Volume 5, Issue 1

Special points of interest:
Volume 5, Issue 1
• Minutes of 2004 State Meeting
August, 2004
• JO updates, forms, safety info, mobility info, new elements
• Features—Gym, Coaches, Athlete, Coaching Tips, and TOPs
• Notes from the State Office
Silver Quill & Magic Mouse
Mississippi was honored not
once, but TWICE at the
2004 USAG National Congress. For the second year in
a row, Leaps and Bounds received the Silver Quill award
for the best newsletter published by USAG State Committees.
To add to the surprise, the
first “Magic
Mouse
Award” was
given for the
best state web
site.
Leaps and Bounds
MS USAG
Nancy Hawkins, National Silver Quill Award and Deb
Walls, Region 8 Silver Quill Award
Inside this issue:
John Williams and TG Hawkins—webmasters of
www.msusag.org
TOPs
2
Front Handspring Drills
3
Support Judges’ Cup
September 10-11
Member Services Update
7
Judging Updates
8
MS USAG Server
9
Featured Gym
10
Fall is quickly approaching
and we all know what that
means! It’s time to register
your gymnasts for the 2004
Judges’ Cup!
Featured Gymnast
11
Notes from the State Office
11
Featured Coaches
13
SAC Minutes/State Meeting
14
Revised State Calendar
19
USAG Women’s Adm. Comm. Minutes
21
“What’s New for JO—2004-05”
23
JO Proposed Elements—2005/13
28
Mobility Rules
31
National & State Safety Updates
32
The Judges’ Cup will be held
at Courthouse Gymnastics in
Flowood the weekend of
September 10. This is an
excellent time for your new
gymnasts to get rid of any
preseason jitters and your
seasoned gymnast to get
evaluated on the new skills
they have worked during the
summer. We, as judges, look
forward to this informal preseason “meet/clinic” as a
time to become acquainted
with the gymnasts and critique the individual routines
before competition season
begins. (continued on pg. 12)
The second Naperia Johnson
Award of Valor will be presented to a deserving gym-
Page 2
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
TOPs
Elite Gymnastics II
hosted a testing on
July 11 with Kristie
Phillips organizing.
Teams representing Mississippi
for the 2004 Tops season are
Elite Gymnastics II and TAG
Twisters, both from Tupelo,
MS. Elite Gymnastics II tested
in Baton Rouge, LA and Tupelo,
MS. Representing Elite II were :
7y/o- Bailey Malvano, 8y/oKaty McAuley, Ali Warren &
Carlie Mapp, 9 y/o- Kourtney
Koehn, Lacey Reed, Ranna
Dubose, Megan French, Anna
Wing & Anna-Clar Wooley,
10y/o- Emily Stewart, and 11 y/
o- Erica Garner, Addison
Maxcy, Ryle Holmes & Anne
Marie Holley. TAG tested in
Atlanta, GA, Little Rock, AR,
Tupelo, MS, Oklahoma City,
OK, and Chattanooga, TN.
Gymnasts testing for TAG were:
7y/o Brianna Holt, 8 y/o Haley
Lackey, and 9y/o- Memory
Shettles, Elizabeth Skelton, &
Ragen Loden.
Tamara Collins
Elite Gymnastics II hosted a
testing on July 11 with Kristie
Phillips organizing. Teams from
Mississippi, Tennessee, and
South Carolina were represented
at this testing. Elite did a great
job with this testing and we were
very excited to have a gym in
MS hosting this year. We would
love to see more gyms in MS
begin to participate in this wonderful program.
gymnastics.org
Women's Program-TOPS, or you may contact Tamara Collins, MS State
TOPS representative at tagtwisters@aol.com
Regional TOPs clinic is scheduled for Sept. 11-12, 2004 in
Atlanta, GA. This clinic is to
help prepare the region 8 gymnast's qualified to National
TOPS Testing. National Testing
for any of our 9,10, & 11 year
olds who qualify will be held
Oct. 1-3, 2004 at the National
Team Training Center- Karolyi
Ranch, in Houston, TX. For
more information on the TOPs
program go to www.usa-
Back Row: Lacey Reed, Ryle Holmes, Erica Garner, Ranna Dubose, Anne Marie Holley, Addison Maxcy, Emily Stewart,
Megan French, Ali Warren & Kourtney Koehn
Middle Row: Hayley Elliott, Anna-Clar Wooley, Anna Wing, Carlie Mapp, Katy McAuley & Bailey Malvano
Front Row: Elizabeth Skelton, Ragen Loden, Brianna Holt, and Memory Shettles
not pictured: Haley Lackey
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 3
Front Handspring
Cindy Wallace
Drills
Good front tumbling
is important and
To develop good front handsprings and front tumbling, your
gymnast needs to have good
body alignment and blocking
skills. First the gymnast needs
to have a good long lunge into
the front handspring. There
should be no diving to the hands
which will not allow the gymnast
to have a good powerful block.
Make sure that in the lunge, the
gymnast has their head neutral,
chest is hollow, and there is not
a shoulder angle when reaching
for the floor.
needed for the
optional levels….
After developing the long lunge,
the gymnast needs to have good
blocking abilities. Here are a
few good drills for blocking:
→ handstand blocks on the
floor with long lunge in to the
handstand. When the gymnast
has mastered this on the floor,
let them start blocking up to a
mat.
→ handstand block from a
board to land in a handstand on
a mat higher than the board.
You can also use the board to
block off of and let them land
the front handspring on their
feet.
→ front handsprings from
the floor and landing on a higher
surface so the gymnast learns to
block and rise in the front handspring.
→ handstands against the
wall with belly towards the wall.
Make sure shoulders are tall,
tight and open with no shoulder
angle. The gymnast should be
able to do these well in order to
feel this position in the front
handspring.
opening in the hips. Bottom
must be squeezed tight and hips
pressed forward. If the gymnast
lands squatted or piked, the skill
following will cut under or will
be low.
Good front tumbling is important and needed for the optional
levels, so take time to develop
these skills correctly. It will pay
off in the long run.
The position the gymnast lands
the front handspring in is also
very important to develop correctly as this is where other front
tumbling will come from. To
have a good front salto or flyspring from the front handspring, the front handspring
should finish in a tall, tight position with the eyes on the hands.
There should be a slight arch or
Region 8 Congress and USAG National Congress
If you did not attend either Region 8 Congress or USAG National Congress you did not
afford yourself the chance for a
great educational experience.
Both had the most diversified
clinics that I have seen in all my
years of attending clinics.
Region 8 Congress was held in
Nashville, TN at the Music City
Sheraton. The accommodations
were excellent—from parking,
which was free, to convenience
of meeting rooms. Out hosts,
Marian Dykes and Sheila Ragle
did a superb job of providing
the best of everything—neat
credentials, superb coffee
breaks, a grand banquet, and
excellent clinicians. The Silent
Auction was a huge success.
Mississippi attained its goal of
$1000.00. Many thanks to Fico
Gonzalez of Courthouse Gymnastics, Dawn Messer of Madison County Gymnastics, and
TG Hawkins of Starkville Gymnastics for donating $200.00
meet entries and TG Hawkins
for a weekend of Meet Control.
Those attending from Mississippi were: Glynn Hankins,
Mary Thacker, Mary Moore,
Bobbye Strickland, Wei Huang,
Nancy Hawkins, TG Hawkins,
Sandy Lay, Emily Mayer, Pat
Gray, Jennifer Crunk, Richelle
Gray, Mary Jane McDaniel, Laurie Moore, Keith Bounds, Teri
Jenkins, Terina Downs, Reg
Shurden, Metry McGaughy,
Mabel Miller, Annerin Long,
Amy Longwill, and Brittany
Breazeale. Sorry if I omitted
anyone. I’m depending on
memory!
Page 4
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
Congress—continued from page 3
Mabel Miller holding Region 8 handmade quilt made by Barbara
Percer, Nancy Hawkins mother, for the Silent Auction
USAG University …
new project for
continuing
education...
My traveling companion, Deb
Walls, Alabama State Chair, and
I met in Birmingham, AL to fly
to Anaheim, CA for National
Congress. Upon arriving at
John Wayne Airport, we got our
rental car and made our way to
what we thought was our hotel.
When one has reservations for a
year, one does not worry about a
room. WRONG. Deb
Kornegay informs us before
arriving at “our” hotel that we
have been relocated to another
hotel. It seems an unnamed
political candidate has booked
the hotel and the hotel had overbooked to boot! So, we move
to a hotel down the street and
the Hilton pays for our room for
four nights. Not bad!
ing from others, plus mixing
business with a little pleasure is
what it’s all
about.
.
We attended the yearly state
chair meeting, dinner, and several excellent classes. USAG
University is presented on page
5. Member Services has initiated
this new project for continuing
education and it is excellent.
Region 8 is a close knit group of
state chairs and regional officers
that work for the betterment of
USAG. Sharing ideas and learn-
Jennie Adams, NC State Chair, Debby Kornegay, Region 8 Chair,
Deb Walls, AL State Chair, and Marian Dykes, Region 8 Technical
Chair
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 5
Jennie, Nancy, Marian, and Debby
Debby and Deb
USAG University
In an effort to provide professional development for gymnastics professionals,
USA Gymnastics will begin offering online courses under the name of USA
Gymnastics University. The classes will be conducted by field experts and will
include general studies. The courses will include a large variety of courses including coaching certification.
Women’s
Program
Recreational
Pre-School
Competitive/
Coaching
Page 6
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
USAG University—continued from page 5
Benefits
• Better insurance rates
• An avenue of recognition of professional development and
life long learning
• Continual educational growth is the means by which
qualified professionals maintain their skills and knowledge necessary to provide high standards of service
• Participants will learn new developments in the coaching
field or in areas of gymnastics specialties
• Participation in continuing education is an important ac-
tivity that contributes to high standards of excellence in
our field
• Documents the wide variety of coaching related courses
completed
• Provides present or potential employers with an official re-
cord of learning relevant for job maintenance, career advancement or job applications
• Provides official documentation that could be used for sal-
ary scale based on training experience
• Provides documentation of training or learning required
for coach’s certification that could lead to a Masters of
Sports Certificate
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 7
USAG Member Services Update
Important Reminders: Getting Ready for the 2004-05 Season
• Club packets with forms will be delayed this year. We must wait for completion of the insurance coverage
contract for the 2004-2005season. This is expected to be done by May 31, 2004. We are sorry for the inconvenience however the membership fees may be affected if there is a significant increase with the insurance.
Packets will be mailed to clubs at the end of June.
• Membership fees will increase a minimum of $ 1.00 per person for Professional Members, Athlete Members
and Instructor Members. Any other increase will be driven by the insurance policy.
• The on-line registration for the athlete 2004-2005 season will open July 1, 2004. Forms will be available to
download online by mid June.
• All membership increases will be effective August 1, 2004. Athletes are increased for the 2004-2005 season
begin with the new year registration July 1, 2004.
• Remember you are to have a signed, completed athlete form on file at your club from anyone who registers
online. This is one of the most important elements of your proper Risk Management program. You must
have this form available for any and all insurance or legal applications. You also must keep a copy of the form
in your files for any athlete form you send to the national office for processing. It is YOUR responsibility to
produce the form when requested.
• Keep all athlete forms for a very, very, very long time. Please consult your insurance person and/or attorney
for the best guidance on time lines.
• Spring Cleaning Time – Club Owners/directors – this is a good time to check your records online. Make
sure to update the information for your coaches and athletes. Make sure addresses, emails, names are correct.
Read the "How to…"page for assistance with the procedures. This is also a good time to call Member Services for assistance in this area at 1-800-345-4719.
• Very important reminder: All memberships belong to the individual. If the person moves to another club,
the membership goes with them. If you pay for your coaches and instructors you are giving them a work
benefit, a gift. Athlete memberships remain valid from time of receipt until July 31 of the following year. An
athlete also takes their number with them.
• Please do not hold onto money collected from the parents for the athlete’s membership. It is important to
register your athletes in a timely manner. The parents expect the benefits such as the magazine and the apparel discounts. We can not send back copies of magazines when the athlete is not registered.
• Please be communicative with regards to the additional fees you charge for team participation. Please do not
tell the parents the fees are from USA Gymnastics, when they are not. When a parent calls us, and they do, we
can not support or justify the fees. We tell them what the membership fees are and that they must discuss this
with the club. Please set and follow best business practices in your club.
• When registering your athletes online in a group, remember to go from step 2 to step 4 and check the renew
box. This applies to all athletes, new and renewed. This step must be completed for the registration to
be valid.
• Online listing of your athletes will only show 5 names per page. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click
next to go to the next page. Continue until you view all of your athletes.
Page 8
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
JUDGING UPDATES
Mary Thacker
INQUIRIES???????
COMPULSORY?????
OPTIONALS???????
It is that time of year again!!!!
Judges Cup (Love Meet) will be
held at Courthouse Gymnastics
in Flowood, Mississippi, September 10-12. We are asking for
all of you to support us this year
especially. This is our one
chance to fund our educational
program for the year. Further,
this year, we will be sending a
Level 7 Team to the National
Judges Cup that will be held in
New Orleans, LA. For a gymnast to be eligible for the Level 7
Team, she must have competed
at some level in the 2004
Mississippi Judges Cup.
Hope to see you at Courthouse!
COMPULSORY CHANGE
This change effects gymnasts
Levels 1-6 and is effective
8/1/04.
If a JO athlete omits a major
element in a compulsory exercise and then performs it later
(out of order) or at the completion of the routine, the deduction for deliberate omission will
be applied. The element will not
be evaluated, except in the case
of a fall, for which a -00.50 deduction will be taken.
Clarification: This means
if a gymnast leaves out an
element and realizes at
some later time, does that
element out of place and
falls the deduction will be
deliberate omission of 1.00
+ the value of the element
+ the fall 0.50. No execution will be taken when an
element is done out of
place.
OPTIONAL CHANGES
Bonus on Balance Beam
2 Acrobatic Flight Elements
(including mount/excluding
dismount) C + C now +0.20
3 Acrobatic Flight Elements
(including mount and dismount)
B + C + C now +0.20
VAULTING CHANGES
If 1/2 the panel sees an one arm
vault the deduction of 1.00 is
taken by the Chief Judge.
Remember the Level 4 Vault
philosophy is an emphasis on
developing a good running
speed and maintaining straight
body position, not on repulsion.
REMINDERS FOR THE
UPCOMING SEASON
If you fell that an equipment or
technical failure has occurred
you may approach the Chief
Judge before any score is flashed
and without knowledge of the
score and ask for repetition of
the routine. The repetition of
the routine may be from the
point of technical failure or in its
entirety. The Chief Judge in
consultation with the Meet Ref
will make the decision if a technical failure has occurred. Repetition may take place immediately or at the end of the rotation.
INQUIRIES Please write
legibly. You may ask the following:
COMPULSORIES
1. Incorrect Elements
2. An evaluation of Major Elements
3. Falls
4. Neutral Deductions
5. Unusual occurrences
OPTIONALS
1. Awarding of Start Value
(Value Parts/Special Requirements/Additive Value
2. Falls
3. Neutral Deductions
4. Unusual Occurrences
You are entitled to see all scores
and the Start Value for Optionals awarded by each judge.
These inquiries must be submitted within 5 minutes of the completion of an event to the Meet
Director or Meet Ref. Keep in
mind that on second evaluation
the results may be:
1. No change in score
2. The score being raised
3. The score being lowered.
Coaches are NOT allowed to
approach a judge regarding an
inquiry during the competition.
If, after you have received the
inquiry back and have further
questions, the Meet Ref may
return to the panel one more
time for further clarification.
I’m really looking forward to a
great season!!
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 9
MS USAG Server
Located in the small town of
Ripley, MS, MS USAG owns a
web server. MS USAG is a large
organization which needs the
ability to manage large amounts
of important information which
is distributed to its members.
Previously, www.msusag.org was
hosted by a computer that is
2,000 miles away. Access to the
machine to manage problems
and general administrative tasks
are now minutes away instead of
days away.
Web sites are the cheapest and
best form of advertisement in
today’s market. Www.msusag
received over two million hits
the previous year. With the
ability now to host multiple web
sites, we are encouraging all
gyms to centralize and be hosted
by our web server. A centralized location enables less viruses, a reduction of spam, easier data transfer, and a better
over-all appearance for our state
and region.
Included with this mailing is
your assigned msusag.org email
address. Pertinent information
for email set-up or viewing is
included with the new email
address.
Page 10
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
Dawn Messer
is to
We have watched
our own daughter
grow into such a
fine young woman,
ConXion, pronounced
“connection”, is part of a larger
indoor sports training facility.
We are located in the not so
sleepy town of Hernando. Hernando is situated in the northwest section of Mississippi in
Desoto County. The overall
sports training facility offers
baseball, softball, soccer, and
individual instruction as well as
our gymnastics program. The
goal of the entire facility is to
provide a place for young people
to gain new skills and enhance
current skills all under the guidance of instructors who care
about their sport and want to
pass that on.
ConXion Gymnastics joined the
indoor sports training facility
and we credit much
of this to the sport
of gymnastics.
last year. We are a new gym but
we have a lot of seasoned talent
among our coaches and students. We were very proud to
have had Charita Harris qualify
for Level 8 Regionals last year.
Charita was coached by Dawn
“B” Evans and Emily Mayer.
Currently our program competes
gymnasts through Level 8 and
we have a whole host of new
gymnasts in our recreational
program. Doug and Laura Jenkins are the owners of ConXion
Gymnastics. While we have no
gymnastics background we do
have a true love for the sport
because of the by-products it
offers. We have
watched our own
daughter Rachel grow
into such a fine young
woman, and we credit
much of this to the
sport of gymnastics.
Our goal is to foster
among all of our girls
the belief that they can
face new challenges,
overcome fears, reach
new goals and better
themselves. We encourage our
girls to do and be their best.
We try to offer a wholesome,
Christian environment of love
and caring for our students and
coaches. Our gym holds a
Saturday Parent’s Night Out
Program and last year we contributed just shy of $1000.00
to missions and even supported mission teams traveling to Russia through
monies raised by this program.
We would like to take this
opportunity to thank all of
those who have been a
part of ConXion Gymnastics at one time or another.
We thank you for all you
have done and for all of your
support. Thanks to our parents
for their support and encouragement. Thanks to our coaches,
past and present; Dawn “B”
Evans, Emily Mayer, Nathan
Ashby, Cindy Newman, Christianne Harris, Candie Garrison,
Rhonda Kimbrel, Freddie
Burke, Shannon Foster, and
Linda Lobb.
The future of ConXion Gymnastics is promising. We have
stayed hard at work during the
summer months and we look
forward to seeing all of you
throughout the upcoming sea-
son.
Y’all come see us now.
Douglas and Laura Jenkins
ConXion Gymnastics
662429-5958
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 11
Abby McMillan
Mabel Miller
Gymnastics is
Abby’s first love
having taken since
age 3.
Abby McMillan, known as “Wild
Abby” by coaches and judges
alike, is the fourteen year old
daughter of Will and Jan
McMillan of Newton. Abby is a
freshman at Newton county
Academy and is a member of
Miller Gymnastics team. She
spends countless hours at the
gym working on routines as a
Level 8 and assists coaching
levels 1-4 team. Gymnastics is
Abby’s first love having taken
since age 3, but she also pays
basketball, tennis and is captain
of the cheerleader squad. This
summer, Abby made UCA All
Star cheerleader for the second
year in a row. Last basketball
season, she received Best Offensive player and in tennis was
district runner-up in girls doubles. Abby is active with her
youth group at First Baptist
Church in Newton and in spite
of all activities, maintains all
“A’s” in her school work. Abby
is well-rounded and strives for
excellence in all endeavors.
Notes from the State Office
Where does one start!!!!!!!
The Book will be mailed on CD
in mid August. Included with
this newsletter are the updated
Prep Op cards. The Quick Fix
card and bound calendar will be
sent with the handbook.
Please take time to
communicate,
adhere to deadlines
and requests, and at
the same time enjoy
what “spare time”
you have.
Athlete registration fees are due
to the state office by September
15, 2004. REMEMBER—The
fee has changed to $25.00 per
athlete and an athlete cannot
qualify until the fee has been
paid. You can register on-line.
Please, please make a habit of
checking your email. All notices
that I receive are immediately
forwarded to all that I have
email addresses for. If I do not
have a current address for you, I
will email to the msusag.org
address which has been assigned
to you. (See enclosure)
The structure of the MS USAG
State Committee will be reorganized this year. State Committee elections will be held in
the spring and voting will be
done on-line. The next issue of
Leaps and Bounds will include the
re-organization and nomination
information.
If you are planning on attending
one of the Master Compulsory
Workshops in the summer of
2005 and would like to apply for
funds to defray costs of your
trip in exchange for bringing
your knowledge ‘back home’ for
a state clinic, watch for the application in the next Leaps and
Bounds. Please return by the
deadline (TBA).
Before the next issue of Leaps
and Bounds, you will receive an
(continued on page 12) email
giving you the option of receiving the newsletter by snail mail
or email. Only those requesting
the newsletter by email will receive it in this manner. You
must have
Adobe PDF to
receive by email.
Such a busy year
ahead of us. None
Page 12
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
Judge’s Cup—continued from page 1
The second Naperia
Johnson Award of
Valor will be
nast this weekend. We hope to
use this award to remind all our
gymnasts of the good qualities
found in gymnasts, be
it a six-year-old Level
2 or an accomplished
16 year old competing
this year in Athens.
We firmly believe so
many positive life skills
are learned through
gymnastics that anyone
who competes in an
organized program is
always a better person
and citizen for doing
so.
presented to a
deserving gymnast
this weekend.
This year, NAWGJ is excited
about our plans to sponsor a
Level 7 Mississippi Team to go
to New Orleans, in January,
2005, to compete in the National Judges, Cup. We see this
as a good opportunity to promote and support our Mississippi gymnasts since they do not
have the advantage of recognition and exposure through our
high schools and universities.
This is a significant financial
commitment for our organization, but we feel that this is an
important endeavor and are
confident that we can raise the
funds necessary to do this.
ENTRY FEE:
$45
DEADLINE:
AUGUST 28
Submitted by Mary
Jane McDaniel,
Judges’ Cup Chairman
As you already know, our organization carries a 501c3 designation and all money that we
raise goes directly to the support
of the gymnastics program here
in Mississippi. Our funds are
used to supplement our judges
in obtaining their required training each year and for the
NAWGJ operating budges. No
salaries are paid from these
funds. For additional information about NAWGJ or gymnastics judging, contact Mary
Thacker (662.746.5639).
Notes from State Office—continued from page 11
of us have the “time”, but we
must make time to do those all
important things that make our
lives less hectic and more prosperous. Please take time to
communicate, adhere to deadlines and requests, and at the
same time, enjoy what “spare”
time you have.
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 13
Old Faces—New Positions
Emily Mayer and Sandy Lay are
the new “co-head” coaches at
Starkville Gymnastics. Former
head coach Jennifer Crunk is
now the program director at
Starkville Gymnastics.
Emily and Sandy are
excited about
coaching the level
ones and up.
Emily, a native of Memphis,
TN, has a BA degree in psychology from the University of
Memphis. Emily received her
gymnastics training at River City
Gymnastics in Memphis and
competed as a Level 9 and
placed fourth all-around at regionals. At the conclusion of
her competitive career, she began coaching at her home gym
and has also coached at ConXion Sports Center. Emily plans
National Gymnastics
Day proclaimed by
Mayor Mack Rutledge of
Starkville, MS
Pictured—members of
the Starkville Gymnastics
team, Emily, and Sandy
to attend
Mississippi
State
University in
2005
pursuing a
masters
degree Emily, Sandy, Teri Jenkins, Stuart Ausborn—Sprit of Courage Meet
TG Hawkins.
in psychology.
Sandy has been assistant coach,
recreational, and pre-school
instructor for two years. Having
been raised in a gym, Sandy was
a competitive gymnast at a
young age. Sandy attended East
Mississippi Community College
before deciding to pursue a
coaching career in his mother’s
business. He has attended numerous regional and national
clinics pursuing new educational
opportunities whenever possible. His future plans include the
pursuit of a degree in physical
education at Mississippi State
University beginning in 2005.
Sandy is the son of Nancy S.
Hawkins and the step-son of
Emily and Sandy are excited
about coaching the level ones
and up. They are also the instructors of the new “Tumble
Tots” program which is a mobile gymnastics program serving
day care centers in the Golden
Triangle area.
Page 14
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
MS USAG SAC MEETING JULY 9, 2004
Meeting called to order at: 7:00
Present:
Mary Thacker
Nancy Hawkins
Absent: Richelle Gray
Dawn Messer
Mabel Miller
Tamara Collins
Glynn Hankins
Cindy Wallace
Ellie Counseller
Nancy gave the committee confidentiality forms to sign and discussed the importance of the forms.
Nancy announced that the TOPs position must be an appointed position, non-voting per USAG guidelines. Tamara had previously been
notified and agreed to remain in a non-voting capacity.
Award announcements – Magic Mouse and Silver Quill were presented to Mississippi at USAG National Congress
The contracting organization for state is NAWGJ
Motion: Glynn Hankins
Second: Ellie Counseller
Unanimous
Nancy presented the yearly financial report and the state meet financial report.
NAWGJ Updates
MS USAG gives $100.00 to each judge that attends a national or brevet judging course
Motion: Dawn
Second: Glynn
Unanimous
Nancy announced that Nationals Judges Cup will be held in New Orleans, LA – January 7-9, 2005 at the Convention Center
(information received just before meeting convened via Brenda Eberhart). Mary Thacker reported that the NAWGJ board would be
meeting the following week and sponsorship of a team was on the agenda.
Nancy expressed concern that all Level 10 judges in the state do not make themselves eligible for regional judging assignments. Nancy
stated that she and the state judging director, Mary Thacker would pursue this issue and encourage our level 10 judges to meet eligibility
requirements. At present, only three judges meet requirements each year – Teri Jenkins, Wei Huang, and Mary Thacker
State Championships 2005, March 18-21, Jackson Coliseum
1. Will include levels 1-10
2. Jennifer Calhoun the contracted photographer for all state meets
Motion: Cindy
Second: Dawn
Unanimous
3. Duties and responsibilities
A. Corporate sponsorships – Dawn Messer
B. Contracting vendors and collections – Ellie Counsellor
C. Food and decorations – Glynn Hankins/Cindy Wallace/Mary Jane McDaniel
D. Publicity – Annerin Long/Glynn Hankins
E. Per guidelines set forth by the SAC, a parent’s club in the state will be hired to oversee the facilitation of the meet.
A deadline date will be set for any parents club that wants to be considered.
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 15
F. Work force for set-up of equipment – Bobby Strickland
G. Optional work-out time will not be offered
H. Program costs will be re-vamped and put out for bid
Regional Qualifier concern – If a gymnast that qualifies to regionals and knows prior to the announcement of awards that she is not going
to attend regionals, it is the responsibility of the coach or club director to inform the state committee chair of her intentions. The gymnast will be announced as a qualifier, but will not receive a plaque and the next gymnast in line will receive the plaque and will be announced as a qualifier.
SAC responsibilities:
1. Newsletter article assignments
A. NAWGJ – Mary Thacker
B. Featured coach – Richelle Gray
C. Featured gym – Dawn Messer
D. Featured athlete – Mabel Miller
E. TOP’s – Tamara Collins
F. Safety – Ellie Counseller
G. Coaching tips – Cindy Wallace
2. Article deadlines
A. July 25, 2004
B. October 15, 2004
C. January 25, 2005
D. April 15, 2005
3. Check email daily and respond in a timely manner. Email addresses will be assigned if a committee member does not
have a current email address.
4. Re-structuring of the MS USAG SAC before elections in spring of 2005
A. Discussion of seven positions elected, TOP’s rep appointed
B. No districting
C. Positions appointed after elections
D. Nominations will begin in November
E. Voting will be done on-line
Qualifying scores will remain the same
Motion: Ellie
Second: Glynn
Unanimous
Expert divisions scores raised to 35.00 AA – average – 8.75 on each event
Motion: Mary
Second: Cindy
Unanimous
Athlete fees raised to $25.00 per athlete – due September 15, 2004
Motion: Mary
Second: Glynn
Unanimous
Suggested revisions to the prep op levels were discussed and are reflected in the errata and new Prep Op cards.
Page 16
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Announcements and discussion:
The Book will be on CD, the calendar will be printed, Prep Op cards printed and Quick Fix printed
USAG Congress in Indianapolis August 11-13, 2005
Region 8 Congress held in conjunction with Level 9/10 training camp in October, 2005
Master Clinic – Louisville, KY and Reno, NV the first two weeks of June, 2005
I will be attending the clinic in Reno in conjunction with a Region 8 board meeting.
July 29-31, 2005, in conjunction with Alabama USAG at Tuscaloosa
Tumbling Tides, Tom Koll will present a compulsory clinic.
Richelle Gray is doing the music for Level 3
USAG University – what it means to our gyms
TG Hawkins explained the new MS USAG server and what it means to the state
A. Easier access
B. Reliability
C. More options
D. E-mail addresses assigned to all professionals members in the state
Motion to adjourn at 10:10 PM
INCOME
EXPENSES
Entries
Door
$33,693.20
$7,219.00
Vendors
$1,726.00
Food
Programs
$8,901.00
Awards
$7,388.12
Convention
$3,000.00
Facility rental
$8,548.00
Lodging
$3,446.55
Re-imbursements
$171.24
Judges
Equipment
Insurance
$54,710.44
Sound
Receipts on site
Spring State
Meet
$10,828.00
$4,500.00
$364.10
$886.13
$2,096.73
$600.00
Decorations/Supplies
$4,473.62
Security
$2,776.25
Signs
$431.21
Sanction
$200.00
Support Staff
$625.00
Program
$6,663.81
Spotlight
$160.00
Computer
Maintenance
$1,536.00
$100.30
$55,623.82
April 1, 2004June 16, 2004
INCOME
EXPENSES
Athlete - Pro
Rebates
Athlete Fees
Awards and
Apparel
Bank Charge
$191.65
$19.12
Competition Fees
Interest Inc
$2,010.00
$11.54
Promo
Refund
Reimbursements
Ret check
Ret check Fee
$1,182.00
$10.00
$585.51
$221.00
$4.00
TOTAL INCOME
$4,234.82
Communications
Competition
Dues and
Subscriptions
Equipment
Gifts
Promotional
Returned Check
Returned check fee
Secretarial - Stats
Travel
$8,003.93
$15.72
$948.90
$17,687.73
$85.00
$5,115.30
$213.93
$6,282.89
$221.00
$4.00
$716.00
$2,098.23
TOTAL EXPENSES
$41,392.63
OVERALL TOTAL
-$37,157.81
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 17
MS USAG State Meeting, Starkville Gymnastics, July 10, 2004
Attending:
Jennifer Crunk
Terry Kruchowsky
Dee Shettles
Megan Ewing
Teresa Mayo
Ellie Counseller
Glynn Hankins
TG Hawkins
Bobbye Strickland
Duane Meilstrup
Courtney Smith
Doug Jenkins
Tina Smith
Tamara Collins
Mary Thacker
Kristin Bialis
Sandy Lay
Cynthis Dedeaux
Karen Skow
Angie Garner
Lisa Pruden
Cindy Wallace
Mabel Miller
Patricia Morris
Emily Mayer
Annerin Long
Kristian Skow
Lisa Hardin
Haley Hardin
Dawn Messer
Nancy Hawkins
Tricia Morris
Lunch was provided at 12:00
Meeting called to order at 12:45 PM
Prayer – Ellie Counseller
Team Unity—The Road to Athens (video received at National Congress) presented
NAWGJ is the official contracting organization for MS meets.
A. $100.00 per judge attending a national or brevet course
B. National Judge’s Cup will be in New Orleans, LA January 7-9, 2005
C. Encouraging all level 10 judges to become eligible for regional assignment
Qualifying scores for all levels remain the same
Expert level scores raised from 33.00 to 35.00 – Average 8.75 on each event
Athlete fees - $25.00
Prep Op revisions – changes made will be summarized on an errata sheet and new cards printed
State Meet 2005, March 18-21
A. Will include levels 1-10
B. Jennifer Calhoun the contracted photographer
C. Corporate sponsorships – Dawn Messer
D. Contracting vendors and collections – Ellie Counseller
E. Food and decorations – Glynn Hankins/Cindy Wallace/Mary Jane McDaniel
F. Publicity – Annerin Long/Glynn Hankins
G. Per guidelines set forth by the SAC, a parent’s club in the state will be hired to oversee the facilitation of the meet.
A deadline date will be set for any parent’s club that wants to be considered.
H. Optional work-out will not be offered
I. Program costs will be re-vamped and put out for bid
SAC responsibilities
A. Required to attend state committee meetings
B. Newsletter article assignments
NAWGJ – Mary Thacker
Featured coach – Richelle Gray
Featured gym – Dawn Messer
Featured athlete – Mabel Miller
TOP’s – Tamara Collins
Safety – Ellie Counseller
Page 18
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
Coaching tips – Cindy Wallace
C. Article deadlines
July 25, 2004
October 15, 2004
January 15, 2005
April 15, 2005
Announcements and updates
A. Re-structuring the MS USAG SAC
Seven positions elected, TOP’s rep appointed
No districting
Voting on-line
Info on The Book, Quick Fix, calendar and R & P
USAG Congress in Indianapolis August 11-13, 2005
Region 8 Congress 2005 will be held in conjunction with Level 9/10 training camp - TBA
Master workshops will be held the first two weeks of June, 2005 in Louisville, KY and Reno, NV
July 29-31, 2005, in conjunction with Alabama USAG at Tuscaloosa Tumbling Tides, Tom Koll will present a compulsory clinic - $10.00
Richelle Gray is finalizing music for Level 3
Safety cert update—Ellie Counseller
Address for sending cards to USAG team in Athens, Greece
(Athlete or Official's Name or USAG Gymnasts)
USA Delegation
Olympic Village
Athens, Greece
$ .80 to send a card
The team leaves August 5 and return August 23
USAG University presented
MS USAG server – TG Hawkins
A. Easier access
B. Reliability
C. More options
D. E-mail addresses
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 19
REVISED MISSISSIPPI COMPETITIVE CALENDAR
Date
Event
Location
Levels
Deadline
Qualifier
September 10-12
Judge’s Cup
Courthouse
MRGA 1/2 USAG 3-10 & PO
August 28, 2004
No
October 15-17
SEC Invitational
Starkville
MRGA 1/2 USAG 3-8, & PO
September 13, 2004
Yes
October 22-24
Latinfest
Courthouse
MRGA 1/2 USAG 3-10 & PO
November 5-7
No Fear
Madison County
MRGA 1/2 USAG 3-10 & PO
October 1, 2004
Yes
November 19-21
Heartbeat
KIPS
MRGA 1/2 USAG 3-10 & PO
October, 13, 2004
Yes
Yes
Level Designation Date for USAG Levels 3-6 DECEMBER 1, 2004
December 12-14
Tis the Split Season
Starkville
Invitational - MRGA 1/2, USAG Level 7, 8 &
PO
State
Championships- USAG 3-6
State and Invitational
November 15, 2004
7, 8, PO
Yes
January 21-23
Winter Invitational
Courthouse
MRGA 1/2 USAG 3-10 & PO
Yes
January 28-30
All American Classic
Tupelo
MRGA 1/2 USAG 3-10 & PO
Yes
February 4-5
Touch of Country
Newton
MRGA 1/2 USAG 3-7 & PO
January 10, 2005
Yes
February 18-20
Luney Toons
MRGA 1/2 USAG 3-10 & PO
January 10, 2005
Yes
January 28, 2005
Yes
Clas- Starkville
Level Designation Date for USAG Levels 3—10 MARCH 1, 2005
March 5-6
Spring Fling
Madison County
March 18-20
State Championships & Jackson
MRGA 1/2 USAG 3-10 & PO
Coli- MRGA 1-2, USAG 3-10, & PO
February 21, 2005
ONLY MEETS LISTED ABOVE ARE MS QUALIFYING MEETS. Levels 4-7 & PO must qualify at a MS qualifier. Levels 4-6 have two
seasons and must qualify during the fall and spring season. Qualifying scores cannot be carried over from fall to spring season. Levels 7 &
PO have one season and may qualify September thru March. Level 8’s may qualify at any USAG sanctioned meet but must attend two
meets within the state to receive apparel. Level 9/10 may qualify at any USAG sanctioned meet but must attend one meet within the state to
receive apparel.
Tom Koll—July 29-31, 2005
AL USAG & MS USAG
Tuscaloosa, AL
Master Compulsory Workshop
Women’s Administrative Committee
April 29-30, 2004
Page 21
Kissimmee, FL
The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. by Chairman Jan Greenhawk.
I. Roll Call
Region 1
Robbie Sumpter
Region 5
Kathy Shufflin
ECC
Gary Anderson
Region 2
Ruth Sandoz
Region 6
Kathy Ostberg
JOPM
Connie Maloney
Region 3
Cori Rizzo
Region 7
Lynn Perrott
JOCC
Tom Koll
Region 4
Jim Schlott
Region 8
Deb Kornegay
SDWP
Kathy Kelly
Guest
Kathy Feldmann, VP-Membership
II. Welcome
Greenhawk welcomed the committee and thanked them for the work they do on a daily basis.
III. Elite Committee Report
Gary Anderson thanked the Administrative Committee for the support and work which ultimately has helped to support the Elite development program.
Gary explained that his committee now deals with the “Pre-Elite program“.
GOALS:
Communications: Developed an Elite newsletter to help with the communications.
Simplify things.
Fewer changes with the compulsories and only one change with the Physical Abilities test.
Cooperation:
Between committees and among the coaches and judges.
The international level is having tremendous success. Depth of the team is unparalleled. Coaches are better educated.
The TOPs program has made a great contribution to the development of the coaches and athletes. Little/mild growth in this program. Testing about 2300
kids regionally. The standards have risen and coaches are being more selective as to who participates, so although the numbers are not increasing much,
but the quality of those involved has increased tremendously.
The TOPs position is an appointed position because it is still ultimately the responsible of the Regional Elite Committee Chair.
Anderson also commended the work of Tom Koll as the Vice-Chair for Women on the Board of Directors.
IV. J.O. Competitions
Connie discussed the procedures for Regional meet in terms of results/scoring and procedures for entry forms and fees. The committee discussed the
problem of clubs not being prepared to pay the entry fee for Regionals or Nationals at their respective State and/or Regional meets.
A form will be sent to the RTCCs and the RACCs for the alternates to East/West and JO Nationals for use next year. Connie will finalize regional expenses for the athlete’s jackets and report to the RACCs.
Recommendation that, if an athlete who is qualified to Level 9 East/West and JO Nationals is unable to compete due to an injury/illness and is
replaced by the alternate, the Meet Director will refund the injured athlete’s entry fee. If no replacement is made, there will be no refund.
Motion: J. Schlott
Second: R. Sandoz
PASSED
V. Financial Reporting
State Chairmen are reminded that timely financial reporting is very critical and one of the most important responsibilities of the State Chairman. Repeated failure to meet the reporting deadlines can result in negative consequences for the State (including – holding of rebates and/or removal of State
Chairman).
VI. Election Guidelines
Jan distributed a rough draft for election procedures for National, Regional, State officers and State Administrative Committee members in order to
make recommendations to the Women’s Program Committee for changes/additions to the Operating Code. The official procedures for all elections will
be updated in the Women’s Operating Code. Ballots go to the head of the election committee.
Recommendation to add the word “WOMEN” to Professional Members to the Operating Code in the election procedures section.
Motion: C. Rizzo
Second: R. Sumpter
PASSED
Recommendation to the Women’s Program Committee to extend the terms of office of the Regional Administrative Committee Chairmen and
the Regional Pre-Elite Committee Chairmen by two years until 2007 to ensure the continuity of the committee structure.
Motion: K. Shufflin
Second: R. Sumpter
PASSED
Kathy Kelly announced that there is only one candidate for the Administrative Committee Chairman and therefore Jan Greenhawk is elected by acclamation to a four year term.
VII. Board of Directors
The committee presented the names of the regional nominations for the Women’s Program Representatives to the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors.
The office will verify the nominations and collect resume for submission to the Women’s Program Committee.
VIII. JO Program Report
Tom Koll reported to the committee that the development of the new compulsories (music, film, text) is ahead of schedule. The JO Committee will meet
with the Technical Committee to clarify the expectations and deductions for the elements.
IX. Program Growth
Tom Koll reported to the committee of the directive that all programs have been given to address the issue of building our athlete base at the lower levels. The committee will address the issue including cost reduction (entry fees, judging costs) at the State Chairman Workshops.
X. Petition Procedures
Recommendation to the Jr. Olympic Committee that the following clarification be added to the Rules and Policies: if a gymnast completes all
four events in a qualifying meet, she is not eligible to petition and advance to the next competition.
Motion: L. Perrott
Second: D. Kornegay
PASSED
XI. Regional Congress
The committee discussed Regional Congresses and coordination of those events with the national office and the advantages that would be available.
Regions who are using outside sources to conduct their regional congress will submit a contract and budget to the national office.
XII. State Chairmen’s Workshops
The committee drafted the Agenda for the Workshop to be conducted prior to the National Congress in Anaheim on Wed. June 23. The agenda and the
timelines will be sent along with the invitations to the Women’s Program Summit.
XIII.
2005 Compulsory Workshops & Technical Symposiums
The workshops are scheduled as follows:
June 2-5, 2005
Louisville, Kentucky
June 9-12, 2005 Reno, Nevada
Regional Compulsory Workshops will be conducted by the national office and the RACC’s.
Region II
June 17 - 18
Oregon
Region VI& VII
July 9-10
TBD
Region III
June 17-18
Texas
Region VIII
June 24-26
Florida
XIV. Calendar
The committee discussed the calendar and made the following recommendation:
Recommendation to the Jr. Olympic Committee to adjust the calendar for JO regional meets to avoid conflicts with the Collegiate Meets.
Motion: C. Rizzo
Second: K. Shufflin
PASSED
Calendar as approved by the JO Committee:
2005
State Meets
Regional
Regional
East/West
JO Nationals
Level 9 & 10
Level 9 & 10
Level 10
Level 9
Level 10
March 19 &20
April 15 - 17
April 23 - 24
May 6 -8
May 13 -15
2006
State Meets
Regional
Regional
East/West
JO Nationals
Level 9 & 10
Level 9 & 10
Level 10
Level 9
Level 10
March 11 - 12
March 31 – April 2
April 8 & 9
April 21 - 23
April 28 -29
XV. Rules and Policies
Jan will assign sections of the R&P to the RC’s for proofing the document. Connie will update the document from the actions of the various committees
this year and send the section to the appropriate RC’s by May 15th. Return proofed copies by June 1.
Region IV & VIII
Region II & VII
Jan
Page 33 - 46
Region VI & I
Page 47 - 51
Page 17 to 32
Region III & V
Page 53 – 60
Forms on the internet.
XVI. Education
Kathy Feldmann distributed information on various upcoming USA Gymnastics events, and the many educational activities and opportunities that are
available through the Membership Department for the states and regions.
Recommendation to the JO Committee that for the safety concern of the athlete during competitions, cells phones be put on “silent mode” for
all meet personnel, meet participants and the spectators.
Motion: R. Sandoz
Second: K. Ostberg
PASSED
Recommendation to adjourn at 3:20 p.m.
Motion: J. Schlott
Second: D. Kornegay
Approved by USA Gymnastics President Robert V. Colarossi
PASSED
May 14, 2004
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 23
“What’s New for the Women’s Jr. Olympic Program in 2004-2005”
Connie Maloney, USA Gymnastics Women’s Jr. Olympic Program Manager
May 2004
All of the following changes/clarifications are recorded in Administrative, Technical and JO Committee
minutes from August 1, 2003 through May 2004 and
are EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2004.
I. PROGRAM UPDATES
A. J. O. LEVEL 9/10 CALENDAR FOR 2005
Preferred date for Level 9/10 State March 19-20
Last date for Level 9/10 State Meets April 2-3 (with approval of RACC)
Level 9/10 Regionals April 15-17
Level 10 only Regionals April 23-24
Level 9 East/West May 6-8 East-Palmetto, FL/West-TBD
Level 10 Jr. Olympic Nationals May 13-15 Ontario, CA
B. APPARATUS
1. MATTING/MOUNT clarifications:
JO gymnasts may STAND on one or two competition landing mats (12 cm) or one 20 cm competition landing mat. In addition, they can also stand on up to 8” of skill cushion (sting, throw or 8”
skill cushion). When mounting from a board, the board may NOT be placed on an 8” skill cushion.
•
Compulsory gymnasts (Level 1-6) may use any manufactured mat, spotting block or board
for mounting purposes.
2. VAULT: The MAXIMUM height of the vault table is now 135 cm. for all levels and age groups in
the Jr. Olympic Program.
3. BARS: If the bars have a slider mechanism on both bars, it is strongly suggested that the coaches keep the
low bar slider all the way up and only make adjustments with the high bar slider to expedite changes in bar settings.
4. FLOOR EXERCISE: If the Floor Exercise mat has two colors to distinguish the border rather than a solid
color with taped boundary lines, it is permissible to place small pieces of tape (of the same color as the
floor area carpet) at the inside corners of the boundary to assist the gymnast’s awareness of the actual
boundary.
C. MINIMUM AGE FOR COMPETITION
A gymnast must have had her:
- 4th birthday to participate in a Level 2 USAG-sanctioned competition.
- 5th birthday to participate in a Level 3 USAG-sanctioned competition.
All other age minimums for Levels 4-10 remain as listed in the Rules and Policies.
D. LEVEL 9 AGE DIVISIONS
There are now eight (8) age divisions for Level 9 (Jr. A-D and Sr. A-D).
Level 9 East/West Championships will now have 384 athletes each, with competition conducted on
Page 24
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
Friday morning/afternoon for
the Jr. A & Jr. B divisions; Jr. C/D and Sr. A compete on Saturday and Sr.
B-D compete on Sunday.
E. ALTERNATES TO LEVEL 9 EAST/WEST AND JO NATIONALS
If a qualifier is injured/ill within 48 hours of the start of competition for her specific age division, the first
alternate from the same region will be contacted. If the 1st alternate is not present at the meet site and
is unable to participate, the second alternate, if in attendance, may be called upon to replace the
injured/ill athlete.
F. PROCEDURES FOR INJURY PETITIONS
If a gymnast completes all four events at the qualifying meet, she is not eligible to petition and advance
to the next competition.
G. TIMED WARM-UPS
For meet formats that provide only one Floor Exercise mat (or one FX mat and a tumbling strip), the
Meet Director is allowed to use any of the following timed/touch warm-up procedures:
1. Squad of 8 or fewer gymnasts – warm-up all 8, then compete.
2. Squads of 9 or more gymnasts – warm-up half the squad, then compete; warm-up second half of
squad, then compete.
3. Any size squad - warm up athletes between competitive routines.
• When using this option, an adult monitor (not the judges) must be assigned to regulate the
number of athletes on the floor at onetime and to keep track of the competitive order.
• A gymnast is allowed to start warming up when there are only five more competitors ahead
of her. Each athlete will be allowed five turns on the Floor Exercise mat prior to her time to
compete.
• See the 2005-06 Women’s Rules & Policies for specific examples.
H. LEVEL 5 ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
The distribution of achievement awards for Level 5 competitions is at the discretion of the State Administra- tive
Committee.
I. USE OF CELL PHONES
All individuals involved in the competition “field of play” are required to either turn off their cell
phone or set it at vibrate mode during competition.. Any calls should be made outside the field of play.
J. LEVEL 1-4 JUDGES
Any USA Gymnastics Professional or Jr. Professional Member is allowed to judge at USAG-sanctioned
Level 1-4 competitions. The State Administrative Committee may decide the specific requirements for
judges at those levels.
K. EMERGENCY CANCELLATION BY A JUDGE
As a professional courtesy, if a judge has to come off a meet due to personal emergency and he/she
has an airline ticket, he/she should work with the airlines to try to recoup the airfare either through a
refund or paying a change fee to use the ticket for themselves at a later date. If any money is recouped,
the Meet Director should be refunded.
L. 2005 BREVET/NATIONAL/LEVEL 10 RECERTIFICATION COURSES
January 15-22 Intercontinental Course – Osaka, Japan
Brevet Courses:
February 2-5 Continental Brevet Coarse – Indianapolis, IN
February 6-9 USAG Brevet Course – Indianapolis, IN
In June of 2005, new compulsory routines as well as new Optional rules for the next cycle will be presented
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 25
at the Master Compulsory Workshops and Technical Symposiums. The present Compulsory rating is
valid through December 31, 2005. All judges will be required to re-certify for the new Compulsories
(for the 2006-2013 cycle) by passing a written exam.
Level 10 Re-certification Courses:
June 4-5 at Technical Symposium - Louisville, KY
(Held a Level 10 rating in 2 cycles
June 11-12 at Technical Symposium - Reno, NV
1997-2001 & 2001-2005)
July 14-17 at NAWGJ Symposium - Portland, OR
August 11-13 at National Congress - Indianapolis, IN
National Courses:
1st course-for current National-rated officials
August 14-17 - Indianapolis, IN
2nd course-first time invitees
August 18-21 - Indianapolis, IN
(Held a Level 10 rating since at least Dec. 31, 1997)
II. TECHNICAL UPDATES
A. COMPULSORY
If a JO athlete omits a major element in a compulsory exercise and then performs it later (out of order)
or at the completion of the routine, the deduction for deliberate omission will be applied. The element
is not be evaluated, except in the case of a fall, for which a 0.50 deduction will be applied.
B. OPTIONAL VAULT
1. A Level 9 Vault Chart will be developed (and posted on the USAG web site and in Technique magazine)
to avoid confusion as to which Groups 4 and 5 vaults are presently allowed at this Level.
2. DETERMINING VAULT VALUES
a. Group 3: ½ on - ½ off, front salto vaults may also be performed with a ¼ on - ¾ off using the
same number and start value. No deduction for incomplete ½ turn will be applied.
b. Group 3: If a gymnast announces /attempts a ¼ on - ¾ off (or ½ on - ½ off) front salto vault, but
performs a ¼ on - ¼ off (twisting in opposite directions) to a front salto vault, it will be
considered the same as a Handspring front salto vault and appropriate deductions will be taken.
3. CHIEF JUDGE DEDUCTION: The Chief Judge takes the 1.00 deduction for performance of a one arm
vault from the average score, if at least half of the vault panel saw that only one hand touched
the vault table.
C. OPTIONAL UNEVEN BARS
1. Clarification of when to resume judging after the gymnast falls:
a. Compulsory – judging resumes from the point of interruption.
b. Optional – judging resumes with the performance of an element that is listed in the FIG Code
of Points or the JO Element Supplement.
• Note: Level 10’s are allowed only one cast to squat-on without penalty. Therefore, after a fall,
the gymnast should not use a glide kip-cast squat-on to remount unless there are no other squat-ons in
the exercise.
2. Stalder circle clarification: #6.204 Stalder circle backward to clear support is a “B” element and should
show an opening of the shoulder angle on the upward part of the circle.
#6.104 Clear straddle circle backward to clear support is an “A” element and appears as a straddle seat
circle to a straddle “L” position, with no opening of the shoulder angle.
3. Clarification of #3.304 - Back Uprise immediate Clear Hip Circle:
For Levels that are allowed to perform “C” elements (Levels 8-10), one C” value part will be awarded if
an uprise backward to immediate clear hip circle to handstand finishes within 10° of vertical.
Page 26
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
- If the clear hip does
not attain the handstand phase, the skill will be evaluated as two “B” elements
(back uprise and clear hip circle.)
- Since Level 7 gymnasts are not allowed to perform “C”s, if this element was performed, it will still
be recognized as a two “B” elements, regardless of whether or not the clear hip circle attained the
handstand phase.
D. OPTIONAL BEAM
1. Simple mounts such as jump to front support (or anything comparable) will be valued at “A” for the
counting of value parts.
2. Clarification regarding completion of turns (also applies to Floor Exercise): Once the heel drops onto the
beam (or floor) during a turn, it is considered complete. Appropriate value part credit is awarded for the
degree of turn completed prior to the heel drop.
3. CONNECTION VALUE CHANGES
a. Principle 10.4.1 – Connections of two (2) Acrobatic flight elements (excluding dismounts):
C + C now receives +0.20
b. Principle 10.4.2 – Connections of at least three (3) Acrobatic flight elements (applies to mount,
dismount and connections within the exercise):
B + C + C (in any order of VP) now receives +0.20
E. NEW OPTIONAL ELEMENT VALUES FOR THE JO ELEMENT SUPPLEMENT
The following NEW ELEMENTS WERE PERFORMED AT THE 2004 JR. OLYMPIC NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS:
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Event Description and (name of athlete)
Page 27
Number
JO Value
Vault
Front Handspring onto board – Handspring front salto tucked with ½ twist (Mantle)
S2.410
10.00
Counterswing to front salto straddled to catch same bar (Bullock)
S2.406
D
Weiler kip with 1/1 pirouette (Healy) after handstand (McCallister)
S3.507
E
Circle swing forward in L-grip with ½ turn and straddle flight over the HB to hang on HB
(Khorkina from L-grip) (Perret)
S5.506
E
From a cast, uprise or backswing, straddle cut to salto backward tucked or stretched with 2/1 twist
or more on LB or HB (Bounce-back/Tanac 2/1) (Bronson)
S8.410
D
Mount: from a side stand facing away from the beam, jump with ½ turn to chest stand
S1.208
B
From a side stand, take off from 1 foot, swing free leg forward to minimum of 45°, then swing the
leg backward to show 180° split in the air in a double stag-ring position to land on 1 or 2 feet
(Concannon)
S2.505
E
Split leap with leg change to cross split (over 180° split) and backward bending (arch) of upper
body with head release (Switch-leg Yang Bo)
S2.505
E
Bars:
Beam
NEWS FOR THE 2005 – 2006 SEASON:
Page 28
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
JR. OLYMPIC COMPULSORY
EXERCISES
PROPOSED ELEMENTS FOR THE 2005-2013 CYCLE
Revised 6/03-tlk
VAULT
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
Straight jump onto min 8” mat
Handstand block off board
LEVEL 3
Forward roll onto waist high mats
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
-Running form
-Additional running form
-Additional running form
-Handstand hops on the floor
-Dive roll onto 8” mat
-Handstand holds
VAULT
LEVEL 4
LEVEL 5
Handspring onto mat stack
Handspring
LEVEL 6
Handspring
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
-Handspring over stacked skill cushion turned sideward.
-Handspring Over Table to stacked Mats (back lying position)
-Handspring from elevated surface.
-Handspring Over Table to stacked Mats ( repulsion drill)
BARS
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
Pullover, cast, back hip circle, cast push
away.
Pullover, cast, back hip circle, cast Pullover, cast, back hip circle, single leg cut forward, forward stride circle,
straddle on sole circle dismount.
single leg cut backward, cast squat on, piked sole circle dismount.
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
-Floor Bar Squat On
-Floor Bar Single Leg Cuts
-Glide Swings
-Floor Bar Recovery Roll
-Single Knee Uprise
-Floor Bar Single Leg Squat through
-Floor Bar Straddle Sole Circle
-Wrist Shifts
-Inverted Hollow Holds
LEVEL 4
LEVEL 5
LEVEL 6
Glide swing out (straddle or pike) and return to stand with feet together
Glide Kip (straddle or pike)
Glide Kip (straddle or pike)
Pullover
Front hip Circle
Cast to 30º above horizontal
Front hip circle, small cast
Cast to horizontal and return to support
Clear hip circle to 30º above horizontal
Cast, single leg shoot thru
Cast squat or pike on
Glide kip (straddle or pike) cast squat or pike on back tuck sole
circle jump to high bar OR squat on jump to high bar
Stride circle forward
Long hang kip
Long hang kip, Cast to 30º above horizontal
Single leg cut the leg backward
Cast to horizontal, back hip circle
Long hang pullover,
Cast
Underswing
Underswing
Back hip circle
Counter swing to 30º below horizontal
Counter swing to 15º below horizontal
Underswing dismount
Tap Swing forward
Tap Swing forward
Counter swing to 15º below horizontal
Counter swing to horizontal
Tap swing forward with ½ turn dismount
Tap swing forward to flyaway in tuck, pike, or layout
Supplementary Skills
TBA
Supplementary Skills
-Strap giants
-Cast Clear Pullovers (baby giants)
Supplementary Skills
-Rock kips
-Hollow Rolls
-Hanging Arch to Hollow Drills
BARS
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 29
BEAM
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
Jump to front support
Jump to front support
Jump to front support
Tuck sit
Tuck sit V sit
Tuck sit V sit whip to push up- jump to tuck stand
Roll back to candlestick Hold 2 seconds
Forward roll to stand
Kick to partial Handstand step down
Arabesque (show)
Arabesque (hold 1 second)
Arabesque (hold 1 second)
Step coupé press to relevé Right and Left
Step kick Right and Left
3 running steps finish in relevé balance position
Relevé walks
Step Relevé balance (Hold 2 seconds)
Pivot turn
Stretch Jump
Tuck Jump
Split Jump (60º)
Stretch Jump dismount
Tuck Jump dismount
Cartwheel to Handstand lower to stand dismount
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
-Arabesque both legs
-Backward leg swing from cross support tapping ankles
-Introduce all arm techniques for leaps and jumps
-Single leg squat to stand
-Levering to needle, return to stand
-Cartwheel to handstand on LB, over- bal-
-Tuck jumps off a springboard
-Handstands held in cross and side on low beam
lance to ¼ turn, land in pushup position on 8” mat.
-Sets of 3 coupé relevé holds
BEAM
LEVEL 4
LEVEL 5
LEVEL 6
Leg swing mount
Leg swing mount
Leg swing mount
“V” sit whip to tuck stand
“V” sit
“V” sit
Coupé walk, Heel snap turn
Coupé dévelopé 45º off the beam hold 1 sec.
step coupé Heel snap turn
Coupé dévelopé side slightly off the beam, ronde de jambe
to 45º off the beam forward hold 1 sec. pull to coupé Heel
snap turn
Straight leg leap (60º) Arms…one of the 3 tech-
Straight leg leap (90º) Arms…one of the 3
Straight leg leap (120º) Arms…one of the 3 techniques in
¾ Cross Handstand
Cross Handstand hold 1 second
Back walkover or Back extension
Half turn—leg position forward coupé, arms same 2 Pivot turns
as present cycle
2 Pivot turns
Stretch jump, tuck jump… arms lower after each
jump
Half turn—leg position forward coupé arms
same as present cycle.
Full turn— leg position forward passé. Arms in crown
Arabesque (45º) below hor., Scale (horizontal),
Cartwheel
Pivot turn
Stretch jump, split jump(90º) arms lower after
Tuck jump, split jump (120º) arms lower after each jump
Arabesque (>45º) below hor. Scale (above
horizontal),
Arabesque (>45º) below hor. Scale (45º above horizontal),
Cartwheel to side handstand, (hold 1 second) ¼
turn dismount
Cartwheel to side handstand, (hold 2 seconds) ¼ turn dismount
Cross Handstand (hold 2 seconds) ¼ turn to side handstand
(hold 2 seconds), ¼ turn dismount
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
-Multiple split jumps on a spring surface
-Backward roll step out on LB
-Standing flic-flac - two feet and step out
-Pivot turn drill
-Sets of 3 passé relevé holds with heel
-Cartwheel/round-off to stretch jump off the end of a low
-Handstand forward roll on LB
snap turn
Handstand walks on beam
beam onto mat
-Combination of two jumps or leaps
Page 30
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
FLOOR
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
Forward roll tuck
Forward roll straddle stand
Handstand forward roll (arms straight or bent)
Backward roll tuck
Headstand lower to kneel
1-3 steps hurdle round off
Side Cartwheel
Arch back
Candlestick
Side Cartwheel ¼ turn in
Backward roll tuck to pike stand with straight arms
Bridge
Backward roll tuck to pike stand with bent arms
Back bend kick over
Front leg balance
Straight lying side log roll, push up, tuck stand,
straight stand
Handstand
Forward chassé
Coupé walks Right and Left
Split jump(no specific degree required)
Coupé heel snap ½ turn
Tuck jump
Step Lock pivot turn
Stretch jump
Forward chassé pose
Plié finish
Plié finish
Plié finish
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
-Tripod balance
-Back Handspring using an incline mat.
-Straddle presses
-Straight arm backward rolls using an incline
mat.
-Handstand against the wall
-Bridge kick over from an elevated surface
-Round off rebound onto an elevated surface
-Walking with feet turned out
-Hurdle step Cartwheel
-Back bend
FLOOR
LEVEL 4
Stretch jump
LEVEL 5
Straddle jump( 120º)
Tuck jump
LEVEL 6
Straddle jump( 150º) , stretch jump w/ ½ turn
Back handspring step out
Handstand forward roll—straight arms
Dive forward roll
Forward salto tuck
Side chassé w/ ¼ turn, passé hop
Side chassé w/ ¼ turn, passé hop with ¼ turn
Side chassé w/ ¼ turn, passé hop with ½ turn
Handstand Bridge Back Kickover
Front handspring rebound
Front handspring step out, front handspring 2 feet rebound
Straight leg leap (90º) step leg swing forward
Straight leg leap (120º) step leg swing forward
Straight leg leap (150º) Side leap(150º)
Forward splits
Forward splits
Forward splits
Backward roll tuck to push up position with
Backward roll to Handstand with straight arms
Backward roll to Handstand with straight arms
Half turn…leg position in forward coupé…
arms same as present cycle
Full turn…leg position in forward coupé… arms
same as present cycle
Full turn leg position in forward passé… arms in crown.
Round off
Hitchkick
Hitchkick
Flic-flac rebound
Back walkover
Back walkover
Round off 2 flip flops
R. off flip flop back salto tuck
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
Supplementary Skills
-Dive roll onto elevated mats
-Front salto onto elevated mats
-Front handspring, front flyspring
-Front handspring off a folded panel mat
-Handstand snap-down to back handspring series
-Front salto pike on trampoline
-Back extension to handstand on an
-Back salto tuck and front salto tuck on trampoline
-Back salto Layout on trampoline
incline mat
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 31
Mobility Rules for the Women's Junior Olympic
Posted: 03-FEB-99
Program (Levels 1-10)
The USA Gymnastics Jr. Olympic Program Committee has established MINIMUM standards for upward mobility in the Jr. Olympic
program for Levels 1-10. Ultimately, each individual gym and/or coach will determine any additional standards for their own program,
since the ability to achieve the minimum score does not necessarily insure that the athlete is capable of mastering the skills at the next
level.
Many gyms have a higher score standard, or require that the athlete score the minimum score more than just once, while some programs
require mastery of specific skills which would make the athlete capable of successfully competing at the next higher level. Clubs that have
a large optional (Levels 7-10) program may have higher standards for moving compulsory athletes up in order to maintain a smaller and
safer athlete to coach ratio for their optional gymnasts, due to the complexity of the skills required at those levels.
Competitors in Levels 5 through 10 may advance ONE LEVEL AT A TIME by scoring the minimum All-Around mobility score (or by
meeting their club's criteria for advancement). No athlete is allowed to "skip" a level.
MANDATE SCORES are not permitted in the Jr. Olympic program; that is to say, no athlete is required to move up to the next level
based upon achieving a certain score. There are many factors to be considered when moving up to a higher level, and the ability to score
high at one level does not necessarily indicate readiness to move to the next. Some of the factors which would indicate that an athlete
should stay at their present level despite their score achievement at their present level are: fear of performing skills required at the next
level, the inability or lack of desire to commit to more training hours and/or higher costs as a result of increased hours of training and
possibly the inability of the club to provide a knowledgeable and experienced coaching staff for the higher levels.
Since there are no mandate scores, it often appears that some clubs are holding athletes back with the prime intent to win the state's team
championships. It sometimes appears unjust (especially to those programs that use the "minimum" standards) that a first-year competitor
has to compete against athletes who have competed at that level for more than one year and are scoring 36.00 or better in the AllAround. The fallacy in that line of thinking is that all athletes have an equal right to receive an award. While many athletes may be able to
successfully compete one season at a level and be ready to move up, the reality is that most athletes spend more than one year at a level.
Perhaps the first year competing at a specific level will bring success at the smaller local meets, but no awards at the State meet. This is
not a bad thing; it only means that the athlete must continue training and perfecting her routines. By the second season, the athlete may
be capable of placing at the State meet and will be rewarded for her perseverance and higher level of ability.
If a state has a large number of competitors at a specific level, the USAG State Boards are allowed to sub-divide levels into first-year competitors (Novice) and veteran competitors. This allows those new competitors a more even playing field and, therefore, a better chance at
placing high enough for an award.
The minimum USA Gymnastics standards are as follows:
Present Level Advance to
Minimum Standard
Level 1 - 4
Level 5
Must pass with 75% proficiency on the sequences at each level; 100% flexibility and 5
out of 6 conditioning exercises. A coach who is certified as a Skill Evaluator must sign
the Level 5 registration form verifying that the athlete has successfully completed the
Level 1 - 4 developmental program.
Level 5
Level 6
31.00 AA one time at a USAG-sanctioned competition
Level 6
Level 7
31.00 AA one time at a USAG-sanctioned competition
Level 7
Level 8
31.00 AA one time at a USAG-sanctioned competition
Level 8
Level 9
34.00 AA one time at a USAG-sanctioned competition
Level 9
to Level 10
34.00 AA one time at a USAG-sanctioned competition
Level 9
to Elite
Qualifiers to Level 9 Regionals or East/West Championships may enter either the National or International level at the Regional Elite meet, without petitioning.
Level 10
Elite
Qualifiers to Level 10 Regionals or Nationals may enter either the National or International level at
the Regional Elite meet, without petitioning.
Page 32
L E A P S A ND B O U N D S
Women's Program
2004-2005 Rules and Policies
Women's Professional members may request a bound copy of the Women's R&P
from Member Services via the ONLINE REQUEST FORM. Fill out the required
information on the linked form and then click the button at the bottom to submit
your request for the copy of 2004-2005 Women's Rules and Policies. You can also
print out this form and mail it to: USA Gymnastics Member Services, Pan American
Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN, 46225.
Safety and Education
Safety Certification Information
You now have two alternatives to take the USA Gymnastics Safety Course!
1. Online Course - Part of the USA Gymnastics University
•Minimum age for Safety Certification is 16 years.
•Must be a current Instructor, Professional, or Pending Professional to take the online course.
•Cost for the Online Course is $65 for all members — this includes those taking the course for the first time or if recertifying.
2. Face-to-Face Course
Desired Action
Description...
Instructions
You Will Need...
Register for the Permits you to register for and take
ONLINE SAFETY the e-learning online Safety Course.
GO TO ONLINE SAFETY
COURSE
You will be asked to log in with your
COURSE
Professional or Instructor Member
LOG-ON / REGISTRATION
number and a personal password.
PAGE
Remember, you must have a current membership to register for a
• You MUST login with the user ID and password of
the person who will be attending the safety course.
• Your Individual USER ID (your current 6 digit USA
Gymnastics membership number) and password
(initially set to your birthdate in MMDDYYYY format).
Valid credit card.
Continue Taking Permits you to continue taking the
the Online
Online Safety Course after a timeSafety Course
out period. You will again be asked
to log in with your Professional or
Instructor Member number and a
personal password.
• You MUST login with the user ID and password of
the person who had registered for this online
course.
• Your Individual USER ID (your current 6 digit USA
Gymnastics membership number) and password
(initially set to your birthdate in MMDDYYYY format).
COURSE CONTINUATION
LINK
These face-to-face courses are conducted at various locations around the country by a National Safety Instructor.
•Dates and events subject to change or cancellation.
•The registration deadline is two weeks prior to the course.
•Registrations received less than two weeks prior to the Course or on site will be charged an additional $25 and will not be processed prior to the course.
•Late registrations are not guaranteed a book or a spot on the list.
•Minimum age for Safety Certification is 16 years.
•Safety Certification Course Attendance Verification forms are good for 60 days. Please keep your verification form with you to
present at USA Gymnastics' sanctioned events.
Face-to-Face Course Registration Form [Use this form if you want to FAX in your course registration to 317-692-5212]
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1
Page 33
Safety Registration Fees
For those taking the Online Safety Course:
• The course fee is $65 for everyone taking the Online Safety Course.
NOTE: Online participant must be a current Instructor, Professional, Pending Professional, Junior Professional, or Pending
Junior Professional member to take the online course.
For those taking a Face-to-Face live Safety Course:
•Pro-member with current Safety Certification wishing to recertify at a face-to-face course... no charge
•Pro-member or Junior Pro-member with expired or new Safety Certification... $65
•Instructor member... $65
•Non-member or any other USA Gymnastics Athlete or A-Club memberships... $115
Notice regarding safety expiration dates
USA Gymnastics no longer aligns the safety expiration month with the month of membership expiration for professional members. Safety expiration dates are now four years from the month the course is taken. For those recertifying prior to their expiration date, four years will be added
on to their current expiration date. Safety expiration dates are always the last day of the month.
Desired Action
Description...
Register for a Faceto-Face Safety
Course
Permits you to register for a faceto-face safety course via the
Internet. You will be asked to log
in with your Professional or Instructor Member number and a
personal password. Remember,
you must have a current membership to register for a safety course
Instructions
2004 FACE-TO-FACE
SAFETY COURSE
REGISTRATION
You Will Need...
• You MUST login with the user ID and password
of the person who will be attending the safety
course.
• Your Individual USER ID (your current 6 digit
USA Gymnastics membership number) and password (initially set to your birthdate in MMDDYYYY format).
Valid credit card.
MS USAG
101 Miley Drive
Starkville, MS 39759
Phone: 662-615-5533
Fax: 662-323-9795
E-mail: nancy@msusag.org
MS USAG State Administrative Committee
Nancy S. Hawkins—Chair
Mabel Miller—Secretary
Ellie Counseller—Northern Rep
Richelle Gray—Central Rep
Cindy Wallace—Southern Rep
Dawn Messer—Rep at Large
Mary Thacker—NAWGJ Rep
Glynn Hankins—Publicity
Tamara Collins—TOPs
sag.org
u
s
m
.
www
Safety
At the Mississippi USA
Gymnastics State meeting, I
addressed the changes that
USA Gymnastics have initiated for the safety certification process. You now have
two options.
1. The major change is that
you can now test on line for
a cost of $65.00 which requires you to take a test
Or
2. You may continue to
choose to have a face to face
course, which is free if your
safety certification is current
and no test. You have up to
Ellie Counseller
one year to re-certify prior to
the expiration date.
After polling the members,
most agreed that they would
still prefer to have the face to
face safety course especially
for new members. Also
some of the gym owners
prefer to send their staff to
the free clinic rather than pay
for the on line course.
A Safety Certification Clinic
will be held at Desoto Elite
in Hernando August 7, 2004
from 9:00—1:00. Preregistration is required. Also
a clinic will be announced
soon for the Fall season.
Watch the Mississippi USAG
web site for
the date.
Good Luck to all gyms this
season! Work Hard, Train
Hard, Put Safety First.
(See related information page
25)