Participation in Meets
How many meets should my child enter?
The gymnasts will have the opportunity to compete in up to 6 local competitions (and one show) during the season. Ideally, we would like the girls to enter every competition, however, we understand that not all families will be able to make that commitment. Therefore, we request that the girls enter all possible meets.
What is required to compete?
The gymnast must attend a full week of workouts prior to the competition to be eligible to compete at the competition. The gymnast also must have ¾ of her required skills mastered to compete in each individual event. If a gymnast is missing skills for a specific event they can still compete on the other three events they are proficient on.
What is the Competitive Dress Code?
In gymnastics, women wear a leotard approved for competition. A gymnast’s appearance is very important to her self-‐ confidence when at a competition. Hair should be off of her face and neck, pulled back in a bun or French braid. Clips, bobby pins, and hair spray may be used to keep strands of hair from falling down. There is a deduction for any kind of jewelry as well as any nail polish worn on the fingers or toes. Please make certain that your gymnast looks her very best when representing Gymnastics World.
Where are the competitions?
For now all of the Xcel competitions we offer are local. However, if we have enough interest we may add a “special competition”. States and Regional competition could be hosted by any facility in the state of Virginia.
How do I know what day the meet is on?
Please note that all meets on the calendar usually have both a Saturday and Sunday date listed (in some cases a Friday date too). Team entry fees (made with a club check) are usually due 6 to 8 weeks prior to the competition date (sometime even earlier). This deadline varies based on the meet host and due to the popularity of some of the meets they “fill up”, sometimes 4 or 5 months in advance. Once the meet director receives our check (we must send one club check since meet hosts do not accept individual personal checks) gymnasts are then assigned their competition days and times. We are completely at the mercy of the meet host and they can assign any level, to any day or time slot. Usually, 7-‐10 days prior to the competition we will be notified what day Gymnastics World will be competing.
Meet Etiquette for Athletes and Family
Organizing competition takes a great deal of work. The hosting gym receives a roster of athletes from each gym wishing to participate in the competition. To give everyone an equal opportunity to take part in the meet, the deadline date is usually established. The deadline for entries can be from one week to months prior to the event. When the hosting gym gets all of the rosters, they may then begin to establish sessions and times. This all takes time. Please DO NOT call the hosting gym for information.
The proper etiquette is to ask your own coaches. It is his/her responsibility to furnish you with this information. Sometimes there are unforeseen problems that might cause a delay in this information being communicated, so be patient.
Each gym club has a set of rules and regulations that have been established for your comfort and safety. ALWAYS follow the hosting gym’s rules. Here are a few rules that are common to ALL meets:
- No Flash Photography
- No Parents or Siblings on the Competition Floor/Area (there will be designated spectator seating)
- No Food or Drinks in the Gym
- No Parents Allowed to Question a Judge.
- No Spectators Allowed on Any Equipment
- No Profanity
- No Unsportsmanlike Behavior
- No Destruction of Gym Property
Door Fees for Spectators
Some host clubs charge a fee for spectators at competitions. These fees range from $15-‐20 per person. These fees help the host gym cover the expense of running the event.
Stretch and Warm‐Up sessions are usually held 1‐ 1 1/2 hours before the competition begins. Gymnasts should arrive 20 minutes early to check-in, obtain their competition rotation, and become organized.
Stretching and warm‐up should be done as a Team. Any athlete that arrives at the stretch and warm-‐up session more than 15 minutes late may not be allowed to compete in the competition, due to safety concerns and the rules of competition.
Opening Ceremonies and Competition
At the conclusion of warm‐ups, a gymnast should report to his/her coach to prepare for Opening Ceremonies. Gymnasts are usually queued up in ascending height order and march into the gym as a Team. Once all teams and Officials have been introduced, it is customary to begin the competition with the National Anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance. During this solemn period, please stand at attention and maintain silence, unless singing the anthem or speaking the pledge. Once the ceremonies are concluded the gymnast will be directed to his/her first event. Most gyms have a designated “waiting area” for the contestants. Athletes must report to your coach immediately before and after an event.
Please note that the gymnasts must stay with the coaches for the entirety of the competition. Parents are encouraged to cheer for their children, but they will not be able to talk to them during the competition. A gymnast will receive a deduction if their parent is overheard coaching them from the sidelines.
Competing is a Privilege
Your child has earned the right to compete in the Xcel Program through hard work and dedication to the sport. Please remember that competing is a privilege and as such, should not be taken for granted. All gymnasts should conduct themselves with dignity, composure, and good sportsmanship. At each event, gymnasts return the Head Judge’s salute prior to beginning the exercise. If a gymnast should fall from a piece of equipment, she has a certain amount of time allotted to compose herself before remounting the apparatus.
At all meets, please keep in mind that you are a guest, whether you are competing at a “home” meet or at an “away” meet. Treat the hosting facility, its equipment, and all other gymnasts with respect and courtesy. Support your Teammates by cheering in a courteous manner, and congratulating them. Be friendly and polite to all Judges, Coaches, and other gymnasts regardless of whose team they are on.
Gymnasts should remain in the competitive area until after the awards ceremony unless instructed to do otherwise by the coaches.
Receiving Awards In Public
Most meets have a formal system for presenting awards. As an athlete, a demonstration of courtesy and gratitude is appropriate. You should accept awards in your team leotard and no gum or candy.
Congratulate the other athletes receiving awards as well. Stay on the awards podium for a brief time after all gymnasts have received their awards; this will enable parents and relatives to take your photo on the platform. Under no circumstances should you show disappointment in the awards that you are given.