Acrobatic History

Sports Acrobatics officially joined the FIG in 1999, when the IFSA was dismantled. Practised by men and women alike, dynamic Sports Acrobatics are among the oldest known disciplines. The sport was practised as early as the ancient Egyptian period, as we can see in certain frescos. Its name comes from the Greek acrobateo, meaning to rise or go forth and was practised as early as the ancient Egyptian period. The discipline requires courage, strength and stamina, while demanding flexibility and skill. Exercises are accompanied by music, harmoniously in keeping with gymnasts' choreography, body movements and musical culture.

Sports Acrobatics (ACRO) favours body control in various positions, both on the ground and in the air. For this reason, the sport is included in the training programme of pilots, cosmonauts and parachutists.

Acrobatics is practised as Men's, Women's or Mixed Pairs, as Women's Groups (3 gymnasts) or as Men's Groups (4 gymnasts). Time allowed for each exercise is 2:30 to 3:00, depending on the figures presented. The floor area measures 12 x 12 meters. The exercises must include a harmonious combination of choreography, collective acrobatic elements (holds, throws, catches) and individual acrobatic elements (floor acrobatic series), all in perfect synchronisation.

In the qualifying exercises (Competition I), gymnasts must present three exercises: a static, dynamic and combined exercise. In the final, a combined exercise alone is executed. Competition II is the final for each category. Competition III awards the teams. Ranking is obtained by the addition of points obtained in the 4 top qualifying positions.

Balance and Tempo are key elements to exercises in Pairs. Element combination is a determining factor for the value of the exercise. The balance routine does not include flying elements and a balance must be held for a given time, 2 secs. for pairs, 4 secs. for groups.

If Tempo in Groups is the same as in Pairs, the concept of Balance is quite another matter. In fact, the forming of the impressive pyramids entails the highest of risks. Exercises are presented without music and regulations authorise the use of additional mats. Choreography and individual elements contribute to the whole of the exercise.

With the arrival of Sports Acrobatics, the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique FIG reaches the end of an integrative sports and educational quest aimed at unifying all forms of competitive gymnastics, and encouraging and developing General Gymnastics for the good of all, at any age.

Like Artistics, Rhythmics, Aerobics and Trampoline, Sports Acrobatics draws its basic elements from the same source, elements that shape its physical expression. Choreography, agility, balance, strength, grace and the use of apparatus will make all the difference in the world.