Competitive Program

Women’s Artistic Gymnastics has three competitive streams; International Stream (Elite), National Stream (National Level 1-10) and State Stream (State Level 6 -10). The purpose of these streams is to allow gymnasts to develop at a rate relative to their ability and needs. MLC Gymnastics Club's competitive program offers all three streams of gymnastics. All gymnasts are assessed and selected to enter the competitive program based on physical ability and the desire to train in this program.

AIMS

• To provide an opportunity for gymnasts who are suitable for competitive gymnastics to develop a strong foundation of skills and good physical development to enable them to be competitive.
• To offer State, National and International Stream training and competition program, for suitable gymnasts.
• To maintain the High Performance Program for gymnasts who have the ability to represent Australia at either National Level 9 or 10 or Junior or Senior International. (MLC is a Tier 1 National High Performance Program recognised by Gymnastics Australia).
• To provide an opportunity for the squad gymnasts to compete interstate and overseas.
• To provide experienced, high level coaching staff who work as a team to ensure the gymnasts can develop their maximum potential.
• To produce a high standard of results at state, national and international level, and provide the opportunity for MLC High Performance gymnasts to be selected for a University Scholarship.
• To channel the gymnasts who decide to retire from competitive gymnasts into Sport Aerobics, Display Team Gym, Dance, Cheerleading, Coaching or Judging apprenticeships.
• The MLC Gymnastics Club is ranked in the top five as an International Stream and National Stream Club.

THE COMPETITIVE PROGRAM

Gymnasts in this program train from two to six days per week, with some of the top-level gymnasts training up to 32 hours per week. The Competitive Program at MLC comprises of approximately 100 gymnasts made up of students from the College as well as from the local community.

The competitive squads are generally made up of groups with six to eight gymnasts per group. The coaching staff provide the optimal learning environment for the gymnasts.

NATIONAL STREAM GYMNASTICS (LEVEL 1-10)

The National Stream Program is designed for all competitive gymnasts. It is flexible and encourages safe developmental progressions to enable gymnasts to develop to a national standard from Level 7 - 10. The training and commitment is less demanding than the International Program.

In 1997 the MLC Gymnastics Club introduced a Junior Development Program for competitive gymnasts. This ensures the gymnasts have sound basic skills, strength and flexibility to enable them to learn difficult skills safely and be competitive at a state and national level.

MLC is one of the leading National Stream Level 7 to 10 Clubs in Australia. MLC has produced a large percentage of Victorian team members who have also become Australian representatives at Levels 9 & 10.

INTERNATIONAL STREAM GYMNASTICS (ELITE)

This program is designed for very talented gymnasts who are able to accelerate through an alternative training program. The long term aim is to prepare them for international competition by the age of 12-14. The Australian junior and senior national teams are selected from the International Stream gymnasts. Only a very small percentage of gymnasts are selected to train and compete in this program and they must have a strong desire to do so. There are three different categories for competitions. The MLC Program has Sub junior gymnasts at International Levels 6 - 10 as well as Junior and Senior International gymnasts.

MLC Gymnastics Club is recongised as an Australian High Performance Centre (Tier 1) by Gymnastics Australia. The gymnasts compete in Sub Junior (under 12), Junior and Senior International divisions. They train five to nine sessions a week before and after school and compete in local Club Invitationals as well as state, national and international competitions.

Over the past three years MLC, has been ranked number one in the International Stream Clubs, based on results at National Clubs. MLC has produced many Victorian Champions at the Sub Junior and Junior level, in additional to two National Champions.

COMPETITIVE SUPPORT PROGRAMS

The Competitive Program at MLC has various support programs in place to support the gymnasts and staff. In order to maximise the training program, and provide an optimal environment for high level performance. There are medical staff that work very closely with the coaching staff to enhance the gymnasts' training program.

1. NUTRITION PROGRAM

It is now widely accepted that nutrition plays a key role in sporting performance. Young athletes are a vulnerable group as their nutritional requirements are at the highest level of their lives. They face the challenge of meeting both the nutritional demands of growth as well as strenuous training. The MLC Gymnastics Club Nutrition Program was introduced in 1999 and is based on the VIS Nutrition Program developed specifically gymnasts. The aim of the Nutrition Program is to:

• Provide gymnasts and parents with the principles of healthy eating.
• Increase the awareness of the impact of diet on athletic performance.
• Achieve optimal growth and development.
• Provide practical activities to enable athletes and parents to make appropriate food choices to improve performance.

All competitive gymnasts at MLC are included in the Nutrition Program. They are allocated to a nutrition group based on their knowledge, and participate in 2 to 6 sessions during 12 months. The sessions are aimed at the long term development of knowledge in a unique, innovative fun way.

2. MEDICAL PROGRAM

The MLC Gymnastics Club has worked closely with the Alphington Medical Centre since 1995 to meet the medical needs of the gymnasts in the competitive program. The coaching staff work very closely with the doctors and physiotherapists at Alphington.

A sports physiotherapist attends training at the gym once a week to assist the gymnasts with specific prevention and rehabilitation exercises. The gymnasts pay a term levy to cover the cost of this, and are able to access the physiotherapist during training time. The physiotherapist works with the masseurs and doctors to ensure all weaknesses and problem areas are addressed.

Massage treatment can prevent many injuries that occur as a result of muscles being too tight. The MLC Gymnastics Club is fortunate to have two masseurs who attend training three times a week to work with the gymnasts. For the higher level gymnasts, this is highly recommended.

An important aspect of the competitive program is training and performance. The Psychology program was introduced in 1999 and aims to prepare gymnasts for the demands of high-level training and assist them in developing competition coping skills and strategies. Ms Samantha McLeod has been working with gymnasts for over 10 years. She conducts sessions in the gym and observes training.

MEDICAL STAFF / CONSULTANTS:

3. PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM

Parents are an important part of the Club program. The MLC Gymnastics Club has developed a parent education program to provide parents with information on competitions and training, in order to assist them to understand and support their daughter. MLC staff and gymnastics community experts are invited to conduct lectures on various topics to assist parents in their ongoing education.