INTERCLUB: 6 TO 11 YRS
(athletes must turn 6 by December 31st of the current year)
The Gymnastics BC Interclub program provides a training framework and is designed to expand the scope of participation in recreational gymnastics. The program is performance-centered and focuses on the opportunity for gymnasts to perform and take pride in personal athletic achievement. Interclub girls enjoy the challenge of learning new skills, competing, and pushing themselves to do their personal best! Every class includes at least half an hour of conditioning and strengthening to help the athletes achieve a high degree of fitness.
The program has been designed to create an opportunity for athletes to proudly showcase skills and routines. They train in a positive team environment shared with peers of similar age and ability levels. Coaches support them in being the best they can be tailoring routines to showcase their strengths, building confidence and goal-setting skills.
Our Interclub Girls compete in the East and West Kootenays where they perform gymnastics routines that will showcase their personal ability. Athletes are adjudicated/given positive feedback.
Competition Awards: Athletes will receive a certificate including positive feedback for each of their performances Athletes will receive an award (ribbon or medal) recognizing their overall participation in the event Special performance awards may be awarded for outstanding performances on each apparatus.
Who Is This Program For?
Kids who are committed to training twice a week, who enjoy competing and performing, and who have a keen interest in learning more advanced gymnastics skills. The Interclub Program is by invitation or assessment only.
The Interclub Program runs from September to June (10 months).
Summer camps are recommended and available in July and August.
Class Information
2 hours, 1 day per week
Parent participation is required
Interclub gymnasts must read and sign the Gymnast Code of Conduct set out by the coaching staff.
HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASTICS: 12 TO 18 YRS
A program for all abilities – from beginner to advanced. Train to compete on our high school team, if that is your goal, or just come out and learn new skills, increase your strength and fitness, and meet new friends.
While Key City Gymnastics Club has a strong high school team, our High School Program goes beyond that. Gymnasts are the best all-round athletes of any sport, and the training in this program helps teens to compete in all sports at a higher level, and to develop their discipline, focus and accountability.
The High School Gymnastics program has five levels of competition, each level requiring specific skills to be performed. Once a level is mastered athletes may have the opportunity to compete at the next level up which provides them with the opportunity for continued growth, to learn new skills and gain confidence as they move through the sport.
Athletes in the competitive High School program have meet opportunities in the East and West Kootenays and Interior of BC. Athletes are scored and ranked.
Who Is This Program For?
Students in Grades 7 to 12 – beginner gymnasts to advanced athletes – who want to compete, or who want to learn some gymnastics skills, have fun, and enhance their performance in other sports.
Coaches will ensure that participants are training with peers who are at a similar skill level.
The High School Program runs from September to June (10 months).
Summer camps are recommended and available in July and August.
Class Information
1.5 hours, one day per week and 2 hours, one day per week
Parent Participation is required
High School gymnasts must read and sign the Gymnast Code of Conduct set out by the coaching staff.
GYMNASTICS BC INTRODUCES WAG XCEL!
Gymnastics BC is happy to announce that they will be adopting a brand-new program in BC in the coming season – the USAG Xcel competitive program! This program will be used at Key City Gymnastics Club will act to bridge the gap between the Gymnastics for All Interclub and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics JO programs. The Xcel program will replace the Performance Plus Program in BC.
The Xcel program is an alternative competitive program offering flexibility to coaches and gymnasts; its goal is to provide gymnasts of varying abilities and commitment levels with the opportunity for a rewarding gymnastics experience.
In its inaugural season, the first three divisions of the Xcel program will be adopted: bronze, silver, and gold. The bronze, silver, and gold divisions will allow a level playing field for athletes. The Xcel program also provides a robust and consistent scoring system.
Athlete training hours will not change much from Performance Plus, athletes will compete optional routines, but under a set of rules that is more structured than in the Performance Plus program.
Some of the positive aspects of introducing Xcel in BC include:
• Ability for gymnasts to set routine goals within a relaxed structure to match their level of performance and receive scores and rankings.
• Structured rules, providing a systematic evaluation process will allow athletes to monitor their progress easily.
• The similarities between Xcel and JO rules will make it easier for athletes, coaches, judges, parents, and clubs.
XCEL COMPETITIVE GIRLS (WAG)
Xcel is a USA Gymnastics program that is brand new to British Columbia. The goal of the program is to provide gymnasts of varying abilities, ages, and commitment levels the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits that gymnastics has to offer along with a rewarding competitive gymnastics experience.
The Xcel program gives gymnasts the motivation to improve, be part of a team while participating in a challenging and fun environment. Athletes will develop skills and learn routines on each event that reflect their individual abilities.
Each gymnast will compete in one of three Xcel levels – Bronze, Silver or Gold and will be provided with opportunities to compete at competitions in BC, AB, and the USA.
Who Is This Program For?
Kids who enjoy competing, performing and who are interested in learning more advanced gymnastics skills. It is ideal for those who have a passion for the sport and are looking for a competitive experience with a lower time commitment.
The Xcel program is also a beneficial program for athletes who:
• wish to maintain their current competitive commitment
• are currently competing in the JO Compulsory program and have a goal of competing in the JO Optional program
• would, based on required skills, benefit from transitioning through the Xcel program
*The Xcel WAG Program is by invitation or assessment only
The Xcel Program runs for 10 months from September to June
Summer training is required in July/August:
• 2+ weeks training at athlete’s regular hours
• 4+ weeks training at athlete’s regular hours for athlete’s transitioning to JO Optional through Xcel
Class Information
Training for the Xcel Program begins at:
2 hours, 2 days a week in the Bronze Level
Silver/Gold Level training hours are currently being assessed
Training for athlete’s transitioning to JO Optional through Xcel: minimum of 1, 3-hour training day and 1, 4-hour training day
Parent Participation is required.
Excel gymnasts must read and sign the Gymnast Code of Conduct set out by the coaching staff.
JO COMPETITIVE GIRLS (WAG): 6 YRS AND UP
Our Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Program follows the Women’s Junior Olympic Program consists of levels 1 – 10 and is based on the idea that all athletes must have a solid foundation of basic gymnastics positions and skills in order to advance safely through the sport.
JO Levels 1 – 5 are compulsory levels, meaning that every skill, dance move (music), hand, and leg position is dictated. Coaches study the routines and choreography to help gymnasts learn and perform the routine exactly as it is was created. Gymnasts are then judged on how well the skills are performed and if each movement is performed exactly like it is supposed to be done.
JO Levels 6 – 10 are optional levels. Optional routines have set requirements that must be part of the gymnast’s routine on each event. Gymnasts and coaches work together to come up with the best skills and choreography (and floor music) to meet the requirements and highlight the gymnast’s strengths. Gymnasts are judged on meeting the skill requirements along with how well each skill is executed and performed. Our first year JO athletes begin training at 3 hours, 2 days a week in a year-round program. The remaining JO athletes devote 7 to 14 – hours to training each week, depending on their competition goals. We place our athletes in training groups according to their age, ability, number of days committed to training per week, and their competitive goals. These goals are set in consultation with their coaches and the options open to them at their age.
Competitions
Athletes who are placed in Junior Olympic Levels 1 – 5 compete compulsory routines on each event. Each gymnast will compete in one of five compulsory levels and will be provided with opportunities to compete in BC, AB, and the USA. Compulsory JO athletes also could qualify to compete at Provincial Championships.
Athletes in the Junior Olympic Levels 6 to 10 compete routines that include progressively advanced requirements that are used to construct individual routines on each event. Athletes will compete in one of the five optional levels and will be provided with opportunities to compete in BC, AB, and the USA. Compulsory JO athletes also could qualify to compete at Provincial Championships. Athletes in levels 8 to 10 will be eligible to qualify for Western Canadian Championships, and athletes in Level 10 (as well as level 9 age eligible) are eligible to qualify for Canadian National Championships.
Who Is This Program For?
Girls with a strong work ethic who enjoy competing, want to develop high level gymnastics skills, and who are committed to training. The JO WAG Program is by invitation or assessment only.
Programs run from September to June (10 months)
Summer training is required in July/August:
• Compulsory Athletes – 4 + weeks training at athlete’s regular hours
• Optional Athletes – 6+ weeks training at athlete’s regular hours
Class Information
First Year JO Athletes: 3 hours, 2 days a week
Second+ Year JO Athletes: 3-4 hours, 2+ days a week
Classes are grouped by age, ability, and training schedule.
Parent participation is required.
JO gymnasts must read and sign the Gymnast Code of Conduct set out by the coaching staff.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JO AND XCEL
With the addition of the Xcel program, Key City Gymnastics has the best competitive team program options that we have ever had. Regardless of the level or program that a child is taking part in, it is going to be a positive experience!
So, what is the difference between Xcel and JO Competitive Gymnastics? It can be a tough question to answer but it really comes down to the fact that the differences are far fewer than the similarities. Let’s start with what is the same at Key City!
• Coaches who care deeply about their athletes as people and gymnasts
• Development of life skills in athletes
• A positive environment
• Safety
• Skill progressions and well thought out lesson plans
• Teammates becoming best friends
• Attire that all athletes can be confident in
• Similar travel/meet opportunities based on comparable levels
Now, for the differences. The differences lie mostly in the technical rules. The skill requirements and routines are different for each level and each program.
So, why one program over another? The why comes from the individual needs of the athlete and their family. A few of the major factors to consider:
Skill Set – Does an athlete have the very specific skills, strength, and flexibility that is set by the JO compulsory levels or would they benefit from a wider variety in skill selection that the Xcel program offers?
Event Specialist – Is the athlete a beam queen? Maybe, they have been tumbling all their life and the other events are still coming along. This is a huge benefit of Xcel Gymnastics. Xcel allows the coaches to challenge athletes on their strengths while improving their weaknesses with skill selection.
Schedule – Does the athlete and need or want more flexibility in their schedule? Maybe, they are a multi-sport athlete or maybe they are just looking for a little bit lighter load to balance school and gym. Xcel might be the better fit.
Those are the factors. The answer to why is because not all kids are the same physically, mentally, or emotionally. No two families have the same scheduling needs. Each child needs to be considered individually. Each child needs to be in the place that best helps them grow as an athlete and a person. Each athlete deserves an experience that pushes them to their limits while loving the journey.
Very few people can say they were a competitive gymnast and we want every competitive gymnast to have a chance to enjoy the sport and reap the benefits.
