Competition Guidelines

IMPORTANT: Gymnasts who have been entered into a competition are expected to maintain 100% attendance during at least the 8 weeks prior to the event. For some Disciplines a longer period of 100% attendance is necessary. Coaches reserve the right to approach the subject of withdrawing a gymnast from a competition who does not seem to be prepared enough for the event. Please also read “Training to Compete’. Competition fees cannot be refunded once the entries have gone in.

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COMPETITION GUIDELINES

These are general guidelines for Squad members representing Alton Gymnastics Club at events outside events (all Disciplines).  Please also refer to any instructions given to you by your childs individual coach.

ARRIVAL: Please arrive at the venue in good time for registration. Follow any instructions that the organisers give you. You do not have to seek out your coach... he/she may be with another group or in a coaches meeting. Your coach should come and find you or make him/herself visible when it is time for your warm up/March on (depending which comes first as this does vary between competitions)

ATTIRE: Competition attire and Kit should be ordered and purchased in good time for the competition. Please check the appropriate information from your childs coach or latest information using the links in the buttons below.

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DURING THE EVENT: During the event Gymnasts are not usually allowed out of the ‘arena’ (or competition area). Their Kit bag should contain everything they will need during the event, including a drink (not fizzy). If a snack may be required please stick to healthy options, not chocolate or crisps as they can create a mess and are often against the rules of the hosting club.

FEEDING: If your competition is in the morning it is a good idea to have a dinner the night before that is high in carbohydrates and then a very light breakfast.

If your competition is in the afternoon, try to have your main ‘feed’ at least 4 hours before and then follow this with light snacks if needed.
Try to avoid anything that is high in refined sugar or that might cause an energy rise or dip.

If your gymnast has a health condition e.g. diabetes, please make sure the coach taking them round at the competition is fully aware of their dietary needs and any procedures that may need to be put in place.

ENCOURAGEMENT: Don’t be shy about clapping and cheering your gymnasts, we support all the encouragement you want to give them! However it is best not to directly try to attract their attention just prior to or during their competing performance, when they will need to be focussing.

Please also have a read of the Parents Code of Conduct with particular attention to the items relating to other clubs/competitions etc. This can be found on the club website un the Club Policies area. Please remember that you are also representing your childs club and that we expect exemplary behaviour from parents as well.