My child can do more difficult moves, so why are they not in their routine?

The routines are set moves that must be completed exactly as stated on the list. If a gymnast includes more difficult moves than required, they risk deductions for poor form (execution) and will not receive extra marks for performing different moves, resulting in a lower score.

Why is my child not always practising their competition vault?

Vault is made up of 7 separate parts. The first 3: Run, Take Off, and Springboard contact are NOT judged but are a key component of an excellent vault.

The next 4: First Flight, Repulsion, Second Flight, and Landing are ALL judged. During training, the coaches will work on all 7 parts separately (using a range of activities) to perfect each stage. Coaches look at the Vault as a whole and then identify which sections need to be worked on to improve the skill. Without these key components perfected, the vault will not score highly; we work on each one individually.

Can I change the day or time my child is competing?

We regret that gymnasts cannot change the day or time of their competition. If your child arrives late to the event, then the organiser may say they cannot compete.

What if a gymnast forgets their routine or gets really nervous?

Pre, Foundation, Stage 1 & 2 are introductory levels for children to perform before judges outside the club. All gymnasts react differently to performing under pressure. Some will be excited and confident, whilst some may be nervous and overawed by the occasion.

The coaches and gymnasts are there to support the gymnasts at the grading. Those who need a bit more support can be taken aside and helped calm down. The judges are friendly and only want the gymnasts to do their best. Sometimes, if a gymnast has really struggled to show their best work due to stress, then the judges can ask them to try again. Coaches occasionally need to remind the gymnasts of the order of their routine. Usually, as soon as the gymnasts are with their teammates and having fun, their nerves disappear. Coaches and young leaders have lots of experience in competitive events, so they can offer advice and support.

Will my child get a chance to practise at the competition?

At the competition, all gymnasts do a general stretching warm-up to music in the main arena. This helps settle nerves and build excitement. They get a chance to run through their routine on the floor, then practise their moves. On the vault, they have a chance to do two warm-up vaults.

Why is my child spending so much time going over easy moves?

All gymnasts, regardless of their level (including those at the Olympic Level), will practise their basics every training session. This includes perfecting jumps, handstands, shapes and landings. As gymnastics is a judged sport, every move the gymnasts make is scrutinised and compared to the perfect technical model.

Many coaches say ‘Practice makes Permanent’ – the more the gymnasts practise a skill, the more their brain and body will remember it and be able to repeat it with no errors under pressure. Skills are judged on a wide range of criteria, so the shape, height, length, and performance of a move can all incur deductions even with the easier skills. At any level, the skills gymnasts are learning in the gym may not be developed enough to perform in a routine for over a year.

Will my child move up to the next stage?

It can take two years to develop confidence within a stage. Some gymnasts may repeat a stage, whilst some may move up at the next competition. We want to ensure all our gymnasts are making progress and reaching their potential at whatever stage they are working at.

It is important that a gymnast is confident both physically and mentally in training and in competition. Gymnasts performing floor and vault in a competitive situation is very different to doing so in the gym. Some gymnasts cope with pressure better than others. Coaches and Teammates all provide support for nervous gymnasts.

Please remember, coaches and gymnasts cannot control scores or the opposition. Gymnasts should set themselves targets before the competition based on what they can control, e.g., I want to have my arms straight in my vault, or I will remember to lift in my jump. Medal-based targets cannot be controlled, as they depend on others’ results. Gymnasts should ignore those around them and focus on their personal performance.

Why do the gymnasts have to wear Club kit and have long hair in a certain way?

Presentation is very important, and the gymnasts should feel proud to be stepping onto the competition floor in their club kit. The Catleaps Family is very important, and all the gymnasts support each other on the competition floor, whether it goes right or wrong. They are always the loudest and most supportive gymnasts. The Catleaps Competition kit should be kept special; it is similar to a football team putting on their kit for match days. Gymnasts can be deducted for touching their leotard or hair during their routine. Neatly presented hair means the gymnast will feel great and won’t get in the way of their performance.

Part of the competition preparation is making sure that your gymnast looks smart, feels confident, and is ready to do their best. First impressions with the judges count; if a gymnast is presented well and looks confident and smiling, it creates a great platform to build on.

What do I need to do to support my gymnast?

When you receive the email with timings, please read and understand everything, and ask for confirmation if anything is unclear. As we have already stated, if you miss the time slot, then your child will be unable to perform.

The night before the competition, make sure all of their kit is ready so there is no panic with items lost. An early night will help to ensure they are rested. Ensure they have eaten before the event and that they have water with them. Gymnasts must arrive on time; if they are running late, it puts the gymnast under pressure, and they are then in the wrong mindset before the event has begun. As long as they are not in the first round of the day then it is beneficial for gymnasts to arrive early so that they can see some of the competition beforehand and familiarise themselves with the setting. Before the competition let your child know you are proud of them for being selected for the event. Try to avoid saying “Good Luck!” It’s not luck that brings results our gymnasts have worked extremely hard to get to the level they are.

Why not say: “Have a great competition”, “We hope you enjoy the day with your friends”, “Have fun and show everyone your best work”.

During the competition, clap, cheer, smile and take photographs! But always TURN OFF any lights or flash on your camera or tablet. Please don’t try to distract your child whilst they are on the competition floor, just enjoy watching them.

For some gymnasts, it is their first time participating in a big arena, in a high-pressure event. Some children naturally thrive in this environment, and some struggle with nerves. Whatever the situation for the gymnast they need to know their parent is their cheerleader, their coach is their technical support and their teammates are their emotional support. After the event, celebrate what you have seen your child do well. If they have made a mistake, they already know that and may feel sad or frustrated. The last thing they need is extra focus on the mistake. Gymnastics is a very difficult sport with ups and downs along the way. It is a marathon, not a sprint; every competition is a learning experience and part of a long, positive journey.

Whatever the results, there is always something to learn from the event, and the next week, all the gymnasts will be back in the gym training and learning again. As a club, we analyse all competition results and plan for individual gymnasts to ensure they are all moving forward. We cannot wait to watch your gymnast show their best work at the event.