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Developed by the Australian Society of Calisthenics in 1979 the ACF Calisthenic Skills Program aims to improve technique and provide strength and correct placement for movements so that candidates can continue to safely enjoy our sport for many years.
Established along similar lines to RAD (Royal Academy of Dance – International Ballet Examination System) the ACF Skills Program has now been implemented Australia wide, with thousands of students from across the country prepared and presented for their skills examination each year.
Safety is of paramount concern and the Skills Syllabus is focused on correctness of movement and progression through stages suitable to the growth and development of the individual. No demands are made of growing bodies greater than their stage of maturity.
The Skills Syllabus 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 Standards, 4 Grades and Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals.
The Skills 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 and teams.
And at the same time promoting self esteem and self discipline.
Calisthenics is fun but also physically demanding. The ACF strongly encourages parents/guardians to enrol their child 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 children to set personal goals to which they can strive. Examinations offer a challenge and great sense of achievement for pupils. At the same time they provide parents with assurance of their child’s progress and development, 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.
Where performance art and sport unite on a national stage.
ACF acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we each live, come together and perform.
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