Calisthenics SKILLS

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What is the Calisthenics Skills Program?


The Calisthenics Skills Program was developed by the Australian Society of Calisthenics in 1979 to raise the standard of Calisthenics and to unify terminology and technique. The Calisthenic Skills Program has now been implemented Australia wide. The syllabus is taught in all clubs with an average of at least a third of our membership participating.  The NTCA hosts Calisthenics Skills Program exams once per year.

The aim of the Cali Skills Program is to develop:

Fitness

Flexibility

Co-ordination & rhythm

Sense of achievement

Musicality

Deportment and poise

While promoting self-esteem and self-discipline.


The program allows for individual progression and recognition of achievement in all facets of calisthenics with qualified examiners accredited with the Australian Sports Commission travelling to the NT to examine students in the syllabus at every level.

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Examinations

Examinations offer a challenge and a great sense of achievement for students. The program ensures national standards are upheld and encourages candidates to continue to improve and develop their Calisthenics skills.

  • TESTS 1, 2 & 3

    The three tests are designed to introduce younger students to the procedure of the exams, to emphasise the importance of developing correct technique and to encourage confidence.

  • GRADE 1, 2, 3 & 4

    By progressing steadily through the Grades, the student builds a comprehensive vocabulary of terminology and a firm understanding of the requirements of basic calisthenics. It also allows the student to develop at their own pace and within their capabilities.


    Throughout the Grades, combinations of movements are introduced to reinforce the terminology learnt. Exercises have been choreographed to develop co-ordination, artistry and musicality.

  • STANDARD GRADE 1, 2, 3 & 4

    The recent introduction of these Grades was made to cater for students who are not required to learn classical dance as part of their team curriculum. The syllabus also makes allowances for those who are slightly restricted in natural flexibility by offering optional versions of several movements. The aesthetic section has a smaller progression in difficulty from the lower Grades and the dance sections begins with jazz exercises, moving on to basic steps for a jazz routine.

  • BRONZE, SILVER AND GOLD MEDALS

    The medals have been created with the mature student in mind and whilst they draw on the technique established in the Grades, they are designed to develop performing skills, quality of movement, musicality and a sense of floor pattern and space. Advanced movements in all facets of calisthenics must be mastered to a high standard. Self choreographed routines introduce the student to the art of choreography and working with the coach the student can explore creativity in designing routines to enhance their own capabilities.


    Please contact the NTCA Calisthenic Skills Administrator for details on each Medal Syllabus.


    Gold Medal Honours Candidates in the Gold Medal Exam who achieve a pass of 90% or higher may strive for the ultimate distinction of GOLD MEDAL HONOURS which is for elite performers. Three routines are performed before an audience and the Examiner.

Preparation/Compulsory Classes

All candidates must attend an NTCA Preparation Class prior to their examination.

Further information including copies of the Syllabus and Videos may be downloaded from the ACF Website

MINIMUM Ages

The Calisthenic Skills Program is designed for pupils to be examined at two yearly intervals and the below ages are recommended ages only (except Grade 4 and Medals). Coaches should assess the capabilities of their pupils to ensure that they are knowledgeable and well prepared for the particular exam before presenting to the Examiner. It is advisable to ensure consistency and good results for all grades, that candidates present for all grade regardless of age.

The Australian Calisthenic Federation Skills Programme includes compulsory minimum ages for the completion of skills exams. The candidates must be the minimum age in the year of examination (by 31 December). 

Test 1 : 7 years

Test 2 : 7 years

Test 3 : 9 years

Grade 1 : 11 years

Grade 2 : 13 years

Grade 3 : 14 years

Grade 4 : 15 years

Bronze Medal : 16 years (must have Grade 4)

Silver Medal : 17 years (must have Bronze Medal)

Gold Medal : 18 years (must have Silver Medal)

Pre Requisites

The importance of the Calisthenics Skills Program is recognised by the following pre-requisites:

Cadet Coach : Calisthenics Skills Grade 2

Level 1 Coach : Calisthenics Skills Grade 2

All Graceful / Solo Participants in the National Championships must have Calisthenics Skills as follows:

10-11 years : Test 3

12-13 years : Grade 1

14-15 years : Grade 2

16 years : Grade 3

17 years & over : Grade 4

All ages as of 31st December and Skills level by close of ACF entry.

Pre-requisites for entry into NT Calisthenics Solo, Duo and Graceful Championships and Representative Teams may also apply. Please contact the NTCA Secretary for applicable competition or Representative Team registration requirements.

The Calisthenics Skills Programme is carried out in accordance with the Australian Calisthenic Federation Examination Guidelines for Coaches and Candidates.


A copy of the guidelines can be found on the ACF website and must be referred to by coaches and participants. As per the guidelines - It is the coach’s responsibility to acquire the current syllabus, official music and DVD footage available from ACF website. Every coach who enters candidates for examinations must have a thorough knowledge of calisthenic technique and know the requirements of each syllabus.


IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COACH OR COACHES SIGNING THE ENTRY FORM TO READ AND ENFORCE THE REGULATIONS.

FOR SKILLS QUERIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE NTCA Secretary.

FOR QUERIES RELATED TO sKILL LEVEL A PARTICIPANT HAS ACHIEVED FOR EXAMINATION IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY EMAIL THE REGISTRAR