This is a complete guide to help you choose rhythmic gymnastics apparatus.
Let’s get started!
The size of the rope depends on the height of the gymnasts.
Let’s take a closer look at how to measure and a tip for choosing materials.
Most rhythmic gymnastics ropes come in one standard large size and are left up to the consumers to cut to the proper size.
How much can they cost? Prices range from $13.00 to $50.00 depending on brand and material.
Material – Hemp or synthetic fibers (synthetic is more common and preferred for durability)
Weight – according to U.S.A.G. documents weight is not specified, but a heavier rope is usually considered better to help with control when tossing and throwing.
Sizing – Determined by gymnasts height. Middle of rope should be stepped and the ends of the rope should reach the gymnasts underarm. Make sure to tie a knot or double knot before cutting. (Single knot- is the most common and preferred by professionals.)
Rules – must be colored (all or partially), U.S.A.G. states Brightly Preferred. (This is done so that the apparatus is better seen on tv). Must be FIG approved rope.
Customization: There are some specialist that offer dying your rope but this is not recommended as the water can make it fade away.
Care: Ropes that are dyed are not recommended to be wash as they can remove the color/fade. Ropes made from nylon are preferred and can be washed with cold water. Keep in a bag or covered when not in use. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions.
In this chapter i’ll share an info graphic to help you
understand how to measure your hoop for the right size.
Example of designed hoop.
A rhythmic gymnastics hoop apparatus is commonly bought in a white color. Adhesive tape is then applied for design and handling purposes.
How much does a professional rhythmic gymnastics hoop cost? Professional hula hoop prices can range from $25.00 to $45.00, brand and material dependent.
Material – plastic or (wood 1980 😉 ) Must hold shape. (Plastic is considered the modern material)
Weight -Senior and junior gymnasts: minimum of 300 grams. Children and hope age divisions: a minimum of 225 grams.
Sizing – You choose a hoop based on an individual’s size. Take a ruler and measure the gymnast between the hips and waist (hip bone) and measure down to the bottom of the floor. Interior diameter starts at 51 cm to 90 cm
Senior Gymnasts: The interior diameter of the hoop is from 80 – 90 centimeters.
Junior Gymnasts: The interior diameter of the hoop is from 70 – 90 centimeters.
Children and Hope age Divisions: the diameter of the hoop may be in proportion to the size of the gymnast. Should be to the gymnasts hip bone.
Rules – Hoop may be all or partially covered with adhesive tape (FIG Logo Must be Exposed). Bright color preferred. Must be FIG approved apparatus. If adding adhesive tape the FIG logo must be physically exposed.
Customization: Check out our how to design hula hoops guide and try to make your own creative designs. If time is of the essence or you want a professional to work on your design we recommend turning to social media to try to find someone’s work you like.
Care: Recommended to keep in a hoop case or cover with fabric.
Rhythmic gymnastics clubs are chosen based on size.
If competing in FIG competitions the FIG logo must stay visible if you decide to design your clubs.
How much can they cost?
Clubs can get expensive, ranging from $30.00 to $120.00.
Weight:
Senior and Junior Gymnasts: the minimum weight should be 150 grams per club
Children’s and Hope age divisions: the minimum weight should be 75 grams per club
Sizing:
Senior and Junior Gymnasts: 40 – 50 cm from one end to the other.
Children’s and Hope’s age divisions: a minimum of 25 cm and appropriate to the size of the athlete. The perfect length for the club is, when it’s held, the top of the club should not extend beyond the gymnasts mid-bicep.
Rules: The head must stay at the regulatory 3 cm diameter, even with adhesive tape. Must be FIG approved with logo visible even if taped with design
Customization: Adhesive tape is often added to help with grip and as an added design supplement. Check out our helpful taping and design guide for clubs to try for yourself.
Care: Recommended to keep in a case or cover with fabric.
Rhythmic gymnastics balls are chosen according to skill level and size of the gymnast’s hand. If competing in FIG competitions the ball must be FIG approved.
Choosing a Rhythmic Gymnastics Ball
How much can it cost?
Material – rubber or synthetic material. (pliable plastic) provided that the latter possesses the same elasticity as rubber.
Weight –
Level 9/10: the minimum weight of 400 grams
Level 5-8: the minimum weight of 330 grams
Level 3/4: the minimum weight of 310 grams
Children’s age division: the minimum weight of 200 grams
Sizing:
Senior and Junior Gymnasts: 18-20 centimeters
Children’s Age Divisions: may be between 14 and 20cm. Ask your coach to help advise you of the size.
Rules: Must be FIG approved
Customization: none
Care: Keep covered with fabric out of use. Soft ball bags are best.
Ribbons are separated into 3 parts.
The stick, the ribbon connector, and the actual ribbon.
Ribbon – the ribbon is really made of a few different parts that can individually be bought to match design or preference. The main parts: stick/ribbon, are commonly attached together by a nylon cord, metal ring, or a thread.
How much can it cost? Prices can range from $30.00 to $60.00 dollars.
Material: wood, bamboo, plastic, fiberglass
Weight: Weight is not a factor measured on sticks
Sizing: maximum diameter of 1 cm at its widest part
Length: 50 – 60 cm including the ring that permits the fastening of the ribbon to the stick
Rules: Shape can be cylindrical or conical, or the combination. May have a rubber handle for a maximum length of 10 cm at the level grip. Must be FIG approved.
Customization: Stick can be taped but it is very uncommon and not recommended.
Stick: Some gymnasts like to use medical tape to help with grip but again it uncommon practice.
Care: keep in a case
Rhythmic Gymnastics Ribbon : Measure your ribbon from one end to the other. The length of the gymnast’s ribbon is determined their “ level “ and age.
How much does it cost? Prices range from $30.00 to $70.00.
Material: satin or other similar non-starched material. Material that does not get electrically charged is preferred.
Weight: Size should be more of the determining factor. Weight is not highly factored but according to USAG rules.
Senior Gymnasts: a minimum of 35 grams
Junior and Hope age Divisions: a minimum of 30 grams
Child Age Divisions: a minimum of 20 grams
Sizing: Width 4-6 cm
Length:
Senior Gymnasts: the finished Length of the ribbon is a minimum of 6 meters. (not including stick)
Junior Gymnasts and Hope Divisions (all levels): the finished length of the ribbon is a minimum of 5 meters. (not including stick)
Child age Divisions: the finished length is a minimum of 4.5 meters. (not including stick)
Rules: Fixed to the stick by means of attachment such as thread, nylon cord or a series of articulated rings.
The end that is attached to the stick is doubled in thickness for a maximum length of 1 meter. This is stitched down both sides. At the top, a very thin reinforcement or rows of machine stitching for a maximum length of 5cm is authorized.
Customization: Ribbons can be painted or dyed.
Care: Keep in a ribbon roller. If not dyed can be ironed and steamed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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