Competitive Team Tryouts

Aptitude testing for competitive programs is typically held in April/May. Previous recreational gymnastics class experience is recommended but a love for turning upside down and a demonstrated natural ability in strength, flexibility and coordination could be a sign your daughter is a gymnast! Dates are advertised on the club website, social media and around the gym. Athletes with previous competitive gymnastics experience may call the gym and speak to the club’s Competitive Program Director to arrange for an evaluation.

Milton Springers is a not-for-profit community sports organization governed by a parent-run Board of Directors. Competitive programs at the club are supported through the assistance and participation of its competitive team member families. Participation of our competitive members is integral in providing a quality experience for all of our gymnastics programs, as well as assisting in keeping club fees as reasonable as possible. Levels of participation are determined by the number of hours the competitive gymnast works out. Participation is fulfilled through taking on committee and/or executive positions, or signing up for participation points (e.g. helping run events at the club).

Pre-registration and a $10.00 non-refundable fee is required for tryouts. Registration or payment will not be accepted on the day of try-outs, this must be done ahead of time. You only need to attend 1 tryout day & time slot.

• Please try to arrive early. Ideally, arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a prompt start time.

• When you arrive, you will be given a name tag and an athlete number. Once you have received your name tag, wait inside the main lobby for one of our staff to bring you into the gym and show you where to wait until it’s time to begin!

• Parents please ensure you are watching only from Gym 1 foyer. We do not allow parents spectating from the hallway as it’s a safety rule. It can be very distracting for the athletes.

• At the end of tryouts, your daughter will exit through the same door they arrived at.

• Available spots on the Competitive teams vary from year to year. This year we have limited spots available. Please don’t let this discourage your gymnast from trying out – rather we're hoping this information can help your family prepare for whatever the outcome may be.

We will be assessing strength, flexibility, speed and endurance, coordination and skill ability during the tryouts. Tryouts will be approximately 1 hour in duration. Please ensure you stay at the gym for the duration of your daughter’s tryout.

During this tryout, we will also be looking for:

Coachability/Effort and Work Ethic

We are looking for athletes who:

• Try their best and stay focused

• Giving full effort even when skills or drills are difficult

• Listen carefully to instructions

• Apply corrections from coaches

• Show respect and positive attitudes

Physical Abilities

Some of the basics we will assess are:

• Strength (core, arms, legs)

• Flexibility

• Body control and coordination

• Basic gymnastics skills

Focus and Behavior

Competitive gymnastics requires discipline. We will take note of the following:

• Ability to stay on task

• Following gym rules and safety instructions

• Positive behavior with teammates

Confidence and Resilience

We are watching for athletes who:

• Are willing to try new skills

• Don’t give up after mistakes

• Show determination

Attitude Toward Team Environment

Since competitive programs are team environments, we love to see:

• Encouraging teammates

• Showing respect

• Supporting a positive training atmosphere

Program Commitment

What we expect in the competitive program:

• Practice frequency

• Importance of attendance

• Dedication to improvement over time

• Willingness to compete at scheduled competitions throughout the season

We ask that athletes come ready in a bodysuit which is strongly recommended, second choice is fitted shorts & a fitted top. The right gymnastics attire allows gymnasts to perform at their full range, which makes it possible for coaches to properly assess. No baggy clothing, leggings, skirts or track pants.
Athletes will be barefoot in the gym. Hair tied back.

Please ensure all jewelry is removed prior to the tryout.

Athletes with previous competitive gymnastics experience may call the gym to arrange for an evaluation. Requests for assessments may be accepted after the assessment date by contacting the Office at info@miltonspringers.ca.