Long-Term Athlete Development Canada
Our Federation PLAN is based on consultation with Sport for Life Canada.
Here’s the Sports Canada Long-term Athlete Development plan for reference.
Excel or Development Program?
In Bermuda, our female gymnasts use the Xcel program and the Developmental Program (formerly known as Junior Olympic, or JO).
In general, Xcel is more flexible. Less demanding. A good starting point for most kids.
Those children who want more challenge, could switch to the Development Program. In general, the level of competition is higher. Kids train more hours / week.
We like both systems in Bermuda. Certainly the Xcel is gaining in popularity, over time.
If you want to know more, click over to a good Chalk Bucket article ➙ XCEL OR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: WHICH IS THE RIGHT PATH FOR YOUR GYMNAST?
Finally, the very best gymnasts in Bermuda could work their way up to the FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) elite level of international competition. This is what is required for the biggest meets: Commonwealth Games, PanAm Games, Olympics, etc. SUPER demanding.
Gymnastics Games
Rick McCharles has VIDEOS of his favourite Gymnastics Games online. Free for everyone.
Click over to a Tumbl Trak YouTube Playlist to watch them all.
Safe Sport: Critical issues and practices
An excellent summary of HOW TO KEEP ATHLETES SAFE is online, an Open-Access book, free for all. Browse the book HERE.
- Introduction
- An Athlete View of Safe Sport in Canada
- History, Governance and Human Rights Perspectives about Safe Sport
- Legal Considerations and Safe Sport
- Organizational Action and Safe Sport
- Coaches and Safe Sport
- Officials and Safe Sport
- Safe Sport and Calls for Action
- Go For It: Rise to the challenge – always strive for excellence. Be persistent and discover how good you can be;
- Play Fair: Understand, respect, and follow the rules. Play with integrity – competition is only meaningful when it is fair;
- Respect Others: Show respect for everyone involved in creating your sporting experience, both on and off the field of play. Win with dignity and lose with grace;
- Keep It Fun: Find the joy in sport and share it with others. Remember what you love about sport and why you play;
- Stay Healthy: Always respect and care for your mind and body. Advocate for the health and safety of yourself and those around you;
- Include Everyone: Recognize and celebrate strength in diversity. Invite and welcome others into sport;
- Give Back: Say thanks and show gratitude. Encourage your sport group to make a difference in the community.
How to Learn KIP
Many feel that Kip on Bars is the most difficult skill to learn in Women’s Gymnastics.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
If you like that, check out the rest on the Saving Tenths YouTube channel.
Rick McCharles Gymnastics TIPS 😀
For Boys and Girls.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (44min)
Happier, Healthier Coaches & Gymnasts
Kim Shore was a high level gymnast, a Gym Mom and now works with Gymnastics Canada administration and Safe Sport.
This interview is great information for all coaches, parents and sport leaders.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
What are the benefits of gymnastics?
By Wm A. Sands, Ph.D.
- Gymnastics is an anaerobic sport.
- Gymnasts are among the strongest, pound for pound, of all the Olympic athletes.
- Gymnasts are among the most flexible of all athletes.
- Gymnasts are very good at both static and dynamic balance.
- Gymnasts learn early to fall without injuring themselves.
- Gymnasts are among the smallest and lightest of athletes.
- Gymnasts tend to do very well in school.
Gymnastics is a terrific sport for young people. …
Gymnastics can provide opportunities for physical development, character development, and education that are hard to find anywhere else.
USA Gymnastics Online: Technique: Why Gymnastics?
Don’t Waste Your Time Stretching
By Keith Russell PhD., University of Saskatchewan
Before you waste time stretching, why not decide why you are stretching, then choose a stretching regime that does not waste your time. …
1. Are you stretching to increase your range of movement?
2. Are you stretching to warm up? …
Canadian Coaches Report
Bermuda Sports Governing Bodies
The Gymnastics Federation of Bermuda is the National Sports Governing Body for all Gymnastics disciplines. Here are our guidelines as established by the Department of Sport and Recreation.
Gymnastics Federation of Bermuda 