Safety in gymnastics

This unit focuses on safety in gymnastics, which is one element of the Gymnastics module of the syllabus. It discusses rules, the safe use of equipment, spotting, warm-up and physical preparation.

Rules

Rules are put in place to ensure fairness (all participants follow the same procedures) and safety (participants follow safe procedures). Following the correct rules is particularly important in gymnastics as a variety of apparatus is used in different ways. The rules that govern each apparatus are different. For example, with the uneven parallel bars the gymnast begins from a stationary position, and the rules state that the gymnast may be assisted by a spotter to reach the bar. With the vault, on the other hand, the gymnast must run up and use a springboard to perform their routine, with no other assistance.

Safe use of equipment

As well as being used in the correct manner, equipment must also be maintained and checked regularly. Gymnastics involves a variety of different apparatus, each with its own set of safety rules. Failure to use an apparatus in the correct way is not only potentially unsafe, but can also result in the gymnast losing points in competition. A sound knowledge of the apparatus is therefore essential for gymnasts to achieve their best possible score.

Spotting

Spotting is a procedure that involves someone supervising or physically assisting a gymnast. Spotting is an important safety practice as it provides support, confidence and reassurance for the gymnast using an apparatus, particularly for inexperienced athletes. If an athlete is to practise a skill on an apparatus for the first time, the use of a spotter is essential to prevent serious injury. For example, a spotter will be needed to help a gymnast start a routine on the horizontal or uneven parallel bars. The role of the spotter can vary. They may assist the participant, provide feedback and reassurance, and in some cases even demonstrate the routine or break it down into smaller parts.

Warm-up

The warm-up is one of the most important aspects of any physical activity. In gymnastics a lot of emphasis is placed on flexibility and strength. Having a good warm-up is essential if injuries are to be avoided. A good stretching program should be put in place to ensure that all the muscle groups that will be used in the routine are properly warmed up. Warm-up activities should focus on exercises that are directly related to the type of routine to be performed. This may be in the form of a modified routine on an apparatus that doesn't place excessive pressure on the body. In addition, it is also important to include general exercises to warm-up other muscle groups.

Gymnasts should be aware of the physiological changes that occur when a warm-up is performed: increasing blood flow to the working muscles, increasing body temperature, preparing the working muscles for the activity, increasing oxygen uptake and reducing the chance of injury.

Physical preparation

Physical preparation involves developing the necessary strength and flexibility to ensure that routines can be carried out properly. This includes stretching (PNF) and various strength activities such as sit-ups that assist in the physical preparation of gymnastics. Exercises that build flexibility are essential for gymnasts, not only for the correct execution of routines, but also for safety reasons. The use of weights is also necessary to build the strength needed for many of the routines. For example, great upper body strength is needed to successfully use the roman rings and the horizontal bar, while strength in the lower body is necessary for the floor routine.