Issuu

March 1996 Vol. 16, #3

AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF USA GYMNASTICS

Inside Coaching Challenge ~c \

ÂŁI ~

Low Back Pain In Rhythmic Gymnasts Jump Training Improves Vertical Leap And Reaction Time In Rhythmic Gymnasts USA Gymnastics Announces World Wide Web Site 1996 Congress "What My Parents Did Right" Boston Sightseeing Tours Anxiety In Elite Young Gymnasts: Part I Definitions Of Stress And Relaxation TOPs Report Biomechanical Factors That Effect Equilibrium During Pe7formance

Ir.,;& Current URL: Ihttp://www .usa-gy mnastics .org/usag/

GYMNASTICS

USA GYMNASTICS

'--I_I_HL_ET_E_'S_C_OO_K_BO_O_K-----JII'--_N_EW_V_ID_E_Ot_I_PE_S----' USA Gymnastics and editor Michelle Dusserre, R.D., have recently completed a book entitled, A thlete's Cookbook, published by Masters Press. This book has excellent information on m eeting basic nutritional guidelines for athletes, understanding your nutritional needs, getting proper nutrition on the road, learning a bout and dealing w ith eating d isorders, preparing great-tasting recipes and much, much more.

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N utrition Basics For Backflips Building a Pyramid to N utrition Success Road Trip N utrition

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Meat and Poultry: Protein Perfection Desserts: The Perfect Dismount

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1995 National GymFest, Carmel, Indiana - (1:23) Foo tage of all individual group performances, plus the USA Rhythmic Group National Team, footage of practices, and the rehearsal for the Finale. This tape includes two music videos. 1995 Rhythmic Challenge - (2:00) This competition also served as the Pan American Games Trials. See Pan Am medalists Jessica Davis and Tamara Levin son as they prepared for the Games. Also see National Team members challenging to improve their 1995 ranking. 1995 Junior Olympic Group Championships - (2:00) This second annual event was h eld in San Francisco, CA. The video includes Round 2 of Day 1 and Day 2 Finals competition. Catch the excitem ent of rhythmic gymnastics group action in its developmental s tage. "A Day in the Gym" Video Series - Tape #1- (2:00) Level 6 off-season workout. Arizona Sunrays, Phoenix, AZ. 1995 U.S. National Championships - Men's Team 2000 Competition - (2:00) Features: All compe titors. H and-held footage from the stands. Blurry and choppy in places. 1995 U.S. National Championships - Men's Competition (2:00) - three tapes Tape 1: Compulsory Competition - (2:00) All competitors. Hand-held foo tage from the s tands. Blurry and choppy in places. (2:00) Tape 2: Optional Competition Tape 3: Optional Competition and Event Finals (2:00) 1995 IBM Atlanta Gymnastics Invitational Men's Competition (1:30) These are the " technical" video tapes. See top international performers in this " test-event" for the 1996 Olympic Games. 1995 IBM Atlanta Gymnastics Invitational Women's Competition (1:30) These a re the " technical" videotapes. See top international performers in this " test-event" for the 1996 Olympic Games.

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publisher Editor Designer

Kathy Scanlan Steve Whi tlock Cindy L. Reed

Men' s Program

Director

Ron Galimore

Women /s Program Director

Kathy Kelly

Rhythmic Program Director

Nora Campbell

USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: landy Knapp; President: Kalhy lcanlan; President Emeritus: Mike Donahue; Amateur Athletic Union: Mike Itonner; American Sokol Organization: Jerry Milan; USATrampoline & Tumbling: Wayne Downing; American Turners: Belly Heppner; Jewish Community Centers: Lori Katz; Collegiate Gymnastics Association: fA Roy Johnson; National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches for Women: Goil Oavis; Not ional Association for Girls and Women in Sport: Or. Mimi Murray; National Association of Women' 5 Gymnastics Judges: Yvonne

Hodge; National Collegiate Athletic Associa tion: Chril Voelz, Lou Burkel; Notional federation of State High Schaal Associations: Susan True; National Gymnastics Judges Association:

Hcrry Bjerke; National High Schaal Gymnastics Coaches Association: John Brinkworth; Special Olympics, Inc.: Kale FoberHickie; U.S. Rhythmic Gymnastics Coaches Association: Suzie

DiTullio; U_S_ Association of Independent Gym Clubs: Lonce Crowley; u.s. Elite Coaches Association for Men's Gymnastics: Peler Kormann;U.S. Elite Coaches Assaciation for Women's Gymnastics: Tony Gehman, Roe Kreulzer; U.S. Men's Gymnas路 tics Coaches Association: Marc Yancey; U.S. Sports Auobatics ~ ~ deration : Bonnie Dovidson; Young Men's Christian AssodaI

of the USA: Rick Dodson; USA Gym nastics National

.. embership Directors: Men's: Jim HolI, Ray Gum; Women' 5:

Julia Thompson路Arelz, Mark Weber; Rhythmic: Alia Ivirsky, Ute AItCarberry Athlete's Advisory Committee: Karyn Lyon Glover, choir; Chril Violler, vice chair; Tanya lervice Choplin, lec; Wendy Hilliard, KarynLyon Glover, PelerVidmar, ConrodVoarsonger, Krilten Kenoyer Woodland, Kim Zmeskal; USOC Athlete Representative: Michelle DUllerre-Farrel!.

USA GYMNASTICS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair: londy Knopp; Special Advisor to the Chairman of the Board: Roe Kreutzer; President: Kolhy lconlon; Secretary: Mike Milidonil; Vice Chair Women: lIaneyMarlholl; Vice Chair Men: Tim Daggett; Vice Chair Rhy thmic: Candace Feinberg; fi G Women's Technical Committee: Jockie Fie; fiG Rhythmic Technical Committee: Andrea Schmid-Ihopiro; fiGMen's Technical Committee: Bill Roetzheim; At Large Members: Jim Harlung, Joon Moore-Gnat; Athlete Directors: Tanya lervice Choplin, Karyn Lyon Glover, Peter Vidmar; USOC Athlete Representative: Michelle Dusserre路Forrell; President Emeritus: Mike Donahue.

Unlesl exprellly idenlified to Ihe controry, all ortides, stotemenllond views prinled herein are attribuled ,olely 10 Ihe oUlhor ond USA GymnOlli" exprelles no opinion ond ollumes no relponsibilily Ihereof.

Contents Coaching Cooching Challenge Lol'I Back Pain In Rhythmic Gymnasts Ansl'lers To Questions In The Coaching Challenge Jump Training Improves Vertical Leap And Reaction Time In Rhythmic Gymnosts

4 5 1

Telecommunications USA Gymnastics Announces World Wide Web Site

1996 Congress 1996 Congress & Olympic Trials 1996 Olympic Trials Schedule 1996 Pre-Registration Form 1996 Congress Add-Ons Registration Form

12 13 15 11

Parent Session "What My Parents Did Right" USA Gymnostics Session For Parents - Pre-Registration Form

18 19

USA Gymnastics Congress 8oston Sightseeing Tours Tour Registration Form

20 21

Sport Psychology Anxiety In Elite Young Gymnasts: Part 1- Definitions Of Stress And Relaxation Table I - Definitions Of Stress And Relaxation Among Young Gymnasts

22 24

Women's Gymnastics TOPS Report

Announcements Major Gymnastics Spectacular GYM - 96 Pommel Horse Rule U.s_[/assic And National Gym Festival Are Combined

21 21 21 21

Sport Science 8iomechanical Factors That Effect EqUilibrium During Performance

Men's Judging Competitive And Judging Trends: Rings

Preschool Placing Children In Ability Appropriate Groups

Kinder Accreditation for Teachers CHANGEOf ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: Inorder 10 ensUre uninlerrupted delivery of TE(HNIQUE mogazine, notice of chonge of oddrell Ihould be mode lix 10 eight weekI in odvonce. for fOltest lervice, pleose endose your presenl moiling lobel. Direct oillubscriplion moil to TE(HNIQUE Sublcriptions, 1036 It Copilol, Suite E-135, Indionopolis, IN 46104. TECHNIQUE IISSN 074B-599991 il publilhed 10 times per yeor by USAGymnostiCl, Pan Americon PIOIO, 101 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 300, Indionopolil, IN 46115 (phone: 317-137'~50 1. Third dOls postage paid ollndionopolil, IN. Subscripprices: 515.00 per yeor in United Sloles; all olher ,nlries 54B.00 per yeor. If ovoiloble, bock illue lingle copies 54.00 plul pOlloge/ hondling. All reolOnoble core will be loken, bUI no responsibilily con be OIlumed for unlOlicited material; enclose relurn postoge. Copyrighl 1996 by USA Gymnosli" ond TE(HNIQUE. All rightl relerved. Printed by Sport Grophi", Indionopolil, IN.

KAT Questions And Ansl'lers Levell KAT Observation Form Levell KAT Workshops - Current Schedule KAT Registration Form

36 31 38 38

Men's Gymnastics 1991-2000 Junior Olympic National Program Coaches Workshop

Women's Minutes Elite Program Commiffee

Rhythmic Minutes Rhythmic Program Commiffee

Coaching

11. Which vitamin is most closely linked to the body's production of energy?

COACHING CHALLENGE I

Wm A. Sands, Ph.D. Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Utah

4 Try answering the following questions, then compare your knowledge with the correct answers are on page 7. 1.

Athletes can recruit all of the motor units of a muscle (T-F) in an "all-out" contraction.

In a "punch" type of take-off for a somersault, which of the following is most predictive of performance?

12. (T -F) Static and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) types of stretching are not the only types of stretching that athletes should use. 13. If the athlete can perform a layout somersault from feet to feet with arms overhead throughout the somersault, now far can hel she somersault by tucking? A.

1.5 somersaults

2.5 somersaults

2.0 somersaults

3.0 somersaults

14. What is the maximum amount of time you should go without changing the volume or intensity of the training load?

maximal leg isometric strength

4-6 weeks

maximal force development

1-2 weeks

rate of force development

1-2 weeks

D. 2-4 weeks

none of these

15. Which of the following is LEAST effective in producing maximal strength and power among elite athletes?

(T-F)

All muscular hypertrophy is basically the same.

(T-F)

Lactic acid is a metabolic poison.

(T-F) The earlier that a female athlete starts training (i.e., childhood) the less the bone mineral content of the skeleton.

(T - F) Because water has no calories, it is not considered a nutrient.

16. (T-F) PNF stretching teclmiques result in less relaxation in the muscle to be stretched.

(T-F) The family doctor has been shown to be as effective as a back specialist in the treatment of back pain.

17. (T - F) A gymnast or diver should use carbohydrate loading (or simply augmentation) to enhance performance.

What is the first thing to happen to an athlete's performance following a sudden increase in training load in the direction of the overall training goals?

18. An athlete who demonstrates an increase in resting heart rate and a decrease in scale weight is showing which of the following?

the athlete's performance gets worse

the athlete's performance improves

the athlete's performance stays the same

At what percentage of a maximal contraction do athletes achieve stimulation of fast twitch motor units?

circuit training

traditional weight training

Plyometric training

competition preparedness

supercompensation

recovery

overtraining

19. How long before a contest should you cease doing strength training?

approximately 70% of maximum

Between 7-14 days before the competition

approximately 90% of maximum

You should never stop strength training

approximately 30% of maximum

No more than 5-6 days before the competition

approximately 50% of maximum

A minimum of 6 weeks before the competition

10. How long should a macrocycle be? In other words, how long can an athlete continue to build to a competition period before requiring a transition (active rest) period? A.

4-5 weeks

10-12 weeks

18-22 weeks

45-50 weeks

20. How many maximum strength workouts per week are required to maintain an already achieved strength level?

2-3 C. 4-6 D. 3-4 B.

March 1996

TECHNIQUE

Coaching

Low BACK PAIN IN

Answer Form

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS

Coaching Challenge 1.

(

[T)

[F)

[T)

[F)

[a)

[b)

[c)

[a)

[b)

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[d)

[a)

[b)

[c)

[d)

[a)

[b)

[c)

[d)

7 .

[T)

[F)

[a)

[b)

[T)

[F)

10 .

[a)

[b)

[c)

11 .

[a )

[b)

[c)

12 .

[a)

[b)

[c)

[d)

13 .

[a)

[b)

[c)

[d)

14 .

[a)

[b)

[c)

[d)

15 .

[T)

[F)

16 .

[T)

[F)

17 .

[T)

[F)

18 .

[a )

[b)

[c)

[d)

19 .

[T)

[F]

20 .

[T)

[F)

The answers are found on page 7.

[c)

[d)

I 0 A

Mark R. Hutchinson M.D. The University of Illinois at Chicago

hi"umm,'Y d",u"" th, ,"use" p,esent'tion, p"vention, and treatment of low back pain with special regard to rhythmic gymnastics. Most low back complaints are related to overuse and are associated with hyperextension. Poor flexibility at the hip may predispose the athlete to sustaining low back injuries as a result of an increased mobility demand in the lumbar spine. Gymnasts frequently complain about achy low back pain of insidious onset and withou t numbness or weakness in their extremities. Certain moves and positions, particularly, hyperextension exacerbate their complaints. Diagnosis is made through a careful physical examination, radiographic studies, and occasion al special studies such as a bone scan. The actual diagnosis could include any of a number of problems including muscle strains, bone stress reac tions, bone frac tures, and ruptured discs. Treatment is gen erally conservative with a reduction in activity and exacerbating stresses and occasional use of braces for immobilization. Most gymnasts can return to fu ll activities within a few weeks depending on the diagnosis. Prevention is most important as it reduces lost time due to injury from the sport completely. Conditioning of abdominal and back muscles is important. Proper technique and adequate flexibility is also necessary. Good nutrition can avoid bone weakn ess leading to osteoporosis.

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1995

C . ONGRESS SESSIONS

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Coaching

content of the skeleton. Th e study sp ecifically inves tigated telmis and squash players. Interestingly, those a thletes w h o started playing before menarch e h ad tw o to four times more bone mineral content than those starting training at age 15 years or later.

Answers to Questions in the Coaching Challenge (from page 4) 1.

T Studies of muscle fatigu e using m assive electrical stimulation h ave sou ght to d etermine if a highly trained and highly motivated athlete can enlist all of his or her muscles in maximal voluntary contrac tion. Although only a few muscles have been inves tigated, it appears that highly motivated and highly trained athletes can recruit the entire muscle in some muscles and the vas t majority of the m uscle in some other selected m uscles. The idea everyone h as a certain inhibition that prevents total recruitment of the muscle appears to be largely false. It must be emphasized that this research is new and that highly trained and highly motivated athletes were required to get maximal muscle recruitment. This sp eaks loudly to the idea of training athletes intensively to prep are them for su ch efforts. C There are tw o typ es of stre tch -shortenin g types of jumps, one that lasts under 250 milliseconds (about 1/4 of a second) and one that las ts longer than 250 millisecon ds are typ ical of running platform take offs an d gymnastics tumbling skills. In "punch" types of jumps, su ch as these, the primary determin ant of performan ce is rate of force d evelopment, not maximal stren gth. Interestingly however, maximal strength must be develop ed first and then focused to rate of force development. F Muscular hyp ertrophy occurs in two basic types : a) m yofibrillar and b) sarcoplasmic. Th ese terms indicate that the m uscle cell, and therefore the m uscle, enlarges by virtue of the force generating m achinery (myofibrillar) or the gunk that fills the res t of the cell (sarcoplasm ic). Sarcoplasm ic hyp ertrop hy is typical of bodybuildin g types of training programs and causes the muscle cell to get larger w ithout augmenting the force capabilities of the muscle cell. Myofibrillar hypertrophy refers to increasing the contractile proteins of the cell, and thus increasing the more" function al" compon ents of m aximum force production. The gymnast and diver prefer m yofibrillar hyp ertrophy due to its greater relevance to gymnastics and diving p erfo rmance. Sarcoplasm ic hyp ertrophy tends to increase muscle size and weight w ithout increasin g force cap abilities to the sam e extent.

F Bodies are about 2/3 water w hich requires constant replacement each day because of losses through urine, feces, skin, and lungs. Athletes w ho are d eh ydrated su ffer significant performance impairment. T A recent study in the New EngLand Journal of Medicine sh ows that p atients were m ore satisfied w ith chirop rac tors and back sp ecialists because they sp ent more time explaining their injury. However, the s tudy showed that 96% of the patients w ere cured w ithin six months-regardless of w ho they saw for treatment.

A The first thing to h app en to an athlete upon receiving a new training d emand is to fatigu e and thus reduce p erform ance cap ability. Th is is fo llowed by recovery, an d if the training lo a d is of the pr o p er m ag n i tu de, th en supercompensation w ill result.

C Type II or fas t twitch m otor u nites are being stimulated w hen the m axim al voluntary contraction reach es only approximately 30%. An athlete does not have to w ork w ith maximum or n ear m aximum resistance to recruit fast tw itch motor units.

10. C Athletes tend to build to p eak p erformance in l S-22 weeks, after w hich they require a brief rest befo re beginning an other m acrocycle. 11.B

B vi tamins are esp ecially im p ortant for athletes.

Ballistic stretching is also a viable and useful for m of 12. T stretching. Although historically this type of s tretching h as been considered bad, the n ew thou ght is that this typ e of stre tch ing is beneficial. This is based on the idea that many athletic movem ents involved d ynamically and quickly m oving to full ran ges of m otion. In gymnastics and diving this ac tually h appens fai rly frequently. However, ballis tic stretching sh ould probably be renam ed dynamic stre tching. Although a type of "bouncing" occurs, the bouncing is gentle and is used to improve dynam ic rather than s tatic range of m otion . Dyn amic stretching can be used during arm and leg swings to the full range of m otion, but only following a very thorough warm u p. Moreover, the athlete sh ould probably have acquired m ost of the function al range of m otion w ith static stretching techniques p rior to using d ynamic s tretching .

F Lactic acid is the by prod uc t or outcome of the glycoly tic energy system p athway (an aero bic). Lactic acid or lac tate is for med w hen p yruvate acc umulates an d th e Kreb's cycle (aerobic) cannot process the pyruvate fas t en ou gh. As lac ta te concentrations rise the acidity of the muscle increases and this is w ha t results in the feelings of p ain and inability to continue muscular force. Th e fa te of lac tate is n ot entirely know n, some of it ends u p being concerted back into glycogen, and some of it is oxidized (i. e., burned fo r energy). However, lac tate is n ot a p oison, actually it is a su bstra te - it can be returned to glycogen (su gar) or it can be consu med fo r en ergy. Moreover, lac tate is NOT resp onsible fo r delayed onset m uscle soreness. The m uscle tissu e is damaged in inten se exercise and th is results in pain and inflammation. The half-life of ATP rem oval fro m muscle is approximately 25 m in u tes.

14. B Training load volume or intensity sh ould be m odified at least every 1-2 weeks to en sure perfo rmance improvement. Longer than this results in blunted training effects. Sh orter than this results in unstable perfo rmances and lack of a sufficient accumulation of training load to tax cumulative adaptive reserves of the athlete.

F A Fi!U1ish study recently sh owed tha t the earlier an a thlete began strenuou s training the greater the none mineral

15. A Circuit training results in incomplete recovery between sets or exercise tasks. Th e incomplete recovery further results

13. B Assuming the a thlete can d o a layout somersault from fee t to fee t, then the athlete h as enou gh angular mom entu m to somersault approximately 2.5 times simply by tucking.

March 1996 T ECHNIQ UE

.A 7

Coaching

in decreased maximal efforts. The decreased maximal efforts, due to fatigue, makes circuit training good for training various aspects of muscular endurance, but not effective in developing maximal strength and power.

A 8

16. T PNF stretching has been investigated via EMG (electromyography) and has shown that the stretching actually resulted in greater EMG activity not less which was originally thought be the case. This means that the muscle to be stretched is actually more highly activated rather than more highly relaxed due to PNF techniques. Clearly, PNF techniques are not well understood and require further research. This may also explain the mixed results often obtained when using PNF methods on gymnasts and divers. Glycogen is the storage form of carbohydrate in the 17. T body. There are limited stores of glycogen, approximately 300-400 grams in muscle and 70-100 grams in the liver. Studies have shown that both anaerobic and aerobic training can enhance and deplete stores of glycogen. Muscle glycogen is a more important storage source in high intensity short duration work than liver glycogen. High intensity intermittent exercise can deplete selective glycogen stores in fast and slow twitch muscle. Usually this results from hard training as opposed to competition. It appears that the optimal time for replenishment of glycogen is 1/2 hour to one hour following the exercise. The amount of carbohydrate to take during this time is 0.7 to 3.0 grams per kilogram of body mass.

JUMP TRAINING IMPROVES VERTICAL

LEAP AND REACTION TIME IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS Mark R. Hutchinson M.D. Linda Tremaine P.T.

The University of Illinois at Chicago

n important component in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics is the ability to leap. Higher leaps and quicker reaction time for a series of quick leaps in succession correlates to improved performance and ideally improved scores.

Decreasing weight, in conjunction with increasing rest18. D ing heart rate are classic symptoms of overtraining. The athlete's training load should be reduced and serious rest should be considered.

Six elite rhythmic gymnasts who compete as a team underwent a course of jump training that involved Pilate's, a plyometric jumf table, as well as pool leaps and training. Baseline vertical leap height and reaction time was obtained prior to training on a force plate that calculated time on and off the plate. Hangtime could be correlated to vertical height, and time on the plate was associated with reaction time for a series of four leaps.

19. C Schmidtbleicher recommends that strength training not stop until 5-6 days before the competition. Stopping earlier than this will result in some detraining and thus reduction in strength and power. A short taper for recovery is important, 5-6 days is sufficient.

After undergoing training for one month, all athletes displayed significant improvement in vertical leap averaging nearly 20 percent increase in height. Indeed all athletes also showed a significant improvement in ground reaction time . Interestingly, after continuing the jump training over the next three months, no further increase in performance could be documented.

The maximum strength levels of an athlete can be main20. B tained in 2-3 workouts per week. Some studies have shown that two workouts per week are also effective.

In conclusion, it would appear that focused jump training, using Pilate's plyometric table as well as pool jump training, is of significant benefit in elite rhythmic gymnasts.

March 1996

TECHNIQUE

Telecommunications

USA GYMNASTICS ANNOUNCES WORLD WIDE WEB SITE Rachele Harless, Webmaster for USAGO

reviously available solely as a custom forum on Delphi, USA Gymnastics Online (USA GO) has now been extended to include the service of a World Wide Web (WWW) site. The web site d ebuted in conjunction with the 1996 McDonald's American Cup in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 29, 1996. Within one week of the site's debut, USA GO was already recognized with an award, being selected as one of Yahoo's "Picks of the Day" for March 6, 1996! The WWW site address for USA Gymnastics Online is: http : // www . usa - gymnastics . org / usag /

The start-up goal of the web site is to provide information from a marketing perspective, with a heavy focus on materials produced by our public relations department. Currently, the site includes organizational information about USA Gymnastics, the history and description of our sport, athlete biographies, national team rosters, a calendar of upcoming events, and many other fea tures. In the near future, the site will include sponsor information, d epartmental information, merchandise, and other features geared specifically toward the registered members of USA Gymnastics . If you have suggestions for specific services we should consider providing, please contac t us via the "Keep In Touch" pages on the web site.

Fact Sheet The 1996 A1cDonald's American Cup is the first competition to bejeatured on USA Gymnastics Online!

TI,e McDonald's Amellcan Cup iffrom Febmruy 29 - March 2, 1996 in the F oft WorthITarrant County Convention Center Arena in Folt WOIth, Texas.

{Iv1en's and Y}J omen's Fma1s ]

Visitors to the we b site can enter drawings and contests for freebies, w ith wilU1ers chosen on a monthly basis. For the month of March, the 10 prizes were McDonald's American Cup t-shirts autographed by competing USA athletes . Ten winners will be chosen and profiled on the web site on April 10, 1996. After a thorough search, USA Gymnastics selected Net Direct, an Internet provider service located in Indianapolis, Ind., to host the USA Gymnastics WWW site. Net Direct also hosts the WWW servers of the Indianapolis Star News and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

How do I get on the WWW? All this sounds innovative and exciting-so how do you get to the site? This w ill vary depending on yo ur Internet connection and your computer hardware configuration. Explaining each possible situ ation here is an impOSSible task. If you are on the Internet through a service provider specifically geared to the Internet and / or WWW, or through your university or office, then most likely you are already familiar with navigating the web. The web is accessible from most major online services, including Delphi (those using " the new Delphi"), AOL, Compuserve, and Prodigy. For most of these services, you must download additional software to use the web. Contact your provider for more information about getting on the WWW.

Browser, browser, anybody got a browser?

DATES AND SITES

[Top] [List of C'ompetitors] [Men's PrehmUl ru'les] [\V0men's PrelmufI<llles]

American gymn astics . We w ill provide detailed information about USA Gymnastics competitions and events, results, and competition highlights . Current standings and commentary from the 1996 McDonald's American Cup were updated on the web after each rotation during both preliminary and final sessions. Additionally, full score sheets, all related press releases, and intern ational biographies for athletes in the competition were also readily available to anyone surfing the USA Gymnastics web site.

FORMAT TIle competition includes athletes from 23 countries for both men and women The competition is scored using compehtion

II rules The preluninruy round for men will be held on

The site will be updated frequently and prove to be a definitive resource for keeping up-to-da te on current events in the world of

So, what actually is a " browser?" Is it someone who browses web sites in their free time? No, you can refer to those people as "surfers." A browser is the software that a surfer uses to read the WWW. Netscape is by far the chosen browser on the web today with 80% of web users; because it provides more fle xibility and power, and can easily display tables and columns. The USA Gymnastics pages are enhanced for Netscape. However, our pages should be easily readable by any browser that you choose to use .

Common words Once you get connected to the WWW, you will s tart hearing

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

Telecommunications

words/ abbrevia tions that you've never heard before (e.g., "URL"), or perhaps hear familiar words out of their normal context (e.g .. "links") . Here's a simple guide:

Home Page A World Wide Web home page is the starting page of a company or individ ual's area on the Web. Analogous to a title page of a document. In general use, people sometimes use the term Home Page to refer to all the pages within a specific area.

URL The electronic address of the web page. The address usually b egins w ith '' htt p : // '' -for examp l e, '' htt p : //www . atlanta . olympic . org/" is the WWW address for the 1996 Olympic Games.

Webmaster The contact person for a website-believe itor not, "webmaster" is ac tually the standard, accepted title! Online email addressed to the USA GO "webmaster" goes to Rachele Harless with a cop y to USA Gymnastics (Steve Whitlock).

TIps for the experienced web surfer ~ Man;h J, 1996

Belarus' trio wins gold Boguinskaya (W) , Andrei Kall (1\1), and Eu"aenia. Pavlina (R)

team up to win the 1996 McDonald's Intematioual Gymnastics Championships on Tuesday night in Atlanta.

Man:"

The Sport of Gynumstics History, Scoring, aJllI ,Ippa.ratus

Inside USA Gymnastics Depar1ments, Staff, Olympic Family, and Sponsors.

descriptions.

>~l USA Athletes ~ National team rosters, Athlete bios, and Medalis1s .

...

Events Upconung event

calendar, Past event pages, and Rl!sults.

1996

Yahoo Pi ck of lb. Day! USA Gynmastics Online is listed as a Yalmo Pick of Ute Day for March 6, 1996!

Past Spotlights E""ellts and other news previously featw'ed Oil this page.

r'l. ... r

Keep in Touch Send us feedback , and

enter our conkst for (r..bid.

HTML The language that is used to write WWW documents.

Link A link is usually presented to you as an underlined word or phrase of different color (the default color is blue). If you click on that word, the browser displays the link. Graphics can also be links. The links on the USA Gymnastics Online pages are shades of red: bright red for most links, with a darker red for links that you have visited in the recent past.

. :

â€˘

If you only need to visit a page for some quick information, turn off your" Autoload images" option that is found in most browsers. The page w ill display much more quickly. If you are an experienced WWW s urfer, yo u may want to experiment with turning off " underlining" for your links. Set your default background to white. The page will be much easier to read . If you visit a page often (as you surely will for the USA Gymnastics site!), yo u might want to click yo ur browser's "reload" button after you load the page, if it doesn't look very current. Many browsers w ill save (" cache") the page after you hit it, and the n ext time you visit the page, the browser will display the cached page instead of retrieving the latest one from the site. You want to be sure that you are always looking at the latest copy of the page! If yo u are loading a page, click the" s top" button before clicking on a link to jump to another page. Failing to do this can sometimes result in unintentionally "locking up" your computer.

,1..,.., .

JOHN ROETHLISBERGER 1995 World Championships Team l\'lelnher 1995 National All-A.roWld Charnpion 1994 Team World Championships Tearn l\.'lember 1994 ''''arid Charnpiollships Team Member 1993 National All-AJUWld Champion 1992 OIl'"pian 1992 National All-AJUwld Charnpion

March 1996

TECHNIQUE

....

~ !""

1996 Congress ~-----------------

BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS

A. 12

JUNE

28·30

rr~

GYMNASTICS

Convention Center. There is a convenient subway station located at Copley Place, connecting to AMTRAK and Logan International Airport. The Marriott features 1, 147 guestrooms and suites, indoor pool. health club with exercise room, whirlpool, saunas, and game room. Hotel restaurants include Gourmeli's, an upscale family restaurant and Bello Mondo, featuring the finest in Northern Italian cuisine. For a great place to watch sports and enjoy the best burgers in Boston, try Champions, The American Sports Bar. Reservations: 617-236-5800

The biggest and the best! Watch Technique for more specific information on the Congress schedule, presenters, and topics. Sessions will be conducted at the beautiful John B. Hyne's Convention Center. The Hynes will provide a modern, elegant. highly flexible environment for the annual Congress. Sessions will feature informative speakers discussing club business, technique and sport science, preschool/developmental. judges training, and other areas of interest. Sessions will also include men's, women's, and rhythmic areas.

Cut-off date: June 6

EXHIBITION HALL

Rates: $125 for single/double, $10 for each additional person

The Exhibit Hall. located in the Hyne' s Convention Center, will provide Congress attendees with the opportunity to see the latest and the best in equipment; apparel. and services.

The Copley Plaza, AWyndham Hotel

THE FACTS Host City: Boston, Mass. Congress Dates: Pre-Congress Sessions· June 27 Congress Sessions . June 28-30 Post Congress Sessions . July 1 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials· June 25-30 Artistic Trials . June 27-30 RhythmiC Trials· June 25-26

CONGRESS RATES AND REGISTRATION DATES $150.00 Pre-registration $175.00 On-Site No pre-registration after MAY 31. After MAY 31 , you must register onsite. Non-Members $235.00

CONGRESS HOTELS The Copley Connection is a joint venture of world class hotels and an outstanding shopping facility. The Westin Hotel Copley Place, the Boston Marriott Copley Place, and The Copley Place Shopping Galleries are all under one roof. For the 1996 USA Gymnastics Congress, these two hotels will be joined by the adjacent Copley Plaza to house Congress attendees. The Congress sessions will be conducted at the Hynes

Convention Center that is connected directly to the Copley Place Shopping Galleries. The Westin Hotel, Copley Place Boston 10 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Mass. 02116-5798 The contemporary Westin Hotel. Copley Place Boston is located in the city's charming and fashionable back bay, considered to be Boston's finest location. The hotel is linked via skybridge to the upscale. Copley Place Shopping Galleries, the new Prudential Center Fashion Court. and the Hynes Convention Center. Eight hundred newly renovated guestrooms and suites offer breathtaking views of Boston. Sample some of Boston's favorite restaurants within the Westin Hotel. Enjoy Turner Fisheries Bar & Restaurant, known for its outstanding fresh seafood and New England 's number one, award winning clam chowder. Reservations: Central reservations: 800-228-3000' Direct reservations: 617-262-9600'

138 St. James Avenue, Boston, Mass. 02116-507 1 The Copley Plaza, affectionately known as the "Grande Dame" of Boston is also located in the historic Back Bay. Recent restoration has returned this majestic hotel to its original grandeur. Fe?turing 373 beautifully appOinted guest rooms and suites furnished with period antiques, Concierge, Cristaldi's Beauty Salon, and an on-site fitness center. Enjoy gourmet New England fare at its finest in the sophisticated Plaza Dining Room or Copley's Restaurant for the best steak in town. Reservations: 800-822-4200

Boston Marriott, Copley Place 110 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Mass. 021 16 At Copley Place, in the heart of Boston's Back Bay area, the Boston Marriott is linked to the Hyne' s March 1996

1996 U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS America's top gymnasts will be making magic June 25-30 during the 1996 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials in Boston. This nationally televised competition will determine which gymnastics hopefuls are going to compete in Atlanta. It promises to be a week of drama, passion, and perfection. A week to remember and you can experience the excitement. All of it- live and in person. You'll want to attend and see, firsthand, some of the most important Artistic and Rhythmic competitions in a gymnast's life.

Cut-off date: May 26 Rates: $149 for single/double

ARTISTIC TRIALS June 27-30

When making reservations, USA Gymnastics is listed in the hotel reservation systems as "USA Gym Congress"

Cut-off date: May 31 Rates: $129 for single/double

PRESENTATIONS

CONGRESS REGISTRATION INFORMATION Congress Registration forms, Congress" Add-on" information and forms, and.,:'k,?"·,-~totive Congress Schedule ur-. "r ",,,l ed on pages 13, 15, 17 of this issue. TECHNI QUE

RHYTHMIC TRIALS June 25-26 For more information about ordering tickets, please call the Massachusetts Sports Partnership at 617443-4909, Please do not call USA Gymnastics regarding Trials tickets. The 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials-Gymnastics is offered by USA Gymnastics and the Massachusetts Sports Partnership.

1996 Congress

1996 CONGRESS AND U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS SCHEDULE Note: The following schedule is tentative and subject to clwnge. This is offered to illustrate how these two exciting events will be coordinated. Future issues of Technique will include more specific information regarding Presenters, topics, Congress, add-on session s, and much more!

Times

Congress Activities

Times

Competition Sessions

7:00-9:30 pm

Rhythmic Trials Session #1

7:00-9:30 pm

Rhythmic Trials Session #2

I TUESDAY, JUNE 25

I WEDNESDAY, Allday 2:00-6:30 pm Evening

JUNE 26

RSG Congress KAT Workshop # 1. Pt. 1 Congress Registration Desk open

I THURSDAY, JUNE 27 Allday 8:00 am- 1:00 pm 8:30 am- 1:30 pm 9:00 am-6:00 pm 10:00 am-7 :00 pm 1:00- 3:00 pm 1:00-5:00 pm 2:00-6:30 pm 1:00-8:00 pm 6:00-10:00 pm

Congress "Add-on " sessions: RSG Congress Exhibition set-up (decorator's) KAT Workshop #1. Pt. 2 PDP II : ASEP Sport Principles Registration Desk open PDP-I: Video Clinic and PDP I Granrlrv;,,>niiir·rr., Safety Course # 1 KAT Workshop #2, Pt. 1 Exhibition set-up (exhibitor's) Rhythmic Judge Course - Level 5

Men's Compulsories

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 7:00 am-7 :00 pm 8:00-11 :00 am 8:15-9:15 am 9:30-10:30 am 11 :00 am- 12 noon 12:00-6:00 pm 12:00-1 :15 pm 1:30-2:30 pm 2:45-3:45 pm 3:00-7:00 pm 4:00-5:00 pm

I SATURDAY, 7:00-2:00 pm 8:00-9:00 am 8:00-1 1:30 am 9:00 am-3:OO pm 9: 15- 10:15 am 10:30- 11 :30 am 11 :30 am- 12:45 pm 12:45-1 :45 pm 2:00-3:00 pm 7:30 pm 7:45 pm 8:00:9:30 pm 9:00 pm 9:15 pm-12:00 am

Registration Desk open Exhibition Hall set-up (exhibitor's) Congress Sessions (Round #1)

6~~~;~~~ ~J~~~~,tS~~~I~~2) Exhibition Hall Open

SAG YMNAS TIC S

CONGRESS

LUNCH BREAK 199 6 Congress Sessions (Round #3) B 0 S ton Mas s • J u n e 2 8 - 3 a Congress Sessions (Round #4) , . Level 6 RSG Judges course and Level 7/8 Congress Sessions (Round #5) 6:00-9:00 pm

Women 's Compulsories

JUNE 29 Registration Desk Open Congress Sessions (Round #6) Level 5 Judges Exhibition Hall Open Congress Sessions (Round #7) Congress Sessions (Round #8) L U N C H B REA K Congress Sessions (Round #9) Congress Sessions (Round # 10) Doors open for Ceremony of Honors Ceremony of Honors video presentation Ceremony of Honors Doors open to Banquet area USAG Annual Banquet

4:00-6:30 pm

Men 's Optionals

5:30-10:00 pm

Women 's Optionals (live TV)

I SUNDAY, JUNE 30 8:30-11 :30 am 9:00 am-3:OO pm 9:15 am 9:15-10:15 am 10:30-11 :30 am 11 :30 am- 1:00 pm 1:00-2:00 pm 2:15-3:15 pm 3:30-4:30 pm 3:00-9:00 pm

I MONDAY,

Registration Desk Open Exhibition Hall Open Rhythmic Judges Certification tests (all levels) Congress Sessions (Round # 11) Congress Sessions (Round #12) L U N C H B REA K Congress Sessions (Round #13) Congress Sessions (Round #14) Congress Sessions (Round #15) Exhibitor tear-down

JULY 1

9:00 am- 1:00 pm 8:30 am-1 :30 pm 9:00 am- 12 noon 9:00-10:30 am 9:00-5:00 pm

DEPARTURES ...

Safety Course #2 KAT Workshop #2-Pt. 2 ,1'; • PDP Level l Video Clinic Women'sState Evaluator Examination ~ Women 'sState/RegionalChair Workshop Ma rch 1996

TECHNIQ UE

call U. 1"..11

1996 Congress

CONGRESS COSTS PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS

USA GYMNASTICS

Preregistration: (postmarked by May 31, 1996) $150 On-site registration: $175

NON-MEMBERS $235

CONGRESS

B oslon , Moss .• June 28·30

1 996 PRE-REGISTRATION FORM COMPLETE ONE CONGRESS FORM PER PERSON - YOU MAY PHOTOCOPY FORM FOR ADDITIONAL CONGRESS REGISTRATIONS

Your Professional Address (listed in the USA Gymnastics Pro-member database) will be used for all correspondence. Name ________________________________________________________ Social Security No. _________________________________________________ USAG Pro# _____________________________

Exp. Date ___________

Change my Pro-address to:

Mailing Address _________________________________________________ City ___________________________

State _ __

Zip _ _ _ _ __

Name of Club Program ___ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Day Phone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Night Phone ___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

JUNE 14 NO PRE-REGISTRATION AFTER

MAY31 AFTER

MAY31 YOU MUST REGISTER ON-SITE.

NO EXCEPTIONS

PAYMENT MAKE CHECK/MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO USA GYMNASTICS

Amount Enclosed Charge to:

o o

Fee includes: One credential for entrance to Congress sessions and master clinics on Friday morn ing through Sunday afternoon. Entrance to the Exhibit Hall featuring the industry'sfinest products. One ticket to the Final Congress Banquet. (Additional Banquet tickets for spouses/guests are $50 each - available at registration). The annual Ceremony of Honors.

TO ORDER TICKETS TO THE U_S_ OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS __ _

Please call the Massachusetts Sports Partnership at:

617-443-4909 Please do not call USA Gymnastics regarding Trials tickets.

Minimum age for Congress registration is 16. REG ISTRATION IS NON-REFUNDABLE AFTER

CONGRESS COSTS

$_ _ _ _ _--'

Visa Discover

o o

Mastercard American Express

Card No. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ Exp. Date ___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ Signature (required) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

liSA GYMNASTICS T396 March 1996

Please return this registration form to:

USA Gymnastics Congress Pan American Plaza, Suite 300 20 1 S. Capitol Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46225 TECHNIQ UE

MSP reports that ticket sales are very heavy, order your tickets now!

( Disl:o-ver the knowledge to produl:e happy and healthy athletes! Helping AtLietes witL Eating Disorders Thompson, R.A. and Sherman, R.T.• 1993 • Hard covel' • Human Kinetics • 194 pages. This book provides a

practical, sensitive and therapeutic approach to treating athletes with eating disorders. This guide thoroughly examines all aspects of eating disorders in athletes, from diagnosis to education and prevention. A

Fllr.",~ ~'n'''&1 .~ ..' ~hl'.l

Coa£Les Guide to Nutrition and WeigLt Control

#3631 .. $25.00

Good nutrition allows athletes to maintain energy levels during training and safely regulate their ratio of fat and lean weight Apractical sports nutrition guide that translates the sciences of physiology, bio-chemistry, and nutrition into easily applied information. Includes on excellent chapter on the signs of eating disorders.

AtLiete's Coo"ooL: 1995 • Paper • Masters Press • 224 pages. Edited by

Michelle Dussere, a nutritionist and J984 Olympian, this clearly-wriHen guide offers complete nutritional information and "insider" advice from world-class gymnasts. Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes, Mary lou ReHon, and

#17 ...... . ..... . . . . . .. $22.00

r----------------------------------------------, To order any USA Gymnomts merchandise presented in thi< issue, please complete this order lorm.

USA GYMN)\.STlCS ORDER FORM tlAME ____________________________ _

PHONE ___________ _

ADORESS _____________ _ ____________ _ ___ __ ____________ _ CITY

11' __________ _

STATE

GYMHAIn(\ M!MBE" HIP #

CIIllGE:

______ _ _ _ _ __ ____ _ __ _ _______ _ _______ _

MmEiUtO

0 VISA

(qrnnasti£s: A Guide for Parents and AtLietes 1992· Paper· Feeney • 171 pages.

DESCRIPTION

SIGHAllJIl __________________ _

QUANTITY

An excellent book for beginners as well as experienced gymnasts. Contains information to guide parents and athletes in choosing a gymnastics program that will best suit their needs. Provides pertinent information on safety, conditioning, and the guidelines of the sport

PRICE

TOTAL

Portrait of an AtLiete 1992· Paper· Durbin· 88 pages. This book emphasizes the

ideals that make athletes successful in both sports and life. It features advice, motivation, and values that help young people understand what athletics can mean to their future.

The Inner AtLiete: Realizing your Fullest Potential 1994· Paper· Millman, D.·

Slillpoint Publishing • 169 pages. Used S!NDORD!RS AND MAK! CHICKSPAYABI! 10: USA GYMNASTICS lOCKER ROOM PO BOX 5S62, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46255-5562 1-80G-4-USA-GYM

USA GYMNASTICS

SUBTOTAL SHIPPING & HANDLING: Ct....1B1 )...,!Jl«l®S4,SIi~ I·I~lOO li,i)lGI·IIOOIOO!.I,t¥JIIOOD1LOOSI

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achieve maximum capabilities-not only in sports, but in doily life. #3643.....

. .... $11 .95

Sports and Stress Therapy: AtLleti£ ReLaLilitation on Massage, Stret£Ling and StrengtLening 1994· Hard Covel' • Shazryl, E. and Hanks, J .• Eskay Inc. • 130 pages. This book introduces a

new approach to the prevention and recuperation of fatigue and injuries. The techniques combine many ancient Asian traditions with western healing arts to provide instant relief of pain due to overuse, acute, and chronic injury. #3644. .

. .... .. . . . . . $19.95

#3612 . . .... . .... . . . .. . $15.00

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UP. DAlE _______ _

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ITEM !

#3647 . . ... . . . .. . . . . . .. $14.95

must-have book!

1990 • Eisenman· Paper • 192 pages.

CLUB

Bart Connor are among the many popular athletes who donated their favorite low-fat, energy-boosting, and to sly recipes. Dussere uses her knowledge to help gymnasts and others eat and perform like winners.

worldwide by professional coaches and athletes to coordinale and develop active men and women's physical, mental, and emotional skills. It explains how to empower athletes to

In Pursuit of Euellen£e: How to Win in Sport and life tLrougL Mental Training 1990 • Paper· Orlick • 208 pages. Wrillen in on easy-to under-

stand,m instructive style, this second edition of In Pursuit of Excellence is the supplemental text for courses that cover the basic sport psychology techniques. It covers the psychological concepts of concentration, winning, losing, and competing successfully. This highly successful sport performance book by internationally recognized sport psychologist Terry Orlick, has undergone a complete revitalization. BeHer organized for easier reading, the second edition includes dozens of new examples token from Orlick's real-life experiences with champion athletes and their coach. #14 . . .. ...... . . ... . . . . $14.95

1996 Congress

, 996 CONGRESS ADD·ONS REGISTRATION FORM COMPLETE ONE FORM PER PERSON-PLEASE PHOTOCOPY FORM FOR ADDITIONAL REGISTRATIONS

Your Professional Address (listed in the USA Gymnastics Pro-member database) will be used for all correspondence. Name _____________________________________________________________ Social Security No. _______________________________________________________ USAG Pro#_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __

Exp. Date _____ _ _

Change my Pro-address 10:

Use this form to register for the 1996 USA Gymnastics Congress tests, examinations, certifications, accreditations, etc.

Mailing Address _________________________________________________________ City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Day Phone ____________________

Zip ____________

State _____

Night Phone _________________________

Promember

Check (I ) appropriate:

Nonmember

SubTOTAL

Minimum age for Safety Certification is 18.

B Olio n . Mas • . • J u n

SAFETY CERTIFICATION COURSES:

o Thursday. 6/27. 1:00 pm-5:00 pm o Monday. 7/1.9:00 am-1 :00 pm

$75

$100

$75

$100

Levell Grandparent Course Thursday. 6/27. 1:00-3:00 pm Criteria: USAG pro-membership. Safety Certification. and minimum of 4 years coaching/administrative experience. Experience Verification Form (see page 40).

$35

JUNE 14

N/A

Levell Video Clinics

MAY31

$10 $10

Course #2- Monday, 7/1,9:00 am-12 noon

AFTER

USA Gymnastics/ ASEP Coaching Principles Course Note: Course enrollment is limited to 50. First come, first serve. basis. You MUST pre-register- NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION o Thursday, 6/27, 9:00 am-6:00 pm

MAY31

Women's Program, Skill Evaluator Examination o Monday, 7/1, 9:00-10:30 am

YOU MUST REGISTER ON-SITE.

$80

$70

Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshops Note: Course enrollment is limited to 65. First come, first serve -NO ON-SITEREGISTRATION. o Course #l - Wednesday, 6/26, 2:00-6:30 pm; and Thursday, 6/27, 8:30 am-1 :30 pm o Course #2 - Thursday, 6/27, 2:00-6:30 pm; and Monday, 7/1,8:30 am- 1:30 pm $140

NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION FOR

ASEP COACHING PRINCIPLES COURSES OR KAT WORKSHOPS

$160

$15

RHYTHMIC JUDGING COURSES/EXAMS Level 5- Thursday, 6/27, 6:00 - 10:00 pm LeveI6-Friday, 6/28, 3:00-7:00 pm Level 7/8- Friday, 6/28,3:00-7:00 pm Judging tests (ali levels)-Sunday, 6/30, 9:15- 11 :30 am

NO EXCEPTIONS

$30 $50 $30 $5

(r.SA

TOTAL PAYMENT

GYMNASTICS

MAKE CHECK/MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO USA GYMNASTICS Amount Enclosed

$____________---'1 Charge to:

2 11·3 0

NO PRE-REGISTRATION AFTER

o Course #l - Thursday, 6/27, 1:00-3:00 pm

o o o o

REGISTRATION IS NON-REFUNDABLE AFTER

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (PDP)

-CONGRESS .-.-.

USA GYMNASTICS

0 Visa

0 Mastercard

Card No. ________________________________________

Discover

o Am. Ex.

Exp. Date _ _ _ _ _ __

Signature (required) _ _________________________________ Minimum age for Congress registration is 16. T396

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

Please return this registration form to: USA Gymnastics Congress Pan American,Plaza. Suite 300 201 S. Capitol Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46225

Parent Session

JWHATMy PARENTS DID d RIGHT"

i~ 18

he 1996 Congress presents a unique opportunity because it is cond ucted in conjunction with the 1996 USA Gymnas tics Olympic Trials. Besides the n orm al attendees, there w ill be numerous "fan s of gymnastics" including the parents of m an y young athletes involved in the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Programs.

USA Gymnasticz announces a special Session for Parents: "What My Parents Did Right" Friday, June 28

Time: Location: Cost:

2:00-4:30 p .m .

Panel of Sport Scientists-Members of the USA Gymnastics Sport Science Ad visory Panel including Dr. Dan Benard ot (n u tritionist) and Dr. Joan Duda (sport psychologist), and guest, Dr. Aurelia Nattiv (physician). NOTE: The Sport Science Panel members w ill no t conduct p resentations, but they w ill serve as responders.

Format: The Session w ill be mod erated by Nancy Thies Marshall, USA Gymnas tics Vice-President for Women and Chair of the USA Gymnas tics Task Force on the Fem ale Athlete Triad .

USA Gymnastics Session for Parents!

Date:

Panel of Parents-Parents of current or fonner National Team Members or J.O. gymnasts.

The Auditorium, Hynes Convention Center, Boston $10/ person (advanced sales), $15/ person (on-site)

The first hour w ill be devoted to the Presenters sharing their personal experiences about the role that their parents played during their gyrrmastics career or the role they played (as parents) in su pporting their children . Several of the fo rm er Olympians are now parents them selves of children participating in gymnas tics or other sports. The second half of the session w ill follow a question and answer form at.

Who can attend? This session is offered for the parents of gymnas ts involved in w omen's artistic, men's artistic, or rhythmic gymnas tics programs. (Interested USA Gymnastics N ational Congress registrants m ay attend this session w ithout additional charge).

Can athletes attend?

Panel Presenters: Panel of Olympians- Former USA Gymnas tics Olympians including Peter Vidmar (Men's Olympic Team, 1984), Nancy Thies Marshall (Wom en's Olympic Team, 1972), and other gymnastics Olympians.

No. For this first USA Gymnastics effort at providing information to parents, we request that all attendees be parents of athletes. Please plan for the supervision of your young gyrrmasts and other children so that this can be a session devoted to parents.

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TECHNI QUE

Parent Session

USA GYMNASTICS SESSION lOR PARENTS - PRE-REGISTRATION fORM As the parent(s) of a gymnast, we request: _ One ticket ($10) _ Two tickets ($15)

to the 1996 USA Gymnastics Parent' s Session on June 28, 3:00-4:30 p.m. Name _____________________________________________________________ Mailing Address* ___________________________________________________ City __________________________________ State ____ _ Zip ___________ Dayphone _______________________ Nightphone _______________________ * Your ticket(s) order will be mailed to this address.

My (our) child(ren) who participate in gymnastics are: Age

Name

Level

(artistic or rhythmic)

_(M)

_(F)

_(A)

_(R)

_ (M)

_ (F)

_ (A)

_ (R)

_ (M)

_(F)

_ (A)

_ (R)

My (our) question to the Panel of Olympians is:

My (our) question to the Panel of Olympic Parents is:

My (our) question to the Panel of Sport Scientists is:

Payment Information Make check/money order payable to USA Gymnastics

Amount enclosed $ _____________ Charge to:

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Card No . _____________________________ Exp. Date: _________________ Signature (required) ________________________________________________ Please return this form to : USA Gymnastics Pan American Plaza, Suite 300 201 S. Capitol Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46225

For advanced sales, payment must be postmarked by May 31, 1996 ($10 ea.) After May 31, you must purchase tickets for this session ON-SITE($15 ea.) March 1996

TECHNIQUE

.A 19

USA Gymnastics Congress

BOSTON SIGHTSEEING TOURS

View fashionable Beacon Hill with its stately 18th and 19th century homes, the "new" State House and Boston Common. Travel past many of the historic "Freedom Trail" sites including King's Chapel and Granary Burying Gro und. the Old South Meeting House (where colonists gathered on the eve of the Boston Tea Party), the Old State House (seat of British royal authority in prerevolutionary Boston), Faneuil Hall (the Cradle of Liberty) . Learn about the revitalized Quincy Market, formerly colonial Boston's central market with its exciting shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

---------------------------1 Dale Myerow Associates, Inc. - Professional Events Management

ale Myerow Associates, Inc., an independent d estinations management company, is pleased to offer special sightseeing tours exclusively for USA Gymnastics National Congress and Olympic Trials attendees .

Visit the Old North Church, made famous by its lanterns signaling Paul Revere to begin his" midnight ride" and delight in the North End with its European atmosphere. We will travel to Charlestown to view the U.S.s. Constitution, known as "Old Ironsides." Besides enjoying the sights of Boston's beautiful waterfront, pass by The Tea Party Ship, a replica of the brig "Beaver," where Boston's famous Tea Party was held in 1775. Boston's fascinating Chinatown, the center for its large Asian population, and the magnificent architectural complex of the world headquarters of the First Church of Christ, Scientist.

Tour #1 Thursday, June 27 Boston/Cambridge (12:30-4:30 p .m .) Tour #2 Monday, July 1

Marblehead/Salem/Peabody Museum (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.)

Tour #3 Monday, July 1

JFK Library (9:00 l .m.-12 :30 p.m.)

Please note the following: A minimum of 40 participants must sign -up for each tour. If the minimum number is not reach ed, a full refund will be available from Dale Myerow Associates, Inc. All tours depart from the ITlain entrance of the Marriott Copley Hotel.

Early registration for tou rs is recommended to avoid a sellout. If tours have not reached full participation, a limited number of tickets will be available on-site. Children must p ay full fare and be accompanied by a parent.

Congress Boston Orientation Session This interesting and informative Congress Session w ill introduce Congress Attendees to Boston, the" A thens of America," a city of history and site of cultural and architectural splendor. This Congress session w ill be scheduled on Friday morning, June 28, at the Hynes Convention Center. Boston has been the center of change, progress, and excitement in America for three and a h alf centuries. Since John Smith sailed into Boston Harbor in 1614, this has trul y been a place where yes terday meets today. During this orientation, learn about the variety of restaurants, museums, and general happenings available to you during your visit to Boston. It's fun and exci ting!

Tour 1 - Welcome to Boston/Cambridge Boston is known as the cultural, historical, and intellectual center of the country. This tour is designed to highlight Boston's intriguing diversity. We will visit Copley Square to view the outstanding architectural d esign of the Trinity Church, the oldest free public library in the country, the Boston Public Library, the elegantly refurbished 19th century Back Bay with its Victorian townhouses and mansions, and the Public Gardens with its century-old Swan boats. March 1996

Our tour continues w ith a visit to notable Cambridge, steeped in tradition, history, and acad emic life. Our expert guide w ill highlight outstanding points of interest such as famed Harvard Square, Tory Row, M.I.T., the Charles River, Harvard University, and Widener Library (largest private library in U.s.). We will explore channing Harvard Yard, the original campus of the oldest university in the country. We look forward to h aving you join us for a fascinating overview of this lovely town. Thursday, June 27, 12:30-4:30 pm-a 4-hour comprehensive tour costing $21 .00 per person, based on a minimum of 40 participants and includes d elu xe motorcoach and professional guide.

Tour 2 - Marblehead/Salem/Peabody Museum Marblehead is known as one of the yachting capitals of the country with an elegant mixture of historical attractions and old wo rld charm. Located on an ocean-cooled peninsula, its quaint "Old Town," narrow cobbles tone stree ts and scenic harbor are a sightseer's delight. Visit Abbot Hall to view the famous "Spirit of 76" and learn about the patriotic Marbleheaders w ho rowed George Washington across the Delaware. Nex t on our agenda is a v isit to Salem , which is noted for its maritime tradition, rich cultural heritage, and exciting ad ventures TECHNIQUE

USA Gymnastics Congress

for lovers of period architecture and witchcraft. It boasts the most impressive examples of Federal architecture in the United States. Drive down magnificent Ch estnut Street w here we will be guided back in time to see h ow the wealthy ship captains lived , surrounded by beauty and the booty of their sea travels. Then attend a private tour in the world-class Peabody Museum w ith its impressive collections of artifacts from a sailing era that brought spices from India, and ar t objects and porcelains from China and Japan. There w ill be time for lunch on your own and browsing in the shops. Monday, July 1, 9:00-3:00 pm- Based on a minimum of 40 participants: Tour includes admission, professional tour guides, taxes, gratuities and deluxe motorcoach transportation. $40.00 p er person (with lunch on your own).

Tour Registration Form Name ______________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City ________________________ State ___ _ Zip _________

Please reserve the following tours for me: Tour #1 Thurs, June 27 Boston/ Cambridge Tour #2 Mon, July 1 Tour #3 Mon, July 1

$21. 00 per person " $_ __

Marblehead/ Salem/ Peabody Museum _

$40.00 per person

$_ __

JFK Library

$26.00 per person

$_ __

Total amount enclosed

$_ __

Ticket Pickup: Your name will appear on a list indicating your tour registration and will bchecked off at time of arriving for tour. Please complete the order blank and mail with your check or money order made payable to: Dale Myerow Associates 10 Preston Court Swampscott, MA 01907 NO CASH or CHARGES-Payment must be made in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Your cancelled check will be your receipt. please Note:

The Museum at the Kennedy Library captures the powerful story of the Kennedy years giving visitors a "first-hand " exp erience of those 1000 days of the 35th President of the United States. There are 25 dramatic exhibits and an outstanding film w hich recreate the world of President Kelmed y' s life, leadership and legacy. Accompany him w hen he won the 1960 Democratic nomination, view his preSidential d ebates from behind the studio camera and learn how h e face d the complex, d an gerous ch allen ges of the nuclear age. The Library also traces the career of his brother Robert F. Kennedy. A visit to this striking library/ museum which overlooks Boston 's waterfront and d esign ed by LM . Pei is well wor thw hile.

.A Home Telephone ______________ Work Telephone _____________ Your Hotel in Boston _____________________________________

Tour 3 - John F. Kennedy Library

•

Aminimum of 40 participants must sign up for each program. Should the minimum number not be reached, a full refund will be available.

•

All tours depart from the main entrance of the Marriott Copley Hotel.

•

Early registration for tours is recommended to avoid a sellout. If tours have not reached full participation, a limited number of tickets will be available on-site.

•

Children must pay full fare and be accompanied by a parent.

Please DO NOT contact USA Gymnastics regarding these tours. The tours are organized and offered through Dale Myerow Associates, Inc. For further information, contact Dale Myerow Associates - 617/ 592-3284 (Tell, 617/ 592-3334 (Fax).

Monday, July 1, 9:00 am-12:30 pm-$26.00 per person, based on 40 participants, including deluxe motorcoach transporta tion, professional guide, admissions, gra tuities, and taxes . March 1996 TECHNIQUE

Sport Psychology

., I

ANXIETY IN ELITE YOUNG GYMNASTS: PART I - DEFINITIONS OF STRESS AND RELAXATION Joan L. Duda, Ph.D. Lori Gano-Overway, M.S. Purdue Universihj

he world of high-level gymnastics is characterized by intensive practice d emanding competition, the public display of skills, and evaluation by others. This environm ent may be overwhelming for gymnasts of all ages but less is known about the nature, determinants, and effects of anxiety for the serious, young competitor. How such athletes view and respond to stress in some ways determine their success in gymnastics as well as the quality of their gymnastics experience.

Wil .

Competitive stress is defined as the "negative emotions, feelings, and thoughts that one might have with respect to their [athletic] experience such as feelings of apprehension, anxiety, muscle tension, nervousness, physical reaction, thoughts centered on worry and self-doubt, and negative statements" (Scanlan, Stein, and Ravizza, 1991, p. 105). These feelings and emotions arise from an imbalance between athletes' perceptions of their abilities and the perceived demands of the situation (Martens, 1987). In essence, competitive stress is an indiVidualize/d process that is greatly due to how each athlete perceives his/ her sport world. It is the purpose of this first article in a series to examine the personal definitions of stress among young gymnasts to learn more about their anxiety responses . To provide a potential telling contrast, definitions of the relaxation state were also explored. Knowledge of such subjective defini- , tions is critical if we hope to maximize skill development and maintain the involvement of young talented gymnasts .

The inventory comprised a number of open-ended statements/ questions focused (1) on the characteristics of the stress and relaxation states, (2) the perceived causes of stress, (3) the ways gymnasts manifest stress, and (4) the ways gymnasts attempt to manage their anxiety. In terms of personal definitions, the gymnasts were asked to complete the statements "Stress is ... " and "Relaxation is ... " specific to their participation in gymnastics. Responses were reviewed by the researchers and placed into thematic categories to determine how the gymnasts as a group experience these different states. The frequency of responses classified in each category was / calculated.

~ Results The findings indicated that young, talented gymnasts define stress as a negative response which is encountered som atically, cognitively, and emotionally as well as in terms of the situation in which they find themselves. Relaxation was deemed to be composed of the positive aspects of the aforementioned elements. As shown in Table I, four broad thematic categories emerged. In each case, exemplary quotations and the percentage of responses classified w ithin the particular category are provided.

__._ Discussion Sport psychology research has demonstrated that competitive ~ stress leads to performance decrements, a greater likelihood of injuries, and more attentional difficulties (Beuter and Duda,1985; Burton, 1988; Williams, Tonymon, and Anderson, 1991). Studies have also shown that anxiety corresponds to decreased enjoyment and higher dropout rates (Smith, 1986). Consistent with this literature, an examination of TOP Team members' perceptions of stress revealed this experience to be an unpleasant and undesirable state that is manifested in the way they think, feel, and act. This finding informs us that young, elite gymnasts are conscious ...

Method Seventy-five female members of the 1993-1994 TOPs gymnastics team, between the ages of 9-12 (mean age was 9.98 years) were administered a multi-section questionnaire by the first author (Duda) at a National Camp. When completing the instrument, the gymnasts were encouraged to answer honestly and in their own words. They were assured that their responses would be kept confidential and that only group-based findings would be reported.

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

Sport Psychology

of w h at stress is like within their athletic environment. Stress was especially associated with fearful and/ or frus trating emotional reactions to what was required in the sport. Based on their responses, it was apparent that the current sample of gymnasts did not view being anxious as conducive to optimal performance or related to a quality gymnastics experience. The members of the TOP Team were also cognizant of the contrasting, positive dimensions associated with relaxation. They v iewed relaxation as marked by affirming thoughts, good feelings and, in particular, a desirable condition in terms of their bodies. These results are also align ed with the sport psychology literature which suggests that relaxation is "a relaxed s ta te of mind which prepares the performer to produce more effectively than if it were in a slightly tensed state, just as a relaxed muscle can contract more effectively than a slightly tensed one" (Kubistant, 1986 p. 126) . Thus, when a gymnast is relaxed, it should facilitate h er concentration, help conserve energy and assist the athlete in controlling minute aspects of her p erformance. To decrease th e frequency and intensity of stress responses (and foster the occurrence of relaxation states), we need to know w h at gymn asts perceive to be causing them to feel anxious rather than relaxed. The p erceived sources of stress in the case of members of our TOPs National Team w ill be th e focus of the next article in this series.

â€˘

Beuter, A., and Duda, J.L. (1985). Analysis of the arousal/motor performance relati onship in children using movement kinematics . Journal of Sport Psychology. 7, 229-243. Burton, D. (1988). Do anxious swimmers swim slower? Reexamining the elusive anxiety-performance relationship. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 10,45-61. Kubistant, T. (1986). Pelforming your best: A guide to psychological skills for high achievers. Leisure Press: Champaign, IL. Martens, R (1987). Coaches guide to sport psychology. Human Kinetics Publishers: Champaign, IL. Scanlan, T.K and Lew thwaite, R (1984) Social psychological aspects of competition for male yo uth sport participants: 1. Predictors of Competitive Stress. Journal of Sport Psychology. 208226. Scanlan, T. K, Stein, G. L., and Ravizza, K (1991) . An in-depth study of former elite figure skaters: III. Sources of stress. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 13, 103-120. Smith, RE. (1986). Toward a cognitive-affective model of athletic burnout. Journal of Sport Psychology. 8, 36-50. William s, J. M., Tonymon, P., and Anderson, M. B. (1991). The effects of stressors and coping resources on anxiety and peripheral narrowing. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 3, 1 26-141 .

I I :

References

1 ]0 ; ,

II i i'

FREE CATALOG In NY 914-963-0005 Dept. GA36

March 1996

TECHNIQUE

I "

Sport Psychology

Table 1 - Definitions of Stress and Relaxation among Young Gymnasts

"Stress is ... "

"Relaxation is ... "

Negative Affective Responses (42.5 %)

Positive Affective Responses (29.1 %)

"Frustra tion. It m akes yo u sometimes angry, scared, tense, or n ervous. "

"You're calm and cheery ... and yo u can joke around." "A great feeling, ... you are happier."

Yo u becom e tense, nervous, and scared and sometimes even discouraged about som ething." "When you get very nervous or just nervous. Or w h en you are tryin g to do a skill and you are afraid to go for it. "

Negative Bodily Responses (26.3%)

Positive Bodily Responses (36.4%)

"You get tense, scared, and nervous. Stress is w hen your body gets tight and you start shaking." "You break out into a sweat your muscles tense up, you become ' paralyzed' and you can't d o anything the way you want to ."

"Your muscles or body is all loose and you feel comfortable." "You 're nice and calm, you have control over w hat your body is doing." "When m y muscles are loose."

"You are nervous and tight in the stomach. You sweat a lot and are very tense.

Negative Situations Created by Self and/or Others (15.6%)

Pleasant Situations Created by Self and/or Others (6.9%)

"A pressure that is really heavy. Stress is w h en you have all sorts of pressures on you and it's not comforting at all."

"You are totally relaxed and you're doing everything yo u need to. "

"You are tight and nervous about som ething BIG coming up or anything very important."

"Like getting your mind off something stressful and just doing nothing."

"Nervous, not doing good and then getting yelled at, ...in competition ."

"Not a pressure."

Negative Thoughts Concerning Personal Performance (13.8 %)

Positive Thoughts Concerning Personal Performance (24.5 %)

"You are scared to do a trick or worried you might get hurt. When you are worried to do it."

"You aren' t nervous and w hen you believe in yourself and know you can do it. "

" I feel nervous or worried about if I w ill make m yself happy with my p erformance."

" You feel confident and feel good about yourself. " "You are just thinking good thoughts."

"You are really nervous and don' t think you can do it. And you can't calm yo urself down."

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

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Women's Gymnastics

TOPsREPORT Gary Warren, USA Gymnastics Elite Program Manager

he 1995 Talent Opportunity Program (TOP) National Training Camp was held in Tulsa, Okla. at Tulsa World of Gymnastics. Seventy-three athletes ages 9-11 year old gathered for the fourth annual TOP National Training Camp. In general, the athletes showed progress in the program areas that were emphasized by the National Staff. The National Staff was extremely pleased w ith the improvement shown by the athletes and individual program s. The athletes w ere stronger, their body positions and alignments were better, and they all showed improvem ent in the dance areas. Of all of the events, only the Balance Beam appeared to be behind in improvement. The 11year-olds trained an extra day to start work on the National Elite Testing Program. It was decided at the camp that the National Elite Testing Program will be integrated into the TOP program. An Ad H oc Committee of Elite Program Committee members and National Staff members w ill be formed to review TOP. For the second year in a row, the 9-11 year old National TOP Team was given a survey. The athletes were asked abo u t their level of competition, number of years in gymnastics, number of years in gymnas tics competition, number of hours they train each week. etc. The following is a short summary of results of the survey: 1994 Response 1995 Response Level of competition

8.49

8.62

Years in gymnastics

5.46

5.76

Years in competition

2.85

3.42

N umber of hours training/ week

22.69

At a recent Elite Program Committee meeting, it was decided that the m edicine ball throw wo uld be eliminated from Regional and National TOP Testing (see REPC minutes) .

1996 TOP Calendar Regional Testing (June-July at various Regional Sites) National Testing (October 3-6, 1996 at Colorado Sprin gs, Colo. - USOTC) National Training Camp (December 5-8,1996 at Tulsa, Okla.Tulsa World of Gymnastics) For Regional information, please contact your Regional TOP representatives

I Regional Elite Chairman and TOP Directors Region I

Elite Committee- David McCreary - (916) 383-1778 TOP Director

- Derrick Moellenbeck (702) 355-7755

Region II

Elite Committee - Brad Loan - (206) 845-0910

Region III

Elite Committee- Tom Forster - (719) 260-1893 TOP Director

- Scott Crouse - (817) 738-0688

Region IV

Elite Committee- Jim Chudy - (414) 549-3344

Region V

Elite Committee - Mary Lee Tracy - (513) 860-3082 TOP Director

Region VI

- Patrick Jordan - (513) 489-7575

Elite Committee- Byron Knox - (203) 271-0279 TOP Director

- Jay Villegas - (401) 884-2830

Region VII

Elite Committee- Gary Anderson - (301) 468-9181

Region VIII

Elite Committee- Ray Gnat - (407) 869-8744 TOP Director

March 1996 TECHNIQ UE

- James Linderholm (205) 883-0566

Announcements

MAJOR GYMNASTICS SPECTACUlAR The organizing committee is proud to announce the first ever Yorkshire Gymnastics Spectacular to take place in Yorkshire, England. This event promises to be an innovation in gymnastics events. The Date - June 15-16, 1996 The Venue _ North Bridge Leisure Centre in Halifax, England, U.K The Concept _ A festival of gymnastics The festival will feature group displays, workshops, a fun team challenge competition, a star studded gala performance, and much more. The Details _ For an information packet please contact Matthew Greenwood: Tel: +4.11 (0113) 2832600 ext 3513 Fax: +44 (0113) 2833201 ac Email: M. Greenwood@lmu . . uk. The event is supported by the Yorkshire and Humberside Amateur Gymnastics Association.

POMMELHO

To: From:

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Re . en s Coach'111g glOnal and J Directors ennis M I udging C ommunity FD c ntyre

Date: Re:

ebruary 23 CI ,1996 ass III Pom m It has come el Horse Re . of the co to my attention tl1at qUJred Skills there is some c 1ange made ~ntry: among our number 2 wh' hthe Class III P coaches and J' d confusion in , IC fo ' omm l u g e s The n e ' rmerly read, . e Horse Re .' as to the Committe: as adopted b . DIrect Stockli BqUJred Skill, "A ItS May 14 Oa y the Junior 0 . highe;;; tlhree hand pIa kland, Ca1ifornialympic Program a ue' per formedcement meetIn g, reads' E b ' on one xamples f ehind th b pommel sk'n . two po 0 somesk 'll e ack." , I of B or . mmel1 1 s wh' I CIrcle. A Ru . oops, Stockli IC 1 satisfy thi ment since on one 3/4 are: not pommel If you hav performed in not hesitate te any questions c 0 the bOdy. IS requireo contact me (3 17-237-5050) oncerning th'IS matter, pleas d . e 0

~arts

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pom~eBai1ie, fr~~oe:

~:i~(uir~ment satisf;'tl~I

GYM - 96

. The Or you r perf gamzing Comm' ormanc Ittee of The Date e group to K Gym - 96 l.S The V - June 26-30 19 nstiansand N pleased to' . enue _ A ,96 (Ent. ,orway InvIte 3115 Th;o;n" well 196) d'Isp1ay' oncept _ Th'IS g us other I OcatlOn ena In the center f

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PIng, cin Water acteu:a, disco obachvities ab IC men's andPehtion in IVIt" ,sta I ound' Wo p The Det'l Ies, and th d c e COures 111cludin men's Gu al S _ For a ' e ay of the ,swllnmin g sho _ 460{ Icun&- K'isb,n mlonnatio C'miv,L g and othe, n nStiansand nsands Gym pa~ket pleas r ' Norway. nashcs Club; Contact M Tel: +473 ostboks 449 . 80 9136 ,or +4790 ' 191836

U.S. ClASSIC AND NATIONAl GYM fESTIVAL ARE COMBINED The Women's program' s

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Gym ""tiv,l will be combined to ,un on the "me weekend The competitions will be conducted at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, May 17-19, 1996. U . .s. Classic competitio rs are the Junior andtiors Senior Internationals. The National Gym Festival competi are the Junior and Senior Nationals.

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

., 9

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Sport Science

BIOMECHANICAL FACTORS

THAT EFFECT EQUILIBRIUM DURING PERFORMANCE

Dr. William Cornelius Texas Woman's Universih)

ymnastics skills are often performed in combination and can be associated w ith both s tatic and dynamic equilibrium. Kreighbaum and Barthels (1966) d escribe equilibrium as synonymous w ith balance and as the sta te of a system that is not changing circums tance. Skills p erformed in equilibrium are not being positively or negatively accelerated and are in a sta te of motion tha t remains constant. The opposite is true w ith those skills or combinations performed with positive or negative acceleration that are regarded as out of equilibrium. Figure 1 provides a variety of examples of being w ithin and outside equilibrium. Fram es A and D are both examples of being wi thin equilibrium. Frame A represents static equilibrium, w ith the line of gravity passing within the base of support and a center of gravi ty (CG) possessing zero acceleration. Fram e D depicts d yn amic equilibrium and no apparent change in acceleration. On the o ther h and, frame T represents being out of equilibrium by an abrupt change in direction and ang ular momentum.

Biomechanical Considerations There are a number of w ays in which manipulation of equilibrium can lead to successful outcomes in gymnastics p erformance. The following is d esigned to identify biomechanical factors in Figure 1 tha t influen ce static and d ynamic equilibrium and the extent to w hich stability and instability exist.

Range within equilibrium There can be va ria tion in the level of equilibrium. Stability is the term tha t d escribes the range w ithin equilibrium and represents resis tance to losing equilibrium. Stability can be connected w ith equilibrium, regardless of w hether a skill or combination is static or d ynamic, and is the d egree to which control exis ts. Stability is minimal in frames A, B, and X in the forward direction. A lower level of stability is present because the base of support is sm all, the CG is relatively high off the floor, and the line of

Figure 1 Skills Inside and Outside Equilibrium

P Q

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

Sport Science

gravity (vertical line passing thro u gh CG) is close to the front edge. Frame V illustrates a w ider base of support, a CG that is low and a line of gravity closer to the back ed ge . This provides greater stability particularly in the forwar d direction, because the line of gravity (LOG) is located away from the front edge.

Dynamic equilibrium is often accompanied by a lower level of stability. It can be alluring to seek maintenance of instability w h en combinations are performed explosively. Skill combination s associated with dynamic equilibrium are not always desirable. It is often ad vantageous to rely on establishing increased angular and / or linear m omentum at various support or contact points. Th e result is temporary loss of equilibrium. This can be seen in Figure 1 throughout most of the mo vement sequence (frames B-W). Maintenance of instability is depicted in frames E through T. Instability can be maintained by changing angular momentum with the external reaction torque produced at support in frames FG, M-N, an d P-Q. Dynamic equilibrium is lost as positive angular acceleration occurred at each floor contact point and then regained momentarily w hile in flight. Although there can be a continuum within stability, from very little to high levels of stability, the gymnast must be able to effectively move in and out of equilibrium. Gymnastics performance can often be at the ed ge of control. Complete control at all times is a myth. The level of momentum necessary to generate effective gymnastics combinations relies on continuously moving in and out of equilibrium.

Loss of equilibrium Change introduces a loss of equilibrium, w heth er static or dynamic. The gymnast is out of equilibrium w hen change occurs in the state of motion. Static equilibrium no longer exists when the total CG translates in any direction. An example of this can be observed in frames A-B, as the CG moves upward and slightly forward, with the resultant primarily vertical. Dyn amic motion is now easily facilitated w h en the CG and associated LOG moves forwa rd toward the front ed ge of the base of support. Moving out of equilibrium i:; not particularly evid ent as the gymn ast moves from frame B-C with the CG positively accelerating forward . Loss of d ynamic equilibrium also results from frame D-E as the CG moves from a horizontal path to a slight upward projection in preparation to contact both feet. This directional adj ustment introduces change in state of motion as the CG begins rising; consequently, a vertical component is added to the resultant angle of projection formed in frame E.

Linear momentum Forward translation of the CG in frames B-C serves to act ac the initiator of linear momentum that continues through fram e W. Change in equilibrium is the result of an external reaction force from the flo or, initiated from the plantar flexor muscle group at the ankle joints,. as the gymnas t rises vertically on the toes and swings the arms rearward. The body then moves out of equilibrium as the LOG is mo ved forward of the base of support (frames B-C). A forward swing of the arms assists the plantar flexors in moving the CG further forward of the base of support. This results in initiating a transfer of momentum from a vertical to a horizontal pathway. Linear momentum is coupled with the presence of an impending loss in dyn amic equilibrium during the running sequ ence (frames C-D). The swing phase of each stride is associated with a temporary loss of dyn amic equilibrium. Each subsequ ent foot strike can momentarily reestablish es dynamic equilibrium. Consequently, March 1996

this maintenance of instability in m oving the LOG forward of the base of support, and the reaffirmation of equilibrium w ith each foot strike, is essential to transferrin g momentum and establishing explosive movem ents that accompany gymnastics activities.

Quick stretch Explosive movements are essential in moving in and out of equilibrium. The technique of quickly extending the body in frame E places the anterior muscles on stretch and initiates a stretch reflex. There is a similar scenario in frame F as the quadriceps muscle group is quickly stretched in knee flexion. This s tre tch reflex or m yo tatic reflex facilitates concentric muscle contraction in the quadriceps. This results in expediting positive acceleration or effective movement of the gymnast our of equilibrium buy s timulating the muscle spindle receptors located in the quadriceps. Greater force can be produ ced w hen these are quickly stretched ( len gth tension principle). Consequently, effective knee extension (frames F-G) and forward flexion of the upper body (frames G-H) results in improving p erform ance of the forward saIto. This principle is replicated in the tuck position (frame I) as the extensor muscles of the back and hip joints undergo a quick stretch and assist in an explosive opening in preparation for floor contact. The sam e analogy can be made in frame K in the right quadriceps muscle group, in frame L in the left quadriceps and both the anterior shoulder and abdominal muscle groups, and in frame P with the anterior shoulders, trunk, and thighs. Frame S d emonstrates a similar scenario with the entire anterior asp ect of the body, but for the purpose of stimulatin g eccentric muscle contraction for controlling the rate at w hich the forward roll is to be performed in frames T-W.

Angle of projection The angle of projection at takeoff for a particular skill has a great deal to do with how effective the gymnast can be in ch an ging the direction or path of the CG. A gymnast's angle of projection from the floor can be resolved into vertical and horizontal component velocities . This can be translated into su ccessful chan ges in dynamic equilibrium. Frames G, N, and Q possess projection angles that are approximately 67-70 degrees to the floor. Kreighbaum and Barthels (1996) su ggest that a resolution of vectors for an angle of projection greater than 45 d egrees indicates that the vertical vector component is larger than the horizontal vector component. This particular angle of projection allows the gymnast to produce sufficient vertical displacement, yet continue to produce suitable angular momentum to meet performance standard s. An underarm action at takeoff best accentuates lift force for ver tical displacement (Hinrichs and Cornelius, 1986), but the overh ead lift action used in frames F and P can be particularly effective at producing or maintaining angular momentum in skill combinations. Consequently, w h en there is the n eed to produce a balance between an gular m omentum and linear momentum in floor exercise skill combinations, as seen in frames M-Q, the overhead lift provides some advantages over the underarm lift. Although the underarm lift could be used in frame F very effectively, and provided advantages over the overhead lift in implementing greater ground reaction force for vertical displacement, simultaneous linear and angular momentum improvement can best be produced w ith the overhead TECHNIQUE

Sport Science ----------------~

action, particularly when skills are performed in combination. The necessity to use an overhead teclmique can be seen in frames O-Q w hen the underarm ac tion would not act well in transition from one skill to the next.

Angle of incidence The angle at which some gymn asts approaches the floor is one of the critical factors associated w ith the performance of a combination of skills. A variety of angles of incidence can be seen in frames], 0 , and S. The angle of incidence (angle of approach) for a body in flight can affect w hether static or dynamic equilibrium is successfully reached . Furthermore, this angle can be instrumental in providing the path way for effective implem entation of positive acceleration and the means by which the gYl1U1ast quickly moves our of equilibrium. Paramount in w hether the appropriate angle of incidence is reached at floor contact is initially dependent upon the angle of projection and the magnitude of the angular momentum created at takeoff. Angular momentum of a spinning gYl1U1ast's body is solely created at takeoff, unless acted upon by an external force . Other mechanical factors having an important effect on the angle of incidence lie with aerodynamic drag force and w ith the pull of gravity. Consequently, the angle if incidence and the state of equilibrium are closely related w hen associated w ith particular subsequent skill combinations, such as a step-out (frame K), or a forward roll (frame T). A parabolic flight path is formed if gravity is the only external force acting on the gYl1U1ast. The projectile w ill not fo rm a parabola, however, because an aerodynamic drag force produces an air interface during flight (Kreighbaum and Barthels, 1996; Dowell, 1981). Aerodynamic drag on the frontal surface of the gYl1U1ast results in producing a high pressure area and in reducing horizontal displacement. The angle of incidence then becomes slightly greater than the preceding angle of projection.

into frame M. The mechanical purpose of the step-out is to provide transition from angular to linear motion and to facilitate m aximization of linear motion of the CG (frames KM). This is in preparation for an abrupt change from the horizontal to vertical direction in frames M-N. The angular acceleration of the upper and lower body, a large angle at the shoulder joint, and a quickly elevated shoulder girdle, provides the m eans by w hich an effective action force at floor impact can enhance vertical projection for the front handspring.

Implications Effective perform ance can best be attained w hen it is understood. Equilibrium is one more piece to the puzzle when d ealing w ith human movement. Coaches and gynm as ts can take control of a training session w hen there is communication . Critical to a wo rking relationship that effectively deals w ith human motion is an understanding of anatomical and mechanical principles of movement.

References Himichs, R. N. and Cornelius, W.L. (June 1986) . The importance of arm-swing during a front somersault. International Gymnast, 28(6):44-45. Kreighbaum, E. and Barthels, K.M. (1966). Biomechanics: A qualitative approach for studying human movement. (4th ed .). Boston : Allyn and Bacon. Dowell, L.]. (1981) Trajectory of a ball in flight: The parabolic myth. TAHPER Journal, 50(1):14-15, 62-63.

Placement of the base of support Location of the base of support, relative to the CG, can be a significant factor in facilitating abrupt changes in equilibrium. Placing the base of support forward of the m oving body (frames F, K, M, P, T, and W) provides the mechanism for m aximizing a change in direction or velocity. This places the base of support beyond the LOG and renders and effective means by which the ac tion impulse, applied at the takeoff point, results in an external reaction force effectively facilitating an alteration in the forward moving boy. Two application of these principles can be seen in Figure 1. For example, reducing or absorbing impact at floor contact, with a base of support that progressively changes (frames T- W), brings the gymnast into static equilibrium (frame X) w hen the mechanical purpose of the skill or combination is to reduce linear or angular momentum. A change in dynamic equilibrium also results when the mechanical purpose of the base of support is to maximize vertical projection (frame N). Placement of the base of support can position the gYl1U1ast for subsequent embellishment of linear m otion. This can be seen in frames K-M as the gymnast moves from a front salto into preparing to perform the front handspring. A transition from angular momentum to linear momentum occurs at frame K w ith the step-out and enacts positive linear acceleration of the CG

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

AII

Men's Judging '--~------

COMPETITIVE AND JUDGING TRENDS: RINGS I

'III'

John Scheer, Andy Zembower, Ron Brant National Apparatus Leader Program

.A 32

uch of the bonus point potential on rings can be found in the static strength and swing to strength parts. But when are our gymnasts executing these parts in ways that allow judges to award bonus? What are the deductions for failing to meet specified positions? Further, what guidelines should we be following for a few swing parts which are being deducted frequently in international competition? After many hours of videotape analysis in the summer of 1995, we wrote a report to Mas Watanabe and the MPC in which we recommended some controversial position deductions for the evaluation of strength parts in the USA. While the FIG Code specifies deductions for angle violations, angles are not always easy to see or determine, so we were continually trying to find body positions which correlated with acceptable technical execution and specific angles. Among the questions we wanted to address were: When is akip (or other swing) to Lcross aD? When is it anA+C? When is an Azarian roll an Azarian roll? When is it not? When is a back uprise (or other swing) to inverted cross an E? When is it a D? When is it a nothing? What does a maltese really look like? A planche? What does a judge do if it's in between? When is a Li Ning a D? When is it a B+B or even B+A? What other swing parts are receiving close attention internationally? What body positions can a judge look for to evaluate these skills? Below, we will give our current recommendations on s trength, swing to strength, and a few swing parts on rings. In some cases, these recommendations may have changed slightly from our original report, to reflect extensive discussions we had with Julio Marcos, FIG Men's Technical Committee controller on rings, and how he interpreted the Code in practice at the IBM Atlanta International Gymnastics Invitational in November, 1995. The notes which follow the recommendations will help the reader understand the rationale for the recommended ded uctions.

Recommendations on cross positions We recommend the following standards for determining d eductions in the cross, L cross, Azarian roll to cross, and inverted cross: 1. Middle of shoulders in rings

0.0

2. Middle of shoulders at top of rings

0.1

3. Middle of shoulders above top of rings

0.2 (or .4 if >30)

Note 1: Do we want a truly strict interpretation of the final hold position in crosses or should we allow for a slight deviation? A strict interpretation would be that the shoulders must be at the bottom of the rings for no deduction! Our gymnastics sense, however, tells us that a few degrees above horizontal, with the shoulders in the rings, is still an excellent position, and this report allows for that slight deviation. Note 2: The same question above holds for inverted crosses, as well. In the Pan American games, a Cuban gymnast named Merino did two superb inverted crosses with his shoulders down in the rings . Technically, since he was above a degrees, he should have received a .1 deduction from each, but not a single judge deducted. There are only a few gymnasts in the world, Paul O'Neil for example, that can do an inverted with the shoulders at the bottom of the rings. Note 3: In Atlanta, Julio Marcos said that the Azarian roll to L cross must be performed very slowly and with the shoulders within the rings to receive E credit (or D credit for the regular cross). If judges see the gymnast pike or quickly accelerate in a straightarm back kip type action, it is no longer a roll. In practice, Marcos generally awarded D credit for straight arm back kips to L cross. In the USA we have been awarding D only if the shoulders arrive above the rings at 15 degrees or less (middle of shoulders at top of rings), or B+C if the straight arm back kip enters above 15 degrees, then the gymnast lowers to L cross (see swing to strength recommendations below). We believe we should continue a strict interpretation. The Azarian must be a slow roll in which the shoulders do not go above the top of the rings. Likewise, the back kip to L cross should only be given D credit if the shoulders do not go above the top of the rings. Note 4: We asked Marcos about the above shoulder position recommendations. He said that if a gymnast has short arms or a false grip, the angle and corresponding deduction would be greater. We do not wish to recommend measuring all gymnasts' arms. In the interest of simplicity, the above positions are close to the Code for most gymnasts. However, Marcos did say that false grips will be deducted .1 to .2 in the new Code next year. Note 5: In practice, Marcos did follow a strict interpretation of the Code for the inverted cross to press up to handstand (D+ E). If he thought an inverted cross was held 30 to 45 degrees too high before the press up, he devalued the press out to a D and deducted .4 on the inver ted cross position (D+D, - 0.4). This follows exactly the Code rule in Article 24.5, page 26.

Recommendations on swing to crosses The standards we recommend for awarding value and taking deductions on swing to crosses and inverted crosses follow the Code and the interpretation of shoulder positions noted above. It

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

Men's Judging

is important, however, to read the notes accompanying this section for qualifications and exceptions. 1. If the swing takes the middle of the shoulders to the top of the rings or lower, value is given . Position deductions are taken only on the final hold position, if warranted . 2. If the swing takes the middle of the shoulders above the top of the rings (corresponding to >15 degrees), the skill is devalued, but again, position deductions are only taken on the final hold position.

Note 1: In swinging or rolling into these positions, the FIG allows the gymnast to arrive at an initial support position up to 15 d egrees above horizontal and still receive full difficulty credit. Therefore, if a gymnast does a kip to L cross, for example, in which the shoulders arrive at the top of the rings, h e should receive D credit, whereas if the shoulders arrive above the top of the rings h e should be given A +c.

Note 2: In the 1994 Winter Cup, George Beckstead and I decided to apply a strict interpretation of the FIG Code to all swing to L cross positions, and this resulted in many gymnasts receiving A+C value. By the 1994 USA Championships, m any of those gymnasts had lowered their initial support positions down to the point where they received D credit. Th e recommendations above are intended to ach ieve the same results with all strength parts on rings for our USA teams.

Note 3: At Atlanta, Marcos was not as strict in his evaluation of kip L cross, honma L cross, and felge L cross . He evaluated them as Ds as long as the gynmast did not show support, even if the position was greater than 15 d egrees. However, we recommend a strict interpretation on swings to L crosses for two reasons. First, a strict interpretation is the only way our gymn as ts w ill be ch allenged to get their entry positions dow n. Second, we should not have a rule that could make our gymnasts vulnerable to an unfavorable panel in International competition (give them a ch ance to deduct and they will).

Note 4: At Atlanta, Marcos awarded honma L cross D, even though the shoulders arrived above the rings well above 15 degrees. He said the n ature of the skill requires a high entry, but if it is done well and moves quickly to the L cross, it should be given D credit. We agree.

Note 5: The above recommendations make it exceedingly difficult for an y gymnast to receive E credit for a swing to inverted cross. Almost every gymnast arrives at an initial support position with his shoulders above the rings, then lowers down a little to the final inverted hold position. Julio Marcos said that if the shoulders arrive a little above 15 degrees on a swing to inverted, but the gymnast moves in a controlled, smooth, and continuous swing to a good inverted position, we sh ould give the E credit. However, Marcos further said that if the gymnast comes in above 15 degrees, stops or struggles for control, then lowers, we should give only D credit. We agree. This represents the time-honored" gymnastics sense" rule of thumb. Marcos said the judge "must feel it." We're sure he just means that if the judge says to himself " now that was well done," the judge should give the E credit.

Note 6: Again, as w ith crosses, there is no deduction p er se for the shoulders comin g in too high on a swing to inverted, as the shoulder position out of the swin g simply dictates the value that is given. However, deductions are, of course, taken on the final hold position, if warranted, under the guidelines noted

above. Marcos said that inverteds are a problem internationally, they sh ould be h eld as low as possible (sh oulders at the bottom of the rin gs would be ideal), and he was strict in his deductions at Atlanta. Under the guidelines we recommend above, if the middle of the shoulders are at the top of the rings, the inverted should be deducted .1, even though this is actually a pretty good position for inver ted crosses .

Recommendation on maltese positions The maltese has become a very controversial skill. Since the maltese receives D value, and the planche is a C, and swin gin g into them raises their value a letter, many gymnasts attempt to get the higher values with less than perfect techniques. So, let's start with perfect positions: 1. A perfect maltese, or maltese cross as many call it, would be performed with a perfectly horizontal body line at the bottom of the rings with the w idest possible arm spread. A slight arch with the hips in the rings, but the shoulders and h eels at the top of the rings (as Chechi performs the skill), is probably OK and would not be deducted internationally. But Marcos made it clear that the arms mus t be spread, and the rings wo uld, therefore, be turned out w ith the palms facing down and maybe a little forward. 2. A perfect planche would be performed with a perfectly horizontal body line well above the top of the rings, and the hands under the outside of the hips. A slight arch would be OK, as long as the line from the shoulders to the heels is level. It appears that a gymnast could keep the rings relatively straight, as Gushiken and others have done, or turn the rings out, as Paul O'Neil does. We can tell the coaching community that when a gymnast starts to mix the techniques described above, judges get real uncomfortable. Our gymnastics sense (all of us, coaches and judges alike) tells us w h en a maltese is well done and when it is not. Some gymnasts get their bodies level with their hips d own in the rings, but h ave no arm spread whatsoever. Other gymnasts (Belenky, for example) h ave a nice arm spread, but their shoulders and hips are above the top of the rings, and in Belenky's case his heels are well above his shoulders, as well. Further, some gymnasts appear to simply lean forward with an excessive arch which puts their shoulders well above the rings w hile their hips are down in the rings. These are poor positions that certainly must be d educted, sometimes w ith multiple d eductions. The Code is no h elp in describing the perfect position for a maltese. In fact, the Code doesn't even use the term m altese, but just d escribes a swallow as a "free support scale at ring h eight" (Structure group VI, skill 14, page 108). The Code shows a side picture which does not help a judge determine arm spread. We recommend the following standards for determining whether a skill is a m al tese or a planche: 1. If the hips are down in the rings or lower, with no excessive arch, the skill should be evaluated as a maltese. 2. If the hips are at the top of the rings or higher, the skill should be evaluated as a planche. 3. If in doubt, the judge should evaluate the skill as a plan che. Why? In Atlanta, Marcos expected the maltese cross to be with the gymnas t's body at the bottom of the rings with a noticeable arm spread . Anything a few inches higher than this position was evaluated as a planche. For example, in the USA we have evaluated back uprise maltese to bail to back uprise maltese as E+ E even if the gymnast was a little high in the maltese positions. Several gymnasts performed that

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

Men.s Judging

sequence at Atlanta, and Marcos awarded onl y D +D (with d eductions), w hich surprised us. He said they w ere p lanches.

For poor positions, or for gymnas ts who attempt to get higher values by 1. Body angle (heels to should ers should be horizontal): a. Body angle 1-15 degrees above OR below: 0.1 b. Body angle 16-30 degrees: 0.2 c. Body angle 31-45 degrees : 0.4 d. Body angle> 45 deg rees: 0.4, No va lue 2. Arm position: 0.1 a. Insufficient arm spread in m altese: 0.2 b. No arm spread in maltese: 0.1 or 0.2 c. Touching/ leaning o n ri ngs w ith forearms: 3. Excessi ve arch in lower back: 0.1 or 0.2

Note 1: In Atlanta, Julio Marcos counted the hold time closely for all stren gth parts and d educted accordingly. Some of our gymnas ts in the USA seem as though they' re in a hurry on the rings. We need our gymnasts to hold all streng th parts for a solid two seconds or a little m ore . Rem ember, our ninth place finish at Sabai would have been seventh w ith just a couple m ore tenth s of a point! No te 2: Many gYl1mas ts a ttempt to get cOlmection bonus for m altese, bail to back uprise maltese . This h as been discussed a t some length in the USA. If from the first m altese the gYI1mast simply does a for ward roll through an inverted han g, then (sometimes quickly) casts to a back uprise maltese, the m alteses sh ould not be cOlmected. If, h owever, from the firs t m altese the gymnas t does m ore of a bail ac tion that does not pass through an inverted han g, the m alteses should be connected . Note 3: What sh ould a judge do if a gymnas t does a back uprise m altese, but swings up a little too high then lowers to the . maltese? If the judge evaluates the initial support p osition out of the swing as a planche position w ith no hold before the gymnast lowers into the maltese, the judge should give A credit for the back uprise and D credit for the maltese. Note 4: The s tandards and d eductions above for malteses are pretty strict. Once again, our interpre ta tions must challen ge our gymnas ts to ach ieve the bes t possible positions . The bottom line for our gymn as ts is that they mus t do these skills properly, in the correct position, and fo r the right amount of time. If we give interna tional judges a cha nce to interpret difficulty a nd the corresponding bonus a t a lower value, some w ill. If a few judges take the low road, it will certainly affec t the average scores for our gymnas ts.

Recommendations on a few Swing Parts A t the IBM Atlanta Interna tional Gymnas tics Invita tional, Marcos called our a ttention to som e swing skills, in addition to the stren gth skills noted above, tha t he thought gYI1masts were doing poorly a t the Sabai World Ch ampionship s. We recommend following the g uidelines below since it seems almost certain that Marcos w ill discuss these specific skills w ith the rings p anel a t the Olympic Gam es in Atlanta.

2. Tsukahara stretched - The Cod e says, "Double salta bac kward stretched or stretched/ piked or piked / stretched with 1/1 turn." Marcos w anted to see a clea r layout position a t some point during the skill. While we have tended to give D credit for this dism ount p erformed w ith a slight p ike through out (with m ay be a .1 deduction for pike), Marcos awa rded only C credit unless it showed a distinct layo ut a t som e point in the skill. 3. Guczoghy - Th e G uczoghy must finish in a stretch ed dislocate position . Marcos d educted for a low and unstretch ed position. 4. Pull to inverted hang - In the USA we have been ded ucting for

bent a rm p ulls at the beginning of the compulsory. Marcos d educted for ben t arm pulls a t the begimling of optional routines, as well.

Summary In some ways, rings has becom e a key event fo r gymnasts and team s both nationally and interna tionally . Why? Because the value and bonus given to m any skills d ep ends on execution . Officials, therefore, must make many close judgment calls tha t can have a major impact on difficulty and bonus evalua tions. For example, one judge may give a gymnas t E+ E for back uprise m altese to bail back uprise maltese, for .6 in bonus. Ano ther judge m ay give the sam e gymnast D and D (unconnected) for back uprise plan che to roll for ward through inverted hang to cast back uprise planch e, for only .2 in bonus, obviously a h uge difference . We could establish easier standards for our gymnasts, and in som e meets we might ac tually get away w ith it. But, ultima tely, easier rules w ill m ake our gymnasts vulnerable to unfavorable panels internationally . It seems obvious to u s that we n eed to apply stringent s tandards to our gymnas ts. Only perfect or close to perfect positions w ill take away, a t least to som e ex tent, the ability of unfavorable inte rna tional panels to manipula te our gymnasts' scores dO\,v nward. We w ill n ever totally get rid of the gray areas in judging rings. However, the recommenda tions above at least give judges specific body positions to look for, an d we believe these positions blend the Code requirements a nd wha t our gymnas tics sense tells u s. In many cases, the recommend ations are close to w hat we h ave alread y been doing, w hile in other cases, the m altese for example, these guidelines are a little tougher. While the recommenda tions caml0 t eliminate the judgment calls, they may bring some judges a nd coaches closer together on w h a t we are trying to achieve w ith our n a tional team m embers.

Phone: (402) 472-1704 John Scheer FA X: (402) 472-8317 MABL 250 Universit!J a/Nebraska-Lincoln Internet: heer@ul1 /in/o.unl. edu

1. Li Ning - Th e Code lis ts the Li N ing 2 as a D perform ed from support to support w ith the sh o ulders inlocated through the bottom. However, if the skill is done w ith the gymnast dislocated thro ug h the bottom, it w ill only receive B+B (tip over bac kwards, dislocate to fron t uprise). Further, if the gymnast tips over backwa rds, is dislocated thro u gh the bottom, and then simply does a feIge, it wo uld onl y be ra ted as a B+A. March 1996 TECHNIQ UE

Preschool

PLACING CHILDREN IN ABILITY APPROPRIATE

GROUPS Jeff LuBa

President, Fun & Fit G!Jll'lnnstics Centers

n e of the m ost important decisions a gymnas tics professional can m ake w h en enrolling a studen t in a class is d eciding w hich class w ill p rov ide the best learning environment for the child. Far too often th is d ecision is left u p to the p a rent, based on w h a t w ill be the m ost con venient d ay and time for them . While convenience is an understa ndable criteria for class selection, placem ent in the w ron g class m ay cau se the ch ild to lose interest and drop out of class, sacrificing wha t could have been a lon g and successful gymnas tics experience. Young children placed into groups w here the other participants are stron ger and m ore ad van ced w ill almost surely experience a sense of inad equacy or fa ilure in n ot being able to s ucceed or keep up . Becau se young children are unaware that they may be less experien ced than ano ther child, their self-esteem could suffer. As we all kn ow, the d evelopment of healthy self-esteem is crucial in the d evelopm ent of a h ealthy individual. Children w h o are en rolled in classes w here others a re weaker and less experienced will often become bored and lose interes t. Teachers will be burdened to create sep ara te ch allen ges fo r these s tudents an d, in essen ce, h ave to direct two different levels in on e class . This is frus tra tin g an d exh au sting fo r the teacher. Eventually, the situa tion could p ossibly result in som eone dropping out or the class being split.

may be setting the child up for a nega tive trial experience (their fi rst impression of your program and often of gymnas tics). Taking the time to p erform an evalua tion for children prior to enrollment takes time, bu t the results can create far greater success and a m ore positive first impression fo r the p arents and stu d ents . Of course, educating the p arents to value the careful placement of their ch ild over and above the m ost convenient class is an importan t p art of the enrollment p rocess . For this reason I su ggest tha t a schedule of classes not be prov ided to p arents, but instead the bu siness litera ture focu s on the benefits of the program and encourages the parents to call fo r the evalua tion a ppointment. Once the prospec ti ve parent and chil d exp erience the fac ility and th e evalua tion, they can be ad vised on the importance of prop e r p eer grouping . In essence, this is adding value to their gymnas tics inves tment. The author Jeff Lulla is the President of Fun & Fit Gymn astics. H e is on the USA Gymnastics National Preschool Commi ttee and is a Na tional Safety Certifier. His "Curriculum Poster Reward System" and training videos are licensed for use in gym clubs across Am erica. For more inform ation call Jeff at 800-800-3162.

Placing the s tudents in peer classes is an important process that requires the gy mnas tics profession al to acquire inform a tion on the student' s abilities prior to the enrollment. Th ere a re two ways to get this informa tion: 1. Su b jectively - The teach er works w ith the student, u sually in

a trial class. Based on the teach er's feelings and exp erience w ith the child in this trial lesson, the teacher w ill recommend the trial class or an other class . 2. O bj ectively - The teach er gathers sp ecific d a ta on the student that w ill be m easured agains t the sam e da ta on the other students in the program to find a good class m a tch . Usually the data w ill include m easurem ents of stren gth, flexibility, bala nce, previously learned skills, e tc. From m y experience, a combina tion of these two m e thod s works bes t. Beginning with an a ppointment fo r an objective a ptitude evalua tion and ending w ith a recommenda tion fo r an a bility ap propria te class to try prior to enrollment. This proced ure h elp s to ensure that the trial lesson is in a class that best m a tches the a bilities of the child, AND gives the instructor the opp ortunity to see how the child works with the rest of the exis ting class. While m a ny gymnastics program s provide opportunities for trial lessons, w ithout first d etermining the child's a bilities, yo u Ma rch 1996 T ECH N IQ UE

Kinder Accreditation for Teachers

KAT ~

U A

QUESTIONS ANDANsWERS Jennifer Gallahue Lee, Educational Development Coordinator

36 Q A

"Iwant to register fora KA TWorkshop, but I haven't completed the prerequisites yet. Can I still register? " Yes. You may register for the Workshop, but you must complete all the prerequisites PRIOR to attending the Workshop . The KAT prerequisites are as follows: You must be at least 16-years-old to attend the Workshop Take and pass the Rookie Coaches Guide test

must guarantee that they have at least 12 individuals that will attend. Your gym receives two complimentary registrations (up to a $320 value) for hosting a KAT Workshop. However, USA Gymnas tics must receive at least 12 registrations (not including your two complimentary attendees) in order to conduct the workshop. The workshop may be canceled if there are less than 12 registrants.

Q "What do I get for completing my Level I KAT? " A Upon successful completion of the Level I KAT, each person will receive an official KAT card and certificate and a 3-year subscription of the USA Gymnastics Kinder Connection newsletter. Additionally, a press release w ill be sent from USA Gymnastics National Office to your local newspaper announcing yo ur accomplishment of completing of Level I KA T.

Q "Does my Level I KAT expire?" A Yes . Each KAT card and certificate will have the participant's name and expiration date (expires three years from the date of the workshop). A discount will be allowed if you attend a Level I KAT or Level II KAT workshop prior to the expiration on your card. If validation lapses, no discount will be issued.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Levell KAT Step 1

Step 2

Call USAG Merchandise (1-800-487-2496) to order the Rookie Coaches Gymnastics Guide. Complete the test which is enclosed in the book and mail it along with a $5 processing fee to USA Gymnastics .

Step 3

Make eight copies of the KAT Observation Form on page 37. To complete the prerequisites, complete four Observation Forms by observing preschool classes in your area (a maximum of two from your home gym). Send the completed forms to USA Gymnastics.

Q "Do I need to study any materials prior to attending the Workshop? " A Yes. Upon registration, the KAT Workbook will be sent to you.

Step 4

Read and complete the chapter reviews in the KAT Workbook. Note: The Workbook will be sent to you upon registration.

Please take the time to read through the chapters and work through the exercises at the end of each chapter. This w ill help you to be better prepared for the wo rkshop.

Step 5

Attend KAT Workshop and take exam.

Step 6

Complete and m ail remaining requirements to USA Gymnastics- 4 Observation Forms, and copies of CPR (infant/ child) and Basic First Aid cards.

Observe four preschool classes (a maximum of two classes at yo ur home gym) and complete an Observation Form for each.

''I'm an experienced coach with 10 years teaching preschool gymnastics. Can I grandparen t through KAT?"

You cannot grandparent through KAT, but the option of grandparenting through four observation hours is available to those who qualify. USAG requires at least five years of teaching preschool gymnastics in order to grandparent. If you qualify for grandparenting, send yo ur resume to "USA Gymnastics, KAT Program" for approval.

During the workshop, the KAT Clinician will often refer to the workbook. Please make sure you have a p en or a pencil and extra paper to take notes.

"Why should I getmy KA Twhen itisn't required by LlSA Gymnastics?"

Following are just a few of the reasons: Enhances the status and credibility of preschool gymnastics programs. Establishes requirements for accreditation to help identify competent preschool teachers. Provides appropriate information regarding preschool gymnastics teaching. Standardizes preschool gymnastics teaching throughout the United States. Provides resources, instructional materials, and assistance to preschool teachers.

Q "Can my club host a KAT Workshop? " A Yes. If your club is interested hosting a KAT Workshop, contact Jennifer Gallahue Lee (317-237-5050 ext. 237) at USA Gymnastics. In order for a club to host a KAT Workshop, they March 1996

TECHNIQUE

Kinder Accreditation for Teachers

LEVEL I KAT OBSERVATION FORM Skills practiced

KAT Observation Steps

1, Contact club (let the teacher know you are completing your KAT observations) 2, Set-up a time to meet with the teacher prior to start of class 3, Observe class/complete observation form 4, Allow teacher to review your observation form and sign 5, It is advisable to send a thank you note to the teacher observed NOTE: You can only observe two classes at your gym. It is advisable that you also observe various age level classes,

Students Comments and observations regarding student's personality characteristics (i,e, shy, aggressive), their behavior patterns, and social interaction,

Name ________________________________________ Social Security No, _ _ - _ _ - _ _ USAG No, _________

Teacher

Mailing Address _______________________________

What communication methods were particularly effective (i.e, verbal, demonstration)?

City __________ State ____ Zip _______ Day Ph: (_ _) _ _ - _ _ Night: (_ _) _ _ - _ _ Birthdate: _

Observation No (circle),

12345678

Ages (circle) :

walkers

crawlers

2-yr 3-yr

Ratio = ___ Students / _

4-yr 5-yr

What teaching style was used (i.e, animated, enthusiastic, authoritative)?

Teacher(s)

Club Observed _________________________________ Address ____________________________________ City_ _ _ _ _ _ _ Phone: (_ _ ) _ _ - _ __ Teacher Observed _______________________________

Safety General Observations (Facil ity & equipment)

Teacher's Signature Lesson Plan Objectives_____________________________________

Warm-up Components

Class Management Class organization - Were the students organized in a manner in which learning was facilitated? How?

Skills introduced & practiced

Activity (name & explain)

Time management-Was there enough time allotted for each part of the lesson (i.e , warm-up, skills)? List time frame,

Theme Props Music

Discipline-What types of discipline tactics were used (i,e, time out, warnings)?

Games Closing

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

Kinder Accreditation for Teachers

LEVEL I KAT WORKSHOPSCURRENT SCHEDULE i

April

13-14

Warrenville, Ill.

Midwest Academy of Gymnastics

April

27-28

Reno,

Gym Nevada

May

4-5

Dyer, Ind.

Patti's All-American Gymnastics Center

May

18-19

Chappaqua, N.Y.

World Cup Gymnastics

May

31-June 1 Houston, TX

Texas Summer Meeting

June

1-2

Urbandale, Iowa

Urbandale Dance Acad.

June

26-30

Boston, Mass.

National Congress

August

9-11

TBD

Region IV Congress

August

23-25

Battle Creek, Mich. Region V Congress

September 6-9

ev.

Austin, Texas

September 13-14

San Jose, Calif.

Region I Congress

September 20-22

Seattle, Wa.

Region II Congress

Sep tember 28-29

Buffalo Grove, Ill.

Buffalo Grove Gym.

October

11-13

TBD

Region VIII Congress

October

11-13

Williamsburg, Vir.

Region VII Congress

October

24-27

Boxboro, Mass.

Region VI Congress

Workbook will be sent prior to workshop. Accreditation is valid for three years. Grandparenting 4 hours of observation is available. Must have at least 5 years preschool gYl1mas tics teaching experiencesend reSUI1l.e with regis tration. For more information, contact Je!U1ifer Gallahue Lee at 317-2375050 extension 237.

GAT

--------------------

,. I

--------------------

KAT REGISTRATION FORM Minimum age for KAT is 16 years Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Soc. Sec. # ______________________________________________________________ Birthdate ___________________________ Address ________ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ ____ City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ Zip ____________ Telephone (Day) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Night) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Course Location _________________________________________________________________ Date _______________________ Organization Represented ___________________________________

Job Title _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __

Local Newspaper _____________________________________________ Fax __________________________________________ Current USAG Pro . # _______________________ (required for discount) Prereq uisi tes _ _ _ Rookie Coaches Guide Test/ or PDP Level I - - - Four hours observation/ or Grandparent (via resume) Regis tration

_ _ $140 pro member - - $160 non-member

Form of Paym ent:

Check

Visa

Mastercard

___ Am. Express

Name on Card _____________________________________________

Discover

umber ____________________~======_

_____

Expiration Date _________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________________ Please make checks payable to USA Gymnastics KAT Workshop. Mail Registration Form and Payment to : USA Gymnastics KAT, Pan American Plaza, 201 South Capitol Ave. Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46225

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Grant Application Form

r "Get It Going"

In an effort to encourage new rhythmic gymnastics program.5, USA Gymnastics Announces the Gel II Going grant program. The following criteria must be m et for consideration as a Gel

II Going grant wilmer: Appl icants must be employed by a gymnastics club, YMCA, or Park District program . Applicants must attend eight hours of design ated Con gress sessions plus elective sessions. Applicants w ill be encouraged to initiate rhythmic classes in the Fall of 1996. Applicants mus t submit acompleted grant application w hich includes signa ture of current employer. Former grant recipients are ineligible.

Procedure for application

Introduce Rhythmic Gymnastics to Your Program

1. Complete the application form and re turn to USA Gym.nastics postmarked by March 22, 1996. 2. Complete the separate registration for Congress (in the February issue of Technique magazine) if yo u plan to attend regardless of your acceptance into the Gel II Going program. 3. If you have already registered and are accepted into the Gel II Going program, you w ill be reimbursed fo r yo ur Congress registration. 4. Grant w ilmers w ill be notified by m ail on April 15, 1996.

The USA Gynmastics Gel II Going Grant program is d esign ed to promote the addition of rhythmic gymnastics classes to club, school, YMCA, or Park District gymnastics program s who have had little or no rhy ~bmic programming in the pas t. Twenty people (through application) will each receive a grant equivalent of $350 to attend a special Rhythmic Gymnas tics Introductory Workshop at the 1996 Congress in Boston.

Grant recipients will receive from USA Gymnastics

Congress Registration

5. Grant applicants are responsible for their own hotel arrangem ents. Grant wi nners w ill be reimbursed after submitting a copy of their receipts .

------------------1

IIGet It Goingll Grant Application form Name

V Two nights of housing (1 /2 double)

of A ppl ica nt _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Age _ __

V Two days per diem

N a me of school/club program _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ __

V One full set of Level 1- 4 Rhy thmic Curriculum materials (includes video, book, and music cassette)

Title _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Introductory Workshop

City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ __ Zip _ _ _ __

The Rhy thmic Gynmastics Introductory Workshop is an eighthour curriculum. The Workshop begins at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, and ends on Sunday, June 29, at 3:00 p.m. and includes: V Introduction to Rhythmic Gymnastics

Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ __ _

Day phone _ __ _ _ __ Night phone _ _ __ _ __ Planned start date of rhyth mic gymnastics program _ __ _ __ Sig nature

of employer _ _ _ _ __ _ __ __ __ __

Sig nature

of applicant _

V Rhythmic Levell and 2 Classes V Basic Group Activities V Class Plmming V Rhythmic Level 3 and 4 Classes V Preschool Rhythmic Gymnastics

V Training Level 5/6 Rhythmic Gymnasts

V One additional Rhythmic Session of Choice

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ __

Attach a letter of intent outlining, 1) professional gymnastics/ d ance background, and 2) statement describing why yo u are interested in receiving this grant. Return to: Rhythmic Gymnastics - Get It Going!, USA Gymnastics, Pan American Plaza, Suite 300, 201 S. Capitol, India- I napolis, IN 46225. ~

L __________________ March 1996 TECHNIQUE

Rhythmic Gymnastics

IfI?tWFARS. CUSIOM GYMNASilC APPARfl

liiii)SAREW

Comments from the 199 SGet It Going Grant Winners

HANDS ON FIRE

SiII8:1 i II] ~Ii "YOU

~_E.

GYMNAST

Thank you for the great opportunity this grant provided. I'm so excited to start teaching! - Jennifer Stempien, Joliet, Ill.

GFB-2 - FOREST GREEN. SAND. BURGUNDY. BLACK INK

GFB-4 - DEEP PURPLE . YELLOW. JADE , BLACK INK JUST HAfTA fAT JUST MAfTA WOHK JUST IIAFTA GO TO SCHOOL

Thanks again for the chance to get involved in rhythmic gymnastics. I am already adding elements to my preschool classes and am activelyplanning classes for the older kids. We should have things going by October. - Susan Wittkop, LaJolla, Calif.

FF-2 - GREY. TERRA CODA . BLACK INK

GFB-7 - TERRA CODA, BURGUNDY. SILVER. STORM BLUE. BLACK INK

GFB-5 - METALLIC GOLD. FUSCH IA. GREY. BLACK INK

GFB-8 - BURGUNDY, SAND. FOREST GREEN. BLACK INK

Can 't wait to Get It Going! Debbie Schmitt, Wake Forest, N.C. We have already started four rhythmic classes, introduced it to artistic teams, developed a demonstration rhythmic group, and incorporated it in our preschool program. We are having a blast! - LuAnnNix, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

PRICES BASED ON 12-50 PIECE QUANTITY (CALL FOR QUANTITY PRICING) ALL DESIGNS ARE FULL-FRONT PRINT AVAILABLE IN AS-AXXL PRINTED ON HIGH QUALITY WHITE 100% FRUIT OF THE LOOM T-SHIRTS ALSO AVAILABLE ON 9 OZ. 90/10 F.O.L. SWEATSHIRTS (CALL FOR PRICING) ART WEARS ACCEPTS VISA. MASTERCARD, CHECK

I am motivated to continue learning and sharing with young girls. I appreciate all the work that wen t into the instructor's manualshaving written progressions is very helpful to beginners like me. - Jackie Williams, Portland, Org.

SHOW YOUR TEAM UNITY CUSTOMIZE YOUR CLUB T-SHIRTS CALL FOR DETAIL S

SIZES

DESIGN

CUT ANDMA7l'THiSPo"iifiONrOAoDRESS BELOW ITEM

UNIT PRICE aTY

100% WHITE T路SHIRT

58.50

100% WHITE T-SHIRT

58.50

100% WHITE T-SHIRT

$8.50

100% WHITE T-SHIRT

TOTAL

WE PAY SHIPPING UPS GROUND SERVICE ALLOW 3 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY

S8.50

NEB. RES TAX ADD 6.5%

WEARS~

3630 SO. 144TH ST. OMAHA. NE 68144 402-697 -0240 1-800-235-9327

SUBTOTALCJ

I especially enjoyed practicing in my hotel room! - Janet Skaggs, Dothan, Ala. (artistic Level 10 judge)

ffI?tV- - -

1-800-235-9327

r---l

TOTAL C J CLUB NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

PAYMENT METHOD o CHECK o VISA o MASTERCARD PLEASE PHONE IN CREDIT CARD ORDERS

CONTACT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ADDRESS _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ __ CITY.STATE.ZIP _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ PHONE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

PLEASE SEND ME AN ART WEARS CUSTOM GYMNASTIC APPARE L BROCHURE.

Coaches Education

LEVEL

ItIUA

GYMNASTICS <:5>

E§ -

~ II ~~

EXPERIENCE VERIFICATION

Name

References (other than your current employer)

SS#

/ -- / --

Birthdate

One

Age

Address

Name

City

State

A 41

Position

(night)

Phone (day) Safety Certification:

Zip

Relationship exp. date _ _

Yes

COACHES EDUCATION

PDP Amedication: 0 level 1 Completion dote _ _ __

Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

» C» <0 •0 • • • • • "•••,

Job Description

Phone

"'"'--

'" ==0 ..,

• •• :z::: :z::: ......... I ~

2. o 2.

C»

•

Two Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ Position _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Relationship _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

I coach and/ or teach the following: «heck ollthot opply)

o o

Mom &Tot Cheerleading

Women: Men:

0 Preschool 0 Tumbling

Developmental

0 levels 1-4 o levels 8-1 0

o o

levels5-7 Elite

0 Class5-7

Rhythmic 0 levels 1-4 o levels 8-1 0

Class 1-4

Elite

Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Phone

Three Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ ___

0 levels 5-7 0 Elite

Position _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Do you actively coach at competitions?

0 No 0 Yes

«heck all that apply)

Relationship _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ If yes, list number per year. o locol

#4L

(please print or type)

o Upon completion of this form send to: USA Gymnostics 201 S. Capitol Ave. Suite 300 Indianopons, IN 46225 Attn: PDP

0 State _ _ _ __

Regional

0 National _ _ __

Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Phone

Additional information

Employer's Verification

(certifications, courses completed, etc.) (please print or type)

I, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , acknowledge that this information is true and accurate for the period which the above listed coach has been employed _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

T994

Signature _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ March 1996

TECHNIQUE

date - - -

Men's Gymnastics

1997-2000 JUNIOR OLYMPIC

NATIONAL PROGRAM COACHES WORKSHOP

May 12 - 14, 1996 Tulsa, Okla.

42 Th e 1997-2000 Junior Olympic National Program Coaches Worksh op w ill introd u ce the new programs and new routines for the 1997-2000 quadrenium. This clinic will begin at the conclusion of the 1996 Junior Olympic Nationals being held in Tulsa, May 10-12. This w ill be the only National Workshop to present the new Junior Program materials to be held in 1996. The Workshop will cover: All aspects of the 1997-2000 Age Group Competition Program, all aspects of the 1997-2000 National Team Program, 1997-2000 FIG Code of Points update and overview, 1997-2000 coaching trend s, and a presentation of the new boy's age gro up "Basic Conditioning Program." Presenters will include: Ron Brant, Greg Corsiglia, Kelly Crumley, Tim Erwin, Ron Galimore, Ray Gura, Monte Kimes, Dennis McIntyre, Joe Stallone, Mas Watanabe, and And y Zembower.

Plan now to attend this important Coaches Workshop Date:

May 12-14, 1996

Site and Host Hotel: Doubletree Downtown 616 West 7th Tulsa, OK 1-800-528-0444 $60/ qu ad - Mention "].0. Nationals" Airline: American Airlines 1-800-433-1790 Additional 5% off lowest applicable fare : mention J.O. Nation als Cost:

Pre-Registration: $150 Registration On-site: $180* Includes: Age Group Competition Program Manual and Vid eo, Nationa l Team

Program Manual and Video (which includes Age Group Basic Conditioning Program), and all Workshop presentations and materials. *NOTE: On-site registrants may have program materials shipped at a later date pending on-site availablity. Additional copies of all materials w ill be available for purchase w hile supplies last. Program materials will be available for purchase from the USA Gymnastics Merchandise Department beginning June 1. Registration: Pre-Registration ends April 15th. To pre-register send the attached registration form along with a check or money order to USA Gymnastics : Dennis McIntyre, USA Gymnastics 201 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46225 For more information call: 317-237-5050

Tentative Schedule: Sunday 5/12 TBD - Safety Certification Course Evening: Early registration and A thlete Conditioning Seminar Monday 5/13 9:00 AM -- Registration

1997路 2000 JUNIOR OLYMPIC NATIONAL PROGRAM COACHES WORKSHOP

Morning Session s -- Age Group Competition Program Afternoon Sessions - National Team Program

May 12-14, 1996 - Tulsa, Okla.

Evenin g Sessions - FIG Code of Points

Registration Form Name _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ __ __ _ _ _ _ USAG Pro # _ _ _ __ Mailing Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Tuesday 5/14Mornin g Session s - Age Group Program and Routines Afternoon - Depart

City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ _ _ _ Zip Code _ __ __ Home Phone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Work Phone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Club/Program Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Club/Program Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ City _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ __ _ _ Zip Cod e_ _ _ __ Affiliation: (circle all that apply) Cost:

Pre-Registration

$150

Late Registration

$180

Coach

Judge

Gym Owner

Administrator

Pre-registration ends April 15.

Please include your check or money order to USA Gymnastics and send to: Dennis McIntyre, USA Gymnastics 201 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46225 March 1996 TECHNIQ UE

Women's Minutes

Motion - M . L. Tracy Second - R. Gnat PASSED

ELII'E PROGRAM COMMII'I'EE

IV. TOPs Program Motion that the Medicine Ball throw be eliminated at Regional and National Testing. Motion - R. Gnat Second - J. Chudy PASSED G. Warren reviewed the 1996 TOP calendar. (June-July, 1996 @variRegional Testing o us Regional Sites) (Oct. 3-6, 1996 @ ColoNational Tes ting rado Springs, CO - USOTC) National Camp (Dec. 5-8, 1996 @Tulsa, OK - Tulsa World of Gymnastics) G. Warren also stated that an Ad Hoc Committee w ill be established to review the T.O.P. This committee w ill consist of two Elite Committee m embers and at least one National Staff member and w ill convene within the nex t two months.

Fort Worth, TX March 2-3, 1996 Meeting called to order 8:30 am Roll Call:

Region I Region II Region III Region IV Region V Region VI Region VII Region VIII EPCC JOPC WABC ETC WPD EPM

David McCreary Brad Loan Tom Forster Jim Chudy Mary Lee Tracy Byron Knox Gary And erson Ray Gnat Roe Kreutzer Tom Koll Kathy Feldmann Audrey Sc hweyer Kathy Kelly Gary Warren

I. Minutes Motion to appwve the minutes fwm the last meeting and conference calls as published.

Motion - James Chudy Second - Mary Lee Tracy PASSED II. Uneven Bar Specifications Discussion on increaSing the spread on uneve n bars beyond FIG specifications for Jr. ationals. Mo tion that JI. National Elite athletes be pel milled to extend the Bal~ to the manttfactttle,'g specs, at all competitions. Motion: D. McCreary Second : B. Loan MOTION WITHDRAWN After lengthy discussion and based upon impute from Jackie Fie, DM withdrew the motion and discussion was tabled so as to gain furth er information from FIG. III. National Elite Testing Motion that changes to the National Elite Testing (as indicated on Errata following these minutes) be effective immediately.

Four路year Plan K. Kelly reviewed the four year calendar with the committee. The committee was given the National and International schedule of events for the nex t four years as it stands now . The committee expressed concern about negotiations being made with Marketing and TV concerns and the commitm ents being established of National Team athletes without the committee's input.

Universal Cheerleaders flssociation flllSlar Cheerleading Camps LEARN FROM THE BEST!

A very se lect group of UCA instructors will be teaching you and your A ll Star squad h ow to transition from a cheer to a dance, how to incorporate stunts and tumbling to music, and how to really entertain your audience! A special emphasis will be given to synchronization, motion techniques, stunt transitions, and visual effects. .-....ElIr'

1996 UCRRllSlar Cheer1eading Camp Locations and Dales FLORlOH

ILLinOIS

miSSOURI

BARRY UNIVERSITY Miami Shores, Florida June 4-7

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Dekalb, Illinois July 11-14

CENTRAL MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY Warrensburg, Missouri July 22-25

HEnTUCHV

nORTH CHROLlnH

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA Jacksonville, Floricla July 9-12 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA Sarasota, Floricla June 25-28

GEORGJH EMORY UNIVERSITY Atlanta, Georgia June 29-July 2

TDlIlJ:SSrE

UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS Memphis, Tennessee July 19-22

EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY Richmond, Kentucky June 14-17

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA-CHARLOTTE Charlotte, orth Carolina July 12-15

LOu/SJRnH

OHLHHomH

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY Ruston, Louisiana June 25 -28

UNIVERSITY OF TULSA Tulsa, Oklahoma July 26-29

For more informauon. calIfoll free I-800 -2~8 -02 86 March 1996

TEHflS

SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY Huntsville, Texas June 28-July 1

SOUTHWEST TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY San Marcos, Texas June 29-July 2 TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY Denton, Texas July 18-21 ~ualifv

TECHNIQUE

for the national HII Star Cheerleading Championship nationallv teleVised on esp"ll

Women's Minutes

A. 44

Recommendation to the National office that Women's Program be consulted in negotiations with Marketing and Television concerns when commitments of Women's National Team Athletes are being made. The purpose being to assure that the goals of the Women's Program are represented. Mo tion - G. Anderson Second - T. Forster PASSED Motion that the proposed 4 year calendar be accepted as presented. Mo ti on - T. Forster Second - D. McCreary PASSED VI.

Classics/Gym Festival

Discussion involved the form at of the compe tition. Th e fo llowing reco mmend a tions were made. Motion that if the number of athletes at any level at the Classic Meet exceed the maximum number as listed in the Rules and Policies, a Capitol Cup format may be used instead of seeding. Mo tion - G. Anderson Second - B. Knox PASSED Motion that, if necessary, the Elite Regional (May 10-11) be allowed as a qualifying meetfor the International Junior and Senior athletes as well as the National Level Elites. (All International athletes MUST pre-register with the National office if they are planning on competing in the May 10-11 regional). Registration MUST be sent by May 1. Motion - M. L. Tracy Second - T. Forster PASSED VII.

Judges

The committee w ill be sent a list of all Brevet/ Elite Judges in order to make recommendations for the 1996 Judges' Course for recertification in the nex t quadrennium. VIII.

USA Championships Format for Quadrennium

Motion to acceptthe proposaJforthe 1997 Championships of the USA format which includes Junior and Senior Age Divisions. Motion - M.L. Tracy Second - R. Gnat PASSED Day One Optionals (50 %) - Determine Individual Event Winners Rest Day Two Day Three Optionals (50%) - Determine All Around and Team IX.

M.L. Tracy, T. Forster,G.Anderson, and]. Chudy will review the Interna tional Level. R. Gnat, D. McCreary, B. Knox, and B. Loan wi ll review the Na tional Level. These subcom mitteees w ill report to the office two weeks prior to the U.s. Classic for discussion at the U.s. Classic. XI.

Committee f~ames

Recommendation to the WPC that the current "Elite Ad Hoc Committee" be renamed as the "International Elite Program Committee." Also, the current "Elite Program Committee" to be renamed as the "National Elite Program Committee" Motion - G. Anderson Second - T. Forster PASSED

Mee ting Adjourned Sunday, March 3 12:45 pm

ERRATA SHEET - NATIONAL ELITE TESTING PROGRAM Effective 3/1/96 VAULT l-(text change )

Vault: - Handspring entry preflight to Vertical Lift with stretched body - Post flight - must maintain a stretched body throughout Vault Deduc tion - 2nd Flight - Handsprings Delete: Failure to arrive in vertical (... ) Add: Insufficient vertical rise up to 1.0 Failure to maintain straight body linet throughout entire flight up to 1.0 Uneven Bars-(Text changes)

4) Giant circle backward with 1/2 (180 degrees) turn in handstand phase. (delete remaining text) Uneven Bar Deductions: Add : Adding an element to facilitate performance of following element 1.0 Complete omission of an element 1.0 Failure to complete an element as described in the text 0.60' *( + applicable execution and amplitud e deductions) Working the Bars out of FIG specifications 0.30

Congress Sessions

Committee w ill be in attendance at the 1996 Congress. Members w ill be slotted into Technical Committee Sessions wher needed. K. Kelly wi ll take recommendations to S. Whitlock. D. McCreary - Periodization M.L. Tracy - Workout Structure G. Anderson - Ideal Competitive Format

X• Subcommittees Subcommittees were form ed w ithin the committee for review of the 1997 Rules and Policies.

Balance Beam

Add: Adding an element to facilitate performance of following element 1.0 Complete omission of an element 1.0 Failure to complete an element as described in the text 0.60 • * (+ applicable execu tion and amplitude deductions) March 1996

TECHNIQUE

FlicFlac (series) Add : #7. Pause between Flic Flacs Stop between Flic Flacs

0.30 0.50

Floor Exercise

Rhythmic Minutes ) IX.

RHYTHMIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE February 17, 1996 I.

Members present: Andrea Schmid Lana Lashoff Jan Exner Maureen Broderick Karyn Glover Nora Campbell G uest Absent:

II.

FIG Representative Coach es Representative Coaches Representative Judges Re presentative Athletes representative Rhythmic Program Direc tor N orma Zabka Candace Feinberg, Vice President

Report - N. Campbell

Campbell reported on the direc tion of the foll owing: 1996 budge t, McDonald's International Gymnastics Competition, USA Gymnas tics Strategic Plan, USA Group pa rents m ee ting, USA Group Schedule, Get It Going Programs, High School Federation m ee ting, and the Olympic Gam es volunteer sta tus.

III.

Report - A. Schmid

Schmid briefl y disc u sse d proposed FIG rul e ch an ges in the n ew qu adrennium and announced that she w ill give a full report of the new rules for coaches and judges at the June USA Gymnas tics Congress.

1996 National Championships

'I.

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

Seniors Competition I rules Competition III rules Competition III rules

Juniors Junior rules Junior rules + 2 B' s Junior rules + 2 B's

Campbell ex plained the technical organiza tion for the 1996 Championships and how it w ill differ from the pas t because of the use of the Olympic scoring system. A discussion was held about w ays of changing the format for the 1997 Championships so that the competition days would n ot be so long. This will be a major agenda item at the nex t meeting.

International Assignments

The following 1996 International Assignments were mad e: 3/5 - McDonald's International Gymnas tics Co mpetition Davis, Ill y 3/13-3/17 - Sydney, Australia Scharringhaussen, McCa rgo Davidovich, Anguelova 3/16-3/17 - Ka lamata, Greece Davis, Lacuesta Ex ner, Lashoff, Broderick* 4/12-4/ 14 - Thiais, France Illy, Higa Lashoff, Nyemcsik* 4/ 12-4/14 - Portimao, Portugal Jeffre ss, Shoemaker Ya khimovich, CampbeJl* 4/ 26-4/ 28 - DTB, Ge rmany Davis, Lacuesta Exner*, Lashoff 5/3-5/ 5 - Sophia, Bulgari a Davis, Lac uesta Exner, Christie* 5/10-5/12 - Corbeil, France Illy, Higa Lashoff, Litva* 5/18 - Calais, France USA Group Grea thouse* 6/ 20-6/ 23 - Budapest, World Championships USA Group Greathouse* 6/ 25-6/ 26 - Boston, Olympic Trials Top 8 Seniors from Championships 12/3 - PAGU Junio r Gymnastics Championships 3 Juniors

*Judges determ in ed by Judges Selection Com mittee 2/23, 1996

Submitted:

Rhythmic World Championship Sport Science Symposium

Prior to the World Championships in Budapest, a rhythmic sport science symposium, sponsored by the Hunga rian UniverSity of Physical Education w ill be held. Presenters for the USA w ill be Dr. Gloria Balogue, Dr. Dan Benardot, Dr. Mark Hutchinson, and Linda Tremain, ACT.

VI.

1997路2000 Event Plan

Campbell presented the proposed d ates for all Rhythmic Events fo r the nex t fou r years. The plan was approved in principle pending some furth er confirmations of schedule. Once final a pproval is m ad e, rhythmiC professional members w ill be sent the schedule and event bid requests. The intent is to have a maj ority of event sites placed before the beginning of the nex t quadrennium.

VII.

Board of Directors Election

A pplications/Nominations are now being received for the two rhythmic at-l arge positions on the Board of Direc tors. The Rhythmic Program Committee w ill be charged w ith identifying the final slate of six based upon the nominations received .

VIII.

Continental Judging Course

The US will submit a proposal to the FIG to host a course in 1997. Because 'here will be no o ption to hold a course in the first three months, special :aining co urses on the new rules w ill be given fo r the judges w ho are assigned to the Eas t/ Wes t Open and National Championships prior to these events. Campbell and Schmid w ill try to identify the most a ppropriate time for the Continental Certifica tion course.

March 1996

TECHNIQUE

No ra Cam pbell, February 26, 1996

., I

Calendar Dote

Doys Discipline

Event

Locotion

Contoct

Phone

APRIL 1996 4 4 MW 1 6 MW 13 W 13 M 2 13 W 13 2 MWR 15 6 MW 18 3 MW 2 R 20 21 W 21 1 MW 25 3 W 2 M 26 27 2 W 27 2 MWR

International Cup 1996 Budget Rent a Car Gymnastics Invitational (USA Vs. France) NCAA Regional Meets NCAA Regional Meets Level 10 Regionals Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop World Championships - Ij E/F USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships J.D. Championships USA Gymnastics Nat'llnvitational Tournament Broadcast of Budget Rent a Car Gymnastics Invitational NCAA Notional Championships (Univ. of Alabama) NCAA Championships Elite Regionals Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop

Porto Alegre Miami, FL Various Various Various Warrenville, IL Son Juan, PUR Seattle Pacific Univ. Maryland Cope Girardeau, MO 1:00-3:00 p.m. (EST) Tuscaloosa, AL Stanford, CA Various Reno, NV

BRA Jeff Olsen

317-237-5050

MAY 1996 2 4 W 3 3 MWR MW 3 3 R 2 4 4 2 MWR MWR 2 4 10 3 M 2 R 11 12 3 M 16 4 W 2 W 16 lB 2 MWR 31 3 R 2 MWR 31

J.D. Nationals (Jr. and Sr.) USA Gymnastics Executive Committee Meeting Romainian International Gymnastics Tournament Eastern Open USAG Boord of Directors Meeting Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop J.O. Championships Western Open J.O. Not. Competitive Prog. Workshop U.S. Classic Nationals - at USOTC Notional Gymnastics Festival- at USOTC Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Notional Championships Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop

Duluth, GA Indianapolis, IN Ploiesti, ROM Macon, GA Indianapolis, IN Dyer, IN Tulsa, OK Seattle, WA Tulsa, OK Colo. Spgs. CO Colo. Spgs. CO Chappaqua, NY Athens, GA Houston, TX

Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop PDP Levell Video Clinic (1 :00-5:00 p.m.) Coca-Colo Notional Championships Broadcast of Coco-Colo Nat'l Championships Broadcast of Coco-Colo Nat'l Championships Elite Qualifiers Rhythmic World Championships U.S. Rhythmic Olympic Trials U.S. Artistic Olympic Trials USA Gymnastics Notional Congress Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop Broadcast of U.S. Olympic Trials Broadcast of U.S. Olympic Trials Broadcast of U.S. Olympic Trials (LIVE)

JULY 1996 13 1 M MWR 13 5 MW 20 11 AUGUST 1996 R 1 4 3 MWR 9 MW 3 9 3 MWR 23 23 3 MW TBD MWR

JUNE 1996 1 2 MWR 2 1 MWR 4 MW 5

8 9 18 21 25 27 27 27 29 30 29

1 1 2 3 2 4 4 4 1 1 1

M R R MW MWR MWR W

Jennifer Gallahue Lee Gory Alexander Laurel Tindall Nora Campbell Kathy Kelly CBS Sports

317-237-5050 317-237-5050 206-281-2883 317-237-5050 317-237-5050

Kathy Kelly Jennifer Gallahue Lee

317-237-5050 317-237-5050

Connie Moloney Julie Bejin

317-237-5050 317-237-5050

Nora Campbell Julie Bejin Jennifer Gallahue Lee Dennis Mcintyre Nora Campbell Dennis Mcintyre Kathy Kelly Kathy Kelly Jennifer Gallahue Lee Nora Campbell Jennifer Gallahue Lee

317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-505t 317-237-5050 317-237-5050

Urbondale, Iowa Decatur, GA Knoxville, TN 4:00-6:00 p.m. (EST) 3:00-4:00 p.m. (EST) Various Budapest, HUN Boston, MA Boston, MA Boston, MA Boston, MA 4:00-6:00 p.m. (EST) 2:00-3:00 p.m. (EST) 7:00-9:00 p.m. (EST)

Jennifer Gallahue Lee Chris Colvert Jeff Olsen NBC Sports NBC Sports Ron Galimore Nora Campbell Nora Campbell Jeff Olsen Steve Whitlock Jennifer Gallahue Lee NBC Sports NBC Sports NBC Sports

317-237-5050 404-377-0241 317-237-5050

Pre-Olympic Exhibition FIG Congress Gomes of the XXVlth Olympiad

Greensboro, NC Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA

Jeff Olsen Gary Alexander Gory Alexander

317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050

Gomes of the XXXVlth Olympiad Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop Region IV Congress Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop Region VCongress Post Olympic Tour

Atlanta, GA Region IV TBD Bottle Creek, MI Bottle Creek, MI TBA

Gary Alexander Jennifer Gallahue Lee George Grainger Jennifer Gallahue Lee Cindy Scharnes Jeff Olsen

317-237-5050 317-237-5050 414-375-0430 317-237-5050 616-963-5830 317-237-5050

Austin, TX Austin, TX Son Jose, CA

Jennifer Gallahue Lee Cheryl Jarrett Jennifer Gallahue Lee

317-237-5050 512-251-2439 317- 237-5050

SEPTEMBER 1 996 Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop 6 4 MWR GAT (Congress) MW 4 6 Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop 13 2 MWR

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050

Safety Certification

SAFETY CERTIFICATION COURSES Minimum age for Safety Certification is 18 years

Heartland, MI; Time: TBA location: TBA Course Dir: Mary Panockio 810-474-0689

APRIL Penfield, NY; 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Gymn. Trng. Ctr. af Rochester; 2051 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd; 14526 Course Dir: Sara Jane Clifford 716-381-8840 or 716-388-8686

Westerville, OH; 3:30- 7:30 p.m. Buckeye Gymnastics loco I Contact: Dave Holcomb 614-895-1611 Course Dir: Bobbi Montanori 614- 777-5057 or 614-457-1279 21 Decatur, GA ; 1:00-5:00 p.m. Course Dir: Chris Calvert 404-377-0241 lincoln, NE; 2:00-6:00p.m. University of Nebraska; Mobellee Hall (room to be determined) 14th & Vine; 68583 locol conlact: Cathy Christie 402-438-1614 Course Dir: David Mickelson 402-551-3977

27 Pittsburgh, PA; Time: TBA Jewart's Pittsburgh North Stars locol contoct: Elaine Jewort 412-4B7-5999 Course Dir: Dave Adlard 510-439-7651

Santa Clarita, CA; 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Fun & Fit Gym; 21021 Soledad Canyon Rd Course Dir: Jeff lulla 818-845- 0700 Fort Wayne, IN; 1:00-5:00 p.m. The little Gym (Westland Mall); 6183 W. Jefferson Blvd.; 46804 locol Contact: Amy Spiritoso 219-436-9353 Course Dir: Randy McCoy 1-800-418-2878 Pittsburgh, PA; 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. National School of Gymn locol Contoct: Jon Delmer 412-279-4344 Course Dir: Jeanette Jay 412-279-4344 Marlboro, NJ; 9:00 o.m.-l :00 p.m. Pro Gymn Training Center; 404 Timber lane; 07746 locol Conlact: Rose loschiavo 908-780-2543 Course Dir: Phil Frank 609-786-3977 Issaquah, WA, Time: TBA In conjunction with level 4 & 8 State Meet; East Side Gymnostics Course Dir: leigh Eaton 360-577-6274

MAY 31

Houston, TX; 1:00-5:00 p.m. Texas Summer Meeting local Contact: Cori Rizzo 713-980-7224 Course Dir: Jan 817-694- 2065

FALL

JUNE 01

TBA; 1:00-5:00 p.m. Course Dir: Chris Calvert 404-377-0241

Stroudsburg, PA; 1:00-5:00 p.m. International Gym Camp; 717-629-0244 Course Dir: Phil Frank 609-786-3977

TBA

NJ; Time: TBA Homilton Gymnostics, Gymnastics Unlimited Course Dir: Cathy Finkel 201-586-1808

JULY TBA

Indy Coaches Meeting Course Dir: Barry Dubuque 812-482-4800

AUGUST North Bend, WA; 2:00-6:00 p.m. Site: TBA Course Dir: 360-577-6274 17

Stroudsburg, PA; 1:00-5:00 p.m. International Gym Camp; 717-629-0244 Course Dir: Phil Frank 609-786-3977

,----------

All materials (including the Safety Handbook) for 3rd Cycle courses are provided at the course and are part of the course fee.

Participation Registration Form Minimum age for Safety Certification is 18 years Name: Mr./Mrs./Ms._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Certification is good for four years.

Soc. Sec. #: _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ Birthdate: _ _ _ _ __

The course/ examination is $100. USA Gymnastics Professional Members is $75. For groups of at least 10, contac t the USA Gymnastics Department of Educational Services and Safety.

Address:_ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ City:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _State:

Battle Creek, MI; Reg VCongress locol contact: Cindy Scharnes 616- 963-4770 Course Dir: Jerry Reighard 517-828-5604 or 517-774-6696

Zip_ _ _ __

Telephone: (H) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (W) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Course Director: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Course Location:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Date:_ _ _ __ Organization Represented: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Please make checks payable in full to USA Gymnastics Safety Certification Mail Registration Form and Payment to: USA Gymnastics Safety, Pan American Plaza, Suite 300, 201 S. Capitol, indianapolis, IN 46225

If I rSA Gymnastics Member, and N umber _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

of Payment: 0 Check 0 Visa 0 Mastercard 0 AmExp 0 Discover NameonCar d : __ _ _ _ _

To achieve Safety Certification, the participant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the course.

iIftUA

I GYMNASTICS ~xpir~~~ _ _ _ ~~~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~~: _ _~_J Number:

March 1996 TECHNIQUE

., 9

.A 47

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