Technique Magazine - October 1986

THE OFFICIAL TECHNICAL PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES GYMNASTICS FEDERATION

October 1986

Vol. 6, No. 3

Velocity Of The Vault Run

Approach To Gymnastics Preparation Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

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October 1986

Vol. 6, No. 3

Inside This Issue 4-8

Approach To Gymnastics Preparation And Training For Class I Floor Exercise

By Sharon Valley Univ. of Florida

10-14

Velocity Of The Vault Run

By Bill Sands Phil Cheetham

15-16

Observation On Men's Vaulting At '85 World Championships

17

USGF Calendar Of Events

By Russell Fystrom

All USGF photos © 1985-86, by Dave Black

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Submission of Articles for Publication: Wri tten articles will be accepted for review and possible publication in the fo llowing procedure. First the articles are sent to : USGF Department of Publications 1099 N . Meridian St. , Suite 380 Indianapolis, IN 46204 U pan receipt of the ar ticle. to the USGF office, the research coo rdinator w il l review and forward copies to the appropriate USGF Sports Advisory Committee members for review. On receiving their review, copies o f the article wi ll go to the Manag ing Editor and Execut ive Director for fina l approval for publication.

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Publisher Mike Jacki Education/Safety Editor Dr. Gerald George Production Michael G. Botkin UNITED STATES GYMNASTICS FEDERATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Executive Director: Mike Jacki. Athlete Representatives: Lydia Bree; Peter Vidmar; Linda Kardos; Tom Beach; Kathy Johnson; Tim Daggett; Kelly Garrison. Amateur Athletic Union: Jerry Hardy. American Sokol Organization: Norma Zabka. American Turners: Hany Warnken. Members at Large: Linda Chencinski. NCAA Gymnastics CoachesMen: Fred Roethlisberger, University of Minnesota . NCAA Gymnastics Coaches-Women: Judi Avener, Penn State University. National Association for Girls and Women m Sports: Dr. Mimi Murray, Sprin~field College. National Association of Women s Gymnastics Judges: Dale Brown.

NCAA: Sylvia Moore, Oregon State University; Gail Davis, Rhode Island College; Jerry Miles, c/o NCAA; Wayne Young, Brigham Young University. NAIA: Bonnie Morrow. NHSGCA: john Brinkworth. National Federation of State High School Athletic Assoc.: Sharon Wilch; Susan True .

National Jewish Welfare Board: Courtney Shanken. NJCAA: Dave Rowlands, Truman College .

• NGJA: Mike Milidonis. USAIGC: Ed Knepper.

Men's Elite Coaches Assoc.: Jim Howard, University of Nebraska. USECA for Women: Roe Kreutzer; Steve Whitlock. Young Men's Christian Assoc.: Cliff Lathery. Jr. Boy's Gym. Coaches Assoc.: Rich Boccia. President: Mike Donahue.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: President: Mike Donahue. Secretary: Judi Avener. Vice President: Jim Howard. Executive Director: Mike Jacki. FIG Technical Committee: Jackie Fie. FIG Rhythmic Technical Comm.: Andrea Schmid. FIG Men's Technical Committee: Bill Roetzheim. Vice President for Women : Sue Ammerma n. President Emeritus: Bud Wilkinson. Athlete Representatives: Kathy Johnson; Peter Vidmar; Larry Gerald .

Members at Large: Mike Milidonis; Linda Chencinski.

Associ•te Content Editors SPORTS MEDICINE COMMITTH Merrill A. Ritter, M.D. SAFETY COMMITTEE Dr. Marc Rabinoff EDUCATION COMMITTEE Dr. Garland O'Quinn BIOMECHANICS COMMITTEE Dr. Marle ne Adrian, Director SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY COMMITTEE Dr. Keith Henschen, Ph.D. EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY COMMITTEE Dr. Pat Eisenma.n, Ph.D.

Unless expressly identified to the contrary, all articles, state men cs and views printed herein are attributed soley to the autho r and the Uni ted States Gymnastics Federation expresses no opinion thereon and assumes no responsibility thereof.

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An Approach To Gymnast Preparation And Training For Class I Floor Exercise

(PASS VI, #22 - Press Handstand 360° Pirouette Forward Walkover)

FLOOR EXERCISE CLASS I P. 150

COMPULSORIES

22. HANDSTAND 360° PIROUETTE FORWARD WALKOVER (0.6) From a squat position, place both hands forward on the floor and "lJress up to a handstand with the body in a piked position. Upon reaching the vertical, split the legs 180° and initiate a 360° PIROUETTE ON THE HANDS moving to the right . (Clockwise.) Finish the handstand with a FORWARD WALKOVER landing on the left foot .

Finish the for'Nard walkover with tile right leg extending 45° diagonally upward. Straighten left support leg. The body will be facing between ~orner #I and side #2.

Arms: Move to high.

By Sharon C. Valley Department of Intercollegiate Athletics University of Florida

INTRODUCTION:

omment and discussion from coaches regarding the above-mentioned section of the Class I Floor Exercise routine has reached the National Development and Technical Committees this year. The primary concerns of coaches appear to be that, (1) This section of the exercise is a series of basics that becomes particularly complex when put together in this sequence, (2) Performing these movements to full amplitude (no judging deduction) within the allotted time and the rhythmic structure of the music increases the probability of performance errors when competing and coach - gymnast frustration when training this section, (3) The immediately preceding compulsory exercises (previous cycle) did not include many of these

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currently required elements , and (4) There is the possibility of lower back problems that can occur from rushing the development of a forward walkover in a gymnast whose upper back/shoulder flexibility is not adequately developed before repeatedly working on the skill.

It is the author's opinion that the key concept that determined how well gymnasts from various gyms were able to cope with this challenge is BASICS. Obviously, those gymnasts who are developing from those gyms whose coaches have a philosophy of coaching that includes and requires the broadest range of thoroughly mastered basics probably had the least amount of difficulty in coping with the challenging nature of this section of the floor exercise.

And conversely, those gyms whose coaches require only basics related to a particular compulsory level and those optional skills for which the gymnast shows an initial talent or propensity, probably had the most difficulty in dealing with the skills and sequence of this section .

Nevertheless, and all things considered, much has been done by coaches to aid gymnasts in dealing with this portion of the exercise and to "get through" the season of competition with as much success as possible. We now approach summer or pre-season ('86-87) training phases that allow us to "drop back" a bit and structure our workout sessions to emphasize the importance of the gymnasts' skills and basic gymnastics attri. butes that need improvement and development. In preparing for next year's competitive season coaches also must consider that judges will have more familiarity with the entire floor exercise routine and will apply the deductions more discriminately.

In this article the author aims to suggest some specific training procedures and drilling methods for the basics required to improve the aforementioned section of the Class I Floor Exercise Routine.

I. Pre-Skill Drills These drills are a) to be performed at an above-average level prior to large scale work on the actual skills and, b) to Technique

be continued as warm-up and accessory drills to the actual drill practice that will be outlined later. (Section II) A. Split-Oversplit Drills 1. Gymnast performs split between mat stacks or beat boards and is observed by the coach for good hip alignment (not legs out to side or turned in at hips) and for posture of upper back, lower back and stomach (not arched in lower back so that the stomach sags towards the thigh).

2. Gymnast stands facing a wall with her forward split leg walking up the wall to split position, base leg slightly turned out and as close to the wall as possible.

Coach or spotter assists in balancing the gymnast and correcting alignment and posture .

3. Repeat with backward split leg, standing with back to wall to start. This drill becomes an arabesque drill if the gymnast lifts her chest and tries to remove her back leg from the wall to a held position .

PLEASE NOTE: All split drills and skills should be practiced on both sides to develop and maintain the body evenly.

B. Basic Handstand and Pirouette 1. Hold handstand 10 seconds in stretched (legs together) position with the head down and betwef-arms).

2. Hold handstand 3 seconds, split with control and main-" lift" of shoulders and hips . Legs are tight and " pressing" into split, rather than " releasing " and dropping to the split position .

Hold an additional 3 seconds to work on strength of split position.

Coach or competent partner adjusts alignment and corrects handstand throughout as well as helping the gymnast " press down" in hip areas to increase splitting action.

3. Handstand {legs together), then pirouette %, 112, % or 1/ 1 (depending on coach 's assignment) with and without assistance , maintain ing a stretched handstand and holding the handstand as the turn finishes .

4. Half and % pirouette in split handstand, end held 3 seconds.

Performed until the gymnast can maintain handstand and Technique

isolate the turning action without a change in split or stretch of the handstand.

C. Shoulder-Upper Back Orientation 1. Sit on floor, legs together, upper body stretched . Grasp stick between hands, shoulder distance apart and bring to vertical and then behind the vertical without arms bending, pulling the head from neutral or arching lower back . Spotter assists and adjusts as necessary.

2. Kick to handstand (legs together) with spotter adjusting and helping to maintain stretched-elevated position of the shoulders. Gymnast attempts to move upper back/shoulders behind the hand support position ("push back" in shoulder area) .

Spotter may have to gently assist in isolating the area as well as preventing gymnast from arching the lower back at any time during the drill.

Note: It is important that the gymnast maintains the stretched handstand while developing the ability for controlled hyperextension of the shoulder area. Observe these actions carefully.

D. Back bend/Walkover Lead-Ups 1. Upper backbend. Gymnast does a back bend to a mat stack which is approximately 112 to % of her height while standing approximately 6 inches from the mat.

The starting position requires straight standing position with back aligned properly, arms up and pressed behind vertical ("reach" with hands prior to head going back). This drill forces isolation of the upper back and prevents the hips from thrusting forward or backward. The coach will probably need to assist the gymnast in this drill.

2. Three quarter backbend to a mat that is approximately 8-12 inches thick. This drill helps with control of backbend . Encourage gymnast to arrive "softly" and with hands already under shoulders. ' 3. " Rockers ". In a backbend , full rocking , shoulders past handstand , hold, followed by full rocking of hips over feet.

4. Full backbend down and up showing both rocking positions

(hands leave floor only after hips moved over feet), and finishing in a straight stand, hands/arms behind shoulders and no movement of the feet. Encourage an "unfolding" action of vertebrae and musculature to the standing position.

5. Full backbend from a stand with one foot forward , leg stretchedrock, rock, with forward leg now extended to vertical (still in backbend position); come up to beginning position-forward leg stretched, foot barely touching floor, hip over heel. The most important action here is the transferral of center of gravity through the shoulder/hip rocking movement to the leg which will become the standing leg.

Note: Use this drill prior to having gymnast try to hold leg up at end. If the gymnast is assisted some of the time, she will develop muscle orientation and strength for the "in between " positions which will make possible the correct unfolding action of the back.

6. Handstand to backbend (forward limber) using shoulder isolation to initiate the legs moving from vertical to backbend position . The gymnast should attempt to arrive with shoulders already at least slightly behind hands {the first rocking position) so that as feet arrive the body can rock forward immediately and begin the standing action.

E. Pre-Walkover Drills (Tic-Toe lead-ups) Note: The gymnast should not proceed to Tic-Toe drills until she shows adequate shoulder flexibil ity and understanding of the " isolation " concept.

1. As in 0#2, but split handstand position . Watch for head staying at neutral position and lower back maintaining minimal arch as gymnast " pushes" back in shoulders. This is much more difficult than the legs together drill previously described.

Observe carefully coaches, making sure the stretch is occurring in the proper areas . Also make sure the split is maintained once shoulders start working .

The split legs will "tilt" forward , 5

but should be a result of the shoulder action and not a dropping or adjustment of either leg .

Gymnast returns to a controlled vertically split handstand .

2. When the first Tic-Toe drill is mastered and understood by the gymnast, the drill can be taken one step further by having the gymnast perform the drill as described above , but attempt to to uch the toes of the front leg to a mat stack or object 8-12 inches off the ground without putting weight on the foot or relaxing the stretch of that leg. Eventually the gymnast should be able to perform this drill with the toes touching the floor (no mat used) .

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Both of these drills benefit forward and backward walkovers.

F. Press "Developers" 1. From squat position "jump tucked legs to mini-hand-stand with hips up and over shoulders, legs still tucked , balance in this position ".

2. Same drill, but straightening legs to piked position with hips up and maintaining balanced position.

3. Drills #1 and #2, but extending legs up after the tucked or piked mini-handstand. Perform these drills against a wall or spotter at f irst to avoid overbalancing errors and develop awareness for the vertical position . Try to "stop" just prior to vertical.

Note: If gymnast has trouble elevating the hips high enough, set up a 4-8" mat with firm surface for her to start her squat on hands on the floor close to mat.

4. From a handstand , press down to a controlled tuck or pike stand.

Put the drills together, going up and down, making sure to show stretched handstand position between each phase of the drilling.

II . Skill Training Procedures The next most natural step in preparing the gymnast for this section of the floor routine is individual repetition of each of the three skills she will be training to connect. (1) the forward roll, press handstand, (2) the split handstand 360掳 piroette, and (3) the forward

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walkover. Here the author suggests the concept of meaningful repetition wherein the coach observes and maintains pre-set well understood conditions. For example, the gymnast must successfully perform five repetitions of the skill. Successful performance, however, may mean different degrees of perfection at different cycles of training, so the coach must be clear in the explanation of what is expected each day. Hopefully, the standards tor performing the skill would be those outlined tor the pre-skill drills already discussed in this article rather than mere completion of the skill.

Some suggestions tor skill training :

A Forward Roll Press Handstand 1 . Forward roll press handstand in a row down a tumbling diagonal or strip. Look tor increased control on the press to handstand before each roll.

2. Same drill , but add the split handstand at the end of the press and hold , then roll.

3. Add arabesque position to forward roll prior to the press handstand, continue to split handstand and hold prior to rolling.

1) divide the routine into 1/4s, % s or 112s (perform with and without music) 2) perform tumbling passes with the connecting parts in and out of the passes (with and without music) 3) dance through full routines without the major tumbliv passes (with and without music) 4) perform the whole routine without music to allow the gymnast to work on individual style or rhythm and/or to allow her to work the difficult sections at a pace that she can handle.

The author suggests a similiar approach to incorporating back into the routine the newly drilled parts discussed in Sections I and II of this article.

After practicing the skills back in combination , but outside of the routine , the whole sequence could be practiced to the music, requiring the gymnast to work only as fast as she can and still maintain correct technique. If the gymnast shows a regression to poor technique of any part of the combination that lasts for more than a few repetitions, have her return to the appropriate drill until the problem is once again car-

rected . During this phase of training, the coach may choose to turn the music on and oft to accommodate w hatever difficulty the gymnast may be having.

In addition , when return ing to work on the whole routine to music, the coach can ask the gymnast to perform on ly certain parts of the combination so as to vary the training process and change the emphasis from skill to ski ll. Examples of this method would be to perform the entire routine to music, but when the gymnast gets to the forward roll through the forward walkover section she performs one of the followin g sequences : 1) arabesque to forward roll , press to handstand and hold , then roll out in time to pick up the next section (contracted pose) .

2) same as #1, but split the handstand and hold, roll ing out again into the nxt section .

3) same as #2, but add a 112 or 1/1 pirouette and hold until rolling.

4) kick or press to handstand, split and pirouette 112 or 1/ 1 and perform Tic-Toe (as in Drills E #1 and 2), and hold the handstand (no forward roll) .

5) same as #4, but leave out the

B. Split Handstand 360째 pirouette 1. Kick to split handstand , hold , then pirouette 112, % or 1/ 1 and hold again .

2. Same drill but kick to legs together handstand , then split and add the degrees of pirouette and hold .

3. Combine drill A # 3 with B #2 as follows: Forward roll (with or without arabesque) , press handstand , split and pirouette 112, % or 1/1.

4. Same as above but add Tic-Toe to end of pirouette.

C. Forward Walkover 1. Single forward walkovers tor correctness , with and without leg held up at end.

2 . 1/ 1 pirouette forward walkover (perform walkover only when pirouette ends with control.)

3. Press handstand split 1/ 1 pirouette and forward walkover.

4 . Enti re sequence from forward roll to forward walkover.

Ill Routine Practice Most coaches have their own method of having gymnasts work full or part ial rout ines in a manner that emphasizes a certain quality or specific areas of the exercise. To mention a few :

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pirouette and perform the forward walkover.

When approaching the competitive season , the coach must set up the training cycle so that there is enough time to get the routine up to time and relating strongly to the music, regardless of error. The author suggests, however, drilling the parts and partial routines as long as possible.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

methods outlined in this article has been developed over a period of twenty years of coaching and teaching and in coordination with those gymnastics colleagues with whom she has worked , experimented and learned in several very special gymnastics training centers throughout the United States .

Those centers and a multitude of young gymnasts have provided the "laboratory" for learning which goes on and on .. .

t is important to note that the drills and skill practice as out- About the author: Sharon Valley has been a Brevet lined in Sections I, II and II are not meant to be done all at the judge for 16 years, serving as a U.S.A. same time , but progressively gymnastics official for most major world over a period of months as the gymnast competitions during this time. Most regains facility with proper mechanics for cently she judged at the 1984 Olympic these skill areas. Coaching observation Games and the 1985 World University is crucial to avoidance of "over-work" Games and she judged at the 1986 syndromes for the shoulder and upper Goodwill Games this summer in Mosback areas and to incorrect involve- cow. Ms. Valley serves as the director ment of the stomach and lower back, for the U.S.G .F. Women 's National which can occur in gymnasts who work independently more than they are observed on these skills.

Senior National Men's Coach Progress on these drills and skills is Position slow in most cases. Success needs to The Men's Program Committee has be measured and praised according to for over a year attempted to finalize the each small part of the skill that is being selection of a full-time, in-house senior addressed in the drill , as opposed to national coach for the Men's Program . measuring success by performance of This came as a recommendation of a the whole skill . In this way the gymnast special task-force created by the Exis hopefully internalizing the mental and kinesthetic aspects of performing with ecutive Committee of the United States good technique and will eventually be Gymnastics Federation (USGF) to capable of working for periods of time identify means by which the program without constant coaching supervision could be improved. or comment. At the same time , the To date, there has been no commitcoach is gaining invaluable analytical ment from the gymnastics community for such a position as demonstrated by experience as he adjusts the drilling concepts to each individual with whom no applications for the position.

At the most recent Men's Program he works.

It is the author's hope that coaches, Committee meeting, the decision was in reading Section Ill of this article, may made to continue the annual selection have gained some ideas for variety and process for the national coach from apspecificity of their methods of training plications presented to the Men's Proany floor exercise routine , notwithgram Administrator.

This would be a part-time, out of standing this article's specific discussion of Pass VI of the current Class I office position with a stipend contingent floor exercise . Hopefully, judges have upon the duties performed.

The job description is as follows: found some new understanding for how 1. Yearly 12 month national coaching the discussed elements connect efficiently and with full amplitude. And , position beginning on January 1 each finally , perhaps a number of gymnasts year. Applicants will submit resumes to have found some concrete ideas for the Men's Program Administrator by correcting or improving their skill level November 15, with selection for that for this routine. year taking place at the MPC meeting in December.

2. The National Coach will conduct ACKNOWLEDGEMENT four Regional clinics in the USA. He will In lieu of textbook references , the austructure and conduct these clinics with thor would like to acknowledge that the any assistants he deems justified. approach to basi cs and drilling

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Judge's Training Commission . She has coached and consulted for twenty years in Elite Training Centers throughout the U.S. and is currently the assistant gymnastics coach and a physical education instructor at the University of Florida. Ms. Valley holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Health , Physical Education , Recreation and Athletics.

3. He will conduct at least four Senior National Team training camps each year. He will organize and conduct the clinics in a very structured manner with input from the athletes and coaches and dissemination of schedule and format far in advance.

4. He will attend the Championships of the USA, the final trials, the American Cup at the expense of the USGF Men's Program.

5. He will attend Congress and be prepared to make presentations. Expenses to the Congress as with all presenters will be at his expense.

6. He will be the designated head coach of the USA team in all FIG team competitions for the year he is selected.

He will also select his assistant coach for these functions. This assistant must be approved by the Men's Program Committee.

7. He will develop technical information and disseminate it.

Interested Applicants Should Submit Complete Resume Vita To: ROBERT COWAN NATIONAL MENS PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR UNITED STATES GYMNASTICS FEDERATION 1099 N. MERIDIAN, SUITE 380 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46204

by November 15, 1986. Announcement will be made by December 15, 1986.

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Velocity of the Vault Run Junior Elite Female Gymnasts

Bill Sands Human Performance Research Laboratory University of Utah Phil Cheetham Sports Science Program U.S. Olympic Committee Sponsored by: U.S Olympic Committee Sports Science Program U.S. Elite Coaches Association for Women's Gymnastics

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aulting is one of the four events for female gymnasts. The events are vaulting, uneven parallel bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. Vaulting stands out among these events as the only one performed by the execution of a single skill. The other events are performed in a routine format, with a routine consisting of at least 10 elements or skills .

The vault receives a maximum score starting from 10.0 points, the same as the other events . This places an interesting emphasis on the execution of a single skill compared to the other events which require 10 or more skills to be performed in a routine. Therefore, one quarter of the female gymnast's allaround score is obtained by the execution of a single skill. With responsibility for 25 percent of the all-around score resting with one skill while 30 or more skills account for the remaining 75 percent, one might assume that vaulting

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biases the all-around score toward the accomplished vaulter, and emphasizes the importance of this event.

The vault is comprised of several distinct skill phases, and each phase may be sub-divided into smaller phases.

The major skill phases are the run-up, hurdle, take off, preflight, support, post flight , and landing. This study is concerned with the analysis of the run-up phase and the possible contributions of the run-up to the outcome of the vault, ie. the score received.

The gymnast uses the vault run-up to develop momentum that will be used for the remaining phases of the vault. One of the requisites to skilled performance of the vault is to achieve as high and long a trajectory as possible during the flight between the horse and the landing while performing somersaulting and twisting skills. This high and long trajectory will allow the gymnast to perform somersaulting and twisting skills with greater ease and elegance due to the Technique

increased time in the air . Work by Bruggeman and Nissenen (1981) showed a significant correlation between height and distance of the vault in the post flight with change in vertical velocity during the take off phase from the board.

Their work pointed to the vertical impulse during the support stage of the take off phase and acknowledged the underlying variables of horizontal component velocity , vertical component velocity, and angular velocity upon leaving the board . Dainis (1981) developed a mathematical model of the handspring vault for the female gymnast which was verified with four advanced female gymnasts. His calculations showed that a decrease of seven percent in the take off horizontal speed would cause a reduction of 13 percent in the post flight distance. Moreover, his model showed that a seven percent reduction in vertical speed at take off would result in a 25 percent reduction in Technique

post flight distance. The relationship of the run-up velocity to the height and distance of the post flight is not a simple one . The gymnast's actions during boardcontactandhorsecontactcanresuit in changes in the outcome of the post flight. However, the run-up , which is largely responsible for the horizontal component velocity , is an important contributor to the outcome of the vault.

The vault run of the female gymnast has been studied only cursori ly. The vault run of the junior male gymnast has been investigated by Mizoguchi and Cheetham (1984). Sprinting in general has been studied with a variety of methods ; high speed cinematography, photocell timing devices , and the speedograph (Volkov & Lapin , 1979; Henry & Trafton , 1951 ; Mann , Kotmel , Herman , Johnson , & Schultz , 1984) .

Run -up velocities of the senior age female gymnast, as determined by high speed cinematography, have been reported by Bajin (1976 ). Baj in deter-

mined the velocity of Nelli Kim (Olympic gold medalist in vaulting - 1976) in both compulsory and optional vaults.

He determined the velocity during the hurdle step for her compulsory Yamashita vault to be 7.64 mis and her full twisting Tsukahara reached a velocity of 7.4 mis during the hurdle. Male junior age vaulters were able to reach velocities ranging from 7.09-7.84 mis in the study by Mizoguchi and Cheetham (1984 ) using photocell timers .

Cheetham (1982) showed collegiate level male gymnasts had horizontal velocities at board contact ranging from 6.72 mis to 7.91 mis with a mean velocity of 7.32 mis. Hay (1973) reported the horizontal component velocity of a male gymnast performing the long horse vault to be 6.75 mis at the instant of take off from the hurdle step . Dillman , Cheethman , and Smith (1985) determined the range of velocities at the time of board contact for 1984 Olympic male final ists ranged from 7.6 mis to 7.99 mis 11

with a mean of 7.79 mis and standard deviation of 0.13 mis.

Procedures ymnasts were filmed during competition at the 1985 American Classic gymnastics competition held at the U.S . Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado . All gymnasts were filmed and 10 junior gymnasts were selected at random for this initial report. The filming was performed by a Locam II , 16 mm camera with film speed verified at 60 frames per second . The camera was placed approximately 25 m from, and perpendicular to, the sagittal plane of vaulter, centered in the vault runway, and elevated approx imately five mete rs. The elevation was accomplished by positioning the camera on the bleachers, using a tripod . The field of view included the entire run area from the starting position to the area between the take-off board and the horse .

Since the filming was performed during a competition it was necessary to raise the camera to avoid obscuring the body of the gymnast by meet personnel and other athletes. The camera position afforded an unobstructed view of the gymnast' s head. Other parts of the gymnast's body were obscured at various times due to score flashers , equipment, judges, and other athletes. Both vaults were filmed and the particular run for analysis was selected at random . Records were kept of the gymnast's name, type of vault, major execution problems, and score.

Digitizi ng of the approach run was performed using a Numonics Digibit digitizer. The apex of the head was

G

chosen as the single data point for identification . The head was the only body part that remained in view during the entire run due to the presence of meet personnel. Digitizing began at the first perceived motion of the gymnast from the standing start and ended several frames after board contact. The hurdle step itself was disregarded in the analysis due to large head movements that all the gymnasts performed during the hurdle step.

Data points were stored in an AT&T PC 6300 following the digitizing. A Butterworth digital filter was used to smooth the displacement data with a frequency cut off of eight Hz. Following finite differentiation of the resultant and horizontal component displacement data a running average was utilized involving plus and minus three data points . The horizontal component velocity was then listed and graphed .

Interest in the velocity of the vault runup alone makes the data collection essentially a one dimensional problem, ie. a line . Therefore, the factor of interest becomes horizontal component velocity. Since the problem has been reduced to a line as long as the camera remains as nearly perpendicular to the line of travel as possible the data will represent the horizontal displacement and horizontal component velocity upon differentiation . The start actions of each gymnast varied with some gymnasts taking the first step forward and , some backward - immediately prior to stepping forward . All the various starting actions were categorized as one step. Each step of the run was recorded as the leading foot contacted the floor.

All software for the analysis was written by the investigators.

Table 1 Vault Data Subject

Type of Vault

Steps

Peak Velocity

1.

Pike Tsukahara

8.40

12

7.11 mis

2.

Tsukaha ra

8.50

13

7.60 mi s

1/1

Twist

3.

Pike Tsukahara

8.20

11

6.97 mis

4.

V2 on 1 & V2 off

8.40

12

6.80 mis

5.

Tsukahara

8.65

13

7.17 mi s

6.

Pike Tsukahara

8.75

13

7.27 mi s

7.

Layou t Tsukahara

8.90

12

7.44 mi s

8.

Layout Tsukahara

9.00

13

7.49 mi s

9.

Layout Tsukahara

8.70

13

7.20 mi s

10.

Layout Tsukahara

1/1

Twist

Mean Standard Deviation

12

Score

9.05

15

8.555 0.280

12.70 1.06

7.46 mi s 7.25 0.25

Results and Discussion The sample of vaults, scores, number of steps, and peak velocities of the runs are displayed in Table 1.

The subjects included in this analysis included one subject with a very poor landing. The large execution error occurred on subject number two. In an attempt to diminish the confounding effects of large execution deductions on the final score, subject number two was removed from the statistical analysis that follows immediately below. coefficient of multiple correlation was calculated on the data in Table 1 to discern any positive relationships between the number of steps taken in the run and peak velocity with the score received .

The coefficient of multiple correlation (r) was .953 (n = 9, p < .01 ). The standard error of estimate was .1026 and the coefficient of determination (r squared) was .907. The coefficent of determination would indicate that up to 90.7 percent of the variation in scores received by athletes at this level of competition can be predicted by the number of steps taken and the peak velocity achieved .

The largest contributor to the vaulting score is the peak run velocity. The number of steps interacts or influences the peak velocity in that the more steps the gymnast takes the longer the run-up and , within limits, the higher the peak velocity. To clarify, the increased number of steps implied by the statistics does not indicate that the gymnast should attempt to simply take as many steps as possible. The results indicate that the run-up peak velocity and number of steps can closely predict the score . The number of steps variable implies that the gymnast should run farther not simply take more steps. This has been shown by Henry and Trafton (1951) in their research on the velocity of sprinting in general. Thei r research showed that it took 22 yards to reach 95 percent of the male athletes' maximum sprint velocity.

By using the standardized regression coefficients for both independent variables we obtained a beta value of .347 for number of steps with the score, and .701 for peak velocity with the score.

This indicates that the velocity of the ru n contributes approximately twice as much to the prediction of the final score as the number of steps. It should be

A

Technique

noted that the interaction between the number of steps and peak velocity resulted in the .953 coefficient of multiple correlation but, peak run velocity is a larger contributor to the relationship than the number of steps .

This analysis indicates that the gymnast should attempt to achieve as high a peak velocity as possible. The number of steps taken interacts with peak velocity by implying a longer run-up distance. Since gymnasts take a variety of starting actions, they are allowed to start anywhere within the limits E>f the runway, and the individual differences in stride lengths, height, strength, power, technique, etc., contribute to peak run velocity we elected to study two variables that were quantifiable in a competitive circumstance. These two variables are themselves determined by a host of other factors. We cannot accurately indicate the contribution of these factors . However, we should acknowledge their existence.

This information appears to clearly identify the run-up as a potent contributor to the outcome of the vault at the junior elite level. The gymnast should achieve as high a peak velocity as possible during the run-up and should utilize as much of the run-up distance as will be appropriate for reaching her peak velocity. Of course, this assumes that the gymnast does not perform the vault with large execution errors .

Patterns of the Final Four Steps ttempting to ascertain any deviations from peak velocity during the final four steps may result in the identification of the particular steps where decrements in velocity occur. It is common experience among gymnastics coaches to observe

A

decreases in velocity during the last two to three steps of a young vaulter due to a host of reasons . Any decline in velocity during these final steps represents a loss of momentum that is unrecoverable.

The final four steps of the run include those steps immediately preceding, but not including the hurdle step. All the junior female gymnasts achieved peak velocity during the final four steps. The work of Mizoguchi and Cheetham (1984) on junior male gymnasts provides comparative data. The data of Mizoguchi and Cheetham (1984) was reported as velocities at particular steps due to their instrumentation which utilized photo cell timing devices .

Comparative data from the film study of the junior female gymnasts was obtained by calculating the average velocity of all the data points during each of the last four steps. From the calculated averages of the data points for each of the final four steps, averages were calculated across subjects to obtain group means for each of the final four steps. This data is presented in Table 2.

Inspection of Table 2 Figure 1 shows that the male and female gymnasts have similar patterns during the final four steps of the run . The males achieve a higher peak velocity than the females but, both groups achieve the peak velocity during the second step before the hurdle. Although the differences in the values are well within the statistical limits of the standard errors, the patterns of the final four steps are interesting. The decrement in velocity that occurs during the final step prior to the hurdle is .45 percent for the females and 1.53 percent for the males. Figure 1 shows that the differences in the step velocities is not greater than statistical

error terms but does raise some interesting questions for further study. Is the pattern demonstrated in Figure 1 consistent among a larger group of vaulters? Are there differences in this pattern depending on the type of vault performed? Does age or size of the performer influence this pattern? This pattern may be a necessity since the gymnast must change from alternate stepping during the run to symmetrical arm and leg actions during the hurdle and take-off.

The gymnast and coach should work to diminish any decrement in velocity during the final four steps as much as possible. An example of one particular female gymnast should be instructive in this regard . Figure 2 shows the graph of the velocity of a particular gymnast during the last four steps along with the mean values for the group of female gymnasts. The graph shows that the decrement in this particular athlete is more pronounced than that of the group in general.

The decrement in velocity of this particular gymnast is 3.8 percent from her 路 peak velocity in the third step prior to the hurdle. This decrement was among the largest of the subjects under study.

Although the subject did not score in the lower half of the subjects, the question arises as to whether this subject could improve her vault and her score by reducing this decrement in velocity. A more efficient transition from the run to the hurdle could help the gymnast arrive at the take off with greater horizontal component velocity. A simple question of efficiency arises as to whether a gymnast should achieve a high peak velocity during the final steps of the runup only to slow down during the remaining steps.

Conclusion

Table 2 Comparison of Velocities of Final Four Steps This Study Females (n = 10) Step 4th

Mean Std Dev

3rd

6.82 mis 0.25 mi s

6.96 0 .20

1st

2nd

mis mis

6.97 0.22

mis mis

6.94 0.30

mis mis

Mizoguchi and Cheetham (1984) Males n = 6 Step 4th

Mean S td Dev

Technique

6.82 0.14

3rd

mis mis

7.2 1 0 .10

1st

2nd

mis mis

7.3 1 0 .1 5

mis mis

7.20 0.16

mis mis

he vault run plays a very important role in the performance of the gymnast, as reflected in the scores awarded . A correlation coefficient of .953 is quite high and reflects a very good relationship between the number of steps and peak velocity of the run-up with the score awarded . A great deal of time and effort should be placed in the analysis of the vault run for each particular gymnast. It is a startling realization that almost 91 percent of the variation in scores in vaulting at the junior elite level can be accounted for by run velocity primarily and number of

T

13

steps secondarily. One should remember that there is interaction between the length of the run , number of steps, and peak velocity.

The removal of the gymnast who had a large problem during the landing of the vault should emphasize that there are other considerations in the outcome of the vault that will effect the final score. However, at the elite level we can usually consider that the contending gymnasts will not have such large errors and the resulting performance evaluation will largely be determined by factors other than major execution faults. This realization serves to amplify the need for a very fast run for the vault.

Coaches and athletes should renew their interest in sprinting drills, perhaps with increased attention to those people who can teach the gymnastics coach about running , ie. track and field sprint coaches . Finally, the analysis technique used here appears to offer some diagnostic potential in determining exactly which step the decrement in peak velocity occurs. Therefore , the analysis technique can offer the coach a more accurate idea of where to look for fault in realizing maximum sprint speed and maintaining it as much as possible through the final steps of the approach . Future studies will concentrate on the final four steps to ascertain consistency of the patterns demonstrated here.

sprint running . Research Quarterly, 22 , 409-422.

Mann , R., Kotmel , J. , Herman , J. , Johnson , B ., & Schultz, C. (1984). Kinematic trends in elite sprinters.

In J . Terauds, K. Barthels, E. Kreighbaum, R. Mann, & J . Crakes, (Eds.) , Sports Biomechanics, (pp. 1733). Del Mar, CA: Academic Publishers.

Mizoguchi, H. & Cheetham , P. J. (1984). Number of steps in vaulting run. Paper presented to 1984 United States Gymnastics Federation , Coaches Congress, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Volkov, N. I. & Lapin , V. I. (1979) . Analysis of the velocity curve in sprint running. Medicine and Science in Sports, 11 (4), 332-337.

Eighth Internationa l Congress of Biomechanics .

Nagoya, Japan.

Cheetham, P. J. (1982). The men 's handspring front 1 V2 somersault vault: Relation sh ip of the early phase to post-flight. Proceedings First International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports . International Society of Biomechanics in Sports.

Dillman , C. J. , Cheetham , P. J. , & Smith , S. L. (1985). A kinematic analysis of men 's Olympic long horse vaulting . International Journal of Sports Biomechanics, 1, 96-110.

Hay, J. G. (1973). The biomechanics of sports techniques. Englewood Cliffs , NJ: Prentice Hall.

Henry, F. M. & Trafton , I. R. (1951). Velocity curve of

V ault Ru n : Final Four Steps . ~-----~e_on_V_el_oc_ili_••_fo_,_Eo_c_h_Sl-'-•P_ _ _ __ 75

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71

6.9 .

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I

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e.e ~ 6.5 +'----------~-------< 4U1

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2nd Step:! Before H1Jrdlc i"

Jr.

Bt>~

n=6

V ault Run: Final Four Steps Mean Vclocrtic:5 for- Each

S~cp

7.4 -, ------------'-----~

~

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7.3

-I

7.2

..J

1.1

~

6.9

~

------

----------

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u~

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I

Figure 2

l

I

I

6.6

References Bajin , B. (1976). Nelli Kim 's gold medal vault. International Gymnast Magazine, Nov. p46.

Bajin , B. (1976). A study of selected aspects of the Yamashita vault. Canadian Gymnastics Federation Publication.

Bruggeman , P. & Nissinen, M. (1981 ). Kinematic analysis of the handspring vault. Paper presented at the

I

5.7 ~

'"i

:

I

I

6.5 ~

:

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6.4 ~

:

6.3

I

I

I

-I

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14

Technique

Observation on Men's Vaulting From The 1985 World Championships

By Russell Fystrom

he purpose of this paper is to raise some questions and concerns I have in regards to men's vaulting at the 1985 World Championships. My concerns are in three areas. The first area I will deal with is the advent of the one-arm vault, the second area I will deal with is the Kasamatsu and the Tsukahara with a full turn, and the last area I will deal with is a general observation of the types and numbers of vaults performed at the 1985 World Championships.

A brief history of the one-arm vau It wi 11 help in realizing how quickly gymnastics changes. In the 1984 Los Angles Olympic Games there were no one-arm vaults performed . The first one-arm vault was performed by Grant Carlyon in the Australian Games in January of 1985. Carlyon performed a one-arm handspring with a full turn. I confirmed the performance of the vault with Ken Allen, an F.l.G. judge who judged at the games, and Makato Sakamoto, who presently is coaching in Australia. At the 1985 World Championships there were 144 vaults performed in competition 18, with 36 of them performed with one-arm .

In competition 3 there were 16 vaults performed , eight of which were performed on one-arm.

Gymnastics is a constantly changing sport. My questions and concerns deal with whether the trend and direction that is being set is indeed a step forward.

Hopefully, by raising the questions we can generate more discussion and determine if this is indeed the direction we should follow in men's vaulting .

My major contention in dealing with one-arm vaults is that generally they are not more difficult than two-arm vaults, but of course there are some exceptions. I do agree that one-arm vaults are original. I do question whether some original skills or techniques are proper in gymnastics. An example would that in women 's competition they are allowed

T

Technique

to perform a round-off before hitting the Reuther board, but in men's gymnastics we have not allowed vaulting to go in that direction . I feel the one-arm vault is also a direction I think we best not go.

I have two major concerns with onearm vaults. My conclusions are the results of observation , and not of any scientific method. My first contention is that one-arm vaults make twisting easier.

One performer was able to perform a handspring with two turns. He performed the skill on one arm, I don't think he could have performed the skill using two arms. I feel using one arm enables the gymnast to initiate the twist with great ease. There were 13 handsprings with a full turn performed, 11 which were done on one arm. Thus, 11 gymnasts gained the benefit of the extra two tenths merely by performing a vault with one arm. The second concern I have with one-arm vaults deals with forward rotating vaults (example: handspring with salto forward).

When performing a handspring with salto forward vault with one arm, I feel we are aiding the gymnast by diminishing the effect the horse limits on rotation.

When using two arms we are limiting the gymnast and his ability to rotate. When only using one arm the gymnast is not hindered as much by blocking on the horse. Thus, the important skill in vaulting becomes speed and power the gymnast can generate from the Reuther board . We thus are changing the nature of the event in down playing the horse and the limitations that it imposes on the gymnast.

I feel the men 's gymnastics Technical Committee must look at the vault from this perspective and determine whether this is the direction we should continue. It may well be that we will change the Reuther board or horse to enable the gymnast to twist or rotate more times, if that is the goal and direction we want to go. Whatever the direction we take I feel we should be aware of where we are

15

heading . I would propose that we not allow one-arm vaults or at least take the two tenths benefit the vault has received the past year. I feel the one-arm vault should be given the same value as twoarm vaults. I feel it is similar to the Thomas flair (American straddle circle) on pommel horse where that skill increased the difficulty for a performer in the first years it was performed. We have now given Thomas flair skills the same value as non-Thomas flair circles, unless it is listed in the Code of Points, The Technical Committee has decided that to elevate the skill was no longer beneficial to the growth of gymnastics. he second area of concern deals with the judges' ability to determine the difference between the Kasamatsu and the Tsukahara with a full turn . The problem is only a concern when the two vaults are performed in the tucked position. The Kasamatsu is valued at 9.2 and the Tsukahara with a full turn is valued at 9.4. My concern is that, as judges, we must be able to identify those two vaults and score them appropriately or change the value of one or the other. Of the 144vaults performed at the World Championships, 44 were Tsukaharas with a full turn or a Kasamatsu . They were performed tucked, stretched, piked and with one arm , The vaults I am most concerned with are the six Kasamatsus or Tsukaharas with full turns that were performed in the tucked position and the two that were performed with one arm in the tucked position . I will give the gymnasts' number and score.

T

218 210 15 83 40 61 145 108

8.30 9.15 9.40 9.30 9.75 9.75 9.30 9.55

By looking at the video tape I have come to the conclusion that performers 40, 61 and 108 performed the Kasamatsu vault with a vaue of 9.2 and 9.4 when performed with one arm. If we add two tenths for virtuosity we could get a value of 9.4 and 9.6. Gymnast 108 (9.55) scored .15 over the maximum score allowed for the vault. He was .15 better than perfect. Gymnast 40 scored 9.75 on a one-arm Ksamatsu in the tucked position and again scored .15 over the maximum score.

16

This over-scoring is not limited to the Kasamatsu vault. I will point out one other example. Gymnasts 226 and 47 performed a Tsukahara stretched with one arm. Gymnast 226 scored 9.85 and gymnast 47 scored a 9.8. The highest value of that vault if done to perfection with virtuosity would be 9.8 (9.4 base plus .2 for one arm and .2 for virtuosity).

At least two judges felt gymnast 226 was one tenth better than perfect and gymnast 47 was perfect and performed the vault with virtuosity. he next trouble area I would like to deal with is the onearm Kasamatsu in the tucked position . This vault seems to cause judges problems because either they over score the vault or they confuse it with a one arm Tsukahara with a full turn. I suspect the second one. The maximum score for a one-arm Kasamatsu would be a9.6 (9.2 base plus .2foronearm and .2 for virtuosity) . Gymnast 105 scored 9.7 and gymnast 81 scored 9.75. Both vaults were performed in the finals of the World Championships. Both gymnasts performed the Kasamatsu and both scored higher than possible. I don't believe the one-arm Tsukahara with a full turn has been performed and it was not performed in the 1985 World Championships. I feel the Tsukahara with a full turn and tucked or any other position on one arm would be a very different vault.

My reasons are that in performing onearm vaults, the non-support arm would be dropped or lowered thus making it easier to twist in that direction . In doing a Tsukahara with a full turn, the gymnast would need to twist towards the support arm.

I feel we must not reward the Kasamatsu on one arm by over scoring the vault. We need to be certain that the gymnast is indeed performing the vault we are judging . I would like very much to determine if a one-arm Tsukahara with a full turn has been performed . I don't think it has and I have not seen the vault in the United States or at the 1985 World Championships.

Given the numberofTsukaharas with a full turn and Kasamatsu vaults performed , I feel the F.l.G . and the NGJA Technical Committees must provide some education to their members to insure that the judges can determine the difference between these two vaults. I question whether we can consistently tell the difference between the two vaults . We must be certain that the

T

judges who are selected to judge the vaulting event have the ability to determine the difference between the two vaults. It is of greatest concern when the two vaults are performed in the tucked position or with one arm in the tucked position . Fred Roethlisberger, University of Minnesota gymnastics coach , pointed out to me the added problem of the judge not knowing the vault that the gymnast will perform . A judge is expected to recognize the vault as well as judge it. When dealing with the Kasamatsu and Tsukahara with a full turn , I believe this is a most difficult task. he last area I would like to deal with is the number of and types of vaults performed . By far, the greatest number of vaults were the Tsukahara and Kasamatsu either performed stretched, tucked, piked, with a full turn or with one arm. Seventy four of the 144 vaults were of some variation of the Tsukahara or Kasamatsu . The next greatest number of vaults were some variation of the cuervo. Nineteen cuervo type vaults were performed . The third greatest number were the 13 handsprings with a full turn with 11 done on one arm. Another interesting note is that 109 of the 144 vaults and backward landings facing the vaulting horse. Should we look at the possibility of elevating the value of vaults that have forward landings with multiple twists or salto? I believe we must look at vaulting and try to reward the gymnast that is trying the newer and more unusual vaults.

I feel we must judge vaulting more in line with the rules and values so the gymnasts who perform different and unusual vaults are rewarded for his effort.

I hope this paper will help generate more discussion of the vaulting event and the direction it should take in future years. We must reward new and different vaults. I feel we must apply the rules to the present vaults with greater vigor to encourage the gymnasts to seek the new and original. I feel we have seen the one-arm vault and we should move on and forward by not rewarding that vault with an extra two tenths. I feel we must be certain that gymnasts are not rewarded beyond the value of the vault.

If we continue to reward the gymnasts with a greater score that is possible we will not be encouraging the gymnast to move forward and to seek new and original vaults. My only hope is that I have generated some new questions and new ways of looking at vaulting .

T

Technique

CALENDAR 1987 SEPTEMBER 23-29 24-27 22-27 26Oct 6

VIII International Tournament-Catania (W) USGP National Congress Princess Grace Cup (R) Pour Continents (R)

OCTOBER 1-6 2-5 8-13 16-26 17-19 17-19 17-19 21Nov 8 TBA

Antwerp, Belgium Junior Women's Training Colorado Camp (W) Springs, CO Joaquim Blume, XIII Barcelona, Catalunya (M/W) Spain South African Cup (M/W) South Africa World Cup (R) Tokyo, Japan Men's Clinic - Region II Portland, OR Men's Clinic - Region VII Cortland, NY Junior Boys' Development Colorado Camp (M) Springs, CO **Senior Women's Training TBA Camp (W)

7-8 15-16

Men's Clinic Men's Clinic Men's Clinic -

Region V Region VIII Region III

15-16

Men 's Clinic -

17-24

USA vs . China (M/W)

20-26 21-22

USA/Swiss/Holland (W) Men's Clinic - Region IV

Region VI

21-22

Men's Clinic -

21-22 19-28

Men's Clinic - Region I Chunichi Cup/Tokyo Int'!

Invitational (M/W) Swiss Cup/OTB Pokal Cup (M/W)

29Dec 8

26Jan 5 TBA

20-21

Pirst Regional Elite Meet (W) TBA

7-8

Pirst Regional Elite Meet (W) Various Sites (TBA) McDonald's American Cup Pairfax, Virginia (M/W) International Mixed Pairs Hampton, Virginia (M/W) TBA Second Regional Elite Meet (W) USS R Moscow/Riga Prague, Women's Day Cup (R) Czechoslovakia

Region IX

Northbrook, IL Tucker, GA Norman, OK Springfield, MA Honolulu , Hawaii Switzerland Oshkosh, WI Colorado Springs, CO Tempe, AZ Tokyo, Japan Switzerland/ Germany

Belgium Gym Masters (M/W) Prance *USA/Prance (W) Senior Men's Training Camp West Point, NY Jr. Boys' National Testing & Colorado Springs, CO Training (M) London *BACA International England Tournament (M/W)

Technique

5-7 18-2 1

FEBRUARY MARCH

7-8 *12 28-29 TBA TBA

25-27

3-5 10-11 11-18

25-26 25-26 TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Rhythmic Championships of the USA American Classic Nationals (W) Junior Training Camp (M) *USA Jr. Boys vs. Cuba Jr. Boys Class I State Meets (W) USA/USSR Dual Competition (M/W) *TBS Cup (M/W) PIG RSC 7th Cycle Int'!

Judges Course ••Junior Women's Team USA/KOR (W) **Junior Women's "B" Training Camp (W) Champions All *Hungary/Bulgaria Invitational (R)

22-23

Class I Regionals (W) SR Elite Regional Qualifying Meets (M) Third Regional Elite Meet (W) East/West Championships

29-30 TBA TBA

U.S. Classic (W) *Brother Cup (R) *Corbeil (R)

16-17

TBA TBA TBA

11-12

TBA

17-26

Colorado Springs, CO Colorado Springs, CO TBA TBA Japan Switzerland *Colorado Springs, CO TBA TBA TBA

TBA Various Sites (TBA) Various Sites (TBA) TBA

(W)

TBA Japan Corbeil, Prance

Junior Olympic Championships (W) McDonald's Championships of the USA (M/W) [Trials-Pan Am Games (M/W) & World Champs (W)) Junior Olympic Boys' Nationals (M) Rhythmic Pan American Games Trials (R) *Senior Women's Training Camp (W) Canadian Classic Golden Sands (W)

TBA Kansas City, KS

*Reno, NV TBA TBA Canada Bulgaria

JULY 9-16

TBA

MAY 9-10 15-16

27-28

7-11

APRIL

17

DECEMBER 10-15 11-22 17-21

TBA

USA vs. Australia (Jr. Boys) Colorado Springs, CO **USA/ROM (W) TBA

4

Cuperus Cup (M/W/R)

NOVEMBER 7-8

JUNE

JANUARY Catania, Sicily St. Louis, MO Monaco Melbourne, Australia

World Univers ity Games (M/W/R) PIG Gymnaestrada and PIG Congress Junior USA Championships (W) 1987 U.S. Olympic Pestival (M/W/R)

25Aug 5

Junior Boys' Development Camp (M)

6-12

Junior Boys' Training Camp (10-12 yr olds) Pan American Games (M/W/R) *Senior/Junior Training Camp (W) Brazil Cup (W)

Zagreb, Yugoslavia Heming, Denmark TBA Raleigh/ Durham, NC Colorado Springs, CO

AUGUST

7-23 TBA TBA

Colorado Springs, CO Indianapolis, IN TBA Brazil

SEPTEMBER 11-12

23-26

World Championship Team Trials (M) Rhythmic World Championships (R) USGP Congress

TBA TBA

Catania (W) Princess Grace Cup (R)

18-25

Artistic World Championships (M/W) *USA/Prance •Junior Women 's (B) Training Camp (W) *Senior Women's Training Camp (W)

17-20

TBA Varna, Bulgaria *Chicago, Illinois Italy Monaco

OCTOBER

TBA TBA TBA

Rotterdam, Holland Prance TBA TBA

17

ORDER # DESCRIPTION WOMENS GYMNASTICS/TECHNICAL 1101 Code of Prnnls/FIG 1108 Rules & Policies 1109 8588 Ehle Comp Tex! 1111 85·88 Agegroup Comp Texl 210 1 84 Oly Games VHS 2102 84 Oly Games Bela 2103 85 8 Elile Comp Music 2104 88 Agrp Comp Music Cass.

2105 88 Agrp Comp VHS cl. 2&3 2106 88 Agrp Comp VHS cl. 4&5 2107 88 Agrp Comp VHS cl 1 2111 84 Jr. Europe Champ VHS 2112 88 Elile Comp VHS 2113 85 Sr Europe Champ VHS 2421 85 Ch USA C&Finals M&W VHS MENS GYMNASTICS/TECHNICAL 1201 Code of Prnnls/FIG 1202 88 Agegroup Comp Texl 1208 Rules & Policies 88 Olympic Comp Texl 1209 2201 84 Olympic Games VHS 84 Olympic Games Bela 2202 2211 84 Jr Europe Champ VHS 2212 88 Olympic Comp VHS 22 13 85 Sr Europe Champ VHS 222 1 88 Agegroup Comp VHS 88 Oly Comp Japanese VHS 2222 242 1 85 Ch USA C&Final M&W VHS RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS/TECHNICAL 1301 Code of Points/FIG 1302 88 Agegroup Comp Texl 1308 Rules & Policies 2311 88 Comp Music Cassi Cl 2 2312 88 Comp Music Cassi Cl 3 2313 88 Comp Music Cassi 2&3 2321 88 Agrp Comp Cl 2 VHS 2331 88 Agrp Comp Cl 2 Bela 88 Agrp Comp Cl 3 VHS 2322 88 Agrp Comp Cl 3 Beta 2332 88 Agrp Comp Cl 2&3 VHS 2323 2333 88 Agrp Comp Cl 2&3 Beta SOUVENIRS 3102 Commem Pictoral Bk LA84 4111 Mary Lou Retton Poster 4112 Milch Gaylord Poster 4121 84 Oly Team Poslcards (5) W 4221 84 Oly Team Poslcards (5) M 4201 USGF Logo Pin 4202 USA Gym Commem Pin 84 ··1Love Gym . :· Bumperslk 4401 4403 USGF Logo Decal 'NEW 4404 I Love Gymnaslics Bunon USGF Logo Patch 7201 Antique Finish Key Chain 4501 Silver Coaster Sel of 4 4701 Gold Coasler Set of 4 4702

PRICE 21 50 11 50 16 50 11.50 45.00 45.00 6.50 6.50 1S1.00 151 00 49.95 31.95 41.95 31.95 31.95 21.50 16.50 11.50 16.SO 45.00 45.00 31.95 31.95 31.95 31.95 31 95 31.95 21.50 26.50 16.50 6.50 6.50 12.00 59.95 59.95 59.95 59.95 104.00 104.00 15.95 6.50 6.50 4.00 4.00 2.00 2.00 1.50 75 2 00 2 4.50 24.SO 27.50

so

ORDER # DESCRIPTION PUBLICATIONS ANO SAFETY 3101 Gym Reference/His! Sel 8 Back Issues ··usA Gym·· M,ag 3201 3601 ·· s1omecharncs of W Gym 600 1 Safel y Manual/USGF 6101 Safely Posler 1 Guideline 6102 Safely Posler 2 ol Gymnsl APPAREL & T-SHIRTS

PRICE 15 95 7 50 23 95 16 45 00 00

s s

LAST DIGIT OF ORDER # !fourth digitl DESIGNATES THE SIZE OESIREO !chart below) Adull sizes

XL

M 3

Lasl Oig il

M 6

Youlh Sizes Last Oigi1

5003 5007

Olympic Leolards · Adull M lo Youlh S only LONG SLEEVE T'S (all sizesl ""USA GYMNASTICS'' 51115117 51215127 USGF Logo 51715177 Ame11can Cup SHORT SLEEVE T'S !all sizesl 51315137 USGF Logo ·· Year ol lhe Gold"" 51515157 "" USA GYMNASTICS..

51615167 5181-5187 Champ ol USA 85 90019004 .

Classic Nationals 85 90119017 USA vs China SLEEVELESS T'S /all sizes) 90219027 World Team T11als 85 APPAREL 5201 5204 .

Classic Casual Sh11t • adull sizes only 53015304 .

Veloure Pullover Top · adull sizes only 5401 5407 White Salin Jackels 5501 5507 USGF Off1c1al Warmup BAGS 5411 USGF Tote Bag 5421 Official Workout Bag 5591 Duffie Bag grey 5592 Duffie Bag blue 5541 B11efcase 5551 Travel Kil Carry-All Bag silver 5596 5597 Carry-All Bag orange Carry All Bag gold 5598 Carr y All Bag yellow 5599 5511 USGF Garmen! Travel Bag

s 7

3195

10.95 10.95 10.95 7.95 8.95 7.95 6.95 6.95 7.95 6.95 21 .95 32.95 37.95 69 95 7.95 9.95 8.95 8.95 12.00 6.50 10.95 10.95 10.95 10.95 39.95

PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF # 4113 BART CONNER POSTER 10 .00 WILL GO TO THE " BART CONNER SCHOLARSHIP FOR ENDURING EXCELLENCE"

NEW! WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP VIDEOS $39.95 ea/C&O set $70.00 #2114 Women's Compulsories #2115 Women's Optionals

#2214 Men's Compulsories #2215 Men's Optionals

--------------------------------------------~2' _u ,-. J'~>._

NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __

F ~ \~ llSGF Merchandising ~c:,~~~-- ~ PO. Box 5562 ~@ ·c. n -:G·

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-

ORDER µ

ADDR ESS _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

lndranapolrs. IN 46255 5562 - - - - - - - - --

-

CITY _ _ _ _____ _ _ _ __

OTY

STATE _ _ __ _ _ ZIP _ _ __

PRICE

DESC RIPTION

TOTAL AMT.

c s

u A

FOR CREDIT CARD ORDER ONLY, CALL

311638-8743

~ [·j11 ~·CHARGE ~

.

MY

. - D VISA D MASTERCARD

CA RO NO . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ M Y CARD EXPIR ES : _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

TOTAL

USGF Merchandising

PO. Box 5562 Indianapolis, IN 46255-5562

ORDER #

ADDRESS, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __

_ _ _ __

CITY _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ STATE._ _ _ _ _ ZIP_

OTY

DESCRIPTION

;

PRICE

_

_

TOTAL

'

TOTAL AMT.

~ [''.~] CHARGE MY:

FOR CREDIT CARD ORDER ONLY, CALL

317-638-8743

~

. - . . D VISAD MASTERCARD

CARD NO ._

_ __ _ __ __ _ _ __

MY CARD EXPIRES: _

_ __ _ __ _ __

------------------------------------NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ADDRESS CITY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ STATE _ _ _ _ _ ZIP _ __

ORDER #

OTY

DESCRIPTION

PRICE

TOTAL AMT.

FOR CREDIT CARD ORDER ONLY, CALL

317-638-8743

~ [i/1 .~] CHARGE MY: ~ . - .. D VISA D MASTERCARD CARD NO ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ MY CARD EXPIRES : _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

TOTAL

USGF Safety Certification Testing USGF SAFETY CERTIFICATION PROPOSED COURSE/TEST SCHEDULE September 24-28, 1986-During the USGF Congress - St. Louis, Missouri 1. Thursday, September 25th

2:00pm-8:00pm Adams Mark Hotel Fourth and Chestnut St. Louis, MO 63102 Course Director: Ray Overmann • 314-569-1179 Hotel Contact: Adams Mark Hotel 314-241 -7400 2. Sunday , September 28 9:00am-4:00pm Adams Mark Hotel Fourth and Chestnut St. Louis, MO 63102 Course Directors: Paul Spadaro 718-816-6287 Additional USGF National Certifiers will assist with this course.

Hotel Contact: .Adams Mark Hotel 314-241-7400 · ·Registration for either of the two courses to be conducted at the USGF Congress are to be directed to the United States Gymnastics Federation , 1099 North Meridian, Suite 380, Indianapolis, IN 46204, 317-638-8743

Friday, October 3, 1986 Ann Arbor, Michigan 1:OOpm - 8:00 pm Course Director: Robert Cowan - 317-638-8743 Local Contact: Judy Freiheit - 313-742-2151 This course will be carried out during the Michigan State Gymnastics Congress

Sunday, October 5, 1986 Portland , Oregon 9:00am-5:00pm Multnomah Athletic Club Course Director: James Stephenson 916-635-8930 Local Contact: Pat Robinson 503-223-6251 x 242 This course will be carried out during the Region II Gymnastics Congress

General Points Of Information 1.

2.

3.

4.

The testing book for the Certification Course is the USGF Safety Manual.

The course will take approximately six hours, including the test.

The Course fee is $100.00 (retest cost is $25.00) .

Certification is good for four years.

Everyone Needs To Be Safety Certified 1.

2.

3.

4.

Promotes a safer teaching/learning environment.

Reduces insurance premiums.

Identifies your commitment to your profession, your sport and your athletes.

Implementation of stricter safety practices will help reduce the chances of accidents and/or injuries.

5. Helps in membership recruitment.

Dates, Times and Locations will all be listed in USA Gymnastics. They can also be checked by calling the USGF Department of Safety and Education at (317) 638-8743.

An enrollment limit of 100 has been placed for each course. First come, first served (based on postmark of registration) . Call course contact for more details.

Friday, October 10, 1986 1. Mt. Laurel , New Jersey 9:00am-5:00pm Mt. Laurel Hilton Course Director: Paul Spadaro - 718-816-6287 Local Contact: Pat Pangi - 201-735-8978 This course will be carried out during the Region VII Gymnastics Convention 2. Columbus, Ohio 9:00am-4:00pm Embassy Suites Course Director: Robert Cowan - 317-638-8743 Local Contact: Ron Ganim W: 216-526-2970 H: 216-237-3808 This cou rse will be carried out during the Ohio State Gymnastics Congress

Saturday, October 11, 1986 1. Minneapolis, Minnesota 9:00am-4:00pm Cooke Hall Uni. Of Minnesota, Minneapolis Course Director: Ralph Druecke W: 414-782-3430 H: 414-691-3398 Local Contact : Fred Roethlisberger W: 612-625-5967 H: 612-436-8365 2. Fort Collins, Colorado 9:30am-4:30pm Mountain Gymnastics 419 East Stuart, Ft. Collins, CO 80525 Course Director: Dr. Marc Rabinoff W: 303-556-3935 H: 303-972-3428 Local Contact: Ron Baratta - 303-482-3118 Hotel Contact: Holiday Inn University Park - 303-482-2626

Sunday, October 12, 1986 Norman , Oklahoma 1O:OOam-5:00pm Sheraton Hotel Course Director: Ray Overmann - 314-569-1179 Local Contact: Eleanor Kirby - 918-627-6989

Friday, October 17 - Sunday, October 19, 1986 Dallas, Texas During the Gymnastics Association of Texas (GAT) Congress Summit Hotel 2645 LBJ Freeway, Dallas TX 75234 Course Director: Hutch Dvorak W: 713-995-3315 H: 713-342-1702

~-------------------------------

PARTICIPATION REGISTRATION FORM Name : Mr./Mrs./Ms. Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Telephone : ~H~-------------------~B~---------Course Director - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Course Location _________________________ Date _ _ _ _ _ __

Organization Represented : -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If USGF Member, List Type and Number: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Please make checks payable in full to : USGF Safety Certification. *DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE -

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY*

Friday, November 7, 1986 Lake George, New York 1O:OOam - 6:00pm Sagamore Hotel Course Director: Paul Spadaro - 718-816-6287 Local Contact: Kathy Feldmann - 617-784-5830 This course will be carried out during the Region VI Gymnastics Congress

Sunday, November9, 1986 Irvin , California Course Director: James Stephenson 916-635-8930 Local Contact: Denise Porrazzo - 213-425-1514

Registration Form Received : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - -

Confirmation Mailed : - - -··- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -