Trampoline and Tumbling, often abbreviated as T&T, is a competitive sport that combines two disciplines: trampoline and tumbling. It is governed by the United States of America Gymnastics (USAG) and is also recognized by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) as an international sport. Trampoline and Tumbling competitions involve performing various skills and routines on a trampoline and on a tumbling rod floor.
Trampoline and Tumbling consists of three main events or disciplines:
Trampoline: The trampoline event involves athletes performing acrobatic maneuvers and routines on a rectangular, spring-loaded trampoline. Competitors demonstrate their skills in executing flips, twists, and other aerial movements while maintaining control and height during their routine. The trampoline event requires a combination of technical precision, timing, and body awareness.
Tumbling: The tumbling event focuses on athletes executing a series of acrobatic skills on a long, narrow, and flexible strip or mat, typically made of fiberglass rods embedded in a foam-filled canvas or carpet. It is called a Rod Floor. The design of the rod floor allows it to absorb impact and provide a spring-like effect, enabling athletes to perform tumbling skills with added bounce and height. Participants perform a sequence of flips, somersaults, handsprings, and other acrobatic movements with speed, power, and precision. The tumbling event emphasizes strong tumbling passes and clean landings.
Double Mini-Trampoline (DMT): The double mini-trampoline event involves two horizontal mini-trampolines set at different heights, placed in succession. Athletes perform a combination of two skills on the first trampoline, followed by a dismount onto the second trampoline, where they execute another skill before landing. The double mini-trampoline event requires a mix of trampoline skills and tumbling passes, showcasing the athletes' versatility and aerial control.
Competitors in Trampoline and Tumbling participate in all three events, and their scores in each discipline are combined to determine their final ranking in the competition. Each event presents a unique challenge and requires a distinct set of skills, making Trampoline and Tumbling a diverse and exciting sport to watch and participate in.
Trampoline is an Olympic sport while Tumbling is not included in the Olympic Games. While it is a part of the Trampoline and Tumbling discipline in many national and international competitions, including World Games, World Cup and World Championship.
There are scholarships available for Trampoline and Tumbling athletes. Like many other sports,
talented and dedicated athletes in Trampoline and Tumbling may have the opportunity to pursue higher education through athletic scholarships. These scholarships are typically offered by colleges and universities in the United States that have Trampoline and Tumbling programs or have a strong interest in recruiting athletes in this sport.
Trampoline and Tumbling scholarships are often awarded based on a combination of the athlete's performance level, competitive achievements, academic record, and potential to contribute to the college's or university's sports program. Different institutions may have their own criteria and requirements for awarding scholarships, so it's essential for athletes to research and reach out to specific schools they are interested in attending.
Trampoline and Tumbling has gained popularity as a sport and also serves as a foundation for gymnasts, cheerleaders, and athletes in other acrobatic disciplines due to the emphasis on aerial awareness and tumbling skills. It offers both recreational and competitive opportunities for individuals interested in mastering and showcasing their acrobatic abilities.
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