Women's Artistic Gymnastics

Competitive Gymnastics for Girls

What is WAG?

Women's Artistic Gymnastics, or WAG, is a structured, competitive programme for girls and women aged 5 and over.

The programme focusses on co-ordination, confidence, creativity and general health and fitness.

Our classes are based on the National Development Programme (Levels 1-3), and the State Levels Programme (Levels 4-10).

What classes are on offer?

The classes offered vary from year to year, depending on the girls in the programme. We typically offer:

• Pre-Level 1: This is for those progressing from Kindergym who have some gymnastic background. It includes our youngest WAG gymnasts
  
• Level 1: Skills include basic moves on bars and beam, a short routine on floor, and perfecting a straight jump and safe landing on vault.
  
• Level 2: Skills build on those from level 1, with handstands becoming more important.
  
• Level 3:A further progression from level 2. Bars skills include a dismount and swinging on the high bar. There are a choice of vault skills, a floor routine to music and a beam routine to work on.
  
• Levels 4-10: Classes for these levels vary the most as girls are required to have reached a suitable standard before entry into these classes. More complex skills and routines are developed and assessed externally.

How many hours a week are involved?

Our classes are in the 'C' stream, as most of our gymnasts are recreational and do gymnastics for fun rather than to compete. Typical hours are:

• Level 1: 1.5-2 hrs/week
• Level 2: 2-2.5 hrs/week
• Level 3: 2.5-5 hrs/week
• Levels 4-10: 6 hrs/week

'A' stream gymnasts train the highest hours each week, and generally progress towards international or elite levels. There are specialist clubs which cater to these gymnasts. If a girl shows particular prowess at an early stage, we are able to refer her to such a club, if that is her family's wish.

'B' stream gymnasts train more hours that 'C' stream girls, but less than 'A' stream gymnasts. They will typically aim to complete National skill levels. Girls are able to switch between streams if they have the appropriate skills and background.

What equipment do the gymnasts use?

WAG is what most people think of as gymnastics. It uses four items of apparatus: balance beam, uneven bars, vault and floor. Each apparatus has its own requirements: beam tests balance and poise; bars are for those who like to swing, hang upside down or fly; vault is about speed, body tension and spatial awareness; while floor tests acrobatic skills, musicality and flexibility.

Are the coaches qualified?

All our coaches are accredited with Gymnastics Australia. Many of them have been gymnasts themselves, and have years of coaching experience. Most of our lower-level classes also have assistant coaches - senior gymnasts who are developing coaching skills prior to obtaining their own accreditation.

What to wear

WAG gymnasts are expected to wear a leotard or crop top/shorts to each training session. They may wear a tracksuit to warm up, but it is crucial for the coaches to see their body lines while training.

For competitions, gymnasts must wear a club leotard (available from the office in standard sizes). Level 1-3 girls do not need a club tracksuit, but this is required for girls competing at Level 4 and above.
Hair must always be tied back from the face, and no jewellery is permitted in the gym.

How do competitions work?

When your coach believes your gymnast is ready to compete, they will recommend a suitable competition. You will receive a letter with details. This must be completed and returned to the office by the date stated if your gymnast is to be entered. Closing dates for competitions are fixed and late entries are often not accepted.
After the event closing date, you will receive information about the event: what time to be there, where to go and what to take. It is usually a good idea to make sure your gymnasts has some healthy snacks, a water bottle and warm clothes or a blanket as many gymnasia can be quite cold.

At the competition, there will be a general warm up for all the girls in the session, then they will move to one of the apparatus. All girls get a quick warm up on that apparatus, then they perform their routine before a judge. When all girls have completed their routines, the group moves to the next apparatus.
Competition sessions typically run for 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the event.

How do I join?

Email or phone our office to book a trial class. Availability for some classes is limited, but we do keep waiting lists if necessary.

Can I get involved?

Parent support is very welcome: You can get involved as an assistant coach, as a judge, or as a parent helper at competitions, events or around the club. Speak to the office staff for more details.