BUCS 2016 TRAMPOLINE CHAMPIONSHIPS RULES
TRA 1: BUCS Individual Championships
TRA 1.1: The BUCS Individual Championships will be part of a 2-day event and will be comprised of a
qualification round on day 1 and a final on day 2.
TRA 1.2: There will be seven levels of competition:
TRA 1.2.1: BUCS 6 - No somersaults in first routine.
TRA 1.2.2: BUCS 5 - One somersault in first routine.
TRA 1.2.3: BUCS 4 - Three somersaults in first routine.
TRA 1.2.4: BUCS 3 - Five somersaults in first routine.
TRA 1.2.5: BUCS 2 - Seven somersaults in first routine with additional requirements.
TRA 1.2.6: BUCS 1 - Nine somersaults in first routine with additional requirements.
TRA 1.2.7: BUCS 1 Elite (1E) - Ten somersaults in first routine with additional requirements.
TRA 1.2.8: Institutions must enter competitors at the appropriate level based upon their
historic competitive level (i.e. NEUT/SUTL/SSTO/TL/NDP/WAG). Levels will be compared to
competitor’s previous entries within the last two competitive seasons. Competitors may
compete above their equivalent level provided that it is safe to do so.
TRA 1.2.8.1: Checks will be made as necessary, and disqualification may result from
entries made at levels below the capability of the performer(s).
TRA 1.2.9: Competitors in levels BUCS 6-3 may choose which compulsory routine to perform
from the options listed. Competitors in levels BUCS 2-1E may perform a first routine of their
own construction, which must include the specified requirements.
TRA 1.2.10: BUCS 1 Elite will have 2 skills marked on the competition card for the first
routine, which will be added to their final difficulty score. These skills may not be repeated in
the second routine; otherwise repeated their degree of difficulty will be discounted.
TRA 1.2.11: In BUCS 6 – 1, if competitors are found to be meeting the requirements of the
level above in their second routine, the Chairs of Judges and competition organisers have
the right to disqualify them. Exceeding maximum difficulty values or requirements at all
levels will result in automatic disqualification without right to appeal.
TRA 1.2.12: There shall be a 1.0 deduction applied from each execution judge if a competitor
fails to meet the minimum requirements of the second routine. At levels 6-3, deviation from
the required first routine will be deemed an interruption. At levels 2-1E, failure to meet the
requirements of the first routine shall result in a 1.0 deduction from each execution judge.
TRA 1.2.13: Entry Caps
TRA 1.2.13.1: At levels BUCS 6, BUCS 5 and BUCS 4, every institution is guaranteed
two entries per group.
TRA 1.2.13.2: Institutions with more than two entrants in one or more of these
groups must select performers to fill these two guaranteed spaces, and should rank
their remaining entrants in order of preference for selection.
TRA 1.2.13.3: Remaining spaces will be allocated on a rotating basis across all
institutions for each group.
TRA 1.2.13.4: If, after the process in TRA 1.1.13.3, any remainder cannot be allocated
fairly across all institutions, BUCS will determine how to best assign final spaces, if at
all.
TRA 1.2.13.5: At all levels every institution is guaranteed one Synchronised entry per
group, then the rest will be allocated on a % of the sync entrants across all
institutions.
TRA 1.3: The top 16 competitors in each group (or less if there are fewer than 16) from the
qualification round on day 1 shall qualify to the final round on day 2. The final round for all levels
will consist of two routines, a first and second routine (per the requirements on day 1).
TRA 1.3.1: There shall be 2 reserve competitors per group, who may be called to compete in
the final if the top 16 (or less) have any withdrawals before the final round on day 2.
TRA 1.3.2: Any withdrawals from the final round on day 2 should be notified to the
competition organisers at least 1 hour prior to the commencement of the first individual
flight on day 2.
TRA 1.3.3: Any reserves called to fill any withdrawn spaces will be notified at least thirty
minutes in advance of their flight. Reserves will be announced but should be on standby to
compete.
TRA 1.4: Automatic qualification to the finals (“Byes”) is not permitted at any level.
TRA 1.5: Applications to upgrade/downgrade to a different level need to be submitted in writing to
the BUCS office by no later than the entry deadline date specified on the event information with a
reason for the change. Please ensure that each competitor has been entered at the appropriate
level at the time of submission, which will then be changed by BUCS if the application has been
successful.
TRA 1.6: The first routines and second routine requirements for all levels BUCS 6 - 1E will be
available on the BUCS website and published in advance of the start of the season.
TRA 1.6.1: Each competitor shall complete the first routine (set routine) and a second
routine (Voluntary Routine) within the criteria.
TRA 1.6.2: The performers’ chosen routines must be submitted in writing on a competition
card to the appropriate judging panel, prior to the start of each flight. This applies to
competitors in every level.
TRA 1.6.3: The first and second routines shall consist of ten elements, and need to both
starting and finish on the feet.
TRA 1.6.4: Each competitor shall have one attempt at each routine. Further attempts are
subject to the British Gymnastics Code of Points and at the subsequent discretion of the
Chair of Judges. If you believe a second attempt is required his must be brought to the chair
before the end of the round.
TRA 1.6.5: Each university is to bring to the championships an appropriately qualified coach
on all days of competition. This coach is required to sign all competition cards for their
competitors (which will be checked), and indicate their level of qualification.
TRA 1.6.6: BUCS 2, 1 & BUCS 1 Elite competition cards should be presented in FIG notation
only (Please note that an additional competition card for Sunday following qualification is
not required).
TRA 1.7: All competitors are required to present themselves for competition clothed in the correct
attire which follows the guidelines set out by British Gymnastics, unless otherwise modified below:
TRA 1.7.1: BUCS 6 - 5: As per the current British Gymnastics Code of Points. Alternatively a
tucked-in T-shirt and shorts may be permitted. Women may also wear skin tight shorts in a
colour and style matching the leotard.
TRA 1.7.2: BUCS 4 - 1E: As per the current British Gymnastics Code of Points. Women may
wear skin tight shorts in a colour and style matching the leotard.
TRA 1.7.3: No tracksuits will be allowed on the trampoline.
TRA 1.7.4: Competitors will not be permitted to compete barefoot.
TRA 1.7.5: Performers will not be permitted to wear ANY body piercings or any other
jewellery whilst warming up or competing. If a piercing or jewellery item cannot be
removed, it must be sufficiently taped. It is at the absolute discretion of the Chairs of Judges
and competition organisers to disqualify any competitor who is not deemed to be safe by
virtue of piercings or jewellery, whether taped or not.
TRA 1.7.6: Competitors who do not adhere to the above regulations may be disqualified at
the discretion of the organisers/Chairs of Judges.
TRA 1.7.7: Dark coloured trampoline trousers are not permitted in line with the current
British Gymnastics Code of Points. The wearing of dark coloured trousers may result in
disqualification.
TRA 1.7.8: Male competitors may wear gymnastics shorts of any colour at all levels, but
these must be suitable per the guidance in the British Gymnastics Code of Points.
TRA 1.8: Safety Policies
TRA 1.8.1: At no time should there be more than 4 (four) spotters around the trampoline.
TRA 1.8.2: The Chair of Judges has the right to ascertain the competence of the spotter at
the side of the trampoline and also the competence of the spotter using the spotter mat.
TRA 1.8.3: The Chair of the Judges may ask a competitor to remove an element from a
routine which in the opinion of the Chair is deemed to be unsafe. Failure to do this will lead
to the disqualification of the competitor.
TRA 1.8.4: Coaches or other performers are not permitted to stand on the side or on the
trampoline to support a performer with a skill during warm up.
TRA 1.8.5: All routines shall be performed unaided. Coaching during a performance is not
allowed and will be penalised in line with the FIG/British Gymnastics Code of Points.
TRA 1.9: Superior Jury & Jury of Appeal
TRA 1.9.1: At BUCS Events there is no Superior Jury or Jury of Appeal.
TRA 1.9.2: Appeals or inquiries should be taken to the Chair of Judges immediately.
TRA 1.9.3: The Head Coach/Club Captain for the institution may inquire about the difficulty
score or time of flight score. No inquiries may be made about execution scores unless
impropriety is suspected.
TRA 1.9.4: Inquiries may only be made up to the end of the flight group but preferably as
soon as possible after the routine score has been published. Extra time will be allowed for
any inquiries regarding scores from the last 2 competitors from the round.
TRA 1.10: Order of Performance
TRA 1.10.1: Day 1 – In all groups, the first and second routines will be performed in the
order that will be drawn randomly before the competition takes place.
TRA 1.10.2: Day 2 – In all groups, the performers will compete in order of merit: the
gymnast with the lowest score from day 1 shall compete first. All previous scores
accrued from day 1 will be discounted and scores will start from zero. Final scores at all
levels, 6-1E, will be based upon the total of the first routine plus the second routine.
TRA 1.10.3: In the BUCS 1 and BUCS 1 Elite groups only, the final will be performed in a
domino format, for both the first and second routine. At all levels, all previous scores
accrued from day 1 will be discounted and scores will start from zero.
TRA 1.11: Video footage and photography will be taken at the BUCS Championships and may be
used for publicity/uploaded online. If a participant would like to be excluded from any images or
videos, please alert the BUCS office in advance of the event and the Chair of Judges on the day of
the event.
TRA 2: BUCS Team Championships
TRA 2.1: Included in the BUCS Team Championships will be a separate Men's and Women's team
event. In each event:
TRA 2.1.1: The three best total scores from the qualification round on day 1 (first routine
plus second routine) by competitors from the same institution, coming from the BUCS 6 - 1E
groups, will be added together for an overall team score.
TRA 2.1.2: Total scores will be based solely on execution and difficulty. Time of flight scores
from the BUCS 1E - 2 groups will NOT be included in the calculation of the overall team
score.
TRA 2.1.3: One team per institution per gender will be counted.
TRA 2.1.4: Medals shall be awarded to the top three teams.
TRA 2.1.5: Team positions will be calculated using day 1 scores only.
TRA 3: Synchronised Championships
TRA 3.1: This event will take place on day 2 of the BUCS Championships and will consist of one
routine. This routine should be a first routine as per the individual championships structure.
TRA 3.1.1: Scores will be based solely on execution and synchronicity. Difficulty scores will
NOT be included.
TRA 3.2: A synchronised pair consists of 2 gymnasts (may be same gender or mixed).
TRA 3.3: A gymnast may only compete in one synchronised pairing.
TRA 3.4: Partners must do the same element at the same time and must start facing in the same
direction. They need not twist in the same direction.
TRA 3.5: The Synchronised Championships will have the following levels:
TRA 3.5.1: Synchronised 1: Competitors in BUCS 1 Elite, 1 and 2
TRA 3.5.2: Synchronised 2: Competitors in BUCS 3 and 4
TRA 3.5.3: Synchronised 3: Competitors in BUCS 5 and 6
TRA 3.6: Pairs may be made up of competitors of mixed levels and genders within the level ranges
specified for each level.
TRA 3.6.1: Pairs must compete the first routine (or requirements) of the level of the lowest
competing member of the pair - e.g. in Synchronised 1, a pair of a BUCS 1 Elite competitor
and a BUCS 2 competitor must perform a BUCS 2 first routine.
TRA 3.6.2: If a routine that does not fit the criteria set in §TRA 3.6.1 is performed, the
routine will be deemed invalid or interrupted, or the appropriate penalty applied per §TRA
1.2.12. If a routine exceeds the criteria of either performer (as per their entry to the
individual competition) the pair will be disqualified and the appropriateness of their entry
into the Individual Championships will be assessed (if applicable).
TRA 3.7: BUCS points will not be allocated to the Synchronised Championships.
TRA 3.8: Attire for competitors must adhere to the rules set for the individual levels and must be
matching for same-gender pairs, and Matching colour schemes for those with mixed pairs.
TRA 4: Disability Trampoline Competition Structure.
In order to be eligible for disability competition, all competitors must have completed and
submitted a Disability Gymnastics Classification Certificate. The Disability Gymnastics Classification
Certificate lists all eligible impairments.
All British Gymnastics NDP Rules will be adhered to.
TRA 5: Guide to Competition Rules
TRA 5.1: Technical rules shall be according to the current British Gymnastics Trampoline Code of
Points and difficulty values, except where modified by these rules.
TRA 5.2: Where a performer in BUCS 6 - 3 deviates from the required first routine, the routine will
be considered interrupted and the maximum mark will be determined according to the number of
skills performed up to this point.
TRA 5.3: Where a performer in BUCS 2 – 1E deviates from their submitted first routine, no
deduction shall apply except where the deviation incurs failure of the requirements for that level.
TRA 5.3.1: Per §TRA 1.2.12, any failure to meet minimum requirements in both routines at
all levels will result in penalty.
TRA 5.4: Time of Flight (ToF)
TRA 5.4.1: ToF recording equipment will be used for BUCS 2 – 1E only.
TRA 5.4.2: Each competitor’s ToF will be calculated using standard electronic ToF recording
equipment. The appointed official is responsible for controlling the electronic stopwatch.
TRA 5.4.3: The ToF in seconds will be converted into points, and added to each routine to
give a final score. ToF is evaluated in 1/1000 of seconds rounded down to 5/1000.
TRA 5.4.4: If a breakdown of the electronic system occurs, the time is determined through
an analysis of the official video by the SAG/technical operator.
TRA 5.4.5: In the event of failure of the backup system, a re-jump will be allowed, where the
ToF only will be judged. The original scores for the first attempt will be retained, regardless
of the number of skills present. ToF in a re-jump will only be attributed to the number of
skills performed in the original first attempt of that routine.
TRA 6: Entering Subsequent BUCS Championships
TRA 6.1: Any competitor who received a podium position (1st/2nd/3rd) in previous Individual
Championships will be required to move up a level in the next BUCS Championships that they
choose to enter.
TRA 6.1.1: i.e. If placed 2nd in BUCS 3, you must enter the following year’s Championships (or
next BUCS Championships that you decide to enter if you miss a year/s) in BUCS 2.
TRA 6.1.2: If any competitor who is required to move up feels that they cannot fulfil the
requirements of the next level (for whatever reason) they should submit a written
application to the BUCS office stating the reasons why they should remain at their current
level. Each case will be reviewed on its own merits by BUCS and the Trampoline SAG, and a
decision will be made regarding that competitor for the subsequent Championships.
TRA 6.1.3: Any request submitted to BUCS for a competitor to remain at their current level
MUST be endorsed by the university’s current trampoline club president/captain AND team
coach, or it will be returned unanswered.
TRA 7: Submission of Qualified Officials
Every trampoline competition requires a large provision of officials. Without these officials, the
BUCS event would not be viable.
TRA 7.1: In these Championships, clubs must provide at least the following for both days:
TRA 7.1.1: Institutions with 0 - 5 entrants = 1 Qualified Official and/or 1 Event Volunteer
TRA 7.1.2: Institutions with 6 – 10 entrants = 1 Qualified Official and 1 Event Volunteer
TRA 7.1.3: Institutions with 11 - 15 entrants = 2 Qualified Officials and 1 Event Volunteer
TRA 7.1.4: Institutions with 16 - 20 entrants = 3 Qualified Officials and 2 Event Volunteers
TRA 7.1.5: Institutions with 21+ entrants = 3 Qualified Officials and 3 Event Volunteers
TRA 7.2: When entering officials, full first and surnames MUST be used in all cases to ensure correct
identification. Nicknames or shortened names are not to be used. Names MUST be entered
identically if the official is also a competitor.
TRA 7.3: Clubs can nominate competitors to officiate for a half day if they are competing; they will
be allocated morning or afternoon duties according to their competition time. Additional officials
over and above the required number are encouraged.
TRA 7.4: Judges must not be replicated across institutions.
TRA 7.5: If nominated officials are selected to fulfil a role at the Championships and are then
subsequently unable to attend, the institution must find an equivalent replacement and inform
BUCS of this replacement. If an official cannot be replaced and BUCS are not informed in advance of
the event, a fine will be applied to the institution and further disciplinary action may be taken by
BUCS.
TRA 7.6: Officials provided by institutions will not receive expenses, as it is a condition of each
institution’s entry to provide the assistance of these individuals.