Womens Artistic Gymnastics (WAG)

Competitive Handbook

2013/14

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 .................................................................................................................................... 4
History of Hutt Valley GymSports (HVGS) ........................................................................................... 4
The Vision ............................................................................................................................................ 4
The Mission ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Hutt Valley GymSports Structure ........................................................................................................ 5
Introducing our Coaches: .................................................................................................................... 5

2.

Competitive Squad .......................................................................................................................... 6

Competition or Not: ............................................................................................................................ 6
WAG Programme Overview ................................................................................................................ 6
Selection to Competitive Squads ........................................................................................................ 6
Introduction Period ............................................................................................................................. 7
Pre Comp Class.................................................................................................................................... 7

3.

Training ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Respect yourself and others ............................................................................................................... 8
Supporting Your Child ......................................................................................................................... 9
Injured Gymnasts/Illness .................................................................................................................... 9
Personal Gear ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Discipline and its actions ..................................................................................................................... 9
Not for you ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Training Hours ................................................................................................................................... 10

4.

Competition Guidelines ................................................................................................................ 10

Entering Competitions ...................................................................................................................... 10
Competitions HVGS are attending/Entry Fees.................................................................................. 10
Late Entries ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Competition Leotards ....................................................................................................................... 11
Tracksuits .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Competition Number ........................................................................................................................ 11
Competition Ribbon Cards ................................................................................................................ 11
Team Selection .................................................................................................................................. 12
Competition Day .............................................................................................................................. 12
HVSG Competition ............................................................................................................................ 13
Fundraising ........................................................................................................................................ 15
2|Page

Club Prize Giving ............................................................................................................................... 13

Nationals ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Competitions Locations .................................................................................................................... 14
5.

Financial Information .................................................................................................................... 15

6.

First Aid for Home...16/17

3|Page

1.

Introduction

This booklet is a guide to Womens Artistic competitive gymnastics. It will outline the WAG
Steps 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.

History of Hutt Valley GymSports (HVGS)

Hutt Valley GymSports has some of the highest ranked gymnasts, coaches and judges in
Wellington and New Zealand. We offer quality programmes in Gym for all (Preschool and
Recreation) and Mens and Women Artistic Gymnastics which cater for general
participation to competitive performance in the sport of Gymnastics.
The club was formed as Hutt Valley Gymnastics Centre in 2001 from the merger of the 5 Star
Supporters Club and the Wellington Boys Gymnastics Club. At that time we were situated in
Bouverie St., Petone (on the site where Mitre 10 now exists) and had just 25 gymnasts! The
club moved to the Bell Road South facility in 2004 and in 2013 to our present location at 6
Rishworth Street, Waiwhetu. Recently we changed our name to Hutt Valley GymSports to
align ourselves with our national and regional organisations.
Hutt Valley GymSports has an average membership of 320 and approximately 900
participation members which comprise of schools and early childhood centre visits, events,
birthday parties and school festivals. The club has a dedicated team of people who
coordinate annual events for the club.

The Vision
The club exists so that all gymnasts have an opportunity to reach their potential and lead
fulfilling lives.

The Mission
To create a gymnastics environment that provides the gymnasts with quality coaching and
quality programmes.
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

4|Page

Our competitive boys and girls gymnasts compete from Step/Level 1 through to Junior Elite
at regional and national competitions. We also have had gymnasts compete in Australia,
Chicago and Hawaii. Hutt Valley GymSports is recognised as one of the top clubs in
Wellington and in New Zealand.

Hutt Valley GymSports Structure

HVGS is a non-profit organisation and is run by a Management Committee of volunteers
made up of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and up to five parents. The
committee provides the strategic direction for the club sets budgets and approves policies
etc. Committee members are elected at the AGM that is held in June/July each year.

Introducing our Coaches:

Name
Michelle Woolf

Position
Coach
Steps 6 +

Contact Details
Mobile:
Email:

Natalie Gunn

Coach
Steps 6 +

Mobile:
Email:

Ashleigh Lacey

Coach
Steps 1-6

Mobile:
Email:

Danielle Jellicoe

Coach
Steps 1-3
Coach
Steps 1-3
Pre comp
Coach
Steps 1-2

Mobile:
Email:
Mobile:
Email:

Mel Pye

Coach
Pre Comp

Mobile:
Email:

Zara Struthers

Centre
Manager

Mobile:
Work: (04) 566 3244
Email: zara@huttvalleygymsports.co.nz
Hours of work
Mon 12.00 to 7.30
Tue, Wed & Thurs 9.00 to 5.00

Candice Struthers

Rose Boele van

Hensbroek

Mobile:
Email:

5|Page

2.

Competitive Squad

Competition or Not:
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 to 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.
Each STEP has age groups. Individual results and awards will be separate according to the
age division but teams can be compromised of gymnasts from both age divisions. The age
division is determined by the age the gymnast will turn during the calendar year. This is to
keep the gymnasts competing against their peers. The STEPs also have progression
thresholds to ensure gymnasts advance as they are ready. The gymnast must have turned 5
years already to be eligible to compete.
A Ribbon Award Scheme operates for STEPs 1 6 giving gymnasts an instant tangible
recognition of their achievements, with different colours signifying the different score
targets they have passed.
The programme is used in conjunction with the current Federation Internationale de
Gymnastique Code of Points (available at www.fig-gymnastics.com).

Selection to Competitive Squads

All new gymnasts interested in joining the competition squads must go through our testing
process. These are important so that we can place the gymnast in the programme where
they will be most happy and successful.
Placement in the squad is by invitation only. Gymnasts can come through our general
gymnastics programme and be invited to try-out.
6|Page

We offer training and competition opportunities

Regionally
Provincially
Nationally, and
Internationally

Gymnastics is a very technical sport whose very nature encourages perfection.

Advancement and success in the sport requires mastery of basic skills.
Acceptance into the competitive programme is based on a number of factors including but
not limited to:

Current physical ability and perceived potential ability

Attitude and demeanour
Work ethic
Age
Dedication or willingness to meet the demands of the programme
Parental support

Introduction Period
Term 4 of the year is an introductory term for gymnasts coming into the competition squad.
It is where the new teams are formed for the next competitive year. Conditioning and skill
progressions begin for the new routines. It takes quite a bit of time, work and effort before
the gymnasts are ready to enter into a competition. This also allow new gymnasts to see if
these structured training sessions are for the gymnast and their family.

Pre Comp Class

HVGS provide a Pre Comp Class which is designed to develop the basic skills in girls who
have shown potential. This is the starting place to build the skills in readiness for the
requirements of Step 1.

Expectations of Gymnasts and Parents/Caregivers

The Code of Conduct outlines the behavior expected from Hutt Valley Gymsports gymnasts,
coaches and parents.
Gymnasts are expected to:
Arrive five minutes before the training session starts
Text your coach if you are going to be late and include and
explanation in your message
Wear the correct training attire
Bring a drink bottle and a snack if training exceeds one hour
Respect coaches and obey coaches instructions
Help coaches setup equipment, if requested
Treat HVGS equipment with care
Show consideration for other gymnasts and their abilities
Refrain from intimidating or ridiculing other gymnasts
Be tidy and not leave clothes or rubbish lying around the gym
7|Page

 Put in a wholehearted effort during training

Parents/Caregivers are expected to:

Drop-off the gymnast/s five minutes before the training session starts
To notify the gym when the gymnast cannot attend a training session or will late
Make an appointment with the coach if they wish to discuss any issues or concerns
Not instruct the gymnast/s during training sessions
Allow the gymnast/s to complete the warm down period at the end of the training
session.

Expectations of Gymnasts
Competitive gymnasts are expected to attend all training sessions. In this training session
they will follow the instruction of the coach and work to the best of their ability. All
gymnasts are expected to enter the appropriate competition and represent HVGS with pride.
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 for the
gymnast/s and their parents/caregivers.
Gymnasts are required to attend holiday training unless they are away.
Gymnastics will give your child more than just physical skills, they will also become selfdisciplined and confident individuals. They are encouraged to become independent and
learn good sportsmanship.

Parent Involvement
One parent from each level within the club is invited to act as a Parent Representative for
that level. Key aspects of the job include; coordinating all parents within the level, liaising
with the office regarding competition entries etc. and ensuring all gymnasts within the level
have the correct uniform.
Parents are also encourages to be involved in other ways from fundraising to joining the
management committee or helping out in the Hutt Valley Competition. At competitions
there are opportunities to help and learn more about gymnastics by recording scores,
becoming a judge or even a coach.
Please feel free to talk a staff member if you are interested in becoming a parent
representative.

3.

Training

Respect yourself and others

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 telling them to stop
because of injury or ill health.
8|Page

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.

Supporting Your Child

Parents play a crucial supporting role of the gymnasts. 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.
Respecting other gymnasts and their parents.
Keeping in communication with your childs 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 verrucas must be securely covered at all times within
the gym environment.

Personal Gear
Gymnasts, at the discretion of the coach, will need the following: wrist bands, ankle weights,
spare hair ties, strapping tape, drink bottle, and in the intermediate levels, hand guards. 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 for a 5 minute break.
If the behaviour continues for third time the gymnast will be sent home and will not
be allowed to attend the next training session.
9|Page

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. HVGS is an
incorporated society and we budget carefully to ensure that we are able to operate.

Training Hours
Training hours are dependent on the step that you are doing and group that you are in.
Your coach sets your required training hours. Training hours range from 2 hours (pre-comp
group) to 16 hours (senior group).

4.

Competition Guidelines

Entering Competitions
The coaches will decide if your child is ready to compete, but you will be asked sometime
during term 1 to fill out a competition availability form to indicate which competitions
your gymnast would like to be considered for. We expect that you keep these weekends
free if at all possible. The staff will use this information when entering gymnasts into
competitions.
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.

Competitions HVGS are attending/Entry Fees

HVGS select the competitions that the squads will attend early in the year when the
competition calendar is finalised.
Entry fees range from $25.00 for smaller competitions through to $30.00 to $70.00 for
qualifying championship competitions and $125.00 for Nationals Championships.
Entry fees are called for 5 to 6 weeks in advance and the fees are not refundable, except for
injury situations with medical certificates.
Your parent rep will send out a reminder email to remind you that a competition is coming
up and that the registration form with payment will be required to be handed in to the
office before the due date.
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.
In case of an injury necessitating withdrawal from a competition a doctors certificate needs
to be supplied no later than 2 days after the meet, no exceptions.
The competition entry fee must be paid by the due date or your child will not be entered.

10 | P a g e

Late Entries
Late entries may be accepted however they usually incur a fine of double the cost. Your
childs entry will not be put forward until payment has been received.

Competition Leotards
Girls wear leotards corresponding with their Step. Mid-way through term 1, HVGS set aside
a week where sizing and then where necessary ordering of new uniforms is done. There is
also an opportunity to sell uniforms where the girls have out grown them.
The competition leotards are not used in training sessions

Tracksuits
All HVGS competitive gymnasts (MAG - Mens Artistic
Gymnastics & WAG - Womens Artistic Gymnastics) wear
the same uniform tracksuit. As above, these are fitted
each year, followed by an opportunity to buy a new or
second hand tracksuit. Tracksuits cost $135.00 for new
ones.
Again these are not used in training sessions.

Competition Number
Once an artistic gymnast is registered with GymSports NZ as a competitor, and their fee
paid, they are issued with a competition number. This number remains the same for the
gymnasts whole career, so it is important to keep this safe. This is why they are held by the
club.
Competition numbers should be pinned with little gold safety pins, to the back of the
leotard in a way that will not rip or pull the fabric. It works best while the gymnast is
wearing the leotard. Ensure that the gymnast bends over rounding their shoulders to
imitate the maximum stretch that will be required during a routine.

Competition Ribbon Cards

Competitive artistic gymnasts will receive a competition card at the first competition of the
year. This will be held by the coach and taken to all the competitions during the season and
the gymnasts scores for each apparatus will be recorded on it.
GymSports NZ Step pins can be purchased for each level passed. You will be notified by the
club when it is time to order these.

11 | P a g e

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. Over 6 apparatus 18 scores are used. If more
than four gymnasts in the same level are competing it is up to the coachs discretion who
will make up the team.

Competition Day
At competitions Steps 1-6 and gymnasts compete on one day. Competitions usually last
about 3 hours, with prizegiving held approximately 30 minutes after the completion of the
competition.
Gymnasts are required to have healthy snacks and a bottle of water in their competition
bag.

Warm Up
If you are competing in the first session of any competition day or the competition
organisers have started competition times will not move, you need to arrive prior to
warm up time. Otherwise all gymnasts must be at the competition venue 45 minutes before
the warm up time.

During the Competition

All gymnasts must wear the HVGS competition leotard allocated for their Step
The full HVGS tracksuit must be worn (Clean white or black socks may be worn)
All hair must be firmly tied back with ties that are either green or gold
Gold Glitter spray may be used on hair
Jewellery must not be worn, except for stud-type pierced earrings
All bandages or supports must be a tan colour
Handgrips are permitted
No underwear is permitted under the WAG junior club leotard
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 clearance of
the Head Judge.
The gymnast is to have no contact with the spectators.
Spectators are not to use flash photography. It distracts the gymnasts and the
judges.

After the Competition

All gymnasts must stay for the ceremony after the competition unless cleared by the control
judge.

12 | P a g e

Parents Contribution at Competitions

Every club must provide people for the jobs of recorders and score holders for every
competition. They sit at the judging table with the judges. The recorder takes the scores
provided by each judge and with a given formula provides the overall score. The score
holder puts the score up on the score board for the gymnasts and parents to see.
Volunteers are usually requested for in the week preceding each competition.
Volunteers are not to speak to gymnasts while the competition is in progress.

HVGS Competition
Our club holds its own competition at the end of May each year. For the first time in 2013
we are running WAG and MAG competition together. All parents are expected to assist with
this competition. Your assistance could include:

Setting up 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

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.
HVGS has a policy to acknowledge and reward those gymnasts and officials that have
achieved over the year. This is a fun event and a celebration of the years successes.

Nationals
Gymnasts in Step 5 and up may be selected to compete at GymSports NZ National Champs.
To compete at National a 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 Wellington Provincial Artistic Nationals
Selection Policy.

13 | P a g e

Competition Locations
Step
1-2
3
4-6
7-10

5.

Regional Competitions
All
Most
Most
Some

Away Competitions
None
Palmerston North
Some
Most

Financial Information

As mentioned previously, gymnastics requires many hours of training to reach the standards
required for competition. As gymnasts move to higher levels of competition more hours of
training are required.
HVGS management committee has devised a fee schedule where the per hour rate is
reduced as the hours of training increase.
As well as term fees there are other costs that parents are expected to cover. All gymnasts
will need to purchase a club leotard and a tracksuit, these can be 2 nd hand. The 2nd hand
leotards and tracksuits will be on sale in the 2nd half of the 1st term.
GymSports NZ requires every member to pay an affiliation fee per term.

Affiliation Fee
This annual fee is charged by GymSports NZ and entitles the gymnast to compete in any of
the competitions run in New Zealand by the members clubs. The fee is invoiced in quarterly
instalments and is added to the gymnasts account at the beginning of each term.
WAG Step 1 - 6

$15.50 + GST per term

WAG Step 7 10

$25.50 + GST per term

High Performance

$40.50 + GST per term

14 | P a g e

Competition Entry Fee

These can range from $30.00 to $55.00 per competition. Competition fees need to be paid
to Hutt Valley GymSports before the gymnast can be entered.

Uniform
All HVGS gymnasts STEPs 1 10 will be required to wear HVGS tracksuit and leotard at
competitions. This is only to be worn at competitions and other HVGS activities e.g. Parades
and displays etc
Prices for new uniforms are approximately as follows:
Club tracksuit
Girls Leotard

$135.00
$140.00 (Steps 1 7)

Away competition costs

Families will also be required to contribute to cover the following costs:
Coach/Judge costs for local and away competitions where HVGS attend

Fundraising
All families will also be asked to support other funding raising activities throughout the year

15 | P a g e

6.

First Aid for Home

Aliment
Rips

Treatment
Treatment for Rips is minimal and may include
- Take dead skin off
- Put damp teabags on for 10 minutes
- Coach will tape hands (gymnasts to supply their own tape)
If a blister isnt 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.
Dont puncture a blister unless it is painful.

Head/Neck Injuries

We have a policy at HVGS that if a gymnast hurts their head or

neck (minor or major) during training then they must be seen by a
doctor straight away.

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.
- The person can't move the injured joint or limb.
- The limb buckles when the injured joint is used.
- There is numbness
- There is significant swelling, pain, fever, or open cuts.
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
16 | P a g e

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.

17 | P a g e