Difference in Trampoline and Gymnastics use

[Janice]

This has been born from another thread which questioned the difference in use & rules etc.

Does the gymnastics disaplines have a code of practice relating to the use of the trampoline?

The socks question always does my head in. I always insist that all users of my trampolines wear socks, not only for safety reasons as as laid down in the TRA code of practice, but because of foot infections as well.

Looking at my ' trampoline as an aid to teaching gymnastics' book from BG under the safety section it states that correct gymnast/trampoline clothing must be worn together with non-skid gym shoes or socks (but not training shoes) it also says that foundation moves from straight bouncing and stopping to front and back drops should be taught from which the more advanced skills can be safely developed.

Theres also the question of spotters, the mechanics, body positions and landings, travel v spotted moves.

Can anyone tell me if they had to attend a special module to do the trampoline part of their gymnastics qualifications ?

What other differences have you noticed between the disaplines

[Clarabel]

As a trampolinist recently turned gymnast I see a number of key differences. I am so conditioned to spotting all my moves that I cannot be trusted to get into the pit - we have to use a throw-in mat because I came down on the trampoline frame once and it was once too many! Many places don't teach the front, back and seat drop before using the trampoline for air awareness but it is these, not the forward and backward roll, that will be used in case of under- or over-rotation out of somis, and the gymnast must know how to stay on the trampoline, gain height and stop! I am used to having much more time to get into my moves and I somi slowly - on the floor I don't have this kind of time so gymnasts will need to be aware of the need to get into the moves more quickly. Arms often have a different standard position in gymnastics from the one which creates best lift on the tramp too. On pitted tramps it doesn't make so much difference but on a raised bed it is important the coach knows where they can stand without being thrown off or being thrown against the performer. The coach has to find somewhere stable to stand and this isn't as easy on a moving surface.

I know this is against policy but I don't wear socks on the trampoline. I used to wear my socks and still managed several toe injuries including pulling a nail off my big toe, and I feel the socks really contributed to that. I also slipped on a bad landing because the throw-in mat was PVC covered as canvas mats don't slide out on the bed properly; without the socks I would have been stable on the mat. If gymnasts are to use the tramp for flicks and springs then would they not have to wear mittens to put their hands on the bed? Far more likely people will curl a finger through the mesh than a toe, so I always put my wristbands over my fingers.

I think the gymnast should get used to a 'hard' landing as this better reflects what they will land on in the true skill and they get used to holding a balanced landing and then extend to present.

Trampoline moves always start from a bounce, but gymnastic moves don't usually come out of a straight jump so once the move is working on the trampoline the gymnast needs to enter as similarly as possible to how they would on the floor, say a snap-down from a box-top onto the bed to simulate the round-off entry. Most of the gymnasts I know practice all their moves out of a straight jump then wonder why it doesn't work off a different entry. I don't know about any additional training for using the trampoline as our coach has a tramp qualification anyway, but I do wonder if there should be a special module for trampolines in gymnastics as it is a totally different use.

[DJC]

I hated wearing socks on tramp. Less grip. More likely to slip IMO.

No more than 2 people playing kaboom! at one time was a rule at my old club... Apart from that it was don't attempt anything too stupid. And keep your teeth closed (yes, I disobeyed that one once. Ouch.)