2025 Competitions

Choosing to compete in Gymnastics Competitions is always optional, but very beneficial and enjoyable for many children.

There are around 10 competitions that Hokitika Gymnastics attend each year at clubs in the Christchurch area, Blenheim, Nelson and Ashburton, we host our own competition at the end of Term 3 each year.

Away competitions are open to entry from any of our gymnasts depending on what grades are offered by the host club as some will only host from certain grades e.g. Iron. Gymnasts cannot enter competitions if they are under age 5.

We will endeavour to share a list of the year’s competitions in term 1 so families can plan ahead as much as possible. Once entries are open, we then share this in the parent Facebook group, information shared is usually where the competition is and when, entry fee, grades open to enter and entry instructions.

During recent years entries to competitions have been high and late entries are becoming increasingly difficult to have included and if they are accepted there is an additional cost. It is recommended to register for competitions before the closing date.

If your child is registered for a competition and can no longer make it, you will still be charged the entry fee unless medical certificate is provided within 3 days of the event.

WHAT TO WEAR?
Gymnasts must wear a Competition Leotard and optional plain black bike shorts (for girls) or a Uniform Singlet and plain black shorts (for boys). Purchasing your own is recommended, we have limited stock at the club, and out of stock sizes have a six week wait time so please consider this when discussing competitions with your child. We have a very limited number of leotards that can be hired. Please contact the club via email to arrange a Leotard or Boys Competition Uniform.

HAIR STYLE/ACCESSORIES?
Hair needs to be tied up neatly, preferably in one or two french/dutch braids, and if using accessories tied with a black and or red hair tie or ribbons. Please bring a spare hair tie in case of a breakage. Hairspray and clips are usually essential to keeping hair in place.

Strictly no jewellery other than studs or sleeper earrings and no nail polish. Please make sure that feet and knees are clean.

TIMETABLE
This will come out a week or two before the event and be emailed and the Hokitika Competition will be posted to the Parents Group Facebook Page. We don’t know the timetable any sooner so please keep the whole weekend free if the competition date spans a weekend.

COMPETITION FEES
Competition fees vary from host to host, and will also include a component towards our coaches costs. Late entries attract additional fees and are increasingly unavailable so it is recommended to enter as soon as possible.

DAY OF COMPETITION

On the day please arrive at least 15 mins before your child’s competition session starts – before the posted warm up time. Some competitions may give a more specific timeframe for arriving. This gives them time to have a look around at where the apparatus is set up, use the bathroom, and settle into what might be a little bit scary and hopefully also an exciting environment, and yourself time to find a seat and perhaps grab a coffee and some raffle tickets.

Your gymnast is expected to arrive ready to compete in their club leotard or uniform, hair done, ready warm up with the rest of their group when called upon by the hosts. They must also conduct themselves with pride and good sportsmanship at all times.

Please note many competitions charge a small entry fee for spectators so bring some cash for this. At the posted warm up time, gymnasts will assemble on the main floor (or where directed) and will be directed through a warmup, and then they will be marshalled into their groups to move to their first apparatus.

We will have a coach who will go with the group making sure they are in their right order and adjusting equipment if needed. They usually get to do one warmup on each apparatus and then they compete. Once they have moved around all of the apparatus there will be a delay while the scores are being collated and certificates prepared. The prize giving will take place soon after. Parents are under no circumstances to go on the competition floor, approach judges or other competition personnel.

Please bring some warm layers for your gymnast, as different venues can be quite cold. Also bring a water bottle. There’s often snacks and treats to purchase so your gymnast might want to bring some pocket money along.