Ribbon (rhythmic gymnastics)


Ribbon is a component of rhythmic gymnastics composed of a handle, a ribbon and attachment.

Handle

This can be of any colour and made of wood, bamboo or plastic with a maximum diameter of 1 cm at its widest, a cylindrical or conical shape slip tape or may have a rubber handle for a maximum length of 10 cm at the level of the grip. The top of
  1. a supple strap held in place by a nylon thread wound round the stick for a
  2. a metal ring fixed directly onto the stick.
  3. a metal ring fixed to the stick by two metal pins held in place by nylon or metallic thread round wound around the stick for the maximum 5 cm.
  4. a metal ring or a supple strap, fixed to a metal tip of no more than 3 cm.

    Ribbon

The ribbon is made of satin or another similar material cloth of any colour, it may be multi-coloured and have designs on it. The ribbon itself must be at least 35g, 4-6 cm in width and for senior category a minimum length of 6m .
The ribbon must be in one piece. The end that is attached to the stick is doubled for a maximum length of 1m. This is stitched down both sides. At the top, a very thin reinforcement or rows of machine stitching for a maximum length of 5 cm is authorized. This extremity may end in a strap, or have an eyelet, to permit attaching the ribbon.

Attachment

The ribbon is fixed to the stick by means of a supple attachment such as thread, nylon cord, or a series of articulated rings. The attachment has a maximum length of 7 cm, not counting the strap or metal ring at the end of the stick where it will be fastened.

Elements

Rhythmic gymnastics routines require the ribbon to constantly be in motion. Compulsory elements for the ribbon include flicks, circles, snakes and spirals, and throws. It requires a high degree of coordination to form the spirals and circles as any knots which may accidentally form in the ribbon are penalised. During a ribbon routine, large, smooth and flowing movements are looked for.