Meet the Rhythmic Gymnastics Apparatuses
A relatively unknown sport in the United States, many have come to recognize rhythmic gymnastics as “the ribbon dancing”, however, it is so much more than that. Performed by both, individuals and groups, rhythmic gymnastics is a beautiful Olympic sport that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and crazy apparatus handling into extremely complex routines. And although it may seem that the apparatuses are simply tools that the gymnasts use during their performances, there are actually quite stern regulations in place to ensure fairness and propriety during competitions.
Hoop:
The hoop is a large circle that typically ranges between 75–90 cm in diameter and is about 17 mm in thickness. Each gymnast is able to choose a size of hoop that fits them the best by measuring the hoop up to their hips bones. However, this method isn’t always put into practice as some may find it easier to work with a slightly smaller or larger hoop size than recommended. Luckily for them, the rules allow for the gymnasts to make a sizing choice based on comfort, given that the hoop itself fits the necessary criteria.
Made of plastic, each hoop must weigh at least 300 grams. In the past, gymnasts have had to use special tapes to reach the proper weight, but most recently, the hoops have been pre-made to weigh in at the required 300 grams.
Since the hoops typically come in a white, or a green-tinted clear color, each hoop is also customized by their respective gymnast in order to match with their leotards and music. It is important to note, however, that although any tape can be used for decoration, the athletes generally use special, light-weight decorative tapes to ensure that the hoops stay at a workable weight.
Ball:
Unlike the hoops, the balls come in many pre-painted colors that range from solid to metallic and shimmery. Each ball is made of either rubber or a pliable plastic synthetic material and must weigh at least 400 grams.
Each ball is pumped through a small hole at the top and may be inflated to a gymnast’s desired preference. While some choose to have a softer ball for better grip, others pump it to be more solidified, ensuring a better bounce. That said, the rules do slightly limit the gymnast’s ability to adjust the air levels as they state that in its entirety, the ball’s diameter must be between 18–20 centimeters. This is done to ensure that all of the competitors are working on more-or-less similar terms and conditions.
Clubs:
Sometimes called “batons” by non-rhythmic gymnasts, the clubs somewhat resemble an elongated bottle. Named with human-like anatomy, the wider rubber part of the club is called a body, and the small circular nib at the end is known as a head. With that logic in mind, it is no surprise that the long plastic part in between is called the neck!
Although the lovely pairs come in a wide range of colors, the athletes often decorate with the same tape as used for hoops or even sometimes spray paint their clubs to procure a desired look. The gymnasts also tape the heads the clubs with medical tape in a criss-cross fashion to ensure a better grip. Altogether, the tape must not exceed a diameter of 3 cm, and in total, the clubs should weigh at least 300 grams.
The clubs also have an interesting evolutionary past. They began, like almost all other equipment, to be made out of wood and gradually changed to be either solid plastic or rubber. However, sometime around 2013, the clubs were reinvented. Made to be a combination of both, plastic and rubber, not only were the new clubs safer to handle, but they now had the ability to stick into one another (like markers with connecting caps) which revolutionized the way gymnasts could create and perform their routines.
Ribbon:
Perhaps the most colorful of the apparatuses, ribbons can either be bought pre-dyed or white. And while many dye their white ribbons themselves, it is currently most popular to hire a professional who will personalize the ribbons with unique patterns and bright colors that are too complicated to replicate with a quick, at-home DIY.
Although it is named after its largest component, a ribbon without a stick would simply be a useless string of fabric. Slightly conical in shape, each fiberglass stick measures to be between 50 to 60 centimeters. And while the thinner end supports a metallic cap with a very small loop, a rubber grip on the opposite end helps the gymnasts have better grasp and control.
Stick length excluded, the satiny ribbon must be a minimum of five meters for the younger gymnasts and six for the seniors. To help make the ribbon a little more sturdy, the very tip is actually triangular in shape and reinforced with a cardboard-like material. Not widely known by the general public, that triangle also has a centimeter wide hole that is fortified by a metallic ring in its center.
But how does the stick connect to the ribbon? Well, an attachment made of nylon cord, thread, or a series of metallic rings called a swivel, threads through both, the hole in the ribbon and the loop in the stick and secure the two together.
Whilst the ribbon has the most complicated components to put together, it serves to be a very expressive and elegant apparatus.
Rope:
Plot twist, there is actually a fifth apparatus called the rope! It can be of any comfortable length and is most often made of a synthetic or hemp material. Each of the ends is also knotted by the gymnast to provide a grip as handles and other attachments are not permitted.
However, because of the current Code of Points, the senior-level gymnasts do not work with the rope, and sadly, this snake-like equipment will soon be released from its position as an official apparatus. Nevertheless, gymnasts often use the rope in their warm-ups so even if it will no longer star on the competition floor, it certainly will stick around for some behind the scenes action.
Brands, Other Rules, and a Conclusion:
The four main brands of rhythmic gymnastics equipment are Sasaki, Chacott, Venturelli, and Pastorelli. Since the individual gymnasts must work with all four of the apparatuses — hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon — they are not required to maintain a loyalty to any single brand and often mix and match their collection of apparel. As per the current rules and regulations, all equipment must have a stamp of approval from the International Federation of Gymnastics (F.I.G.) proving its validity and quality. Without the stamp, the gymnasts may not perform with the equipment in F.I.G. sanctioned or other high-level competitions. (They do get checked!)
Altogether, each apparatus has it’s own quirks and takes long hours and years of training to master. Seemingly playing with their equipment, rhythmic gymnasts have a magical ability to make their sport seem smooth and direct. Yet, by just taking a look at all of the rules that apply for simply the equipment (excluding all of the other rules that entail the scoring system, dress code, competition etiquette) it is clear to see that there is much more going on behind the scenes than is visible at first glance.
