FIG Aerobic and Acrobatic Code of Points Symposium
Berlin (GER), September 5 - 7, 2011
LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, September 15, 2011: FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics TC President Tonya Case (USA) is upbeat about the outcome of the Code of Points Symposium held jointly with Aerobic Gymnastics last week in Berlin (GER).
For the first time since the FIG took over the discipline’s governance Acrobatic Gymnastics experts had an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics with open debate. The Acrobatics Community shares a common vision for the future highlighting three primary topics on which the majority of the Symposium focused: Artistry Judging, Tables of Difficulty and the Age Group programme with focus on the safe and healthy development of the discipline.
The Artistry discussion was facilitated by two very informative and interesting presentations by Lyn Heward (CAN), Head of Creativity at Cirque du Soleil. Her professional background, as well as her long association with the sport of gymnastics provided an excellent basis to challenge current thinking and stimulate discussion. Although Artistry judging is a challenge, all recognise that the Artistry score has helped to elevate Acrobatic Gymnastics to a new level. The aim is to strive for judging rules which are less complex, but that reward top performances.
During the Round Table in Wroclaw (POL) in 2010, some specific changes to the Tables of Difficulty were asked for. FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics TC Vice President Irina Nikitina (RUS), together with Albert Jung and Vitcho Kolev of Germany, has been working towards a new format for the Balance tables that is much easier to understand. It also decreases the number of pages by almost 75%. The skill values were reviewed in small working groups. Many of their proposals have already been accepted by the TC and the expertise of the coaching community will influence the direction of the next Tables of Difficulty.
Assisted by Medical Commission President and FIG Vice President Michel Leglise (FRA), along with FIG Scientific Commission President Keith Russell (CAN), the Symposium delegates spent time focused on the healthy development of Age Group gymnasts. The programme was reviewed in great detail at the Poland Round Table and all countries were of the opinion that the steps between the Age Groups 11-16 years, 12-19 years and seniors (15+) were too great. The delegates at the Symposium confirmed this opinion, and agreed that the best solution was the addition of a third Age Group. This is seen as critical for the developing countries that need a solid framework to direct their efforts. The countries also expressed the need to revise the accreditation rules for coaches, for all levels, but especially for young gymnasts. This is a duty of care and needs careful attention for the safe performance of the athletes.
The Acrobatics Community, along with the Technical Committee expressed much appreciation to the FIG President, Bruno Grandi (ITA), for providing this opportunity. His leadership and guidance were critical during this important process. They also thanked the German Gymnastics Federation for hosting the symposium.
