Pre-competition: * Get plenty of sleep the night before the meet. * Arrive at the competition site at least 20 min. before the designated time given. * Hair should be pulled back in a competition style. The style needs to be secure, out of the face and off the neck, which is a requirement. No jewelry or painted nails are allowed to be worn for competition. * Eat a light meal at least an hour before the meet. * Make sure all items that may be needed on the competition floor are all in one bag: (grips, music, tape, pre- wrap, hair spray, snack, water, wrist braces, wrist bands, etc...) * Be sure to always have your USAG number
Warm-up and Competition: * Once the gymnast is on the competition floor she is to stay with her team at all times. Gymnasts are not allowed to leave the competition floor without permission. * Parents are never allowed on the competition floor without a meet official. This is a violation of the sanctioning rules outlined in the USAG rules and policies. * Parents are to be spectators ONLY. Let the coaches be responsible for any preparations or corrections needed. The way you can best help your child is to let them know that you love them and that you are proud of them no matter what. * Parents are to be supportive of ALL athletes. * If there is ever a need to communicate with someone on the floor inform a coach or meet volunteer. * Respect any meet officials (judges, coaches, meet helpers, meet hosts, etc...) * For the safety of the gymnast there is to be NO flash photography, as it is a danger to the gymnasts. * Relax. Do your best. Have fun. * All gymnasts and families should remain in competition venue until ALL athletes are done competing. Once all athletes are done competing you can then move to the awards space. Awards Ceremony: Gymnasts will sit with their teammates for entirety of awards ceremony. Gymnasts shouldn't wear multiple medals up to the podium when called. After each event has been awarded, gymnasts should put any medals earned in their gym bag before the next event to be awarded. Snacks: *https://christinaandersonrdn.com/top-10-healthy-snacks-for-gymnasts/ * As a general rule an athlete performs better when he/she is slightly hungry rather than full, therefore, it is recommended to eat at least an hour to an hour and half before activity. * Hydration of an athlete is very important for optimal performance. Drinking water at regular intervals is suggested.
Attitude: * All athletes are to show good sportsmanship to their fellow gymnasts and coaches at all times. * Respect your coaches by listening to and acknowledging their instructions with appropriate communication and work ethic. * Encourage other athletes and contribute to the positive motivation of the group you are training in. * Appreciate the facility by throwing your trash away, and helping to keep the gym or facility clean for all to enjoy.
Competition Uniform: * You should arrive at the meet in your uniform and ready to compete. Please be sure to clearly label your gymnast's warm ups with initials or their name. * Uniform consists of: * Leotard * Warm Ups * Black slides * Precision Gymnastics Team Bag
Hair: *Your hair should be neatly pulled back in a bun or a ponytail. A ponytail will work if your hair is short enough that the ponytail won’t be flopping in the way while you compete. If it isn’t short enough, you can either curl your hair in the pony to make it shorter, or you will need to choose a different hair style. Make sure to use hair spray or gel to prevent your hair from coming undone. You will also need to spray or gel back any “wispies”. Note -- no jewelry or nail polish is allowed.
Gym Bag: * All things needed for the competition should be placed in your team bag prior to the meet. * Instruct your child to put their warm ups, shoes and socks in their bag when they are not being worn. * Water and a small healthy snack should be in their bag. Choose snacks wisely!! * It may also be a good idea to put in some extra hair ties, hair spray, gel, and a small brush or comb. * Grips (if worn), pre-wrap and tape should also be in their bag if it something they use.