Introducing the New Bounce Badge Scheme

We are excited to introduce the IGA Bounce Badge Scheme — a clear, inclusive and progressive gymnastics pathway designed to build strong foundations, develop confident gymnasts and celebrate every individual journey.

Created with gymnasts, coaches and clubs at the heart of every decision, the scheme provides a structured way for gymnasts to develop their skills while recognising progress at every stage. It has been designed to support long-term development, helping gymnasts build confidence, improve their quality of movement and develop secure skills in a positive and encouraging environment.

A Progressive Pathway for Every Gymnast

Every gymnast develops differently. Some may progress quickly, while others may need more time to build confidence, coordination or strength.

The Bounce Badge Scheme has been created to accommodate these individual differences. Progression is based on each gymnast’s ability, confidence and readiness rather than age alone, allowing coaches to deliver the scheme in a way that suits the needs of their gymnasts and classes.

The scheme is divided into four progressive stages:

Foundation — Levels 15 to 11
The Foundation stage introduces fundamental movement skills, body awareness, basic shapes and positions, listening skills and simple coordination.

Beginners — Levels 10 to 6
Gymnasts begin more structured learning, including basic rolls, movement patterns, equipment work and the development of core strength and coordination.

Intermediate — Levels 5 to 1
Gymnasts build stronger body control, alignment and consistency while progressing towards skills such as cartwheels, handstands, linked movements and more dynamic elements.

Advanced — Bronze, Silver and Gold
The Advanced stage focuses on precision, technical understanding, strength, flexibility and confidence when linking and performing more challenging skills.

Supporting Safe and Secure Progression

Each badge contains 10 skills. We recommend that gymnasts confidently achieve at least 8 out of the 10 skills before progressing to the next level.

This approach helps gymnasts build the foundations required for more advanced skills later in the scheme. Coaches should consider each gymnast’s overall ability, confidence, consistency, safety and readiness before moving them forward.

Clubs can adapt this recommendation to suit their coaching structure, session timings and individual gymnast needs. However, progression should always be based on whether the gymnast has developed the necessary foundations for the next stage, rather than simply how quickly they complete a small number of skills.

Adaptable for Every Gymnast

Each skill within the scheme includes guidance on how coaches can reduce the challenge or increase the challenge.

Reducing the challenge allows gymnasts to practise a simplified version of a skill while developing the strength, flexibility, coordination and understanding needed to complete it safely.

Increasing the challenge helps gymnasts remain motivated and continue progressing when they have already achieved some skills within a badge but are still working towards others.

This flexible approach allows every gymnast to work at an appropriate level, whether they are learning a new skill, consolidating their technique or ready to extend their abilities further.

Guidance and Tracking Resources for Clubs

IGA-affiliated clubs can access the complete Bounce Badge Scheme Guidance Pack and downloadable tracking sheetsthrough the Insight Hub.

The guidance pack includes:

• Clear skill instructions
• Step-by-step skill breakdowns
• Coaching tips
• Assessment criteria
• Easier and harder adaptations
• Guidance on progression through the levels

The tracking sheets allow coaches to record each gymnast’s achievements, identify skills that require further practice and monitor progress across individuals, groups or classes. They can also help coaches communicate progress clearly with gymnasts and parents or carers.

Skills should only be marked as achieved when they are performed safely, with good control and to the standard expected by the coach. Where possible, gymnasts should demonstrate consistency rather than completing a skill successfully on only one occasion.

Created with You in Mind

The Bounce Badge Scheme was created by Bonnie and Heather, combining extensive experience in gymnastics coaching, tutoring, athlete development, choreography and club programme delivery.

Together, they have designed a scheme that supports both the gymnast learning each skill and the coach teaching it. Every badge has been carefully planned to help gymnasts develop strong foundations, build independence and progress at a pace that is right for them.

At the heart of the scheme is a simple belief: gymnastics should be a positive and memorable experience. It should build confidence, celebrate effort and progress, and help every gymnast feel proud of what they are achieving.

Shop the Bounce Badge Scheme

The new Bounce badges and certificates are available to purchase through the IGA Shop.

Badges and certificates are quality checked and supplied in packs of 10. Clubs requiring both items should add the badges and certificates to their basket separately.

Start using the IGA Bounce Badge Scheme in your club and help your gymnasts learn, progress and celebrate every achievement.