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Competition Trampolining |
Trampolining is a competitive gymnastic sport with the primary purpose focusing on the execution of acrobatics whilst bouncing on the trampoline. The point system of gymnastic trampolining is relative to the level of difficulty of the jump being performed. There are various kinds of jumps with a few of the basic manoeuvres being the tuck, pike or straddle and some of the more complex combinations being backward or forward somersaults and twists. The different categories of competitions consist of Individual Trampoline, Synchronized Trampoline and Double Mini-trampoline.
Competitive Trampolining
After World War 2, the first forms of competitive trampolining began in the United States, reaching Europe by the 1950’s. Soon after in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, teams doing demonstrations travelled to all continents to perform. This spurred the formation of numerous national federations. The International Trampoline Federation (FIT) was formed in 1962 with seven founder member federations. Since 1962 the number has increased to 42. In 1964, Annual World Championships were being held and by 1969 European Championships began. The Pan Pacific Championships started in 1981 and was held in alternate years. There are also the European Youth Championships which have taken place every other year since 1972. A great amount of attention was drawn to the sport in 1993 due to the introduction of the World Cup event. Television companies began to broadcast live coverage of the events during the 1993-94 series. Trampolining has now been a World Games sport since 1981. A key chapter in the history of trampolining as a sport was when gymnastic trampolining was incorporated in the Olympic Games in 2000.
Periodic Progression
Over time a handful of cultures have invented devices that send a person into the air, ranging from outstretched animal skins used to throw someone into the air and safely catch them upon their landing, to the devices used in circus acts. At present, the technology incorporated into the development of our modern day trampolines is astounding in retrospect to the earlier inventions. Since the prototype apparatus that George Nissen constructed in 1936, the sophistication of the trampoline has undergone significant advancements. Today the most modern trampolines are able to shoot an athlete to the heights of 10m high ceilings. With people able to reach heights as great as this, athletes are now capable of performing triple somersaults with no hassle at all.
Don’t Jump to Conclusions
Trampoline safety has been scrutinised continuously for a long time without real cause. If the correct safety measures are followed while usingtrampolines that are of suitable quality, one can reap the benefits of safe trampolining. People trying to master a new gymnastic move can appreciate steel frames with stretched material as features such as these are invaluable when providing safe and efficient trampolining. If parents, guardians, teachers and coaches were all aware that these types of trampolines boast advantages that far overshadow the disadvantages, they might not be so reluctant to allow a promising gymnast full usage of one.
Some parents and coaches insist that a maturing gymnast becomes more optimistic after learning and perfecting newly acquired moves. At the end of the day training on a gymnastics trampoline builds confidence and keeps a person in tiptop physical condition.
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