Gymnastics Academies
National and Regional Academy Squads 2009
Programme and Structure of Squads The programme is for gymnast’s age 8-9 that are intended to be following the ‘elite’ route in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics and aims to provide a platform for gymnasts to physically develop and consolidate the skills needed to succeed within the performance pathway. The programme will be the vehicle, again providing the opportunities for entry to National Squad structures.
Goals
1. To identify talented young gymnasts who are 8 and 9 years old.
2. Identify deficiencies in fitness. These deficiencies will be reported to both the athlete and the coach for remedial work.
3. Enhance the information flow and education opportunities to talented gymnasts, their parents and their coaches to help improve the gymnast’s training.
Objectives of Programme
Assist the coaches in development of the identified gymnasts To improve gymnasts training To serve as a ‘fast track’ for young gymnasts from the early years of training through to National and International performance To enhance the preparation of skills and abilities that will be needed to gain achieve success on the performance pathway.
Eligibility for testing for Academy Squads
1. Gymnasts must be competitive members of Scottish Gymnastics.
2. Gymnasts must be aged 8 or 9 (gymnast must be a minimum of 8 years old, born in 2001 to enter the testing)
3. Coaches may enter gymnasts for trial, who in their opinion, have a realistic capability of achieving a position in the National Academy Squad or Regional Academy Squad.
4. Gymnasts must intend following the ‘elite’ route in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics from National Club Grade 14.
NATIONAL ACADEMY SQUAD: 8&9 YEARS
Members of this training group will be identified from Scottish Academy Squad Trials to be held on 10/11th January 2009. This squad will include the top 10 scoring 8 and 9 year olds regardless of geography. This squad will be held one Sunday per month at Auchterarder.
REGIONAL ACADEMY SQUADS: 8-9 YEARS
Aims to provide a platform for children to physically develop and consolidate skills needed to aspire within the performance pathway.
Members of these squads will be selected from Academy Trials to be held on the 10/11th January 2009. Gymnasts in Fife & Tayside and Central & West will train for one session per week, plus one session a month minimum. Gymnasts in the North and East regions will train once per month with one of the two appointed Academy Coaches.
Trials
Selection for the National Academy Programme will take place following a testing session consisting of physical tests only for 8 year olds and physical and skills testing for 9 year olds
Scoring System
There are 20 places available for National Academy Squads, 10 places for National Academy Year one and 10 for National Academy Year Two. The top 10 scoring gymnasts’ at age 8 and 9 will be selected into the squad.
TRIAL SCORES ACCEPTED FOR SELECTION TO SQUAD SYSTEM
National Academy testing Physical Tests/Skills Percentages
• 8 years old = 100% physical tests
• 9 years old = 60% skills testing and 40% physical tests
