SPORTS ACROBATICS LEVELS MANUAL - Gymnastics Australia

SPORTS ACROBATICS
LEVELS MANUAL
LEVELS 1 TO 3
2007 – 2008
Version 1
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 1
Version 1 – January 2007

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© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 2
Version 1 – January 2007

CONTENTS
Acknowledgements................................................................................................................... 4
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................. 5
Aim......................................................................................................................................... 5
Performance Requirements................................................................................................. 5
Interpretation ....................................................................................................................... 5
Routine construction............................................................................................................ 6
Music ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Skills....................................................................................................................................... 6
Symbols ................................................................................................................................. 6
Competition Handbook........................................................................................................ 7
Overview ............................................................................................................................... 7
Hand / Foot Grips................................................................................................................. 8
LEVEL 1 ................................................................................................................................... 9
Specific requirements........................................................................................................... 9
L1 – Pair – Balance ..................................................................................................... 10
L1 – Pair – Dynamic .................................................................................................... 12
L1 – Trio - Balance ...................................................................................................... 14
L1 – Trio - Dynamic .................................................................................................... 16
LEVEL 2 ................................................................................................................................. 18
Specific requirements......................................................................................................... 18
L2 – Pair – Balance ..................................................................................................... 20
L2 – Pair – Dynamic .................................................................................................... 22
L2 – Trio – Balance ..................................................................................................... 24
L2 – Trio - Dynamic .................................................................................................... 26
LEVEL 3 ................................................................................................................................. 28
Specific requirements......................................................................................................... 28
L3 – Pair – Balance ..................................................................................................... 30
L3 – Pair – Dynamic .................................................................................................... 32
L3 – Trio – Balance ..................................................................................................... 34
L3 – Trio – Dynamic ................................................................................................... 36
L3 – M4 – Balance ....................................................................................................... 38
L3 – M4 – Dynamic ..................................................................................................... 40
APPENDIX 1 – JUDGING OVERVIEW ............................................................................ 42
APPENDIX 2 – SPORTS ACROBATICS JUDGES PATHWAYS .................................. 44
APPENDIX 3 - GLOSSARY................................................................................................. 45
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 3
Version 1 – January 2007

Acknowledgements
The Sports Acrobatics NSMC offers its sincere appreciation to the following major
contributors:
- Pamela Ryan – Judging Coordinator - NSMC
- Bruce Treble – Project Officer - NSMC
- Members of the National SMC
- Members of the NSW SMC and Sports Acrobatics community
- Members of Gymnastics Australia
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 4
Version 1 – January 2007

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Aim
The aim of the Sports Acrobatics National Level 1 to 3 system is to promote participation and
increase participant’s knowledge in the sport. It provides a smooth transition from complete
novice at level 1 to level 4 that is based strongly around FIG judging and routine guidelines.
Performance Requirements
- There is no difference between boys and girls in levels 1 to 3 pairs and trios. The
composition of pair and trios can be any combination of boys and girls.
- Men’s four (M4) must be performed with four males. There are no options with
this particular discipline only.
- Pairs and groups (Trio and M4) must perform two routines – balance and dynamic
- Skills are to be performed in the order that they appear in the manual
Interpretation
- If the method of entering or exiting a skill isn’t described in the illustration or text
provided, then it is optional.
- Unless stated otherwise, the Top may squat and assist with takeoff from standing
on shoulders, hands, or platform.
- Unless stated otherwise, the Top may hold handstands (on partner’s hands,
shoulders or legs) in any handstand position (eg legs may be split, semi-split, stag
or together).
- Unless stated otherwise, landings from pair / group skills by the top must be
assisted.
- The diagrams of skills in this manual are intended to be only a guide to
demonstrate the basic skill. Please refer to the text descriptions of each skill to
ensure all requirements are met.
- Competitors must abide by the Gymnastics Australia Technical Rules and
Competition Handbook.
Each skill has:
- A picture of the skill to provide an idea of how the skill should look
- A description of the skill for finer details, and confirming the picture.
- Important points – This is an indication only of what the judges are expecting to
see as “key elements” of each skill
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 5
Version 1 – January 2007

Routine construction
- Where there are options for individual skills, each member of the pair / group may
select different skills.
- All members of the pair / group must perform their individual skills
simultaneously or in immediate succession.
- Routines must start from a static position and end in a static position.
- The maximum duration of each routine is 2½ minutes. There is no minimum
duration.
Music
- Music must be provided on CDs.
- CDs and jewel cases must be clearly marked with the following details:
o Competitor names
o Representing e.g. State or Club
o Level e.g. Level 1
o Event e.g. Pair
o Routine e.g. Balance
- For CDs:
o The CD can only contain music for one pair or one group.
o Each CD must only contain 1 track of music, with separate CDs for
Balance and Dynamic music clearly named as above.
o There must be no more than a 2 second silent lead in and lead out of the
track.
o A backup CD should be present at competitions. This disc may contain all
of the pair/group music tracks.
- If more than 1 pair / group use the same music, then each pair / group must have
their own copy of the music.
- Music must not contain words. Voice may be used as an instrument.
Skills
- Turns on one foot (pirouettes) may be executed from standing, step or lunge, and
may be performed in either direction.
- For each element omitted, the value of the skill will be deducted.
- Hold times are detailed in pictures and text. A momentary hold is detailed in the
glossary.
Symbols
- 1” - Length of holds are denoted in seconds (1 second)
- - Direction of travel or twist (upward)
- 360º - Numbers describe the amount of twist (full rotation)
- 4/4 - Fractions describe the amount of rotation of a skill (full sault)
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 6
Version 1 – January 2007

Competition Handbook
Each year Gymnastics Australia publishes a Sports Acrobatics Competition Handbook,
covering all guidelines for Sports Acrobatics competitions in Australia for the coming 12
month period.
We would highly recommend that you obtain this document from the G.A. website annually
to ensure you have all the latest information at hand.
Overview
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Routines Balance & Dynamic Balance & Dynamic Balance & Dynamic
Skills – Group Set Set Set
Skills – Individual Select from list Select from list Select from list
Skill order Set Set Set
Choreography Joining Steps Joining Steps Compulsory
Max Start Value 10.00 10.00 10.50 3
Min Routine Score 1 7.00 7.00 7.00
Min Total Score 1 14.00 14.00 14.00
Music Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory
Execution 10.00 10.00 10.00
Artistry 2 1.00 1.00 1.00
Bonus 0.00 0.00 0.50
1 Minimum score to pass level
2 A deduction of up to 1.0 can be made by the CJP for Artistry. This
is taken off the Execution score.
3 This includes the maximum bonus of 0.5
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 7
Version 1 – January 2007

Hand / Foot Grips
There are many different ways to grip onto partner/s for acrobatics. Below are some of the
most common used.
Forward hand to hand Reverse hand to hand Hand to wrist (monkey grip)
Platform – Interlocked
hands and wrists *
Forward foot to hand
Reverse foot to hand
* This is performed with two partners facing each other. Both partners hold their left wrist
with their right hand, then come together to grab the partner’s right wrist with their left hand.
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 8
Version 1 – January 2007

LEVEL 1
Specific requirements
The value of each skill is as follows:
Pair
Balance
Pair
Dynamic
Group
Balance
Group
Dynamic
Pair / Group Skills 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Individual Skills 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
- Acrobats must perform one element from each row
- Pair / group and individual skills must be performed in the order prescribed
- Each acrobat from a pair / group may select different individual skills from each
row, but they must be performed at the same time or in immediate succession
during the routine.
- Skills must be performed in the order that they appear in the Levels Manual
- Choreography must be limited to simple joining steps between skills
o Almost walking steps to move around the floor, walking with simple arm
movements, side chasse’s, etc
o The body movements bear no relationship to the style of the music, nor do
they have to work in harmony with the music
- Music is compulsory, and must meet the guidelines outlined elsewhere in this
manual
- Only skills will be judged for execution
- Only the CJP judges Artistry. The Artistry mark will be a deduction off the final
Execution score, with a maximum deduction of 1.0 – as outlined in the Judging
section of this Manual
Balance routine
- Pair/group elements must be held for 3 seconds, unless stated otherwise
- Individual elements must be held for 2 seconds, unless stated otherwise
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 9
Version 1 – January 2007

L1 – Pair – Balance
L1 – Pair – Balance
1
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Pair Skill
Top faces towards base and
stands on bases thighs
supported by holding bases
arms (3 sec hold)
Top and Base
Straight arms in hold
Top
Straight legs
No pike or arch
Base
Squat not below horizontal
(hips above knees)
No arch in back
2
3
Individual Skill
Front support (2 sec hold)
turn over to rear support (2
sec hold)
Pair Skill
Top holds front support
with hands on bases knees.
Base supports top with
hands on shins or ankles (3
sec hold)
Front Support
Straight arms and legs
Shoulders over hands
No pike or arch in body
Turn
No pause in turn
Body shape is maintained
Rear Support
Straight arms and legs
Shoulders over hands
No pike or arch in body
Base
Arms straight
Hands over shoulders
depending on height of top
Top
Arms straight
No arch or pike in body
Toes pointed
Shoulders over hands
4
Individual Skill
Stride Splits (2 sec hold)
OR
Straddle Sit (2 sec hold)
OR
Pike Sit (2 sec hold)
Split
Minimum split 135°
Leg turned out and in line
with splits
Straight legs
Trunk not leaning
excessively forward
No excessive support of
hands on floor
Pike / Straddle Sit
Straight back and legs
Minimum hip angle 45°
Straddle min 135°
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 10
Version 1 – January 2007

L1 – Pair – Balance
L1 – Pair – Balance
5
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Pair Skill
Base lies on back (legs
may be bent). Tops does
front support on floor with
base holding tops ankles.
Top then does scale (3 sec
hold)
Top
Free leg minimum 45°
above horizontal
Arms straight
Toes pointed
Shoulders over hands
No arch in back
Base
Hands above shoulders
Flat lower back
6
Individual Skill
Tuck handstand
(momentary hold)
Knees to chest
No pike or arch in body
Body vertical
Toes pointed
Straight arms
7
8
Pair Skill
Top holds scale while
holding bases hands
OR
Top may place their hands
on bases shoulders.
Base facing away from top
in kneeling lunge position
(3 sec hold)
Individual Skill
Knee scale (2 sec hold)
Top
Free leg minimum 90°
(horizontal)
Legs straight
Arms straight
Toes pointed
Base
Arms straight
Hip over knee on floor
Front knee over foot
Free leg minimum 90° -
horizontal
Arms straight
Shoulders over hands
Minimal arch or pike in back
Free leg straight
Hip over knee
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 11
Version 1 – January 2007

L1 – Pair – Dynamic
L1 – Pair – Dynamic
1
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Individual Skill
Roll backwards from tuck
sit into shoulder stand
(candle stick) supported on
shoulders with toes
pointing vertically. Legs
and hips straight. Roll
forward to stand.
Candlestick
Arms behind head
Feet over shoulders
Toes pointed
Roll
No push off floor with hands
in standing
2
3
Pair Skill
Base lies on back. Top
does front support with feet
or ankles on bases hands.
Base pops tops feet and recatches
feet/ankles.
Bases legs may be straight
or bent.
Individual Skill
Forward roll to stand
Base
No arch or pike in body
Hands above shoulders
Tops feet/ankles must leave
bases hands during flight
phase
Top
Legs tight during flight
No pike or arch in body
Stability on re-catch
Shoulders over hands
Roll on shoulders
Do not push off the floor
with hands
Rhythm through the roll
4
Pair Skill
Base kneels on hands and
knees. Top steps up to
stand on bases lower back.
Top then performs a
straight jump off to land on
the floor. Landing
direction is recommended
to one side. Top can assist
their landing with hands on
bases back.
Top
No pike or arch when
standing on bases back, or in
straight jump
Toes pointed in straight
jump
Hips not lower than waist
height in jump
Base
No arch in back
Arms straight, with
shoulders over hands
Hips over knees
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 12
Version 1 – January 2007

L1 – Pair – Dynamic
L1 – Pair – Dynamic
5
6
7
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Individual Skill
2 step kicks – 1 left, 1 right
Pair Skill
Assisted Straight Jump
OR
Assisted Star Jump
Jump can be from standing
or from stepping into it
Individual Skill
Straight Jump
OR
Tuck Jump
Must be alternate legs
Minimum height of leg 45°
off floor
Both free and support leg
straight
Upright body
Toes pointed
No steps between kicks
Top
No pike or arch in jump
Straight legs in the air
No leg separation in straight
jump
Even split in star jump
Minimum 135° split in star
jump
No fall against base, or deep
squat in landing.
Base
Must not be a lift, top must
show flight
Must show release and recatch
to assist tops landing
Both
No pike or arch in body
Hips not lower than waist
height in jump
Upright body
Toes pointed and legs
together
Tuck Jump
Knees to chest with upright
body
8
Pair Skill
Top stands on bases thighs
with hands on bases
shoulders and support from
bases arms. Top performs
a straight jump dismount.
Base does not have to
release top. Landing must
be assisted.
Top
No pike or arch in stand on
thighs or jump
Legs straight in jump
No excessive lean on base in
stand
Must jump off bases legs
No fall against base, or deep
squat in landing
Base
No excessive support of top
Do not have to release top
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 13
Version 1 – January 2007

L1 – Trio - Balance
L1 – Trio – Balance
1
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill
Top stand on lower back of
base and middle (3 sec
hold). Base and middle
facing same direction OR
facing away from each
other.
Top
Straight legs
Feet on bases lower back
No pike or arch in stand
Base and Middle
Shoulders over hands
Hips over knees
Straight arms, no pike or
arch in body
2
3
Individual Skill
Front support (2 sec hold)
turn over to rear support (2
sec hold)
Group Skill
Top stands on legs of base
and middle. Base and
Middle kneeling on one
knee each. Base and
middle support top with
both arms on legs or waist
(3 sec hold)
Front Support
Straight arms and legs
Shoulders over hands
No pike or arch in body
Turn
No pause in turn
Body shape is maintained
Rear Support
Straight arms and legs
Shoulders over hands
No pike or arch in body
Top
Straight legs
No pike or arch in stand
Base and Middle
Rear leg hip over knee
Front leg knee over foot
4
Individual Skill
Stride Splits (2 sec hold)
OR
Straddle Sit (2 sec hold)
OR
Pike Sit (2 sec hold)
Split
Minimum split 135°
Leg turned out and in line
with splits
Straight legs
Trunk not leaning
excessively forward
No excessive support of
hands on floor
Pike / Straddle Sit
Straight back and legs
Minimum hip angle 45°
Straddle min 135°
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 14
Version 1 – January 2007

L1 – Trio – Balance
L1 – Trio – Balance
5
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill
Base lies on back. Middle
holds front support with
ankles or feet in bases
hands. Top holds front
support with shins or feet
on middles shoulders or
upper back (3 sec hold)
Base
Hands over shoulders
Toes pointed
Arms straight
Top and Middle
Shoulders over hands
No arch or pike
Toes pointed
Arms straight
6
Individual Skill
Tuck handstand
(momentary hold)
Knees to chest
No pike or arch in body
Body vertical
Toes pointed
Straight arms
7
8
Group Skill
Base on hands and knees.
Middle stands facing
partners with hands resting
on bases shoulders (arms
straight). Top stands on
bases lower back with arms
on middles shoulders (3
sec hold)
Individual Skill
Knee scale (2 sec hold)
Base
Shoulders over hands
Hips over knees
Straight arms
Top and middle
Straight arms and legs
Slight “angry cat” shape to
body
Top
Feet on bases lower back
Free leg minimum 90° -
horizontal
Arms straight
Shoulders over hands
Minimal arch or pike in back
Free leg straight
Hip over knee
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 15
Version 1 – January 2007

L1 – Trio - Dynamic
L1 – Trio - Dynamic
1
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Individual Skill
Roll backwards from tuck
sit into shoulder stand
(candle stick) supported on
shoulders with toes
pointing vertically. Legs
and hips straight. Roll
forward to stand.
Candlestick
Arms behind head
Feet over shoulders
Toes pointed
Roll
No push off floor with hands
in standing
2
3
Group Skill
Base and middle lie on
back. Top does front
support with one ankle /
foot in bases hands and one
in middles hands. Base
and middle pop tops ankle /
foot at the same time and
re-catch.
Base and middles legs may
be straight or bent.
Individual Skill
Forward roll to stand
Base and middle
No arch or pike in body
Hands above shoulders
Tops feet/ankles must leave
base and middles hands
during flight phase
Top
Legs tight during flight
No pike or arch in body
Stability on re-catch
Shoulders over hands
Roll on shoulders
Do not push off the floor
with hands
Rhythm through the roll
4
Group Skill
Base and middle kneel on
hands and knees either
facing the same way, OR
away from each other. Top
steps up to stand on base
and middles lower back.
Top then performs a
straight jump off to land on
the floor. Landing
direction is optional. Top
can assist their landing
with hands on base and
middles back.
Top
No pike or arch when
standing on bases back
No arch or pike in straight
jump off
Toes pointed in straight
jump
Hips not lower than waist
height in jump
Base
No arch in back
Arms straight, with
shoulders over hands
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 16
Version 1 – January 2007

L1 – Trio - Dynamic
L1 – Trio - Dynamic
5
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Individual Skill
2 step kicks – 1 left, 1 right
Must be alternate legs
Minimum height of leg 45°
Both free and support leg
straight
Upright body
Toes pointed
No steps between kicks
6
7
8
Group Skill
Top sits on platform. Top
is thrown up and forwards
for a dismount. Top must
show stretched body in the
air.
Individual Skill
Straight Jump
OR
Tuck Jump
Group Skill
Top runs and jumps up and
forwards to land on
stomach on basket.
Top
Controlled sit on platform
with an upright body, and
not using base / middle for
support.
No pike or arch in throw
Not leaning against partners,
or a deep squat in landing
Base and Middle
Must assist tops landing
Flight must be shown in the
throw
Both
No pike or arch in body
Hips not lower than waist
height in jump
Upright body
Toes pointed and legs
together
Tuck Jump
Knees to chest with upright
body
Top
Flight onto basket
No pike or excessive arch
when landing on basket
Legs straight
Base and Middle
No excessive strain in catch
Must work together in catch
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 17
Version 1 – January 2007

LEVEL 2
Specific requirements
The value of each skill is as follows:
Pair
Balance
Pair
Dynamic
Group
Balance
Group
Dynamic
Pair / Group Skills 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Individual Skills 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
- Acrobats must perform one element from each row.
- Pair / group and individual skills must be performed in the order prescribed.
- Each acrobat from a pair / group may select different individual skills from each
row, but they must be performed at the same time or in immediate succession
during the routine.
- Skills must be performed in the order that they appear in the Levels Manual
- Choreography must be limited to simple joining steps between skills
- Music is compulsory, and must meet the guidelines outlined elsewhere in this
manual
- Only skills will be judged for execution
- Only the CJP judges Artistry. The Artistry mark will be a deduction off the final
Execution score, with a maximum deduction of 1.0 – as outlined in the Judging
section of this Manual
Balance routine
- Pair/group elements must be held for 3 seconds, unless stated otherwise
- Individual elements must be held for 2 seconds, unless stated otherwise
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 18
Version 1 – January 2007

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© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 19
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L2 – Pair – Balance
L2 – Pair – Balance
1
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Pair Skill
Top facing base and
standing on knees while
holding opposite arm (3
sec hold)
Top and Base
Straight opposite arms in
hold
Top
Straight body from head to
feet
Base
Straight body from head to
hips
Hips above knees
2
Individual Skill
Forward attitude position
(2 sec hold)
Balance on flat of foot with
free leg bent.
No deduction for standing
on ball of foot
Upright body
Support leg straight
Thigh of free leg horizontal
Toes on free leg pointed
3
Pair Skill
Top performs bird on bases
feet supported by bases
hands ( 3 sec hold)
Top
No pike in body
Arms and legs straight
Toes pointed
Slight arch
Base
Arms and legs straight
Legs at right angles to floor
4
Individual Skill
Dish position (2 sec hold)
roll to arch (2 sec hold) and
roll to dish position again
(2 sec hold)
Dish position
No pike in body or arch in
lower back
Only lower back touching
floor
Arch position
Arms and legs straight
Only hips and stomach
touching floor
Head in line with trunk
Turn
No stopping in turns
Controlled body tension in
turn
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 20
Version 1 – January 2007

L2 – Pair – Balance
L2 – Pair – Balance
5
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Pair Skill
Base kneels in lunge
position. Top stand with
one foot on bases knee,
hands on bases shoulders
and one leg raised to
arabesque position. Base
supports top with hands on
hips (3 sec hold)
Top
Straight support leg and free
leg
Free leg at least horizontal
No pike in body
Base
Rear leg hip over knee
Front leg knee over foot
Upright body
6
Individual Skill
180° two foot turn.
Step forward onto toe,
bringing the back foot in
behind the front foot, pivot
180°
Straight legs
Remain on toes
Body turns as one
Controlled finish
7
Pair Skill
Top stands on bases thighs
facing away from base,
supported by bases arms on
waist or thighs (3 sec hold)
Top
No pike or arch in body
Base
Straight arms
Thighs must be above
horizontal, but below 45°
8
Individual Skill
Elephant Stand (2 sec hold)
Balance on knees with
arms bent, knees resting on
elbows
OR
Kick towards handstand (1
sec hold)
Elephant Stand
Correct body shape
Stable position
Kick towards handstand
Straight legs and arms
First leg must reach vertical
Second leg must leave the
floor and then straighten
Toes pointed
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 21
Version 1 – January 2007

L2 – Pair – Dynamic
L2 – Pair – Dynamic
1
2
3
4
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Pair Skill
Straight jump dismount
(facing out)
Top stands on bases thighs,
facing the same way as the
base, and then does an
assisted straight jump to
land on the floor in front of
the base.
Base must release and then
re-catch top to land.
Individual Skill
Forward roll to pike
handstand (momentary
hold)
Pair Skill
Top standing on bases
knees with support from
bases arms (facing each
other). Top performs a
straight jump dismount
with bases assistance.
Base must release top and
re-catch for landing
Individual Skill
Step hop, step hop, step,
step, stride leap
OR
Step hop, Step hop, step,
tuck jump
Top
No arch or pike in standing
or jump
Hips at least waist height in
jump
Base
Straight arms in stand on
thighs
Thighs not below horizontal
in squat
Assists tops landing
Forward Roll
Roll on shoulders
No push off floor with hands
in standing
Pike Handstand
Straight arms
Feet must leave the floor
Pike must be more closed
than 45°
No pause between roll and
leg drive
Top
No pike or arch in body in
standing or jump
Legs and arms straight in the
air
No excessive lean on base in
the stand
Good upward flight
No fall against base, or deep
squat in landing
Base
No excessive support of top
Must not be lift, top is to
show flight
Step hop
Thigh of free leg horizontal
Stride leap
Upright body
Even leg split
Minimum 135° split
Tuck Jump
Knees at least 45° above
horizontal
Upright body
No pause between parts
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 22
Version 1 – January 2007

L2 – Pair – Dynamic
L2 – Pair – Dynamic
5
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Individual Skill
Cartwheel to side
OR
Cartwheel ¼ turn into
lunge
Cartwheel
Body stretched
No deviation from straight
line
Straight arms and legs
¼ turn to lunge
Lunge position held
momentarily
6
7
8
Pair Skill
Top performs a cartwheel
over bases thighs with
shoulders or upper arms on
bases thighs.
Base assists cartwheel with
hand support to tops hips.
Individual Skill
Side chasse, half turning
hop, side chasse
OR
Hurdle, cartwheel to side
chasse
Pair Skill
Base and top stand facing
each other. Top does
forward roll towards base.
As top stands base holds
tops hands and top does
immediate assisted straight
jump.
Top
Cartwheel can be done
facing either direction
Straight body
No deviation from straight
line
Controlled landing
Base
Hand support on tops thighs
or hips
180° turn
Turn must be completed in
the air
Body must turn as one
Chasse
Upright body
Need flight from floor
Cartwheel
Body stretched
No deviation from straight
line
Straight arms and legs
No pauses between
elements
Forward Roll
Roll on shoulders
No push off floor with hands
to standing
Rhythm throughout roll
Straight Jump
No pike or arch
Hips not lower than waist
Upright body
No pause between forward
roll and straight jump
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 23
Version 1 – January 2007

L2 – Trio – Balance
L2 – Trio – Balance
1
2
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill
Base kneels, Middle stands
behind base and holds
arabesque with hands on
bases shoulders. Top holds
handstand supported by
base (3 sec hold)
Individual Skill
Elephant Stand (2 sec hold)
Balance on knees with
arms bent, knees resting on
elbows
OR
Kick towards handstand (1
sec hold)
Top
Upright body
Straight arms and legs
Middle
Arms straight
Straight support and free leg
Free leg at least horizontal
Light touch on bases
shoulders, no lean on base.
Base
No excessive support of top
Upright body, straight arms
Elephant Stand
Correct body shape
Stable position
Kick towards handstand
Straight legs and arms
First leg must reach vertical
Second leg must leave the
floor and then straighten
Toes pointed
3
4
Group Skill
Base lies on ground with
feet supporting middles
lower back. Top stands on
middles thighs (facing
same direction) supported
by middles arms (3 sec
hold)
Individual Skill
Dish position (2 sec hold)
roll to arch (2 sec hold) and
roll to dish position again
(2 sec hold)
Top
Straight body from head to
feet
Middle
Arms straight
Upright body
Squat not too deep
Base
Legs straight
No arch in back or pike in
body
Dish position
No pike in body or arch in
lower back
Only lower back touching
flor
Arch position
Arms and legs straight
Only hips and stomach
touching floor
Head in line with trunk
Turn
No stopping in turns
Controlled body tension in
turn
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 24
Version 1 – January 2007

L2 - Trio – Balance
L2 - Trio – Balance
5
6
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill
Base on hands and knees.
Middle holds tops legs.
Top in front support with
hands on bases shoulder
blades (3 sec hold)
Individual Skill
180° two foot turn.
Step forward onto toe,
bringing the back foot in
behind the front foot, pivot
180°
Top
Straight arms and legs
Shoulders over hands
Middle
Straight arms, legs and body
Feet can be apart
Base
Shoulders over hands
Thighs at right angle to floor
No pike in body or arch in
back
Straight legs
Remain on toes
Body turns as one
Controlled finish
7
8
Group Skill
Base and middle stand in
lunge, top stands on their
thighs. Top supported by
one arm each of base and
middle on waist or thighs
(3 sec hold)
Individual Skill
Forward attitude position
(2 sec hold)
Balance on flat of foot with
free leg bent.
Top
No arch or pike in body
Legs straight
Control
Base and Middle
Lunge with front leg not
bent more than 90°
Upright bodies
Firm control without
excessive strain
No deduction for standing
on ball of foot
Upright body
Support leg straight
Thigh of free leg horizontal
Toes on free leg pointed
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 25
Version 1 – January 2007

L2 – Trio - Dynamic
L2 – Trio - Dynamic
1
2
3
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill
Top stands with arms out
to side horizontal between
base and middle. Top
jumps up with assistance
from base and middle
(assisted straight jump) to
land on floor. No release
Individual Skill
Forward roll to pike
handstand (momentary
hold)
Group Skill
Top jumps up and
backward onto basket.
Base and middle then
throw top and re-catch on
back.
Top
Arms horizontal and straight
No arch or pike
Controlled landing
Working with partners
Base and Middle
Both working together
No throw, only lift
Arms must get straight in the
lift
Top must not be held at the
top point
Forward Roll
Roll on shoulders
No push off floor with hands
in standing
Pike Handstand
Straight arms
Feet must leave the floor
Pike must be more closed
than 45°
No pause between roll and
leg drive
Top
Must show flight onto basket
No arch or pike in jump,
throw or landing.
Base and Middle
No excessive strain
Working together to aid
timing in throw and catch
4
Individual Skill
Step hop, step hop, step,
step, stride leap
OR
Step hop, Step hop, step,
tuck jump
Step hop
Thigh of free leg horizontal
Stride leap
Upright body
Even leg split
Minimum 135° split
Tuck Jump
Knees at least 45° above
horizontal
Upright body
No pause between parts
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 26
Version 1 – January 2007

L2 – Trio - Dynamic
L2 – Trio - Dynamic
5
6
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill
Base and middle hold one
ankle and one hand each to
swing top. Swing forward,
backward and on second
forward swing the tops feet
are released so top lands
standing. Hand to hand
support is maintained.
Bases use hand from tops
foot to assist landing. Tops
hips should be at bases
head height in dismount.
Individual Skill
Cartwheel to side
OR
Cartwheel ¼ turn into
lunge
Top
No excessive arch or pike
before landing
Control in landing
Head in line with body
Base and Middle
Arms straight
Controlled throw without
“dragging” the top along the
floor
Controlled placement of top
on floor
Cartwheel
Body stretched
No deviation from straight
line
Straight arms and legs
¼ turn to lunge
Lunge position held
momentarily
7
8
Group Skill
Top jumps up and forward
to land on stomach on
basket. Top is then thrown
for 180° turn to be caught
in basket on back.
Individual Skill
Side chasse, half turning
hop, side chasse
OR
Hurdle, cartwheel to side
chasse
Top
Show flight onto basket
Body turning as one in 180°
Control in turn
No excessive arch or pike in
jump, turn or landing.
Base and Middle
Knees do not bend under 90°
in throws and catches
Flight of top in throw
Upright bodies
180° turn
Turn must be completed in
the air
Body must turn as one
Chasse
Upright body
Need flight from floor
Cartwheel
Body stretched
No deviation from straight
line
Straight arms and legs
No pauses between
elements
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 27
Version 1 – January 2007

LEVEL 3
Specific requirements
The value of each skill is as follows:
Pair
Balance
Pair
Dynamic
Group
Balance
Group
Dynamic
Pair / Group Skills 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Individual Skills 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
- Acrobats must perform one element from each row.
- Pair / group and individual skills must be performed in the order prescribed.
- Each acrobat from a pair / group may select different individual skills from each
row, but they must be performed at the same time or in immediate succession
during the routine.
- Skills must be performed in the order that they appear in the Levels Manual
- Choreography must be included, and must be more than simple joining steps.
o The body movements are in line with the music, eg Egyptian music we
would expect a style of dance and movements that would provide the
judges with the feel of an Egyptian performance
- We are looking for development of the main components of Artistry:
o Floor Coverage – more than half the floor covered
o Harmony between the group – the group work in time with each other
o Space – covers movement high, medium and low in relation to the floor.
This means movements that are above the floor – jumps, on the floor –
dance steps, and low – rolls.
- Music is compulsory, and must meet the guidelines outlined elsewhere in this
manual
- Only skills will be judged for execution
- Only the CJP judges Artistry. The Artistry mark will be a deduction off the final
Execution score, with a maximum deduction of 1.0 – as outlined in the Judging
section of this Manual
- The CJP can give a bonus mark of up to 0.5, which will be added to the final
execution score:
o The Pair / Group covers more than half the floor – 0.1
o The Pair / Group show Harmony between themselves during the majority
of the routine – 0.1
o The Pair / Group cover high, medium and low movements at some stage
during the routine – 0.1
o The Pair / Group show a variety of choreography throughout the routine –
0.1
o The Pair / Group are well presented at all times during the routine, and not
sloppy or loose – 0.1
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 28
Version 1 – January 2007

Balance routine
Men’s Four
- Pair/group elements must be held for 3 seconds, unless stated otherwise
- Individual elements must be held for 2 seconds, unless stated otherwise
In Level 3 the Men’s Four discipline is introduced. This is the only discipline that there are
no options with participants – it must be four males.
Men’s four routines only have six skills.
All other competition requirements are the same as for Pairs and Trio’s.
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 29
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – Pair – Balance
L3 – Pair – Balance
1
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Pair Skill
Base lies on floor with legs
vertical, elbows on the
floor. Top faces the same
way as the base, and uses
bases legs to balance while
stepping onto bases hands.
Final position top must be
vertical and free standing
(3 sec hold)
Top
Ankles tight and feet slightly
pointed
Legs straight and tight
No pike or arch
Dismount optional
Base
Forearm at 90° to the floor
Base must have legs flat on
floor in final position
2
Individual Skill
Tuck hold (1 sec hold)
OR
Straddle hold (1 sec hold)
OR
Pike hold (1 sec hold)
All
Arms straight
Toes pointed
Tuck
Knees to chest
Pike and straddle
Legs must be horizontal
3
4
Pair Skill
Top holds front bird on
bases feet with no support
(3 sec hold). Base
transfers top to handstand
on the floor. Top does a
forward roll to stand.
Individual
Pike sit (2 sec hold)
OR
Front splits (2 sec hold)
with hands off floor
OR
Side splits (2 sec hold)
with hands off floor
Top
No pike in bird, slight arch
Correct handstand shape
Vertical before roll
Controlled roll, not fall
No push off floor with hands
in standing
Base
Legs and arms straight
Legs vertical in bird
Pike Sit
Chest on legs
Straight arms and legs
Stretching to toes
Back straight
Splits
Down to floor
No support from hands
Trunk not leaning forward
Straight legs and in line
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 30
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – Pair – Balance
L3 – Pair – Balance
5
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Pair Skill
Top holds a handstand on
bases legs or feet with
support from base (3 sec
hold).
Bases legs may be bent OR
straight.
Handstand must be
performed face to face.
Top
Correct body shape for a
straight vertical handstand
No excessive lean onto base
No spreading or bending of
arms and legs
Base
Upright body
Arms straight
No excessive support of top
6
Individual Skill
Kick to handstand (1 sec
hold).
Step back down to lunge (1
sec hold)
Handstand
No spreading or bending of
arms or legs
Correct body shape for a
straight vertical handstand
Lunge
Ensure lunge position is held
for 1 second
7
Pair Skill
Top stands on bases
shoulders supported by
bases arms behind legs (3
sec hold)
Top
Correct shape in standing
No arch or pike in body
Legs straight
Base
Feet positioned so stable
Control in hold
Upright body position
Hands on tops legs
8
Individual Skills
Pancake (2 sec hold)
OR
Scale – arabesque (2 sec
hold)
Chest up with back leg
straight and above
horizontal.
Pancake
Straddle min 135°
Straight arms and legs
Back straight
Stomach flat to floor
Scale (arabesque)
No pike in body
Free leg not below
horizontal
Support leg and free leg
straight
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 31
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – Pair – Dynamic
L3 – Pair - Dynamic
1
2
3
4
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Pair Skill
Top does a bucket straight
jump to land in front of
base
Individual Skill
Hurdle cartwheel snap up
(Cartwheel has ¼ turn to
snap legs in beside each
other)
OR
Forward roll, hurdle,
cartwheel
Pair Skill
Bird pop, holding hands
Individual Skill
2 stride leaps
OR
Side chasse, jump full turn
Top
No pike or arch in jump
Legs straight and together
Straight arms
Top must land properly and
not fall against base
Base
Base and top working
together
Bases arms straight when
top in the air
Hurdle
Take off from two feet
Cartwheel Snap
Body stretched
Must be in straight line
Hands push off floor to get
shoulders up while second
foot snaps down next to the
first foot
Forward roll
Roll on shoulders
No push off floor with hands
in standing
Top
No pike in body, not an
excessive arch
Chest up
Head in line with trunk
Flight in pop
Base
Arms straight throughout
Bend legs for pop and catch
Legs at 90° to floor
Stride leaps
Need height off floor
Minimum 135° split
May be on same leg
Even split
Side Chasse
Need flight and even timing
Jump full turn
Body turning as one
Momentary pause is
permitted before jump
Take off can be off one or
two feet
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 32
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – Pair – Dynamic
L3 – Pair - Dynamic
5
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Pair Skill
Top performs an assisted
straight jump with a 180°
turn. Base must release
and re-catch top on
landing.
Top
No pike or arch in body
shape
Body turning as one
Base
Release top on throw and recatch
on landing
6
7
8
Individual Skill
Forward chasse, assemble,
straight jump ½ turn
Pair Skill
Mini Pitch – Top puts
hands on bases shoulders
then puts one foot into
bases hands. Base then
lifts top to chest height. At
the same time top pushes
off the floor, straight leg,
and blocks arms in the air
before stepping off bases
hands. No flight is
required
Individual Skill
Handstand pop
OR
Forward roll with leg drive
Chasse
No pike or arch in body
Assemble
Legs come together in air
No pike or arch
½ turn
Body turning as one
No stop or pause in turn
Turn to be completed in the
air
No stops or pauses
between elements
Top
Controlled stand in hands
No pike or arch
Stability in the air
Dish shape in the air
Base
Squat not too deep in lift
Use legs to lift top
Arms only go to chest level
Assist tops landing
Handstand Pop
No spreading or bending of
arms or legs
Pop through shoulders
Correct body shape for a
straight vertical handstand
Forward Roll
Leg drive
Roll on shoulders
No push off floor with hands
in standing
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 33
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – Trio – Balance
L3 – Trio - Balance
1
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill
Top performs a handstand
on thighs of base and
middle supported by both
hands of base and middle
(3 sec hold)
Top can face either
direction.
Top
Arms and legs straight
Correct body shape for a
straight vertical handstand
Base and Middle
Arms straight in support
Upright bodies
No excessive support of top
No visible strain by partners
2
Individual Skill
Tuck hold (1 sec hold)
OR
Straddle hold (1 sec hold)
OR
Pike Hold (1 sec hold)
All
Arms straight
Toes pointed
Tuck
Knees to chest
Pike and Straddle
Legs must be horizontal
3
Group Skill
Base and middle lie on
back in same direction with
arms vertical. Top stands
with one foot to two hands
of each partner (3 sec hold)
Top
Ankles tight and feet slightly
pointed
Legs straight and tight
No pike or arch
Base and Middle
Arms straight
Arms at 90° to floor
Leg position is optional
4
Individual
Pike sit (2 sec hold)
OR
Front splits (2 sec hold)
with hands off floor
OR
Side splits (2 sec hold)
with hands off floor
Pike Sit
Chest on legs
Straight arms and legs
Stretching to toes
Back straight
Splits
Down to floor
No support from hands
Trunk not leaning forward
Straight legs and in line
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 34
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – Pair – Balance
L3 – Pair - Balance
5
6
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill
Top performs a knee scale
with hands on bases
shoulders and bent knee on
middles straight arm.
Other leg is straight (3 sec
hold). Middle can hold
with one or two hands.
Individual Skill
Kick to handstand (1 sec
hold).
Step back down to lunge (1
sec hold)
Top
Shoulder sober hands
Arms straight
No pike or excessive arch
Free leg straight
Base and Middle
Upright bodies
Base to support top on
shoulder or arms
Middle to support top on
knee or thigh
Middle support arm/s must
be straight
Handstand
No spreading or bending of
arms or legs
Correct body shape for a
straight vertical handstand
Lunge
Ensure lunge position is held
for 1 second
7
8
Group Skill
Top stands on bases and
middles shoulders. Base
and middle support top
with inside arm, hand
cupped behind calf of
nearest leg (3 sec hold)
Individual Skills
Pancake (2 sec hold)
OR
Scale – arabesque (2 sec
hold)
Chest up with back leg
straight and above
horizontal.
Top
No arch or pike
Correct foot position on
partners shoulders
Head up
Base and Middle
Upright bodies
Elbows of support arm not
used to assist hold
Free arm out straight
Pancake
Straddle min 135°
Straight arms and legs
Back straight
Stomach flat on floor
Scale (arabesque)
No pike in body
Free leg not below
horizontal
Support leg and free leg
straight
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 35
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – Trio – Dynamic
L3 – Trio - Dynamic
1
2
3
4
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill - Stand on
platform. Base and middle
form platform, top stands
on platform. Top is then
lifted to shoulder height of
shorter partner. Base and
middle then lower to start
position. Top then
completes a straight jump
dismount.
Individual Skill
Hurdle cartwheel snap up
(Cartwheel has ¼ turn to
snap legs in beside each
other)
OR
Forward roll, hurdle,
cartwheel
Group Skill
Top jumps up and
backwards to land on
basket. Top is then thrown
for 180° turn to be caught
in basket on stomach.
Individual Skill
2 stride leaps
OR
Side chasse, jump full turn
Top
Controlled stand on platform
No using base or middle for
support
No pike or arch in body
Base and Middle
Upright bodies
Do not bend knees more
than 90° squat
Base and middle assists tops
landing
Hurdle
Take off from two feet
Cartwheel Snap
Body stretched
Must be in straight line
Hands push off floor to get
shoulders up while second
foot snaps down next to the
first foot
Forward roll
Roll on shoulders
No push off floor with hands
in standing
Top
Show flight onto basket and
in turn
Body turning as one in 180°
No pike or arch in turning or
landing
Base and Middle
Timing in catches and throw
Straight backs
No pause between catch
and throw
Stride leaps
Need height off floor
Minimum 135° split
May be on same leg
Even split
Side Chasse
Need flight and even timing
Jump full turn
Body turning as one
Momentary pause is
permitted before jump
Take off can be off one or
two feet
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 36
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – Trio – Dynamic
L3 – Trio - Dynamic
5
6
7
8
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill
From sitting on platform,
flight to catch on back in
basket
Individual Skill
Forward chasse, assemble,
straight jump ½ turn
Group Skill - Mini-Pitch –
Base and middle stand side
by side with top facing
them. Top puts a hand on
base / middles shoulder or
head while stepping onto
their hands. Base and
middle lift top to chest
height, then lower to start
position. Top then
completes straight jump
dismount, base and middle
support landing
Individual Skill
Handstand pop
OR
Forward roll with leg drive
Top
Controlled sit on platform
Not using base or middle for
support
No pike or arch in body in
flight or landing
Top needs flight
Base and Middle
Straight back
Control in throw and catch
Chasse
No pike or arch in body
Assemble
Legs come together in air
No pike or arch
½ turn
Body turning as one
No stop or pause in turn
Turn to be completed in the
air
No stops or pauses
between elements
Top
Controlled stand in hands
Upright body in lift
No pike or arch
Stability in lift
Base and Middle
Height of lift
Equal lift
Handstand Pop
No spreading or bending of
arms or legs
Pop through shoulders
Correct body shape for a
straight vertical handstand
Forward Roll
Leg drive
Roll on shoulders
No push off floor with hands
in standing
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 37
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – M4 – Balance
L3 – M4 - Balance
1
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill
Top sits on bases
shoulders, legs around
bases trunk. Middle 1 and
2 place one hand on tops
waist, the other hand is
raised to the side (3 sec
hold).
Middle 1 & 2 grip forearms
with base and place feet
against bases feet. Both
lean sideways with straight
trunks and free arm held to
side (3 sec hold).
Partners working together in
building a pyramid
Top
Body upright
Flight required in jump to
shoulders
Stability in sit
Middles
Bodies upright in hold
Legs straight in hold and
lean to side
Correct grip in lean to side
No pike or arch in lean
Base
Straight legs
No pike or arch in body
2
Individual Skill
Tuck hold (1 sec hold)
OR
Straddle hold (1 sec hold)
OR
Pike Hold (1 sec hold)
All
Arms straight
Toes pointed
Tuck
Knees to chest
Pike and Straddle
Legs must be horizontal
3
Group Skill
Base stands, with top in
front facing the same way.
Middle 1 and 2 stand side
by side facing top.
Base and top perform a
thigh balance. Middle 1
and 2 perform a kick to
handstand. Top catches an
ankle of both middles (3
sec hold)
Top
Straight body from head to
feet
Straight arms when holding
middles ankles
Middles
Correct shape for a straight
handstand
Body vertical
No spreading of legs
Base
Upright body
Not too deep in squat
Arms straight
No pike or arch in back
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 38
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – M4 – Balance
L3 – M4 - Balance
4
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Individual
Pike sit (2 sec hold)
OR
Front splits (2 sec hold)
with hands off floor
OR
Side splits (2 sec hold)
with hands off floor
Pike Sit
Chest on legs
Straight arms and legs
Stretching to toes
Back straight
Splits
Down to floor
No support from hands
Trunk not leaning forward
Straight legs and in line
5
Individual Skill
Kick to handstand (1 sec
hold).
Step back down to lunge (1
sec hold)
Handstand
No spreading or bending of
arms or legs
Correct body shape for a
straight vertical handstand
Lunge
Ensure lunge position is held
for 1 second
6
Individual Skills
Pancake (2 sec hold)
OR
Scale – arabesque (2 sec
hold)
Chest up with back leg
straight and above
horizontal.
Pancake
Straddle min 135°
Straight arms and legs
Back straight
Stretching to toes
Scale (arabesque)
No pike in body
Free leg not below
horizontal
Support leg and free leg
straight
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 39
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – M4 – Dynamic
L3 – M4 - Dynamic
1
2
3
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Group Skill
Trio pitch from standing on
platform to land in dish on
back in basket, with
assistance from middle 2.
Individual Skill
Hurdle cartwheel snap up
(Cartwheel has ¼ turn to
snap legs in beside each
other)
OR
Forward roll, hurdle,
cartwheel
Group Skill
Base and middle 2 form a
pair, top and middle 1 form
a pair.
Both pairs then perform an
assisted straight jump with
release, and an assisted
landing. Jump can be
performed from step in or
from standing.
Jumps can be performed
simultaneously or in
immediate succession.
Top
Stable when standing on
platform
No pike or arch in flight and
landing
Must show flight
Landing must be in dish
shape
Base and Middles
Stability in throwing and
catching
Hurdle
Take off from two feet
Cartwheel Snap
Body stretched
Must be in straight line
Hands push off floor to get
shoulders up while second
foot snaps down next to the
first foot
Forward roll
Roll on shoulders
No push off floor with hands
in standing
Top and Middle 2 – acting
as tops
No pike or arch in body in
straight jump
No fall against base, or deep
squat in landing
Base and Middle 1 – acting
as bases
Timing of jump
Must not be a lift, must
show flight
Show release and re-catch to
assist “tops” landing
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 40
Version 1 – January 2007

L3 – M4 – Dynamic
L3 – M4 - Dynamic
4
5
6
Skill Description of Skill Important Points
Individual Skill
2 stride leaps
OR
Side chasse, jump full turn
Individual Skill
Forward chasse, assemble,
straight jump ½ turn
Individual Skill
Handstand pop
OR
Forward roll with leg drive
Stride leaps
Need height off floor
Minimum 135° split
May be on same leg
Even split
Side Chasse
Need flight and even timing
Jump full turn
Body turning as one
Momentary pause is
permitted before jump
Take off can be off one or
two feet
Chasse
No pike or arch in body
Assemble
Legs come together in air
No pike or arch
½ turn
Body turning as one
No stop or pause in turn
Turn to be completed in the
air
No stops or pauses
between elements
Handstand Pop
No spreading or bending of
arms or legs
Pop through shoulders
Correct body shape for a
straight vertical handstand
Forward Roll
Leg drive
Roll on shoulders
No push off floor with hands
in standing
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 41
Version 1 – January 2007

APPENDIX 1 – JUDGING OVERVIEW
General
Judging of Levels 1 to 3 can be completed in house, but must be completed with the suitably
qualified Judges. This will require a Level 2 Judge to act as the CJP for the competition.
Please refer to Appendix 2 – Sports Acrobatics Judges Pathways.
Execution Deductions
Execution of level 1 to 3 routines will be as per the Australian Sports Acrobatics Judges
Manuals which are based on the FIG Code of Points. Execution is judged out of 10.00
CJP Deductions
There are a number of specific deductions that CJP’s must be aware of:
Omission of a set pair / group skill 1.0
Omission of a set individual skill by any or all members 1.0
Balances held less than the specified time
0.3 per second
No definite start or finish to the routine 0.1
Skills performed out of the set order 0.3
Use of additional matting 0.5
Presence of a coach on the floor 0.5
Unsportsmanlike behaviour whilst on or leaving the floor 0.5
Artistry Deductions
The CJP will also judge artistry. The maximum artistry deduction is 1.0 for levels 1, 2 and 3,
which is taken off the execution score. The specific deductions are:
Accessories lost during performance 0.1
Visible underwear 0.1
Wearing of jewellery 0.1
General appearance is untidy (hair, leotard etc) 0.1
Major height / maturity difference between partners 0.1
Not presenting to judges at the start and end of the exercise 0.1
Many technical errors in the exercise 0.1
No definite start and end to the routine 0.1
Lost/forgotten routine 0.1
Adjustment of leotard
0.1 per time
Leotard slips between glutei or shows iliac crest 0.1
Lack of amplitude of movements throughout the exercise 0.1
Lack of harmony in steps / elements other than connecting steps 0.1
Verbal assistance from the coach 0.1
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 42
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Judges courses
Judges courses are available through State Associations to enable all clubs to keep up-to-date
with judging procedures. It is recommended that all clubs avail themselves of these courses.
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 43
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APPENDIX 2 – SPORTS ACROBATICS JUDGES PATHWAYS
As with all Gymnastic Disciplines, Sports Acrobatic judges have a clearly defined pathway
that they must follow from the most junior to the most senior level. Below is an outline of
this pathway, and what role they have at each level.
Level 1 Judge
Able to Judge Execution only for Levels 1, 2 and 3
Level 2 Judge
Able to judge execution and artistry from level 1 to 6
Able to CJP (Chair of Judges Panel) for levels 1, 2 and 3
Level 3 Judge
Able to Judge Execution and Artistry from level 1 to 10
Able to CJP from level 1 to 6
Able to be a Difficulty Judge from level 4 to 6
FIG Judge
Able to judge Execution and Artistry from Level 1 to 10
Able to CJP from level 1 to 10
Able to be a Difficulty judge from level 4 to 10
Panel selections are the decision of the State or National Judging Co-ordinator, dependent on
the competition.
Selection of CJP/DJ on panels is the decision of the State or National Judging Co-ordinator,
dependent on the competition.
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APPENDIX 3 - GLOSSARY
Terms
- Assisted Landing – a landing assisted by another member of the pair / group for
stability / safety
- Back-bird - Top in arch facing up supported at their hips (arm and leg position
optional).
- Balance routine - demonstrate held poses, strength and flexibility
- Basket - Two Bases stand facing each other with outstretched arms to catch the
Top.
- Bucket - Top standing in front of Base facing same direction. Top jumps and
pushes hips up to the back while Base lifts the Top through hand to hand support.
- Cannonball - Base swings Top while holding Top’s hands. Top in tuck position
between Base’s legs.
- Combined routine - A combination of balance and dynamic skills performed by
levels 8 to 10
- Core skills - The basic skills.
- Courbette - An action forward or backwards where Top travels from handstand to
standing position.
- Dismount - Any skill where the Top starts supported by partner/s finishes on the
ground.
- Double foot-pitch - In trios or fours Top stands with one foot on each of the hands
of the two partners.
- Dynamic routine - demonstrate height, flight and tumbling.
- Elbow-planche - Body held horizontal facing down (may be with a slight arch)
supported by hand/s with arms bent 90º and elbow/s against torso.
- FIG – Federation of International Gymnastics – the International governing body
- FIG Code of Points - International rules available from the FIG website.
- FIG Tables of Difficulty - International skills available from the FIG website.
- Foot-pitch - Top starts standing with one foot in the partner’s hands. Top stands
up on Base’s hands while Base pushes the Top upward through hand to foot
support.
- Front-bird - Top in arch facing down supported at their hips (arm and leg position
optional).
- Front-lift to handstand - Partners standing facing each other. Top jumps and
pushes hips up to the back while Base lifts the Top through hand to hand support
finishing in a reverse handstand position.
- Group – A term used to describe Women’s Trio’s and Men’s Four’s. These are
often discussed as one segment of the Sports Acrobatics disciplines.
- High - One partner supporting another (either in handstand or standing) on hands
with arms straight.
- Layout - A straight body sault.
- Low - One partner supporting another (either in handstand or standing) on hands
with arms bent.
- Men’s Four – In level 1 to 3 this is the only fixed group structure – four males
- Momentary hold – The shape must be shown with stability. Acrobats cannot
simply pass through the shape.
- Optional - A choice is given (if multiple choices are given, then one choice is
compulsory).
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- Pair’s – As well as being a specific term, it is often used to describe as a group
Men’s Pair, Women’s Pair and Mixed Pair. As with Groups these three pair
disciplines are described as simply Pair’s. In level 1 to three, pairs can be any mix
of male and female. In levels 4 to 10 they are set as detailed earlier.
- Pike-lever - The upper body is upright with the legs together and straight held
horizontal between hands. Support is only on the hand/s.
- Pike-sault - A sault with straight legs. The angle between legs and chest must be
less than 90º.
- Pitch-catch - Foot-pitch to catch in reverse standing on hands.
- Planche - Body held straight and horizontal facing down supported only with the
hands. Legs must be straight but may be straddled.
- Platform - In W3 and M4, two partners facing each other with interlocked hands.
Hand to wrist grip creating a flat surface for a partner to stand on.
- Press to handstand - An acrobat lifts to handstand with strength. No swing,
jump, or extra support of partner/s is allowed.
- Reverse handstand - A hand to hand handstand where partners hold facing the
same direction.
- Reverse standing - Top standing on Base facing opposite direction.
- Sault - Somersault.
- Series - A tumbling series is a combination of two or more tumbling elements.
- Set - Compulsory and fixed skills or order.
- Shoulder-stand - Acrobat is inverted with straight body, supported at the
shoulders.
- Simple Joining Steps - Almost walking steps to move around the floor, walking
with simple arm movements, side chasse’s, etc. The body movements bear no
relationship to the style of the music, nor do they have to work in harmony with
the music
- Star - Top is held on their side supported on their hip with legs straddled. Base is
supporting with one straight arm above the head.
- Start value - The difficulty value is converted to a start value by using the
conversion table.
- Straddle-lever - The upper body is upright with the legs straddled and straight
held horizontal. Support is only on the hand/s.
- Tied-arm handstand - Acrobat is in a handstand position on partner’s shoulders.
Partner provides additional support by holding arms.
- Trio – when three people work together. In level 1 to 3 this can be any
combination of male and female. In levels 4 to 10 tis is fixed as three females.
- Tuck-lever - The upper body is upright with the legs together. Support is only on
the hand/s.
- Twist - Acrobat rotates around the long axis of the body. Legs together.
- Y-scale - Support on one leg with other leg raised to the side. The raised leg is
straight, held near the ankle with a hand.
© Gymnastics Australia Sports Acrobatics Levels Manual Page 46
Version 1 – January 2007