Over the weekend, the trampoline technical committee hosted the first of three video trials for upcoming international tours, introducing a new approach to athlete trials within the performance pathway.

Video trials are widely used internationally and allow athletes to submit performances for review, enabling selectors and pathway leaders to assess routines without requiring all athletes to attend a centralised trial event.

Together with the trampoline and artistic codes, we are beginning to explore this approach to trial delivery as a way to reduce the resources required to run trial events and, over time, help lower costs for athletes and families. This is particularly valuable when trials are required outside the endorsed competition season.

In addition to supporting more flexible trial delivery, video trials also allow the performance pathway to collect more performance data, strengthening both the selection process and the analysis available to athletes and coaches.

With a robust framework developed in collaboration with Australian counterparts, the first trampoline trials were held over the weekend. Thanks go to Icon Trampoline for providing facilities, and to Angie Dougal, Alison Payne, Rachel Schmidt, and Alana Costley for leading the event.

Alongside the trial, members of the trampoline national performance squad gathered for a training clinic, adding further value to the weekend.

Recently retired world championships finalist and Gymnastics New Zealand Athletes’ Council member Rachel Schmidt also shared insights with athletes and coaches. Drawing on her extensive experience in the sport, Rachel provided valuable perspectives on the athlete journey and performance development.

The introduction of video trials marks an important step in evolving the trampoline performance pathway and strengthening the support available to athletes and coaches across the country.