INSIDE INSIDE INSIDE USA Gymnastics is restructuring professional membership in the upcoming season. As of August 2012, coaches, judges, gym owners, and others will have two options of professional membership. Option #1 is the Professional Membership - intended for those gymnastics professionals, such as coaches and judges that participate in sanctioned events and receive access to the field of play. Option #2 is the Instructor Membership – intended for recreational coaches and teachers that wish to increase their level of education and obtain certification within USA Gymnastics University. We are encouraging everyone involved in gymnastics to obtain higher levels of education, and we are offering this membership at a cost effective price of $15. In addition, we have lowered the age limit for this membership type to 14 years of age. Along with the simplification of these membership options, USA Gymnastics will also streamline the process of membership and certification expiration dates. Similar to the athlete membership structure, all professional members of USA Gymnastics will expire on July 31st, 2013. You will notice the new process with your 2012/2013 membership. Looking forward to 2013, USA Gymnastics encourages all professional members to enter USA Gymnastics University, take program specific coursework and/or pre-place themselves in the University. This is communicated to prepare members for the release of the “2013 Rules and Policies” which will require a professional member to have a specific level of certification in order to gain access to a sanctioned event. I also would like to bring your attention to the work of the National Gymnastics Foundation (NGF). Over the past few years, the NGF has been reorganized and working to support the promotion of the sport at the highest level. In 2008, funds from the NGF were used to fund the eight-page insert in USA Today, and again in 2010, when USA Gymnastics produced a similar insert for Parents Magazine. This year, the NGF has funded new television commercials that are available for USA Gymnastics Member Clubs and are being included in USA Gymnastics television broadcasts. These commercials underscore the message that “Life Needs Gymnastics” and the benefits that children can experience at the grassroots of the sport. National Gymnastics Foundation Board L-R: George Drew,
Bruno Klaus, Jeff Metzger, Rita Brown, Sallie Weaver, The NGF has not only become a valuable partner in the promotion of the sport, Dominick Minicucci, Bob Wood (not pictured: Nastia Liukin). they have provided significant support for other initiatives which include the introduction of a Collegiate Development Fund designed to support and sustain collegiate gymnastics, adoption of the Nastia Liukin Fund geared to support fitness initiatives, and sponsorship for the annual USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
I encourage you to consider a donation to the NGF in your charitable efforts. See you in the Gym
Steve Penny President and CEO
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TECHNIQUE • JUNE 2012