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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) broken into categories.

Q: What is the difference between Recreational and Competitive Programs?
A:
    Recreation Gymnastics:
  • Recreational gymnastics at Burlington Gymnastics Club is designed for kids of all ages from early childhood up to and including teen and adult programs.
  • The Preschool and Tumble Bug Programs, are specially designed to develop gross motor movements, have fun and socialize.
  • The Youth Recreational Programs are designed to promote fitness, strength and flexibility in both Artisitic and Rhythmic gymnastics.  Artistic utilizes the vault, bars, beam and floor where Rhythmic uses hand apparatus such as, rope, hoop, ribbon and ball. 
           Competitive Programs
  • The Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics competitive programs are 'by invitation of coaches only'. Artistic gymnastics is a challenging sport, demanding strength, power, flexibility, agility, courage, and a combination of technical precision and artistic creativity. Burlington Gymnastics Club has developmental & competitive programs. Rhythmic gymnastics is an exclusively feminine discipline that is half art and sport. It requires expression, technical handling of apparatus, and perfect mastery of body expression. Rhythmic Gymnastics involves great flexibility, strength, timing, and coordination. In competition there are six exercises that involve the rope, hoop, free, ball, clubs and ribbon. 

 

  • Q: How do I know the right program to choose for my childen?
    A:

    Choosing a recreational program:

  • Recreational classes are grouped according to age. We recommend that you read the recreation program information offered in the Maple Gymnastics Centre and the Kids In Motion facility on this site. Click on the Recreational Programs button on the home page.

    Rhythmic and Artistic competitive programs:

  • There are two possible ways for your children to become either a Rhythmic or Artistic competitor.
    1. Your child is in a recreational program and one of the Burlington Gymnastics Club coaches spots potential in your child and recommends that she try out in the spring auditions
    2. You believe that your child has the right attitude and potential and you sign up for the spring audition.

Q: What traits do you look for in my daughter when she participates in competitive try-outs?
A:

    We look for the following traits:
  • focus
  • listening skills
  • basic skills (not yet developed but showing potential) such as strength, flexibility, agility, speed, coordination, expression, and posture.
  • positive attitude - not giving up or becoming discouraged
  • controlled emotions
  • socialization
  • communication skills
  • confidence
Q: What disciplinary measures are inacted when children don't behave to their coaches expectations?
A:
 
The Burlington Gymnastics Club believes in positive reinforcement and not strict disciplinary measures. If a child is not listening or is behaving inappropriately then a coach will remove a child from the current activity and will give them 'time away' or for younger children 'time out'. Generally, children quickly turn things around,  however in very rare instances we may need to remove children from class and place them in a 'safe' monitored space until their parents or guardians can be contacted. Sometimes coaches will notice certain reoccurring behaviours in children. Where warranted they will speak with the child's parent or guardian to make them aware of and to gain assistance in behaviour correction.
 
Q: Are coaches volunteers or are they paid?
A:
 
 All Burlington Gymnastic Club coaches are paid, qualified professionals.

Q: What is the selection criteria for coaches and what are the requirements for them to coach your different programs?
A:

To be a recreational coach...a person is expected to have a minumum of NCCP level one for a rec program. This is a general program that makes one aware of "fun fitness and fundamentals" of working with children. NCCP is a national coaching program for all sports. We encourage our rec coaches to work towards their level two as it becomes more technical and detailed towards the teaching of specific skills.

To coach in a competitive program, one must have NCCP level two. Coaches are encouraged to work towards Level three & four. The BGC helps with the costs of NCCP certification courses. Kathy Hubbard is the head coach, and hires all coaches in the Artistic Program.  Liz Scott hires for the Recreational program.


 

General Competitive Gymnastics FAQ's


Q: What fundraising and volunteer activities are required?
A:
 
  • Most families choose to fundraise to help reduce coaching fees.  Volunteer opportunities include: chocolate sales, tagging, gymathon, bingos and sale of raffle tickets and products.  Some families prefer to simply "buy out" of the fundraising program totally. 
  • Spring Cup:Each spring the Burlington Gymnastics Club holds a Spring Cup.  Gymnastics teams from around the country and different nations compete in this event.  It is a really fun event that is great to watch and helps inspire younger athletes.
 Volunteer Participation Opportunities
 
Club projects can not occur without people organizing and assisting throughout the year.  Each family is expected to participate to help the club.  The amount of participation time depends on the number of hours your gymnast trains.

We have many different activities which can fit your skills and interests.

Here are just a few of the current volunteer activities:

  • help with office administration
  • news letter and brochure help
  • bingo
  • set-up, take-down, concession and assiting at competitions 
  • handyman/handywomen jobs to maintain our facilities, for example, painting
  • used suit sale pricing, organization
  • counting, verifying and classifying returns from fundraising
  • organizing  or assisting with fundraisers 
  • Spaghetti Dinners
  • chaperoning out of town events
  • Have a special skill that can be put to good use? Tell us and if appropriate we will be happy to count it as volunteer time.
Q: What happens if I complete some but not all of my voluteer hours?
A:
 
You may be charged $15 for each missed volunteer hour. 
 
Q: Is there an alternative to volunteering and or fundraising?
A:
 
Yes you can buy-out all fundraising and volunteering. Double fees removes you from all involvement.
 
Q: Do pre-competitive atheletes need to purchase club body suits?
A:
 
Yes all competitive atheletes are required to purchase club body suits.   Even if they do not compete they will use them in exibitions and in team pictures.
If you have any further questions please give us a email us, and we will respond quickly.
 
 

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