Competitive rope skipping (also called jump rope or skipping) is a sport in its own right — athletes compete in speed events, freestyle routines, and double Dutch disciplines. The World Jump Rope Federation governs international competition. Rope Skipping Australia governs the sport nationally. Australian clubs have competed at world championships. This guide covers the key funding sources for rope skipping clubs.
Rope Skipping Australia is the national governing body:
- Speed skipping (single rope, double rope)
- Freestyle (singles, pairs, groups)
- Double Dutch (competitive team format)
- National championship events
- World Jump Rope Championship pathway
Contact Rope Skipping Australia for Sport NZ investment access and national programme guidance.
Sport Australia funds rope skipping through Rope Skipping Australia:
- National programme investment
- Community participation development
State sport agencies fund community rope skipping:
- Equipment grants for clubs
- Junior development
- Women's participation
Gaming grants fund rope skipping clubs:
- NSW ClubGRANTS: Community sport development
- State gaming trusts: Equipment and programme grants
Gaming grant applications for rope skipping:
- Competition ropes (speed ropes, freestyle ropes) — $20–$150 each
- Skipping mats (foam mats for freestyle landings) — $300–$1,500 each
- Timing systems for speed events
- Counting equipment
- Sound system for freestyle routines
Rope skipping equipment is relatively affordable:
- Speed ropes: Light, fast-turning ropes for speed events — $20–$80 each
- Freestyle ropes: Heavier rope for tricks — $30–$150 each
- Double Dutch ropes: Long ropes for double Dutch — $20–$80 per pair
- Skipping mat: Foam mat for landing impacts in freestyle — $300–$1,500
- Timing system: For speed event accuracy
One of rope skipping's advantages is the low equipment cost — a competitive rope costs $20–$150, versus thousands for many other sports. Clubs can equip many athletes for relatively little.
Junior development is the primary market:
- Youth speed skipping: Accessible for children from a young age
- School skipping: Physical education and school sport
- Junior competition: Age-grade events at club, state, and national level
- Jump rope for heart: Health and fundraising programmes in schools
Rope skipping is particularly popular in schools as it requires minimal equipment and space.
Women's participation:
- Sport Australia: Women in sport investment
- Women's categories: Full competitive programme for female athletes
- Women's participation is historically strong in rope skipping
Schools are a primary pathway for rope skipping:
- PE equipment: Ropes as standard PE equipment
- Jump Rope for Heart: National fundraising programme linking rope skipping and heart health
- School competitions: Rope skipping as school sport
Rope skipping crossover with fitness:
- High fitness demand: Speed skipping is an elite cardiovascular activity
- Cross-training: Rope skipping used by many athletes as training
- Fitness sector: Potential crossover with health and wellness funders
Strong applications demonstrate:
- Participant numbers: Athletes by event, age, and gender
- Equipment: Ropes, mats, timing — specific needs justified per programme
- Junior development: Youth pathway from school to competitive club
- Schools connection: School skipping programmes
- Women's participation: Female athletes
- Community access: Making competitive skipping accessible
- Organisation governance: Affiliation to Rope Skipping Australia and state body
Tahua's grants management platform helps rope skipping clubs manage grant applications across Rope Skipping Australia, state sport agencies, gaming trusts, and community funders, tracking equipment, junior development, and participation outcomes.