WOMEN'S ARTISTIC SECTION

Our Women's Artistic section classes are detailed below and the associated diagram shows how gymnasts may move between this pathway and the General Gymnastics Pathway.

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FLOOR AND VAULT PATHWAY (GENERAL)

(1.5 to 5 hours per week)

This is the first level of competitive pathway and focuses on developing gymnasts to compete at Scottish Floor and Vault Competitions.  The Floor and Vault pathway may be of particular interest where gymnastics is not a child’s only choice of Sport, but a desire is shown to train and compete.   As progress is made along this pathway they may begin to work on all four pieces of apparatus to further develop strength and stability.  Gymnasts who continue to show significant progress and a strong desire to develop may be offered the opportunity to join our Women’s Artistic Regional Pathway after our Advanced FV Class. 

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TRANSITIONAL PHASE

If your child is invited to progress into a transitional phase for our Women’s Artistic Section the following will be closely monitored and tested during the first 3-6 months in their competitive programme.   Natural Agility/ Training Attitude/ Flexibility/ Strength/ Body Type/ Personality

During this time gymnasts will be continually monitored to check which of the competitive groups they are best suited to. They may stay in the group that they are in at present, move up to a more Advanced Group or return to a Recreational Group during this period.  Children develop at very different rates so this time is used to ensure your child is following the most appropriate pathway for them and your coach will let you know if we believe any changes need to be made.  Your child will not be aware of any additional formal assessment during this time and will be treated as a full member of the group to ensure they settle well and are able to perform to their best ability without additional pressure.

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REGIONAL PATHWAY

(8 - 16 hours per week)

Gymnasts selected for the WA Regional Pathway will have shown the ability and commitment to compete at Scottish Regional Grades and Voluntary competitions.  This pathway requires a commitment of between 8-16 hours per week from the year they turn 8.  Prior to this, during the pre-competitive development phase they will train up to 8 hours per week with a focus on developing the required strength, flexibility and precision to perform well across all four pieces of apparatus.  If the gymnast shows significant sustained progress or competition scores indicate an aptitude for a move to the National Pathway a Transitional period may be agreed with our coaching team.

At any point where the coach or gymnast feels that the progress and/or commitment is falling behind the requirements, then a parents meeting will be arranged to discuss options to help the gymnast get back on track and/or discuss options for their future training.  Please remember every gymnast develops at differing rates and it is not unusual for gymnasts to alter their pathway/training schedule during their time in gymnastics.

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NATIONAL PATHWAY

(12 - 18 Hours per week)

At this level the gymnast should be showing the ability to compete at National and Invitational competitions. This pathway requires a high degree of commitment and gymnastics is likely to become their focus sport with training hours between 12-20 hours per week from competitive age (the year they turn 8).  The gymnast's commitment is to train National Grades & Voluntary Routines, aiming for maximum tariff routines across all apparatus.  As a performance club our aim is to secure top 5 placements in National Grades and for gymnasts to be selected for British National Grade Finals. 

National gymnasts are expected to attend all training sessions and additional camps to maintain their development and position as a National level gymnast.  Continual progress must be maintained and individual development will be closely monitored by our coaching team.  At any point where the coach or gymnast feels that the progress and/or commitment is falling behind the requirements, then a parents meeting will be arranged to discuss options to help the gymnast get back on track and/or options for their future training.  Please remember every gymnast develops at differing rates and it is not unusual for gymnasts to alter their pathways/training schedule during their time in gymnastics.

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ELITE / COMPULSORY

(Upto 25 Hours per week)

Gymnasts on this pathway show potential to join or are on the National Performance Programme, with a personal goal of gaining National/International status.  The gymnast's commitment is to train Compulsory/voluntary exercises, aiming for maximum tariff routines in all apparatus. This pathway requires a very high degree of commitment and precision and gymnastics will become their only sport with training hours between 12-26 hours per week from competitive age (the year they turn 8).  Elite gymnasts are expected to attend all training sessions, camps and holiday programmes to ensure that they remain on track in this highly selective and challenging competitive pathway. 

To remain on the Elite pathway gymnasts must show consistent ongoing development and this will be closely monitored by our coaches.  At any point where the coach or gymnast feels that the progress and/or commitment is falling behind the requirements, then a parents meeting will be arranged to discuss options to help the gymnast get back on track and/or discuss options for their future training.   Only a tiny minority of children have the physical and mental capabilities required to succeed at this highly competitive level.  As gymnastics is an early specialisation sport this pathway is identified early and gymnasts begin their journey around age 5-6 and their suitability for this pathway can alter significantly as they grow and develop.   Please remember every gymnast develops at differing rates and it is not unusual for gymnasts to alter their pathways/training schedule during their time in gymnastics.