As a way to make competitions fairer, competitors are separated into GENDER, AGE-GROUPS and GRADES depending on their ability, so that they are only ever competing against people of a similar standard. Below are all the different grades and the rules associated with them.
AGE GROUPS (For competitions from January 2009)
Under 13 (Reg. G-E only) - Born in 1997 or later
Under 15 - Born in 1995 or later
Over 15 - Born in 1994 or earlier.
GRADES
Club I & H - Designed to introduce the trampolinist to moves, combinations and routines which incorporate the basic principles required in all trampolining.
Qualification from I>H & H>G is within the club (or region), using the 'Competition Logbook'.
Regional G - This may be the first regional competitive level in some trampolinists' careers. Trampolinists cover moves, combinations and routines introducing somersaulting, linking and twisting for the first time. Competitions encourage confidence with regards to presenting oneself in public, wearing competition uniform, controlling nerves, gaining consistency of performance in completing routines and knowing and understanding competition rules.
Qualification from G>F involves fulfilling the 'Competition Logbook' requirements and qualifying at regional competitions. (Qualifying Score to Regional F: 45.0)
Regional F - This grade has more complicated routines containing up to four different somersaults including baranis.
Qualification from F>E involves fulfilling the 'Competition Logbook' requirements and qualifying at regional competitions. (Qualifying Score to Regional E: 47.5)
Regional E - More complicated somersaults are found in this grade such as shaped somersaults, baranis and somersaults to body landings.
Qualification from E>D involves fulfilling the 'Competition Logbook' requirements and qualifying at regional competitions. (Qualifying Score to Regional D: 49.5)
Regional D - This grade is the final competitive level before entering NATIONAL competition circuit events. Moves and combinations at this grade introduce the more advanced trampolinist to the concepts and early progressions for double somersaults and twisting somersaults.
Qualification from D>C involves fulfilling the 'Competition Logbook' requirements and accruing TWO POINTS at regional D competitions. (A point is accrued by finishing in the top 20% at a Reg. D, a point is LOST if finishing in the bottom 20%. At 2 points, competitors may TRIAL at National C and attempt to avoid the bottom 20% in order to qualify.)
National C - The first level of NATIONAL circuit competitions, competititors at this grade are expected to have at least NINE different somersaults in their routines and compete at GALA WEEKENDS against competitors from all over Great Britain. Voluntary Routines have a difficulty limit of 8.4.
Qualification from C>B involves fulfilling the 'Competition Logbook' requirements and accruing TWO POINTS at national C competitions. (A point is accrued by finishing in the top 20% at a Nat. C, a point is LOST if finishing in the bottom 20%. At 2 points, competitors may TRIAL at FIG B and attempt to avoid the bottom 20% in order to qualify. At minus 2 points, competitors are relegated down to Regional D.)
FIG B - The second level of NATIONAL circuit competitions, competititors at this grade are expected to have at least NINE different somersaults in their routines including a number of advanced somersaults. They compete at GALA WEEKENDS against competitors from all over Great Britain. Voluntary Routines have NO difficulty limit. It's not uncommon for trampolinists at this level to compete in INTERNATIONAL competitions.
Qualification from B>A involves fulfilling the 'Competition Logbook' requirements and accruing TWO POINTS at FIG B competitions. (A point is accrued by finishing in the top 20% at a FIG B, a point is LOST if finishing in the bottom 20%. At 2 points, competitors may TRIAL at FIG A and attempt to avoid the bottom 20% in order to qualify. At minus 2 points, competitors are relegated down to National C.)
FIG A - The highest level of competition in Great Britain. Competitors must be at least 15 year old. It is VERY LIKELY at this level, that trampolinists are regularly competing in INTERNATIONAL competitions.
Competitors at this level must avoid the bottom 20% relegation zone in order to remain at FIG A. Accruing minus 2 points will result in a relegation trial at FIG B.