But what about the physical danger that risky play sometimes involves? How can doctors—and parents and schools—ignore that? …
And as the Pediatrics paper notes, “The research has established that children are less likely to be injured while engaging in unstructured activities than when playing an organized sport.” …
You can control air pressure to determine how hard or soft you want to land.
A more realistic competition landing would be higher pressure, but for training, you can lower the pressure to build confidence and skill levels. All is controlled from one unit.
Another bonus with this design is centralized landing.
Other air pits occasionally make you fall to the side. The foam topper makes for more stable landings.
Overall, air pits definitely outdo foam. Gym Pit is the next step forward improving’ safety and performance.
“As a coach, the idea of not having to do “pit day” ever again might have been all the convincing I needed! On top of the anticipated benefits of being cleaner and safer (level landing surface, adjustable firmness, and height) there were unexpected benefits as well. Efficiency during practice increased since kids can exit the pit quicker, less time spent fluffing the foam, levelling mats and restacking mats that tip and slide. With the flip of a switch, I can raise or lower the level of the entire pit to wherever I need it. One extra mat to land on or stand on for spotting!”
– Erin Rice, facility owner at SAGA and gymnastics coach.
Male FIG gymnasts must show control on landing. I’d say right now there is TOO MUCH emphasis on STICK in MAG FIG.
Obviously, FIG women have never been required to show control. Absolutely no control often results in a very small deduction for WAG.
I’m of mixed feelings on this question:
should FIG require a proper “landing”?
On the one hand, it would force coaches to include dismounts that are more fully mastered. A good thing. AND it would help separate the best of the best routines.
On the other hand, I fear more injuries on landing might result. Stepping or hopping out of a high impact landing is an excellent way to dissipate forces. Gymnasts trying to “SAVE” a competition landing could suffer more injuries.
FIG has published a list of gymnasts and support personnel who can return to FIG sanctioned events starting 1st January 2024 only in an individual neutral capacity.
I fear that this is a first step. And that Russian athletes will be added to the list soon.
A mistake, in my opinion.
Of many bad options, least bad is a full ban of Russia by FIG until Putin ends the war.
Morinari Watanabe, the President of the International Gymnastic Federation (FIG), led a minute’s silence in remembrance of a young Ukrainian gymnast called Kateryna Dyachenko and her father who were killed during the siege of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol.
… our newest initiative, the Winning Well Safe Sport Speaker Series, designed to enhance awareness and knowledge regarding various topics related to safe sport.
Recognizing that the well-being of children and athletes is a collective responsibility, this monthly webinar series aims to foster a culture of safety within our gymnastics community.
Gretchen Kerr, Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education at U of Toronto, is the first speaker.
Chad is coach and owner of Metro South Gymnastics Academy, Canton, Mass.
At a competition in Tennessee, 9-year-old gymnast Cherrish Remy barrels her way toward the vault and launches herself off the springboard, but she’s off the mark.
Luckily, her quick-acting coach Chad Buczek appeared out of nowhere and caught little Cherrish before her fall could go really badly.
“I instantly broke out into a sweat,” said the girl’s mother. “It’s definitely not the first time he’s saved her,” she continued, speaking of Coach Buczek.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 