athlete resources
At Nova Gymnastics, we hold our athletes to a high standard of preparation and presentation. The following guide outlines required equipment and training attire by level to ensure consistency, safety, and a professional training environment.
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Important
While there are many options available online, not all equipment meets the standards required for rhythmic gymnastics training. We strongly recommend purchasing our recommended brands to ensure consistency in quality.
Equipment
Level 1-3
All apparatus is provided by Nova Gymnastics.
Athletes at this stage are not required to purchase personal equipment as they build foundational skills.
Level 4
Athletes begin transitioning to personal apparatus:
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Hoop
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Should reach approximately the athlete’s hip bone when standing
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Rope
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Sized to athlete height. Knots may be adjusted.
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Ball
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17 cm (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Must fit comfortably in the hand without excessive gripping
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Level 5
Athletes are expected to have a full set of training apparatus:​
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Rope
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Sized to athlete height (knots may be adjusted)
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Ball
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17 cm (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Must fit comfortably in the hand without excessive gripping
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Clubs
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36 cm or 40 cm (Chacott or Sasaki preferred).
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Selected based on athlete level and hand size
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Ribbon Stick:
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50 cm. (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Ribbon:
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4 or 5 meters in length. (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Level 6
Athletes are expected to have a full set of training apparatus:
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Hoop
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Should reach approximately the athlete’s hip bone when standing
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Rope
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Sized to athlete height (knots may be adjusted).
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Ribbon Stick:
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5 cm. (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Ribbon:
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5 meters in length. (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Level 7
Athletes are expected to have a full set of training apparatus:
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Hoop
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Should reach approximately the athlete’s hip bone when standing.
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Ball
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18.5 cm (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Must fit comfortably in the hand without excessive gripping
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Clubs
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41 cm (Chacott or Sasaki preferred).
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Selected based on athlete level and hand size ​
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Level 8
Athletes are expected to have a full set of training apparatus:
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Ball
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18.5 cm (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Must fit comfortably in the hand without excessive gripping
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Clubs
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41 cm (Chacott or Sasaki preferred).
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Selected based on athlete level and hand size
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Ribbon Stick:
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56 cm. (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Ribbon:
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5 meters in length. (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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FIG Junior/Senior
Athletes are expected to have a full set of training apparatus:
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Hoop
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Should reach approximately the athlete’s hip bone when standing.
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Ball
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18.5 cm (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Must fit comfortably in the hand without excessive gripping
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Clubs
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Junior: 41 cm (Chacott or Sasaki preferred).
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Senior: 45 cm (Chacott or Sasaki preferred).
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Ribbon Stick:
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60 cm. (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Ribbon:
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Junior: 5 meters in length. (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Senior: 6 meters in length. (Sasaki or Chacott brand preferred).
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Attire
Required Training Attire
A polished and uniform appearance is an essential part of rhythmic gymnastics. All athletes are expected to arrive properly dressed for every training session.
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Black fitted top (t-shirt or tank top)
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Black spandex shorts or black leggings
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White ankle socks
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All clothing should be form-fitting to allow coaches to clearly see body alignment, technique, and corrections.
Hair & Presentation
Hair must be secured neatly and kept completely away from the face at all times. This is required for both safety and performance quality.
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Classic bun (strongly preferred)
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Braided bun
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High ponytail (secure and tight)
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Braided ponytail
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Hair should be clean, sleek, and secured well enough to last the entire practice without needing adjustment.
Standard of Preparation
Arriving properly equipped and dressed is part of being a disciplined athlete. These expectations help create a focused, professional environment where every gymnast can perform at their highest level.