1. flexibilities and waves continued
National A=0.10
A = 0.10
B = 0.20
C = 0.30
D = 0.40 or or
Backbend of the trunk below the horizontal, standing or kneeling
Backbend of the trunk standing with grab of ankles or lying on the stomach (‘B arch’)
Backbend of the trunk Pushing with the hands, rotation (180°) on the chest, legs high up
Backbend of the trunk Pushing with the hands, rotation (360°) on the stomach, arms and legs high up
Backbend of the trunk kneeling
Backbend of the trunk with support on forearms (without walkover) or
Front splits with side roll 360o
Splits front or middle
Back splits with side roll 360o
Total bodywave or circumduction forward, backwards or sideways
Total body wave, passing on the tips of the toes, down to the floor
Total body wave, passing on the tips of the toes, from the floor
Tonneau (‘Spiral Turn’) on 2 feet, total bodywave with spiral 360o
Tonneau (‘Spiral Turn’) on 2 feet, total bodywave with spiral 720o
Tonneau (‘Spiral Turn’) on 1 foot, total bodywave with spiral 360o
Tonneau (‘Spiral Turn’) on 2 feet, total bodywave with spiral 1080o
notes:
All "slow turns" must be performed in the following manner: no more than 1/4 rotation
at every impulse
It is forbidden to include 2 or 3 successive difficulty elements with “slow turn”. A maximum
of 1 element out of 3 is allowed with “slow turn”.
All difficulties with ring must have the foot in contact with the head
coaching points
Extending a flexibility element to “on toe” does not increase the difficulty
Static flexibility elements must be visibly held
Flexibility elements with rotation must maintain firm held shape throughout difficulty
Must show no undue movement of body during slow turns – “promenades”.
Difficulties performed with insufficient amplitude or with shape not well fixed do not
count as difficulties
If the apparatus is not in motion throughout the duration of the difficulty, the difficulty
does not count 33

2. apparatus technique
rope
hoop
ball
clubs
ribbon 34

3. rope technical groups notes coaching points 35
Leaps or jumps into the rope with open rope held by both hands
Skips or hops into the rope with open rope held by both hands
Throws and catches
Releases – toss of one end (echappe)
Rotations of the rope
Handling
Swings
Circles
Figure of 8’s
Sails
Rebounds
Wrapping and unwrapping (but not remaining in the wrap position)
Other handling where the rope is not in a static position
notes
The rope should be made of a supple, firm material, between 8–10mm in thickness.
The rope should fit the size of the gymnast, eg. With gymnast standing in the middle of the rope, the ends should reach her shoulders.
coaching points
Can be used with or without knots in the ends
Should be held with the ends concealed within the hands
Should be held with the rope between the thumb and first finger
The rope should maintain its shape throughout all movements
During movements through the rope, the rope should not hit the floor, as this effects the shape of the rope. 35

4. hoop technical groups notes coaching points 36 Rolls Over the body
On the floor
Rotations
Around one hand or another part of the body
Around one axis of the hoop
Throws and catches
Passing through or over the hoop
Handling
Swings
Circles
Figure of 8’s
Other handling where the hoop is not in a static position
notes
The size of the hoop should be relative to the size of the gymnast, to allow free movement through and over the hoop. Generally the diameter of the hoop should be at the hip of the gymnast. Hoops are made of plastic or wood, hollow and solid.
For levels the hoop must be a minimum weight of 300 grams and have an internal diameter of 80 to 90cm.
coaching points
The basic grip is held firmly within the hand with forefinger along the rim of the hoop for stronger control and easy swinging.
The hoop should rotate freely around the palm with the thumb held at right angles to stop the hoop slipping onto the wrist.
Rotations should at all times maintain shape and correct planing.
During rolls on the floor and body the hoop should maintain a strong line without moving off the trajectory
During lateral / frontal, horizontal throws, the hoop should not be seen to wobble during the flight.
During axis throws the hoop should rotate evenly around the axis. 36

5. ball technical groups notes coaching points 37 Throws and catches
Bounces
Free rolls
Over the body
On the floor
Handling
“Thrusts”
Swings
Circles
Figure of 8’s
“Flip overs” with or without circular movements of the arms
Other handling where the ball is not in a static position
notes
The size of the ball should sit comfortably in the palm of the hand. If the size is too small this will encourage gripping.
For levels 6 the ball must measure between 16-20cm in diameter and weigh between grams.
For levels 7- 9 the minimum weight is 400grams and the diameter 18-20cm
coaching points
The ball should always be held loosely in the palm of the hand.
Whilst bouncing, the ball should be pushed into the ground and not slapped with open hand.
During rolls, the ball should not bounce along its trajectory
The ball is always to be caught without sound, being absorbed into the hand. 37

6. clubs technical groups notes coaching points X 38 Small circles Mills
Throws and catches (one and two clubs)
Flicks (one and two clubs)
Tapping
Handling
“Thrusts”
Swings
Circles
Figure of 8’s
Asymmetric movements
Other handling where the clubs are not in a static position X
notes
Generally clubs will measure from the fingertips to just past the elbow of a gymnast. Clubs can be made from plastic, wood or rubber.
For levels the clubs must measure between 40-50cm in length and be at least 150g each
coaching points
The static grip of a club is performed with the head firmly within the palm and the forefinger stretched along the neck. This is the grip advised to use for all swings and large circles.
For small rotations, the club should be held by the head in a loose grip, with minimal wrist movement.
Mills should be performed with small figure 8 rotations with the wrists held closely together.
The clubs should rarely be held by the neck. 38

7. ribbon technical groups notes coaching points 39 Snakes (serpents)
Spirals
Throws and catches (free throws and boomerang throws
Small tosses
Passing through or over the pattern formed by the ribbon
Handling
“Thrusts”
Swings
Circles
Figure of 8’s
Other handling where the clubs are not in a static position
notes
The length of the stick should be measured from the fingertips to above the elbow of the gymnast and is generally wood or fiberglass. The connecting swivel should not exceed 7cm in length.
For level 6 the minimum ribbon length is 4.5m.
For level 7-9 the minimum ribbon length is 5m.
coaching points
The stick is held firmly within the palm with the forefinger along the length of the stick.
The end of the ribbon SHOULD always remain in motion.
Small patterns (spirals / snakes / serpents) must have at least 4-6 movements within the shape.
Completed sets of small patterns are always required.
The ribbon patterns should not maintain constant contact with the floor as this affects the shape of the ribbon and hence DEDUCTIONS!!!
In throws, the entire ribbon must leave the floor or be in constant movement. 39

8. generalities routine construction supplementary elements combinations
mastery
acrobatic elements
music
dress of the gymnast
apparatus 40

9. supplementary elements
routine construction
Level 6-9 optional routines should be choreographed to contain the following:
6 x set elements in isolation
4 x supplementary elements adhering to the requisite of one per body technique group
Combinations may be used in accordance with the limits for each level
Coaches may include an additional 2 elements however, only the 4 of the highest value that satisfy the body technique groups will be counted.
Variety (minimum of two different) in the techniques with the apparatus
Variety in dynamics
Variety in the use of space: directions, trajectories, levels and modes
Elements of mastery (levels 7-9 only)
supplementary elements
Supplementary elements are required in:
Level apparatus routines
In each level, 4 supplementary elements are required – one from each of the body technique groups
The value of the elements performed will be added to the score for the set elements to determine the technical value score.
National A = 0.10 (levels 6 only)
A = 0.10
B = 0.20
C = 0.30
D = 0.40
In the case of combinations, the value of the two elements will be added
ie. A + A = = 0.20
B + C = = 0.50
Level 6-9 gymnasts are restricted to the elements in this manual 41

10. combinations 42 to: from:
A combination consists of two elements of value that are performed consecutively.
The value of the combination is the sum of the values of each difficulty within the combination
Mixed combinations may count as either of the required supplementary body techniques but not both
Each element within the combination must be of a different shape with the exception of leaps
Each element within the combination must be performed with the basic characteristics
The apparatus must be in motion throughout the combination
For levels 4-9, the connection between the two elements must comply with the table below:
to:
Jump or Leap
Balance
Pivot
Flexibility
from:
Jump or Leap
One step
One step
One step
One step
Balance
One step
Heel support or change in support
Heel support or change in support
Heel support or change in support
Pivot
One step
Heel support or change in support
One step, change of support or heel support
Heel support or change in support
One step
Heel support or change in support
Heel support or change in support
Change in support
Flexibility
Note: the above table is a simplified version of the FIG requirements for combinations
Level 10 must comply with the requirements for combinations as set out in the FIGcode
One step = complete element one, step into element two
examples: Leap with land on the right foot, step onto left to take off into second leap
Leap with land on right foot, step into illusion with left leg supporting
Pivot with right leg supporting, step into pivot with left leg supporting
Heel support = The heel may be lowered between the two elements but the supporting leg must remain the same
example: Balance on toes with left leg supporting, lower to flat foot and leg passes into second shape, rise onto toe for second balance with left leg supporting
Change in support = movement from one body part to another without step
example: Standing arch with support on two feet, change support to one foot for second element of the combination - ie a balance 42

11. mastery
Bonus points for mastery will be awarded by the Artistic Value judge (composition) for throws, and catches from throws under the following criteria:
Throw without the use of hands
Throw from outside the visual field
Throw during a leap / jump of difficulty
Catch without the use of hands
Catch outside the visual field
Catch in a position lying on the floor
Catch immediately after element of rotation/s
Elements of rotation include: rolls, pivots, turns, illusions, walkovers, cartwheels and leaps with rotation
Note: 1. In the case of Mastery throws of two apparatus, the above values count for one apparatus only.
2. In the case of Mastery catches of two apparatus, the above values count for each apparatus.
Example:
Throw two clubs, illusion, catch in a position on the floor = 0.40
0.20 – catch immediately after element of rotation (2 clubs = )
0.20 – catch in a position lying on the floor (2 clubs = )
The value for each combination of the mastery elements listed above is calculated by adding the value of each element.
To be valid, mastery must be performed without loss of apparatus
Ball: A catch in two hands will negate the bonus value of mastery for the element.
Exceptions: Catches outside the visual field
Repetition of mastery will not be evaluated except if performed with variation 43

12. acrobatic elements
Only the following groups of acrobatic elements are authorised:
Forward or backward rolls without flight
Forward, backward walkovers and cartwheels with passing support on one or two hands, without stopping in the vertical position and without flight
Authorised acrobatic elements may be performed with different starting or ending positions or means of support on the floor
The following elements are authorised but are not considered as acrobatic elements:
Front support on the chest, with or without hand support, legs up
Dorsal support on the shoulders
Side or front splits on the floor, without any stop in the position
Support on one or two hands or on the forearms without any other contact with the floor, without walkover/cartwheels and without stopping at the vertical
The following techniques of execution are not authorised:
Rolls - performed with flight
Forward, backward walkovers and cartwheels performed with a stop in the vertical position
Forward, backward walkovers and cartwheels performed with flight
Side or front splits on the floor performed with a stop in the position
Authorised acrobatic elements maybe included in the exercise on condition:
That they are executed in passing, without stopping in the position and without interrupting the continuity of the exercise
That they are combined with a technical element of the apparatus
Each exercise may contain a maximum of 3 different acrobatic elements, either isolated or combined (a combination consists of a maximum of 3 successive elements either the same or different). Each combination counts as one element
Penalty: 0.20 for each additional acrobatic element
0.20 for each acrobatic element performed with an unauthorised technique
0.20 for each repetition of an acrobatic element
0.20 for each unauthorised acrobatic element 44

13. music the length of the exercise music 45 Level 6-9 1’ to 1’30”
The stop watch will be started as soon as the gymnast begins to move and will be stopped as soon as the gymnast is totally motionless
Penalty: 0.05 for each additional or missing second
music
All the exercises have to be performed in their totality with a musical accompaniment
The music may be interpreted by one or several instruments, including the voice used as an instrument (without words)
The exercise may be accompanied either by one musician or by a musical recording on cassette or on CD
Recording Requirements:
A different cassette or CD must be used for each exercise
The recording must be made on one side only and at the beginning of the tape/CD
The following must be clearly marked on the Cassette or CD AND the case:
The name of the gymnast
The club/state/country that the gymnast is representing
A symbol representing the apparatus used
The length of the music
The name of the piece of music
The name(s) of the composer(s)
Inappropriate noises are not allowed: engine noises, sirens, noises from breaking objects etc
A musical introduction of 8 counts is tolerated
The music must have a unity and not be a disconnected juxtaposition of various musical fragments
Penalty: 0.50 for not adhering to recording requirements
0.20 for accompaniment with inappropriate noises
0.10 introduction more than 8 counts
0.20 absence of unity between different musical themes
0.20 abrupt interruption of the music at the end of the exercise 45

14. dress of the gymnast apparatus apparatus specifications
Leotards may be with or without sleeves but may not have narrow straps
Unitards may be one piece or with tights worn over the leotard
Leotards may not be too high in the leg and must cover the hip bone
Leotards may not be too low cut at the neckline of the front or the back
Skirts may be worn but must not extend below the line of the crotch
Skirts must be one continuous piece of fabric
Any lace or transparent material on the trunk must be lined
The leotard must not be adjusted during the routine
Penalty: 0.20 dress of the gymnast not conforming to the regulations (each)
apparatus
apparatus specifications
See apparatus pages
replacement apparatus
One piece of replacement apparatus may be placed a minimum of 1 metre from the boundary
of the floor area
Penalty: 0.30 apparatus not conforming to the specifications
0.50 for any additional replacement apparatus
0.50 for use of replacement apparatus while original apparatus remains on floor area 46

15. judging
judging breakdowns 47

16. judging breakdown level 6 apparatus routines
Technical Value
5.00
6 x set 0.50 = 3.00
4 x supplementary elements up to 2.00
Composition
9.00
Artistic Value
4.00
Basic Composition
Final Mark
19.00
Execution
10.00
10.00 less sum of execution deductions
level 7-9 optional apparatus routines
Technical Value
5.00
6 x set 0.50 = 3.00
4 x supplementary elements up to 2.00
Composition
10.00
Final Mark
20.00
Artistic Value
5.00
Basic composition 4.00
Mastery 1.00
Execution
10.00
10.00 less sum of execution deductions 48