Technique Magazine - March 1987

THE OFFICIAL TECHNICAL PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES GYMNASTICS FEDERATION

Getting Ready For '88

Permit No. 6466 Indianapolis, Ind

March 1987

Vol. 7, No. 1 Inside This Issue

4-10

Men's Technical Analysis USA vs. China

By Abie Grossfeld Men's Coach

12-18

Getting Ready for '88

By Bill Sands, Pat Eisenman, Steve Johnson, Lonnie Paulos, Paul Abbot, Steve Zerkel, Scott Straker

19

USGF Calendar of Events

20-22

Additional Judging Guidelines For Elite Compulsory Exercises

By Ken Allen Elite Compulsory Exercise Committee

On The Cover: Scott Johnson looks to repeat celebration at '88 Olympics.

(USGF photo © 1985, by Mike Botkin).

1104 86-87 Supp. to W Code

To order, see page 11

The USGF Supplement is a publication of the USGF Women's Technical Committee and the official rule interpretation for USGF competitions.

The Supplement is a must for all professionals involved in the competitive aspect of Women's Artistic gymnastics.

Contents include new rules, interpretations, and clarification of international rules, adopted by the Women's Technical Committee, plus over 300 additional elements of A,B,C, and D values.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES : In order to ensure uninterrupted deliver y o f TECHNIQUE magazine, notice of change of address should be made six to eight weeks in advance. For fastest service. please enclose your present mailing label. Direct all subscription mail to TECHNIQUE SUBSCRIPTIONS .

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TECHNIQUE is published quarterly for $12.00 by the United States Gymnastics Federation , 1099 N. Meridian St., Suite 380. Indianapolis, IN . 46204 (Phone: 317-638-8743) . Third class postage paid at Indianapolis, IN .

Subscription price: $12.00 per year in United States; all other countries $24 .00 per year . Back issue single copies $2.00 plus $1.00 postage / handling . All reasonable care will be taken , but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited material; enclose return postage.© 1987 by USGF and Technique. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

For safety measures the USGF recommends that NO JEWELRY OF ANY KIND be worn during any gymnastics training and competition, nor during any coaching activity. Even though various photographs published in USA GYMNASTICS show gymnasts wearing jewelry, it is not part of the proper uniform.

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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; Torn Beach; Kathy Johnson; Tim Daggett; Kelly Garrison. Amateur Athletic Union: Jerry Hardy . American Sokol Organization: Norma Zabka. American Turners: Harry 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, Sprini;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. Youni; Men's Christian Assoc.: Cliff Lathery. Jr. Boys 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 Ammerman . President Emeritus: Bud Wilkinson. Athlete Representatives: Kathy Johnson; Peter Vidmar; Larry Gerald.

Members at Large: Mike Milidonis; Linda Chencinski.

Associate Content Editors SPORTS MEDICINE COMMI1Tll Merrill A. Ritter, M.D. SAFETY COMMITTEE Dr. Marc Rabinoff EDUCATION COMMITTEE Dr. Garland O'Quinn BIOMECHANICS COMMITTEE Dr. Marlene Adrian, Director SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY COMMITTEE Dr. Keith Henschen. Ph .D. EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY COMMITTEE Dr. Pat Eisenman, Ph.D.

Unless expressly identified to the contrary, all articles, statements and views printed herein are auributed soley to the author and the United States Gymnastics Federation expresses no opinion thereon and assum~s no responsibility thereof

Technique

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Men's Technical Analysis: USA vs. China USA vs CHINA 1986 McDonald's Gymnastics Classic

By Abie Grossfeld Men 's Coach November 21 and 23, 1986

he People's Republic of China met the USA in a gymnastics dual meet in Honolulu. The men's team and all-around competition took place on Friday, November 21 at 7:30 pm with the individual event finals being on Sunday, November 23 at 2 pm . The USA team arrived Tuesday, November 18 and had a light workout that evening at Kamehameha School. A special thank you to Brad Cooper, Karns gymnsatics coach, for making his facility available. The following day, we also worked out at Kam with at least one quality routine being the order of the day. Thursday's workout was at the site of the competition , Blaisdell Arena. The USA team consisted of Brian Babcock, Rob Brown, Brian Ginsberg, Scott Johnson , Charles Lakes, Mike Rice and Wes Suter. The coaches were Abie Grossfeld and Fred Roethlisberger. Bob Fisher and Jerry Todd were our judges with Hardy Fink of Canada acting as the neutral superior judge.

From our seven gymnasts, one was to be designated as the alternate. After our Thursday training session , the coaches decided that the alternate would be chosen irom among these three gymnasts: Rob Brown , Mike Rice and Wes Suter. Babcock, Lakes, Johnson and Ginsberg showed that they were definites for the team. However, no one from among Brown, Rice or Suter distinguished themselves as more outstanding in training. Also considered were recent competitions and the optional results from the USA Champion-

T

Mike Rice scored a 9.50 for his floor routine during the USA vs . China meet recently.

(USGF photo Š 1986, by Mike Botkin) .

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ships. We decided, in this case, to go with the national team rankings of the three gymnasts in question. Suter was selected as the alternate. The three finalists for each event (competition Ill) were not determined by the competition 1b results. Our basis for selecting the event finalists were first, the gymnasts' health; second, our strongest contenders to win the event and lastly, to provide the opportunity for all seven to compete. All our gymnasts were in at least two events.

While the Chinese did not send their best team, two members were on their Goodwill Games team (Guo and Fu), and one (Guo) was on their top Asian Games team. Also, Li Ge is surely one of their leading bright hopes for the near future. He performs with elegance, long lines, excellent extension and amplitude. He lacks some physical strength, but is just 17 and surely will gain strength significantly over the next few years. One of their other gymnasts, Zhang Yong (20 years of age) is also on their national first team. So, it was a fair representation of their better gymnasts.

FLOOR EXERCISE In the recent past we have been well behind the Chinese in tumbling difficulty. We emerged in this competition the superior in difficulty but not score. The beat us by .25. Definite progress was evident in Brown successfully completing a full-in in both the team and event finals, in Babcock's confidence in his layout-in 112 twist out 13/4 " arabian" somersault and Ginsberg's use of a front tucked full, front ro ff full , bounce 11/4 front, bounce planche. Our gymnasts successfully used three double layouts, two tucked full-ins and the layout-in 112 twist out 13/4 somi. The Chinese displayed two double layouts, two tucked full-ins, a double full, bounce front step out mount and a tucked double, bounce front (sat down).

Brown: Ro ff full-in Oumped fwd) , full bounce front, wide arm straddle press to split hs, aerial cartwheel, headspring to straddle split, Y scale, double tuck oumped bk 1b, touched down with hands and stepped Fwd Ill). - 9.35 1b, 9.2 Ill. Rice: Ro ff full-in , front step out, ro ff tucked 11/2 twisting 11/4 somi to prone, bk roll extension to pirouette to straddle split, V press straddled to hs, front somi , fr ff, fwd roll (no fr ff in finals) , Y scale (hopped), daub tuck (step bk in 1b, stuck in Ill) - 9.35 1b, 9.5 Ill. Babcock: Ro ff layout-in 112 twist out 13/4 somi , strad press hs, ro ff daub tuck, Techniqu e

180 degree flaired spindle circles, fr somi dive roll, bk roll shoot, oblique scale, ro ff doub full (landed legs apart, small jump bk) - 9.3 Lakes: Ro ff daub layout (legs bent at start and a little apart throughout), run 13/4 tuck fr somi, jump, ro arab 13/4 tuck somi, ro ff full bounce, fr 11/4 somi, strad press hs, Y scale, ro ff daub pike (very small step bk) - 9.6 Johnson: Ro ff doub layout (mildly flexed knees and hips on second somi , tiny jump), ro ff tuck full-in (hop stepped into turn) , roll to strad stand, strad planche press hs, run full twist dive roll, strad jump, front 11/4, staider roll to hs, Y scale, ro ff daub tuck (legs together, step bk) - 9.45 Ginsberg: Ro ff daub layout (tiny jump fwd), run tuck fr full twist, fr step out (did fr, fr step out in finals), ro ff full , bounce fr 11/4, bounce to strad planche (hold), legs together planche (h), press to hs, ro full , bounce tuck front 1/2 twist, rebound to split jump, stag leap, side scale, ro ff daub tuck (cowboyed some on second somi and stepped bk) - 9.55 1b & Ill. Note: Ginsberg took a hop step forward followed by three steps into the hurdle on his opening and closing passes and received 8.8 and 8.9 preadjusted scores from the Chinese judges for an otherwise 9.7 + performance. It seems that at least one of them assumed that Ginsberg took more than three steps more than twice and deducted the point blank .3 each time. Ginsberg 's run was readjusted to three steps for the finals which he did easily in practice, however, he touched his hands on the double layout in the competition (Ill).

Taking advantage of the protest rule being in force prior to the January 1, 1987 deadline, I protested his score (in 1b), but the Chinese would not budge, consequently, the base score was used.

Zhang Yong (20 yrs): Ro ff tuck full-in, front step out, ro ff daub tuck , 70 degree spindle, pike press, strad side somi, Y scale, ro ff doub tuck (high, cowboyed and stepped back 1b, tiny jump Ill) - 9.55 lb, 9.75 Ill Fu Luming (25): Ro ff daub, bounce front (cowboyed daub and sat on front), fr step out ro ff full , run fr, fr, strad planche (h), Press hs, fwd scale, ro ff daub tuck (cowboyed and stumbled 2 steps bkwd) - 9.25 Wang Xiaoming (23): Ro ff daub layout (legs slightly bowed), 13/4 piked arabian somi (crunched head on roll), fr somi (dizzy stumble jump sidewds, strad press, Y scale, ro ff daub tuck (fell onto hands and knees) - 8.9

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Zhao Jianguo (22): Ro ff doub full, bounce fr somi step out, ro ff whip back, ff back, bounce front somi (sat), flair circles, pike press, ro layout arabian somi , Y scale, ro ff doub tuck (step back) 9.35 Li Ge (17) : Ro ff tuck full-in, fr step out, ro ff doub full , 180 degree flaired spindle circles , up to hs and 360 degree pirouette, lower to splits , strad planche (h), press to hs (no hold), fr handspring pike fr somi , fwd roll , split jump, Y scale, ro ff doub tuck (cowboyed, stuck) - 9.75 Guo Linsheng (22): Ro ff doub layout (2 large lunging steps fwd in finals), fr step out ro ff doub full , 270 degrees flaired spindle circles to split, high strad planche (1 sec hold), press hs (no hold, did not make it to hs in finals), ro arabian pike som i, fwd roll, stag leap, Y scale (wavered up and down-no solid hold), ro ff doub tuck (step fwd in 1b, fell fwd onto hands in finals) - 9.65 1b, 9.05 Ill Zhang Wei (18, alternate, in finals) - Ro ff doub tuck Uumped bk), ro tucked arabian somi step out, ro ff doub full , split, strad L, press hs, ro tuck bk, bounce fr, oblique scale, ro ff doub tuck Uumped fwd) - 9.2 Ill Skills Double layout Full-in tucked Double tuck bounce fr Layout 112 1 3/4 somi Double full bounce fr Fr Full , front Doub pike ending Full bounce 11/4 fr (fr) Full bounce fr 112 tw 1112 tw 11/4 fr tucked 13/4 arabian somi 13/4 fr somi Flaired spindle 27Cf0 180° 70° Planche press Strad planche press V press Wide arm press D " Big " tumb skills Super " C" ending Super middle skill or seq Super strength skill " Small " D tumb skill

USA China 3 2 2 3 1

POMMEL HORSE 1 1 3 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1

4

3

3

1 3

4 9

3 2

One final note : The Chinese , overall , tumble lighter, perhaps faster and significantly higher than we do. They still cowboy most of their double tucks , but an effort is evident that they are trying to reduce this faulty habit. Most of their leg spreading occurs in the second som i.

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Rice: Bk moore trav out, longitudinal walk across pommels, Tong Fei , bk stockli in .. scissors, back stockli out immediate straddled Russian loop around, straddled hs dismount - 9.35 Brown: .. . long walk across pommels, Tong Fei, Russian on end , straddle hs (broke rhythm), . . . bk stockli out to strad handstand - 9.3 Ginsberg: Half back moo re , long fwd walk across pommels, bk moore trav out, 2 dwnhil circles, uphil 112 bk moore, porn loop, trav in , immediate side trav hop out, 112 c, loop, immed bk stockli in (with hand between pommel), 112 c (straddled legs and sat on horse), bk scissor, 21/2 flaired circles to slightly piked planche position , straddle cut regrasp , leg cut, strad up to stard hs, 1/4 turn to 1 pommel , lower to leg cut , bk sciss , front sciss, 112 c, 11/2 flair c, hop side travel out, circle , flaired loop, 112 c, pike up 1/4 turn to handstand dismount - 9.3 Lakes: Back moore travel , 112 one pommel Russian travel out, 1112 c, 112 bk moore, fwd long walk across pommels to end , reverse loop, 1/4 moore turn, 112 downhil c, bk hop trav in , 1112 c, bailie,

China 's Li Ge demonstrates his excellent flair work on pommel horse during competition 1 B. For this routine, Li received a 9.80. (USGF photo © 1986, by Mike Botkin).

1/2 c, bk moore trav out, 1/2 c, loop, 1112 c, loop, strad up to hs, 1/4 turn dismount - 9.55 Babcock: Triple bk moore trav on one pommel (fell off in finals on 3rd bk moore trav) , 1/2 circle, 2 loops, fwd long walk across pommels (instant leg separation), bk moore trav out, 112 c, bk moore trav in 112 c, flair circle, . . . pike (?) up to handstand in 1b (strad hs in finals) - 9.7 lb, 8.9 Ill Johnson: Half bk moore, pommel loop, trav in, 1112 c, back moore trav 112 one porn Russian (legs separated) travel in (due to off balance and arhythmical bucking actions in finals, this D part was omitted), 1112 c, bk moore trav out, 112 c, fwd long walk across pommels, bk moore trav out, 1 c, bk hop trav in, 1 c, 1112 flaired c, undercut leg c, bk sciss, front sciss (piked thru bottom leg), 11/2 c, trav out, 1h c, loop pike up to hs dismt-9.75 lb, 9.55F Suter: Half bk moore, fwd long walk across pommel 112 pommel Russian Tec hn ique

travel in, 112 c, bk mooretrav out, 1 112 c, bk more trav in, 112c, 11/2 flaired c , to bk undercut leg c, bk sciss, fr sciss, 1 c, bk stockli, front vault (flexed knees) dismount - 8.85 Ill (alternate, only in finals).

Wang: .. . fwd long walk across porn, strad Tong Fei, bk bk stockli in, bk moore in middle . .. 3/4 bailie to strad hs on end dismount - 9.35 (attempted D) Fu: ... fwd long walk across pommels .. Ton fei .. handstand on pommels (hesitated on way up), then turn toward front pirouette on left arm, place rt hand on horse between pommels, back piro on rit arm, place left hand on end to dismount (180 degree pirouette) - 9.5 (D?) Zhang: Circle loop, immediate hand between pommel back stockli in, circle with hands between pommels, moore back stockli out (with hands on horse and last hand on end), hop turn (daub swiss), bk moore trav in, oblique trav out (place hand between porn and other hand, croosing first arm, on pommel, loops, fwd walk to porn bk moore trav in, 2 fr sciss, flair circles to hs, one hand on horse second hand between pomm, 180 degree back piro to other hand on horse on end (hesitated in hs), 1/4 turn dismount (came off wrong side in finals) - 9.65 lb, 9.4 Ill (D?) Zhao: . . . fwd long walk across pommels ... Tong Fei . .. bk trav out with hands on horse, strad hs - 9.6

Li Ge: On end flaired loops, 1/4 moore turn, flaired bk oblique long walk with hands only on horse to other end, legs together fwd long walk across pommels to end, reverse loop, bk long walk with one hand on pommel, between pommels, other pommel (hit horse and fell off here in finals), to end, 2 loops, fwd walk to pommel, bk moore trav in, 1/2 c, 3 leg cuts, 2 fr sciss, 112 c, 2112 flaired c, strad back stockli to strad hs on end 1/4 turn dismt - 9.8 lb 9.25 Ill Guo: Downhil c, 2 flaired c, 180 degree flaired spindle (in one circle with hands in rear support), flaired trav in , 1 flaired c, 2 fr sciss, 2 c, 1/2 moore bk long walk to end, loop, fwd long walk across pommel to end, turn to uphil c, immediate hop turn (swiss), 112 c, flaired loop, 1/2 flaired c to strad hs 1/4 turn dismt (pike up to hs in finals) - 9.7 lb, 9.75 F Note: While our difficulty, if anything, was superior to the Chinese, their execution, in general, displayed superior extension and foot form (toes). It was, at the very least, questionable whether four of the Chinese had a D part (which in competition 1 is necessary for bonus courage points).

Technique

RINGS

Rice: Big cast, whippet swing hs (arms unlocked), high inverted cross, lower to cross, bk kip L, hollowbk hs, tucked Yamawaki to bk uprise hs (arms bent), 1112 bk giants, tucked full twist doub somi (stepped bk) - 9.6 lb, 9.55 Ill Brown: Dislocate shoot to very high inverted cross, high inlocate, tucked Yamawaki, bk rise strad L, strad planche (high), pike shoot to L, strad press hs, bk giant hs, bail doub layout (underrotated, lunging step fwd)- 9.45 Lakes: Pull to inverted hang, kip lower to cross, bk kip L, hollowbk hs, tucked Yamawaki, bk rise strad L, strad planche (high piked, arch unlocked), bail shoot hs, fr giant hs (arms bent), bail doub layout (adequate rotation but buckled into one step fwd) - 9.35 Note: Charles' cross and hollowback strength have noticeable improved.

Babcock: Straight arm and body slow pull to inverted hand, kip L, pike press hs, lower to inverted cross, bk giant to inverted cross (arms slightly flexed), press to hs, back giant hs, fr giant hs (arms slightly flexed) , 1112 bk giants to pike full out double (small hop) - 9.65 Ginsberg: Small leg swing, pull to cross (high), L press to L support, pike press through high planche to hs, 3/4 fr giant to strad planche (h), legs together planche (h), bail shoot hs, fr giant hs (arms unlocked), 11/2 bk giants, doub layout (small jump bk)-9.65 lb, 9.75 Ill Note: Brian's body lacks noticeable extension, however, he exhibits superior strength and keeps the cables reasona-

bly still. A protest was entered on the basis of awarding .3 for courage , .2 for virtuosity and .1 for the original planche combination, however his original 9.65 remained the same. Further, his fr gi arrives too planched w press out to hs.

Johnson: Pull straight arms to inverted hang, kip thru L to maltese (h), cross (h), lower to reverse hang, kip L, strad press hs, doub bk giant to hs, double fr giant to hs, 1112 bk giants pike full twist double (tiny jump bk in 1b) - 9.8 lb, 9.85 Ill Note: Scott virtuously marks the hs of the first giant of the double giants.

Wang: Disloc sh thru hs to hi invert cross, fr gi invert cross (v. hi, 112 sec), lower to cross, lower to reverse hang, kip L, hollowback hs, fr gi hs, 11/2 bk giants, doub layout (slight bent legs, 1 step) - 9.45 Zhang: Disloc shoot hs, invert cross (v. hi), bail thru reverse hang, German rise thru L, loewr to high cross (h), lower to reverse hang, kip L, hollowbk hs, bk giant hs, fr giant hs, 1 112 bk giants daub layout (very slight knee flexion and very small jump .bk) - 9.75 Fu: Pull to inverted hang, kip thru L, lower to cross, L press out and strad press with arms wide into inverted cross (hi), double back gi to hs, fr giant hs, lower with straight, tight body to planche (1 sec), bail, fr rise L. pike press hs, 11/2

Brian Ginsberg shows great strength throughout his rings routine for which he scored a 9. 75 in finals competition. (USGF photo Š 1986, by Mike Botkin).

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bk giants to double layout (stuck in 1b) - 9.85 lb, 9.75 Ill Li Ge: Pull to fr lever (h), pike pull to inverted hang , kip L, press to planche (1 sec), bail thru hi disloc shoot hs, fr giant hs, bk giant thru hs, 112 turn on descend (crossing cables), swing to bk rise 112 turn to L (arms buckled and legs dipped), hollowbk hs, 1112 bk giants, double layout (tiny jump) - 9.6 Zhao: Pull straight up to high Olympic cross (1/2 sec), turn to Olympic cross other side (no hold), turn to high regular cross (no hold), press out to L, hollow bk hs, bk gi hs, fr giant hs, 1112 bk giants, double layout (stuck) - 9.8 1b, 9.85 Ill Guo: Pull to inverted hang , kip through L, pike press planche (30 degrees high), lower to cross, lower to reverse hang, Kip L strad straight arm press hs, bk giant hs, fr giant hs, 1112 bk giants, pike full-out doub dismt (step fwd) - 9.7 Note: The Chinese beat us by .55. Their giant swing skill is superior in that they have less body variation, maintaining an extended body line, and swing through the bottom smoother (by virtue of even our better gymnasts considerably greater jar to the ring frame). Whereby, contrastingly, we have considerably more sag in the body (on the bk giant bail) and variation in the shoulder (on the fwd giant bail) upon the descending swings.

Also, as a team their strength holds were a little cleaner (locked arms on planches and inverted crosses, although high) , and the dismounts of their weaker gymnasts were rotated a little more than our weaker gymnasts' . We had, at least, three swing handstands with bent arms. The Chinese had none. All six swung back rise to handstand with locked arms.

Johnson: Kasamatsu layout (feet spread about 1112 feet apart on preflight, small jump back) - 9.6 lb, 9.55 Ill Finals - Tsuk layout Uumped bk) - 9.45 Suter (only in finals): Replaced Ginsberg who hurt his ankle in FE finals. Cuervo piked (lunging step fwd) - 9.25 One arm handspring full - 9.2 Fu Luming: 1 arm Tsuk layout (legs apart about 1 ft in preflt, 1 step bk) - 9.55 Zhang: 1 arm Tsuk layout (small bk) 9.65 lb, 9.55 Ill Only in finals - 1 arm (2nd) doub side tuck-strad (2 hops) - 9.6 Wang: Tsuk layout (2 arm) (legs about 8 inch apart on preflt, slightly flexed knees , small hop bk) - 9.35 Zhao: 1 arm Tsuk layout (tiny jump) 9.65 Le Ge: Kasamatsu layout (legs slightly apart, jumped bk) - 9.6 Guo: Cuervo pike (bounded bk to seat in lb, little jump in finals) - 9.15 lb, 9.65 Ill Only in finals - 1 arm handspring pike for 1/2 twist somi - 9.55 Ill Zhang Wei (only in finals): Tsuk layout (2 arm) - 9.4 Kasamatsu layout (fell fwd) - 9.1 Note: The Chinese beat us by 1.0 in vaulting. They had five 9.6 vaults, and we had two. Nine six vaults were "mandated " two years ago.

If you lack skill , work to maintain the forward body speed from the run through the hurdle to the takeoff. Overload with double layout fronts off the board onto a plush landing area (in the belt). Take the time to set up learning

stations - platform , trampoline, pit, the overhead belt, whatever it takes. If you lack strength, increase the overload and do those squats, jumps and sprints. If it is confidence you lack, execute many vaults successfully, which includes good landings, over a good period of time.

That means a minimum of 200 successful 9.6 vaults between now and the USGF Regional Qualifying Meet on May 16 and 17. Count those vaults.

If you protect yourself most of the time on landings in workouts-give with the impact, do not count too heavily on that lucky landing in meets. A well executed vault with a good sized step or two could lose .3 points and that would make for an uncompetitive vault, therefore the vault would not really be good. " Gain " points by increasing your chances of stocking the landing. You do not have that many vaulting workouts, so each of those workouts should include vaults onto a surface that enables stable landings. Constant attempts to stick difficult landings from the other events will surely carry over to vault training. Keep in mind that this relatively staight forward , uncomplicated event vaulting is one-sixth of gymnastics scorewise. It will require a better effort than given over the last two years. You have about four months until the Regionals - a fair period of time to make a major improvement. Get with it.

PARALLEL BARS Brown: Cahoy to V (slight knee bend

VAULT Rice: Cuervo tucked (fell bk to seat) 8.95 Brown: Cuervo tucked (sharp 1/4 turn , step fwd , may have touched hand in 1b) - 9.1 Finals - Pike and tucked last 3/4 of somiCuervo. Attempted layout but open tucked somi-Ceurvo - 9.45, 9.0 Babcock: Tsukahara layout (knees slightly flexed , big step bk) - 9.25 Lakes: Handspring pike fr 112 (little early) turn Uudges gave credit for a piked Cuervo - this time , took 3 stepsunfamiliar landing) - 9.45 Ginsberg: Kasamatsu layout (actually slightly piked and extended before piking down) (legs apart over 2 feet on preflight, landed about one meter from horse, jumped sidewards) - 9.4

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piking thru into bk seat circle), strad press hs 1/4 turn in, 2 bk somi hs (overarch second bk somi and had 3 hand placements), dip swing reverse strad cut into strad press, fwd pirouette, cast, Markelov (deep arms dip to layaway) fr rise swing fwd piro, doubl tuck bk dismount (tiny step) - 9.35 Rice: Basket strad cut dip swing to healey, swing bk and split legs back stutz, split legs swing to healey, split legs swing hs, legs together fwd piro, stutz hs, bk somi hs, cast, bk rise to bk piro, doub tuck bk (1 step bk) - 9.55 Ginsberg: On 1 bar shoot thru hs 1/2 turn , glide overshoot thru strad L, press hs (no h) 1/4 turn in , lower to strad planche (h), bail to giant hs (legs apart, arms well bent, feet relaxed), stutz (legs bent on up swing and a little apart), (wobbled) drop cast, bk rise strad cut immediate fr somi support, pike press out to sw fwd piro, stutz (bent arms and piked down to bar level and pressed to hs), doub tuck bk (feet a little apart on 2nd somi) - 9.2 (3 stops) Lakes: Jump to support, drop basket near hs, bk giant hs, stutz hs (1 sec h), giant strad cut, cast, bk rise 112 turn sw fwd piro (fell off in finals), diomidov, lay away fr rise sw fwd piro, stutz, doub pike bk (big step) - 9.55 IB, 9.0 Ill Babcock: Bask strad cut L, pike press hs, healey sw fwd piro (straddled bar on a second healey in finals), stutz hs (1 sec), layaway fr rise , bk stutz sw fwd piro, bk hs, diomidov (bent knees on upswing), layaway fr rise sw hs (h), bk somi hs, doub tuck bk (feet apart 2nd somi in lb, stuck in lb, big lunging step fwd in Ill , also the competition Ill routine contained 2 healeys, 2 diomidovs and 2 bk somi hs and twohand steps) - 9.8 lb, 9.1 Ill (3 stops) Johnson: Jump into glide kip reverse cut, strad up to hs, drop basket hs, giant 112 turn handstand (legs apart on 112 turn), giant to hs (legs bent too long), stutz hs, layaway fr rise, strad 11/4 fr somi suport dip sw fwd , Kato hop turn , strad cut L, strad press hs, doub pike bk dismount Qumped bk) - 9.8 lb, 9.85 Ill Wang: . . . glide reverse strad cut missed hand, stutz hs walked ... healey to upperarm .. . doub tuck dismt - 9.1 Fu: Glide reverse strad cut, hs, drop cast 112 turn (near hs in lb, to hs in Ill), basket hs oust about straight arms), giant 112 turn to hs (release -regrasp was simultaneous-hopped), basket touch strad cut L (missed grip in Ill), straight arm and body press hs, doub tuck bk (stuck but kicked one leg in air and contorted body in arched side swing not to move) 9.55 lb, 9.3 Ill T ec hniqu e

Zhang: Glide reverse strad cut press hs, 3/ 4 diomidov 3/4 healey to upperarms (Makuts), bk rise strad cut dip sw hs, healey to upperarm , bk rise strad cut L, strad press hs, bk somi hs, stutz hs, fwd dip sw reverse cut up to hs , doub tuck bk (legs apart on 2nd somi , 1 step bk) - 9.55 Li Ge: One leg kick to drop kip on end , 21/2 flaired circles, swing bk near hs, 112 giant to support, swing fwd piro, giant 1/4 turn (90 degree bk piro) to 1 bar in overgrip, 1/4 turn in change grip, bk giant thru hs, bk somi hs (hand step fwd and bent knees), bk somi hs, stutz (65 degrees) to glide kip reverse strad cut press hs, doub tuck bk (knees together, jumped fwd) 9.5 lb, 9.65 Ill Guo: Basket hs, layaway streuli 112 turn to upperarm , bk rise strad cut dip swing hs (1 sec), fwd piro, 11/4 diomidov, glide overshoot straddle (1 sec), press hs 1/4 turn in, stutz hs, doub tuck bk (legs apart on 2nd somi, one step bk) - 9.75 Zhao: One end , glide kip reverse cut, drop cast reverse cut to support, swing bk layaway fr rise, 11/4 strad fr somi to hand support directly into glide kip , bk stutz swing hs, fwd piro, layaway streuli 112 turn to upperarm, bk rise strad L, strad press hs, stutz hs, doub tuck bk (stuck lb)- 9.85 lb, 9.75 Ill Note: Two routines contained more than two definite hold positions-Babcock's and Ginsberg's routines each had three stops. While all six Chinese finished with double tucks, we had two well executed double pikes. The big difference between the Chinese and us was in body

Rob Brown holds his V set during his parallel bars routine. For this routine Brown was awarded a 9.35. (USGF photo Š 1986,

by Mike Botkin).

line and toe point. Also, their fourth , fifth and sixth men 's swing, compared with ours, exhibited greater amplitude.

HORIZONTAL BAR Rice: 11/2 one arm bk giants to gienger (came in close to bar, lifted legs for kip missed hand grasp and dropped to hang), pull over, undergrip cast hs, 21/2 fr giants piled fr somi regrasp, swing fwd 112 turn , swing fwd and up changing to undergrip, stoop in , shoot dislocate, 1 inverted giant, hop fwd piro, 21/2 bk giants, doub layout flyaway (1 step bk) 9.0 Brown: Shoot hs piro, staider shoot, 1112 bk giants, Tkachev immediate gienger, hop to undergrip, kip, 1 fr giant, stoop in to shoot, 2 inverted gi , hop fwd piro, doub layout (little jump) - 9.65 Ginsberg: Mixed grip cast 112 turn , 2 bk gi , turn on descend to one arm eagle grip, early Ono turn out (legs apart a little), fr gi, fwd piro (did not make it over the top, spread legs and fell wrong way), 1/2 fr gi , swing bk down to 2 bk gi , 112 arm bk gi to giender, kip cast hs, immediate piro change to overgrip, 112 bk giant gienger, swing fwd change one hand to undergrip, kip cast hs and change other hand to undergrip, immediate Endo shoot, immediate fwd piro, 21/2 bk gi, triple flyaway (legs cow-

9

kip change , 1 fr gi , fwd piro, immed staider shoot, 21/2 bk gi, triple flyaway - 9.1 Lakes: Overgrip cast, bk rise staider shoot, 112 one arm bk gi , blind turn immediate bk piro , immed Endo shoot, immed fwd piro, 1 bk gi, staider shoot, 112 bk gi Tkachev, hop to undergrip, kip, 1112 fr gi , strad front somi regrasp (Jaeger), sw fwd hop to undergrip , immed Endo shoot (kip hs and no endo shoot in comp Ill), 1 fr gi, stoop in, shoot to 1 inverted gi, hop fwd piro, 2112 bk gi to triple flyaway (very far out and legs very wide apart, giant step fwd in lb, stepped bk in Ill) - 9.8 lb, 9.85 Ill

Charles Lakes' high bar routine was a highlight of the USA vs. China meet. Lakes, a strong high bar performer, scored 9.80 and 9.85 for his two routines. (USGF photo Š 1986, by Mike Botkin) .

bayed about .1 deduction) - 9.3 Babcock: Overgrip cast bk rise , staider shoot, 11/2 bk gi , Tkashev immed gienger (stood on bar with one foot, extra swing bk), swing fwd 112 turn (below horizontal), swing fwd and up near hs and change to daub undergrip, Endo shoot 1 fr gi, stoop in to shoot, 1 inverted gi , hop out to undergrip, 1 fr gi , fwd piro, 1 bk gi , staider shoot, 21/2 bk gi , daub layout (step fwd in lb, 2 steps bk in Ill) (In Comp Ill , Brian ripped off on Tkachev, did not do his other releases and filled in with undergrip bk giants)-9.1 lb, 9.0 Ill Johnson: Overgrip cast bk rise staider shoot, 1 bk gi , 3/4 one arm bk gi, higgens turn , 1 eagle and 1 inverted gi, hop fwd piro, bk gi, 1112 one arm bk gi to gienger (missed bar), remounted with 10

Suter (only in finals): Overgrip cast, bk rise staider shoot, 2 bk gi, tucked Gaylord II (missed bar), . . .bk gi, blind turn , 3/ 4 fr gi, stoop in to shoot to 1 inverted gi , hop fwd piro, 2112 bk gi , triple flyaway (landed on hands and feet) - 8.6 Zhang: (Took 2 pendulum swings at start) Overgrip cast bk rise , staider shoot, bk gi , Tkachev, swing fwd 1/2 turn (at horizontal), change to undergrip, kip cast hs, 1 fr gi , fwd piro, one arm bk gi , blind turn immediate fwd piro (on 1 arm), 2 arm bk gi , cross hand turn, fr gi, stoop in to shoot, 1 inverted gi, hop fwd piro, 2112 bk gi, daub layout - 9.65 Zhao: Overgrip cast, bk rise staider shoot, 112 one arm bk gi gienger, kip change cast hs, 1 fr gi, stoop in to shoot 1112 inverted gi to piked fr somi (touched bar and fell off), remounted with bent knee sw, kip strad cast hs, tucked bk gi , 1 more bk gi, daub layout (1 step bk) 9.00 (wow!)

Fu: Overgrip cast, bk rise free hip, 112 one bk arm gi,Tkachev, 2 bk gi, hop full turn over bar to 11/2 one arm bk gi , gienger, sw fwd 1/2 turn , sw fwd to hs, change to undergrip, weiler kip , 1 fr gi, stoop in to dislocate, 1 inverted gi, hop fwd piro, 21/2 bk gi, tucked 112 in 112 out daub Uumped fwd in lb, stuck in Ill) - 9.8 lb, 9.85 Ill Le Ge: Overgrip cast, bk rise free hip (at least 5 to 10 degrees off hs), one arm bk gi, other arm bk gi , 11/2 2 arm bk gi, Tkachev to 21/2 gi, gienger (in comp Ill , Li came in very close on gienger, 1 hand came off bar and had 2 extra swings), kip change cast hs, 1 fr gi , stoop in to dislocate, 1 inverted gi, hop fwd piro 2112 bk gi (with Tong Fei beat), layout daub twisting daub flyaway (stuck) - 9.95 lb, 9.45 Guo: Undergrip shoot hs, 1 fr gi , one arm fr gi, fwd full piro , early Ono out (start turn before bottom), 1 fr gi, other arm fr gi , fwd piro 3/4 one arm bk gi , one arm strad Tkachev, 2 bk gi, 3/4 one arm

bk gi piked Tkachev, hop to undergrip, kip cast hs, i fr gi, stoop in to dislocate, 1112 inverted gi to tucked fr 112 twist in , bk out daub flyaway (step fd in lb, stuck in Ill) - 9.85 lb, 9.95 Ill Skills Triple somi (2 in team comp) Doub tw daub somi Two flight skills in seq D flight skill (4 in team comp) Doub layouts Doub 1/2 tw from eagle grip

USA China

3 2 5 3

2

Note: The Chinese beat us by 1.8, the largest margin of any event. The big difference , as can be seen by the above chart, was in execution . We had 4 major errors they had one .

SUMMARY he Chinese displayed more polish than we didespecially on the small things. In contrast , when we perform well , we have more performances with flat or relaxed feet and more obvious knee bends.

These faults along with even mildly crude body line and shoulder extension become, perhaps , even more noticeable when competing with a team such as the Chinese, or any other team that is well schooled in these areas. After the 1981 and 1983 World Championships reports were widely circulated listing our weak areas such as vaulting , tumbling , forward swing on rings , underbar skill on p. bars, flight skill on high bar, freqently unpainted feet , cruder body line and shoulder extension. We have made some progress-more in some areas than others . If we are to realize our goals , we must accelerate our progress .

Even though our team performed reasonably well and a number of improvements were evident, far more faults have been indicated in this report rather than exceptional performance . Since the gymnasts strengths are " there" , it is necessary that we strengthen our weaknesses and work to eliminate our faults , if we are to make the necessary gains. Obviously, some faults are long time bad habits and most difficult to change , however our gymnasts' hard work and improvements are obvious . Keep at it. Every little bit makes a difference .

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Research and Athlete Preparations Report I Exercise Physiology Bill Sands, Pat Eisenman , Steve Johnson , Lonnie Paulos , Paul Abbott , Steve Zerkel , Scott Straker Sponsored by:

United States Gymnastics Federation Salt Lake City Knee and Sports Medicine Center U.S. Elite Coaches Association for Women 's Gymnastics AMF American Athletic Equipment Company Human Performance Research Laboratory Univ. Utah 12

ymnastics has long suffered from a paucity of research that is both accurate and relevant to the training of the young gymnast. Moreover, the level of gymnastics skill difficulty changes so quickly that research often can only confirm what the coach and athlete already know. While the sophistication of information gathered in a laboratory setting exceeds the kind of information gathered by the coach in the gymnasium , the relevance of the laboratory data often does not serve the needs of the gymnast.

In an effort to more fully understand the training and preparation of the young world-class gymnast in Ameri-

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'roject-Junior Elite Female Gymnasts ca, a research project was conducted in September, 1985, in conjunction with the Junior Elite National Championships held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Junior Elite gymnast is a young male or female gymnast between the ages of 1O and 14 years. The Junior Elite level was created when the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) ruled that only those girls 15 years of age and older are eligible for the Olympic Games, World Championships, and other similar competitions. The junior age gymnasts are viewed as integral parts of the various national gymnastics programs since they are likely to become the new senior level gymnasts. In the future , they will be the contenders for the important honors and medals that go Technique

along with the Olympic Games and World Championships .

This project was begun with three goals, (a) to return useful information to the athletes, (b) to initiate a testing program that could be implemented annually, and (c) to begin collecting descriptive data for longitudial analyses.

The majority of the gymnastics research studies reported in the literature have dealt soley with injury statistics.

Injury studies are important. These inquiries represent an attempt at a retrospective analysis of the potential causes of injury. For example, injury studies often report two major injury mechanisms, "overuse" or the "overuse syndrome" and unplanned falls (Huurman, Shelton , 13

Walsh, 1984; Richardson, 1983; Aronen , 1985, Micheli , 1985).

Although overuse syndrome injuries are the result of training too hard and/or too long, to date no authors have succeeded in defining or quantifying " over use" in a manner that the sports practitioner can utilize, i.e., exactly how much training is too much or too long. Few studies have sought to examine the physical requirements of gymnastics training. Such studies should be invaluable in helping to identify the energy system(s) used for gymnastics, as well as the strength , power, body composition, and anthropometric characteristics required of the gymnast.

Body Composition nvestigations of the physiological aspects of gymnastics have shown that gymnasts are the smallest and lightest of the Olympic athletes (Montpetit, 1976). The college-age female gymnast has been found to be an unusual population, demonstrating high lean body mass, low percent fat, and short stature (Sinning, 1978). The senior age (15 years and older) female gymnast has shown body composition values ranging from 9-17 percent fat (Parizkova & Poupa, 1963), 15.3-15.5 percent fat (Fleck, 1983), 6.6-21.9 percent fat (Sinning, 1978), and 8-25 percent fat (Vercruyssen, 1984).

The methods used for determining the body density along with the particular percent fat prediction equations can lead to a great deal of discrepancy in the results of body composition information (Sinning, 1978; Katch & Katch, 1984). Moreover, since many of the percent fat prediction equations are based upon studies on adults we might be skeptical of their applicability to children .

Equations that are derived from experimental populations that are not as lean as the gymnast will result in an over estimation of the percent fat of the gymnast (Puhl , 1985).

Puhl reports (1985) that the body fat of young women gymnasts varies considerably with age and maturational level. She also reports that different percent fat equations can result in widely different results and that some equations are not appropriate for the young female gymnast. Furthermore, Shephard (1982) reports that the young athlete has not realized full ossification of his/her bones during the 10-14 year age period. This results in less dense bone than the adult and may result in some error in the percent fat prediction equations when these are used to predict the body composition of children.

I

Strength he female gymnast competes on four events: the vault, the uneven parallel bars, the balance beam , and the floor exercise. Three of these events: vault, balance beam , and floor exercise, primarily stress the lower body.

The remaining event, uneven bars, primarily stresses the upper body. Since such a large amount of work is performed by the female gymnast with her legs, the strength of knee extensors and flexors is of major interest.

The ability of the gymnast to perform explosive jumps and dance elements often determines her capability as a competitive gymnast. Although strength testing of the lower body, ie. the knee , is common in rehabilitation there is little information regarding the performance of a healthy young gymnast's knee extensors and flexors . Since the integrity of the knee joint is substantially determined by the strength of the musculature that crosses the joint, the

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14

strength profile of the female gymnast's lower body is of interest.

Back injuries plague gymnasts more frequently than the normal population (Jackson , Wiltse, Circincoine, 1976). Gymnasts may require more spine and related joint flexibility than any other athlete (Micheli, 1985). The gymnast also stresses the spine in ways that most other sports do not. The integrity of the spine can be partially accounted for by the musculature. Many skills that the gymnast performs require a strong and supple spine.

Again , the balance of strength development with respect to the flexion and extension capabilities of the spine is of interest. Reliable tests of the back are difficult due to the truly multiple joint actions and the difficulty in limiting contributions from other related joints and muscles.

Although the strength of the spine may be difficult to assess, it is none-the-less important.

Assessment of the nature of a healthy gymnast's level and balance of strength in those body areas that are used frequently in performance may assist in determining what gymnastics training tends to require from the top level gymnasts. In the future, this may assist the practitioner in designing conditioning programs to prevent injury and enhance performance.

Procedures

E

ach gymnast completed a consent form as approved by the human subjects committee of the University of Utah . Each subject was asked to complete a short survey form containing the following items:

1. Name.

2. Age .

3. Age at onset of training .

4. Training days per week .

5. Training hours per day.

6. Number of routines performed, per day and per event.

7. Areas of her personal performance that the athlete thought would benefit most from research .

Each subject was then measured for height and weight. Following these measurements the gymnasts were divided into testing groups and participated in a battery of tests. Vertical jump was measured from a standing position with three attempts for a maximal jump as described by Semenick (1984). The height of the jump in meters and the power were recorded (Semenick, 1984). Body density was determined by standard hydrostatic weighing procedures. Both the Siri (1961) equation (for adults) and the Boileau, et al. equation (for children) in Lohman (1984) were used to predict percent fat from density. Anaerobic power measurements were evaluated with the Wingate ergometer protocol (Kraemer & Fleck, 1982) for both the upper body and lower body.

Power was calculated for the Wingate test during each five seconds and for the total test (Semenick, 1984).

Testing at the Salt Lake City Knee and Sports Medicine center consisted of a thorough orthopedic examination along with Kin-Com(R) testing of the knee extensors and flexors , and the back extensors and flexors. The Kin-Com testing consisted of a standard Kin-Com protocol for the knee as performed at the Salt Lake City Knee and Sports Medicine Center (Steve Zerkel, Personal Communication , 1985) and an experimental protocol for the back extensors and flexors . The Kin-Com is particuTec hnique

larly well suited for gymnastics due to its capabilities for eccentric as well as concentric muscle contraction evaluation. The results were reported in total work Uoules) for each joint during flexion and extension . The knee protocol consisted of 10 repetitions for both quadriceps and hamstrings through 90 degrees at 120 degrees per second. The protocol required that the gymnast push against the machine on the first movement and resist the machine as it pushed against the subject on the second movement. This resulted in a concentric contraction followed immediately by an eccentric contraction . Each leg was tested separately.

The experimental back and abdominal protocol was developed by the Salt Lake City Knee and Sports Medicine Center and involved the construction of an arm that was attached to the Kin-Com lever arm . This additional arm attachment was placed at the base of the shoulder blades for the back extension measurements and just below the pectorals for the flexion measurement. The test consisted of three repetitions through 45 degrees at 45 degrees per second for both directions. The subject stood on a stool with the Kin-Com table placed just below the buttocks and feet placed 12-to-18 inches forward . The subject was braced against the table and feet were in a fixed position . The subject then alternately pushed and resisted the experimental arm attached to the Kin-Com through 45 degrees. Since the Kin-Com pushes against the subject as well as the subject pushing against it, it was thought to be unsafe to test the back extensors and flexors at high speed .

Results and Discussion wenty five young female gymnasts participated in the study along with five males. The data on males has been communicated to the individual athletes and coaches but will not be reported here due to the small number of subjects. The subjects compete in two age divisions, Children and Junior. There were 18 children tested and 7 Juniors. The large discrepancy between the size of the groups has led to compiling the data for both groups as one sample. Table 1 reports the subject information .

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Table 1 Subject Information n = 25 Item

Mean

Std Dev

Min .

Max.

Range

Age (yr) Height (cm) Weight (kg)

12.84 146.72 37.04

0.92 6.30 4.42

11 .00 135.00 29.10

14.00 160.00 45.25

3.00 25.00 16.15

A study of junior female gymnasts performed by a FIG sports medicine committee at the 1984 European Junior Championships in Rimini, Italy (Calderone, Leglise, Giampietro, Berlutti, Guasttella, & Mularoni, 1984) resulted in the values in Table 2.

Table 2 Subject Information from Junior European Championships 1984 n = 52 Item

Mean

Std Dev

Age (yr) Height (cm) Weight (kg)

14.00 148.98 38.40

.09 6.68 6.23

The subject information indicates that the junior gymnasts from the United States differ somewhat from the junior gymnasts from the European Championships. This might change if comparisons were made with a group solely composed of members of our junior national team to a similar event. We might assume that it would be more likely that the gymnasts qualifying for the U.S. Junior National Team would be older than the entire sample mean for this project. It appears that the gymnast likely to make the junior team is at the edge of being a senior (15 years of age). The increased age of those members of the various European junior national teams would also appear likely to reflect increased experience and competence along with increased age. The increased age of the European juniors would also account for the descrepancies in weight and height due to added growth commensurate with their increased age.

Survey data on individual training programs was ob-

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Tec hn iq ue

15

tained by questionaires that were completed during the testing sessions. The survey data is depicted in Table 3.

Table 3 Survey Information n = 25 Item Training Days/Wk Training Hrs/Day Age Onset Training Years of Training

Mean

Std Dev.

5.36 5.04 6.40 6.44

0.62 1.01 2.06 2.00

The Junior Elite gymnast has been training for more than six years , trains more than five hours per day, and trains more than 5 days per week. This evidence of the level of commitment in time and energy by a top junior gymnast in the United States is some indication of the amount of preparation necessary to reach the status of "Junior Elite."

Body Composition mean percent tat among adolescent gymnasts of 14.8 (S.D. = 4.1) was found by Thorland , et al. (Thorland, Johnson , Tharp, Fagot, & Hammer, 1984) A study of European j.unior gymnasts participating in the 1984 Junior European Championships resulted in a mean percent tat of 16.3, using skin told measurements (Calderone, Leglise, Giampietro, Berlutti, Guasttella, 1984).

A study of pre-adolescent female club gymnasts in Chicago, Illinois, using hydrostatic methods, resulted in a range of values of 6.79-15.03 percent tat and a mean of 12.7 percent (George Lesmes, Personal Communication , 1980).

The body composition information obtained in this study illustrates some of the problems of using existing equations iA路 assessing the body composition of the junior gymnast. The results of two equations are shown in Table 4.

A

Due to the problem with the equations, all personal results were reported to the athletes using the equation by Siri (1961).

Data collected by the FIG committee (Calderone, Leglise, Giampietro, Berlutti, Guasttella, & Mularoni , 1984) at the 1984 European Junior Championships included body composition data that also used the Siri equation. However, they determined density by the use of skinfold calipers and an equation requiring the sum of tour skintolds. The body density values of the European juniors resulted in a mean of 1.0613942 gm/ml. The mean percent tat in their report was 16.3 percent (S.D. =2.4). The mean of the United States juniors was more than two standard deviations below the mean reported by the FIG committee. This may be due to the difference in density assessment techniques. The use of skinfold calipers expedites the measuring process with some loss of accuracy. The hydrostatic method utilized in the assessment of the U.S. juniors in this study yields a more accurate density determination (Katch & Katch, 1984).

Densitometric equations that predict body tat from body density, are all based on assumptions regarding the physical characteristics of the human body. Recent investigations have shown that these characteristics, once assumed to be constant between individuals, in tact vary with race, age, sex, and activity level (Boileau, et al, 1984; Lohman, 1986). Due to the lack of population specific equations for young female gymnasts, we recommend that future comparisons be referenced to body density rather than percent tat.

Vertical Jump

T

Table 5 Vertical Jump n 25

Table 4

=

Body Composition Data n = 25

Density

Std Dev

1.07365 .0118687 1.07365 .0118687

Equation by Siri Boileau

% Fat (Mean)

Std Dev %

Min %

Max %

Range %

10.75 4.71

5.00 5.48

2.40 -4.61

18.90 14.50

16.50 19.11

Inspecting Table 4 shows that there can be a wide variation in calculations based on the equation used tor the prediction of percent tat from measured density. Although the Siri (1961) equation is designed for adults it appears to be a better approximation of percent tat tor the group than that of Boileau, et al. for children in Lohman (1984), since a few calculations resulted in unrealistic estimates of body tat using the Bioleau , et al. equation. The equations used for percent tat calculation are best suited for analyzing group data. For example, the mean value of the Boileau et al. equation for prediction of percent tat is not entirely unrealistic, but the range of values includes some negative percent fat results which are unrealistic.

16

he standing vertical jump test was included to assess a single explosive jumping movement. Power was calculated by the Lewis equation (Semenick, 1984). The results of the vertical jump test are shown in Table 5.

Mean Std Dev

Jump Height (m)

Jump Power (kgm/s)

.41 .04

52 .78

7.17

The Wingate anaerobic power test and the Kin-Com knee extension test were compared with vertical jump height and power. Interestingly, there were some significant relationships between the calculated power of the vertical jump and the Kin-Com and Wingate anaerobic power tests , however, the simple height of the jump did not result in a significant relationship with either the Wingate test or the Kin-Com evaluation. The results of the various relationships are shown in Table 6.

The analysis would seem to indicate that the vertical jump power calculation could be used to predict performance on the Wingate anaerobic test tor the lower body.

The coefficient of determination (!: squared) for this relationship was .816 which would indicate that 81 .6 percent of the variation in the Wingate lower body test can be accounted tor by calculating power from the vertical Technique

Table 6

Table 7

Vertical Jump and Lower Body Tests 24 n

Wingate Anaerobic Power Tests Upper and Lower Body n = 25

=

Relationship Vert. Jump Ht. with Total Wingate Lower Body Vert. Jump Ht. with Total Kin-Com Knee Extens Vert. Jump Pwr. with Total Wingate Lower Body Vert. Jump Pwr. with Total Kin-Com Knee Etens Wingate Lwr. Body with Tot Kin-Com Knee Extens

_!_

.308 .332 .903 .726 .718

Upper Body Intervals (sec)

_e_ Q .05 Q .05 Q .005* Q .005· Q .005*

Mean Std Dev

0-5 Values

= kgm/5 sec

67.50 19.07

65.76 22.19

• indicates significant relationships

jump. Since the vertical jump test is much easier and taster to administer one might wish to use the vertical jump power calculation as a measure of short term, 30 seconds or less, anaerobic power capacity.

The vertical jump power and the Wingate test for lower body predict the results of the Kin-Com evaluation with about equal results. The vertical jump power and the Wingate test account for approximately 52 percent of the variance in the Kin-Com evaluation results, via the coefficient of determination (!: squared). The verticial jump power calculation might be considered a useful tool if such sophisticated equipment as the Kin-Com is not available.

Wingate Anaerobic Power Test ymnastics is considered to be an anaerobic sport (Bowers, Fie, Schmid, 1981; Kirkendall, 1985; Montpetit, 1976; Sands, 1985). There have only been a few studies of the anaerobic energy system in gymnastics (Montgomery & Beaudin, 1982; Sands & Johnson, 1985). Aerobic energy system tests have been performed on gymnasts and have found them to be rather poor in maximal oxygen uptake as compared to other athletes (Montpetit, 1976). The values obtained for maximal oxygen uptake by Montpetit tor males (1976) were 46.2-60.0 ml/kg/min. Maximal oxygen uptake among college female gymnasts were similar to those obtained by Montpetit (Sands & Johnson, 1985). This would appear to indicate that the gymnast does not develop high levels of aerobic conditioning by simply participating in her sport. The short duration of her events, i.e. 10-90 seconds, and the high intensity and strength requirements of the activity would favor the development of the anaerobic energy system .

The Wingate anaerobic power test (Semenick, 1984) was performed on both the upper and lower body. The upper body test consists of pedalling a bicycle ergometer with the arms for 30 seconds. The lower body test consists of pedalling a bicycle ergometer with the legs tor 30 seconds. Each test utilizes a resistance setting based on the subject's weight. The data from the tests are displayed in Table 7.

G

Table 7 for upper body shows that peak power output occurs in the first five seconds of the test. Table 7 for lower body shows that peak power output occurs during the second five second interval. This information is presented purely for normative purposes. Since the literature does not contain information about other junior gymnasts using the same test we are unable to make meaningful comparisons.

Technique

5-10

10-15

60.78 14.06

15-20

57.90 15.41

20-25

25-30

Total kgm/30 sec

55.62 14.55

48.60 10.70

356.16 82.35

Lower Body Intervals (sec)

Mean Std Dev

10-15 0-5 5-10 Values = kgm/5 sec

15-20

20-25

25-30

Total kgm/30 sec

147.12 28.29

133.80 32.59

122.64 21 .02

109.38 19.41

805.68 147.53

144.24 37.85

148.50 29.75

Kin-Com Evaluations he Kin-Com evaluation of the gymnast's knees and back provided some interesting information on the balance of strength development bilaterally and in extension/flexion. The extension/flexion relationship of the knee test should result in the hamstring group showing about 66 percent of the strength of the quadriceps group. (Quillen, 1984). Although the gymnasts did display values very near to this ideal there was an interesting lack of bilateral symmetry. The gymnasts' left side mean percentage relationships was 64.17 percent (S.D. = 10.9). The gymnasts' right side showed a mean percentage relationship of 70.03 percent (S.D . = 15.61 ). This appears to indicate that, as a group, these gymnasts do not show bilateral symmetry (! = -2.17, Q '.05) in the relationship of hamstrings to quadriceps strength. Nineteen ·(76 percent) gymnasts exhibited right side dominance while six (24 percent) gymnasts were left side dominant.

The bilateral symmetry relationship comparing quadriceps and hamstrings did show a more symmetrical pattern. One would expect that the left and right sides of the gymnast should be 90 percent or higher when compared with each other (Southmayd & Hoerner, 1981). The gymnasts' quadricep bilateral comparison resulted in a mean relationship of 88.56 percent (S.D. = 8.01 ). The bilateral relationship between hamstrings resulted in a mean of 90.80 percent (S.D. = 7.05). These bilateral relationships are quite close to the anticipated minimum value of 90 percent.

T

Gymnastics requires a large number of symmetric mechanics in skill performance but gymnastics does include skills that are trained through many repetitions that are asymmetrical. One might anticipate that gymnasts might experience injuries on one side of the body more than another if they have in fact developed strength bilaterally but asymmetrically. The data collected from this particular sample would not suggest that this is the case since the orthopedic examination and the injury survey resulted in injuries listed on the left side of the lower body totalling 13 while injuries listed on the right side of the lower body totalled 12. Further data collection will be necessary to determine any relationship between gymnastics training and potentially injurious development of strength in an asymetrical fashion .

17

However, the diagnosis of potential problems did surface for individual gymnasts through the Kin-Com evaluations. For example, a particular bilateral comparison of quadriceps showed a relationship of 73.86 percent. The poorest bilateral relationship of hamstrings was 75.45 percent. The poorest hamstring to quadriceps relationship was 40.44 percent. These values, when applied to individual athletes, can be invaluable in the prescription of conditioning programs to eliminate specific problem areas. Athletes displaying such poor relationships between muscle groups should begin conditioning programs to return the appropriate relationships between and among muscle groups.

The back extensor and flexor test provided some additional information for normative purposes. The initial assumption, based upon knowledge of gymnastics training, was that the back extensors would exceed the flexors in strength. This was shown to be the case based on the mean work output. The mean back extensor work value was 7.75 joules/kg (S.D. = 2.47). The mean back flexor work output was 6.81 joules/kg (S.D. = 1.62). The large standard deviations for both actions make intepreting the data difficult. The relationship of back extensors to flexors resulted in a moderate to poor correlation (!: = .468 Q , .05). This value results in a coefficient of determination (!:squared) of .219 indicating that only 21.9 percent of the variation in one muscle group can be predicted by the other. The original hypothesis that the back extensors would display a higher work capacity than the abdominals was supported (! = - .217 Q' .05).

The large variation in results would indicate that there may be some other confounding variable(s) that are influencing the values. The comparison of back flexors to back extensors resulted in a percentage relationship of 93.59 percent with a standard deviation of 28.58 percent.

Further data collection and perhaps a more sophisticated measurement technique may have to be designed to gain a greater understanding of the role of the balance of strength between back extensors and flexors.

Conclusion his initial effort at data collection on junior elite female gymnasts was designed to assess a wide range of potentially important parameters. Testing of the junior gymnasts included an extensive orthopedic examination and psychological tests. The psychological portions of the testing are being treated separately and will be available in a future publication along with a thorough injury and orthopedic analysis. This multidisciplinary approach is essential for understanding the "total" athlete. This first testing was designed to be "non-invasive" so that the first exposure to testing for the athletes would not include blood drawing or urine samples. This plan was selected so that the gymnasts and their coaches might see that testing can be a valuable and inexpensive means of helping their individual athletes. As the confidence of the gymnastics community with research efforts grows, we hope that more invasive and therefore more sophisticated and accurate testing can be undertaken .

As the questions become more specific and the assistance that research can offer the gymnast is realized, progress will continue toward more sophisticated analy-

T

18

sis techniques. A few small steps have been taken with this first testing. Many questions remain unanswered and a great deal of work is left to be done. It is hoped that such data collection will continue annually for all groups of gymnasts so that they can all reap the benefits of high technology and research to getter allow them to compete with the rest of the world in gymnastics, or to simply realize their fullest potential.

References Aronen, J.G . (1985). Problems of the upper extremity in gymnastics. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 4(1). (pp. 61-71). Philadelphia, PA: W .B . Saunders.

Bowers, C.O., File, J .K., Schmid, A.B . (1981). Judging and Coaching Women's Gymnsatics. (2nd Ed.). Palo Alto, CA: Mayfield Publishing.

Calderone, G ., Leglise, M., Giampietro, M., Berlutti, G., Guasttella, G ., Mularoni, M. (1984). Anthropometric and auxological investigation: 4th European junior apparatus gymnastics championships, Rimini , Italy. Unpublished Manuscript, International Gymnastics Federation.

Fleck, S.J. (1983). Percent of body fat of various groups of athletes. National Strength Coaches Association Journal. April-May, 46-50.

Huurman, W.W., Shelton, G .L. , & Walsh, W.M. (1985). Overuse injuries of the knee and spine in girls' gymnastics. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 3(4), (pp.

829-850). Philadelphia, PA: W .B. Saunders.

Jackson , D.W., Wiltse, L.L. , & Cirincoine, R.J. (1976) . Spondololysis in the female gymnast. Clinical Orthopedics, 117, 68-73.

Katch, F.I. & Katch, V.L. (1984). The body composttion profile: Techniques of measurement and application. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 3(1). Philadelphia, PA: W .B. Saunders.

Kirkendall, D.T. (1985). Physiologic aspects of gymnastics. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 4(1). Philadelphia, PA: W .B . Saunders.

Kraemer, W.J. & Fleck, S.J . (1982) Anaerobic metabolism and its evaluation . National Strength Coaches Association Journal, April-May, 20-21.

Lohman, T.G. (1984). Research progress in validation of laboratory methods of assessing body composition. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 16(6), 59&B03.

Lohman, T.G . (1986). Research relating to assessment of skeletal status. In A.F. Roche (Ed.), Body Composition Assessment in Youth and Adults. (pp.

38-43) Columbus, OH : Ross Laboratories.

Micheli, L.J . (1985). Back injuries in gymnastics. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 4(1), (pp. 85-93). Philadelphia, PA: W .B. Saunders.

Montgomery, D.L. & Beaudin, P.A. (1982). Blood lactate and heart rate response of young females during gymnastics routines. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 22(3), 358-365.

Montpetit, R.R. (1976). Physiology of gymnastics. In J .H. Salmela, (Ed.), The Advanced Study of Gymnastics. (pp. 183-214). Springfield, IL: Charles C .

Thomas.

Parizkova, J . & Poupa, 0 . (1963). Some metabolic consequences of adaptation to muscular work. British Journal of Nutrition, 17, 341-345 .

Quillen, W .S. (1984). Functional rehabilitation of the surgical knee. In G.J . Davies, (Ed.), Rehabilitation of the Surgical Knee, (pp. 69-96). Ronkonkoma, NY: Cypress.

Puhl , J . (1985). Sports physiology, NGB services, Women's gymnastics report.

Unpublished Manuscript: United States Olympic Committee Sports Science Program . Colorado Springs, CO. Richardson, A.B. (1983). Overuse injuries in baseball, tennis, gymnastics, and swimming. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 2(3) , (pp. 379-390). Philadelphia, PA: W .B. Saunders.

Sands, W.A. (1985). Condttioning for gymnastics: A dilemma. Technique, 5(3), 4-7.

Sands, W.A. & Johnson, S.C . (1985). A pilot study: Anaerobic power development in the female college gymnast. Unpublished Manuscript: University of Utah.

Human Performance Research Laboratory.

Semenick, D. (1984). Anaerobic testing-Practical applications. National Strength Coaches Association Journal, October-November, 45, 71-73.

Shephard, R.J. (1982). Physical Activity and Grow1h . Chicago, IL: Yearbook Medical Publishers.

Sinning, W.E. (1978). Anthropometric estimation of body densfy, fat, and lean body weight of women gymnasts. Medicine and Science in Sports. 10(4). (pp.

243-249).

Siri, W .E. (1961). Body composition from fluid spaces and density: analysis of methods. In Techniques for Measuring Body Composition. (pp. 223-244).

Washington, D.C .: National Academy of Sciences.

Southmayd , W . & Hoerner, E.F. (1981). Injuries of the lower extremities. In P.F. Vinger, & E.F. Hoerner, (Eds.), Sports Injuries: The Unthwarted Epidemic, (pp. 234-253). Littleton , MA: PSG Publishing .

Thorland, W .G ., Johnson, G.O., Tharp, G.D., Fagot, T.G ., & Hammer, R.W. (1984).

Validity of anthropometric equations for the estimation of body density in adolescent athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 16(1), 77-81 .

Vercruyssen, M. (1984). Anthropometric profile of female gymnasts. In J. Terauds, K. Barthels, E. Kreighbaum, R. Mann, & J . Crakes, (Eds.), Sports Biomechanics: Proceedings of the International Symposium of Biomechanics in Sports, (pp . 121-136). Del Mar, CA : Academic Publishers.

Technique

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TBA Corbeil, France Various Sites (TBA) New Haven , CT Ohio State Madison, WI Los Angeles CA Stanford, CA Japan San Jose , CA little Falls, NJ Montpellier, France Minneapolis, MN Barcelona, Spain Minnesota

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Tec hn iqu e

19

Additional Judging Guidelines For Elite Compulsory Exercises

By Ken Allen Elite Compulsory Exercise Committee would like to offer to the men's gymnastics community some additional guidelines for judging the Elite Compulsory Exercises .

These guidelines, which I propose, have evolved from my own personal preparations for judging the exercises. They have not been presented to our committee as a document of any sort and, therefore, should simply be thought of as a suggested mental preparation for a judge prior to a competition.

While at one of the National Team training camps, I shared some of my notes with the coaches and athletes.

Several people requested that I make my notes available. In preparation for making a presentation to the judges at this year's U.S.A. Championships, I refined my notes,,and used them as the basis of the presentation. The presentation was very well received. During the most recent training camp in Minneapolis, I passed out copies of notes to the coaches, the six judges who judged the practice meet and several of the athletes. Although I did not receive a lot of feedback, I did make a few more refinements.

I

1.

2.

3.

4.

20

JUDGING COMPULSORY FLOOR EXERCISE Watch the gymnast in the corner to make sure the correct arm movements have been done.

Count the steps before the hurdle (two allowed). Get an impression of how tall the gymnast is during the run. Watch how high the hips go during the somersault in relation to the head . Above gets virtuosity while below gets deducted.

Look for body opening into the stepout and be aware of any break in rhythm into the roundoff.

Relate the height of the arabian dive

to the head the same as for the somersault. Be aware of special body position in air (possible virtuosity) and maintaining stretch to the rollout.

5. Get an impression of height during the straddle jump (shoulders) and, at the same time look for the legs to be horizontal, straddled wide and the hands reaching in the direction of the toes.

6. Look at rhythm and form of flipflops. Quickly get an impression of height of piked back dive (head height). Also look at depth of pike (90째 min.) and timing of opening (before vertical = possible virtuosity). Look for control and body form on landing.

7. Watch for rhythm and basic technique, form , and control through the scale. Scale should be motionless and in good position for a solid two seconds. If upper body is at same 30째 as leg with everything else properly aligned = 0.1 virtuosity.

8. Watch for control in going to handstand-without dropping the "kick" leg. There should be a "solid" handstand position prior to lowering to the neck kip position.

9. Kip should be fairly explosive and moving vertically (in the direction of a handstand). There would be a deduction if the kip motion is not towards the vertical (45째 = 0.1, horizontal = 0.2, floor = 0.3). Ideally, the twist should begin while the body is moving vertically. If gymnast goes to handstand and then turns, deduct flat 0.3 (no up to 0.3). Look for the gymnast to complete the turn by the time the feet touch. Also look at control and body position on landing.

10. Especially important in roll to handstand is EVEN rhythm. Speed should be same from beginning of roll until handstand is reached .

Should be faster than a press. Look

for form and count for two seconds.

11 . Turn (pirouette) from handstand must be backward.

12. The rhythm of the next pass is very important. The Chinese and Russian gymnasts have excellent rhythm on this pass. Look at basic technique, hip flexibility, body form, alignment, direction, etc. throughout. Diving cartwheel should be sideways on takeoff and both jumps shoulder height.

13. Pirouette must be through handstand support (vertical).

14. Lowering to pancake must show good rhythm and flexibility with hands reaching in direction of feet, i.e., arms sideward.

15. During backward roll extension look for knee bends and then a good handstand support.

16. Look for good rhythm in transition to roundoff.

17. Look for basic technique and rhythm during roundoff and back handspring, also form (feet together).

18. Look for height (head), pike (90째), opening (vertical), holding a stretched position until landing, posture on landing, and "stick."

JUDGING COMPULSORY POMMEL HORSE

1. In anticipation of the exercise going by quickly, keep in mind amplitude and rhythm problems in general throughout the set and make them globally. In each respect there could be up to 2 points in possible deductions. The same would apply to basic technique and/or body form of the circle, (i.e., proper swing).

2. Prior to the mount look for the gymnast being "square" to the horse.

There should be no hop or "counter" move prior to the jump.

3. Be aware of form, amplitude and rhythm, during the mount and circles.

Technique

4~~A~~.~~ ~~~~~dJ}J~~'

~~~gu~~~~ 4. During the longitudinal travel look for the shoulder position to be as in a czechkehre . Be tolerant of " slight" obliqueness which may be attributable to early counter rotation of the hips which would actually promote more amplitude. The same thing applies to the loops on the end of the horse. Uneven hand placement would be a deduction . Count the circles (2).

5. Look for when the legs split for the undercut. The legs should pass over the horse before the legs split.

6. It is possible for the gymnast to turn the shoulders in preparation for the back scissor. Be very aware of the rhythm, speed and continuity of this entire series to the back scissor then look for the height of the scissor-should have top hip as high _as_supporLsboulder for no deduction . If higher, gymnast may receive bonus virtuosity.

7. During the forward scissors look for form, height and basic technique.

Be particularly aware of flight and height of scissor 1/2 turn for bonus or deductions.

8. Watch for amplitude during Stockli B and be aware of the number of circles performed.

9. Look at amplitude, technique and form during Kehre in and then travel down .

10. During dismount, first look to see how high feet get relative to shoulders. They must be at least shoulder height. Next look to see when turn is completed and body is stretched. If still above horse, give bonus.

11 . Look for body posture and control on landing. 0.2 deductions for ~ step or hop.

JUDGING COMPULSORY RINGS 1. Look for whether the arms bend in Technique

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

pulling for the lever. If they are straight he can get .1 bonus. If they are bent a lot, (e.g., more than 45째), there should be a deduction.

Begin counting the moment the gymnast arrives in a static position.

While counting, observe the body position for angle to the horizontal as well as form. Make appropriate deductions. If lever is held with excellent body position for more than two seconds give up to 0.2 bonus.

Deductions for not holding : 1 sec. = .5; no hold = 1.0.

Look at rhythm of fall out of lever; to piked inlocate, to inlocate to handstand, to back uprise to hand" stand. Look for arm bend, form and height of inlocates. Be aware of ear~ ly pike on back uprise which should be deducted. Straddling is ok but probably should not occur below horizontal.

Watch for rhythm, bent arms and body position when lowering to straddle L. That does not have to be held but can be for up to one second without a deduction.

Watch rhythm, arms and body form while raising to planche. Look at final position-should be horizontal and held momentarily but obviously otherwise flat 0.3.

Look for arm positions throughout bail to front uprise. They should get to parallel by ring height and should be straight throughout. Also look at rhythm and body form throughout.

2 sec. hold otherwise deduct 0.2.

Look at body position and especially arm bend during press. Be very aware of even rhythm (0.3-0.5) throughout press. This can be bonus part if done very "strongly" .

It is almost impossible to bail with the arms completely parallel from the beginning, however, the rings should not be spread too much .

Look at shoulder angle on bail, arm

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form , rhythm of entire swing, and finishing in handstand.

It is very important to lower with straight body from the handstand prior to the drop for the dislocate.

During single dislocate, look for the shoulders to get to at least the bottom of the rings otherwise deduct up to 0.3.

The shoot handstand must go to a handstand position. That means there must be support and deductions can be taken for lack of support because of having arms too wide (30째) or going too much over the top (15 째). If he goes too far over the top so there is no support or if the arms are at 45째, he would lose the entire value (1 .2). If the arms are bent, there will be a 0.3-0.5 deduction. This is a shoot to handstand , not an accelerator giant swing.

Watch the bail for being too wide.

Look for height (possible bonus) on the dismount, twist technique, keeping the body straight throughout and the landing (0.2).

JUDGING COMPULSORY VAULTING 1. Find out where I am going to sit as

Men's Senior Elite Clinics March 13, 3 p.m.

March 14, 9 a.m.

Penn State University March 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

UCLA March 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

University of Iowa

Abie Grossfeld 1984 Olympic Coach will be Clinician There will be no charges for these clinics.

For more information: Contact: Robert Cowan Men's Program Administrator (317) 638-8743 21

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soon as possible and look for a height reference which will represent 1112 meters. In coordination with the other judges, mark where the horse sits and measure off one, two, three and four meters from the horse. Do this on the floor on both sides of the landing mat if judges are on both sides of horse.

Watch warmups and double check references.

As gymnast runs down the runway, be prepared to watch the legs in particular from the moment the feet leave the board. Watch the body form until the hands leave the horse. Try to include the arms.

Get an impression of height at peak and, at the same time, look at body shape (tight tuck). Above 1.5M is bonus.

Look to see at what angle the body begins and completes its opening.

Completing the opening prior to 30° below horizontal brings bonus virtuosity.

Look for posture on landing and whether it has been stuck. Gymnast can have small errors in posture during the landing (up to 0.2) and still receive 0.2 for stuck landing.

Note where the gymnast has initially landed to determine the distance for possible deductions or bonus.

JUDGING COMPULSORY PARALLEL BARS Look at the jump for height (arms should be no more than 45 ° above horizontal) and for whether the gymnast splits the legs.

During the under cast 112 turn, look at rhythm , body form and the finishing angle . Finishing at bar height would be 0.3 deduction. Two other typical deductions would be excessive pike and bending the arms, each up to 0.3. Give BONUS above 45°.

A low glide can bring up to 0.3. Hips should get to bar level.

Be aware of rhythm throughout but look at final position of kip. Hips should get as high as shoulders when in support.

Don 't be so concerned with how high the back stutz goes. Look for when it is completed . The hips should be at shoulder height (feet bar level = 0.3). There will probably be some pike in the hips but it should be no more than 30°.

Look for rhythm , technique and body position during lowering for roll and the roll itself.

7. Look at rhythm, body position and timing of back uprise to handstand pirouette. Body must finish in vertical but no hold.

8. On regrasp of peach basket, look first at arms and at the same time, be aware of body angle. Straight arms are expected otherwise 0.2-0.5. Completing basket in the layaway position , i.e., in upper arm support would bring 1.0 deduction.

Give BONUS for straight arm peach basket above 45 ° or with extreme flight above bars.

9. During front uprise, look for hips to be shoulder height.

10. Prior to the straddle cut, the gymnast should swing at least to horizontal . Look for height on release and good control on landing . Look at body position in L. 2 sec. hold .

11 . Bending the arms during the press will bring 0.3-0.6. Be aware of rhythm throughout but also look for shoulders going too far forward .

Count for 2 sec. hold.

12 ~ During the dismount, look for the gymnast to rise 112 arm length in height (above = BONUS). The body should be kept straight until the landing. Any steps or hops will bring at least a 0.2 deduction .

13. Moving around in handstands = up to 0.1

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JUDGING COMPULSORY HORIZONTAL BAR Look at posture and for extra swings during jump to apparatus and prior to first skill.

During high start, look for bent arms during forward swing . Notate whether high start went to nominal handstand ( ). NOTE: Be prepared for problems on the part of the gymnast. He may go over on high start and recover in any number of ways. Know what to deduct for changing grips (0 .2); adding parts (0.5), taking extra swings (0.3) or for coming off (0.5).

Look at rhythm, form and body position during shoot 112 turn (must reach 60° for no deductions) If handstand, notate ( ).

There is one giant before coming in for the free hip.

The gymnast must complete the giant swing before coming in for the free hip (no early entry). The 112 turn must be initiated on the way up rather than from support (handstand). Look at angle of finish . A handstand is required , otherwise up

to 0.5. Notate ( ). Look for wrong way swing and extra parts.

6. It is extremely important to have a solid mental picture of the way the Kreiskehre should be performed.

The Russians had the best ones in the 1985 W.C. It should be initiated below 45 ° above horizontal. The trailing leg pikes at the hip and never goes above horizontal while the lead leg goes over the top and then around to the side to be in the same position as the trailing leg .

The hips should not flex and then open again although the body should be in an "open" pike (straddle) position before the drop. For an early pirouette straddle down , deduct 0.6.

7. During Stalder 112 turn look for rhythm , form and finishing body position. Bar height = 0.5. Notate ( ).

8. Look for swing to handstand before kip. Notate ( ).

9. During Weiler kip, look for bending the arms and/or body rhythm and where the kip finishes. Notate ( ) plus this can be a bonus part if done with completely extended body throughout.

10. A pirouette is done at the end of one giant swing. Look for good technique and rhythm .

11. There is one backward giant swing before a back staider.

12. There should be a late entry into the staider. Look at amplitude, rhythm, and body position during staider and look for finish in handstand position. Notate ( ).

13. There is one backward giant before the dismount.

14. During the dismount, first look at the height. Shoulders should get at least three feet above the bar (1 M).

Twist should be effective but can be early or late. Look for body to be extended throughout the time in the air. Look for good posture and stick on landing . This can be a bonus part for height.

15. Look over the number of handstands ( ) completed . If at least four, give some bonus, six, more.

Give general virtuosity if close to handstands on many of the skills.

Technique

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American 200 American Avenue Jefferson, Iowa 50129, U.S.A.

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U.S. GY1v1NASTICS FEDERATION SAFETY CERTIF~CATION TESTIN,G I

Everyone Needs To Be Safety Certified

Promotes a safer te<:ching/learning e nvironment.

2. Reduces insurance p remiums.

3. Ide ntifi es yo ur commitment to your profession, your sport a nd yo ur athletes.

4. Impl e mentation of s tricter sa fety prac ti ces will help reduce th e chances of accide nts a nd/or injuri es.

5. He lp s in membe rship recruitment.

1.

General Points of Information

Th e text book for th e Certification Course is the USGF GYMNASTICS SAFETY MANUAL. This tex t/refe rence manu a l is to be purchased and stud ied prior t o co urse participation.

2. Th e course will take approximately six hours, includin g the test.

3. The Course fee is $100.00 (retest cos t is $25.00).

4. Certifi cation is good for four yea rs.

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Participation Registration Form Name: Mr. /Mrs ./Ms .

Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone: ('---H-'-)_ _ _ _ _ __,_(B--')c..___ _ _ __ Course Director: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ Course Location: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ D_a_te_:_ _ __ Organization Represented : _ _ _ _ _ _ __

If USGF Member, List Type and Number: _ _ __ Form of Payment: Check Visa Mastercard Name on Card : _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ Number: Expiration Date: _ _ _ Signature: _ _ _ _ __ Please make checks payable in full to: USGF SAFETY CERTIFICATION Mail Registration Form and Paymen t to Respective Cou rse Co ntac t.

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NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE -

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY'

Registration Form Received : _ _ __ _ _ _ __

Sunday, March 1, 1987 Rochester, NY-9:00am-3:00pm Course Dir: Sarah Jane Bernhardt, 716-381-8840

Sunday, March 8, 1987 1. Durham, NC-11:0Qam-6:00pm Triangle Gymnastics Center 2809 Rose of Sharon Road Durham, NC 27712 Course Dir: Michael Rizzuto - 919-471-3857 2. Dublin (Columbus), OH-9:00am-5:00pm Dublin High School, Lecture Hall 8670 Coffman Road, Columbus, OH 43017 Course Dir: Bobbi Montanari, 614-457-1279 Hotel Contact: Red Roof Inn - 614-764-3993

Friday, April 3, 1987 Seattle, W A-3:00-9:00pm University of Washington Hee Edmundson Pavilion, Montlake Blvd.

Seattle, WA 98195 Course Dir: Bev Hayasaki/Monte Kimes 217-352-4269 Local Contacts: Bob Ito - 206-543-2210 Sandy Strathdee 206-786-8310 Hotel Contact: LaQuinta - 206-828-6585

Saturday, April 18, 1987 Maplewood, NJ-12:00n-7:00pm Maplewood Gymnastics 1937 Springfield A venue, Maplewood, NJ 07040 Course Dir: Paul Spadaro, 718-816-6287 Local Contact: Geri Johnston, 201-762-5222

Saturday, June 20, 1987 Overland Park, KS/Kansas City, MO 9:00am-4:30pm, Double Tree Hotel 10100 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210 This course will be conducted by several USGF National Certifiers during the 1987 USGF/McDonald's US Gymnastics Championships Course Contact: United States Gymnastics Federation - 317-638-87 43 Local Contact: Kayce Gilmore 913-829-1700 Please send registration forms to the USGF Department of Safety, 1099 North Meridian, Suite 380, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Confirmation Mailed :

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