Why do coaches stand ready to catch the gymnasts while they are performing?

Question

It must be incredibly off-putting for the gymnasts. Even as a spectator I wish they would get out of the way.

Answer 1

They're spotting, because the gymnasts throw themselves super high up in the air while spinning around, and if they come down head first the coach is there to at least soften the fall and keep them from falling head first by maybe flipping them around a bit or something.

Answer 2

To make sure they don't get hurt.

Answer 3

For the uneven bars, it's to make sure that they don't injure themselves falling. An injury is far worse than a fall.

Answer 4

Yeah, it's irritating when they get in the way and you can't see... but I'd much rather have them there than have a gymnast get hurt!  The girls are used to it, though, so it doesn't bother them at all.  In most cases, they want the coach to be there.  It gives them a sense of security so they can go all out.  

Answer 5

1. Coaches can catch their gymnasts if they think that a fall would result in serious injury

2. Some gymnasts find it reassuring that a person they know so well and are so close to is beside them

Answer 6

I asked the same question while I was watching. I guess they're there for some kind of spotter, but honestly, they won't be there in time to catch a whole body, as fast as it's going. I think they just stand there so they can say, "hey...I was there just in case". But I don't think it really matters if they're there or not.  

Answer 7

Spotting is for safety. There is no way I'd be on the bars without a spotter. Weight lifters use them sometimes, too. A bar across the neck is bad.

Answer 8

They can get really hurt if the fall.  its called a spot

Answer 9

so that if they fall they don't injure themselves. they practice with it all the time and so they have learned to ignore it

Answer 10

This practice is called "spotting."  The idea is to break a fall so that the gymnast is not injured.  I used to do gymnastics, and believe me, you don't mind having someone there to catch you.

Answer 11

Its because whenever you perform stunts you have to have a spotter...no matter how good you are and how many times you've done the routine....its like a big rul ein gymnastics...your never suppose to perform stunts alone and you always have to have a spotter

Answer 12

u dont know how many injuries have been prevented by them being there... u know they DO fall they arent perfect and that can be disasterous  

Answer 13

Well, yeah they're elite gymnast but their human. There is still the possibilty of them falling.

Answer 14

well the Chinese have a contracted saying there gymnasts may not get hurt! the reason they are there is for safety. on the uneven bars when these girls are flipping throw the air and they miss the bar and fall the wrong why they can seriously injure themselves. and for the usa team a serious injury can lead to the end of there carer. and the gymnasts not notice it because there so concentrated on there routine and there performance. so its all about safety.