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    Our competitive gymnastics program, GymStar Squad, gives children the chance to take their sport to the next level.

    GymStar Squad is a Gymnastics Victoria recreational-competitive program. Gymnasts have the opportunity to grow their gymnastics skills and focus on their technique and execution (including acrobatic movements and aerial awareness).

    Competitions take place throughout the year, focusing on participation, teamwork, individual and team achievements, and skill development.

    Our gymnastics studio is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment including balance beams, bars, rings, trampolines and a sprung floor.

    Program levels

    Our competitive gymnastics program uses the GymStar programming model, which emphasises the execution of skills and performance of routines. There are 10 levels for participants to progress through as they develop their skills. Some gymnasts will also attend competitions to perform competitive level skills. 

    We have established three squad types to support the relevant GymStar levels, which are grouped by ability: Mini Squad, Junior Squad and Senior Squad.

    GymStar gymnasts train and compete on the following apparatus: balance beam, floor, frame rings, parallel bars, uneven bars and vault.

    Learn more about our squad types below.

    Mini Squad

    Level: Introductory to competitions

    Class duration: 60 minutes

    Our Mini Squad classes focus on developing basic gymnastics skills required for our Junior Squad and Senior Squad programs. Our Mini Squad gymnasts are not expected to attend competitions.

    Junior Squad

    Levels: 1 - 4

    Class duration: 120 minutes

    Gymnasts in our Junior Squad classes progress through GymStar levels two to five, with a focus on developing the foundations required for advanced gymnastics skills. Gymnasts participating in Junior Squad are expected to attend competitions.

    Senior Squad

    Levels: 5 - 10

    Class duration: 150 minutes

    Gymnasts in our Senior Squad classes progress through GymStar levels five to ten. Using the foundations learnt in Junior Squad, our Senior Squad gymnasts focus on achieving advanced gymnastics skills. Gymnasts participating in Senior Squad are expected to attend competitions.

    How to join

    All competition bookings are done through the client portal from 26 May 2025 (just like booking a regular class). 

    Please note:

    • Each child can enter up to two external competitions this season, so choose the ones that suit you best.
    • There is a maximum of 15 gymnasts per level, per competition. Book early to avoid missing out!

    Follow the steps below to secure your spot.

    • How to book GymStar competitions
      1. Check competition dates
        • View the competition calendar to see competition dates and locations (each gymnast can enrol in up to two competitions this season).
      2. Log in to the client portal
        • Log in to the client portal using the same email address linked to your gymnastics account.
        • If you don't remember your password or haven't set up your account yet, select 'Forgot password?' to reset and create access.
      3. Find the competition
        • Once you've logged in, select the 'Book' tab then 'Group Fitness / Play Gym / Aqua Sensory'.
        • Swipe across to the date of the competition and look through the list to select the correct competition for your child's level (for example, choose 'Eastern Gymnastics Club Level 7' if your child is in level 7). 
      4. Enrol and pay
        • Click 'Enrol now' next to the competition you want to book.
        • Important: Payment is required at the time of booking – this secures your child's spot in the competition.

    Frequently asked questions

    • How can my child change classes or move up a level?

      Once the participant displays 70 - 80% competency in the skills for their current level, the coach will issue them with a ‘level transfer’ notice and ‘level passed’ certificate. This notice must then be taken to reception to make and confirm the relevant changes. Changes will not be made automatically. Upgrades and changes are dependent on class availability. Additional fees may be applicable when changing classes or increasing the number of training hours.
    • What should my child wear?

      Balwyn Gymnastics Club requires participants to wear comfortable, appropriately sized active wear to all gymnastics programs. No jewellery should be worn by participants as this has the potential to cause injury to the gymnast / coach and may damage apparatus. Earrings should not be worn, however small studs are acceptable. 

      Hair should be tied back neatly and should not get into the participants eyes or face. We encourage participants to use personal hygiene products such as deodorant.

      A club hoodie, leotard (sleeveless or long sleeved design) and club T-shirt are available for all participants in the program to purchase at an additional cost. Please see reception for further information.
    • Can I take photos of my child?

      Balwyn Gymnastics Club does not permit parents, guardians, spectators or participants to take photographs of children participating in gymnastics programs. YMCA is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people. We are aware that photography and video can be misused for inappropriate purposes, and by prohibiting this behaviour, can minimise the risk of misuse within our programs.

      Full details of the YMCA Safeguarding Children and Young People can be obtained on request at the centre or online.
    • Make-up class policy
      • You must register your absence, via the online customer portal, two hours prior to the class starting.
      • You must not have exceeded the number of available make-up classes per student (five annually).
      • If your regular class falls on a public holiday or Easter Sunday, you will not be charged. There are no classes or make-up class replacements for public holidays and Easter Sunday.
      • Make-up classes have an expiry of 90 days from the absent class. Make-up classes not claimed within 90 days will be forfeited.
      • Absences can be registered 14 days in advance.