Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Daniele Hyplito on the Balance Beam at the 2007 Pan American Games
Gymnastics is a very complex sport involving the performance of exercises requiring physical strength, flexibility, power, agility, coordination, grace, balance and control.
Internationally, all of the competitive gymnastic events are governed by the Fdration Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG). Each country has its own national governing body
(BIW) affiliated to FIG. Competitive artistic gymnastics is the best known of the gymnastic events. It typically involves the women's events of uneven bars, balance beam, floor
exercise, and vault. Men's events are floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars, and the high bar. Gymnastics evolved from exercises used by the
ancient Greeks that included skills for mounting and dismounting a horse, and from circus performance skills.
Other gymnastic disciplines include: rhythmic gymnastics, trampolining, Team Gym, tumbling, aerobic gymnastics and acrobatic gymnastics. Participants can include children as
young as 20 months old doing kindergym and children's gymnastics, recreational gymnasts of ages 5 and up, competitive gymnasts at varying levels of skill, and world class
athletes.
Contents
[hide]
1 Etymology
2 History
3.2.1 Vault
3.2.4 Floor
3.3 Scoring (Code of Points)
3.3.1 Landing
3.8.1 Trampolining
3.8.4 Tumbling
3.11 TeamGym
4 Display gymnastics
6 Popular culture
6.1 Film
6.2 Television
7 See also
8 References
9 External links
Etymology[edit]
The word gymnastics derives from the common Greek adjective (gymnos) meaning "naked",[1] by way of the related verb (gymnazo), whose meaning is "to train
naked", "train in gymnastic exercise", generally "to train, to exercise". [2] The verb had this meaning, because athletes in ancient times exercised and competed without clothing. It
came into use in the 1570s, from Latin gymnasticus, from Greek gynmastikos "fond of or skilled in bodily exercise," from gymnazein "to exercise or train" (see gymnasium).
History[edit]
In 1569, Girolamo Mercuriale from Forl (Italy) wrote Le Arte Gymnastica, which brought together his study of the attitudes of the ancients toward diet, exercise and hygiene, and
the use of natural methods for the cure of disease. Girolamo was an Italian philogist and physician, who received his doctorate in 1555. He was later asked to occupy the Chair
of Medicine in 1569. De Arte Gymnastica also explained the principles of physical therapy and is considered the first book on sports medicine.
In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century Germany, three pioneer physical educators Johann Friedrich GutsMuths (17591839) and Friedrich Ludwig Jahn (1778
1852) created exercises for boys and young men on apparatus they had designed that ultimately led to what is considered modern gymnastics. Don Francisco Amors y
Ondeano, marquis de Sotelo, was born on February 19, 1770 in Valence and died on August 8, 1848 in Paris. He was a Spanish colonel, and the first person to introduce
educative gymnastic in France. Jahn promoted the use of parallel bars, rings and high bar in international competition. [3]
The Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) was founded in Liege in 1881.[4] By the end of the nineteenth century, men's gymnastics competition was popular enough to be
included in the first "modern" Olympic Games in 1896. From then on until the early 1950s, both national and international competitions involved a changing variety of exercises
gathered under the rubric, gymnastics, that would seem strange to today's audiences and that included for example, synchronized team floor calisthenics, rope climbing, high
jumping, running, and horizontal ladder. During the 1920s, women organized and participated in gymnastics events. The first women's Olympic competition was primitive, only
involving synchronized calisthenics and track and field. These games were held in 1928, in Amsterdam.
By 1954, Olympic Games apparatus and events for both men and women had been standardized in modern format, and uniform grading structures (including a point system
from 1 to 15) had been agreed upon. At this time, Soviet gymnasts astounded the world with highly disciplined and difficult performances, setting a precedent that continues.
The new medium of television has helped publicize and initiate a modern age of gymnastics. Both men's and women's gymnastics now attract considerable international
interest, and excellent gymnasts can be found on every continent. Nadia Comneci received the first perfect score, at the 1976 Summer Olympics held in Montreal, Canada.
She was coached in Romania by coach, (Hungarian ethnicity), Bla Krolyi. Comaneci scored four of her perfect tens on the uneven bars, two on the balance beam and one in
the floor exercise.[5] Even with Nadia's perfect scores, the Romanians lost the gold medal to the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, Comaneci became an Olympic icon.
In 2006, a new points system for Artistic gymnastics was put into play. With an A Score (or D score) being the difficulty score, which as of 2009 is based on the top 8 high
scoring elements in a routine (excluding Vault). The B Score (or E Score), is the score for execution, and is given for how well the skills are performed. [6]
International competitive gymnastics[edit]
Artistic gymnastics[edit]
Main article: Artistic gymnastics
Artistic Gymnastics is usually divided into Men's and Women's Gymnastics. Men compete on six events: Floor Exercise, Pommel Horse, Still Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, and
High Bar, while women compete on four: Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise. In some countries, women at one time competed on the rings, high bar, and
parallel bars (for example, in the 1950s in the USSR).
In 2006, FIG introduced a new points system for Artistic gymnastics in which scores are no longer limited to 10 points. The system is used in the US for elite level competition.
[6]
Unlike the old code of points, there are two separate scores, an execution score and a difficulty score. In the previous system, the "execution score" was the only score. It was
and still is out of 10.00. During the gymnast's performance, the judges deduct from this score only. A fall, on or off the event, is a 1.00 deduction, in elite level gymnastics. The
introduction of the difficulty score is a significant change. The gymnast's difficulty score is based on what elements they perform and is subject to change if they do not perform
or complete all the skills, or they do not connect a skill meant to be connected to another. Connection bonuses are the most common deduction from a difficulty score, as it can
be difficult to connect multiple flight elements. It is very hard to connect skills if the first skill is not performed correctly. The new code of points allows the gymnasts to gain higher
scores based on the difficulty of the skills they perform as well as their execution. There is no maximum score for difficulty, as it can keep increasing as the difficulty of the skills
increase.
Artistic events for women[edit]
On the uneven bars, the gymnast performs a routine on two horizontal bars set at different heights. These bars are made of fiberglass covered in wood laminate, to prevent
them from breaking. In the past, bars were made of wood, but the bars were prone to breaking, providing an incentive to switch to newer technologies. The width of the bars
may be adjusted. Gymnasts perform swinging, circling, transitional, and release moves, that may pass over, under, and between the two bars. Movements may pass through the
handstand. Gymnasts often mount the Uneven Bars using a springboard, or a small mat. Chalk and grips (a leather strip with holes for fingers to protect hands and improve
performance) may be used while doing this event. The chalk helps hands to grip the wooden bar better than bare hands. Grips help gymnasts grip the bar and help them avoid
rips/blisters.
Balance beam[edit]
Dorina Bczg performing a one arm press hold during her balance beam mount, 2013.
Main article: Balance beam
The gymnast performs a choreographed routine of up to 90 seconds in length consisting of leaps, acrobatic skills, somersaults, turns and dance elements on a padded beam.
The beam is 125 centimetres (4 ft 1 in) from the ground, 500 centimetres (16 ft 5 in) long, and 10 centimetres (3.9 in) wide.[8] The event requires, in particular, balance, flexibility,
poise and strength.
Floor[edit]
Russian rhythmic gymnast Irina Tchachina stretching in her warm-up before practice.
Main article: Rhythmic gymnastics
Only women compete in rhythmic gymnastics although there is a new version of this discipline for men being pioneered
in Japan (see Men's rhythmic gymnastics). This is a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance, and apparatus
manipulation. The sport involves the performance of five separate routines with the use of five apparatus; ball, ribbon, hoop, clubs,
ropeon a floor area, with a much greater emphasis on the aesthetic rather than the acrobatic. There are also group routines
consisting of 5 gymnasts and 5 apparatuses of their choice. Rhythmic routines are scored out of a possible 30 points; the score for
artistry (choreography and music) is averaged with the score for difficulty of the moves and then added to the score for execution. [18]
International competitions are split between Juniors, under sixteen by their year of birth; and Seniors, for women sixteen and over
again by their year of birth. Gymnasts in Russia and Europe typically start training at a very young age and those at their peak are
typically in their late teens (1519) or early twenties. The largest events in the sport are the Olympic Games, World
Championships, European Championships, World Cup and Grand-Prix Series.
Rhythmic events (women)[edit]
Rope
It may be made of hemp or a synthetic material which retains the qualities of lightness and suppleness. Its length is in proportion to the size of the gymnast. The
rope should, when held down by the feet, reach both of the gymnasts' armpits. One or two knots at each end are for keeping hold of the rope while doing the
routine. At the ends (to the exclusion of all other parts of the rope) an anti-slip material, either coloured or neutral may cover a maximum of 10 cm (3.94 in). The
rope must be coloured, either all or partially and may either be of a uniform diameter or be progressively thicker in the center provided that this thickening is of the
same material as the rope. The fundamental requirements of a rope routine include leaps and skipping. Other elements include swings, throws, circles, rotations
and figures of eight. In 2011, the FIG decided to nullify the use of rope in rhythmic gymnastic competitions.
Aesthetic Group Gymnastics[edit]
This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help
material may be challenged and removed. (November 2013)
Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) is developed from the Finnish "naisvoimistelu". "AGG is art,
expression and feelings combined into a high level competitive sport. It differs from Rhythmic
Gymnastics through its big and continuous body movement and larger teams. Apparatus aren't
used in international AGG competitions compared to Rhythmic Gymnastics where ball, ribbon,
hoop, clubs, rope are used on the floor area.
The sport requires physical qualities such as flexibility, balance, speed, strength, coordination
and sense of rhythm where movements of the body are emphasized in the flow, expressive and
aesthetic appeal. A good performance is characterized by uniformity and simultaneity. The
competition program consists of versatile and varied body movements, such as body waves and
swings, balances and pivots, jumps and leaps, dance steps, and lifts. The International
Federation of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics was established in 2003.[19]
Aesthetic Group Gymnastic teams consist of a minimum of six- and a maximum of 10 (12)
gymnasts, who perform a program from 2.15-2.45 minutes. An over- or under run of 5 sec is
though permitted. The International Federation of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics is divided into two
age categories: Junior Category Gymnasts that are at the age of 14 16 years and Senior
Category Gymnasts that are over 16 years old. The competition dress of a group must be a
leotard with aesthetic appeal considering the spirit of competitive sport. The size of the
competition area, which is a gymnastics carpet, is 13 m x 13 m. The area should be used
diverse.
The Finnish Gymnastics Federation[edit]
Aesthetic Group Gymnastics in Finland follow the rules of The Finnish Gymnastics Federation,
which is one of Finland's largest sport federations, with 381 clubs consisting of approximately
122 000 members.[20]
Aesthetic Group Gymnastics in Finland[edit]
In Finland the Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) has been divided into two series: the
championship and the competition series. The championship series is tougher than the
competition series, as they compete for the Finnish Championship. The teams can decide
themselves in which series they want to compete but The Finnish Gymnastics Federation has
put out recommendations that they prefer to be followed. Competitions within AGG are organized
at local, national, and international levels.
In the spring teams compete with programs without apparatus and on the fall with programs
including apparatus, which is dependent on the age category. The teams are divided into age
groups in both series; the age categories in the championship series are 12-14, 14-16, and 16+.
The equivalent categories in the competition series are: 12-14, 14-16, 16-20, and women's
category 18+. Younger than 12 years old compete in the same series, and after that decide in
which series they want to participate in. In the autumn competitions the apparatus are following:
Championship series
<10: Apparatus of own choice
10-12: Rope/ ball
12-14: Hoop
14-16: Clubs
16>: Rope/ ball/ hoop/ clubs/ ribbon
Competition series
<10: Apparatus of own choice
10-12: Rope/ ball
12-14: Rope/ ball/ hoop
14> : Rope/ ball/ hoop/ clubs/ ribbon
The jury is composed of three judges: technical, artistical, and execution. The technical jury will
assess the difficulty of the required parts, balances, jumps, body movements, as well as other
required parts. The artistical jury evaluates the structure, diversity and artistic creativity of the
program. The jury will judge the formation of figures, music, the talent level of the group, and
performance in rhythm. The executive jury evaluates the simultaneous and the technique of the
performance.
The points are given in categories for the age group10-12 years. It consists of 10 categories,
which of 1 is the highest and 10 the lowest category. The championship series in the age group
1214 years get points, in the same way as the elder age groups in the championship series.
The highest total score is 20.00 points consisting of: Technical 5.9 (+ 0.1 bonus), Artistical 3.9 (+
0,1 bonus), and Execution 9.9 (+ 0,1 bonus).[21]
The competition series in the age group 1214 years get categories from A to E, which of A is the
highest and E the lowest category. Each judge give a score* according to which teams will be
placed in a category. *The highest total score is 20.00 points consisting of: Technical 4.9 (+ 0.1
bonus), Artistical 4.8(+ 0,2 bonus), and Execution 9.9 (+ 0,1 bonus). [21]
Trampolining and tumbling[edit]
10.00 For technical performance, (how well the skills are executed)
10.00 For Artistry, (the overall performance of the routine, namely choreography)
Aerobic gymnastics[edit]
Main article: Aerobic gymnastics
Aerobic gymnastics (formally Sport Aerobics) involves the performance of routines by
individuals, pairs, trios or groups up to 6 people, emphasizing strength, flexibility, and aerobic
fitness rather than acrobatic or balance skills. Routines are performed for all individuals on a
7x7m floor and also for 1214 and 1517 trios and mixed pairs. From 2009, all senior trios and
mixed pairs were required to be on the larger floor (10x10m), all groups also perform on this
floor. Routines generally last 6090 seconds depending on age of participant and routine
category.
TeamGym[edit]
The TeamGym competition is one of the latest new events within the UEG. The first official
competition was held in Finland in 1996 and it takes place every even-numbered year.
TeamGym is a team competition for clubs and consist of three sections: women, men and mixed
teams.
TeamGym competitions exhibit gymnastic skills in three different disciplines; floor, tumbling and
trampette. In common for the performance is effective teamwork, good technique in the element
and spectacular acrobatic elements. The event is attractive for spectators and media as well as
sponsors.
Floor Programme
All members of the Team take part in the floor program, composed of a mixture of dance, flexibility and skill. The routine has to be skillfully choreographed and the
judges look out for changes in shape. There needs to be at least two spins, two jumps/leaps, two acrobatic elements, two balance/power elements, two section
elements and one combination of elements. These section elements are bodywaves for women's teams, power elements for men's teams and lifts for mixed
teams. Floor routines are performed to music.
Trampette
There are two components of this section of floor pregame. Vault and trampette on its own. One of the three total runs that the gymnasts make must be a vault run.
Generally the first round is chosen for each individual gymnast to perform the same move. These are also performed to music.
Tumbling
Again, here there are three runs (rounds) involved. One of which has to include all six gymnasts doing a forwards series. Another run also has to include the
gymnasts completing the same move. Each series must have at least three different acrobatic elements. [22]
Display gymnastics[edit]
General gymnastics enables people of all ages and abilities to participate
in performance groups of 6 to more than 150 athletes. They perform
synchronized, choreographed routines. Troupes may consist of both
genders and are not separated into age divisions. The largest general
gymnastics exhibition is the quadrennial World Gymnaestrada which was
first held in 1939. In 1984 Gymnastics for All was officially recognized first
as a Sport Program by the FIG (International Gymnastic Federation), and
subsequently by national gymnastic federations world wide with
participants that now number 30 million.[23]
Former apparatus and events[edit]
Rope (rhythmic gymnastics)[edit]
Starting in 2011, the rhythmic apparatus rope will be removed from all FIG
events and clubs will be returned to the competition. FIG has a policy of
only using four of the five pieces of apparatus and changes them for
different Olympic cycles. This will affect World Cups, World
Championships, and Olympics.
Rope climb[edit]
Main article: Rope climbing
Generally, competitors climbed either a 6m (6.1m = 20 ft in USA) or an 8m
(7.6m = 25 ft in USA), 38mm (1.5") diameter natural fiber rope for speed,
starting from a seated position on the floor and using only the hands and
arms. Kicking the legs in a kind of "stride" was normally permitted. Many
gymnasts can do this in the straddle or pike position, which eliminates the
help generated from the legs.
Flying rings[edit]
Main article: Flying rings
Flying rings was an event similar to still rings, but with the performer
executing a series of stunts while swinging. It was a gymnastic event
sanctioned by both the NCAA and the AAU until the early 1960s.