Elevating Expertise: UGF Judges Participate in Landmark Online Courses by UAG!
standardised coach education for Trampoline Gymnastics in Uganda
The Uganda Gymnastics Federation (UGF) is thrilled to announce the successful participation of our dedicated judges in comprehensive online courses for Trampoline (TRA), Double Mini-Trampoline (DMT), and Tumbling (TUM) on 5 November 2025. These vital courses, expertly hosted by Michelle Haasbroek (TUM) and Tiaan Van der Walt (DMT and TRA) from the Technical Committee of the Union Afrique de Gymnastique (UAG), mark a significant step forward in enhancing the technical expertise and judging standards within Ugandan gymnastics.
In an era where digital connectivity bridges geographical gaps, the UAG has once again demonstrated its commitment to developing gymnastics across the African continent. The online format allowed our judges to access world-class training and updates on the latest FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) rules and regulations from the comfort of their homes, fostering a more informed and consistent judging panel.
The course was delivered via live Zoom sessions with interactive discussions, video-based practice judging, and peer feedback exercises.
About Trampoline Gymnastics
Trampoline Gymnastics is a dynamic, competitive Olympic sport in which athletes perform complex acrobatics while bouncing on a trampoline.
- Objective: Gymnasts execute routines consisting of high, continuous, and rhythmic jumps, combining various flips (somersaults), twists, and body shapes (tuck, pike, straight) with precision and control.
- Acrobatics: Athletes can bounce over 8 meters in the air while performing their sequences.
- Scoring: Routines are judged based on several factors, including:
- * Execution: The form, style, and precision of the movements.
- * Difficulty: The complexity of the skills performed.
- * Time of Flight: The amount of time the gymnast spends airborne.
- * Horizontal Displacement: How close the gymnast remains to the center of the trampoline bed.
- Olympic Status: Individual Trampoline has been part of the Summer Olympic Games since 2000.
Competitive Trampoline Gymnastics, governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), typically includes four disciplines:
- * Individual Trampoline: A single athlete performs a routine of 10 consecutive skills on a standard trampoline. (The Olympic event)
- * Synchronised Trampoline: Two athletes perform the exact same routine simultaneously on adjacent trampolines, with judges scoring their synchronization in addition to execution and difficulty.
- * Double Mini-Trampoline (DMT): Gymnasts run toward a smaller, two-tiered trampoline, perform an action on the sloping end, another on the flat end, and conclude with dismount onto a landing mat.
- * Tumbling: Athletes perform a rapid series of acrobatic maneuvers (flips, twists, etc.) along a 25-meter spring-loaded track or strip.
About The Course
1. Trampoline Gymnastics:
Judges delved into the intricacies of individual trampoline routines, focusing on:
- * Identifying correct body shapes (tuck, pike, straight)
- * Accurately assessing execution errors and deductions
- * Calculating difficulty scores for complex somersaults and twists
- * Understanding the importance of Time of Flight and Horizontal Displacement
2. Double Mini-Trampoline (DMT):
The DMT course provided in-depth knowledge on this thrilling discipline, covering:
- * Judging both the ‘spotter’ and ‘mount’ passes
- * Evaluating take-offs and landings
- * Assessing the difficulty and execution of various dismounts
- * Ensuring consistency in scoring across different skill levels
3. Tumbling:
For tumbling, the focus was on the dynamic and powerful passes, including:
- * Recognizing the correct sequence of skills within a pass
- * Identifying technical errors in body alignment and control
- * Applying appropriate deductions for landings and incomplete elements
- * Staying current with the evolving difficulty parameters.
The knowledge gained from these UAG courses is invaluable. Our judges are now even better equipped to provide fair, accurate, and consistent scoring at national competitions, directly contributing to the growth and quality of trampoline, DMT, and tumbling events in Uganda. This increased understanding of international standards also better prepares our athletes for regional and continental competitions.
The UGF extends its deepest gratitude to the Union Afrique de Gymnastique for organizing these crucial educational initiatives. We believe that continuous learning and professional development for our officials are paramount to nurturing talent and elevating the sport of gymnastics in Uganda to new heights.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this enhanced judging expertise in our upcoming events! Stay tuned for more updates from the Uganda Gymnastics Federation.
If you would like more information on Trampoline Gymnastics or gymnastics in general, please contact UGF via our email info@ugandagymnasticsfederation.com or let’s chat on our social media channels.
Additional Reading
Impact Beyond the Course
Building the skills of Trampoline Coaches and Judges ensures that athletes are supported to grow, perform, and enjoy physical activity in safe, creative, and inclusive spaces.
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