JULY/AUGUST 2011 BRITISH OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

Trampoline & British Championships ...click here for tickets! Warm-Up ...with the President JULY/AUGUST 2011

The National Indoor Arena in Birmingham is an outstanding venue for any event and will provide a spectacular setting for competitors and spectators for the 2011 British Trampoline Championships on 23rd/24th July. As never before this year’s event will be of special significance as we look towards our team selection for the FIG World Championships and World Age Group Competition which will take place at the NIA in November. The World Championships will also serve as the first qualification for individual trampoline for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

With the outstanding international success of our trampolinists, tumblers and DMT performers, this is the perfect opportunity to share in the excitement of these disciplines.

The National Club Conference and the first combined Awards Evening provided the opportunity to bring together the many members of our gymnastics family under the ‘roof’ of the Telford International Conference Centre. The highlight of the conference was the presence and contribution of Jeff Metzger from the USA, who I know from feedback received, inspired all those who had the opportunity to attend one of his sessions. Another highlight of the weekend was our BG ‘Oscars’. In addition to a range of awards recognising the stellar efforts of individuals and clubs from our community was by the presentation of the BOA Olympic Athlete of the Year award to Beth Tweddle MBE. Daniel Purvis was also recognised as Outstanding Athlete of Year, following his success in Rotterdam, Berlin and more recently in Glasgow.

Participation in our sport has many facets and these many areas were recognised through the recognition of outstanding contributions in Education, Volunteer Services to the Community, Awards of Merit and Honorary Life Membership.

It would be remiss of me not to make special mention of one individual - Samantha Campbell our Group Accountant here at British Gymnastics. Her quiet, yet professional contribution to all involved in the sport was duly recognised with her being awarded the Alex Strachan Trophy.

Following our National Awards I was invited to attend the South East Regional Awards evening. Regional events are of equal importance as they provide inspiration and the all important opportunity for recognition. Congratulations to all award recipients.

For those members who missed out on Olympic tickets, why not enjoy the build up to the Games by spectating at one of the Olympic Test Events, which Paul Garber will be contested in all gymnastics disciplines in President January 2012. On display will be many of the world’s British Gymnastics top performers who will be attempting to secure Olympic qualification. UEG Vice President

[email protected] 0845 1297129 www.british-gymnastics.org 3 Contents

Page 17 WOMEN'S BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS CONTENTS Watch the video intro! 7 2011 CLUB CONFERENCE & AWARDS CLUBS GATHER IN TELFORD 17 KAYVON ARASTEH TRAMPOLINE STAR LOOKS AHEAD Page 32 23 HOW THE WORLD’S Were WON! JANE ALLEN, CEO, ON GLASGOW’s SUCCESSFUL 2015 ARTISTIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS BID 26 UTTOXETER GYMNASTICS CLUB CLUB FEATURE 32 NIAMH RIPPIN FEATURE ON WOMEN’S ARTISTIC STAR VOLUME 49 37 CHALK TALK ISSUE 6 Advertising MORE COACHING TIPS FROM JEFF DAVIS GEORGE MILLER, Managing Editor Cabbell Publishing Ltd, MARK YOUNG Woodman Works, 204 Durnsford Road, Page 42 42 ROUND-UP [email protected] London, SW19 8DR NEWS FROM HOME AND ABROAD Tel: 0208 971 8463 Feature EditorS Fax: 0208 971 8480 RESULTS TIM PEAKE, OLIVIA HOWARD [email protected] 46 [email protected] RESULTS, REPORTS AND PHOTO LINKS [email protected] Published by Design British Gymnastics, 47 WHAT’s COMing UP! Ford Hall, Lilleshall National Sports Centre, EVENTS FOR THE MONTHS AHEAD JOANNE RICHARDS, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 9NB KATHY-ANN DAVIES, MARK YOUNG Tel: 0845 1297129 Fax: 0845 1249089 Copyright © 2011. Published by The British Amateur Gymnastics Association. All rights BGtv Registered in England No. 1630001 reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or GARETH FINCHETT transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording VAT Reg. No. 207 9654 44 or otherwise without written permission of British Gymnastics. [email protected] www.british-gymnastics.org

Identification and naming of individual gymnasts on printed photographs is determined by the information received and therefore cannot be guaranteed for accuracy. ‘CHALK TALK’ British Gymnastics Official Photographer: ALAN EDWARDS The views expressed by the individual contributors are not necessarily those of JEFF DAVIS British Gymnastics. Equally the inclusion of advertisements in this magazine does not www.sports-photo.co.uk constitute endorsement by British Gymnastics of the products or services concerned. [email protected] British Gymnastics is unable to recommend any product, guarantee that it is free of any British Gymnastics Official Photo Partner: banned substance or take any responsibility for any claims of effectiveness. SUBSCRIBE TO THE LATEST news from DE PHOTO British Gymnastics with our RSS feed 4 Front cover - James Higgins and (inset) Michael Barnes (Alan Edwards) www.dephoto.biz 5 XXX 2011 Club Conference and Awards

Market Place

Jeff Metzger >

< Paul Hall

Metzger on the

< Adam McAssey, Edward Mark at the Upcott & Neil Griffiths 2011 Club Conference... Photographs Linda Gore

7 Glasgow2011 Club World Conference Cup Preview and Awards

merican gymnastics entrepreneur The speeches certainly hit the right staff and coaches, taking delegates ‘Understanding Your Gymnast and Jeff Metzger Pete engaged and note, with delegates commenting: through his thoughts on the type of Yourself’, a workshop lead by A Lindsay inspired delegates at this year’s club traits needed to lead a successful club. talked through the importance conference held on the 25th and "Jeff Metzger was very inspiring of psychology in gymnastics and how 26th June at Telford International and motivating" controlling this can aid performance. Centre, with 2 keynote speeches Other where he shared his experiences "Really enjoyed Jeff Metzger, Delegates also attended sessions and knowledge that has led to him keynote speaker - again please" Highlights... on activities such as Freestyle, developing a small gymnastics club Cheerleading, Festivals and GMPD. into America’s biggest gymnastics "Please continue to book In addition to Jeff Metzger, the Club managers accessed information facility. speakers of the quality of Jeff weekend was packed full of on developing business plans, facility Metzger!" workshops, activities and information development, marketing and income The theme of this year’s Club to help ‘Build Your Club’. generation, all lead by experts in their

Conference was ‘Building Your Club’ field. On day 1, Jeff spoke about his journey Paul Hall and Jeff certainly delivered on this, Men’s artistic coach, delivered from running a relatively small club presenting his thoughts and ideas of 2 workshops. The first around retaining In summary, the weekend was a great through to the large organisation ‘Kids how a gymnastics club could ‘build’ and gymnasts and positive ways to keep success - look out soon for information First Sports Centre’ which has the key principles to help towards success. gymnasts interested and motivated. about the 2012 Club Conference. biggest gymnasium in America, plus The second, along similar lines was Photos of this year’s Conference and football, basketball and swimming. based around warm-up games and fun Awards can be accessed at... “A Very good conference. I activities that could be used to start a www.lindagore.co.uk His speech on day 2 was based around will come again next year session. with more coaches!” the importance of recruiting the right

Synergy >

< Practical workshops

Funky Cat! > 8 9 Glasgow2011 Club World Conference Cup Preview and Awards

Congratulations to the following winners: Lights, sparkle, action 'or' Volunteers Nik Stuart Honorary Life Members • Christine Still in the Spotlight at the National • Bunny Warren Awards... • Keith Hardy • Betty Moss • Colin Smith Award of Merit > Club of the Year - Orchard Gymnastics • Clive Lee • Jack Grey • Cathy Page MBE • Tony James Outstanding Athlete >

Unable to attend awards evening: • Isaac Howard Todd • Alex Uttley • Douglas Fordyce • Adam Buckingham • Jonathan Stranks • Edward Upcott • Adam McAssey • Neil Griffiths Alex Strachan Award > • Denis Robinson On Saturday • Peter Crawford Nik Stuart Honorary Life Members • Sandra Sargeant 25th June more • Myrtle Sunley than 300 guests celebrated with Award of Merit British Gymnastics' • Peter Daulby most deserved • Christine Brockbank volunteers at the Unable to attend awards evening: National Awards • John Irwin Evening. • Pat Irwin • Pam Smith Olympic Athlete awards recognise the club owners, to those like • Mel Browne of the Year > This year’s ceremony commitment of time our Beth Tweddle and Dan • Susan Williams became the most members dedicate to our Purvis who have achieved Paul • Ken Williams spectacular recognition sport. National Coach an exceptional level of Hall event British Gymnastics opened the evening performance at the top Outstanding Coach has ever seen, with all saying “It is a pleasure level.” • Paul Greaves attendees, nominees and to attend an event which conference delegates celebrates all areas of our Guest appearances saw Beth Tweddle MBE Outstanding Athlete in celebration of the sport, from its recreational , Daniel Keatings • Daniel Purvis fabulous volunteers who members within the and Chloe Farrance Services to Community give so much to the grassroots side of the present Gymnastics > Alex Strachan Award sport of gymnastics. The sport with volunteers and awards to the winners. • Sam Campbell 10 11 Glasgow2011 Club World Conference Cup Preview and Awards

Frank Edmonds Award area. When he arrived at model, her organisational to perform and achieve. She • Trevor Low the Ipswich Gymnastics skills ensure competitions has implemented an effective Centre his priority was operate seamlessly. She education programme within Olympic Athlete of the participation. Very was involved in identifying an SSP, fundraising for students Year quickly numbers began to an area of weakness within and hosting showcases of • Elizabeth Tweddle MBE increase dramatically. His the East region and created curriculum and club successes determination to tackle new initiatives such as a at the Sports College in the Club of the Year Volunteer of the Year > anti-social behaviour, Regional Coach specific to evenings. Their annual club sponsored by Continental obesity in the young and . show is watched by over 600 • Orchard Gymnastics the drop-out from sport local residents. She has created in general, has seen him Young Volunteer school club links, trained Orchard Gymnastics has gain an MBE. He has had sponsored by IHG student judges, welfare officers gone from strength to a significant impact on • Colette Marie Hayes and volunteers. Karen’s vision strength over the past year, creating opportunities (Gang Warily GC) and commitment makes her they have shown dedication through several projects, a pure role model within the to an increasing amount of Out Reach, Youth Night Colette has volunteered gymnastics education system. Young Volunteer > areas within the gymnastics and after-school clubs, her time and enthusiasm GymMark - The British world, which has made an taking gymnastics into the to help others enjoy Gymnastics Club Accreditation outstanding contribution community. gymnastics as much Scheme to their community. as she does. She has , GymMark has Volunteer of the Year Their commitment to shown commitment to continued to grow and is • Janine Musson development is seen by continue her professional helping to improve quality in (Woodland GC) them forging partnerships development, through clubs and ensure good practice. to ensure the club has a courses, attending the The awards night recognised Education Award > direct link to schools and Janine devotes her life to National Young Leaders’ reaching two significant leisure centres. By getting gymnastics, conducting a Camp and becoming a milestones in the scheme: involved in Festivals, variety of roles within the member of New Forest GymMania Freestyle, Trampoline East Region. She’s been Leadership Academy. • in the North West and TeamGym they are recognised as a volunteer, She won the Southern became the 500th GymMark developing innovative ways whose contribution to Region Young Volunteer Club in England to grow and improve the their club or region is of the Year award last Rathgael Gymnastics and club. They have gone on to seen as invaluable and her year. Colette is a positive • Trampoline Club 500th GymMark in win the British Gymnastics efforts are instrumental role model to young became the England > Club of the Year since in the work behind the people, encouraging and 1st club in Northern Ireland to winning the title of South scenes. Her actions within supporting them with her achieve GymMark. West Club of the Year. competition organisation coaching. have had an impact in These people are only a few Services to Community a positive and lasting Education Award volunteers that were nominated Gymnastics way. Janine has enlisted • Karen Street (Jump TC) for our awards and through • Andy Wood MBE volunteers who were sheer enthusiasm, put hours (Pipers Vale GC) considering leaving the Karen has introduced and into the sport to make a real sport, diversifying them inspired numerous students difference. It should be noted From 2001 until the into alternative roles and to take up the sport of that they only represent a 1st GymMark in present day Andy has ensuring their contribution gymnastics, providing small section of hundreds Northern Ireland > developed and promoted to the sport has continued. an array of opportunities who deserve our appreciation gymnastics in the Ipswich She is a great volunteer role for children and students for their continual work, and we hope to recognise them at 12 future awards. 13 PhotoComing name soon... here?

BG members & fans - watch this space. All will be revealed...

14 xxxxx xxxx Kayvon Arasteh IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO TRY SOMETHING NEW KaYvon ArASTEH

Kayvon Arasteh from the Olga club in Poole is a top British trampolinist and is a huge prospect in the future of the sport. Many would assume that he was on the trampoline before he could even walk but his story is an inspiring one that only began a few years ago...

Photograph Mike Driscoll 17 Kayvon Arasteh

Photograph Mike Driscoll

.

Kayvon, 4th from right, with Olga team mates

Click the video to watch Kayvon in action

When did you first get After only two and a half you get from are second in total. I try to get a good balance involved in trampolining? to none. You get to travel around with between training and school, but I years trampolining he people that become your best friends make sure training doest intrude on took 15th place at last years I did when I was and you get to learn skills that most my education, as I know that it is so British Championships and is about seven for a couple of years but people wouldn’t get the opportunity important. I will probably take some constantly improving, recently I quit after a while as it wasn’t for me. to try. It’s definitely worth getting time out before I think about University. Then three years ago in 2008 I started involved! part of the winning British to get bored of not doing anything so What are your goals for the team in the fifteenth four I thought I’d try trampolining. So I’ve What has been your best Olivia British in July and the Worlds in nations international. only been doing it about two and a half moment so far? Howard years. Once I got into it I just wanted to Birmingham in November? caught up with Kayvon do more and more! It would probably be coming fourth in My aim is to get into a final at the in Taunton and he told us syncro at the World Championships last What do you like most about British and hopefully win a medal. how he first got involved, his year. It was an amazing achievement I think the Worlds will be great in best moments so far and his trampolining and what would after such a short time in the sport. British Birmingham in our home country; it will hopes for the upcoming you say to someone who wants be great to have the crowd Trampoline Championships How do you manage your in to get involved? behind us! I hope to make schoolwork alongside training? July. We also caught up with his the finals there and then It’s different to most sports and that’s place as best I can. Sharon Wood I train five times a week, twelve hours coach to find out what I love about it! The experiences what makes him so special… 18 19 Kayvon Arasteh Coach Sharon Wood... TRAMPOLINE What's Kayvon like to work with in training? & TUMBLING He’s lovely to coach, he picks things up really easily, the skill base he’s got after a couple of years is phenomenal and now it’s about him learning how to compete. That’s something you can’t teach, it’s something only that experience is going GYMNASTICS to give him. But he’s got huge potential and i’ve got every confidence that by the time 2016 comes around we can be up there in the medals. He’s got to up his training now as he’s at 2011 British championships23rd that level where we need to do a little bit more but hopefully & at the end of this school year we can work hard over the Ticket Prices: 24th summer and get ready for the World Championships in the Birmingham in November. Adult 1 Day £10.25, Child 1 Day £7.00 JULY Adult Weekend £17.00, Child Weekend £10.25 “And when competing? Tickets available on the door or at He gets very nervous before competitions because he’s www.theticketfactory.com or call 0844 338 0338 progressed so quickly, he doesn’t have quite the same national indoor arena experience as the others so he’s still learning how to deal Doors open at 8.00am both Saturday & Sunday with nerves. Sometimes I watch him and he’s like a little rabbit in headlights and he has a bit too much adrenaline Double Mini-Trampoline birmingham but he’s learning to cope with it and is getting better and better all the time.

Kayvon is clearly now at the top of his game and is set to continue moving up in time to peak at the 2016 Games. His individual achievements are increasing all

the time but it is his inspiring GMPD TRAMPOLINE story that can encourage thousands to get involved in gymnastics regardless of their age or ability. Kayvon is down to earth, bubbly and TRAMPOLINE synchronised a pleasure to talk to, its not Trampoline surprising to see how he got Tickets are so far and how much he has a motivated others. vailable now!

Kayvon with . coach Sharon Wood Click here TUMBLING to purchase! 20 21 ” JaneWomen's Allen British - Glasgow Champs bid successpreview How the Worlds were won!

Jane Allen - CEO, British Gymnastics, talks to Tim Peake about the successful bid for the 2015 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Glasgow.

When was the idea to bid for the 2015 In my position as CEO, I sat on Championships first raised? the official bid committee as the The idea to bid for the Championships representative of British Gymnastics first came about in 2008, led by our to progress the event, particularly the previous CEO, Brian Stocks, who quite extensive process of working on muted the idea with Glasgow and the the application process for UK Sport International Gymnastics Federation support. Previous experience of working (FIG). This followed the successful on the 2005 World Championships in hosting of the 2008 World Acrobatic gave me a good knowledge Championships in the city. of the contractual needs and budgetary work that needed doing, so I think I At what stage did you get involved in caught up pretty quickly. the bid process? I arrived at British Gymnastics in April Can you explain how you got backing 2010, so joined the process as it was and support from all major players? getting into full swing. The application We submitted the application to UK was really still in the consideration Sport and attended the event review stage by various parties, and in need of committee, along with representatives of progression in time for the application Event Scotland and the City of Glasgow, date in December 2010. where our bid was really put under 23 Jane Allen - Glasgow bid success

What does the bid success mean for scrutiny. Happily we got funds allocated Commonwealth Games and 2015 British Gymnastics? and could then really begin to work as a World Championships, giving them the ‘four-man team’ on the bid - giving us The announcement for British opportunity to support our gymnasts the key magical combination to secure Gymnastics means that it strengthens and engage in the sport. the event - UK Sport, Event Scotland, our position in the international What happens now? City of Glasgow and ourselves community, and in working with our partners it further improves our The champagne has died down now What was the plan for promoting the standing and gives us increased support and the hard work begins. We sit down bid to the international gymnastics going forward. Knowing how well we and establish a WC 2015 organising community? have worked together on this successful committee and set key milestones Our first official function to announce bid - we feel that the support of UK in place to ensure that the event to the gymnastics world that we were Sport, EventScotland and the City of organisation is right on track and world bidding for the Championship took Glasgow, leading right through to 2016, class. place at the 2010 World Championships Was there a key message in our bid? will be very strong. Any final personal thoughts on the in Rotterdam. We then formally lodged The basis of our bid from the start As an athlete focussed bid, what can process? our bid in December 2010 and our was that it was athlete focused. The our athletes expect in Glasgow? strategy from there was to get ourselves Championships are the key event in the On a personal level, my involvement as involved and vocal as possible in next Olympic cycle as the qualification For the athletes, the most important from April 2010 through to the winning the FIG and the European event for Rio, so it was important event of the cycle will be on home soil, line, was an extremely enjoyable Championships in Berlin in April. that the entire event, the conditions, meaning they get the full support of exercise. It was the most professional The Bid Committee were then in full transport, training, hotels and facilities fans, minimal travel disruption and the bid process I’ve ever been involved with attendance at the FIG Council meeting were of the highest specification for best opportunity to qualify for Rio! For and I was extremely relieved that all the in May 2011 to lobby our bid as fully as such gymnasts. the fans, an ongoing journey continues, hard work and commitment from all the possible. through 2009, 2012 Olympics, 2014 partners paid off! The experience gained by many of We extended invites to many members our event team, and key personnel of the international community to all and volunteers at the 2009 World of these events, with two functions at Championships in London was another The National the FIG Council in May, a luncheon and vital resource for us, and reinforced to whisky tasting, taking us right up to the the international gymnastics community Arena venue actual bid day on the Sunday. that British Gymnastics can stage world Can you take us through the bid class events, showing we deliver to high presentation and vote in San Jose? standards. Our bid was presented by Alan How did the voting unfold? Sommerville representing British When it came down to the voting, the Gymnastics, Paul Bush from results in the first round saw Glasgow EventScotland, Ian Hooper of the City of on 14 votes, Orlando (USA) on 12 Glasgow and Liz Nicholl from UK Sport, and Paris (FRA) on 10. This took us to giving us a major advantage in that we the second round where the 10 Paris had the most significant leaders within voters then re-voted for Glasgow 9 and the bid partnership in place. This gave Orlando 1 – a fantastic result! unanimous support and, again, stressed the ‘magic team’ we had in place. 24 25 Uttoxeter Gymnastics Club

n 2006, Uttoxeter Gymnastics however with the play barn idea we felt the play barn would attract passing Club, having outgrown their a degree of security as a lot of research trade who may then develop into little I went into it. We looked at what else was gymnasts. It also goes with our family leisure centre, decided to go out available in the area and so that gave ethos that people can come here and on their own. Beth Tweddle was some reassurances to that part of the set spend a day in and around the gym club. invited along to open the new up. On top of that, the school catchment centre and wish them well as area seemed good so we set about with What role does the play-barn have they looked to the future. confidence. in attracting people to the gym?

Like Beth, in the five years that followed, On the gym side there was clearly more It’s fair to say that since we moved into the club has had continued development of a risk and in particular, issues arose our own premises it’s all gone a bit and success that has surprised and in encouraging the gymnasts who had crazy! We’re now by far the largest club worked with us in the leisure centre/ delighted everyone. In 2011, Beth, now in the West Midlands and one of the council run set up to then come to an largest in the country membership wise, an MBE and three-time World Champion, independent gym. I went on several club Daniel which is incredible. was invited back again along with management courses and spent time Purvis, to open the all new Uttoxeter Gym working with British Gymnastics to look We’ve always had the family ethos in Club and congratulate them on their at the best way of managing this and Tim Peake the club, which I think the play-barn journey. spoke with Uttoxeter the best style to format an invitation to helps with. The majority of kids that may Richard Phillips Gymnastics Club chairman everyone. In the end I think we sent 250 now be looking toward county squads, at the grand opening... letters and 230 gymnasts joined as a actually started by coming along to the result. play barn having good fun in there and seeing the gymnastics side as a natural And so once you had branched development within the Uttoxeter GYM CLUB out, with the opening ceremony same Richard, the club has clearly gone with Beth Tweddle how did that region. We always had the ambition to work out? from strength to strength in recent give the gymnasts the opportunity to years, but how did it first begin? do 4 and 6 pieces and I think when the numbers started to increase we became It was brilliant to open our own place in 2006. Some of the gymnasts we The club actually started about 15 years even more determined to make that had been working with had been on ago as Friday night classes in a local happen. We quickly realised we had and vault since our beginning leisure centre. The local council wanted to set up on our own facility in order and like us were craving the chance to someone to give gymnastics a go and to do this. At the same time two other develop. In the first year we had girls about 20 kids used to turn up and give members of the team were looking make the County Squad on 4-piece so it it a try and this quickly progressed into towards retirement and wanted a project shows how much the improved facility 2 classes. This is when the decision which turned out to be our ‘play barn’ benefited them and allowed their talent was made to register it as a British and it made sense to attach the new gym to develop. Gymnastics Club, still working within the club to it. leisure centre. So as a group you were taking When we first looked for quite a risk in setting up a brand the site, we looked at Once the club was up and running in the what was around town centre our numbers increased to 200 new Gym Club? and chose this unit in kids. We increased our classes, and so a retail park, near a began to take part in more and more I think there was definitely a certain cinema and bowling floor and vault competitions across the amount of risk to the whole project, alley, knowing that 26 27 Uttoxeter Gymnastics Club

facility. It’s always been vitally important Having moved once was the to us to focus on our recreational second move any different? classes. Every session needs to be different and exciting and we are very The move this year to our new premises conscious that the recreation classes was much more thought out in terms are treated as importantly as any of the facility than the first move. We of our classes with more developed were very aware of the needs of the club, gymnasts – we very much see ourselves the fact that membership can rise even as a recreational club with competitive more and also the fact that we didn’t gymnasts on the side, as an added want to have to move again another few bonus, rather than the other way around. years down the line! We spent a lot of time looking at things such as viewing But clearly the move wasn't long galleries, different set areas for different children, seating for parents and that term as you have now moved kind of thing that would add to the again in 2011 to another facility 3 experience for everyone involved, but doors way?! to also crucially allow the gymnasts to develop and the coaches to be able to Since we opened our first facility we focus. pretty much straight away realised that (above) Beth TWEDDLE AND DAN we would have to move again. Staff were Now we’ve opened, we can now look PURVIS OPEN THE NEW UTTOXETER FACILITY working first thing in the morning till 9 forward to more challenges. We are particularly excited about developing o’clock at night as the classes were filling And so to have Beth Tweddle up. Luckily coaches that had worked for our men’s programme and getting more It’s been a hard five years but a brilliant the council followed us on our journey. boys in the club. Whereas as in the past back, along with Dan Purvis to five years for us all. To stand next to We got to 500 members after the first there’s been classes with a couple of open the new club completes the Beth and Daniel in our amazing new year which was beyond our dreams. boys amongst the girls and no clear path process nicely... club with all those kids and parents and beyond that, we can now work on six everyone looking on was just fantastic, We had planned for maybe 400 kids pieces with the boys which we are really not only for me but for the whole club. enjoying. To have Beth back again to open our eventually and in fact all the budgets new gym has been fantastic. It’s great A couple of things we are particularly we had worked on were for the gym to see how much she has progressed We have about 30 coaches altogether at proud of is the selection of the club to maybe just about break even, as we even in that short time, from 2006 when the club. All of our younger coaches have to be a British Gymnastics Leadership knew the play-barn was the main income she was actually quite shy to now when been gymnasts with us and the others have Academy promoting and supporting stream, so to find the gym making profit she walked into our new facility and just been together since we started in 1996 so our teenage members with courses in was unbelievable. wowed everyone. To have Dan here, as we really are a tight group. We’ve never Judging and Event Organisation. Also we a role model for all the boys was also had to employ anyone externally and have have been approved to hold BG coaching At the 500 mark we knew we were a huge thing for us. For them to see a helped out any gymnasts who wanted to courses with our first Level 1 Women’s struggling for space as we started male gymnast representing get into coaching, knowing that they would Artistic taking place in August. We are arranging classes at all sorts of times just like Dan has been is a big inspiration and more than likely progress to working with very pleased to be the new venue for the to give all the gymnasts their go - at 600 a huge help to us when engaging with us. From the play-barn up to the coaches East Staffs Schools Sports Partnership members it become even more obvious the younger boys who are just starting I think there is an obvious route that annual gymnastics competition and in that we needed to consider an alternative out in the gym and can now see through everyone can take and that helps keep us 2012 we are hoping to host the Stafford venue. Dan where the sport can take them – the all together and really creates this unit that Schools Gymnastics Championships. stays within the club. boys loved talking to him! 28 29 Gymnastics For All The Official Launch

The British Gymnastics Proficiency resources provide the foundation for developing high quality gymnastics skills and are used widely in ver the course of the last year, produce a competitive structure for our clubs, schools and leisure centres. They comprise: pre-school, core, advanced, trampoline and cheerleading skills. British Gymnastics has been working clubs leading to a national event that will Overy determinedly to put together a These inclusive and progressive resources have been developed by the coach and education professionals of British Gymnastics (the UK recognise achievement and celebrate all NGB) in consultation with expert practitioners and are designed for use by coaches and teachers. comprehensive programme for our who take part. These resources are endorsed by the Association for Physical Education (afPE), underpin the teaching of gymnastics within the National recreational and participation gymnasts. Curriculum and can be used for both curriculum teaching and extended school provision. Sunday 26th June 2011 saw the launch Our breadth of resources offer technical of the Gymnastics for All programme and developmental support to clubs and from British Gymnastics. coaches delivering recreational gymnastics » Provides a sound framework for the progressive development of core skills such as balance, sessions. Proficiency, Key Step and Next strength, flexibility, co-ordination, fitness, pulse-raising activities Our Gymnastics for All programme focuses Step are rewarding programmes that help » A DVD providing teaching examples » Rewards available in the form of badges, certificates and medal on four key areas: Festivals, Competitions, instil a sense of achievement. We look to Resources and Education. the future and work to make these far more accessible to all. GymFusion, our festivals programme, was brought to life in April and we now have Our Gymnastics for All coach education Pre-school 11 events planned across the country. Be system is based on four key strands: the » pre-school Suitable for pre-school children from 3 years breadth fun inspired and get involved. of gymnastic opportunity, » Built on the fundamental building blocks “A”,”B”,“C” - Action, Balance and Coordination social experiences and and ways to make » 40 activities and 3 levels of reward inclusive Many gymnasts enjoy the challenge our programmes far more and of competition. As such, we aspire to Core available. » Suitablecore for children of primary school age and above » Includes 10 types of activity and 8 levels of attainment with 40 work cards » Provides an excellent entry into first level competitions, including Key Step Advanced »advanced Suitable for children of secondary school age and below » Offers a menu of activities including: Core Fitness, Floor, Vault & Rebound, Apparatus, Pairs and Groups, Hand Held Apparatus, Dance and Aerobics » 3 levels of attainment with 75 work cards » Broadly underpins development work for Grades and National Development Plans Trampoline » Suitabletrampoline for children of pre-school age and above » 15 levels of attainment with 27 work cards » Links into the Next Step Trampoline Competition Resource

cheerleading» Suitable for children from 5 years and above » 9 levels of attainment with 44 work cards for Cheer and Pom Dance » Links into the Next Step Cheerleading Competition Resource » Step by step development of choreography, vocals, jumps, tumbles, stunts and fitness » Developed in conjunction with the Cheerleading Association (UKCA) Introducing Gymnastics for All! For more information or to order contact: Gymnastics Enterprises Ltd, Unit 1, Lilleshall Hall Farm, Newport, Shropshire TF10 9AS Tel: 0845 1297129 ext 2355 Fax: 01952 822456 Or order direct on the British Gymnastics website - www.british-gymnastics.org ©British Gymnastics 2009 31 Niamh Rippin interview... Niamh

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fter a sensational performance got the all clear and began to make surprised the teachers as I think most Aat the 2010 European progress and then I broke my hand, had forgotten who I was! It also gave Championships, Nottingham’s so not the best year all in! Competing me a chance to catch up with friends Niamh Rippin left Birmingham with at the European’s was definitely one and do normal things having spent a team silver and floor final from of the highlights of my career and I such a long time always being in the her first senior championships felt really confident hoping to push on gym. and a positive outlook on the year for the rest of the year looking ahead What was the long awaited return to ahead, but, as so many gymnasts to the Commonwealths or maybe training like? at all levels of the sport know, even the Worlds but it wasn’t to be. anything can happen. My first session back wasn’t as bad You mention three months of rehab, as I thought! Most things came what was that like? After nearly a year out through injury quite easily to me. In my head I was Niamh is back and she’s still smiling! The three months of rehab were very worrying that I would have forgotten So, Niamh, talk us through the last hard. I still went into the gym for everything but as soon as you start year? conditioning and physio but found trying you find its just a natural I last competed fully in the summer it really hard to watch everyone else reaction, having done them so many of 2010 at the British Championships in full training knowing I still had a times in the past, I guess you just on the back of one of my best years. long way to go - seeing other people become programmed into it. I think After the competition I had a bad back moving on with skills and progressing now I’m pretty much back to where (above) Niamh won Silver and so began to reduce my training their gymnastics is pretty hard to I was before, the hand injury has at the 2010 European until we discovered a stress fracture watch! I guess on the flip side, being delayed my bars a bit but I was able Championships in injured gave me a chance to have a bit to compete at the British Teams in Birmingham and so I was in rehabilitation for three months over winter - the worst three of a ‘normal life’ for a change. I was May and felt pretty good. actually in school quite a lot which 32 months of my life! In December I 33 Niamh Rippin interview...

Did you ever think 'it's not worth it' or 'I core stability- although training in a can't' be bothered during your months swimming pool isn’t too bad, and neither out? is swimming with dolphins! It’s good I never thought “I can’t be bothered” - it to see new faces joining the squad, was more I was doubting whether I had most of them you know anyway from the ability to come back with the injury I competitions and the general set up. I had suffered. Claire [Starkey – personal don’t see them as competition really as coach at Notts] was a huge factor in my we’re all training together and in most comeback and her confidence in me circumstances they are teammates so I made the biggest difference. Personally think it’s a real positive. I have goals left to achieve which also So now is everything back on track? encouraged me to keep pushing and stay upbeat. In saying that, having returned Hopefully – touch wood – I’m now at the from the back injury and then hurting my end of my recovery getting back to where hand I do remember saying “right that’s I was and focusing on clean competitions it if my hands broken I’m quitting”, when maybe more than adding any new skills. it was confirmed I was very upset but I’m hopefully competing at the British again Claire was the one who reasoned Championships and will then look ahead with me, explained it wasn’t such a to World trials and see where it takes me. huge setback, and I soon pulled myself I guess it’s better to have been injured together. this year than next! To have Becky injured as well must have Longer term who knows. Everyone always been a nightmare for your coach? asks what my plans are and it’s the worst question to answer, as I have no idea. I Yeah, Becky and I overlapped in a re-hab. don’t see myself staying in gym once I’ve I was returning from my back injury and finished competing as I’ve lived in the she got injured and then I hurt my hand gym forever, I guess at some point I’ll so its almost like we were competing to have to decide what to do with the rest of recover which was quite funny! Claire was my life! brilliant with us and never gave up, never looked to the next group, and never doubted us, always celebrating our little improvements, which is great. She spent time with some of the other gymnasts in the club which is a positive for everyone but I think she’s probably relieved we’re both back now and she can get to grips with us again! Two weeks in must have helped your recovery? We had a great training camp in Cancun with the whole British Squad in April which was a good experience to gel the team together, especially as we have some brilliant new seniors. We trained hard, especially on conditioning and 34 Chalk Talk

by Jeff Davis

The blind change The blind change is an essential skill for male and female gymnasts. It forms the basis to a whole spectrum of more advanced moves. Consequently it is important that it is taught correctly. Essentials of technique:

• The turn should occur before the body reaches handstand. • The feet should lead the turn and not the chest (trying to achieve the skill with a giant that leads over the bar with the chest will result in disaster!) • The feet should kick slightly in the direction of the turn (if the turn is on the left hand then rather than kicking directly between the hands over the bar, it should be slightly to the left). This is to avoid the body being off-line swinging down from handstand on the other side. • Press away from the bar on the turn, try to pull the shoulders over the bar. • It may help to move the turning hand closer to the other one on the handstand immediately before the turn. This is not essential though. • The turn should occur in the same direction as the gymnast twists (this can be started by the gymnast hanging under the bar and making a turn in the direction of the twist).

• Make sure that the gymnast learns to change on the opposite arm to that on which he or she performs top change and Healy. This is essential for learning full twisting giants and skills such as Rybalko at a later date. 37 Chalk Talk 1st steps (on the floor) Preparations:

1. Back roll to handstand with half turn 2. Cast to high half turn with support 3. Swinging turns on bar 4. Multiple half turns building higher and being shaped by coach 5. Layaway to swing through and half turn dismount 6. Multiple half turns progressing towards handstand 7. Multiple half turns and finish with blind change Proceeding to the bar:

Obviously, the gymnast needs to begin the move by learning simple swinging half turns on the bar. These are originally performed below bar height, but it is essential to instil the correct habits from the start. The feet lead the turn and the legs are kept together. Begin The following 2 videos show all the above preps. with very small swings and build up. The second video shows the progressions from swings on the bar that have progressed to rising NB. The videos all show male gymnasts performing the skills, the same above horizontal, beginning with a supported turn. The progressions development will work with girls, using a fibreglass bar. Once learned, follow in logical order from there. the skill merely has to be transferred to the , this will obviously take a little time and training.

CLICK ON THE VIDEO CLIPS TO SEE THE Keep swinging and EXERCISE! good luck with it! 38 39 Chalk Talk

by Jack Kelly Next make the test drill progressive with ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT! the introduction of some minor elements of twist rotation which will inevitably detract The FIG has recently introduced a Time of Flight from pure vertical component. By learning scoring element to international trampoline to introduce “contact” twist with delicacy (an . essential skill when performing somersaults competition with “contact” twist) the gymnast should still This is also included in GBR national events for seniors. The FIG’s motivation may have be able to perform this drill with a score in been in response to the criticism that the “judged” sports were difficult for spectators the high 90s. to understand and a clear measurable criterion needed to be introduced. Whether Time of Flight 1. TUCK merits its own scoring element or not, I have, for many years 2. preached as follows... STRADDLE 3. PIKE 4. HEIGHT = TIME = OPPORTUNITY HALF TWIST 5. TUCK 6. Top class exponents in all sports seem to have more time to perform their skills and STRADDLE 7. PIKE this can be seen at Wimbledon where the winners pressurise opponents into mistakes 8. through reducing the time available to make credible returns. On the trampoline the FULL TWIST time opportunity 9. TUCK coach must enable the gymnast to create the to create the for 10. difficulty to look easy. FULL TWIST

I am certainly not advocating that novice performers be encouraged to jump high, The next progression will involve the but once basic control has been achieved and the gymnast is training to compete, a introduction of simple somersaults interspersed gradual development of height should become a priority. In order to assist coaches with jumps and a two-somersault connection. measure this element and its application to the performance of routines, I recommend I recommend the following... the following process. 1. BACK S/S 2. JUMP Firstly, time the gymnast when performing 10 straight jumps at their maximum 3. BACK S/S controllable height. This can be done with a stop watch, although it must be kept in 4. JUMP mind that the result is not strictly a measure of “Time of Flight” as it will include time 5. BACK S/S spent during bed contact. Nonetheless, it gives a workable basis for the next stage of 6. JUMP the process. 7. BARANI (T) Now time your gymnast 8. JUMP performing the following test drill. 9. BACK S/S 10. 1. TUCK Compare the times of the 10 straight BARANI (T) 2. STRADDLE jumps and the test drill. If the gymnast 3. is executing each take-off correctly, This illustrates the process and creative PIKE Flight Camera 4. TUCK because no rotational input is required coaches can develop their own variations 5. STRADDLE during bed contact, the times for the on the progressive theme, culminating with 6. PIKE two performance should be very similar. measuring percentage flight time against 7. TUCK It is useful to express the time of the straight jump time using competition routines. 8. STRADDLE drill as a percentage of the 10 jump Finally, this is not about gaining higher “Time 9. PIKE time so that, as the straight jump height of Flight” marks as defined by the FIG, it is an 10. STRAIGHT JUMP increases with training, the percentage exercise in creating OPPORTUNITY. remains in the high 90s or even 100%! Welcome aboard and...... 40 enjoy youR flight! 41 Round-up

JUNE 2011... Frankie scored 93.425 to take the senior all-around in a close battle with Kezi Gore (City of Canterbury) who scored 91.100, with Mimi Cesar (City of Birmingham - 80.850) back in 3rd. In the apparatus finals on Sunday, two of the titles went to Francesca (hoop and ball) and two to Kezi (clubs and ribbon). Laura Halford Laura Halford (Esprit) was crowned junior champion with 80.00, second was Stephani Francesca Jones (City of Leah Munday teammate Sherlock Birmingham) sealed her 5th - 78.400, with Helena Bailey British title at the 2011 Rhythmic (Stockport) in third place - 74.125. Laura Gymnastics British Championships added to this three gold medals in the apparatus finals (ball, from Fenton Manor... clubs and ribbon), with Stephani winning the gold for ribbon.

HSG Swallows gymnasts Megan Balabay Leah Munday and Megan Balabay took the under-11 and under-12 titles respectively. The Swallows also swept all available gold medals in the apparatus finals: Leah Munday with rope, hoop and ball and Jade Wright - for the free exercise, while Megan remained unbeaten on all the four pieces of apparatus in the under-12 section.

Francesca Jones 42 43 Round-up

In women’s artistic gymnastics, Park GBR Junior girls in Rhyannon Wrekin’s Jones 2011 won the British Espoir Championships held in Guildford - 4th/5th June. Rhyannon’s score of 61.150 putting Amy her ahead of Tinkler (60.350) of South Durham, Jade Stedford with (City of Manchester) and GBR Junior Chantelle Halford In France, the (East Team Abi Caig Angel - , London) tied for bronze Romaeo Charlie Fellows , , with 58.900. Raer Theaker Gabrielle Jupp , Later and - beat their French counterparts scoring 214.550 in the month to 205.250. In the all-around again the British girls lead the way - 1st was Gabrielle Jupp Angel some of Britain’s most - 54.850, 2nd Romaeo promising women’s artistic (52.600) and Raer gymnasts traveLled overseas 3rd Theaker over the weekend 25th/26 th (52.500). June for International Raer Theaker & Angel competitions. Romaeo with coach Tracey Skirton >

Over in , in an under-13 5-way competition, Britain’s Shannon Archer, Libby Lockett, Imogen Chan, Emily Crowe, Rhyannon Jones and Amy Tinkler- finished in third place scoring 149.800 to put them just behind (157.950) and Germany (150.650) and ahead of France and . In the all-around Emily Crowe came 4th, Rhyannon Jones Shannon Archer 5th, 7th, < Gabrielle Amy Tinkler Imogen Chan 12th and 18th. Jupp with coach Steve 44 Price Parting Shot... what’s results coming up!

Click on the event to JULY sepTEMBER results... see results! 9th WOMEN’S ARTISTIC 3rd TRAMPOLINING British Junior/ Senior GBR vs GER 2011 >> Women’s Artistic British Espoir Championships 2011, Guildford Championships Wellsprings Leisure Centre >> Rhythmic British Championships 2011, Stoke-on-Trent Echo Arena, Liverpool Taunton, Somerset

10th GYMNASTICS FOR ALL 3rd UK SCHOOOL GAMES Click on the event to 14th World Gymnaestrada Ice Sheffield, Norton, Sheffield Lausanne, Switzerland reports... see report! 9th ARTISTIC >> Rhythmic British Championships 2011, Stoke-on-Trent 17th GYMNASTICS FOR ALL Commonwealth Youth Games GymFusion South East Isle of Man >> Great Britain v (WAG Junior friendly), Lilleshall K2 Leisure Centre, West Sussex >> Great Britain v (WAG Espoir friendly), Lilleshall 16th MEN’S ARTISTIC 23rd Trampolining & TUMBLING British Championships 2011 British Championships Fenton Manor Sports Complex visit the NIA National Indoor Arena Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire website to Birmingham photos... 19th RHYTHMIC view... >> 31st Rhythmic World Championships by Alan Edwards Montpellier, France British Gymnastics Official Photographer augUST 23rd AEROBIC Rhythmic British Championships 2011, Stoke-on-Trent LATEST 20th WOMEN’S ARTISTIC British Championships 2011 European Championships 2011, Berlin Rivermead Leisure Centre, Reading IMAGES... GBR vs ESP vs POR Glasgow World Cup 2011, Glasgow pipers Vale Gymnastics Club TeamGym British Championships 2011, Gloucester Ipswich, Suffolk 30th 24th EUG Congress Malmo, Sweden visit the website to view... >> ANNUAL GENERAL be available for download from the All persons who are Gold/Joint or by DE Photo MEETING – BG Website under ‘Membership’ and Life Members of the Association Please contact the event organiser to obtain usernames and ‘Downloads’ after the 16th August are entitled to vote, attend and to passwords for each event to access the images. 17th September 2011 2011. participate in the Meeting. Please note that only the business listed Should you not wish to attend on the Agenda may be discussed. If LATEST Rhythmic British Championships 2011, Stoke-on-Trent I hereby give Formal Notice that in person, Proxy Forms must be you are attending in person, please Welsh Gymnastics Aerobics Championships the 2011 Annual General Meeting received by the Association no later ensure you bring your Membership IMAGES... of the Association will be held on than 48 hours prior to the start of Card with you and register/check Welsh Gymnastics Women’s Floor and Vault Saturday 17th September 2011 at The the Meeting, ie 2.30pm on Thursday your membership details at least 15 A full list of gymnastics events attended by Crowne Plaza Hotel, Birmingham NEC, 15th September 2011. Any form minutes prior to the start of the AGM. Pendigo Way, Birmingham B40 1PS received after that time, cannot be DE Photo are available on their website! commencing at 2.30pm. counted. Proxy Voting Forms may be submitted, but it will not be possible Jane Allen A copy of all relevant AGM paperwork to vote again on the day. A Proxy Chief Executive Officer (any Resolutions, Agenda, 2010 AGM Form cannot be withdrawn, once it Keep checking www.british-gymnastics.org Minutes and Proxy Voting Form) will July 2011 46 for the latest results and reports has been submitted. 47