This research allows us to identify and arrange in order of importance the needs and problems gymnasts and coaches currently find with regard to gymnastic mats. It also helps us to analyze if the different mats standard (E.N. European Standard 12503 and F.I.G. International Gymnastics Federation, 2000) establish any criteria and tests for consider them. To achieve this aim, the methodology Quality Function Deployment (Q.F.D.) was partially implemented, together with a tool called ``User panel``. The results show that the most important features of gymnastic mats are cushioning, shock absorption (related to resilience), deflection (related to aeroelastic behaviour) and surface finish. They must also be easy to clean and portable. When analyzed the existing standards, it can see that several of these considered very important aspects are not tested.