First, judges take a look at whether or not your gymnast has followed rules of attendance. Each meet may have a different dress code, but most typically, associations will ask that long hair be tied back close to head, that jewelry be removed, and that all clothing that may prove a safety issue be removed. If your gymnast is not in accordance with these rules, his or her participation may be interrupted until issue can be resolved. Barring that, judges’ rating is based entirely upon gymnastic performance. Since there are so many different kinds of gymnastics, we’ll just give you basics in common to all of them.

The next category judges usually look at is overall difficulty. In other words, if your gymnast is attempting a more advanced routine, then he or she will start off with more points than someone who is attempting a beginner’s routine. The more somersaults, vaults, flips, and so forth used, better chance of a good score; also, more difficult a position he or she uses for somersaults (piked or straight versus tucked), higher difficulty rating will be. Also, consideration is given to gymnast who makes use of more complex movements (usually termed ‘segments’ or ‘elements’); these are typically looked at in terms of degrees (180, 360, etc). The more twists and turns a gymnast does, more complicated routine.

Emotional and Physical Distress

Emotional distress can most certainly develop as a result of peer judgment or insults and even from off-color comments made by coaches. You need to keep close watch over what happens here, because extreme emotional distress can result in more serious problems in future, including bulimia and anorexia, two of most common -- and most dangerous -- eating disorders known today. We will discuss those later, however. Be sure to talk to your child about how he or she is feeling. Talking will usually bring problems out into open, so that you can work toward correcting them and restoring confidence that is inherent in your child. Self confidence is one of many keys to good health and to success in gymnastics.

Physical distress is sometimes more easily spotted than emotional distress. If your child has been injured in an event or during practice, you can usually see bruises, scrapes, or swelling. Sometimes, though, physical distress in a gymnast can be somewhat puzzling. If your gymnast has suddenly taken ill, feels muscle cramps or stiffness, is fatigued all of time, or complains of general soreness, it may be wise to check up on his or her progress with coaches. Overexertion can definitely lead to problems--sometimes, it may even be necessary to decrease amount of strenuous exercise until conditions improve. In meantime, you should make sure that their nutrition is proper -- that they are eating enough, and, certainly, that they are taking in enough fluids.

Bulimia Nervosa