The ACF Calisthenic Skills Program is fundamental to the Australian Calisthenic Federation’s efforts to Safeguard all participants.
Originally developed by the Australian Society of Calisthenics in 1979, the aim is to improve technique and provide strength and correct placement for movements so that candidates can continue to safely enjoy our sport for many years. At the same time the program builds core strength and agility for lifelong wellness.
The Skills Syllabus progresses candidates through stages suitable to the growth and development of the individual. No demands are made of growing bodies greater than their stage of maturity. It is designed to develop fitness, flexibility, coordination and rhythm, musicality, deportment and poise, self-discipline, and self-esteem. Participants are encouraged to set personal goals to which they can strive, offering challenge and a sense of achievement.
The Calisthenic Skills Program allows for individual progression and recognition of achievement in all facets of Calisthenics, across all ages and abilities, through 3 Test levels, 4 Grades and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals and the Masters levels. A high priority of the program is inclusivity.
The Syllabus undergoes regular review by the Examiners Advisory Board (EAB) to ensure National standards are upheld and continue to improve. Qualified examiners accredited with the Australian Sports Commission travel to regional and interstate locations examining pupils in the syllabus at every level.
There is a direct correlation between the Calisthenic Skills program and the mark for technique on the critiques completed by Adjudicators for solos/duos/ graceful and teams.
Further information is available at skills@calisthenicsaustralia.com.au
And at the same time promoting self esteem and self discipline.
Calisthenics is fun but also physically demanding. Whether enrolling a child or joining as an adult, the ACF strongly encourages all participants to train with professionally qualified Calisthenic coaches who are engaged with the ACF Calisthenic Skills Program.
Calisthenics is no more competitive than any other sport and our Calisthenic Skills Program simply encourages participants of all ages to set personal goals to which they can strive. Examinations offer a challenge and great sense of achievement for candidates. At the same time they provide assurance of each participant’s progress and development, both for adult participants and for the parents of younger participants, while Coaches gain recognition of their professional coaching standard.
All exams from 1st July 2022 will be with the NEW syllabus.
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.
Candidates progress steadily through grades whilst building 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 own 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.
The medals have been created with the mature participant 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 candidate can explore creativity in designing routines to enhance their own capabilities.
The Masters levels have been created with the adult participant in mind, recognising Calisthenics as a sport for life. Whether returning to the sport, continuing their Calisthenics journey or discovering it for the first time, candidates progress through the levels at their own pace and within their own capabilities. Each level is offered in two streams, Novice and Mastery, allowing candidates to select the pathway best suited to their experience. Exercises have been designed to develop correct technique, co-ordination, artistry and musicality, whilst promoting safe and sustainable movement so participants can continue to enjoy the sport for many years.