Trampoline Gymnastics

Trampoline Gymnastics is a discipline in which acrobatic routines are presented either on a trampoline (trampoline), on a double mini-trampoline or on an acrobatic track (tumbling).

A Trampoline routine is characterized by the performance of continuous jumps with rotation on the transverse and/or longitudinal axis (somersaults with or without rotation) executed at high altitude and with a variety of elements forward and backward, with a continuous rhythm. The elements must show correct form and execution, maintain height, show perfect control during the flight phase and take off and land in the center of the trampoline.

There is the Synchronized Trampoline modality, where 2 female gymnasts or 2 male gymnasts perform the same routine at the same time.

In the Double mini-trampoline, passes must be made with acrobatic elements with rotations on different axes and without intermediate jumps between the elements presented. Each pass must end with an exit element that lands on a receiving mat.

Tumbling is characterized by constant speed and the presentation of acrobatic lines with and without hand support. These acrobatic lines must show a variety of elements to the front, back and sides and must maintain the rhythm.

Age groups used at UPAG

The UPAG follows the age groups established by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG): For Age Group competitions the following categories are used:

11 and 12 years
13 and 14 years
15 and 16 years
17 to 21 years old

Gymnasts from the following categories participate in the Pan American Championships and other official events:

13 to 16 years old (juvenile)
17 years and over (adults)

Trampoline Gymnastics Events

This discipline is competed in 4 modalities:

Trampoline
Synchronized Trampoline
Double Mini-trampoline
Tumbling

Each in the male and female branches.

The Olympic program only includes Individual Trampoline, although the Central American and Caribbean Games and Junior Pan American Games have already approved the introduction of Synchronized Trampoline.

In general there are 3 phases of competition:

Classification, from which the gymnasts move on to the next phases. Sometimes, as in the World Championships, a second qualifying round is held.
Individual/synchronized finals where the 8 best gymnasts/pairs classified in each modality participate.
Team Finals in Individual Trampoline, Double mini-trampoline and Tumbling. In this phase, the teams are composed by 3 gymnasts

General requirements for Trampoline Gymnastics routines

Trampoline

In Trampoline competitions, two routines are presented in the Qualifying round. During the World Championships, an additional routine must be performed in the second qualifying round (singles only).

In the Finals and Team Finals there is only one routine that will determine the results.

The routines are composed of 10 elements. Two free routines, equal or different, are performed in the qualifying round and the best one performed is taken into account to move on to the next round.

Double mini-trampoline

Two passes are presented in the Qualifying Phase and two in the Individual Finals. In the Team Final, only one pass is presented.

Each pass consists of 2 elements, one input and one output.

Tumbling

In Tumbling competitions there are two passes (acrobatic lines) in the Qualifying phase and two in the Individual Final. Each pass must have 8 elements that cannot be repeated in any of the two passes and must conclude with a somersault.

The Team Final features a single pass.

Apparatus in Trampoline Gymnastics

Trampoline: The elastic mesh that is placed on a structure covered with mattresses has a length of 428 cm and a width of 214 cm.

Different areas are plotted on the mesh surface to evaluate the horizontal displacement.

Double mini-trampoline: The dimensions of the bed including the entry and exit ends are:

Length: 285 cm
Width: 92 cm
Height of inlet end: 45 cm
Height of outlet end: 70 cm

In addition to the trampoline, a 20-meter running track and a 6-meter reception area are included.

Tumbling Track: It consists of a 10-meter running track followed by the 25-meter tumbling track. At the end of this track, mattresses are placed in a 6-meter reception area.

Forms of evaluation

There are 5 components to consider for the final grade.

Component D. Degree of difficulty of the routine.
Component E. Score calculated on the basis of the deductions for performance failures.
Component H. Note for horizontal displacement
T. Component Note for flight time
Component S. Note awarded for synchronization.

The following formulas are applied to obtain the Final Grade in each modality:

Individual Trampoline: D + E + H + T – other deductions
Synchronized Trampoline: D + E + H + S – other deductions
Double mini-trampoline: D + E – other deductions
Tumbling: D + E – other deductions

Composition of the panel of judges

The full Judges Panels for the world level competitions are composed as follows:

Core competencies of UPAG

The competitions organized by UPAG are: Pan American Youth and Adult Championships, Pan American Club Cups for age groups, as well as playing an important role in the organization of gymnastics in Multi-sport Games such as the Pan American Games.

The Pan American Championships are held every year and are sometimes part of the qualifying process for other events such as the Pan American Games or Junior Pan American Games.

Disciplines