Aesthetic group gymnastics

Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) is developed from the Finnish "naisvoimistelu". It differs from Rhythmic Gymnastics through its big and continuous body movement and larger teams. Apparatus are not used in international AGG competitions compared to Rhythmic Gymnastics where ball, ribbon, hoop and clubs are used on the floor area. The sport requires physical qualities such as flexibility, balance, speed, strength, coordination and sense of rhythm where movements of the body are emphasized in the flow, expressive and aesthetic appeal. A good performance is characterized by uniformity and simultaneity. The competition program consists of versatile and varied body movements, such as body waves and swings, balances and pivots, jumps and leaps, dance steps, and lifts. The International Federation of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (IFAGG) was established in 2003.

The origins of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics date back to 1950. The sport was originally developed in Finland and Estonia. In Finland, the sport follows the rules of The Finnish Gymnastics Federation, which is one of Finland's largest sport federations, with 381 clubs consisting of approximately 122,000 members.

In Finland the Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) has been divided into two series: the championship and the competition series. The championship series is tougher than the competition series, as they compete for the Finnish Championship. The teams can decide themselves in which series they want to compete but The Finnish Gymnastics Federation has put out recommendations that they prefer to be followed. Competitions within AGG are organized at local, national, and international levels.

Aesthetic Group Gymnastic teams consist of a minimum of six- and a maximum of 10 (12) gymnasts, who perform a program from 2.15-2.45 minutes. An over- or under run of 5 sec is though permitted. The International Federation of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics is divided into two age categories: Junior Category Gymnasts that are at the age of 14 – 16 years and Senior Category Gymnasts that are over 16 years old. The competition dress of a group must be a leotard with aesthetic appeal considering the spirit of competitive sport. The size of the competition area, which is a gymnastics carpet, is 13 m x 13 m. The area should be used diverse.

According to the rules of The Finnish Gymnastics Federation, in the spring teams compete with programs without apparatus and on the fall with programs including apparatus, which is dependent on the age category. The teams are divided into age groups in both series; the age categories in the championship series are 12-14, 14-16, and 16+. The equivalent categories in the competition series are: 12-14, 14-16, 16-20, and women's category 18+. Younger than 12 years old compete in the same series, and after that decide in which series they want to participate in. In the autumn competitions the apparatus are following:

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