Competitive gymnastics

Development – Level 1

The Development squad at Gladstone Gymnastics consists of athletes between the ages of 4-6 years old. Gymnasts train 4 hours per week with a precise focus on strength, agility, and technique needed for the competitive levels.

Pre-Competitive – Level 2

The pre-competitive squad at Gladstone Gymnastics is the next progression of the squads program. Athletes train 6 hours per week while building on the fundamentals learned at the development level. Gymnasts are preparing for the entry level 3 routines created by Gymnastics Australia.

Junior Squad – Level 3-6

The Junior squads at Gladstone Gymnastics compete in both the Central Queensland region as well as the Queensland State level. Athletes train multiple times per week ranging from 9 to 16 hours. Gymnasts progress through the Australian levels program by individually testing compulsory routines at sanctioned competition events.

Senior Squad – Level 7-10

The senior squads at Gladstone Gymnastics compete at the regional, state, and national level. The senior levels offer an “optional” gymnastics experience that highlights the individual’s strengths and abilities. Athletes progress through the senior levels by testing at sanctioned competition events. Gymnasts train 16+ hours per week.

**These classes are by invitation only. Club uniform required

Pre Competitive – Level 0-1

The Mens Pre Competitive squad at Gladstone Gymnastics consists of athletes between the ages of 4-6 years old. Gymnasts train 4 to 4.5 hours per week focusing on fitness and fundamentals of their body position and shaping. Some of the basic fundamentals boys will learn in this program are correct body positions in a static position, strength, learning to jump, agility and technique needed for the competitive levels.

Development – Level 2

The Development squad at Gladstone Gymnastics is the next progression of the squads program. Athletes train 9 hours per week while building on the fundamentals learned at the pre competitive level. Gymnasts are learning the Level 2 and 3 routines created by Gymnastics Australia. At this level the boys start putting their body shaping into apparatus work and begin spending more time on each of the apparatuses. They learn to build on their static positions and start transferring these into a swing and using momentum.

Junior Squad – Level 4-6

The Junior squads at Gladstone Gymnastics compete at both the Central Queensland region as well as the Queensland State and National level. Athletes train multiple times per week for approximately 12-15 hours per week(change to approximately 16 hours per week). Gymnasts progress through the Australian levels program by individually testing compulsory routines at sanctioned competition events. The emphasis on this squad is for the boys learn how to compete quality routines at a high level.

Senior Squad – Level 7-10

The senior squads at Gladstone Gymnastics compete at the regional, state, and national level. The senior levels offer an “optional” gymnastics experience that highlights the individual’s strengths and abilities. Athletes progress through the senior levels by testing at sanctioned competition events. Gymnasts train 16+ hours per week.

**These classes are by invitation only. Club uniform required

Acrobatic Gymnastics is an expressive, dynamic and spectacular sport for men and women; combining power and poise, with grace and beauty. This dynamic and spirited sport builds confidence and camaraderie amongst participants.

In Acrobatic Gymnastics there are three types of competitive routines and five group categories (Women’s Pairs; Men’s Pairs; Mixed Pairs; Women’s Group; and Men’s Fours). All routines are choreographed to music and take place on a 12m x 12m sprung floor area.

The three types of competitive routines are:

1. Balance
artful demonstrations of strength, balance, flexibility and agility
2. Dynamic
showing flight from throws, boosts, pitches and catches
3. Combination
elements from the balance and dynamic routines

Group A (Development)– Level 1-3

The Acrobatic Development squad at Gladstone Gymnastics trains for approximately 6 hours per week. They train and compete at Levels 1-3 according to the Acrobatic Gymnastics program. These gymnasts start to train in groups or pairs and perform routines but also still showcase their skills as individuals. This group aims to continue to build on their foundational skills as they begin to compete their routines and their skills.

Group B (Intermediate) – Level Stage 2 and Stage 3 (Level 4, 5 & 6)

Our Acrobatic Group B class trains for approximately 9-12 hours per week and starts to progress their skills into more intermediate and advanced flipping and catching skills. They perform and compete 2 x 2 minute routines in their groupings (a balance and dynamic routine).

Group C & D – “Optional Athletes” (Advanced) – Level 6-10

The Acrobatic Advanced Team at Gladstone Gymnastics trains for approximately 12-16 hours per week and their focus is on combining more complex skills together into a routine. These skills include more twisting and double saultos and they showcase their individual skills and strengths but also the synergy with another person or group of acrobats and their skills and strengths combined. Each grouping competes and performs 3 x 2 minute routines (balance, dynamic and combined).

International Team

This group trains very similarly to the advanced group however they have aspirations and goals to showcase their skills on the international stage and competition. There are strict age categories with these groupings.

Rhythmic Gymnastics

• Develops posture and confident body movement, for sport and life
• Enhances co-ordination and agility, for body awareness and balance
• Enhances creativity and builds self-confidence
• Increases flexibility and strength and prepares the body for the life's challenges
• Develops healthy minds and bodies for now and later life

The following apparatus are used in Rhythmic Gymnastics:

Rope

Light and supple, in hemp or synthetic material; use the rope to leap over or skip then add in swings, throws, circles, rotations and figures of eight.

Hoop

made of plastic or wood; rotate the hoop around the hand or body then add rolls, swings, circles, figures of eight, throws, passes through and over the hoop.

Ball

made of rubber or synthetic material, 18 - 20 cms in diameter; rest the ball in the hand then add throws, bounces or rolls.

Clubs

made of wood or synthetic material; use the clubs for rhythmical tapping then add mills and small circles, asymmetric movements, throws and catches.

Ribbon

6 metres long and probably the most popular event for the spectators; use the ribbon for large, smooth flowing movements to make spirals and circles then add swings, circles and serpents.

Freehand

performances without apparatus; instead the emphasis is on style, technique and execution of dance skills. Freehand is most often seen in lower levels.

Level 1 and up

The Gladstone Gymnastics Rhythmic Team has recently reformed and are increasing their skills to begin to compete at various events within Queensland. Our rhythmic gymnasts train between 1.5 and 6 hours per week concentrating on building confidence with throwing and catching their apparatuses and making connections with music and their bodies.

STEPS 4+ athletes are invited to join the Gladstone Gymnastics “in-house team”. This team offers gymnasts the opportunity to train the compulsory levels put in place by Gymnastics Australia with limited hours required. Athletes in these classes train 6 hours per week with the option of competing if they choose to.