEPs programme begins with compulsory exercises (Step 1 – 6) which are designed to be achievable by the majority of gymnasts, and encourage them to perform with the attention to technical excellence. It continues (Step 7 – 10) with optional exercises based on composition requirements. Again encouraging gymnasts to preform within their ability, but allowing for faster development on one or more apparatus. It then moves onto the internationals levels where Gymnasts compete overseas in international competitions.

Age Divisions The age divisions may or may not be separated for the competition programme, but the individual results and awards must be separate for each age division. Teams may consist of gymnasts from either age division within the step. The age division is determined by the age the gymnast will turn during the calendar year. The gymnast must have turned 5 years already to compete.

STEP

UNDERS

OVERS

STEP 1

Up to 7

8+

STEP 2

Up to 8

9+

STEP 3

Up to 9

10+

STEP 4

Up to 10

11+

STEP 5

Up to 11

12+

STEP 6

Up to 12

13+

STEP 7

Up to 13

14+

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STEP 8

Up to 14

15+

STEP 9

Up to 15

16+

STEP 10

Up to 15

16+

MAG Programme Overview MAG Compete on 6 apparatus, Floor, Pommel Horse or Mushroom, Rings, Vault, P Bars and Horizontal Bar. Junior Boys compete Level’s 1-6, these levels are required to compete compulsory routines, Level 4-6 allow for some bonuses. Senior Men compete Level 7-9, U18 and Senior Open, these levels focus on optional exercises based on composition requirements. The skills required in levels 1-6 are the basic building blocks for upper level gymnastics through to international. The MAG Junior programme is designed to provide enjoyable opportunities for all involved. There are no age divisions in MAG Junior Gymnastics.

Expectations of Gymnasts and Parents/Caregivers Each MIGS competitive athlete as well as their parent/caregiver and coach are all required to sign a MIGS Code of Conduct. This document outlines the behaviour expected from MIGS gymnasts, coaches and parents. Gymnasts are expected to: • • • • • • • • • • •

Arrive 10 minutes before the training session starts Text or email your coach if you are not attending or are going to be late and include and explanation in your message Wear the correct training attire (Leotard/ Unitard, Bike Shorts, Crop Top) Bring a drink bottle Respect coaches and follow coaches instructions Help coaches setup equipment, if requested Treat MIGS equipment with care Show consideration for other gymnasts and their abilities Refrain from intimidating or ridiculing other gymnasts Be tidy and not leave clothes, rubbish and equipment lying around the gym Put in a wholehearted effort during training

Parents/Caregivers are expected to: • • •

Drop-off the gymnast/s 10 minutes before the training session starts To notify the coach when the gymnast cannot attend a training session or will be late Make an appointment with the coach if they wish to discuss any issues or concerns 5|Page

• •

Not instruct the gymnast/s during training session or step onto the gym floor without the coach’s permission. Allow the gymnast/s to complete the warm down period at the end of the training session.

Parent Involvement Parents are also encouraged to be involved in different ways, from fundraising to joining the management committee or helping out in the MIGS Competitions. At competitions there are opportunities to help and learn more about gymnastics by recording scores, becoming a judge or even a coach.

3.

Training

Respect yourself and other and set GOALS Gymnasts are encouraged to respect their physical bodies, fuel them with nutritious food, and have plenty of rest. Gymnasts need to listen to their bodies when it is telling them to stop because of injury or ill health. Gymnastics is the most demanding and difficult of all sports. There will be fear, setbacks, frustration, and defeat. Expect these things. Set high goals and achieve them step by step. It is a positive attitude that helps them to attain their goals.

Expectations at Training Competitive gymnasts are expected to attend all training sessions. This year there will be an award system for athletes who achieve 95% attendance per term then over a whole year. During every training session they will follow the instructions of the coach and work to the best of their ability. On joining the competitive squad you will notice that Gymnastics involves more hours than most other sports for children of the same age. It requires a degree of commitment from the gymnast/s and their parents/caregivers. Gymnasts are required to attend scheduled holiday and pit training unless they are away. Gymnastics will give your child more than just physical skills, they will also become selfdisciplined and confident individuals. At MIGS they are encouraged to become independent and learn good sportsmanship.

Training Hours Training hours are dependent on the STEP and group the athlete is in. The head coach sets the required training hours. Training hours range from 2 hours (Pre competitive Class) to 20hours+

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(Senior and International Athletes) per week. Fees throughout the year pay for training for 48 weeks total.

Supporting Your Child Parents play a crucial supporting role in a gymnasts sporting career. Without this it is difficult for the gymnast to maintain the interest and dedication required to be successful. Areas you can help are: •

Providing positive support during training and competition, irrespective of performance on the day.

•

Providing a training free haven at home if this is what the gymnast requires

•

Respecting other gymnasts and their parents.

•

Keeping in communication with your child’s coach.

Injured Gymnasts/Illness Injured gymnasts may be required to be at training for all or a portion of the scheduled time. When a gymnast becomes injured it is still important to concentrate on the areas of the body or the areas of training that the gymnast can improve while they are recovering. It is important the gymnast continues to condition. Every injury is different and the coach will advise you on how long the gymnast should stay at training or whether they need to come at all. If a gymnast is slightly off colour it is imperative that the coach is informed so that leeway can be given and the gymnast monitored especially in the performance of challenging skills. Gymnasts that have infectious diseases must not come to the gym while they are contagious. Open wounds, sores and verruca’s must be securely covered at all times within the gym environment.

Personal Gear Gymnasts, at the discretion of the coach, will need the following but is not limited to: WOMEN

MEN

 Spare hair ties and clips  Strapping tape  Drink bottle  Leotard and bike shorts  Socks SENIOR LEVELS  Ankle Weights  Hand Guards (optional)  Straps and gloves for STRAP BAR All gear must be clearly named 7|Page

   

Strapping tape Drink bottle Unitard and t-shirt Socks

SENIOR LEVELS  Ankle Weights  Hand Guards (optional)  Straps and gloves for STRAP BAR All gear must be clearly named

Discipline and its actions If behaviour issues occur at training, disciplinary action will take place in the following way •

First time will be a warning for the gymnast.

•

If the behaviour continues the gymnast will be sent upstairs away from everyone for 10 minutes. If the behaviour continues for third time the gymnast will be sent home and parents may be called in to have a meeting with their coach.

•

Not for you If you decide that gymnastics is no longer what you want please inform the Coach to organise a meeting. That way we can discuss the reasons and work through any issues that may need to be resolved. You also need to notify the Centre Manager.

4.

Competition Guidelines

Entering Competitions The coaches will decide if your child is ready to compete. A gymnast will not be entered in a competition if the skills have not been mastered. It is important to maintain a feeling of confidence and comfort. A gymnast will also not be entered into competitions if fees are not up to date.

Entry Fees and Permission MIGS select the competitions that the squads will attend early in the year when the competition calendar is finalised. (Competitions MAG and WAG will be attending is attached to this handbook) The entry fee for each competition will be around $70-$85. This includes the entry fee into the competition and also covers a portion of the MIGS coaches and judges travel expenses. Requirements for entry are: The permission slip is to be signed and fee to be paid before the specified due date, failure to do so will mean the athlete will not be entered into the competition. Term fees will also need to be up to date for your daughter or son to be entered. Please note competition fees cannot be added to your A.P if this is your form of paying fees. The timetable for competing on the day is only put out by the organisers once all the entries have been received. This is normally about one week before the competition.

Qualifying/Sanctioned Competitions mean? – Is a competition that meets the required standards for athletes to obtain qualifying marks to move up to the next STEP/Level. Qualifying competitions are registered with and sanctioned by GymSports New Zealand.

Scoring WAG Very briefly, Woman’s Junior Gymnastics is scored out of a 15.00. Junior WAG start value is only out of a 5.00, this is the number you may see sitting on the judges table, at the end of the routine. The 8|Page

start value may have dropped depending on what moves have been awarded. The other 10.00 is for deductions throughout the routine. At the end of the routine the two scores are added together for the final score. A perfect score is 15.00. The Total score must add up to 50.00 for a gymnast to qualify for the next STEP. This must be scored a minimal of two times within the season, once within our province (Waikato) and once outside. Senior Level Scores are different, the Start value depends on what skills and bonuses the athlete competes successfully. There overall score threshold to pass also varies dependant on what senior level you are in.

Scoring MAG Men’s Junior Artistic Gymnastics is scored out of a 12.00, Levels 4+ are able to gain bonuses: Bonus available:  Levels 1 & 2 = No bonus available  Level 3 & 4 = One bonus skill available in each routine (except vault). The one bonus skill is worth 0.3. Note: Some Level 4 routines have two bonus options. Both may be performed but only one may receive the 0.3  Levels 5 & 6 = Two bonus skills available. Each one is worth 0.3. Level 6 Vault = 0.6 Bonus. Note in level 6 there are 3 bonus options, but only 2 can receive credit. Gymnasts may compete all 3 for exercise construction. 2.6 A gymnast qualifies at a particular level, that is, becomes eligible to progress to the next level by: • Scoring an average of 10.000 on each apparatus at competitions in one calendar year - Average overall score of 60.000 Progression to the next level following qualification is not compulsory unless a gymnast scores; • Level 4 – 64.000 • Level 5 – 64.000 • Level 6 – 64.000 At the Junior National Championships, in which case he is required to progress to the next level in the next calendar year.

Team Selection A team consists of three or four gymnasts. The three highest scores on each apparatus is added together to get the final team score. If more than four gymnasts in the same level are competing it is up to the coach’s discretion who will make up the team.

Competition Day At competitions STEPs and Levels 1-6, compete on one day only, it can either be on a Saturday or Sunday. Competitions usually last about 3 hours, with prize giving held approximately 30 minutes after the completion of the competition. Please turn up 30 minutes minimum before your competition time to allow for any sessions running ahead of schedule.

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Athletes will need to ensure they bring with them: • MIGS tracksuit • MIGS leotard or Unitard and shorts or long pants • Plain white socks (no emblems, or markings) or gymnastics shoes, • Hair ties, bobby pins, hair nets and hairspray, • Hair tied up (Must be done the same throughout the team either two braids or bun) • Water bottle, healthy snacks • Black or navy bag Spectators might like to bring: • • • •

A cushion to sit on – spectators are often sitting for long periods of time. Warm clothing – gyms that have been locked up all night and empty can often be a bit cold first thing in the morning. Entertainment for younger siblings – the competition day can be very long and drawn out for younger children so it’s a good idea to bring something for them to do. A camera – photography is permitted, however flash photography is NOT permitted.

During the Competition • • • • • • • • •

All hair must be firmly tied back Jewellery must not be worn; excluding medical bracelets All bandages or supports must be a tan colour Handgrips are permitted Be aware gymnasts will get deducted if their underwear is visible under there leotards No makeup is required Gymnasts must conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike way. The gymnast can leave the competition floor for the toilet only with the permission of the Head Judge. The gymnast is to have no contact with the spectators.

Competition Leotards The athletes wear leotards and Unitards corresponding with their club colours. During the meet and greet session, gymnasts will be sized for leotards so they can be ordered. In 2015 MIGS updated their competition leotard. This year there may be opportunity to sell/ buy second hand uniforms if the girls have out grown them. The competition leotards are not used in training sessions. Cost for leotards: $185.00-$200.00 Costs for Unitards: $135.00 Shorts $45.00-$90.00 Long Pants (Senior Only) $82.00 - $160.00 (Not Including Postage for boys gear)

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Tracksuits All MIGS competitive gymnasts (MAG, WAG, Tumbling and Trampoline) wear the same uniform tracksuit. These are fitted each year, these are only hired and need to be returned at the end of each year. Again these are not used in training sessions. Costs for hire: $25.00 per comp season. INFORMATION: In 2017, MIGS are upgrading our tracksuits, it is under discussion that these will be user pay and you will own them, not hired out from the gym. These tracksuits will be a new design and made with more modern comfortable and flexible materials.

Competition Number Once an artistic gymnast is registered with GymSports NZ as a competitor, and their fees paid, they are issued with a competition number. This number remains the same for the gymnast’s whole career, so it is important to keep this safe. These numbers up until 2014 were pinned or stitched on the backs of gymnast leotards/Unitards. However in 2014 rules have since changed and this is no longer required. We suggest that gymnasts bring their number to competitions regardless, these can be left in their bags

After the Competition All gymnasts must stay for prize giving after the competition unless cleared by your coach.

Competition Ribbon Cards Competitive athletes will need to purchase one at the first competition of the year, these are roughly $2.00. This will be held by the coach and taken to all the competitions during the season and the gymnast’s scores for each apparatus will be recorded on it. A Ribbon Award Scheme operates for STEPs 1 – 6 and Levels 1-6 giving gymnasts an instant tangible recognition of their achievements, with different colours signifying the different score targets they have passed. GymSports NZ Step pins can be purchased for each step passed. You will be notified by the club when it is time to order these.

5.

MIGS Annual Competition

Our gym is holding one artistic competition in 2016 and two tumbling and trampoline competitions. The Artistic competition is for both Junior and Senior artistic gymnasts for both WAG and MAG. This competition is on the 4th and 5th June. Parents and gymnast’s assistance is greatly appreciated and needed. These competitions cannot run without volunteers!! Please consider helping in any of the following areas.

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• • • • • • • • • • •

Setting up and down the gym in preparation for the competition Baking Provision of food for the cafeteria Working in the cafeteria Sorting Ribbons Manning the door Manning the sausage sizzle Returning the gym back to its original state ready for the next week MC Equipment manager/mover Score holders/Score recorders

Nationals Gymnasts in Step 5 / Level 4 and up may be selected to compete at GymSports NZ National Champs. To compete at Nationals the gymnast must be 9 years old in the year of competition. Selection to Nationals is made based on the result of the gymnasts results throughout the competition season and bound by the current Waikato Provincial Artistic Nationals Selection Policy.

Fundraising We have our Annual Bunnings Family Fun day. This date is TBC but is during February or March, down at Bunnings, we would appreciate parents and gymnasts to come down and support this day. We also hold regular sausage sizzles and garage sales, all families will also be asked to support these and other funding raising activities throughout the year.

Club Prize Giving The club prize giving is held at the end of the year. All competitive gymnasts must attend. The gymnasts have an opportunity to present their work to the parents and participate in a fun display. Here they will also be presented with awards for their successes throughout the year, as well as supporting their peers.

6.

First Aid for Home

Preventive Hand Care The first strategic rule of avoiding rips, is to gradually and progressively build up your bar workouts to toughen your hands and build up calluses. Callus Up Calluses are areas of thickened, toughened skin caused by repeated friction and pressure from repetitive activities. Calluses form to protect the skin and the muscle structure of the hand from injury or damage. Essentially, calluses are a thicker, stronger and tougher layer of skin the body develops to deal with friction

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and heat. Calluses are proof of hard work in addition to being a layer of protection. Toughening your hands by building up calluses is all part of the rip prevention process. Carefully Care for Your Calluses Once you build calluses, however, you need to maintain and care for them. Most calluses form on the palm of the hand, especially, just below the fingers. Very thick calluses can lead to very thick rips. Calluses that have edges that stick up can catch on the bar and rip. So calluses must be filed, shaved or cut down and have the edges smoothed to help protect from rips, but they should not be filed down too far as this will irritate the skin and not leave enough protection against rips. There are a number of tools that can be used to do that and each gymnast and coach have preferences for which ones they like to use. Either pumice stone or special hand graters.

Moist, Not Soft While you dont want soft hands, you will also not want hands to get so dry that they start to crack as this is then already the start of a bigger potential rip. Gymnasts have a variety of hand textures and dryness and must find the right balance of products to use in their particular situation to protect against rips. Find the right lotion that will keep your hands moist but will not soften them. Don’t Get a Grip (That’s Too Tight) How you grip the bars and how tight you grip the bars are a definite factor in rips. You certainly need to hold the bars tight enough not to fly off, but as you become more experienced, you will find just how tightly you have to hold on and when you can ease your grip significantly (like when you go over the top of the bar). Chalk Up Using chalk can also help you maintain a better grip on the bars, and so if you can grip more easily, you dont have to hold the bar as tightly which over time may reduce overall friction on your hands. Chalk improves our grip on the bars and can keep your hands dry on the bar and when your hands are dry, not wet and slippery from sweat, you dont have to hold the bar so tightly to safely stay on. There are, also, other products that can help keep your palms dry if your hands sweat a lot. Cool Hot Hands Friction causes heat and heat is a factor in causing rips. Most gymnasts are familiar with the feeling of their hands being hot which is often a feeling they get just before they rip. Reducing the heat of hot hands can help prevent rips. When gymnasts feel they are close to ripping, they will often run cold water on their hands. If gymnasts want to use ice packs for cooling their hands, they should buy and bring their own to the gym. It can also be a good practice to ice down hot hands when you get home from practice if it at all feels like you are beginning to get a rip. Tea Tree Oil Heals There is at least one product that can actually act as a rip preventer (and also a rip healer). A variety of tea tree oil products can help prevent rips before they happen. Gymnasts can put tea tree oil products on their hands, either the night before bar practices or every night for gymnasts who work bars every day. Tea tree

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oil can penetrate the skin and heal any damage or pre-rip injuries under the skin that might contribute to ripping. Do Daily Diligent Preventative Hand Care Preventative hand care is a daily process for serious gymnasts who wish to avoid or minimize ripping. Once you rip, it will have some negative effect on your practices and competitions, so doing daily preventative hand care is only common sense.

Aliment

Treatment

Rips

Treatment for Rips is minimal and may include

-

Take dead skin off

-

Keep hands clean and moisturised

-

Rest for a couple days depending on severity

-

Coach will tape hands (gymnasts to supply their own tape)

Use antibiotic cream to keep infection out

If a blister isn’t too painful, try to keep it intact. Unbroken skin over a blister provides a natural barrier to bacteria and decreases the risk of infection. Cover a small blister with an adhesive bandage, and cover a large one with a porous, plastic-coated gauze pad that absorbs moisture and allows the wound to breathe. Head/Neck Injuries

At MIGS if a gymnast hurts their head or neck (minor or major) during training then we advise they be seen by a doctor straight away.

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Sprains

Control Swelling with RICE Therapy

-

Rest the sprained or strained area. If necessary, use a sling for an arm injury or crutches for a leg or foot injury. Splint an injured finger or toe by taping it to an adjacent finger or toe.

-

ICE for 20 minutes every hour.

-

Compress by wrapping an elastic (Ace) bandage or sleeve lightly (not tightly) around the joint or limb.

-

Elevate the area above heart level.

See a Doctor All but the most minor strains and sprains should be evaluated by a doctor. Consult a doctor as soon as possible if there are symptoms of a possible broken bone:

-

There is a "popping" sound with the injury.

-

There is significant swelling, pain, fever, or open cuts.

The person can't move the injured joint or limb. The limb buckles when the injured joint is used. There is numbness

Follow Up Continue RICE for 24 to 48 hours or until the person sees a doctor. Muscle Pain, Aches & Joint Pain

Ice vs Heat Indirect ice (an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel) is best for immediate relief. "Heat will feel good while it's on, but it's not going to lessen the damage or make it go away anytime soon. Icing the sore area right after the activity to reduce inflammation, and then using heat later to increase blood flow to the area. Heat also can help relieve joint pain. Muscle pain that comes on quickly and feels intense is a sign that you've injured yourself. Call your doctor if your pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days.

Bruising

Treatment for light bruises is minimal and may include -

RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), Later in recovery, light stretching exercises.

Particularly, immediate application of ice while elevating the area may reduce or completely prevent swelling by restricting blood flow to the area and preventing internal bleeding. Rest and preventing re-injury is essential for rapid recovery.

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