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on official publication of USA Gymnastics

Technique an official publication of USA Gymnastics

Publisher Kathy Scanlan Editor luan Peszek Graphic Designer Billy Huys Men's Program Director Ron Galimore Women's Program Director Kathy Kelly Rhythmic Program Director Nora Campbell

USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Sandy Knapp; Presidenl: Kalhy S!Onlan; Presidenl Emerilus: Mike Donahue; Amaleur Alhlelic Union: Mike Slonner; American Sokol Organi.alian: Jerry Milan; USA Trampoline & Tumbling: Wayne Downing; American Turners: Belty Heppner; Jewish Community (enlers: lori Katz; College Gymnostiu Association­M: Roy Johnson; NOlional Associalion of Collegiale Gymnaslin Coaches for Women: Gail Davis; Nolional Associolion for Girls and Women in Sport: Marilyn Slrawbridge; Nalionol Association of Women 's Gymnoslin Judges: Yvonne Hodge; NOlional Collegiole Alhlelic Associolion: Chris Voelz, Tam Dunn; National Federation of Slale High School Associolions: Susan True; NOlional Gymnaslin Judges Associalion: John Scheer; NOlional High School Gymnaslin Coaches Associalion: John Brinkwo~h; Special Olympin, Inc.: Kale Fober·Hickie; U.S. Rhylhmic Gymnoslin Coaches Associolion: Suzie DiTullio; U.S. Association of Independent Gym Clubs: Lance Crowley; U.S. Elile Coaches Associalion for Men's Gymnaslin: Mark Willioms; U.S. Elile Coaches Associolion for Women's Gymnastics: Gary Anderson, Roe Kreutzer; U.S. Men's Gymnastics (oaches Association: Morc Yancey; U.S. Sports Acrobatics Federalion: Bonnie Davidson; U.S. Compelilive Sporls Aerobin Federation: Howard Shcworfz;Young Men's Christian Assaciation of Ihe USA: Rick Dodson; USA Gymnaslin Nalional Membership Directors: Men's: , Roy Gura, Jim Holt; Women's: Undo Chencinski, David Hol!Omb; Rhylhmic: Alia Svi~ky, Tomaro Dosso; Alhlele's Advisory Committee: Tanya Service Choplin, chair; Chris Waller, vice choir; Krislen Kenoyer Woodland, sec; Wendy Hilliard, Vanessa Vonder Pluym, Peler Vidmar, Conrad Voo~anger, Kim Zmeskal; USOC Alhlele Represenlalive: Michelle Dusserre·Forreli.

USA GYMNASTICS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Choir: Sandy Knapp; Special Advisor 10 Ihe Chairman of Ihe Board: Roe Kreul"r; Presidenl: Kalhy Scanlon; Secrelary: Mike Milidonis; Vice Chair Women: Joan Moore Gnol; Vice Choir Men: TIm Daggell; Vice Chair Rhylhmic: Candace Feinberg; FIG Execulive Committee: Joy Ashmore; FIG Women's Technical Committee: Jockie Fie; FIG Rhylhmic Technical Committee: Andrea Schmid·Shapiro; FIG Men's Technical Committee: George Becksleod; AI Large Members: Jim Ho~ung, Susan True; Alhlele Directors: Tanya Service Chaplin, Wendy Hill iard, Peler Vidmar; USOC Alhlele Represenlative: Michelle DUlSerre·Fo,rell; Presidenl Emerilus: Mike Danohue.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS AN D SUBSCRIPTIDII IllOUIRIES: In order 10 ensure uninlerrupled delivery afTECHNIOUE mog"ine, nolice of change of address should be made six 10 eighl weeks in advance. For faslest service, please endose your presenl moiling label. Direcl 011 subscriplion mail 10 rECHNIQUE Subscriplions, USA Gymnostics, 101 Soulh Capilal Avenue, Suile 300, Indionapolis, III 46115. TECHNIQUE (ISSII D74B·S9999) is published 10 limes per year by USA Gymnastics, Pon Americon Plozo, Suite 300, 201 S. Capitol Avenue, Indianopolis, III 4611S Iphone: 317·137·50501. Thi,d doss posloge paid 01

Indianapolis, III. Subscriptian prices: U.S.·51S per year; Conoda/Mexico· 54B per year; all olher foreign counl,ies·S60 per year. If available, bock issue single copies 54 pi", paslage!handling. All reosonable !Ore will be loken, bul no responsibility con be assumed for unsolidled materia I;endose relurn poslage. Copyrighl 1997 by USA Gymnoslics and TfCHIIfQU£ All righls reserved. Printed by Sporl Grophics, Indianapolis, III.

Unless expressly idenlified 10 Ihe (onlrory, 011 orticles, slalements and views prinled herein are allribuled solely 10 Ihe aUlhor and USA Gymnasli(s expresses no opinion and assum es no responsibilily Ihereof. Cover Photo©Dave Black

Cover Design by Billy Huys

FEATURES

1997 USA Gymnastics National Congress

Winning in Gymnastics .....

Blaine Wilson: Going for Gold

Medicine Ball Drills for Gymnastics

Why Each Complaint Impacts 67 Customers

Profitable Pro Shops

FIG Group Course.

Dance Chat

DEPARTMENTS

President's Message .

Question and Answer

What's New

Classifieds .

Event Schedule

Safety Certification Schedule

PROGRAM UPDATE

USA Gymnastics Code of Ethics

Rhythmic Program Committee Meeting

General Gymnastics Advisory Panel Minutes

1997-2000 Age Group Competition Program, #4 Update

Women's Jr. Olympic Program Committe Conference Call

Women's Jr. Olympic Program Committee

Women's Technical Committee

1997 Women's Jr. Olympic Technical Handbook for

Coaches and Judges Errata ................ .

Nominations for National Administrative Committee Chair

Elite Program Committee ... .. .. . . .

Women's Technical Committee Meeting

r··( VOLUM E 17

l················~O 1997

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ADMINISTRATION

~RESIDENT'S

Kathy Scanlan

We have recently concluded a year-long process of awarding our televised events. The process took so long because bid books were sent to 175 cities that requested information on our events, with a three stage elimination process.

One of the most important things we look for in awarding these events is the level of cooperation between the gymnastics community and the local sports commission. The very best success occurs when there is genuine partnership between these entities.

A list of the events that have been awarded is on page 5. The remaining televised events to be awarded are the 2000 Reese's Cup and the 1999 and 2000 VISA American Cup and 3-on-3 International Gymnastics Championships. The VISA American Cup and the 3-on-3 will be awarded to the same city since the 3-on-3 is the Sunday following the VISA American Cup.

Please contact our Events and Marketing Department if you would like more information on any of these events. All of them, except the 1999 World Team Trials, will be broadcast on NBC. (A broadcast partner decision has not been made for the World Team Trials.) Hopefully, with this much advance notice, the

regional and state calendars can accommodate club attendance at these events.

In addition to awarding events, USA Gymnastics has also been busy with the 1997 World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland. The USA was one of only three nations to qualify both the men's and women's teams to the team finals.

I came away wishing there would be a 1998 World Championships. (At the FIG Congress in 1996, the United States was on the losing side of a vote to have a 1998 World Championships.) For the women, we were very much hurt, as I am sure some of the other countries were, by the age change. We had to leave several fine athletes at home-but more importantly, these young ath­letes will not have a World Championships to experience in 1998. Additionally, we have some work to do to catch up with some nations in utilizing the new Code of Points. I'm sure our athletes and coaches can and will more than catch up-but it would be nice to have a 1998 World Championships to assess our progress. The men's team performed very well, hitting 29 out of 30 routines in the Team Finals. They really impressed the world.

One of the most important things we look for in awarding these events is the level of cooperation between the gymnastics community and the local sports commission. The very best success occurs when there is genuine partnership between these entities.

As you can see from the schedule on page 5, the 1998 and 1999 Reebok International Team Championships, will be used to prepare our teams for the 1999 World Championships. Romania and China have accepted our invitation to participate in this competition.

Have a happy holiday season!

Kathy Scanlan President of USA Gymnastics

~ ..................................... ~,-____________ ~TE~(~H~N~/~Q~U~E, __ V~O ____ LU~M~E~1~7,~# __ 1~O ____________ -,)

THE EVENTS WE HAVE AWARDED SO FAR INCLUDE:

John Hancock u.s. Gymnastics Championships 1998 - Indianapolis August 19-22 1999 -Sacramento August 25-28 2000 -St. louis July 26-29

Reebok International Team Championships 1998 - Knoxville March 27-28 1999 - Richmond March 26-27 2000 - Richmond Nov. 10-11

World Team Trials 1999 - Kansas City Sept. 15-18

Olympic Trials 2000 - Boston Aug. 15-20 Reese's International Gymnastics Cup 1998 -St. Petersburg Jan. 24 1999 - Phoenix Jan. 30

VISA American Cup and 3-on-3 International Gymnastics Championships 1998 - Ft. Worth March 5-8

(---~T-=-EC:"":":'H":":"N I~Q~U E~, "":"!"v":"':o L~U~M~E ~1 7~, #~l~O ------) .................................... CD

By Luan Peszek

Photos by Steve Lange

The 1997 USA Gymnastics National Congress was held in Denver, Colorado, in conjunction with the John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships. This year's Congress attracted nearly 1,300 gymnastics professionals.

One of the many highlights of this year's event was the President's Assembly, where the USOC's Executive Director Dick Schultz spoke about how USA Gymnastics fits into the Olympic family. Also speaking was Bruno Grandi, the President of the International Gymnastics Federation and, of course, both Kathy Scanlan and Sandy Knapp, president and chairman of the board of USA Gymnastics.

This year's exhibition hall facility was much larger than usual and presented an opportunity to feature a gymnastics performance area in the center of the hall. Several local gymnastics clubs performed general gymnastics routines and spotting clinics were held with the assistance of Cheryl Jarrett and her crew from Capital Gymnastics in Austin, Texas.

Another highlight was the banquet. This event brought together both the Championships and Congress participants in a fun atmosphere with good food, lively music, dancing, video play backs and more.

Overall the quality of presentations continues to improve and feedback from the participants indicated a high interest in the business, preschool and of course women's program presentations. In addition, the Rhythmic "Get it Going" program and, on the men's side, the two sessions on "10 Skills You Must Have" presented by the national coaching staff were very well attended and received.

The Fourth Annual Ceremony of Honors was also held in conjunction with Congress. Many members of the gymnastics family here honored for their contributions .

The Exhibit Hall displayed products and services from companies across the u.s.

Jeff lulla presents his topic on "Breaking Down Core Skills."

Many attendees took advantage of the great sales in the exhibition hall.

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1997 Ceremony of Honors

Athlete of the Year Natalie Lacuesta Kristen Maloney John Roethlisberger

Rhythmic Women Men

Sportsperson of the Year Meaghan Muller Rhythmic Kristen Maloney Women Blaine Wilson Men

Coach of the Year Olga Morozova Debbie Kaitschuck & Steve Rybacki Ron Brant

Rhythmic

Women Men

1996 Olympic Medalists Awards Jair Lynch Amanda Borden Amy Chow Dominique Dawes Shannon Miller Dominique Moceanu Jaycie Phelps Kerri Strug Martha Karolyi-coach Mary Lee Tracy-coach

Service/Star Awards Administration AAC

Program Dept. Program Dept. Program Dept. Events Dept.

Frank Hancock/Sport Graphics Dr. Larry Nassar Debbie Van Horn Mas Watanabe Tom Koli Bill & Judy McElroy Cindy Shane

Pan American Gymnastics Union Award Jack Beckner Abie Grossfeld

Middle Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary (award presented by Eugene Megeysey from the Honorary Hungarian Consul of the Republic of Hungary) Andrea Schmid Shapiro

Hall of Fame Awards Jim Hartung Bob Lynn Mary Lou Retton Alia Svirsky Peter Vidmar

Spirit of the Flame Bill Roetzheirn

Natalie Lacuesta receives the Rhythmic Athlete of the Year award from Vanesso Vander Pluym.

Michelle Dusserre Farrell presents Kristen Maloney as the Women's

Athlete of the Year.

Conrod Voorsanger gives John Roethlisberger the Men's Athlete of the Year oward.

Meaghan Muller accepts her award as the Rhythmic

Sportsperson of the Year.

Ron Galimore presents Blaine Wilson as the Men's

Sportsperson of the Year.

Gory Alexander presents Kristen Maloney with the Women's Sportsperson of the Year award.

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USA Gymnastics Chair of the Board Sandy

Knapp and President Kathy Scanlan

presented awards to each of the 1996

U.S. Olympic medalists (not pictured: Amy

Chow, Dominique Dawes, Dominique •

Moceanu, and Coach Martha Karolyi) •

•

~nd t~e winner i~ ...

The Middle Cross of the Order of Merit of

the Republic of Hungary was presented to

Andrea Schmid Shapiro by Eugene Megeysey.

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Five were inducted into the Hall of Fame:

Jim Hartung, Bob Lynn, Mary Lou Rellon,

Alia Svirsky and Peter Vidmar.

The Coaches of the Year were Debbie Kaitschuck &

Steve Rybacki for Women's, Ron Brant for Men's and

Olga Morozova for Rhythmic.

•

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The Service/Star award winners were

Mas Watanabe, Frank Hancock, and Tom Koll. (not pictured: Dr. Larry

Nassar, Cindy Shane, Debbie Van Horn and

Tracy Callahan Molnar who accepted the

award on behalf of Bill and Judy McElroy.)

® .......... .

The Pan American Gymnastics Union

Award Winners were Jack Beckner

and Abie Grossfeld.

USA Gymnastics Congress Planner Steve Whitlock said, "Despite the fact that many coaches and judges attended the National Workshops and Judging Symposiums earlier in the year, the attendance at Congress was quite strong. As a measure of participation at Congress, there were nearly 2,000 people attending the banquet-l,300 Congress attendees; 600 individ­uals from Championships including athletes, coaches, judges, staff, and sponsors; and 100 members of the organizing committee and special guests."

The 1998 National Congress will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome, August 20-23. Look for more information

in upcoming issues of Technique and on U5AGO.

J

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WINNING IN GYMNASTICS TO BUILD SELF-ESTEEM IN CHILDREN

By Jeff Lulla Gymnastics instructors have a tremen­dous influence on the young children in their care. While some children feel comfortable from the start, many others often enter their first gymnastics class questioning their abilities to succeed, or to even be safe, in this strange place

called "gym." How we as instructors teach these children is at least as important as what we teach. We are

more than educators. We are more than role models. We are like artists working with clay-molding something beautiful and fragile. Great care

must be taken to assure that fears, difficulties and failures are dealt with positively and constructively.

We must recognize that childhood experi­ences that encourage and nurture thinking, self-trust, and autonomy are to be valued. As teachers, we can help foster success by challenging children within their ability to succeed. And it is important that we create success early and often. But, since it is the

nature of competition to produce more losers than winners, how must we measure success to

allow all children the opportunity to feel like winners? Everyone can win only when winning is defined as "your personal best" instead of ''being better than everyone else." Unlike the traditional defin­ition of winning, based on comparing one child's performance to the performance of others, this definition of winning puts each child

in full control of the outcome of their efforts-an important component of

self-esteem. In a society where the model for defining winning is so

restrictive and limiting we must redefine winning whenever possible.

~ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•.•• (:,-______________ TE~(~H~N~/~Q __ U .. E, __ V __ O __ L~U~NI __ E ____ 1 ~7,~#~1~O ________ ----,)

REDEFINING WINNING Imagine your child is in a race, a 100 yard dash, with

12 other children. Prior to the race she trains for weeks striving to improve her time. At last, the day of the race arrives. She finishes in last place but runs the distance faster than she ever had before. It just so happened that the others in the race were older, stronger, trained longer, started training earlier, were more talented or had better coaching. Did she win or did she lose?

N ow imagine your child is in another race the very next week, a 100 yard dash, with 12 other children. But this time she comes in first place, faster than every­one else. You look at the stop watch, however, and see that she ran much slower than she could have. In fact, it was a terrible performance. The other kids in the race were younger, started training later, had worse coaching, were sick or maybe just plain slow. Did she win or did she lose?

Your answers to these questions are important because they will help to define values to your child. If, after the first race, you say she won because she per­formed her personal best, regardless of how fast the other kids in the race ran, you are defining winning as her current performance compared to her own previous performance. This is not the typical definition of win­ning. This definition places value on effort, self-improve­ment and skill mastery, which are all within the control of each individual.

But what about the second race? Should she place value on the gold medal being placed around her neck or should she value her performance above the medal? If you tell her "Congratulations on winning" even though she had a terrible performance, what will she think about what you told her last week, when she ran so much better, yet didn't get a medal? If you truly place value on the individual performance, then this is no time for celebration.

Consistently placing importance on personal perfor­mance and effort is not always easy in the competitive culture we live in. We have to choose what we really want our kids to value. And we must be clear and consistent when teaching values. When we create the opportunity for everyone to win, it doesn't mean every­one will win. It means winning will be possible and achievable for everyone.

WHY KIDS PLAY SPORTS We live in a society where tremendous emphasis is

placed on competition. Yet research makes two things very clear:

• the main reason kids play sports is to have fun • the main reason kids quit their favorite sport is an

over-emphasis on winning at the expense of fun. It is easy to measure performance in a race with a

stopwatch. But in gymnastics we lack such a tool. This makes it hard to keep the children and ourselves focused on the step-by-step progressions that are the cornerstones of gymnastics growth and personal improvement. Breaking gymnastics skills down into achievable steps is the basis of a sound curriculum pro­gram. These steps, or lead-ups, can also be considered skills in themselves. And it is the accomplishment of these lead-ups that help children experience success early and often.

The allthor, Jeff Lulla is the President of Fun & Fit Gymnastics . He owns two successful and completely non-competitive recreational gymnastics facilities in the Los Angeles area and currently licenses his Fun & Fit Gymnastics Program (a curriculum poster reward system) to over 100 gJjmnastics clubs. The FlI n & Fit Gymnastics Program is a non-competitive and success focused teachillg system developed at the FlIIl & Fit Gymnastics Centers.

Jeff is a member of the USA Gymnastics National Preschool Committee and co-author of the Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) program. He is also a National Safety Certifier for USA Gymnastics, an industry consultant, and is a seminar presenter for the Amateur Athletic Foundation, the US Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs and USA Gymnastics .

For more information call Fun & Fit Gymnastics at 800-800-3162.

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The Fun & Fit Gymnastics Program provides a safe and progressive teaching and record keeping system that can, when used properly, reduce the frequency and severity of injuries. The instructor training videos help create a standard of safety and consistency in your gym. The success focused progressions and the Star Posters the children take home keep kids motivated on learning the skills appropriate to the ir level.

For these reasons, along with the success record this program has earned in gyms across America since 1991, gymnastics insurance companies. including Markel Insurance, now provide discounts to those gyms licensed to use the Fun &Fit Gymnastics Program.

ClIrrelll(v licel/.~ed 10 OI'erIOO GYMS

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rgde~end~::l"~~%~:~i~i~l~g~.na~Jo~slh~Y~~:lfg;",~~o~,~; For Details, FREE VIDEO, Information and Samples, call (800) 800-3162 t\'10 successfur gyms in Southern California.

Now find us on the Internet at http://www.usa-gymnastics.orgiads/funfiti

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KORMANN: You look at all that you've achieved in just a

little more than a year and that's a lot to do in a short

time. What is it that allows you to withstand that much

training and competition?

WILSON: I like to compete as much as possible. I think the more you compete, the better off you are. You just have to work out smart to compete more than 30 competitions in a year. You have to take care of your body. Mentally, you have to believe you can do anything you set your mind to.

KORMANN: After the Olympics, most athletes experience a

let down and find it hard to keep going. You didn 't have a

break. What is it that allows you to keep going?

WILSON: Actually, I was looking forward to taking a break after the Games. I thought I'd finish my col­lege career and be done. But things went better than I thought they would. I didn' t feel as tired of gym­nastics as I thought I would. Things have just gotten progressively better over the last year. I'm going to work out as much as possible over the next two-and­a-half years for the 2000 Olympics.

KORMANN: I've talked to John Roethlisberger and John

Macready and they both say they want to win a team

medal. What are your thoughts on this topic?

Blaine Wilson, 23, has had an incredible gymnastics career thus far. He has won two USA Gymnastics National Championships, two NCAA National Championships, the Visa American Cup, has been on two World Championships Teams and one Olympic Team. He finished 10th all­around at both the 1996 Olympics and the 1997 World Championships. Peter Kormann spoke with Blaine after the World Championships and he shared these thoughts with us.

WILSON: Yes, I want to win a team medal too, but I also think we want to earn respect, as well. Over the last three big meets, 1995 World Championships, 1996 Olympic Games and the 1997 World Championships, I think we have earned respect. I think it will continue to grow and we're going to become a better team.

KORMANN: What do we need to do to win a medal at a World Championships or Olympic Games?

WILSON: I think we need more difficulty. We only missed one routine at World Championships but we didn't have enough difficulty. I'm going to try to get all my routines to a 10.0 start value. That's what we all need to focus on. If you have to take a big skill out to hit your routine then do it, but we should all be shoot­ing for greater difficulty.

KORMANN: What do you think the U.S. coaches need to be doing to ensure the U.S. earns a medal?

WILSON: They need to take a little more control over what gymnasts are doing outside of the gym to make sure that practices inside the gym are good. For exam­ple, gymnasts should be getting enough rest when they're not in the gym. I'm not talking about diet because everyone has their own eating habits. I'm talk­ing about motivating the gymnasts when they're in the gym. The coaches should be saying "do you want to be good, then let's go." The coaches should also try some­thing different if things aren't working well.

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KORMANN: So you look to the coach to give you a spark in the gym when things are not going right?

WILSON: Always. I figure the coach is the one that should be having me do things that I don't necessarily want to do, but I know I should do. Without someone telling me to do those things, chances are I wouldn't do them!

KORMANN: Two years ago you won your first National Championships. This year you won your second. What was it like going into Championships this year?

WILSON: It was a little scary with the new Code. I didn't expect to win. I hadn't done as many sets as I probably should have going in. But that meet was so exciting and it felt great to win. It was my best win yet.

KORMANN: You said you were scared and didn't expect to win, but yet you won by three and a half points. It wasn't even close. What was it that allowed you to win?

WILSON: I think going back to school after the Olympics and competing a lot helped me. I had a bigger jump on most of the guys because they went on the tour.

KORMANN: What were your expectations going into the World Championships?

WILSON: I thought we could win the meet. I was watching workouts and attitudes of the other gymnasts and they just didn't look that good. We walked into the gym and we were a team, we were motivated and we wanted to work out.

I have a picture of John Macready and me at the Olympics after the team finals. Every time I think about retir­ing I look at that picture and remem­ber what it felt Like not to medal. This motivates me to train very hard. KORMANN: How do you explain only missing one routine? Even as the head coach, I wouldn't have guessed that you guys would have hit that many routines.

WILSON: It's just an attitude. It's a mental mind set. You pick one or two thoughts to help you get through your routines.

KORMANN: Your first coach was Dennis McIntyre. What were some of the good things that Dennis did as a coach?

WILSON: I was 7 or 8 and I started out with another gym­nast, Drew Durbin. Coach McIntyre pushed us towards

doing more skills and harder stuff. When we were scared, he would encourage us to do it anyway. He wasn't negative, but he was very stern. He would tell us what we were going to do and when to do it. We would have to do things we didn't want to do, but that's the job of the coach.

KORMANN: What would Coach McIntyre do if you missed a practice?

WILSON: (Laughs) I never missed a practice. I did get kicked out of the gym a few times because of a bad atti­tude, but I never just missed practice for no reason.

KORMANN: Give me a reason why Coach McIntyre would throw you out of the gym.

WILSON: At times I had a bad attitude. I'd say, "I can't do that and I'm not going to." I also got kicked out of the gym for slapping the horse and throwing things. What I've learned is that you have to find a different way to control your anger. I'm 23 and just now figuring out how to handle it.

KORMANN: What should a coach do if he has a young boy who is talented but has a bad attitude or can't control his anger?

WILSON: Well, throwing me out of the gym was good because I loved to work out. It was the worst thing you could do to me. It may not work on other guys because they might not care. I guess coaches just need to find something that works for their athletes.

KORMANN: What other advice would you give to a coach who has a young boy who wants to be a good gljmnast?

WILSON: Make sure the gymnast moves forward and pro­

gresses. Gymnasts always need to learn skills. Coaches should also keep an interest in what they' re doing and keep it FUN. Look at the other sports like football, base­

ball, and soccer. In these sports, the athletes are always doing something like running, passing, catching, throw­

ing, etc. You can't have the gymnasts standing around because that's boring. If they' re capable of something, then make them believe they can do it. Sometimes you

may have to push a gymnast to do something. If you're a

good coach, you can talk a gymnast into doing anything.

KORMANN: You 've had a great career thus far, but how does your career end? What is your dream?

WILSON: To win a team medal, hopefully a gold. This

would also help me to win an all-around or event medal.

That would be a pretty sweet ending!

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Aerials®

By David J. Ziemba Strength and Conditioning Coach University of Denver

While observing the sport of gymnastics, it becomes evident that the gymnast is a very powerful athlete. A study by Sands et al. (1994) concluded that strength and power are extremely important for the gymnasts perfor­mance. The authors went on to recommend that gymnasts concentrate more on peak strength and power rather than anaerobic power and capacity.

With this advice to focus on increasing power during physical training, it becomes essential to define power. Brancazio (1984) states that power is the rate of doing work; that is, it takes into account the time required to do a given amount of work. The definition of work is force times distance, hence, power is composed of three compo­nents (1) Force; (2) Distance; and (3) Time.

In the training milieu, it may be difficult for the coach and athlete to comprehend how force, distance, and time, relate to performance. So converting these terms to under­standable training jargon is helpful; force is equal to strength; dis tance is equal to agility; and time is equal to speed. These terms are more applicable to the coach and athlete, but how they contribute to power may be con­fusing. A functional definition of power given by Radcliffe (1996) states that in order to be most powerful, you (a) have to possess strength enough to exert optimal amounts of force versus the effects of gravity; (b) have to do so throughout the greatest distance (agility) allowed by your body either pushing or pulling across the torso; and (c) do so in the least amount of time (speed). With this definition, the coach can now select the class of exercises which will ameliorate the ability of the gymnast to display power.

Incorporating medicine ball drills into the gymnast's training is an excellent method for increasing both gener­al and specific power. Specific medicine ball drills are those drills which simulate the movement pattern used by the gymnast during a particular gymnastics skill. General medicine ball drills are those drills which stress posture, balance, flexibility, and stability, but may not stimulate the movement patterns used by gymnasts. These general medicine ball drills develop strength and power through­out the torso, laying the foundation for the future use of specific medicine ball drills.

This article will define general drills. Three ca tegories of general medicine ball drills include (1) hand-offs; (2) tosses/passes; and (3) throws.

Hand-offs are defined as transfer movements of the upper torso and limbs. Tosses / passes are projecting movements of the upper torso and limbs which take place below and / or in front of the head (Radcliffe, 1996). Throws are projection movements of the upper torso and limbs which occur above and / or across the head (Radcliffe, 1996).

Hand-offs Half Twist

Two athletes standing inches apart have their feet firm­ly planted on the ground and knees slightly flexed. One athlete is holding a medicine ball with the arms flexed 90 degrees at the elbow joint. The partner's arms are flexed 90 degrees ready to receive the ball (Fig. 1).

Upon command both athletes rotate their torso's 90 degrees in opposite directions and the ball is handed-off. This sequence is then repeated in the opposite direction (Fig. 2). The athletes need to keep their knees slightly flexed and their feet firmly planted to insure maximal rotation through the torso. A prescribed number of rota­tions are performed one direction and then reversed.

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2

Full Twist The same start position as the half twist except the

athletes are a few feet apart (Fig. 1). Both athletes rotate beyond 90 degrees in the same direction and hand the ball off. This is then repeated in the opposite direction (Fig. 2) . The athletes need to keep their feet flat, knees slightly flexed, and perform the rotations quickly.

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2

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Over/Under This drill's starting position is comparable to the full

twist, but the athlete with the medicine ball is holding the ball overhead (Fig. 1). Upon command both athletes per­form extension of the torso handing the ball off overhead. Immediately, after hand-off, both athletes perform flexion at the torso handing the ball off between their legs (Fig. 2). This continues for a prescribed number of repetitions and then the direction is reversed. The hand-offs should be com­pleted with flexion and extension of the torso. At the over­head position watch the elbow joint. If the joint is flexed beyond 170 degrees, it is compensating for lack of extension at the torso.

FIGURE 1

Tosses/Passes Shovel Toss

FIGURE 2

The athlete starts on both knees with the ball placed on the ground directly in front. The arms are straight and the hands are cupped around the back of the ball. The shoul­ders are slightly in front of the ball, back is flat, and hips are back (Fig. 1). The athlete then thrusts the hips and extends the torso explosively, shoveling the ball with long arms (Fig. 2). The athlete should focus on the hip and torso extension and catch themselves in a push-up posi­tion.

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2

Scoop Toss The athlete assumes a semi-squat position, placing the

ball on the ground and between the legs. The hands are placed underneath and to the sides of the ball. The back is straight, shoulders slightly in front of the ball, and the arms are straight (Fig. 1). The ball is scooped off the ground by thrusting the hips forward and up. The shoul-

ders move back and the arms remain straight (Fig. 2). Full extension of the hip, knee, and ankle occur as the athlete lifts off from the ground tossing the ball directly upward (Fig. 3).

FIGURE 1

Throws Scoop Throw

FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3

•

This drill is performed similar to the scoop toss with the exception of the release point being over the head (Fig. 1 & 2) . The athlete in this drill performs greater extension of the torso and the release point is above the head and behind the body resulting in the ball traveling backwards (Fig. 3).

FIGURE 1

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.;

~

References

FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3

• ••

Brancazio, P.J. (1984). Sport Science: Physical laws and optimum performance (pp. 160-163). New York, New York: Simon and Schuster.

Radcliffe, J.C (1996). The atlas program power development clinic (pp. 2).

Radcliffe, J,C (1996). Medicine ball drills for football. American Football Quarterly 1 (4) (pp. 58-60).

Sands, W.A., Major, J.A., Irvin, R.C, Hauge Barber, R.L., Marcus, R.L., Paine, D.O., Cervantz, R.D., Ford, H.R., & McNeal, J.R. (1994). Physical abilities profiles: U.s. Men's National Team, May 1993. Technique vol. 13,#5 (pp. 34-37).

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Why Each Complaint Impacts Sixty-Seven Customers

A mother complains because she can't make up her missed class in the same session in which she missed it due to her travel schedule and thinks you (the club owner) should allow her to make up the class in the next session. Should you stick to your guns or bend the policy? Well, consider this.

A survey sponsored by the Department of Consumer Affairs and General Motors reveals that 70 percent of all customers never complain about inferior goods or services. The 30 percent who do complain will hit the streets sharing their tale with whomever they encounter. Whether they evangelize for you or against you is determined by how you handle their complaint.

According to Paul Timm, author of 50 Powerful Ways to Keep Your Customers (Career Press), if that customer remains unhappy, he or she will tell 11 others about the bad experience. If especially horrific, those 11 will then each tell five others, resulting in 67 people buzzing about your incompetence.

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On the other hand, since studies also reveal that customers tell half as many people of good experi­ences, if you satisfy this customer, he or she will share your heroics with five others who will then each sing your praises to two others, impressing a total of 16 customers.

So what should you do for this mother? Since you now realize that you're not just speaking to one moth­er, but to 81 others as well, the answer is clear: what­ever she wants-and then some. In this case, go ahead and give her the make-up in the next session, along with a letter explaining your policy and the fact that you understand her specific situation, so, you're will­ing to work with her and bend your policy on this one occasion. Not only did the mother continue to bring her child to your gym but she also told her sister, who started bringing her three children, and she told the neighbor who signed up her child as well.

Now, let the customer go out and evangelize that. (Reprinted from the Customer Service & Retention Newsletter)

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PROFITABLE PRO

SHOPS By Wendy McGrath Midwest Academy of Gymnastics, Inc. Warrenville, Illinois

My father had a favorite saying that he used to accom­plish success in various endeavors in his life. It was sim­ply, "If you give people more than they ask for, they will remember you." In today's fast paced competitive mar­ket, that slogan is probably more valuable than it was 50 years ago.

TIME is our most valuable commodity. I don't know about you, but I will often shop at a store that I know does not have the best price BECAUSE IT'S CLOSE and I have very little time to spend running around.

MONEY as illustrated above, is not always the most important factor when considering a purchase. BUT EVERYONE loves a BARGAIN!

SERVICE is imperative. Last year I dropped our major insurance carrier because I felt we were not being treated with respect and dignity. Our calls were not promptly returned, often we were shuffled from department to department and on several occasions, our inquiries were completely ignored. In short, this company was not providing good customer service. Sure, they were happy to collect our $10,000 annual premium, but they were not willing to do any-thing to protect that revenue.

Therefore, in my opinion, the secret to a prof­itable Pro Shop (or any other business):

TIME + MONEY + SERVICE = SUCCESS

Our Pro Shop, Body Xpressions, offers our cus­tomers convenience, low prices and service. That is success rule No. l.

OUR PHILOSOPHY (A captive audience)

Because we "require" our students to wear a leotard and gymnastics shoes, it would be rather shabby of us to gouge them with inflated prices. So, we use the HOME SHOPPING theory: we rely upon quantity sales at low prices to give us our profit. To quote some other famous retailer, "We sell good quality at low prices, not "low quality at good prices!" No one appreciates this tactic more than our patrons, instead of one leotard per stu­dent, we often sell several to one family. That is success rule No.2.

MORE PHILOSOPHY (A store for everyone)

I want my customers to spend their "other dollars" with me, not K-Mart, Sears or Carsons. I also want street traffic. This is Golden success rule No.3. DO UNTO OTHERS, AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOu.

Our 240 square foot Pro Shop clears $166.67 a square foot annually. ThaYs a great return on space. To put it in perspective, the gym only earns $2.00 a square foot.

Because we have a gymnastics school located near sev­eral other gyms, it was my feeling, that in order to attract their customers too, our shop would need to be located outside of Midwest Academy of Gymnastics. I did not want coach so-and-so from ABC gym to feel that his stu­dents would have to walk INTO Midwest to make a pur­chase. While the shop is under the same roof, it has its own outside entrance, its own name and its own tele­phone number. It is also a separate corporation with its own set of books and vendors. WE NEVER, NEVER, NEVER solicit gymnasts to shop at our store. NEVER!

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KEYSTONE (alwaysl

Keystone means the principle or main part of holding something together. In retailing "keys toning is the princi­ple to success. This is success rule No.4.

To keystone means to buy at one amount and to sell at double the purchase price. For example, if I buy a leotard for $7.00, I sell it for $14.00. Ninety percent of our mer­chandise is keystoned. If I can't keystone it, I usually don't buy it. What about the other ten percent of our stock? Read on ...

LEAD ITEMS (The Carrotl

Certain items are so desirable, hard to find or essential to our sport, that they alone bring customers into your shop. These are called Lead Items and they are success rule No.5. For us, the Lead Items are shoes.

More often than not, if a customer comes to us to save $5 to $7 on a pair of shoes, they will end up buying $20 to $40 in other merchandise while they are in the store. The sacrifice on the shoe price is more than recouped on the extra keystoned items. The same is true for our grips.

WHAT DO WE CARRY AT BODY XPRESSIONS? (The nitty grittyl

We carry anything and everything we can find that is related to gymnastics. Listed below in order of quantity or profit, is our basic stock:

1. Cotton leotards, tank style in sizes 2-4, 6X/7, 8-10, 12-14, Teen and Adult

2. Cotton bikers in the same sizes, but not the same quantity

3. Basic beginner gymnastics slippers

4. Gymnastics shoes

5. Tape for hands

6. Lycra/Nylon blend tank leotards

7. Grips and Palm guards

8. Unitards (just catching on in our area)

9. Accessories: gym bags, posters, cups, sippers, clocks, home balance beams, gym mats (with a warning) and gym shoes

WHAT GOES ON SALE (Hopefully very littlel

One of the hardest things about retailing is knowing what or how much to buy. There is no guarantee that what you like, your customers will like. Only time and error will help to lessen the occurrence.

Once in a while though, you'll make a selection in color or design, that just isn't going to move. At Body X, rather than put it on SALE, we pull it from stock and reinsert it when we are low on other choices. If it still doesn't clear out, mark it down or use it as a promotion item.

WHAT'S A PROMOTION ITEM? (A gimmick, a free by, a bargainl

With the item described above, we might say (if we have all sizes) GET A FREE LEOTARD (of our choice) WHEN YOU BUY $50.00 WORTH OF MERCHANDISE, or after two visits at $25.00 each (while supplies last). Keep in mind that $50.00 only cost us $25.00 and we can afford to give away $7 to $8 and rid ourselves of a fash­ion mistake.

We've done great raffles also. Starting right after Christmas, when business is traditionally slow, we will start our Easter or Spring drawing. Here's how it works: purchase an appealing basket and fill it with a leo, shoes, pencils, gym bag and pretty spring things, like a stuffed bunny, wrapped eggs, ribbons, bows and other fun items. We set it in a prominent location and tell our cus­tomers that for every $5.00 they spend, they will get a chance at the drawing. The basket is usually so charm­ing, that even the parents want to win it.

Every couple of years we let our stock run down to items that have been in the shop for a while and have a 2 for 1 sale. It's a break even deal for us, but we get rid of older merchandise and make some happy customers at the same time. Once we clear out the unwanted items, we restock the shop with items that are current and the latest fashion.

With merchandise that we could not literally give away, that's just what we do-donate it to charity. The tax implications are great, in that you get the tax break on what the retail price would have been. Many large chains do this as a regular course of action.

HOW TO GET STARTED (Just Do It!!

Our 240 square foot Pro Shop clears $166.67 a square foot annually. That's a great return on space. To put it in perspective, the gym only earns $2.00 a square foot. So run, DON'T WALK, to the nearest lending institution for your start up money.

Our start-up costs were $10,000-$5,000 for merchandise and fixtures and $5,000 in operating capital. Remember, there is nothing less appealing than a half empty store and it's pretty hard to do business with a disconnected telephone. THE NUMBER ONE REASON NEW BUSI­NESSES FAIL IS LACK OF ADEQUATE OPERATING CAPITAL!!!

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There are a couple of choices to look into when start­ing a Pro Shop. I'm not talking about your physical space, but rather your suppliers.

There are leotard companies that have consignment programs which will allow you to get started with little, or no investment. However, if you're looking for more variety in your merchandise, try other retailers as well. Getting started with other vendors takes a bit of doing, but I think they are well worth the trouble in the long run.

Initially we went to the Chicago Apparel Center and spent several days looking at Active Wear lines and prices. After deciding what price point and quality point we wanted to carry, we filled out credit applications (denied for over a year) and paid for the minimum order required by the firms we selected.

In the beginning and to this day, we always take advantage of sale merchandise and stock basics year round. We go to the Apparel Shows twice a year to get ideas of design trends and to buy show specials, but nowadays, we almost always have reps visit our Shop with their summer, fall, winter and spring lines.

That was not always the case. At the start of any new business, most companies are leery and don't bend over backwards to get your account. But once you have a proven track record, they will romance you right along with the big boys. We recently had a New York rep visit Body X expressly to compliment us on being one of their largest accounts of children's wear. Imagine, in only 240 square feet.

GET A DUN'S NUMBER (So they know you ain't dun nut'n wrong)

Many suppliers require that their accounts have a Dun & Bradstreet business rating. 0 & B is the business equivalent of "big brother." They keep tabs on your business and payment history, your personal history and character and business similar to yours. They ask for a yearly Profit & Loss statement from your accountant and a copy of your most recent tax returns. You do not have to provide these documents, but the 0 & B report will indicate your non compliance. There is no charge to you to get a Dun's number, however, if you want to check on the standing of another Dun's client, that will cost you.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED? (Your bridge over troubled water)

Regardless of where you purchase your merchandise or from whom you seek lending, you will need the fol­lowing additional items:

• A State Resale Number

• A business designation:

1. S-Corporation

2. C-Corporation

3. Sole Proprietorship

4. Partnership

5. A Lease Operation

• A Cash Register

• Hang tags and hangers

• A means of display

• Insurance

What type of business is up to you, your accountant, and your attorney. I am in no position to advise you. However, I will tell you what we do.

We are an S-Corporation, which loosely means that any profit or loss we make can pass through to my personal income, resulting in either a gain or a loss. In our case, I make sure there is little or no profit and that in some years, we suffer a loss. Huh? That's right, a loss!

I mentioned earlier that our Pro Shop is a separate cor­poration, housed under the same roof as our gymnastics school. Twice a year, when profits build up at Body Xpressions, I divert some of that amount over to Midwest Academy in the form of rent and utilities. Body X also pays me for a portion of their sales, as I do not take a salary from that company. Come tax time, all but a small amount of profit remains on their books, allowing me to take a loss of my personal income taxes. On a few occa­sions this loss has been enough to offset a good portion of my tax liability on my salary from Midwest. In a few years we will have to look at a change in status for Body X when all of our depreciation has been reduced. Be sure your CPA and attorney work closely with you in this area.

summary of rules of success

Rule #1 Offer customers convenience, low prices, & service

Rule #2 Sell good quality at low prices, not low quality at

good prices

Rule #3 Do unto others, as you would have them do

unto you

Rule #4 Keystoning is the principle to success

Rule #5 Lead items bring in the customer

Rule #6 The main reason new businesses fail is lack of

adequate capital

GOOD LUCK!!! Wendy McGrath MIDWEST ACADEMY OF GYMNASTICS, INC. Warrenville, IL 60555 (630) 393-6693

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BUSINESS ..................................... · ·

"I've been approached by someone who would like to buy my facility. Although I hadn't really thought of selling, I may be interested if the price is right. Do you have any info. on how to determine the market value for my gym???"

A: There are independent sources which will appraise your business. Usually the appraisal is based on total revenue and expenses and debts. There is a standard formula used for all businesses to determine the value of the business which you can locate through your yellow pages or library.

Things to consider include: Location of your facility. Is it accessible? Do the other businesses in the area, if there are any, have a good relationship with the city, neighborhoods, etc.? Is the surrounding area growing, or are businesses and people moving out? Is it safe? In other words, what makes the building, the grounds, and the location attractive to a potential buyer? Has the property been cleared of environmental risks? It may be a good idea to talk with a com­mercial real estate agent before accepting any offers. Have the agent do a market appraisal on the property.

However, please realize that gymnastics is a very unique business, especially if you are the sole owner. You can't just look at independent evaluations and assume that's what your business is really worth. You have to look more closely at your total compensation package (use of business cars, family members on payroll, retirement plans, sup­plies expenditures, etc.). Each business is different and each person runs their business differently. There are many ways a club owner can legally shelter money which would obviously affect the dub's value. Don't forget to factor these into the price of your facility.

Thanks to Gary Anderson, owner of Marvateens in Rockville, Md. , who has experience with this topic and gave us his input. Also, thanks to Michelle Sherbun, Executive Director of the National Gymnastics Foundation, who gave us input 011 this topic as well.

Call Tiffin for Summer Camp Specials

on Landing Mats, Training Mats

and Floor Ex Foam Email: tiffin@tiffinmats.com http://www.tiffinmats.com

· ·

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GENERAL GYMNASTICS

FIG Group Performances Course

The Superkids from Hermosa Beach, CA, perform a routine.

The first FIG General Gymnastics "Group Perform­ances" course was held at the Disney Institute at Walt Disney World Orlando prior to the 1997 USA Gymnastics National GymFest. The 36 official participants and staff represented 22 countries including Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.

Staff and attendees of FIG course.

The purpose of the course was to introduce theoretical and practical information about the choreography, prepa­ration, training and performance of group displays. A secondary goal was to encourage participation in the 1999 World Gymnaestrada in Gbteborg, Sweden by countries that have not yet participated in a World Gymnaestrada.

The two-day course utilized the newly published FIG Manual for Group Performances, written by Iloni Gerling (GER), Inger Marie Holte (NOR), Bettina Jasper (GER), Karl-Heinz Schwirtz (GER), and Margaret Sikkens Ahlquist (SWE). Course participants were fortunate to have both Ahlquist, President of the FIG/GG/TC, and Holte, Member of the FIG/GG/TC, as the course instruc­tors-they did an outstanding job of presenting the mate­rial and involving all the participants.

By Steve Whitlock

The group from Mexico & Phoenix Gym Club from Great Britan performed together.

After a general introduction, the course covered histori­cal and theoretical aspects of group performances. In addi­tion, Holte brought the participants into the gym for a series of practical sessions. The participants returned to the class­room for more discussion of choreography for group performances and to receive their "homework" for the evening. On the second day, Holte presented a series of "challenges" to the participants in a practical manner. Later, videos from the 1995 World Gymnaestrada in Berlin were studied and analyzed. The finale of the course was a performance by 29 gymnasts from Holte's club, Hokksund Turn.

True to the spirit of general gymnastics and the World Gymnaestrada, learning and sharing was not confined to the classroom and gym-the instructors and participants enjoyed the opportunity to continue their discussions during lunch breaks at the Disney Institute Terrace Cafe, dinner at various Disney restaurants, excursions to the Parks . and, of course, during shopping at the Disney Marketplace. Additionally, many of the course participants extended their stay at Walt Disney World in order to enjoy the Disney experience and observe the 1997 USA Gymnastics National GyrnFest.

The Acrounauts perform during a Magic Music Days performance.

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USA Gymnastics scores the Ilperfect 10 11 with the NEW Wholesale Program

Introducing USA Gymnastics licensed merchandise and promotional products as well as customized items, all available at wholesale prices. Any club or group can

order-but USA Gymnastics Member Clubs get the BONUS ... you'll receive an additional 20% discount

off wholesale prices.

The USA Gymnastics Wholesale Program is a great way to earn extra cash. Simply offer these items in your pro shop ... at competitions and special events ... club promotions or fund raisers ... and watch your profits "vault" to new heights.

Get your club in gear! Call 1-800-711-5338 USA Gymnastics prefers Visa. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

The USA Gymnastics Wholesale Program Get in Gear Marketing Program Guidebook

USA GYMNASTICS

This complete guidebook outlines everything you need to know to make money with the USA Gymnastics Wholesale Program. Find out where and how to get a vendors license .. how to price the merchandise ... and ads and flyers you can use to promote your merchandise. Call for details!

Quantity and price per item:

24-499 500+ Zipper Pulls .42 .35

Member Club .34 .28

Hair Products 24-499 500+ Tw isties $2.63 $2.27

Member Club 2.10 1.82 Five Loop Bow $3.38 $2.86

Member Club 2.70 2.29 Headband $3.67 $3.14

Member Club 2.93 2.51 Bow $3.33 $2 .83

Member Club 2.66 2.26 Mini Bow $2.83 $2.43

Member Club 2.26 1.95

Grip Bag Member Club

Mouse Pads Member Club

Pens Member Club

Pencils Member Club

12-99 100+ $4.98 $3.83 3.98 3.06

6-35 36+ $4.00 $3.43 3.20 2.75

24-99 100+ .82 .69 .66 .55

24-99 100+ .40 .34 .32 .27

24-499 500+ Key Ring .74 .57

Member Club .59 .46

12-99 100+ Trave l Mugs $4.28 $3.29

Member Club 3.42 2.63

6-143 144+ Duffle Bag $19.06 $15 .10

Member Club 15.25 12.08

14K Gold Jewelry Men's Ring

Member Club Women's Ring

Member Club Necklace

Member Club Necklace w/16" chain

Member Club Earring - post

Member Club Earring - loop

Member Club Charm

Member Club Charm w/b race let

Member Club

1+ $235.66

188.53 $152.86

122.29 $42.71 34.17

$99.86 79.86

$72 .86 58.29

$77.14 61.72

$42.71 34.17

$11 8.43 94.74

Jewelry

Hair Products

Grip Bags

Duffle Bag

Key Ring and Zipper Pull

By Geza Pozsar, Member of the USA Gymnastics Women's National Team Coaching Staff

the 1997 World Championships, held without compul­sories for the first time, certainly was a new experience. Not having the compulsories gave the competition an entirely different feel. In past World and Olympic team competitions, one of the overriding strengths for the U.S. was our gymnasts mastery of the compulsory portion of the competition. Compulsory routines performed on the world stage gave us an opportunity to demonstrate our finesse, elegance and attention to detail. In observing the world's premiere gymnasts in Lausanne, they not only demonstrated an ability to take full advantage of the new Code of Points, but performed routines with amplitude, virtuosity, grace and full artistic impression. In my view, one of the best examples of combining this gymnastics artistic approach was Svetlana Khorkina on floor exercise.

In previous years, compulsories were one of the tools we used to successfully pro­duce gymnasts who displayed proper technique, amplitude, sharpness and world­class elegance. However, with compulsories now a thing of the past, it is more impor­tant than ever to have specific dance preparations for artistic gymnastics. Twenty-four years ago, when I first started to collaborate with Bela and Martha Karolyi, Bela's first request was to have a dance class for his gymnasts. The first item on the daily work­out agenda was 45 to 60 minutes of dance class. Even when we went to our winter and summer camps, we had daily dance classes in hotel hallways and mountain cabin cafeterias. Martha would help me do the corrections and Bela was always present to make sure the gymnasts were paying attention.

Certainly over the past 25 years, the importance of dance in artistic gymnastics has escalated. My experience in observing gymnastics clubs in our country leads me to the

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USA GYMNASTICS CODE OF ETHICS I. Introduction The mission of USA Gynmastics is to encourage participation and the

pursuit of excellence in all aspects of gymnastics. USA Gymnastics

grants the privilege of membership to individuals and organizations

committed to that mission. The privilege of membership may, therefore,

be withdrawn by USA Gymnastics at any time where USA Gymnastics

determines that a member's conduct is inconsistent with the mission of

the organization or the best interest of the sport and those who partici­

pate in it.

In order to assist all members to better serve the interests of those who

participate in gymnastics, USA Gymnastics has adopted the Ethical Code

which follows. This Code is not intended to establish a set of rules that

will, by inclusion or exclusion, prescribe the appropriate behavior for

USA Gymnastics' members in every aspect of their participation in the

sport. Rather, the Code offers general principles to guide the conduct,

and the judicious appraisal of conduct, of all USA Gymnastics' members

(including employees and agents of USA Gymnastics) in si tuations that

have ethical implications.

This Code cannot further ethical conduct in the sport of gymnastics; that

can only come from the personal commitment of the participants in the

sport to behave ethically. This Code is offered instead to guide and to

affirm the will of all of USA Gymnastics' members to safeguard the best

interests of the sport by acting ethically at all times.

II. Elements of the Code

A. Participant Relationships. Members of USA Gymnastics are charged with the responsibility for con­

tributing to an environment which makes participation in the sport a

positive and rewarding experience. In order to achieve that result, each

professional member has a special obligation to make decisions based on

the best interest of the athlete. It is inconsistent with this obligation for

any member to:

1. Fail to follow the safety guidelines established by USA

Gymnastics, or otherwise knowingly subject a participant to

unreasonable physical or emotional risk.

2. Engage in conduct which is unfair including, in particular,

attempting to injure, disable or intentionally interfere with the

preparation of a competitor.

3. Engage in conduct toward another participant in the sport which

is abusive. USA Gymnastics recognizes that the process for

training and motivating athletes will vary with each coach and

each athlete, but it is nevertheless incumbent on everyone

involved in the sport to support the development and use of

motivational and training methods which avoid conduct which

is, or is likely to be perceived as being, abusive.

4. Discriminate in the provision of resources or opportunities to

any member or prospective member on the basis of race, sex,

creed, sexual orientation, age, national origin or mental or

physical disability.

5. Attempt to intimidate, embarrass or improperly influence any

individual responsible for judging or administering a competition.

6. Engage in business practices directed toward another member

which are determined by a court or other similar adjudicatory

body to be unethical, illegal or a breach of contract.

B. Participation.

Any USA Gymnas tics' activity or event should be open to any member

properly qualified under the rules of that activity or event, and every

member participating in a USA Gymnastics' ac tivity or event

has an obliga tion to participate to the bes t of their abilities. It is inconsis­

tent with this obliga tion for any member to:

1. Restrict the ability of a member to qualify for or participate in

competition because of the member's association with a

particular organization or individual or because of that

member's race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, age, national

origin or mental or physical disability.

2. Participate as a judge, coach, athlete or administrator in any

activity w here that judge, coach or athlete is inadequately

prepared, unable to participate or fails to participate to the best of

his or her abili ty.

3. Engage in behavior which is so disorderly or inappropriate as

to interfere with the orderly conduct of the activity or other

members' participation in, or enjoyment of, the activity.

C. Responsibility.

A member of USA Gymnastics has a responsibility to the sport of gym­

nastics and the rules and regulations which govern it. It is inconsistent

with this obligation for any member to:

1. Knowingly misrepresent the policies or actions of USA

Gymnastics or its authorized representatives.

2. Fail to resort in the first instance to the established procedures for

challenging a competitive result, contesting a team selection

decision, complaining about the conduct of another member, or

attempting to reverse a policy adopted by USA Gymnastics.

3. Breach the duty to maintain appropriately es tablished confidences

of USA Gymnastics or its members.

D. Communication. Members of USA Gymnastics have a duty to communicate honestly and

openly with the organization and its members. It is inconsistent with

this obligation for any member to:

1. Misrepresent competitive achievements, professional

qualifications, education, experience, eligibility, criminal record

or affiliations.

2. Knowingly disseminate false or misleading information about

another member.

3. Withhold from athlete members information or resources likely to

enhance the athletes' enjoyment of the sport or reduce their risk of

injury or illness.

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4. Fail to consult with or inform fully the athlete or the athlete's

parents about opportunities made available to the athlete

involving competitions, commercial activities or recognition.

5. Misrepresent the nature or extent of an injury in order to decline

an invitation to participate in or withdraw from a competition

assignment, training camp or other similar activity.

6. Misrepresent the nature or extent of an injury in order to

participate in (or cause an athlete to participate in) a competition,

training camp or other similar activity when such participation is

inconsistent with the appropriate medical response to the injury.

E. Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Members of USA Gymnastics must ensure that the sport is conducted in an

environment free of drug or alcohol abuse. It is inconsistent with this

obligation for any member to:

1. Use or provide to a third party any drug proscribed by applicable

federal, state or municipal law.

2. Assist or condone any competing athlete's use of a drug banned

by the International Olympic Committee, United States Olympic

Committee, Federation Internationale de Gymnastique, USA

Gymnastics, or National Collegiate Athletic Association, or, in the

case of athlete members, to use such drugs or refuse to submit to

properly conducted drug tests administered by one of those

organiza tions.

3. Provide alcohol to, or condone the use of alcohol by, minors, abuse

alcohol in the presence of athlete members or at USA Gymnastics'

activities or, in the case of athlete members, consume alcoholic

beverages while a minor.

F. Criminal Conduct. Members of USA GYllmastics are expected to comply with all applicable

criminal codes. This obligation is violated by any member who has been

convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or no contest to a criminal

charge or indictment involving sexual misconduct, child abuse, or conduct

that is a violation of a law specifically designed to protect minors, and,

depending on the nature of the crime, may be violated by any member

who has been convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or no contest to

any felony charge or indictment involving conduct other than that specif­

ically described above.

G. Sexual Misconduct. Professional Members of USA Gymnastics must protect the integrity of the

sport and the interests of the athletes they serve by avoiding sexual rela­

tionships with athletes except where the capacity and quality of the ath­

lete's consent to enter that relationship is beyond question. It is inconsis­

tent with this obligation for any member to:

1. Solicit or engage in sexual relations with any minor.

2. Engage in any behavior that utilizes the influence of a professional

member 's position as coach, judge or administrator to encourage

sexual relations with an athlete.

3. Engage in sexual harassment by making unwelcome advances,

requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a

sexual nature where such conduct creates an intimidating,

hostile or offensive environment.

H. Professional and Athletic Development. Members of USA Gymnastics shou ld strive to increase their level of pro­

ficiency and skill. To fulfill this obligation professional members should:

1. Participate in continuing education programs like the safety

certifica tion and professional development programs made

available by USA Gymnastics.

2. Remain current on safety, health and training developments

relevant to the sport and seek advice and counsel of colleagues

and experts whenever such consultation is in the best interests of

the athlete.

I. Conflict of Interest. Members of USA Gymnastics are responsible for avoiding both actual

and perceived conflicts of interest in the conduct of business on behalf

of the organization. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any

member to:

1. Use, or be perceived as using, USA Gymnastics' properties,

services, opportunities, authority or influence to gain private

benefit.

2. Fail, as an employee, director, officer or committee member of

USA Gymnastics, to complete an annual conflict of interest form,

or fail to complete that form accurately.

3. Incur expenses in furtherance of USA Gymnastics' business

which are unreasonable, unnecessary, or unsubstantiated .

4. Participate in the deliberation or decision making process about

any issue for which the member has a direct financial interest.

III. Enforcement of Code

Compliance with this Code depends primarily upon understanding and

voluntary compliance, secondarily upon reinforcement by peers, and,

when necessary, upon enforcement through disciplinary action.

Any individual who believes that a member of USA Gymnastics has

failed to meet his or her obligations under this Code is, under all but the

most egregious circumstances, encouraged to first address that concern

directly to that member. If that action does not result in a satisfactory res­

olution, the individual may file a written complaint with the President,

program director or other appropriate staff member of USA Gymnastics.

That complaint must be signed and must state specifically the nature of

the alleged misconduct. Upon review of the complaint and, where appro­

priate, additional discussions with the complainant and/ or member who

is the subject of the complaint, the President may:

1. Determine that the complaint does not merit further action,

2. Counsel the member who is the subject of the complaint and

record both the complaint and the nature of the counseling in the

member's permanent record,

3. Refer the complaint, as appropriate, to the state or regional

chairs/committees or affiliated organization, or

4. Process the complaint under the member misconduct or

grievance procedures of USA Gymnastics' Bylaws.

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RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS'

Rhythmic Program Committee Meeting Saturday, August 14, 1997

Downers Grove, Illinois

I. Members present: Andrea Schmid Candace Feinberg Maureen Broderick Lana Lashoff Catherine Yakhimovich Vanessa VanderPluym

II. FIG Program

FIG Technical Committee VP Board of Directors Technical Committee Coaches Representative Coaches Representative Athlete Representative

Schmid announced that all qualifications for the 2000 Olympic Games (group and individual) will take place at the 1999 World Championships in Japan. The IOC has approved 10 rhythmic groups and 26 rhythmic individual gymnasts for the 2000 Olympic Games. Yet to be determined is what the potential qualification opportunities may be from World regional championships (Pan American Games, Four Continents, etc.)

III. Group Development Initiative Campbell announced the beginning of the USA Rhythmic Group Advancement Program. USA Gymnastics has hired Efrossina Anguelova as the USA group development consultant. Her work will take two direc­tions. The first initiative has been to choreograph two compulsory group routines for the first high school interscholastic athletic rhythmic pro­gram in the US. This is now in progress.

A Florida high school district has entered into a partnership with USA Gymnastics. USA Gymnastics is contributing technical expertise and financial assistance toward the development of coach, judge and athlete rhythmic training. The school district identified program personnel who have been assigned to this program and funded their participation to the 1997 USA Congress.

This initial rhythmic gymnastics group high school program has been designed to meet the needs of high school athletic programs searching for a way to meet Title IX regulations. Two Rhythmic Group Compulsory routines (a ribbon and hoop routine) have been designed for eight ath­letes, the floor space has been enlarged and a rhythmic carpet is not required. Eight high school aged rhythmic athletes from the Chicago area (members of the Rhythmic Gems, Illinois Rhythmics and Elite Rhythmics) have worked with Anguelova to create these routines.

The 1998 plan is for each school in the district to have three teams ... a freshman, junior varsity and varsity team; allowing for a total of 24 girls per school to become competitive high school rhythmic athletes.

At the conclusion of the inaugural 1998 season, a review of the program will be conducted with the high school personnel and USA Gymnastics in order to revise the program as needed.

All of the above is exactly the process that was followed in the late 60's and early 70's, when artistic women's gymnastic programs were firs t introduced to the high schools.

The National High School Federation will announce this program in its November magazine. Hopefully high school athletic directors in the US will be inspired to make inquires about adding rhythmic gymnastics to their programs. USA Gymnastics w ill be committed to facilitating this development as it evolves.

Campbell acknowledged and saluted the Superintendent, the School Board and sport personnel from the Panama City High School District for taking the initiative and having foresight with regard to future ath­letic programming by recognizing the grea t potential that rhythmic gym­nastics has for a high school program.

The second initiative will be working toward 2000 and 2004 Olympic Group qualification. USA rhythmic clubs who have the potential of elite rhythmic groups (junior or senior) may apply to USA Gymnastics for financial assistance with group choreography and training. Application for participation in this club group program must be directed toward the Rhythmic Program Director for approval and assignment.

IV. 1998 Rhythmic Challenge· February 13·15, Downers Grove, Illinois All senior and junior national team members invited to attend at their own expense.

Open competition for elite senior and junior groups (at their own expense).

Schedule: PartiCipants arrive evening of Feb. 12 (travel times dictated by USA Gymnastics) Feb 13 - a.m. training, early evening competition - 2 events (ind), 2 events (Sr.group), 1 event (Jr. group) Feb 14 - morning competition - 2 events (ind), 2 events (Sr group) 1 event (Jr. group) afternoon - judges complete technical video evaluation of competition Feb 15 -morning - judges, coaches and athletes participate in routine and video analysis early evening - participants depart The final results and ranking for the individuals will be determined by the all-around score from the two days of competition.

The final results and ranking for senior groups will be determined by the all-around score from the two days of competition (2 routines per day)

The final results and ranking for juniors groups will be determined by the all-around score from the two days of competition (1 routine per day) .

V. 1998 Rhythmic Group World Championships Selection Procedures The selection process for USA Group for the Rhythmic Group World Championships, which will be held May 8-10, 1998 in Seville, Spain, will be a two-step process.

Rhythmic Challenge:

All USA Elite Senior Groups are eligible to enter the Rhythmic Challenge (February 14-15) in Downers Grove, Ill., at their own expense.

In order to obtain an all-around score, each Group must compete the two required FIG Group routines. (3 balls/2 ribbons and 5 balls)

The all-around score will be determined by combining the two routine scores from day one of competition (40 pts maximum) with the two rou­tine scores from day two of competition (40 pts maximum).

Group World Championships Trials:

All USA Senior Elite Groups who entered the Rhythmic Challenge and obtained an all-around score are eligible to enter the Rhythmic World Group Championship trials which will take place April 18-19, 1998 (site to be determined) at their own expense.

In order to obtain an all-around score, each Group must compete the two required FIG Group routines. (3 balls12 ribbons and 5 balls)

The all-around score will be determined by combining the two routine scores from day one of competition (40 pts maximum) with the two rou­tine scores from day two of competition (40 pts maximum).

If the first place Group obtains an all-around score of 66.00 or higher, it will be entitled to represent USA Gymnastics at the Group World Championships. If no Group obtains an all-around score of 66.00 or higher, USA Gymnastics will not send a Group to the World Championships.

According to FIG regulations, only one Group per country is allowed to enter the World Championships.

The first place Group at the Group World Championship Trials will be entitled to represent the US at the Pacific Alliance Championships which will be held July 6-8,1998, in Winnipeg, Canada, at its own expense.

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,

General Gymnastics Advisory Panel Minutes August 23, 1997

National GymFest- Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

I. ROLL CALL Present: David Moskovitz Dean Capelotti Lori Laznovsky Steve Whitlock

Guests: Nora Campbell Paula Lord Toby Towson Alan Boeding Kermit Davis Jean Davis

Leader Member Member USA Gymnastics

USA Gymnastics Large Group "B" Choreographer

International Sports Exchange International Sports Exchange

II. REPORT ON MAGIC MUSIC DAYS Capelotti reported that all registered groups performed at the designat­ed times. There was a great deal of confusion with equipment, but in true general gymnastics form, the groups used what was available. He recommended that should any future GymFest include such add-on performances, that the groups deal directly with the site host.

It was agreed that at future National GymFests add-on activities and performances are to be the responsibility of individual group leaders. USA Gymnastics will make the information and contacts available in registration materials, as well as coordinate the daily GymFest schedule.

III. REPORT ON PRESENTATIONS AT THE NATIONAL CONGRESS Moskovitz reported on the presentations. Laznovsky was responsible for "What is General Gymnastics," Whitlock for "Preview of the 1999 World Gymnaestrada in Sweden" and Moskovitz for "General Gymnastics Membership / Rules & Policies." As in the past, the sessions focused on information and education with the use of a variety of videotape perfor­mances.

Laznovsky reported on the General Gymnastics booth in the Exhibit Hall. She was able to develop a large list of new clubs interested in General Gymnastics. The sale of GG videos at the Merchandise booth also was successful. Laznovsky reported that it is still necessary to develop a descriptive video tape on General Gymnastics that could be distributed through Membership and Merchandise departments.

IV. EVALUATION OF GYMFEST PERFORMANCES Moskovitz began a discussion regarding the use of the criteria presented at the FIG "Group Performances Workshop."

It was agreed that Lord would work with Towson to critique the group performances.

It was agreed that a general summary of their observations would be distributed to the groups.

V. EDUCATIONAL CLINICS AT GYMFEST The following clinics were placed on the 1997 GymFest schedule:

• Marching - Laznovsky • TeamGym - Capelotti/Whitlock • World Gymnaestrada - Whitlock • General Gymnastics Membership/Rules & Policies - Moskovitz

It was agreed that all GGAP members would assist where needed .

VI. USA LARGE GROUP "B" PERFORMANCE Lord reported that she arranged the rehearsal schedule to focus on each group of performers independently and that there would be only one mass rehearsa l. She has recruited several assis tants, but will identify others from the participants.

She requested that the panel address issues of participation, props and equipment.

It was agreed that participation considerations be included in the selec­tion process for the 11th World Gymnaestrada.

It was agreed that props and equipment be considered in the develop­ment of the 11th World Gymnaestrada budget.

VII. 11 TH WORLD GYMNAESTRADA PARTICIPATION Discussion followed regarding specific criteria for selection to the 11 th World Gymnaestrada .

Moskovitz presented a draft of the selection document.

It was agreed that each panel member would review the document and return it to Moskovitz by the end of the GymFest.

It was agreed that Moskovitz continue work on the selection document and the General Gymnastics Performance Criteria for the Rules & Policies .

VIII. 1998 NATIONAL GYMFEST Whitlock stated his concern for the selection of an appropria te site for the event. He also presented a proposal from GAT (GYlm1astics Association of Texas) to host a national level GG event.

Discussion followed .

It was agreed that the panel would consider the GAT proposal after additional information is submitted.

It was agreed that the selection of the 1998 site be concluded as soon as possible.

Respectfully submitted, David Moskovitz, Leader September 24, 1997

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MEN'S PROGRAM

Update and clarifications: 1997- 2000 Age Group Competition Program, number 4

This is the fourth update which contains clarifica tions and rule mod­ifica tions [or the 1997-2000 Age Group Competition Program. These changes and clarifica tions constitute all of the changes and modifica­tions to the Age Group Program, includ ing the changes / clarifications in updates number one, two, and three. This document will go into effect August 14, 1997. The new changes, corrections and clarifica tions con­tained in this document reflect a review of the 1996 - 1997 competition season.

Changes: 1. Age determining date: In an effort to make the age determining

rules as clear as possible, please amend Page 8, A, N umber 3 to read: Gymnasts under the age of six will not be permitted to participate in the Age Group Competition Program under any circumstance. The ath­lete must turn six years of age before he may begin competition.

2. Repetition: The Junior Age Group Competi tion Program will recognize the FIG definition of repetition as it appears in Article 16 of the FIG Code of Po ints and will apply repetition rules regarding bonus points to all Developmental D's and also to C value skills at the Class III and IV levels. Exception: For Class III and IV Floor Exercise, there will be no repetition deductions or non-recognition, due to repetition, for acrobatic skills or acrobatic connections. This is for Class III and IV only and at Floor Exercise only. In addition, all Developmental D's should be trea ted as FIG C value skills with respect to awarding con­nection bonus (i .e. - the s till rings s traddle Maltese and 302 inverted cross. Note: the Developmental D press handstand is not eligible for connection bonus as per FIG).

3. Swings which pass through or end in handstand positions: The 1997 FTG Code of Points and the 1997-2000 Age Group Program are at odds in the way they trea t the handstand position. The FIG Code of Points defines swing elem ents which pass through or end in a hand­stand with 02 to 152 of deviation as 0.0 deduction, the junior program currently recognizes the elements with 02 to 52 of deviation as 0.0 deduction (Section II, I, F). The junior program w ill recognize and use the FIG rule. Handstand hold positions are still subject to the FIG deduction for deviation from vertica l.

4. Spotting: The junior program will use the rule as written in Section II, E, 3 on page 13 of the Age Group Progmm Manual with following modifica tions.

• Number 1 - No change • Number 2 - delete • N umber 3 - change to: If the spotter assists in the execution of the

skill, deduct .4 for the spot and any execution errors. The judge has the discretion not to recognize the skill if, in his opinion, the gymnast could not have completed the skill on his own.

• N umber 4 - No change • Add Number 5 ( This text should also be added to Section I,

Number II, C on page 8) - A coach may not spot an athlete from a sur­face which is higher than the allowable competition surface. The head judge will not allow the athlete to compete if this ru le is violated . Note: This is an important safety issue concerning coaches safely spotting their athletes. If an athlete is not prepared to perform a skill with the spotter standing on a surface the height of the allowable competition surface, then the athlete should not perform that skill in competition. Competing such a skill would go aga inst our Code of Ethics as well as the Readiness to Compete portion of the Athlete Agreement.

5. Equipment Specifications: Please note the following -At vault, the correct height requirement for Class V and VI six is

38" ±1". Please change Section IV, Vault, Class VI (page 68) and Class V (page 70) to reflect the minimum height requirement.

Equipment heights listed in Section I, number III for PH, SR, V, PB and HB are minimums; however, FIG height requi rements for those apparatus may never be exceeded except where allowed by FIG.

6. Compulsories - Intermediate swings: All intermedia te swings in com­pulsory competition wi ll be deducted as per FIG (1/2 swing ·0.2, entire swing -0.4). Intermediate swings are not added parts. To make the correction in the Age Group Competition Program Manual change:

a. Page 14, A, N umber 2: Delete the words or swing. b. Page 14, A, add Number 7: Intermedia te swing (as per FIG). 7. Special Bonus for Class III and IV: The junior program w ill recognize

that the fi rst C value skill in Class III and IV modified op tional routines will receive +0.1 bonus. To make the correc tion in your Age Group Competition Program manual, change Section II, Number III, D, 1, on page 16, to read: C = +.1 (eliminate the word additional) .

8. Commensurate dismount: The junior program will not recognize the

•

FIG non-commensurate dismount deductions. Dismounts a re required to be, at minimum, an "A" value skill for all classes. Dismounts which are not of at leas t "­"A" value (no dismount) or dismounts partially shown would receive the appropria te FIG deduction.

9. Short Routine: Change Section II, number III, F part 6 to; Short Routine - In Class III and Class IV, if a routine is short of the required number of parts deduct 0.5 per missing part from the presentation category. For Class I and Class II there is no deduction for short routine other than the FIG deduction for short d ifficulty parts.

10. Class III Required Skills FX #2 and SR #3: Please change the wording in FX #2 and SR #3 (Section III, number I ,B page 20), of the required skills, to reflect that these are the minimum skill va lue requirem ents.

U . Class III Required Skill number 2 on Parallel Bars: Minimum B value, stutz or back toss to support (pages 20 & 83). Change to read: Minimum B value forward stutz, backtoss or Diamadov. B value skills: The junior program will recognize B values for the following FIG skills as defined below. There is no A value for these skills.

PB - stutzkehr - executed 452 to 742 above horizontal = B value, 75Q

to 902 = C value PB - backtoss - executed 45Q to 74Q above horizontal = B value, 75Q

to 902 = Developmental D PB - peachbasket - executed 45Q to 742 above horizontal = B value, 752

to 902 = Developmental D HB - stoop circle rearward (s toop in, jam out)- executed 452 to 742 above horizontal = B value, 752 to 902 = C value

The skills listed above, when executed below 75Q, must be valued as B skills

and cannot be considered as C value skills with deductions. In addition, the FIG 15Q degree rule will begin for B value skills at· 452 which results in the fol­lowing: 312 to 442 = -.1, 16Q to 302 = -.2, Horizontal to 152 = -.4. Below horizontal

•

results in non-recognition, .4 deduction and no B credit. •

12. Floor Exercise, Class VII: Please change Number 4 to read - With either leg, step backward and execute a 180Q turn to Arabesque stand (hold). Special Performance Criteria: leg at 452 below horizontal on Arabesque.

13. Pommel Horse, Class V, VI and VII: Concerning the special perfor­mance criteria in Class V, VI and VII pommel horse-on all leg cuts, stride sup­port swings, false scissors and scissors, the top leg should be at horizontal.

14. Pommel Horse: The junior program wi ll allow a gymnas t to receive D Magyar credit even if the Magyar is broken up by flops on one pommel. The gymnast would receive both the Magyar and the flop credit.

15. Pommel Horse: The junior program will not recognize the FIG flop rep­etition rule. A gymnast may do as many different flopping skills as he wants fo r cred it. No other repetition rules apply to flopping sequences with the exception of the same flop sequence executed three times in a row.

16. Pommel Horse: The junior p rogram will recognize A va lue circles and flair circles (not B or C va lue) as being different skills w ith the same value for the code of points. This will particularly help with avoiding repetition infrac­tions at the Class IV Mod ified Optional level.

17. Still Rings: The junior program will recognize the Stre tched Honma as a Developmental D. Hip flexion (pike) beyond 15Q will not be recognized as a Developmental D.

~ •••• •••• •••.•••••••••.• •. ••• .••••••• • ~,-______________ TE __ C __ H __ N __ ' __ Q __ U~E, __ V __ O __ L~U __ M~E~1 ~7/~#~1 __ 0 ________ ----,)

MEN'S PROGRAM

18. Vaulting: Take note of the new vault numbers which are valued at 8.3 in the junior program and the new categories of vaults for Class III and IV (Section II, III, F, 2 on page 16) - these changed in the last edition of the 1997 FIG Code of Points.

o Forward handspring with 1/1 twis t - 2310

o Yamashita with 1/1 twist - 2311

o Cartwheel with 5/4 twist - 330<)

o Class III and IV vaults must come from the FIG Categories II or III.

19. Vaulting - Technical Vault: The technical vaul t has a starting value of 9.8. A maximum of 0.2 bonus points may be awarded to the Technical Vault for a total of 10.0 points. Please make the appropriate change on page 72, number I, A.

20. Vaulting - Landing deductions: The technical vault landing table on page 73 should also be used for the evaluation of all optional vaults in the junior program. In addition, the landing tables for all Classes (I - VII) should be amended to include - Devia tion of axis on landing as per FIG.

21. Mounting the parallel bars using panel mats: Amend page 10, B, number 1 to read: Panel mats may be used to mount any appara tus. At the parallel bars, a gymnas t may not mount from stacked mats which would place that gymnast's shoulders above the bottom of the rails while in a standing position. In addition, a board or a mat may be used to mount the parallel bars but not both.

22. Parallel Bars, Class VI: Please change part N umber 8 of the Class VI parallel bar routine to read: Swing backward to 45Q above horizontal. Swings executed above 45Q could be considered for virtuosity bonus. (Note: This change is being made to allow for more technical emphasis to be placed on the Stutz dismoun t.)

23. FIG Super E value skills: Super E value skills will receive 0.4 bonus in the junior program.

Clarifications: 1. Floor Exercise Class VI - A stalder roll substituted for the for­

ward straddle roll in Class VI, FX, part 6 & 7, does not constitute virtuos­ity. If the stalder roll is substituted, the forward straddle roll has been left out and the judge will be forced to deduct one point. Virtuosity on the press can only be earned through superior press technique.

JRo OLYMPIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE CONFERENCE CALL September 19, 1997

I. ROLL CALL Chairman Tom Koll called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon Central time.

Present: Region I Region II Region III Region IV Region VI Region VII Region VIII WAB WTC EPC WJOPM

Absent: Region V

Neil Resnick Laurie Reid Cheryl Jarrett Don Houlton Larry Goldsmith Mike Milchanowski Tim Rand Kathy Ostberg for K. Feldmann Cheryl Hamilton Roe Kreutzer Connie Maloney

John Geddert

2. Floor Exercise Class IV - Must the Required Skill Number 1 be a layout back somersault or would a twisting layout back somersault fu l­fi ll the requirement? Yes, only a layout back somersault will fulfill the requirement.

3. Floor Exercise Class III & IV, Required Skill number 3 - A w ide arm press to handstand will not fulfill the requirement of "press to handstand, two second hold, from any split."

4. Pommel Horse Class IV - Must all three parts of the horse be used? Yes. Even though the required skills in the Class IV modified optional pommel horse do not require that all three parts of the horse be used, the FIG general presentation requirements do require that all three parts of the horse be used. The deduction for not using all three parts of the horse, per FIG, is 0.2.

5. Parallel Bars - For Class I, II, III and IV, no more than one B or C value reverse straddle cut may count for difficulty beyond A parts. This also means that the second B or C value reverse straddle cut would not be recognized for bonus or as fulfilling special requirements.

6. Short Routine/Partial Replacement - Even though the junior program follows the FIG rule w hich states that lower value skills can­not even partially replace higher value skills, those skills still count as parts. Example: A Class III gymnast performs a routine with five B parts and two A parts - he would lose .4 from difficulty for no C value skill, but would not have any deduction for having a short routine, since the B skill is recognized, w hich would give him seven parts.

7. Missing or unrecognized parts in compulsories - If the judge determines that a skill (because of the manner in which it was execut­ed) should not be recognized, the only deduction would be 1.0 fo r the missing part and for any appropriate execution errors. There would be no deduction for added parts or short hold etc. In addition, the deduc­tion for missing parts should be carefully applied where the junior rules supercede the FIG Code of Points. Example #1, Class V floor exercise part # 6: The gymnast executes a forward stalder roll with good form to a handstand held less than one second. The FIG deduction for a less than one second hold is .4 and non-recognition of the part. However, the gymnast in this example has clearly completed more than 50% of the skill, therefore the deduction should be .4 for the short hold.

8. Hold and Momentary Hold parts - As per FIG, there is no deduction for hold parts held longer than three seconds or for momen­tary holds held for one second or longer.

II. APPAREL FOR LEVEL 9 EASTERN/WESTERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

T. Koll discussed the issue of apparel for qualifiers to the Level 9 Eastern and Western Championships. Since there is no Regional team competi­tion, it was previously determined that the Regions would not supply the athletes with Regional competitive apparel. The question has arisen in regards to the regions giving their qualifiers (and possibly their coach­es) some type of Regional apparel (i .e. T-shirt, hat, gym bag or some other reward for qualifying). T. Koll requested that the committee mem­bers get feedback from their Regional Board so that the issue can be addressed at the December meeting. The JOPC will at that time make a recommendation to the Women's Administra tive Board.

III. MOBILITY SCORES The committee reviewed the new mobility scores as published in the October 1996 Technique in the JOPC minutes of September 1996. In con­sideration of the new compulsory routines, the stricter evaluation sys tem and the lack of time to prepare the athletes for this first season, the com­mittee felt it was necessary to change the present mobility scores for Levels 5, 6 and 7.

continues on pg. 42

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JR. OLYMPIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE August 15, 1997

Denver, Colorado

I. ROll CAll Chairman Tom Koll called the meeting to order at 12:35 and welcomed the new members of the committee from Regions 1,2,4 and 7.

Present: Region I Region II Region III Region IV Region V Region VI Region VII Region VIII WAB WTC EPC WPD WJOPM Guest

Neil Resnick Laurie Reid Cheryl Jarrett Don Houlton John Geddert Larry Goldsmith Mike Milchanowski Tim Rand George Grainger for K. Feldmann Cheryl Hamilton Roe Kreutzer Kathy Kelly Connie Maloney Tammy Biggs

II. DRillS FOR NEW COMPULSORIES T. Koll asked the committee if there were any skills in the new routines that seemed to be difficult to teach. Tammy Biggs will be working with the National Office on a booklet and video of drills for skills in the new rou­tines, as well as other skills that would be appropriate for that level of ath­lete. Until the book is produced, there may be some articles written for Technique to assist the coaches with some of the skills.

III. AGE DIVISIONS FOR LEVEl 9 The 1998 Level 9 season will culminate with an Eastern and Western Championships; therefore, age divisions must be set nationally in order that all Regions qualify under the same conditions.

Recommendation to USAG National Office that on October 15, 1997, statistics be generated to determine the total number of registered Level 9 athletes, as well as their birthdates. This number will be divided into four equal groups, based on birthdates, to establish the birthdate ranges for the four age divisions: Junior A, Junior B, Senior A and Senior B. These age divisions will be published in the November/December Technique, State and Regional newsletters and on USAG Online. These age divisions must be used for State, Regional and East/West Championships. The State Board may establish additional age divisions for local and sectional competitions. For invitational competitions, the meet director may establish age divisions to allow for an even distribu­tion of athletes or may choose to use the age divisions established by the State Board.

Motion - N. Resnick

Second - C. Jarrett

PASSED

IV. LEVEL 10 AGE DIVISIONS In order to achieve a more even distribution of athletes in each of the four age divisions attempting to qualify for Jr. Olympic National Championships, it is recommended that the four age divisions be deter­mined after October 15, at which time the USAG National Office will determine the total number of registered Level 10 Team members in order to divide into four even age divisions, based upon the actual birth dates. These age divisions will be published in the November/December Techniqlle, State and Regional newsletters and on USAG online. These age divisions must be used for State, Regional and Jr. Olympic National Championships. The State Board may establish additional age divisions for local and sectional competitions. For invita­tional competitions, the meet director may establish age divisions to allow for an even distribution of athletes or may choose to use the age divisions established by the State Board or the national age divisions.

Motion - T. Rand

Second - J. Geddert

7 in favor, 1 opposed - PASSED

V. JUDGING PANELS FOR LEVEL 7 Recommendation to the Women's Technical Committee to require two judge panels at all USAG sanctioned Level 7 competitions.

Motion - J. Geddert

Second - 1. Reid

PASSED

Note: The WTe passed this motion at its August 1, 1997 meeting.

VI. WARM·UP TIME FOR LEVEL 7 COMPETITIONS Recommendation to the WTC to use the Optional pre-meet warm-up times (11/2 minutes for traditional format; 2 minutes for warm-up/com­pete-Capital Cup- formats) for Level 7 competitions.

Motion - 1. Reid

Second - D. Houlton

PASSED

Note: The WTe passed this motion at its August 1, 1997 meeting.

VII. LEVELS 1-4 The committee expressed the philosophy that the Levell through 4 pro­gram is a non-competitive, developmental program designed to prepare athletes for competition. The committee recognizes the need of some clubs and/or states to provide competitive opportunities at Level 4. Since Level 1-3 athletes are not able to register as "Team" members, no USAG sanctioned competitions can be conducted for Levels 1, 2 or 3. The USAG office will investigate the possibility of an insurance rider for use at these types of functions.

VIII. LEVEL 6 BEAM TIME LIMIT Recommendation to increase the Level 6 Balance Beam time limit to 1:15, effective Sept. 1, 1997.

Motion - T. Rand

Second - J. Geddert

7 in favor, 1 opposed - PASSED

IX. OPTIONAL ELEMENT VALUES FOR THE JR. OLYMPIC PROGRAM

Recommendation to the WTC for Uneven Bars-Level 8 only- to allow the performance of FIG #2.310 (Counterswing, straddle back to Handstand on Low bar-C). It would receive "B" value part credit at Level 8.

Note: this element is NOT allowed at Level 7.

Motion - J. Geddert

Second - T. Rand

PASSED

Note: WTe also passed this recommendation at its August 1, 1997 meeting. Recommendation to the WTC for Levels 7 and 8 only to consider FIG Uneven Bar "C" element #2.307 (Uprise to clear support, immediate Clear Hip circle to Handstand) as two "B" elements so that this skill can be developed at these levels.

Motion - J. Geddert

Second - T. Rand

PASSED

Note: WTe also passed this recommendation at its August 1, 1997 meeting. Recommendation to the WTC to add Uneven Bar element # 2.306 (Uprise to handstand with 1/2 turn to L or mixed L grip) to the Jr. Olympic Element Supplement as #2.406 ("0" value part).

Motion - J. Geddert

Second - T. Rand

PASSED

Note: WTe also passed this recommendation at its August 1, 1997 meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 3:30 PM. Next meeting is scheduled for December 6-7 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Approved by USAG President Knthy Scan lan September, 1997

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WOMEN'S TECHNICAL COMMITTEE August 16, 1997

Denver, Colorado

I. ROLL CAU Chairman Marilyn Cross called the meeting to order at 3:1 5 PM.

Present: Region I Region II Region III Region IV Region V Region VII Region VIII NETC NJOPCC NCAA Rep WJOPM

Absent: Region VI WAB EPC WPD

Pam Bileck Linda Mulvihill Carole Bunge Linda Thorberg Char Christensen Cheryl Hamilton Marian Dykes Audrey Schweyer Tom Koll Pat Panichas Connie Maloney

Cindy Sielski K. Feldmann Roe Kreutzer Ka thy Kelly

II. LEVEL 7 CONCERNS A. JUDGING PANELS

Recommendation to require a minimum of two-judge panels at all Level 7 USAG-sanctioned competitions.

Motion - Dykes

Second - P. Bileck

PASSED

B. LEVEL 7 - WARM-UPS TIME

Recommendation that Level 7 use the same timed warm-ups times as Level 8-10 Optionals

(1% minutes for traditional format and 2 minutes for warm-up-compete (Capital Cup type) formats.

Motion - C. Bunge

Second - C. Hamilton

PASSED

C. LEVEL 7 - MAXIMUM NUMBER OF JUDGMENTS PER DAY PER PANEL OF JUDGES

Recommendation that Level 7 competitions follow the same regulations as Optional levels 8-10 in regards to the maximum number of judgments per day per panel (Refer to the 1997 R & Pl. If a Level 7 competition is conducted in conjunction with compulsory Levels 4-6 (either the same day in different sessions, or within the same session), use the maximum number of judgments allowed for combination of Compulsory and Optional levels.

Motion - C. Hamilton

Second - 1. Mulvihill

PASSED

D. LEVEL 7 - BEAM CLARIFICATION

A handstand element may be used as the first or second element in the non-flight acro series requirement, provided that it receives a value part by achieving vertical. If the handstand is not held for two (2) seconds, deduct up to 0.2.

III. ELEMENT VALUES FOR THE JR. OLYMPIC PROGRAM A. To allow Level 8 athletes to perform Counterswing to Straddle Back to Handstand on Low Bar ("C" -#2.310 in FIG Code) and receive "B" value par t credit.

Motion - C. Christensen

Second - C. Bunge

PASSED - 7 in favor, 1 opposed

Note: Th is element will NOT be allowed at Level 7.

B. To allow Level 7 and 8 athletes to perform the Un even Bar element listed in the FIG Code as "C" - # 2.307 and receive two "B" elements (Uprise to Clear support and Clear hip circle to h andstand)

Motion - M. Dykes

Second - P. Bileck

PASSED

C. To add to the Jr. Olympic Element supplement as Uneven Bar #2.406 an Uprise to handstand with 112 tum to L or mixed L grip (#2.306 in FIG Code).

Motion - C. Hamilton

Second - M. Dykes

PASSED

V. TECHNICAL CLARI FICATIONS A. Use of elements with push off the feet (for Elite and Level 10)

Elite: All casts to squat, stoop, stradd le on will receive 0.05 each. One cast to squat (stoop) on and sale circle to jump to HB is allowed without penalty. Any additional cast sale circle to jump to HB will receive 0.05 each time.

Level 10: One cas t squat (stoop, straddle) on or cas t squat on to sale cir­cle will be allowed without penalty Any additional cast squat (stoop, straddle) or cast to sale circle and jump to HB will receive a penalty of 0.05 each time.

Level 8 & 9: There is no specific apparatus ded uction for the use of ele­ments with push off from the feet.

B. Affiliation of judges

Clarification: A certified Women's gymnastics judge has a son or daugh­ter enrolled in a gymnastics club's boy's or rhythmic team or class pro­gram, he/she will not be considered "affiliated" with that club w hen being assigned to a women's artistic gymnastics competition. Also, if the judge has a daughter in pre-school or girls' artistic classes, he/ she w ill not be considered "affiliated" with the club when being assigned to judge a women's competition.

Meeting adjourned at 4:30 PM. Next meeting is scheduled for September 26-28, 1997 in Reno, NV

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 1997- 98 WOMEN'S JR. OLYMPIC

LEVEL 9 LEVEL 10

JUNIOR A Born February 1, 1985 or later Born in January 1984 or later (must be 8 yrs. of age to compete) (must be 9 yrs. of age to compete)

JUNIOR B Born between October 1, 1983 Born between June 1, 1982 and and January 31, 1985 December 31 , 1983

SENIOR A Born between May 1, 1982 and Born between February 1, 1981 September 30, 1983 and May 31 , 1982

SENIOR B Born in April 1982 or earlier Born in January 1981 and earlier

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1997 WOMEN'S JR. OLYMPIC TECHNICAL HANDBOOK FOR COACHES AND JUDGES ERRATA Please make the following corrections:

Page Correction

8 II. A. 14. Add a fifth bullet • Underwear (including sports bra) should not be visible.

9 16. Change to read: Applies the penalties for undisciplined or unsportsmanlike behavior of the coach and/or gymnast.

10 14. g. Change to read: Gymnast wearing hip or heel padding and/or jewelry (exception: stud earrings).

11 14. Add m. Coach standing between the bars throughout the entire exercise 0.10 n. Excessive use of magnesia (chalk) on Bars, Beam and Floor Exercise: 0.10

1) Small markings may be placed on the Beam. 2) Spreading of magnesia on the Floor Exercise mat is not allowed however, small marks are allowed.

20 Add: o. Coach standing between the bars throughout the entire exercise (taken by the Chief Judge) 0.10

27 I. Optional Exercise Requirement Formula D. Execution Change: Elite to 4.00

Level 10 to 4.50 Level 9 to 4.90 Level 8 to 5.60

35 E. Change 2nd line to read: Level 10 (3A, 3 B, 2 C) = 8 required Value Parts

50 Change B. to D. Changes in Element Values for the Jr. Olympic program Add to Underswings and Clear Hips

3.204 Handstand on HB-Clear hip circle with 1;2 turn (1800) and flight over LB to hang = C Value for JO

51 D. 1. b. CLARIFICATIONS: Delete "in or after handstand"

53 F. 1. Change to read: Cast or Uprise to Handstand (without turn) and Flights to Handstand (on LB) must go to within 200 of vertical to receive Value Part credit. Example: Cast to within 100 of vertical=VP with no deduction

Cast to 110 to 200 of vertical=VP plus up to 0.10 deduction If element is finished at an angle greater than 200 from vertical, recognize it as the lower valued element. (Examples-1) Attempts a Straddle Back to HS - goes to 450

, award B for Straddle Back to hang on LB 2) Attempts Straight body cast to Handstand, goes to 600 = 0 Value Part

58 J. Exercise without a dismount: 3rd line: change (0.10) to (0.20) in reference to no "B" dismount at Levels 9 and 10 or "A" dismount at Level 8.

59 I. B. 9. Change deduction to 0.30 (delete "up to")

60 Top of page: Change to read: Deductions for Insufficient Amplitude of Body at Turn Completion for Handstand Pirouettes and Hop Grip Changes. Delete ... and Flights to Handstand (on LB). For the J.O. Program: Deductions for Turn after HS to L or mixed L grip Delete specific angle deductions and angle illustration. Add: Deduct "Up to 0.20" (Medium execution fault of "Turns incomplete or ended too late.")

68 II. B. 3. Delete last sentence (in parenthesis).

75 H. 3. Turns and Leap/Jumps/Hops with turn: On the diagram, delete deductions for "Overturn" (found in bottom half of circle).

78 f. Second paragraph should be under g. Tuck Jump (hop) with one leg extended horizontally forward with turn (Wolf hop w ith turn).

93 III. A. Under Examples: after the symbols, change to read "Award C + C (+0.20) and C + D (+0.20) for a total of +0.40.

94 III. D. Change to read" When a "D" or "E" element is repeated, even when performed with a different connection before and/ or after, it may NOT receive a second D/E bonus.

95 II. B. 2.Correct the spelling of "minimum" to minimum.

99 D. Under LEAPS, JUMPS AND HOPS Change last number from 1.105 to 1.102.

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118 N. Examples.

Add #3. Round-off, whipsalto, flic-flac, Salto Backward with 21/2 twist, Front Handspring, Front Saito Tucked

A D A

Principles applied: 11.5.1 A + D = +0.10 Spec. Conn. Bonus 11 .5.1 D + A = +0.10 Spec. Conn. Bonus

Always apply principles to the benefit of the athlete.

Add #4. Round-off, whipsalto, flic-flac, Saito Backward with 11/2 twist, Front Handspring, Front Salto Tucked

A C A = No Special Connection Bonus

No bonus can be awarded since the AAC Indirect COlU1ection requires that the As preceed the C and there is no principle for A + C Indirectly cOlU1ected.

Appendix i

Appendix ix & xi

Appendix xix

Add to Group 4 Round-off Entry Vaults:

S4.323 RO FF - 11/2 twist off

S4.421 RO FF - 2/ 1 twist off

9.6

9.9

Add to FX Special Connection Bonus - Under 0.10 for Acro Indirect: - A + A + D

Difficulty Restrictions for Level 8: Change last sentence to read (exception: Cast to HS or Clear Hip HS with 1800 turn receives "B" on UB). Special Requirements- Level 8 Bars: #3 should read 1 (one) Flight element, minimum of B

NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR All nominees for positions must be USA Gymnastics Women's Program Professional Members in good

standing for a minimum of two consecutive years, be at least 21 years old, and meet the prerequisites in Article VI of the Operating Code, Sections F, G, I, and J found in the Women's Rules and Policies.

Three year term - 1997-2000 1. National Administrative Board Chairman

Must have been a member on the National Administrative Board for a minimum of four years.

I NOMINATE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The National Chair shall be elected by the National Administrative Board. Term of office will begin at the conclusion of the election process on or before February 15, 1998.

Nominations are to be sent to the Women's Program Director, USA Gymnastics office by December 15, 1997.

Women's Notional Program Director USA Gymnastics

Pan American Plaza, Suite 300 201 South Capitol Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46225 fox: 317-237-5069

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ELITE PROGRAM COMMITTEE July 25, 1997

Seattle, Washington

I. Roll Call: Region I Region II Region III Region IV Region V Region VI Region VII Region VIII EPCC ETC WPA EPM

David McCreary (absent) Brad Loan Russ Ward Jim Chudy Mary Lee Tracy Tony Retrossi Gary Anderson Ray Gnat Roe Kreutzer Audrey Schweyer Kathy Kelly Gary WalTen

Meeting ca lled to order at 8:00 AM. by Chairman Roe Krelltzer.

II. Welcome Kreutzer welcomed the new members to the committee and thanked the retiring committee members, Tom Forster from Region III and Byron Knox from Region VI. Both gentlemen served the committee well for a number of years and were instrumental to the success of the Elite Program.

III. Minutes Recommendation to approve the minutes of the last meeting as published.

Motion-Gary Anderson

Second-Tony Retrosi

PASSED

IV. Committee Responsibilities Kreutzer asked that members of the committee review their Duties and Responsibilities as listed in the Rules and Policies. Communication is vital to smooth implementation of programs. Organization is important as well. We need to organize, especially the calendar, to ensure elite pro­gram activities do not conflict with other programs. Kreutzer urged the committee members to communicate with all members of the regional board and each other.

V. Regional Reports Kreutzer collected the written reports from the regions. It was suggested that the report form for meets in the back of the R & P be completed for each elite regional function . This would give a much clearer financial pic­ture and not be a duplication of efforts by the committee members. This form would be in addition to the other report forms.

Some regions are ready to begin the parent sessions at the regional elite training camps. The sport science specialist will be informed so that they will be adequately prepared should they be assigned to a region that includes this session this year.

Kelly collected the request forms from the committee for the regional elite training camps. To avoid conflicts that existed this last spring, pre­planning is necessary. All assignments will be confirmed with the s taff and the sport science personnel and communicated to the REPC by September 1. This should give plenty of time to promote and organize your event.

VI. Support Programs Support Programs were reviewed . Kelly pointed out the only change to the Athlete Support Program and explained that the criteria of involve­ment in other "pro" events would not deem the athlete ineligible to receive funds from USAG.

Recommendation that petitioned national team members do fulfill the eligibility criteria for the Club Support Program, but the athlete MUST compete in the first season or be seen and approved by a member of the national coaching staff as currently working in the elite program.

Motion-Mary Lee Tracy

Second- Jim Chudy

PASSED-(Region III abstained)

Warren explained the pending John Hancock Sponsorship and the criteria that will be used to determine the "rank order" of the 60 elite clubs that will participate in the sponsorship program. Order of the clubs will be determined by athlete participation at: Championships, Classics, Challenge, Regionals (International-National) , Tops National Team Members. Full details will be ready by 1997 John Hancock U.s. Gymnastics Championships.

VII. National Testing Program Recommendation that all national elite athletes attain a testing score each year at the appropriate level.

Motion-David McCreary

Second-Gary Anderson

PASSED

Recommendation to allow the gymnast to perform a Handspring Vault as described in the current Testing Program or a Handspring Vault to a stand with the addition of matting to the level with the horse. Motion-Mary Lee Tracy

Second-Jim Chudy

PASSED

Recommendation that the following deduction will be included in the Testing Program for Vault if the Handspring Vault to a stand is per­formed.

Lack of Rise

Incorrect Body Position

Motion-Ray Gnat

Second-Mary Lee Tracy

PASSED

up to 0.50

up to 0.50

CLARIFICATION: In the national testing program ALL falls on beam are deducted with a penalty of a fla t deduction of 0.50.

Recommendation to accept McCreary's proposal to require that the legs be together on the upswing phase of the Front Giant in the Uneven Bars in the National Testing Program. This applies to all age divisions. The deduction applied for straddling of the legs is a flat 0.20.

Motion-Tony Retrossi

Second- Brad Loan

PASSED

VIII. Competitive Structure The committee discussed in depth the competitive structure of the elite program. The following recommendations were made.

Recommendation for the regional, challenge, and classics meets and to the International Program Committee for consideration for National Championships that the following vaulting rules be used for the 1997-1998 year.

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Bonus applies ONLY to successfully completed vaults from two differ­ent groups as listed:

C Value Vault + C Value Vault = C Value Vault + D Value Vault =

D Value Vault + D Value Vault = (OR more diff)

Motion- Mary Lee Tracy

Second- Gary Anderson

PASSED

0.10

0.10

0.20

The committee reviewed the charts in the R & P and the Elite Section. Kelly will update and send copies to the committee for approval prior to printing the new book.

Recommendation to approve the Elite Section of the Rules and Policies as amended.

Motion- Gary Anderson

Second-Brad Loan

PASSED

Recommendation to expand the eligibility criteria for petitions to National Championships to include past national team members or the previous year's qualifiers to Championships.

Motion- Gary Anderson

Second- Tony Retrosi

PASSED

Recommendation to waive the 1997 World Championships, the Goodwill Games team, the Senior Pacific Alliance team and the Junior Pan American team to the 1998 USA Championships.

Motion-Gary Anderson

Second- Mary Lee Tracy

PASSED

Recommendation to accept the following awards program for use at Elite Regional Meets.

AA Medals for each level, each age division for 1/2 the total # of entries.

TOP athletes will receive a small "participation" medal.

Motion-Gary Anderson

Second-Mary Lee Tracy

PASSED

IX. TOPS Program Gary Warren presented the proposal for introduction of a competitive aspect to the Tops Program which will be incorporated into the elite com­petition.

Recommendation to accept the proposal as amended.

Motion-Gary Anderson

Second-Ray Gnat

PASSED

Gary Warren also distributed the new text for the Tops Program.

Recommendation to accept the changes in the Tops Testing and imple­ment the new text immediately for use at the 1997 national testings.

Motion- Tony Retrosi

Second- Mary Lee Tracy

PASSED

X. Calendar CLA RIFICATION: The dale of the 1988 American Classic is February 20-22.

There is a possibility that the American Challenge and the American Classic could be combined. The office will work with the meet directors and / or those who have bids on the meets.

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exercises. Scripl is induded. (31h hours-2Iapes)

#2191 ••••••• $29.95

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1997-2000 Women's Level 5/6 Judges

Training Video

VIDEOS & BOOKS 1991-2001 Women's Le'O'el9 Judges Training Video

Level 9 in regular speed and slow molion for practice judging.

#2193 •• • • • •••••• $19.95

1991-2000 Women's Le'O'ell0 Judges Training Video

OplionallevellO in regular speed and slow motion for practice judging. Indudes scripl indicating slarl value, deductions, and score.

#2194 •••• ••••• • • $19.95

USA GYMNASTICS

1997-2000 Women's Level 10 Judges

Training Video

USA GYMNASTICS

1997-2000 Women's Level 9 Judges

Training Video

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COACIDNG DA Y IN THE GYM Video Serie!!i Serie. D •• aiplian:

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Elite leTel - Cinc:innafi Gymna!!itiC:!!i Ac:ademy Featuring an Elite Level workout from Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy with Olympic coach, Mary Lee Tracy and Olympic Gold Medalists, Amanda Borden and Jaycie Phelps. 2 tape set #2705 ........ . ... ... $29.95

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GENERAL GYMNASTICS 1996 U.S. National GyrnFe!!if Anaheim, CA. Gymnastics really is for everyone at GymFest! These topes include every performance from Gym Fest plus the Opening Ceremonies and the Gala Showcase. USA participants of Gym Fest were joined by the fantastic and creative, FLIP Acrobatic Club from the country of Siovinia. The USA National Group Routine that will be used at Gymnaestrada in 1999 is a highlight of the Gala Showcase,

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WOMEN'S Atlanta 1996 Technical Video-Women'!!i Team Optional!!i' Features all teams from Atlanta as well as individual athletes competing for other countries. Including the gold medal win· ning USA, RUS, ROM, CHN, BLR, UKR, FRA, GRE, AUS, HUN, JPN, ESP. 6 tape set: all events #2950 ....... ........ $49.95

Atlanta 1996 T ec:Lnical Video-W omen'!!i AII­Around' Features all competing athletes. Including the gold medal winning Lilia Podkopayeva (UKR), S. Miller, D. Dawes and D. Moceanu (USA), G. Gogen, L. Milosovici and S. Amonar (ROM), D. Kochetkova, S. Chorkina and R. Galiyeva (RUS), Mo Huilan (CHN), S. Boguinskaia and Y. Piskun (BLR) and athletes competing from other countries. This video available to USA Gymnastics members on~. 4 tape set: all events #2951 ............ .. . $29.95

Atlanta 1996 T ec:hnic:al Video-Women'!!i ETenl Finals' Features all competitors, including: Lilia Podkopayeva (UKR), S. Miller, A. Chow, D. Dawes and D. Moceanu (USA), G. Gogen, L. Milosovici, A. Marinescu and S. Amanar (ROM), D. Kochetkova, S. Chorkina and R. Galiyeva (RUS), Mo Huilan (CHN), S. Boguinskaia and other athletes. This video available to USA Gymnastics

members only. 1 tope: all events #2952 . . .......... . .. $19.95

1991 Arneric:an Cla!!i!!iic Junior Optional!!i #2957 ........ . ...... $19.95

1991 American Cla!!i!!iic: Junior Optional!!i #2958 . .. . .......... . $19.95

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RHYTHMIC Atlanta 1996 T eclmic:al Video-Rhythmic Group Preliminarie!!i • Features all teams from Atlanta. Including: USA, ESp, BUL, BLR, FRA, CHN, RUS, GER and ITA. This video available to USA Gymnastics members only. 1 Tape: all events #2953 ....... .. .. . ... $19.95

Atlanta 1996 T ec:hnic:aI Video-Rhythmic Indi..-idual PreliIninarie!!i ' Features all competing athletes. Including: Jessica Davis (USA), E. Serebryanskaya, E. Vitrichenko (UKR), I. Batyrchino and A. Zaripova (RUS), D. Popova and M.

Petrova (BUll, L. Loukanenko and T. Ogryzko (BLR), as well as athletes from ESp, FRA, CAN, GRE, ROM, GER, ITA, CHN, JPN, POL, CZE, HUN, AUT, GEO, BEL, FIN and LTU. This video available to USA Gymnastics members only. 4 tope set: all events #2954 ............... $29.95

1991 American Cla!!i!!iic Features competitors: Alecio Albe, Sasha Chernenko, Liriel Higa, Natalie Lacuesta, Tara McCargo, Melissa McElroy, Meaghan Muller, Kassy Scharringhausen, Johanna Shoemaker, Ellie Takahashi and Tina Tharp. 2 tape set. #2326 .. ............. $29.95

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1995 Pan American Game!!i Straight from Mar Del Plato, Argentino: Men's Preliminaries and finals. See the U.S. men's team triumph! Camcorder footage token from the stands. #2247 .... .... .. ..... $19.95

PLEASE NOTE: *AII USA Gymnastics videos are designed to be used for educational purposes by gymnas· tics coaches and judges. All videos are produced with commercial equipment by amateur videographers unless otherwise stated. Our OlympiC technical videos are presented from one camera angle and show the entire exercise without cues, close-ups or other effects and enhancements. Except for women's floor exercise, the videos do not have sound. The Atlanta technical videos are ava ilable for purchase to USA Gymnastics members only.

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Be Great Teachers!

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~~ __ 14~,.. 'III*""

Women's Minutes continued from page 33

Recommendation to use the following minimum scores for mobility, effective immediately:

LevelS to Level 6 31.00 AA Level 6 to Level 7 Level 7 to Level 8

31.00 AA 31.00 AA

Motion - Cheryl Jarrett

Second - Laurie Reid

PASSED - 6 for, 1 opposed

Note: that the mobilihJ scores for Level 8 to 9 and 9 to 10 both remnil1 at 34.00 AA.

IV. LEVEL 9 QUALIFYING SCORES Recommendation to set the qualifying score to Level 9 Regional at 34.00 AA.

Motion - N. Resnick

Second - C. Jarrett

PASSED

Recommendation to set the following Level 9 qualifying scores:

Qualification to Sectional Meet 31.00 AA Qualification to State Meet 32.00 AA

Motion - L. Reid

Second - N. Resnick

PASSED

NOTICE TO MEMBERSHIP The following Membership Statement has been adopted

by the Board of Directors of USA Gymnastics: Membership in USA Gymnastics is a privilege granted by

USA Gymnastics. That privilege can be withdrawn by USA Gymnastics at any time where a member's conduct is determined to be inconsistent with the best interest of the sport of gymnastics and of the athletes we are servicing.

The following former professional members have had their membership with USA Gymnastics terminated and will not be allowed to renew their membership: Charles Theodore Bates Minnesota Vince Brown South Carolina Larry Dutch Maine Matthew H. Erichsen Washington William Alexander Etheridge Tennessee Rick Feuerstein California Joseph Fountain Maryland Roy Larry Gallagher Pennsylvania Robert Allen Garner (Bob) Tennessee Ricardo "Chico" Goddard New York Robert Dean Head Kentucky Frank Hohman, Jr. Pennsylvania Milos Hroch California John S. Moore West Virginia William Munsinger Minnesota William M. Parmenter Florida John H. Row Delaware Steve Shirley Missouri Blake Steven Starr Utah Mark Swift Florida Freddie Eugene Tafoya, Jr. California Brent Trottier Washington Joel Valasquez Oregon Steve Waples Texas Lyf Christian Wildenberg Minnesota

V. VAULT APPARATUS SPECIFICATIONS Since the FIG will be raising the horse height 5 cm as of January 1, 1998, the committee discussed allowing the Jr. Olympic athletes the option to use the 125 cm horse height for the 1997-98 season.

Recommendation to allow all levels of Jr. Olympic athletes to use the following height specifications, effective immediately:

Senior age division: 120 or 125 cm (exception: Level 4/5 gymnasts in the Jr/Sr. division of 12 yrs and over may also lower the horse to 110 or 115)

Junior age division: 110,115,120 or 125 cm Child age division: 110, 115, 120 or 125 cm

In addition, Compulsory level (4-6) gymnasts ages 6-11 and Optional level (7-10) gymnasts ages 8-11 may lower the horse to 100 cm.

Motion - T. Rand

Second - L. Goldsmith

PASSED

Meeting adjoul'I1ed at 12:30 PM. Next meeting is scheduled for December 6-7 ill

Tulsa, Oklnhoma.

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WOMEN1S GYMNASTICS 1

WOMEN'S TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING September 26-28, 1997

Reno, Nevada

I. ROLL CALL Meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by Audrey Schweyer- NET Chairman

Present: NETC Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 7 Region 8 JOPC Chairman WABC NAWGJ JO Program Manager

Absent: Chairman Region 6 EPC WPD NCAA Rep. JCI

Audrey Schweyer, Fri./Sat. Pam Bileck Linda Mulvihill Carole Bunge, Sat./Sun. Judged Pacific Alliance 011 fI'. Linda Thorberg Char Christensen Cheryl Hamilton Marian Dykes Tom Koll, Fri./Sat. Kathy Feldmann, Sat./Sun. Yvonne Hodge Connie Maloney

Marilyn Cross Cindy Sielski Roe Kreutzer Kathy Kelly Pat Panichas Delene Darst

II. OFFICIAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION The committee would like to remind the gymnastics community that the only official source of currently correct technical information for the Jr. Olympic Program is generated by the USAG Women's Technical Committee (FIG/Elite official information is generated by the FIG-WTC) and can be found in Technique, USAG Online and other USAG publica­tions. All other sources of technical information should be considered as unofficial.

III. COMPULSORY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS A.GENERAL

1. Clarification of the application of "steps on landing deduction" (This also applies to Optional levels): A Step-close is considered one step and receives a 0.10 deduction. A very small step-dose or other small foot movement would receive 0.05 deduction. If the gymnst is out of control or has additional move­ments to maintain after the step(s), additional deductions may be applied. Examples of one step = 0.10:

a. The gymnast takes one step fQrward, sideward or backward on the Right foot, then returns the Right foot to join the Left foot, or

b. Steps forward, backward or sideward on the Right foot, then brings the Left foot to join Right foot.

2. Incorrect Body position deductions Motion to add the following to the J.O. Compulsory book - General Faults and Penalties, page 157, II. Execution, A, effective January 1, 1998: Incorrect body alignment, position, or posture - add "during major elements" Each up to 0.20 Add new deduction: Incorrect body alignment, position or posture during connections

(General deduction for whole exercise) Up to 0.30 Motion - C. Hamilton

Second - C. Christensen

PASSED

3. Q: What deductions are taken if the gymnast begins a major element, falls, then repeats the missed/incomplete element? A: Execution and amplitude deductions are taken up to and including the fall. If a second attempt is made, start the evaluation at the point of interruption.

B. VAULT

1. Clarification of how the "up to 1.00" deduction is applied for "Too long in Support": If the gymnast leaves the horse by: • vertical no deduction . • from 12 to 452 deduct 0.05 - 0.50 • from 462 to horizontal deduct 0.55 - 1.00

C. BARS

1. Motion to delete the 0.50 deduction for "Failure to return to front support after cast to horizontal" for Level 5 Bars (Page 96), effective January 1, 1998.

Motion - C. Christensen Second - P. Bileck PASSED

Clarification: If following the front hip circle the gymnast casts to imme­diate squat on, she has deliberately omitted the major element of "Cast to horizontal, return to front support" and would receive a deduction of 1.00 plus 0.80.

2. LevelS Dismount: Clarification of "Failure to regrasp" up to 0.3 deduction The regrasp is defined as a controlled re-contact of the bar with the free hand. If the hand that releases the bar to initiate the turn does not make contact again with the bar, the gymnast would receive the maximum deduction of 0.30. A brush/slap of the bar would receive an "up to 0.20" deduction. The grip position of the support hand at the completion of the 1802 is optional. A grip change of the support hand during or at the com­pletion of the turn is not required, but is allowed.

3. Level 6 Clear Hip Circle: Clarification of the 0.80 deduction of "Hips touching bar as upswing finishes." This refers to the clear hip circle that finishes in a front sup­port. If the thighs brush the bar during the circle, it is considered as insufficient external amplitude (up to 0.20). If the 0.80 deduction is taken for hips finishing on the bar at the end of the circle, do not deduct for amplitude, only for any other execution errors.

4. Clarification of the evaluation of Compulsory exercises when a gymnast surpasses the required amplitude requirements: If, for example, the requirement is a 302 cast and one gymnast achieves a 30Q cast with perfect execution, and another gymnast achieves a cast to handstand with perfect execution, they both have fulfilled the requirement of the routine and therefore should be evaluated equally in regards to the specific element.

D. BEAM

1. Level 6 Dismount: Effective January 1, 1998, the Cross Handstand, "%

turn to Side Handstand "% turn off Dismount will have a value of 1.20.

Motion - C. Hamilton Second - L. Thorberg PASSED

Effective Januanj 1, 1998:

Please make the following changes to the J. O. Compulsory book, page 136:

Add to the Deduction Box: % turn to Side Handstand Incomplete = Up to 0.20 Example box: Add 0.20 incomplete turn to Side Handstand after (lack of hold-cross handstand)

Change = 0.90 to 1.10 and delete (Maximum of 0.80)

Change total deduction of 1.30 to 1.60.

E. FLOOR EX

1. Level 5 and 6 Front Handspring to two feet, also Front Handspring step-out in Level 6. The following change in deduction for the Level 5 and 6 Front Handspring to two feet, also Front Handspring step-out in Level 6 will be effective January 1, 1998:

Insufficient Repulsion = Up to 0.20 (Total lack of repulSion, i.e., Front Limber will remain as 0.60). Motion - C. Hamilton Second - L. Mulvihill PASSED

Note: Repulsion refers to quickness off the hands and horizontal speed, not hip rise.

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2. Level S Floor Pattern: Effective immediately, delete the deduction for incorrect floor pattern (direc­tion) for LevelS, since the LevelS gymnast may perform the routine on a tumbling strip, section of the floor mat or the entire floor exercise.

Motion - C. Bunge Second - C. Christensen PASSED

IV. OPTIONAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS A. LEVEL 7

1. GENERAL Any elements performed in addition to the specific requirements should be evaluated by applying the General Faults and Penalties from the FIG Code of Points.

2. VAULT Q: If a gymnast performs a Handspring vault, would Compulsory or Optional deductions be applied? A: Optional deductions, as found in the FIG Code of Points and rO. Technical Handbook.

3. BARS a. Q: If a gymnast performs a cast to 30Q

, then later in the exercise per forms a cast above 60Q

, has she fulfilled the 60Q cast requirement? If so, what deductions are applied to the first cast (or any additional casts that are less than 60Q)? A: The requirements do not have to be met in chronological order. This gymnast would fulfill the cast to a minimum of 60Q require­ment; however, the first or any additional cast(s) that are less than 60Q would be subject to deductions per the FIG Code of Point specific apparatus deduction of "Insufficient amplitude of casts and swings throughout the exercise" up to 0.20. It is suggested that the judge indicate the degree of cast while judging the routine, then go back to determine if the requirement was met and if not, which element was closest to meeting the requirement, then apply the insufficient amplitude deductions.

b. Q: If a gymnast performs two casts in her routine and neither of the casts are to 60Q

, what deductions are applied? A: She would receive a deduction of "up to 0.8" for insufficient amplitude on the required cast to 60Q

, according to the angle chart. In this case, the highest cast would be used to meet the 60° cast requirement and the appropriate deduction for insufficient ampli­tude would be applied, as found on page 23 of the J.O. Technical Handbook or page 150 of the Women's J.O. Compulsory Program book. Any additional casts that are less than 60Q would be considered under the FIG Code of Point specific apparatus deduction of "up to 0.20" for Insufficient amplitude of casts and swings throughout the exercise.

c. Q: If all casts in the exercise are a minimum of 60Q, are there any

general deductions for amplitude taken? A: No, the expectation at this level is a cast to 60Q (not to vertical); therefore, as long as that minimum has been met, there will not be any additional amplitude deductions. Execution deductions and internal amplitude deductions may be applied for all elements performed.

4. BEAM

a. Q: If a gymnast performs a Back Walkover, Back Walkover and fails to land with her feet on the beam on the second Back Walkover, would the series requirement be considered fulfilled ? A: Yes, but deduct for Incomplete requirement of non-flight Acro series - up to 0.80

b. Q: Gymnasts performs a Back Walkover, stops, then performs a second Back Walkover and fails to land with her feet on the beam. What deductions would be applied? A: Deduct 0.80 for the stop, up to 0.80 for failure to complete the requirement of a non-flight Acro series, 0.50 for the fall, plus any execution errors .

B. OPTIONAL LEVELS 8 - 10 1. BARS a. Q: If an element is performed with a 1800 turn to a mixed Lor L­

grip to finish with the backside leading (Higgins roll), what is the deduction for late completion of turn? A: Use the general deduction of up to 0.20 for insufficient ampli­tude at turn completion, as is used for the 360Q turns to Lor mixed­L grip (Healy turn). Note: this differs from the FIG/Elite evaluation, w hich uses the up to 0.30 with specific angle requirements.

b. Q: At Level 8, if a cast to handstand w ith 180Q turn (C element, but award B for Level 8) is performed, is the insufficient amplitude at turn completion deduction of Up to 0.30 used? A: Yes, the same as at Level 9 and 10. Refer to the chart in the J.O. Technical Handbook on page 60 or the FIG Code of Points, Appendix 1, page 1-1.

c. Q: What is the va lue ofa Cast Handstand, change grip (no hop) to a 360Q turn to L or Mixed L grip (Healy)? A: "D"-it is considered the same as #2.403; however, it may be subject to a rhy thm d eduction depending upon the continuity of the hand change.

d. Q: If after completing a Shaposhnikova (clear hip circle on LB, release and ca tch HB) or a va riation of that element, the gymnast swings backward , then swings forward to initiate an element such as a Pak saIto or an Underswing 180Q turn to Handstand on Low Bar, would it be considered a direct connection? A: Yes, the backward swing is the completion of the element. Therefore, if the Shaposhikova (D) is followed by a C (with flight or tum) or 0 element, it would be eligible for Special COlmection Bonus.

e. Q: Is the Glide 180Q turn to Glide kip considered as a Value part? A: Yes, it is an "A" element and will be added to the USAG Jr. Olympic Element Supplement as #51.109

f. Q: In the Jr. Olympic program, w hat deductions are taken for casts performed short of vertical? A: If a cast is performed:

• between vertical and 10Q, it receives Value part credit and

there is no deduction for insufficient amplitude. If several casts are executed slightly short of vertical (between 1" - lOQ

) a 0.05 compositional deduction for insufficient amplitude of casts throughout the exercise is taken.

• between lJO and 200, award Value Part credit, and deduct 0.05 - 0.10. • between 21-45Q

, no Value Part credit is awarded and a 0.05 d eduction is taken each time for the second and subsequent casts. (One cast to 21"-45Q may be performed w ithout penalty.)

• below 45Q, no Value Part credit awarded and deduct 0.10 each

time for composition. g. Q: If a gymnast performs a cast to squat, stoop or s traddle on,

would the cast be subject to the insufficient amplitude above listed cast deductions? A: No, the cast squat on (J.O. Element Sllpplement # 52.104) is considered one element, with no amplitude requirement on the cast.

h. Q: Is there a deduction for composition if the gymnast performs a long swing forward to less than horizontal, then does a 1800

turn? A: Yes, this is considered as a part with no value and will receive a 0.10 compositional d eduction.

Note: If the forward swing is performed between horizontal and 44 Q, then the

180Q turn occurs, it is considered an "A" element (#4.101). If performed to 45 Q

or above, it is considered a "B" element (#4.201).

2. BEAM

a. Q: For the Jr. Olympic program, is a one-arm flic-flac considered a different element than a two arm flic-flac for the counting of Value Parts? A: Yes, for the Jr. Olympic program only.

Note: This differs from FIG/Elite. With FIG rules, the same type of flic-flac performed with one or two arms is considered the same element.

b. Q: If the gynmast attempts to mount the apparatus (Bars or Beam) and balks two times, then on the third attempt performs a "0 or E" mount w ith less than a 0.20 error, w ill the 0 or E be eligible for additional D/E bonus or does the 0.50 deduction for taking a third attempt negate the bonus? A: The 0.50 d eduction is for taking a third attempt . If the mount element itself is performed w ith less than 0.20 deduction, it is still eligible for bonus.

Note: Please make this change in the J.O .Technical Handbook, pages 48 and 70, #7 - statement fo llowing last example.

3. FLOOR EXERCISE

a. As clarified by FIG, delete the following from the J.o. Technical Handbook, page 107, E. 4 - In order to use a handstand piroue tte in a

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series, it must have flight into the handstand and be the final element in the series. Clarification: A handstand pirouette lIlay be 1.lsed in a mixed series, provided that the pirouette and the connection is a continuolls movement.

b. Q: Does a gymnas tics element performed within an acro series break the indirect acro connection for Special Requirement and / or Special Connection bonus? A: Yes. Example: Round-off, f1ic-f1ac, 2/ 1 Back saito, Straddle Jump, Front Saito tucked.

The two saito acro series Special Requirement is NOT fulfilled (Straddle jump breaks connection).

One acro series of three flight elements with one saito is fulfilled by per­fo rming the RO, FF, Double back saito, OR a mixed series of Double back, Straddle Jump, Front saito is awarded, but not both.

No bonus is awarded for Indirect Acro connection of 0 + A.

Bonus of + 0.10 for the mixed cOlU1ection of Double Back (D) + Straddle Jump (B-for J.O.) is awarded .

Correction to the r O. Technical Handbook, page 109 III. Example C: In the sec­ond series of symbols, the loop should be 1.lnder the last three symbols only (Flic­flac , flic-flac, Double back salta) to indicate that the aero series is fu lfi lled.

V. ELITE PROGRAM AND TEC HNICAL REPORT A. Schweyer reported that a review of the Elite Course was being made, with recommendations for future courses to be directed to K. Kelly at the national office.

Active Status was reviewed and the committee members were reminded that the Regional Elite judging assignments should be made in conjunction w ith the Regional Elite Program Chairman.

Change in Rules and Policies for Elite Active Status :

In order to be considered for assignment to the Regional Elite meets, Challenge meets and /or National Gymnastics Festival, the judge must w ithin the current season (beginning with National USAG Congress until July 31 of the following year) either

a. attend one Elite clinic at which the Elite Testing program is covered, or b. practice judge at a Regional Elite meet at which the Elite Testing is

performed.

Motion - M. Dykes

Second - C. Hamilton

PASSED

Note: All Elite and Brevet judges are reminded to fi le their active status with their Regional Technical Chairma n.

VI. NAWGJ REPORT · Y. Hodge NAWGJ President Yvonne Hodge d istributed a written report of NAWGJ activities to the Technical committee.

She reported that the NAWGJ National Symposium in June 1997 was a big success and that 325 judging certification exams were administered .

The 1998 National Judges Cup will be held January 9-11 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The new USAG Judges' Fee Structure is now in effec t. It was printed in the Techn ique magazine Volume 17, #8, page 33-35. Please note that there was an error on page 35 in the Per Diem box, under Overnight: change Max. of $30/ day to $35/day.

VII. JR. OLYMPIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE REPORT· T. Koll Tom Koll reported that a JOPC Conference Call was conducted on Sept. 19, 1997. The decision was made to lower the mobility score for Level 5 to 6, 6 to 7 and 7 to 8 to a 31.00 AA.

H e also made the WTC aware of the decisions to be made in regards to Regional apparel for Level 9 Easterns and Westerns and reminded them that it is a Regional Board decision, not just the RJOPC's decision.

VIII. WOMEN'S ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD REPORT Kathy Feldmann reported that there will be an election for the National Chair of the Administrative Board due to the fact that she has taken a full time position at USA Gymnastics as the Director of Member Services. The call for nominations will be in the November / December issue of Techniq ue Magazine.

Ka thy Ostberg was elected the WAB Assistant National Chair at the las t meeting of the board at National Congress in Denver.

The elections for the positions of National Technical Chair, Na tional Elite Technical Chair and the National Junior Olympic Chair will take place in 1998. The call of nominations w ill be in the February Techn iq ue magazine. The election time lines and process is outlined in the Operating Code of the Rules & Policies book. The new term of office will begin on September 1, 1998.

A reminder that all Professional Members must be Safety Certified begin­ning August 1, 1998. There are a total of 135 Pro Members currently w ho are under 18 years of age. We will check to see how many are from women's program and we will need to determine if we can " grandfa­ther" these people or if we can only allow under 18 years exceptions for those that are judges.

K. Feldmann and C. Maloney have been working on the Rules & Policies book. The goal is to have it printed in early October and in the hands of our professional members by the end of October.

The administrative board made three suggestions to membership depart­ment regarding the timing of registering as a Team Member. There have been some problems in the past, especially this past summer, regarding TOPS and other new gymnasts with regards to a June/July sign up tim e so that they can attend the summer activities without having to pay in full again on August 1. The suggestions have been forwarded to Member Services and a decision will be made shortly.

Please continue the good working relationship with all of your regional officers. Good communication is a must. The work load is great for all of the committees. All of these people are doing an incredible job. But, it is most important that the Regional Board works together, keeping in mind that the Regional Chair is the coordinator /facilita tor for the region. The RC must be informed of all committee decisions especially those decisions that have a financial impact on the region. Financial items that are tied into National competitions, clinics, workshops, camps or con­gresses that effect the regional budget must be brought for th to the administrative board for approval.

IX. JU DGES' TRAINING VIDEOS The majority of the meeting was spent reviewing and finalizing the scripts for the Level 5/6 Compulsory and Level 9 and 10 Optional Judges' Training videos. The Level 5/6 Video and script will be available by October 10 and the Level 9 and 10 videos will be available by the end of October.

C. Hamilton is sending the compiled script for the Level 9 video to the RTC's for their final review.

C. Maloney is compiling add itional ques tions and answers on compul­sory and optional exercises and will send to the WTC for their corrections and approva l.

X. FUTURE PROJECTS C. Maloney will edit the Level 8 Judges' Training video within the next few weeks and will send to the RTC's for evaluation. Other projects to be completed at the next WTC meeting are: Level 7 Judges' Training video and a USAG Technique video for all events.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 6-8 in Ft. Worth, Texas in conjunction with the American Cup.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:30 AM, Sunday, September 28, 1997.

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POSITION AVAILABLE FOR SALE

POSITION AVAILABLE Looking for a change of PACE or PLACE? Immediate full time opening for experienced women 's program L 8-10 coach/administrator with strong spotting skills, certification, and PDP I accreditation. First aid/CPR a bonus. Salary $25-30K range. Benefits fea­ture 6 weeks of vacation, health insurance, and potential for business own­ership. Start date negotiable. Also seeking qualified Level 4-7 coaches, preschool/class instructors. Continuing education avai lable locally at the Salisbury State University. Stable program in 25th year on Maryland 's Eastern Shore in 8,000 sf air conditioned gym. FAX verifiable resume with references to 410-860-9039, call Delmarva Gymnastic Academy, Inc. at 410-742-2053 or e-mail to (hastings@shore.intercom.net ) for further information.

NEW! EMPLOYEE MANUAL (Plus MS Word disk) - $39.95. Imagine, a complete gymnastics staff manual. All you need to do is edit it for your pro­gram and print it out. Or, perhaps you would like our "WELCOME TO THE TEAM" manual that also comes on computer disk for $25.00. The Team man­ual covers several aspects of the sport parents and team gymnasts need to know. Send your check (plus $3.50 shipping and handling) to: Richardson Publishing, P.O. Box 5035, Salisbury, NC 28144. Send self-addressed stamped envelope for more information.

•

MEN'S GYMNASTICS COACH. Excellent Men's Gymnastics program in St. Louis in search for an Assistant Coach, Class 7 through 1 in state of art facility. Committed to competing on the highest levels in the U.S. Excellent position for a young coach who wishes to coach boys that are highly motivated. Description: Coaching 30 Hrs/wk with some administra­tive duties , Salary Negotiable, Benefits: Insurance & vacation, Part time position also available. For more information call Ray Overmann (314)291-7745. Team Central, 2675 Metro Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63043.

ENERGETIC PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS INSTRUCTOR for Established Preschool Program in Spring, Texas, just north of Houston. Must love teaching ages 2 1/2 through 6 and be able to interface well with parents. Ability to teach girls levels 1 and 2, tumbling, hirthday parties, and bunk-ins a plus. Salary plus benefits to match experience. Send resume with cover letter and references to Basel 's All-Star Gymnastics, 4963 Louetta Rd. , Spring, TX 77379. 1-281-370-2882.

TEACHERS, COACHES AND DIRECTORS Rancho California Gymnastics and its 12,000 ft. faci lity wants you! Located 50 miles North of San Diego and 75 miles South East of Los Angeles. 10 year well established gym with over 450 students and 65 gymnasts on team (levels 5-10). Many great positions available, from preschool teachers to girls team head coach. Great opportunities and top salary to the right individuals. Send resume to: Craig Maurello at Rancho Cali fornia Gymnastics, 26860 Jefferson Ave. , Suite F, Murrieta, CA 92562. (909)677-7439. Fax (909)677-7430.

EASTERN NATIONAL ACADEMY is looking for Preschool and General program, Team coaches qualified in choreography and dance at a high level and knowledgeable in the compulsory division. ENA is in a per­fect location for any lifestyle, we are located centrally between the Metropolitan New York area and the Pennsylvania Poconno Mountains. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Contact Rich at 201-835-1665 or fax resume to 201-835-6225 or en a@ena . com

FULL/PART TIME POSITIONS, BOUNCIN' BEARS GYMNASTICS, Streamwood, lL-is seeking a Program Director for our Preschool/Elementary aged programs. This person needs the knowledge and pride to build a suc­cessful program. Duties include instructing/teaching, curriculum develop­ment, client management, and some business development. This position pays what you want to earn. This position is ideal for an individual that can work independently. Send Resume FAX 630-575-0220 or snail mail to 2053 Essex Court, Streamwood, lL60107-291 Attn.: Shelley Harrison.

CAMP WAYNE: Co-ed childrens' camp in Northeast Pennsylvania (21 / 2 hrs from NYC). If you really enjoy gymnastics and want to teach children (ages 6-16) we are looking for an Assistant Director and instructors for Gymnastics, Aerobics, Dance and Cheer leading. We offer a caring, fun-loving environment, rm/bd + salary. Write: 12 Allevard St., Lido Beach, NY 11561 or call 1-800-279-3019. Fax #=516-897-7339.

SOFTWARE FOR DUMMIES! SCORE MASTER, the most widely used system in the U.S. , scores the largest meet in the U.S., The Gasparilla, with over 2500 competitors. This score keeping system is very easy-to-use and has an on-line tutorial. Supports: mens/womens, individual/team, artistic/rhyth­mic, comp/optional competitions. It can graph scores over an entire season. Comes with a step-by-step user guide and a 90 day unconditional money back guarantee. For more info contact: Mark Mahoney, P.O. Box 31421, Charlotte, NC, 28231-1421 , (704)333-7005 or web site: www.score -master ·c om (software demo, info guide and user listing on web site).

GYM SOFTWARE. ClassManager Software. For Windows 95 and Macintosh. Mac or Windows graphical interface with mouse control and on­line help, NOT a DOS program. System records all vital family information, class registration, schedules, team placement, instructor data, and schedules, class assignments, birthday parties, etc. Maintains all tuition accounts, prints invoices and receipts, and a complete history of all payments and classes taken. Can include a built-in word processor for sending out customized let­ters for membership campaigns. Call for pricing: Atlantic Associates, 410 Boston Post Road, Suite 3, Sudbury, MA 01776; (978)443-0560 (voice) or (978)443-7351 (fax).

SPECIAL REPORT shows how you can make $1,000 to $3,000 in only a few hours per month. It can also help you build club enrollment! Complete information to run this successful event month after month. Every gymnastics program can benefit from this idea. The cost of this report is nothing up front and only 10% of what you make on the first event. To get your copy, send 3 first-class stamps plus your name and address to: Richardson Publishing, P.O. Box 5035, Salisbury, NC 28144. Increase your bottom line now!

GYMNERD-GYMNASTIC SCHOOL MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE (Windows!) GymNerd maintains database of student names, their classes, fees and payments. Features: class rosters, instructor schedules, invoices, mailing labels, payments and other fmancial data in a spreadsheet format , and much, much more. Very easy to learn, user friendly windows interface. Call us today for more info., or to add your requests to our wish list. $990. Contact: MassData Database Systems. Phone: 617-923-9977. Email:TheGymNerd@aol.com

To place a classified ad: $75 every 90 words. Deadline is the 10th of each month for the next published issue. Send payment to: USA Gymnastics, Classifieds Ads, Pan American Plaza, Suite 300, 201 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46225. Ads submiNed without payment WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. USA Gymnastics reserves the right to vary format.

Technique is received by more than 12,000 USA Gymnastics professional members, advertise your open position here for great results! Call Luan Peszek at 317-237-5050, ext. 246.

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( Event Schedule ) [NOTE: Dates and events sub;ect to change or cancellation]

DATE II OF DAYS DISCIPLINE EVENT SITE CONTACT PHONEII

DECEMBER 1997 4 4 W National TOP Training Camp Tulsa, OK Gary Warren 317-237-5050 11 7 M Senior National Team Training Camp Colo. Spgs., CO Ron Galimore 317-237-5050 14 10 M Junior Internotional Training Camp Minsk, Belarus Dennnis Mcintyre 317-237-5050

JANUARY 1998 24 1 MWR Reese's Gymnastics Cup St Petersburg, FL Jeff Olsen 317-237-5050

FEBRUARY 1998 13 2 M USA Gymnastics Winter Cup Challenge TBD Ran Galimore 317-237-5050 14 2 R Rhythmic Challenge Colo. Springs, CO Nora Campbell 317-237-5050 21 2 W American Classic TBD Kathy Kelly 317-237-5050

MARCH 1998 5 3 MW VISA American Cup Ft. Worth, TX Jeff Olsen 317-237-5050 8 1 MWR International 3 on 3 Gymnastics Champianships Ft. Worth, TX Jeff Olsen 317-237-5050 14 2 W American Challenge TBD Gary Warren 317-237-5050 27 2 MW Reebak International Team Championships (Jr./Sr.) Knoxville, TN Jeff Olsen 317-237-5050 28 2 W Level 10 State Meets Various Sites Connie Maloney 317-237-5050

APRIL 1998 4 W NCAA Regionals Various Sites NCAA 913-339-1906

11 W USA Gymnastics National Invitational Tournament Iowa City, IA Kathy Kelly 317-237-5050 16 3 W NCAA National Championships Los Angeles, CA NCAA 913-339-1906 18 2 W Level 10 Regional Championships Various Sites Connie Maloney 317-237-5050 18 2 R 10. Championships TBD Nora Campbell 317-237-5050

TBD MW USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships TBD Gary Alexander 317-237-5050 MAY 1998

7 3 M J.O. National Championships Battle Creek, MI Dennis Mcintyre 317-237-5050 8 4 W J.O. Championships Seattle, WA Connie Maloney 317-237-5050 8 3 R Rhythmic World Championships Sevilla, ESP Nora Campbell 317-237-5050 9 2 R RSG Eastern Open TBD Nora Campbell 317-237-5050 16 2 R RSG Western Open TBD Nora Campbell 317-237-5050 16 2 W Level 9 East/West Championships TBD Connie Maloney 317-237-5050

JUNE 1998 5 3 R U.S. Rhythmic National Championships TBD Nora Campbell 317-237-5050 11 2 W U.S. Challenge TBD Kathy Kelly 317-237-5050

TBD W Elite Regionals Various Sites Kathy Kelly 317-237-5050 JULY 1998

10 3 MWR Senior Pacific Alliance Championships Winnipeg, CAN Gary Alexander 317-237-5050 15 5 MWR PAGU Junior Championships San Antonio, TX Gary Alexander 317-237-5050 18 16 MWR Goodwill Games New York, NY Gary Alexander 317-237-5050 30 4 W U.S. Classic/National Gymnastics Festival TBD Kathy Kelly 317-237-5050

TBD R Pan American Group Championships TBD Nora Campbell 317-237-5050 TBD W Elite Regionals (International Only) Various Sites Kathy Kelly 317-237-5050

AUGUST 1998 19 4 MW John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships Indianapolis, IN Jeff Olsen 317-237-5050 20 3 MWR USA Gymnastics National Congress Indianapolis, IN Steve Whitlock 317-237-5050

TBD GG USA Gymnastics National GymFest TBD Steve Whitlock 317-237-5050 OCTOBER 1998

3 2 W TOP National Testing TBD Gary Warren 317-237-5050 10 2 W TOP National Testing TBD Gary Warren 317-237-5050 10 2 R J.O. Group Championships TBD Nora Campbell 317-237-5050

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1997 SAFETY CERTIFICATION SCHEDULE Updated 10-0ctober-97 Minimum age for Safety Certification is 18 years. Pre-Registration required at USA Gymnastics. Fax to 317-237-5069 with Credit Card Payment or mail registration with payment.

NOVEMBER 1997 Jonesboro, GA; 7:00-11 :00 p.m. Peach State Sports Center; Boys Reg 8 Training Clini( Course Dir: Chris Calvert 404-687-9911 Corono, CA; 4:00-8:00 p.m. KI PS, 2751 Green River Rd; 909-734-1888 Course Dir: Quin Shannon 619-681 -1980

2 Tulsa, OK; 1:00-5:00 p.m. American Gymnasti(s of Tulsa Lo(al (onta(t: Shelly Ma(k 918-664-2220 Course Dir: Wes Gedney 913-469-5554

8 Beaverton, OR; 9:00 a.m.-l :00 p.m. 15220 N. W. Greenbrier Pkwy #340 Course Dir: Ruth Sandoz 503-246-0818

9 Albuquerque, NM; 1 :00-5:00 p.m. Duke City Gymnasti(s Course Dir: Louise Jane(ky 505-662-9523, or 662-9118

9 Atlanta, GA; 9:00 a.m.-l :00 p.m. 3692 Ashford Dunwoody Rd Local conta(t: Theresa Cummings 770-451 -9622 Course Dir: Mike Goodale 706-738-6678

16 So. 8urlington, VT; 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Champlain Valley Gymnasti(s Course Dir: Woodie Clihon 802-863-4714

16 Mt. Laurel, NJ; 9:00 a.m.-J :00 p.m. Jersey Jets Gymnastics; 20A Roland Ave. Local conta(t: Eileen Houghton 609-273-2822 Course Dir: Phil Frank 609-786-3977

22 West Babylon, NY; 2:00-6:00 p.m. BKGC Local conta(t: Sue Rapp 516-422-0116 Course Dir: Ed Konopa 516-422-0116

r--------------------------------------------------, Participation Registration Form : Minimum age for safety Certification is 18 years. 1

1 Name: ______________________ :

Soc. Sec. # Birth Date : Address: _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-____ -_ -_ -_ -_ -_-_-_-_--------~l

City: State: Zip: 1 ----------- ---- ------: Telephone: (H) (W) _________ :

Course Dire(tor: ---------------------l: Course Lo(ation: ____________ Date: _____ --+: Organization represented: _________________ --;1

1

Professional or Instructor #: ----------------~

Current Safety Exp. Date: ________________ _

Form of Payment: 0 VISA o MasterCard 0 Discover o American Express Nome on Cord: ___________________ --+

Number: -----Exp. Date: / Signature: _____________ --+ --------------------------------------------------~

23 Vicksburg, MS; 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 3520 Manor Dr Local (onta(t: Pat Gray 504-673-8425, or 664-0858, or 638-6308 Course Dir: Ri(ky Garcia 205-655-7094

29 Strousburg, PA; 1:00-5:00 p.m. International Gymnastics Camp; RR8, Box 8002 Local contact: Bruno Klaus 717 -629-0244 Course Dir: Phil Frank 609-786-3977

29 Columbia, SC; 9:00 a.m.-l :30 p.m. Columbia Gymnasti(s Academy Local conta(t: Steve Macklin 803-561-9100 Course Dir: Kim Domagalski 330-745-8903

DECEMBER 1997 12 Columbia, SC; Time: TBD or Carolina Gym Center (in conjunction 13 with 2nd sectional)

Local contact: Wendy Lu(e 803-788-2911 Course Dir: Robert White 864-268-7740

• All materials (including the Safety Handbook) for 3rd Cycle (ourses are provided at the (ourse and are part of the course fee_

• Certification is good for four years. • To achieve Safety Certification, the

participant must be at least 18 years of age otthe time of the course.

Please make checks payable, in full, to USA Gymnastics Safety Certification

Mail registration form and payment 10:

USA Gymnastics Safety Pan American Plaza, Suite 300 201 South Capitol Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46225 or Fax 10 311·231·5069

~ PREFERS VISA-

Bulk Rate U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 7867 Indianapolis, IN

20 Louisville, KY; 2:00-7 :00 p.m. Holiday Inn - Hurstbourne; 1325 Hurstbourne Lane Course Dir: Steve S(hoenbae(hler 502 -4 58-8094

JANUARY 1998 1 0 Fullerton, CA; Time TBA or California State University 11 Lo(al contact: Tina Preston

714-558-3292 Course Dir: Quin Shannon 619-562-7667

11 Butte, MT; 9:00 a.m.-l :00 p.m_ Mile High Gymnasti(s Local contact: Jim Kelly 406-782-1554 Course Dir: Wally Price 406-259-2237

19 Penfield, NY; 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The Gymnastics Training Center of Ro(hester, Inc. Course Dir: Sarah Jane Clifford 716-388-8686

31 Federal Way; WA; 7:00-10:00 p.m. Federal Way High S(hool Local conta(t: David Mackey 206-815-0998 Course Dir: Leigh Eaton 360-577-6274

(ost: Pro-Member with Current Safety Certification wishing to recertify .. .. no (horge Pro-Member with expired or new Safety Certification . . ....... . .. _ $50.00 Instru(tor Member ........ ..... $50.00 Non-Member or General Member _ . .... . .. ..... . $100.00 * You must have your USA Gymnosti(s number

on the registration form in order to qualify for the discount.

You may not register for a course to recertify any earlier than 8 months prior to your expiration dote. No on-site registration. You must pre-register no later than 10 days prior to the course.