LIGHT APPARATUS GYMNASTICS

The Ball

The Ball is a piece of apparatus used in rhythmic gymnastics. It is made of either rubber or
synthetic material (pliable plastic) provided it possesses the same elasticity as rubber. It is
from 18 to 20 cm in diameter and must have a minimum weight of 400g. The ball can be of any
colour. The ball should rest in the gymnast's hand and not rest against the wrist or be able to
be grasped.

Fundamental elements of a ball routine include throwing, bouncing or rolling. The gymnast
must use both hands and work on the whole floor area whilst showing continuous flowing
movement.

The ball is sometimes placed on their back while the gymnast does a skill such as a walk-over.

Rope

Rope (rhythmic gymnastics) may be made of hemp or a synthetic material which retains the
qualities of lightness and suppleness. Its length is in proportion to the size of the gymnast. The
rope should, when held down by the feet, reach both of the gymnasts' armpits. One or two
knots at each end are for keeping hold of the rope while doing the routine. At the ends (to the
exclusion of all other parts of the rope) an anti-slip material, either coloured or neutral may
cover a maximum of 10 cm (3.94 in). The rope must be coloured, either all or partially. It may
be either of a uniform diameter or be progressively thicker in the center provided that this
thickening is of the same material as the rope.

The fundamental requirements of a rope routine include leaps and skipping. Other elements
include swings, throws, circles, rotations and figures of eight.

Club

Clubs Multi-piece clubs are the most popular clubs. The club is built along an internal rod,
providing a base on which a handle made of polyolefin plastic is wrapped, providing an
airspace between it and the internal rod. This airspace provides flex, cushioning impact,
making the club softer on the hands. Foam ends and knobs further cushion the club. Multi-
piece clubs are made in both a thin European style or larger bodied American style and in
various lengths, generally ranging from 19 to 21 inches (480 to 530 mm). The handles and
bodies are typically wrapped with decorative plastics and tapes. The skills involved are
apparatus mastery and body elements, Clubs are thrown from alternate hands; each passes
underneath the other clubs and is caught in the opposite hand to the one from which it was
thrown. At its simplest, each club rotates once per throw, the handle moving down and away
from the throwing hand at first. However, double and triple spins are frequently performed,
allowing the club to be thrown higher for more advanced patterns and to allow tricks such as
360s to be performed underneath.
Ribbon

It is made of satin or another similar material cloth of any color, it may be multi-colored and
have designs on it. The ribbon itself must be at least 35g (1 oz), 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4") in width and
have a minimum length of 6m (20') for seniors and 5m (16.25') for juniors. The ribbon must be
in one piece. The end that is attached to the stick is doubled for a maximum length of 1m (3').
This is stitched down both sides. At the top, a very thin reinforcement or rows of machine
stitching for a maximum length of 5 cm is authorized. This extremity may end in a strap, or
have an eyelet (a small hole, edged with buttonhole stitch or a metal circle), to permit
attaching the ribbon. The ribbon is fixed to the stick by means of a supple attachment such as
thread, nylon cord, or a series of articulated rings. The attachment has a maximum length of
7 cm (2.8"), not counting the strap or metal ring at the end of the stick where it will be
fastened. Compulsory elements for the ribbon include flicks, circles, snakes and spirals, and
throws. It requires a high degree of co-ordination to form the spirals and circles as any knots
which may accidentally form in the ribbon are penalized. During a ribbon routine, large,
smooth and flowing movements are looked for.
HEAVY APPARATUS GYMNASTICS

PARALLEL BARS

Parallel bars is an apparatus used by male gymnasts in artistic gymnastics. Gymnasts may optionally
wear grips when performing a routine on the parallel bars, although this is uncommon.

The apparatus

The apparatus consists of two parallel bars that are held parallel to, and elevated above, the
floor by a metal supporting framework. The bars are composed of wood or other material, with
an outer coating of wood.[1] The vertical members of the supporting framework are adjustable
so the height of the bars above the floor and distance between the bars can be set optimally for
each gymnast.[2]

Dimensions

 Bar length: 350 centimetres (11.5 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)[2]

 Bar rounded profile: 5 centimetres (2.0 in) ± 1 millimetre (0.039 in) vertical by 4
centimetres (1.6 in) ± 1 millimetre (0.039 in) horizontal [2]
 Bar width: 4 centimetres (1.6 in) ± 1 millimetre (0.039 in)[2]
 Height of bar from floor: 200 centimetres (6.6 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)[2]
 Distance between bars: 42 centimetres (17 in) - 52 centimetres (20 in) (adjustable)

UNEVEN BARS

The uneven bars or asymmetric bars is an artistic gymnastics apparatus. It is used only by female
gymnasts. It is made of a steel frame. The bars are made of fiberglass with wood coating, or less
commonly wood.[1] The English abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring is UB or AB, and the
apparatus and event are often referred to simply as "bars". The bars are placed at different heights and
widths, allowing the gymnast to jump from bar to bar.

The apparatus

Uneven bars used in international gymnastics competitions has to conform to the guidelines
and specifications set forth by the International Gymnastics Federation Apparatus Norms
brochure. Several companies manufacture and sell bars, including AAI (USA), Jannsen and
Fritsen (Europe) and Acromat (Australia).Gymnasts will often use a single bar to practice skills
on the bar, mostly for safety and for ease of spotting. Many gym also have a single bar or a set
of uneven bars over a loose foam pit for learning new skills to provide an additional level of
safety.

Dimensions

Measurements of the bars are provided by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG)
in the Apparatus Norms brochure.

 Height:
o upper bar: 250 centimetres (8.2 ft)[1]
 o lower bar: 170 centimetres (5.6 ft) [1]
 Diameter of bar: 4 centimetres (0.13 ft) [2]

 Length of the bars: 240 centimetres (7.9 ft) [2]

 Diagonal distance between the two bars: 130 centimetres (4.3 ft)–180 centimetres
(5.9 ft) (adjustable)

BALANCE BEAM

The balance beam is an artistic gymnastics apparatus, as well as the event performed using the
apparatus. Both the apparatus and the event are sometimes simply referred to as "beam". The English
abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring is BB. The beam is a small, thin beam which is
typically raised from the floor on a leg or stand at both ends. The balance beam is only performed by
female gymnasts. Beams are usually made of leather like material.

Balance beams used in international gymnastics competitions must conform to the guidelines and
specifications set forth by the International Gymnastics Federation Apparatus Norms brochure.
Several companies manufacture and sell beams, including AAI (USA), Jannsen and Fritsen (Europe)
and Acromat (Australia). Most gymnastics schools purchase and use balance beams that meet the
FIG's standards, but some may also use beams with carpeted surfaces for practice situations. While
learning new skills, gymnasts often work on low beams that have the same dimensions and surface of
regulation apparatus, but are set a very short distance from the ground. They may also work on
practice beams, mini beams, road beams, or even lines on a mat.

Originally, the beam surface was plain polished wood.[1] In earlier years, some gymnasts competed on
a beam made of basketball-like material. However, this type of beam was eventually banned due to its
extreme slipperiness. Since the 1980s, beams have been covered in leather or suede. In addition, they
are now also sprung to accommodate the stress of high-difficulty tumbling and dance skills

Dimensions

Measurements of the apparatus are published by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG)
in the Apparatus Norms brochure.

 Height: 124 centimetres (4.07 ft)[3]

 Length: 500 centimetres (16 ft)[3]
STILL RINGS

The rings, also known as steady rings or still rings[1] (in contrast to flying rings), is an artistic gymnastics
apparatus and the event that uses it. It is traditionally used only by male gymnasts, due to its extreme upper-
body strength requirements. Gymnasts typically wear ring grips while performing on the rings.Width: 10
centimetres (3.9 in)

The apparatus

The apparatus consists of two rings that hang freely from a rigid metal frame. Each ring is supported
by a strap, which in turn connects to a steel cable that is suspended from the metal frame. The
gymnast, who grips one ring with each hand, must control the movement of the rings.[1]

Dimensions

The measurements of the standard apparatus are specified by Fédération Internationale de

Gymnastique (FIG) in its Apparatus Norms document:[2]

 Inner diameter: 18 centimetres (7.1 in) ± 0.1 centimetres (0.039 in)[1]

 Distance from point of attachment to lower inner side of the rings: 300 centimetres (9.8 ft) ± 1
centimetre (0.39 in)[1]
 Distance between two points of attachment: 50 centimetres (1.6 ft) ± 0.5 centimetres
(0.20 in)[1]

Routines

An exercise on rings consists of swing, strength and hold elements. Generally, gymnasts are required
to fulfill various requirements including a swing to held handstand, a static strength hold, and an aerial
dismount. More experienced gymnasts will often perform more than one strength element, sometimes
swinging into hold positions or consecutively performing different holds.[3]

One of the most widely recognized skills performed on the rings is the Iron Cross, which is executed
by extending both arms straight out from the sides of the body while suspended mid air for at least two
seconds. Other common strength moves include the inverted cross (i.e., vertically inverted Iron Cross)
and the Maltese cross, in which the gymnast holds his body parallel to the ground at ring height with
arms extended laterally. Swing elements include giant swings from handstand to handstand, similar to
giants performed on the horizontal bar. Elements on the rings are regulated by the Code of Points.
Pommel horse

The pommel horse (also side horse) is an artistic gymnastics apparatus. Traditionally, it is used by
only male gymnasts. Originally made of a metal frame with a wooden body and a leather cover, modern
pommel horses have a metal body covered with foam rubber and leather, with plastic handles (or
pommels).[1]

Apparatus

The pommel horse was developed centuries ago as an artificial horse used by soldiers to practice
mounting and dismounting.[1]Alexander the Great is believed to have used two.[1]

Dimensions[edit]
Measurements of the apparatus are published by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) in
the Apparatus Norms brochure.[2]

 Height from top surface to floor: 115 centimetres (3.77 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)
 Length at top: 160 centimetres (5.2 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)
 Length at bottom: 155 centimetres (5.09 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)
 Width at top: 35 centimetres (14 in) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)
 Width at bottom: 30 centimetres (12 in) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)
 Height of the pommels: 12 centimetres (4.7 in) ± 0.5 centimetres (0.20 in)
 Distance between the pommels: 40 centimetres (16 in) – 45 centimetres (18 in) (adjustable)

Routines

A typical pommel horse exercise involves both single leg and double leg work. Single leg skills are
generally in the form of scissors. Double leg work however, is the main staple of this event. The
gymnast swings both legs in a circular motion (clockwise or counterclockwise depending on
preference) and performs such skills on all parts of the apparatus. To make the exercise more
challenging, gymnasts will often include variations on a typical circling skill by turning (moores and
spindles), by straddling their legs (Flairs), placing one or both hands on the pommel or the leather, or
moving up and down the horse placing their hands on the pommel and/or the leather (travelling).
Routines end when the gymnast performs a dismount, either by swinging his body over the horse or
going through a handstand to land on the mat. The pommel horse, its gymnastic elements, and various
rules are all regulated by the Code of Points.

Pommel horse is considered one of the more difficult men's events.[3] While it is well noted that all
events require a certain build of muscle and technique, pommel horse tends to favor technique over
muscle. This is because horse routines are done from the shoulders in a leaning motion and that no
moves need to be held unlike other events. Therefore, stress induced in one's arms is reduced meaning
less muscle is needed in this event than events like still rings or parallel bars.
Floor (gymnastics)

n gymnastics, the floor refers to a specially prepared exercise surface, which is considered an apparatus.
It is used by both male and female gymnasts. The event in gymnastics performed on floor is called floor
exercise. The English abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring is FX.
A spring floor is used in most competitive gymnastics to provide bounce. Cheerleading also sometimes
use spring floors. The sprung floor used for indoor athletics, however, is designed to reduce bounce.
The apparatus

The apparatus originated as a 'free exercise' for men, very similar to the floor exercise of today.[1] It wasn't
until 1948 that women were allowed to compete on floor.[1]
Most competitive gymnastics floors are spring floors. They contain springs and/or a rubber foam
and plywood combination which make the floor bouncy, soften the impact of landings, and enable the
gymnast to gain height when tumbling.[2][3] Floors have clearly designated perimeters—the "out of bounds"
area is always indicated by a border of white tape or a differently colored mat.[2][3]
The allowed time for a floor exercise is up to 70 seconds for males[4] and up to 90 seconds for
females.[5] Unlike men, women always perform routines to music.[5]

Dimensions[edit]
Measurements of the apparatus are published by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) in
the Apparatus Norms brochure. The dimensions are the same for male and female competitors.

 Performance area: 1,200 centimetres (39 ft) x 1,200 centimetres (39 ft) ± 3 centimetres (1.2 in)[2][3]
 Diagonals: 1,697 centimetres (55.68 ft) ±5 centimetres (2.0 in)[2][3]
 Border: 100 centimetres (3.3 ft)[2][3]
 Safety zone: 200 centimetres (6.6 ft)[2][3]

Vault (gymnastics)

The vault is an artistic gymnastics apparatus on which gymnasts perform, as well as the skill performed
using that apparatus. Vaulting is also the action of performing a vault. Both male and
female gymnasts perform the vault. The English abbreviation for the event in gymnastics scoring is VT

The apparatus

Early forms of the vault were invented by German Friedrich Ludwig Jahn. The apparatus itself originated
as a "horse", much like the pommel horse but without the handles; it was sometimes known as the vaulting
horse. The horse was set up with its long dimension perpendicular to the run for women, and parallel for
men.[1] The vaulting horse was the apparatus used in the Olympics for over a century, beginning with
the Men's vault in the first modern Olympics and ending with the Gymnastics at the 2000 Summer
Olympics.
The horse has been blamed for several serious accidents over the years. In 1988, American Julissa
Gomezwas paralyzed in a vaulting accident; she died from complications from her injuries three years
later.[2]During warmups at the 1998 Goodwill Games, Chinese gymnast Sang Lan fell and
suffered paralysis from a cervical-spine injury.[3] In a series of crashes when the horse's height was set too
low at the 2000 Olympics, gymnasts either rammed into the horse's front end, or had bad landings after
having problems with their hand placements during push-off.[4]
Following the accident in 1988 and compounded by the ones in 1998 and 2000, International Gymnastics
Federation (FIG) re-evaluated and changed the apparatus, citing both safety reasons and the desire to
facilitate more impressive acrobatics.[1] The 2001 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships were the first
international competition to make use of the "vaulting table", an apparatus made by Dutch gymnastics
equipment company Janssen-Fritsen since the mid-1990s. It features a flat, larger, and more cushioned
surface almost parallel to the floor, which slopes downward at the end closest to the springboard;
gymnasts nicknamed it the "tongue";[1] it appears to be somewhat safer than the old apparatus.[5]
In 2007, Dutch junior gymnast Imke Glas was seriously injured after a fall on a vault.[6]

Dimensions
Modern vaulting table

 Length: 120 centimetres (3.9 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)[7][8]

 Width: 90 centimetres (3.0 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)[7][8]
 Height:
 Men: 135 centimetres (4.43 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)[8]
 Women: 125 centimetres (4.10 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)[8]
 Run up area:
 Length: 3,500 centimetres (115 ft) ± 10 centimetres (3.9 in)[7][8]
 Width: 100 centimetres (3.3 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)[7][8]

Routines

To perform a vault, the gymnast runs down a runway (the run), which is usually padded or carpeted. They
hurdle onto a springboard and spring onto the vault with their hands (the preflight or first flight, and block).
For vaults in the Yurchenko family, the gymnast will put their hands onto a mat that is placed before the
springboard, round-off onto the board and do a back handspring onto the vault. The off-flight may be as
simple as leaping over the apparatus or as complicated as executing several twists and turns in the air.
The gymnast then lands on the mat on the other side of the apparatus.