Who is involved?

The General Gymnastics League (GGL) is a proposal for a new grassroots General Gymnastics Competition for British Gymnastics clubs. The aim is to launch in 2026. It is being proposed by SAADI Gymnastics Club but it is our hope that this is something that will support British Gymnastics. To this end, we have made British Gymnastics aware of our proposal and are working with Just GO on how it can be integrated into the Event Management system.

What is the idea?

The League concept offers a modern, robust, competitive and manageable structure aimed at increasing participation and improving the competitive experience. The League will provide everything a club needs to deliver a best in class competition including access to online scoring systems, live online league tables for individuals and clubs, ticket management, judging guidance, and clear scheduling and timetabling. It is our view that this will improve the customer experience through greater clarity, accuracy and integrity.

Year 1 will consist of three Boys League Events. Each event will run two 6 Piece Competitions. Year 2 will introduce three Girls League Events. Each event will run two 4 Piece Girls Competitions. It is also proposed that a fourth Mixed Team League Event (reflecting the International Olympic Committee voting in mixed gymnastics events for 2028), will be introduced in Year 3. The League is designed for gymnasts training up to 10 hours per week (split under 5 hours and over 6 hours). This is recognised as a segment that has significant potential in terms of both growth and innovation.

Aims of the Project

  • Improve competition integrity.

  • Maximise opportunity for interclub competition.

  • Increase participation and retention in gymnastics.

  • Reduce competition times and travel times.

  • Modernise the competition format.

  • Align to progressive ideas.

  • Encourage more clubs to host and share financial return.

  • Introduce performance tracking through Personal Bests (PBs).

  • Introduce League Tables.

  • Enable Digital Integration.

  • Minimise travel times.

  • Consistent execution.

Key Features of Year 1

  • 3 League Events per Year (March, June, November tbc) with an aim not to travel for more than 90minutes to each Event.

  • 2 x 6-piece boys competitions per Comp.

  • Fixed Routine with increasing difficulty  (A, B, C) + Bonus Skills for all apparatus.

  • 4 age bands (6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15+) and 2 Training bands (Under/Over 5 hrs but less than 10hrs).

  • Limited numbers (8 per rotation, 48 per competition) and highly structured formats ensure that Comps don’t over run and are shorter than normal  (~3h 40m total).

  • Digital scoring, PB tracking, and league tables for individuals and teams hopefully managed through Just Go.

  • The League will manage all ticket sales via Event Manager on Just Go.

  • Consistent judging standard achieved through simplification of rules and training, will set a new standard for competition integrity in Regional Gymnastics.

  • Top 6 placements earn points for the club and league ranking with first collecting 6 points down to 1 point for sixth.

  • Flexible participation — clubs can rotate gymnasts.

  • Optional “Open League Events” for additional athletes who aren’t picked for the League Event and want to post PB’s, or for gymnasts who wish to practice a single piece.

Why Join The League?

For Gymnasts:

  • Track personal progress and post PB’s for each routine.

  • Feel part of a team with club and league tables.

  • Setting goals to ‘make the team’ leads to greater focus in training.

  • Clear training plans focused on set routines.

  • Get regular, consistent competition against a guaranteed number of clubs without travel burden.

For Clubs:

  • Simple hosting model — all host clubs can benefit financially.

  • Guaranteed competition from multiple clubs at all events.

  • Set routines simplifies training, helps coaches plan and track progress.

  • Digital tools (via Just Go) streamline entries and results.

  • Build retention and team culture through club identity.

  • Encourage focused training with clear goals to make the League Team.

  • Open Events for single pieces means that almost every club can host.

What next?

We would like to get an understanding of interest in this concept and whether there would be enough clubs across the country to set up Regional Leagues. If you think this is something that your club would like to be part of, please can you contact caroline@saadigymnastics.co.uk