Introduction to Competitions

Competitions play a critical role in honing a competitive athlete's skills by providing them a platform to showcase and evaluate the skills they have been practicing. If you are new to competitive gymnastics, there is a general structure that is followed during competitions. Competitions are divided into four components namely pre-competition, general warm up, competition and an awards ceremony. Competition events generally take place for a minimum of three hours and require the athlete to be present until the end.

The pre competition portion prompts the athlete to be well prepared for the big event. This ranges from monitoring their diet the previous night to wearing appropriate gymnastics attire on the day of the competition. Eating and sleeping properly before a competition plays a pivotal role in a successful performance. To avoid feeling fatigue and to perform to their full potential, athletes must have adequate sleep and a nutritious breakfast before the competition. They are also encouraged to bring light snacks or meals after the competition to keep their stamina in check. Furthermore, it is of utmost importance to maintain appropriate gymnastics attire and tie their hair up in a sleek bun to avoid injuries. Athletes are also advised to get extra hair ties, a water bottle, warm up clothing, grips, and wristbands if they use them.

Athletes generally arrive 15 mins early for the general warm up session. Arriving early gives time to find their coach and their team without causing delay. This portion of the competition usually lasts for 15 to 20 mins and consists of general warm up such as running, stretching, and basic skills. Once the warmup session is complete, the athletes will be asked to march onto the floor or to their first apparatus to be presented to their judges and audience.

The general warm up is followed by the competition portion. Athletes will begin their routines at the vault, followed by the uneven bars, balance beam and then the floor exercise. They are provided 30 seconds to two minutes to warm up as a team before they perform their routine. The warmup is followed by a short break. Once the break is concluded the athletes will perform their routines one at a time. Once their name is called, the athlete will present and then begin their routine. The athlete will present again to the judges at the end of their routine. After every athlete in the group presents and performs their routine, they will be asked to move onto the next event. The athletes are refrained from leaving the competition floor throughout the event and require the judge’s permission to use the washroom.

The athletes are given a short break after the competition and can use this time to have their light snack. After the break they will be asked to gather for the awards ceremony. The ceremony will either take place on the floor or in a separate room. This portion of the competition might take a minimum of 30 minutes as there are multiple levels and age divisions competing during the competition. The athletes are required to stay for the entire ceremony as it depicts that they are polite and respectful towards their team and fellow competitors.

Competitions are usually held in hockey arenas or similar areas and prove to be a hassle for finding a parking spot. Parents are thus advised to plan ahead of time or drop their athletes off at the door before finding a parking spot. It is also highly recommended to carry cash for admissions and concessions.