Thank you for pursuing an interest in our competitive program at Kanata GymnoSphere! 

The following is a list of FAQs that will help you prepare for the competitive tryout.

 

1. What will my child be tested on during the tryout?

Our competitive instructors will assess the overall strength, flexibility, coordination, and handstand development of each athlete. During the tryout, athletes will be asked to perform certain elements such as push-ups, leg lifts, chin-ups, rope climb, handstand hold, sprinting and core strength tests. Athletes will also be evaluated on specific gymnastics related skills such as rolls, walkovers, swings, jumps and apparatus basics.

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2. What should my child wear during the tryout?

During the tryout, athletes will be barefoot and should wear comfortable clothing (i.e. leotard, tank top, shorts or fitted leggings). Long hair should be neatly tied up.

 

3. What other factors will coaches be looking for in the tryout?

We are looking for dedicated athletes who love the sport of gymnastics and have a competitive spirit. We are also looking for athletes that have excellent listening skills, determination, perseverance, focus and cooperate with others.

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4. When will we receive the results of the testing and how will it be communicated?

The Competitive Program Manager will email results from the testing within two weeks from the date of the tryout. At that time, the Manager will recommend the most suitable recreational or competitive program for each candidate.

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5. What if my child was not accepted into the competitive program?

When an athlete is not considered ready to join a competitive program, they will be encouraged to enhance their gymnastics skills and physical abilities in the recreational program.  

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6. What are the different groups and how are they differentiated by the training hours?

Placement decisions will be based on the try out results with consideration of age, places available, skill level and overall potential of the athlete. Our programs start with Developmental groups of either 6 or 9 hours a week of training and will compete in Ontario Developmental Program competitions. The Pre-Competitive groups train between 12 and 16 hours a week and the Provincial group trains upwards of 20 to 24 hours a week, including week day practices in the afternoon. These two groups aim to reach the Ontario Provincial Championships. Each group at Kanata GymnoSphere has their own age range and ability level criteria. The assessment process will determine which group is the best fit for each child.  

 

7. If my child gets accepted into competitive immediately, does this mean they will train and compete right away?

The competitive program commences in the summer and some higher level athletes will compete as early as November. The competition schedule for each program and  athlete will be outlined by their individual coach. A child joining the program mid season will compete based on their readiness as determined by their coach.

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8. If my child is accepted into competitive, what does that mean for me as a parent?

Once an athlete is offered a position in one of our competitive programs, a Competitive Handbook will be forwarded to the parents. This document includes detailed information about the competitive program, such as fee structure, schedules, competition information, along with expectations, requirements and policies.

 

9. Do we have waiting lists for the competitive programs?

Competitive groups are generally formed in June of each year. When the groups are full, we make efforts to offer a suitable recommendation in one of our programs until a spot in the competitive program becomes available.