information and faq specific to competition athletes
Welcome to the competitive stream program at TTGG
Why my child?
First of all, being asked to be part of a competitive stream is a privilege few children achieve. It is a responsibility that we at TTGG take very seriously. We currently have competition athletes in our Women’s Artisitc Gymnastics, Men’s Artisitc Gymnastics, Trampoline, and Tumbling programs who compete at national and international levels.
Children who are invited into an TTGG competitive stream generally show certain attributes required for gymnastics including
– Strength
– Flexibility
– Confidence
– Attitude
Our coaches spend some time planning their program and assessing the most appropriate route for each athlete. Our suggestions are always based upon what we consider to be the best for your child. In addition your child will learn essential life skills, they will become fitter and may also develop friendships that last forever.
We would like to thank you for committing your time and effort to providing this wonderful opportunity to your child, being a part of our competitive program will be a fun and rewarding experience.
Please find our competitive stream parents’ information below, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact our coordinators
WAG – wag@ttggymsports.com.au
Trampoline – tramp@ttggymsports.com.au
Tumbling – tumbling@ttggymsports.com.au
Any other confidential information should be directed to our Gymsports manager – gymsportsmanager@ttggymsports.com.au
Competitive program terms and conditions
All athletes accepting a position in competition Gymsports are subject to the following terms and conditions.
Training Uniform
All, athletes are required to wear appropriate training attire to all the classes.
All competition athletes – No jewellery or watches, and long hair must be in a bun. A drink bottle is a must to all training activities.
Boys – Close-fitting singlet/t-shirt with gym shorts (no pockets, stretch fabric), if they prefer to wear a leotard it should be along with the gym shorts or tracksuit pants.
Girls – A crop top and bike shorts or leotard with or without bike shorts.
Trampoline and Tumbling athletes – In addition to the above requirement tramp athletes are expected to wear clean socks.
WAG & MAG athletes require to wear gloves and loops for training on the metal bar (please check with coach). A set of loops can be purchased from our customer portal or can be sourced from our front office, cotton gloves are to be sourced from your local supermarket. They also require guards which the coach can size them up for and these are available online for purchase. An instruction sheet with the details will be provided.
Attendance
Competition athletes should maintain a minimum of 90% attendance rate for training sessions.
Athletes should attend all scheduled classes in the two weeks prior to any competition, including across school holiday periods. Athletes who fail to meet this attendance rate may not be able to compete due to safety reasons.
Holiday training
Competition athletes are expected to attend school holiday training sessions and to meet the above conditions. Our competition term starts from the beginning of the school holidays to the end of the school term and is billed in your term fees.
Commitment
All athletes are required to commit to all the training days as set for their levels. If an athlete wishes to drop one class from the required weekly classes for their level this can be discussed with the coach, however noting that this will impact on the athlete’s progression. Changing training days can be requested and is subject to availability of classes on offer. All athletes are required to commit to all the training days as set for their levels.
Athletes will attend all the regional competitions set for their Gymsports with country or interstate competition attendance encouraged.
Competition Parent Duties
Each competition clubs are required to provide volunteers to assist with the running of events by Gymnastics SA. This is a requirement of all competition families at Tea Tree Gully Gymsports Inc to offer assistance. Some duties will require parents to have a Working With Children Clearance.
Details of required duties will be provided in advance.
What if my child doesn’t win?
Winning is not everything, we always aim to assist your child reach their goals. Our decision regarding your child’s training is based on what helps them to progress and master their skills; we focus on improving execution and consistency, it is not always about winning medals.
They will be trained hard and encouraged to challenge themselves to achieve the best they can. If you have any queries regarding your childs training, please seek clarification from your child’s personal coach.
Travel and accommodation costs
Our club has an annual budget for competitions however on occasions where coaches and judges are required to travel and stay overnight any costs above and beyond the budget shall be divided equally among the gymnasts entered. This cost is additional to any competition fees and may not be known until the travel bookings are made. The club will make all attempts to cover these costs through fundraising events and grants.
Heat Policy
As our facility is fully air-conditioned we do not cancel classes due to heat.
Private Lessons
Unfortunately, we don’t have any private lessons at this stage. This is something that is in discussion.
COMPETITION FEES REFUND
Competition fees paid may be considered for a refund only when a medical certificate is provided to Gymnastics SA within 14 days prior to, or after, the competition date. The medical certificate must cover the date of the competition. The medical certificate is required to be supplied to Tea Tree Gully Gymsports no later than 7 days after the competition date, as TTGG will apply for this refund on behalf of the athlete. This refund must be obtained from Gymnastics SA before we can refund the monies on your account. Please note there is no refund for change of mind entries as per the GSA competition refund policy.
Food & Drink
No food is to be consumed within the gym.
All athletes must bring a plastic water bottle to every class. Water can be purchased from our vending machine if you forget.
Due to safety concerns athletes are not to use the kitchen unless in the company of a parent or staff member.
Classes that run for 3.5 or more hours will be given a quick snack break part way through the class. Athletes must bring a healthy snack i.e. fruit, vegetable sticks, light sandwich. Lollies, chips and chocolate are not appropriate.
Start and Finish times
Please ensure to arrive in time to participate in all warmup activities. It is essential to ensure all gymnasts are physically and mentally prepared for their activity.
For safety reasons only gymnasts and staff are allowed into the gymnastics arena; parents may watch from the viewing area.
There is ample parking just a short walk from the gym. Parents should pick up their children from the foyer area, as Gymnasts are dismissed from class within the gym.
It is the parent’s responsibility to come inside to pick up their child and not wait in the car park.
Please request your child to wait inside for you. Children should be advised to contact the office or their coach if nobody arrives to pick them up.
Late pickups can have an impact on our staff and such delays can delay their trip home or may lead to cancelling their other commitments.
What does the future hold for my child?
There are so many factors to take into consideration and gymnastics is a complex and difficult sport so it is difficult to predict.
However, if your child does gymnastics because they love it, they will always be a winner, no matter what happens.
What we do know is that gymnastics offers a lot more than fun and fitness. In addition to the health benefits and success at competitions, gymnasts have an opportunity to learn leadership skills at a very young age by becoming a coach. From the age of 14, a gymnast can start with their beginner’s accreditation and learn the process of coaching at the club. These are life skills and will help them no matter which field they choose to pursue their career in. Above everything, you will also get to see your child grow into a well-balanced, fit, happy, and healthy individual who will be able to cope with the many pressure’s life presents them with.