History of Trampoline and Tumbling

Trampoline was not actually a competitive event until after its invention by an American, George Nissen, as a portable unit in 1936. From 1947-69, trampoline was included as an event in gymnastics competitions by both the AAU and NCAA. The first Trampoline World Championships was in 1964, and trampoline was first recognized as a sport in its own right in the United States in 1967. Trampoline made its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Power tumbling, first performed on simple mats, has had U.S. National Championships dating back to 1886. A number of different surfaces have been used for power tumbling, including mats, ski floors, spring floors and today's fiber-glass rod floors, invented by Randy Mulkey. Double mini-trampoline competition was added in 1978. The first double mini-trampoline began as two individual mini-tramps, separated by a small table covered by a mat. Later, a one-piece unit was developed by Bob Bollinger and is used today as the official equipment for that event.

official aau tnt handbook

U.S.T.A. Trampoline and Tumbling Association, founded in 1971

A.A.U Trampoline and Tumbling started in 1977

USA Gymnastics added Trampoline and Tumbling in 1999

Why does this sport even exist?

Gymnastics is an awesome sport and many of us have been in, or know someone who was a gymnast at one time in their lives. Over the years the sport has morphed into other sports like Rhythmic and Acrobatic Gymnastics as well as Trampoline and Tumbling.

As a coach, Trampoline and Tumbling offers you the ability to have a full class of kids from all levels. Chances are if you can run and jump, you will fit into one of the levels of the sport and even compete regardless of how talented you may be.

With Trampoline and Tumbling, a former gymnast or Cheerleader can use their existing skills in a fun and profitable program for your gym. As a gym owner, now both Cheerleading and Gymnastics can offer this sport as a compliment to their existing program as well as use this sport to help retain and attract new revenues to their gym. TnT has a wide range of levels to help those with little expierence be allowed to compete and build on their levels over time. It's really alot of fun to watch someone new to this sport really take off with it.

Events

Power Tumbling

Power tumbling is performed on elevated spring runways that help tumblers propel themselves higher than a basketball goal as they demonstrate speed, strength and skill while executing a series of acrobatic maneuvers. Top-level contenders will perform explosive somersaults with multiple flips and twists.

Double-Mini Trampoline

The Double Mini Trampoline was first introduced to World Competition in 1976 and meets F.I.T. World specifications. It is similar to two single mini trampolines joined together, or like a long thin trampoline without end frames. It has a ramp or sloping mat at the mount end, then a flat mat at the dismount end. Most of the skills performed on the Double Mini Trampoline are the same as those performed on the Trampoline but must be feet to feet movements.
Skills landing on stomach or back are not allowed. The frame is fabricated from high tensile steel tube, etch primed in heavy duty enamel. Unit comes standard with an Australian two-string mat, springs, frame pads and transporters.

Trampoline and Synchronized Trampoline

Trampoline routines are performed on 7'x 14' web or string beds that can propel the gymnast up to 30 feet in the air. A competitor takes as many preliminary bounces as necessary for height and control, before beginning the first of 10 skills in a routine. Two routines are performed, a compulsory and a voluntary. The compulsory routine must include four required elements, plus six other skills

Only the elite level has two passes - every other level just has 3-4 compulsory skills incorporated in an optional routine. A successful routine will show consistency of height, proper technique and a minimum deviation from the center of the bed. The routine must end under control in an upright position.