Issuu

INSIDE THIS ISSUE DONNA STRAUSS: SECRETS TO SUCCESS RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS FOR 3-5 YEAR OLDS TO AFRICA

FINAllY. SUPERIOR CWS MANAGEMENT THAT DOES WINDOWS. THE FASTEST, EAS. I I

L------- -1L-__K_A_N_G_A_R_O_O_TM_1e_O_----' • POINT AND CLICK SIMPLICITY

Taking full advantage of windows 95, KANGAROO™1.0

is fast, intuitive, easy to learn and simple to use. • POWERFUL FLEXIBILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY

Customize KANG'AIIUIIlr 1.0 to fit your

business needs with features that allow you to : Create unlimited accounts and unlimited activities. Define multiple rates and discounts. Manage diverse programs such as gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, martial arts, swimming, camps, clinics and more. View customer and student class & payment histories. • NETWORK CONVENIENCE

EFFICIENCY

Use KANGAROO™1.0 on one computer or

share the work over many computers at the same time. Protect your records with the security of a true Client/Server Business Tool that runs on many types of networks including Win95 Peer-to-Peer and NT Server. • REPORTING VERSATILITY

Choose from over 30 reports and queries or create and save

your own. Personalize reports and invoices with control over layout, fonts and graphics. Incorporate your company logo!

$899

One Computer

$599 Each Additional Computer

NOW SHIPPING

NOAH DESIGN www . noahdesign . com

To learn more, visit us at www.noahdesign.com. email info@noahdesign .com or call 972 .323.1414.

SYBASE

an official publication of USA Gymnastics PUBLISHER

Bob Colorossi EDITOR

FEATURES USOC Coach of the Year Awards __ _........ ........... .. .. .... ... .. .. .. .. .. ....... ...... ........ ....... _.... _.. .. . 6

Luon Peszek

Donna Strauss: Secrets to Success ......... .... ... ....... ........... __ .. .... ... .. ..... .. ........ ......... .. ......... 8

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Rhythmic Gymnastics for 3-5 Year Olds .......... .. .. .... _....... .. ..... __ .. __.. .... .. .. .... .. .. ... ........ .. 16

Lion Cottrell

Teaching the Backward Roll __ .... __ ___ ___ _.. ... __.... .... ............ .... ,....... .. ...... _.. .. .. __.. .. ............ _ 19 USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS (HAIR: Sandy Knopp; PRESIOEN!: Bob ColOlossi; PRESIOENT EMERITUS: Mike Donohue; AMATEUR ATHLntC UNION: Mike Stonner; AMERICAN SOKOL ORGANIZATION: JeflY Milan; USA TRAMPOLINE & TUMBLING: Wayne Downing; AMERICAN TURNERS: Belly Heppner; JEWISH (OMMUNITY CENTERS: Lori Katz; COLLEGE GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION-M: Roy Johnson; NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGIATE GYMNASTICS (OACHES FOR WOMEN: Gail Davis; NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR GIRLS ANa WOMEN IN SPOR!: MOIilyn Strawbridge; NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS JUOGES: Yvonne Hodge; NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLnIC ASSOCIATION: Chris Voelz, Tom Dunn; NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS: Susan True; NATIONAL GYMNASTICS JUOGES ASSOCIATION: John Scheer; NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASTICS (OACHES ASSOCIATION: John Brinkworth; SPECIAL OLYMPICS, INC.: Kate Fober-Hickie; U.S. RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS COACHES ASSOCIATION: Suzie DiTullio; U.S, ASSOCIATION OF INOEPENOENT GYM (LUBS: Lance Crowley; U.S. ELITE COACHES ASSOCIATION FOR MEN'S GYMNASTICS: Fred Turoff; U.S. ELITE COACHES ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS: GOIy Ande~on, Roe Kreutzer; U.S. MEN'S GYMNASTICS (OACHES ASSOCIATION: MOIc Yancey; U.S. SPORTS ACROBATICS FEOERATION: Bonnie Davidson; U.S. (OMPETtTrVE SPORTS AEROBICS FEDERATION: Howard Shcwortz; YOUNG MEN's CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF THE USA: Rick Dodson; USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORS: MEN'S: Roy Guro, Jim Holt, WOMEN'S: undo Chencinski, David Holcomb; RHYTHMIC: Alia Svi~ky, Tamura Dosso; ATHLETE'S AOVtlORY (OMMITIU: Tanya Service Choplin, choir; Chris Woller, vice choir; Kristen Kenoyer Woodland, sec; Wendy Hill~rd, Vanessa Vander Pluym, Peter VidmOl, Conrad Voorsonger, Kim Zmeskol; USO( ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVE: Michelle Dussefle-Foflell. USA GYMNASTICS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR: Sandy Knopp; SPECIAL ADVtlOR TO THE (HAIRMAN OF THE BOAR 0: Roe Kreutzer; PRESIOENT: Bob Colorossi; SECRETARY: Mike Milidonis; VICE (HAIR WOMEN: Joan Moore Gnat; VICE (HAIR MEN: Tim Doggell; VICE (HAIR RHYTHMIC: Candace Feinbelg; FIG EXECUTIVE (OMMITTEE: Joy Ashmore; FIG WOMEN'S TECHNICAL COMMITTEE: Jackie Fie; FIG RHYTHMIC TECHNICAL COMMITTEE: Andrea Schmid-Shapiro; FIG MEN'S TECHNICAL COMMITTEE: George Beckstead; AT LARGE MEMBERS: Jim Horl1Jng, Susan True; ATHLETE DIRECTORS: Tanya Service Choplin, Wendy Hilllrd, Peter Vidmor; USO( ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVE: Michelle DussefleFarrell; PRESIDENT EMERITUS: Mike Donohue_ CHAIIGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: In order to ensure uninterrupted delivery of TECHNIQUE mogozine, notice of change of address should be mode eight weeks in odvonce. For fastest service, pl"se enclose your present moiling lobel. Dired ollsubscriplion moil to TECHNIQUE Subscriptions, USA Gymnastics, 201 S. Capitol Ave., Ste.300, Indianapolis, IN 46225. POSTMASTER; Send address changes to TECHN IQUE c/ o USA Gymno~ics, S_ Capitol Avenue_, Suite 300, In~onopolis, IN46225_ TfCHNIQUEIiSSN 074B-5999) (USPS 016B72) is published monthly except bi""'nthly in Sept/ Od ond Nov/Dec by USA Gymnastics, Pon Americon PI.lO, Suite 300, 201 South C.pitol Avenue, Indionopolis, IN 46225 (pirone: 317-237-5050) or visit online @ •••. usa -gyonas tics. org Periodi[ol p",toge paid at Indianapolis, IN 46204. Subscription prices: U_I_-S25 per year; Conodo/ Mexi[o-S48 per yeor; 011 other foreign countries- S60 per year. If ovoiloble, bock issue single copies S4 plus pOltoge!hondling_ All reosonoble core will be token, but no responsibility ron be assumed for unsolicited material; enclose return postoge_ Copyright 1998 by USA Gymnastics and TECHNIQUE All rights reserved_ Printed by Sport Graphics, Indianapolis, IN_

Unless expressly i.entilie. to the contrary, 01/ articles, state' ments an. views printe. herein are attribute. solely to the aulhor an. USA Gymnastics expresses no opinion an. assumes no responsibi/ity thereol.

12 Ways to Increase Revenue During the Holidays ...... .. .... ,............. ... .. .. .. .......... .. .... ___ 20 Be Positive, Patient a nd Disciplined ..................... ... _.. ___ .. .. __ ........ ___ ............................... 35

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER

• VOLUME

18 •

#10

PROGRAM

DEPARTMENTS President's Message __

_.. _.... .. ..... ____ 4

UPDATE __12

Nationa l Safety Instructors ........ ___

__ 12

Men's Official Update 2000-2004 .... _... 24

Spotlight

.. __14

1999 Pan American Games ...... ..... ..... 26 Selection Procedures

W hat's New. __

.. .. 32

KAT Workshop .. ___.. .. __.. __ .. _.. ....

USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.. ..

___ .. __34

Class ifieds .. ____ ._... .. ...... .. .. .. ........... .. _... 46

2000 Nomination Form ond Information Questionnaire

Event Schedu le ............................. ,...... 47

Rhythmic Program Update .. __

____ 37

Safety Certification Schedule ........ .. ...... 48

Men's Program Update __ _.. ___

.. 45

COVER PHOTOGRAPH OF D ONNA STRAUSS : USA G YMNASTICS PHOTOGRAPHY COVER PHOTOGRAPH OF Y orCHI TOMITA: USA G YMNASTICS PHOTOGRAPHY

D AVE BLACK

STEVE LANGE

www.usa -gy mn astics.org

BOB COLAROSSI

T IS WITH A TERRIBLY HEAVY HEART THAT I REPORT THE

PASSING OF BRIAN BABCOCK. BRIAN LOST A LONG AND HARD-FOUGHT

BATTLE

WITH

BLOOD

DISEASE

OCTOBER 18, 1998.

Brian was many things to many different people during his all-too-brief stay here. He was a father, a husband, a coach, a friend to many, and a national champion in the sport he loved-gymnastics. I found the following passage in a letter Brian wrote to USA Gymnastics when he decided to retire in 1988. "When looking back over my accomplishments, I am pleased. I reached many dreams and fought much adversity. This

has made me a stronger person. The most enjoyment has been with my friends. Because without them, the dreams and struggles would have been meaningless.

To all my friends at the USGF, thank you for my wonderful career.

'"...

o z rl4----..::.c...-.-::=::....::-=.----=-------i( r EC H H IOU E

• VO LUME 18 • # 10

)f-----'-=.-e=--=-------------

Brian will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family: wife Tammy, daughter Jessica, stepdaughter Kristin, parents David and Micki, and brother Jeff. The entire gymnastics community shares their loss. Donations may be made to "Friends for Brian," 7704 N.W. Belevedere Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64152-4402. Although it is such a sad time, I know Brian would have wanted the sport to carryon and continue to flourish. I am pleased to announce the hiring of Jan Exner as the new Rhythmic Program Director. Jan brings a wealth of experience with her to the national office in Indianapolis. Jan was the 1996 U.S. Olympic Coach for Rhythmic gymnastics where she

JAN

Ex N E R

coached Olympian Jessica Davis. In addition to being a former gymnast herself, Jan was the

NObOdy

owner of Gymmarin Pacific, where she coached both women's artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. Jan is certainly no stranger to hard work.

I'm excited about the opportunities and challenges in the rhythmic program. I hope to bring the program to a higher competitive level internationally and build up the numbers of competitive participants in the sport, said Exner.

We're looking forward to seeing Jan in action as she works to build-up and guide the USA Rhythmic Gymnastics program in the United States.

Robert V. Colarossi USA Gymnastics President

Knows The Routine Bener Than Markel. When it comes to insurance, we can help you stick every landing. That's because we have been insuring gymnastics schools for over 20 years, and we know your business. The issues that affect you ... and the special liabilities you face. And we can help you balance them all. Plus, our excellent customer service and superior claims handling will have you doing somersaults. Call us today. We'll jwnp through hoops for you.

MARKEL INSURANCE

MARKEL"COMPANY

(800) 830-7443

Donna ~trau~~ and Yoichi Tomita oaches from 42 Olympic and Pan American sports were honored in Houston at the USOC Coach of the Year Awards. Each sport selected a National and Developmental Coach of the Year and the USOC selected the overall winners from all the sports. (

The United States Olympic Committee named Ben Smith, the coach of the gold medal-winning women's Olympic ice hockey team, and Mike Stafford, who runs one of the most successful junior boxing clubs in the country, as its 1998 Coaches of the Year in Houston. In gymnastics, Donna Strauss of Parkettes National Training Center in Allentown, Pa ., was the National Elite Coach finalist. Yoichi Tomita of Gymnastics World of Tucson in Arizona was the finalist for the Developmental Coach of the Year.

Curriculum Poster Reward System • Pro ven Effective in Building Enrollment Retentio/1 • Provides a SAFE and Progressive Teaching System • Sets ACHIEVABLE Goals • Molivales Pare!7lS and Siudellis • Keeps Records (){when Skills are Passed • Va luablefor Measu ring Teacher Efficiency

HOW IT WORKS ...

Jeff Lulla is a member of the USAG Preschool Ad visory Board and co-author of the Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) course. He is also a USAG National Safety Instructor. an industry consultant , and is a seminar presenter for the USAIGC, and USA Gymnastics. He owns Iwo successful gyms in Southern California.

Upon enrollment evety student receives a Poster TO TAKE HOME. The whole fam il y can monitor the student's prog ress and share in the excitement as stars are awarded for sk ills learned . Includes training videos, curriculum cards, award celt ificates and more.

OUR RECENT LICENSEES INCLUDE... International Gold Gym. - Jan Giunipero Dynamic Kidz - Wende King Gold Medal GymnasticsDeborah Buening. Kimberly Sillith Lynchburg Gymnastics - Cathy Garland

Currelltly licellsed to Over 100 GYMS

For Details, FREE VIDEO, Information and Samples, call (800) 800-3162 Now find us on the Internet at http://www.usa-gymnastics.orgiads/funfiV

.--6-:o-------- - - -- -----j( TEe H N10 U E

• VOLUME 18 • # 10 ) } - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

HERE'S A SHORT PROFILE ON EACH OF THE COACHES.

NATIONAL ELITE COACH OF THE YEAR Donna Strauss, Parkelles National Training Center, Allentown, Pa.

Behind the experienced leadership of Donna Strauss, the USA women's gymnastics program took a major step forward in its rebuilding in 199B. With all but one of the members of the gold-medal 1996 Atlanta Olympic Team stepping away from competition, Strauss and her top athlete, Kristen Maloney, were primary reasons that the USA was able to enjoy international success in 1998. At the 1998 Visa American Cup, Maloney was the top USA finisher, taking the bronze medal in a world-class field. At the end of March, Strauss was the head coach of the USA squad which claimed the gold medal at the International Team Championships, defeating teams from China and Romania.

But then, success is no stranger to Strauss. She began her involvement in gymnastics coaching in 1968 with an afterschool intramural program, which has grown into one of the top gymnastics schools in the nation. As a co-founder of the Parkettes National Gymnastics Team, she has produced some of the top gymnastics athletes the USA has seen. All told, 66 of her athletes have earned membership on the U.S. Notional Team at least once, some have earned membership several times. Nine of those have competed on 0 World Championships Team, seven at the Pan American Gomes, and three have become Olympians. Perhaps more important y' 72 of her athletes have earned college scholarships, and six of her Special Olympians have competed in the International Special O~mpics.

impact there, taking a silver medal in pommel horse and placing seventh all-around at the 1998 Visa American Cup. A few weeks later, Yewki tied for first on pommel horse and was second on high bar as he helped the USA team defeat the reigning World Champion Chinese team and the Romanian squad at the International Team Championships.

Strauss is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.

Developing top junior men's gymnasts is nothing new to Yoichi Tomita. In fact, he was one himself, only in his native Japan. Having started in gymnastics at the age of 12, he quickly rose through the ranks to become the champion of the Japanese National Sports Festival. After graduating from Takasaki Technical High School in 1974, Yoichi came to the USA and enrolled at (01 Stote-Long Beach. He earned a total of four medals at the NCAA Championships for Long 8each, including the gold in parallel bars in 1975. After graduating in 1978, he moved to Tucson to begin coaching at Gymnastics Center of Tucson. In 1979, he joined the U.S. Gymnastics Federation Junior Notional Coaching Stoff.

JUNIOR LEVEL COACH OF THE YEAR Yoichi Tomita, Gymnastics World, Inc., Tucson, Ariz.

In July, Strauss once again was tabbed for head coach responsibilities for the Senior Pacific Alliance. Once again, using her ability to assign the USA athletes to the proper competition sequence combined with yet another amazing performance by Maloney, Strauss guided the USA to another team gold medal while Maloney claimed the all-around title.

One reason the USA men's gymnastics program can look to the future with optimism is Yoichi Tomna. As the coach of his son, Yewki, he has helped shape the tremenl!ous potential of men's gymnastics in the USA.

The final flourish came at the 1998 Goodwill Games, where Maloney defeated some of the top athletes in the world to take the gold medal in balance beam.

At the 1997 John Hancock U.S. Championships, Yewki took second in the junior division, preparing himself for the move up to the senior division. It wasn't long before he made an

At the Senior Pacific Alliance, Yewki made it three-for-three in medaling on pommel horse in senior events by tying for the bronze in that event while helping the USA to the team bronze medal. At the 1998 Goodwill Gomes less than two weeks later, Yewki ran that record to four-for-four by winning the bronze on pommel horse.

In 1983, he opened his own gym, Gymnastics World. During his career, he has had junior-level athletes earn top-five placements at the National Championships a total of 21 times. In 1983, two of his athletes, Dan Hayden and Jon Omori, shared the title of Junior Notional Champion .•

Gymnastics Network News! D

id you know that Member Clubs are featured in Gymnastics Network News, a quarterly newsleHer that goes to Member Clubs?

Inside GNN is a section called CLUB CLOSE-UP which features gymnastics clubs from around the country that have achieved business success. In the last few issues GNN has featured the following gymnastics clubs and owners:

CLUB

CITY/STATE

CLUB OWNERS

The Gymnastics Training Center of Rochester

Penfield, New York

Sarah Jane Clifford

Wings

Boise, Idaho

Frank and Shauna Sahlein

Imagymnation

Simi Valley, California

Steve Greeley

Buckeye Gymnastics

Columbus, Ohio

David Holcomb

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - { ( TECH N IOU E •

va l UM E 18

• # 10

) f - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - =7=-o11

donna T USS: UCCESS by Luan Peszek

Bill and Donna Strauss celebrated 30 years of coaching gymnastics this year. The Strauss duo, along with their great staff of trained experts, have had numerous champions and National Team Members in their career. risten Maloney is their most recent champion. Kristen began with Parkettes at age 6 and now is the 1998 National Champion. Twelveyear-old Kristal Uzelac also began with Parkettes at age 6 and is now the third ranked jlmior on the National Team. In total, the Parkette's have had 66 gymnasts on the National Team, some making the team several times!

with all of our personalities. We have an open door policy. We try to meet everyone's needs-yolmg kids, old kids and special kids. Another thing that has really helped us is listening to business leaders in our cOlrummity. They say timing is everything, and that's true. Our community has been very supportive. We try to get involved in community affairs and make ourselves visible.

How do the Patkettes achieve so m1lch competitive and business success? What is theit secret fotmula? We recently talked with Donna on a number of topics and here's what she had to say:

Q: Tell us a little about the pl'Ocess you use to identify a talented gtjlnnast. Also, what do you look fot and at what age? A: We pick children out of our kindergym program at age 5 based on their ability to follow directions, coordination, flexibility, strength, focus, and, of course, enjoying gymnastics. From there we put them into the Level 4 group. Last year we tried competing Level4's for the first time. We wanted to see how they progress, their fear factOl~ etc. We find the fear factor really comes into play. Kids tend to weed themselves out when they go from compulsories to optionals. We look for the spark and fire in their eyes and a strong personality. A youngster can have a lot of physical ability but

the candle at both ends. We also try to make sure all of our programs are taken care of. We make sure we have adequate coaches, facilities, equipment, etc. We feel we have very good working relationships with our coaches. We're all working towards the same goal-the kids. Our coaching staff balances itself out

.....s - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - j (

TEe H N IOU E â€˘ VOL UME 18 â€˘ # 10

)1-----------------

if she doesn't have the winning desire, then she won't succeed. She has to have the inner burning desire plus the physical skills to go with it.

A: It took years and years of practice. The most important thing is commLmication. The gymnast/parent/coach is a triangular relationship. The parent should be able to ask questions and set up a meeting. If they have a concern, I want to hear about it. Sometimes we can make a change, sometimes we can't. I think parents should show respect, trust and belief in the coach, and the coach should not feel threatened by the parents.

Q: How milch is talent verslls drive? A: A child must have the physical abilities and kinesthetic awareness, but she also has to want it. Kristal Uzelak's intensity comes from the desire to be the best she can be. Kristal sees someone do something and can make her body do it, too. Her focus for a youngster is amazing. A lot of the yow1ger kids lose their attention and focus.

A: I would definitely take power over flexibility. You can improve and build on flexibility. It's not fun, but it can be done. The child must work consistently to gain flexibility, even at home. It takes a great deal of dedication. It's more difficult to develop power. You can improve upon it, but you either have it or you don't. Quick tvvitch is something you're born with!

A: Try to have a daily, monthly, yearly and long-range plan. Work with the child. Work on basics like round off back handspring so that when you train double backs later down the road, you don't have to go back and teach the basics. If you have a talented gymnast, basics are so important! Handstand drills with tight bodies (lots of repetition), coordination drills, positions, strength, and a strong dance backgroLmd. We recommend that our talented kids do dance (ballet). Although many don't want to take the class, we point out its importance and they usually come around.

house in the gym or have a gym sleep over. At Christmas we have a team party with candlelight dinnel~ Christmas stories, prayer for those in need, gift donations for the needy, Christmas carols, and dancing with a DJ. This year we celebrated our 30th reunion. We rented a ski lodge and put scrapbooks together. We invited both former and current gymnasts and their families. People mingled, danced, ate, and it was great fun .

Also, when dealing with an injury, take the time to explain to the parents how the injury occurred and what procedures they should follow when making an appointment with a physician and for further testing. When possible, accompany the gymnast and parent to the physician's appointment. Coaches have had experience dealing with injuries and setting up therapy programs to enable the gymnast to have a faster and more thorough recovery. Most parents are very receptive to having the assistance of the coach. Then everyone involved has an understanding of the degree of the injury and the road to recovery. When there's an injury in our gym, we try to have a staff member accompany all of our gymnasts and parents (Level 5 and up) to the physician appointment. It does take a lot of time, but it's well worth the effort. (continued on page 10)

A: We've done a couple different things. Once or twice a year I take the female staff to New York for the day and we see a play, shop, and just have a great time. We take a bus trip and laugh the whole day. Last year we took our staff to Caesar's Poconos. We do bonuses at Christmas and at fiscal year. We also have a staff Christmas dinner. We try to give each coach the recognition he /she deserves.

A: By not over-competing. Make sure there's a down time. Also, on a weekly basis, make one practice a light one with fun things for the kids to do. Contests, rewards, challenges, games, especially with the younger kids. We do things like, who can stick beam dismoLmts? We have a kip cast handstand contest. We also do activities out of the gym like picnics, rafting, hiking, etc. We build a haunted - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I ( r EC H H I OUE â€˘

va LU ME 18

â€˘ # 1a )>----------------:;;9~1

A: The best thing about the sport is working with kids everyday and watching them grow. It's also great having them come back as an adult and seeing how strong of an individual they have developed into. Many of our former gymnasts are now helping in the sport in some way. As for what I would change, I wish I could take away the politics and make it less subjective.

I A: Well, keep in mind that when we startSECRETS TO SUCCESS

(col1til1ued frolll pnge 9)

A: Visit with some elite gyms, attend any of the training camps that they can. Get good technicians in their gyms (national team staff) . One thing about our staff... we don't think we know it all. We learn

everyday. I still take notes from Muriel Grossfeld and other National staff. We've had coaches come into our gym and learn how to spot. When Bill and I started years ago, we went to the Mannetes (the late Bill Coco and his wife Ginny) to learn. They were invaluable. It's a great way to see an existing program and observe what they do. Also, your philosophy when dealing with children should be to demand the ultimate, but in a positive manner.

ed the business in 1968, it was not the business it is today. We didn't have preschool or classes, we just had a few kids who wanted to compete. If we would have known the direction the sport was taking back then, we would have taken more business and marketing courses. We would have also designed our gym a little more differently to acconunodate all of our programs more efficiently. Thanks Donna for all of your time. Congratulations on yow' success and good luck in the future . •

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

I I I I I I I I I I I L

I I I I I For more information or a list of courses in your area on the Kinder Accreditation for Teachers program , the Professional Development Program I or II or the Safety Certification program, call USA Gymnastics Member I Services: 1-800-345-4719 or check the programs in which you are interested in receiving information and mail or fax to: I I I I I .J USA GYMNASTICS EDUCATION PROGRAMS o KAT-Kinder Accreditation for Teachers o PDP I-Professional Development Program I o PDP II-Professional Development Program II o Safety Certification Program

USA Gymnastics Member Services Pan American Plaza 201 S. Capitol Ave., Ste. 300 Indianapolis, IN 46225 Fax: 317-692-5212

Name ...

Address ....

City ...

Note: See page 48 for the Safety Registration form and list of courses.

.. ........... ... .... . . . . . . . . . State ................................ Zip ... .

Phone (

Fax (

) ...

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

--1-'-0- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - «

TEe H N IOU E • VOLUME 18 • # I 0 ) f - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~~ AMERICAN® Offering a Complete Line of F.I.G. Approved Gymnastic Equipment and Mats. GYMNASTIC SUPPLIER TO:

.... .... .... .... .... ....

1996 Olympic Games 1996 World Championships 1994-96 USA Gymnastics 1991 World Championships 1987 Pan American Games 1984 Olympic Games For information contact:

An American Sports Products Group Inc. Company

200 American Avenue • Jefferson, Iowa 50129 Phone: 515-386-3125· Fax: 515-386-4566

USA Gymnastics 1998·99 KAT WORKSHOP SCHEDULE Pre-registration required_Must be postmarked 14 days prior to course or foxed 10 days prior to course_ Registrations received less thanfive business days prior to the course or on-site will be charged an additional 525_

MONTH November November November December January March

DATE 15 15 22 27 23 13

LOCATION Son Luis Obispo, CA Herndon, VA Louisville, KY Los Vegas, NV Georgetown, TX Redwood City, CA

EVENT/CLUB Central Coast Gym Trn. (fr. Gymini Gymnastics Kentucky Gymnastic Academy Fern Adair Conservatory of Arts Acrotex Gymnastics Paragon SportsTech Services

A KAT Workshop consists of eight enlightening hours of preschool teacher education. The workshop covers philosophy, understanding the preschool age child, how to be an effective teacher, safety considerations, class management, lesson plan development and much more! The cost of a KAT Worshop is $140 for professional/instructor members or $160 for non-members (includes workbook). If you have any questions about the KAT Program or are interested in offending or hosting a KAT Workshop, contact Pot Warren at 317-237-5050, ext. 337.

Congratulations! TO OUR 1998·1999 NATIONAL KAT INSTRUCTORS Sandi Stevens ........... .......... . Florence, AL Jo Anne Byers .... .. ... ... ..... ..... Rancho Murieta, CA Jeffrey Caceres .. .................. Belmont, CA Nicki Geigert .. ...... .. ............ La Costa, CA Michael A. Taylor ........... ..... Menlo Pork, CA Jeff Lulla ....... ..... ... .... .. ... .... _. Burbank, CA Joleen King ............. ... ...... .... Norwalk, a Brian Le Raux .... .... .... .. ........ North Haven, a Jeff La Fleur ......... ... .... ........ Tampa, FL Cindy Furman ....... ... ...... ...... Duluth, GA Douglas James ................ .... Columbus, GA Gail Fusaro .. ......... .. ..... .... .... Iowa City, IA Candy Winters ...... ....... ..... .. Urbandale, IA Tammy Park .... .. ... ... ...... ...... Boise, ID Kelly Noonan .................... .. Lake Zurich, IL Pa t Warren ...... .. .. .. ......... .... . Greenfield, IN Kevi n O'Brien .................... .. Plainfield, IN Patti Komara .. ............ .... .. .... Dyer, IN Douglas Burton .................... Louisville, KY Marianne Boyer .. .. .. .. .. ........ New Orleans, LA John Range .. .. .. .................... Long Lake, MN Diane Wendt ............ .......... .. White Bear Lake, MN Becky Price ...... .................... Billings, MT Dawn Matthews ........ .. .. ...... Yadkinville, NC Connie Kleven ...... .. ............ _. Medina, ND Jane De Angelis .................. Palymra, NJ Julie Louis ................ ............ Cincinnati, OH Lisa Curry .. .......................... Norman, OK Jeannie Mc Carthy .......... .... Oakville, ON Beth Gardner .... .. ................ Round Rock, TX Lynn Meyer ............ .............. Mansfield , TX Katy Heddens .... ...... ............ Park City, UT Richa rd Samuels .................. Vancouver, WA Sharon Scherr ........ .... .......... Glendale, WI

USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTORS

listing of scheduled Safety Courses is posted on the back of Safety Update and the back of each Technique magazine. New courses are added at the National Office daily. If you do not see a course listed in your area, you may either contact member services at 1-800-345-4719, or Tina at 317-2375050, ext. 338.

If you wish to schedule a course at your gym, contact an instructor in your area and make arrangements. The course must be scheduled at least 30 days prior to the date of the course. The instructor must submit a course request for m to the National Office before registrations will be accepted. In order for the instructor to conduct the course, he/she must have a minimum of six participants over the age of 18. In addition, if the instructor must travel, the course must have a minimum of 16 participants over the age of 18 before the instructor's travel expenses will be reimbursed. The gym scheduling the course will be responsible for the instructor's honorarium or expenses ONLY if the minimum number of participants fail to attend. STATE

CITY

NAME

PHONE

Anchorage

Amanda Jones

(907) 563-3330

Juneau

Beth Landva tter

(907) 463-3025

Huntsv ille

James Linderhotm

(205) 881-3011

Conway

Scott Wright

(501) 327-7742

Phoenix

Dav id Wehr

(602) 596-3543

Canyon Country

Mike Bird song

(805) 299-4150

La Mesa

Ed wa rd Franz

(619) 594-5553

Monterey

Hiroshi Fujimoto

(408) 373-1694

La Costa

Nicki Geigert

(760) 943-6986

Burbank

Jeffrey Lulla

(818) 567-0176

Fairfax

Dav id Moskovitz

(415) 721-0904

Millbrae

Steven Scott

(650) 866-4932

Santee

Quin Shannon

(619) 562-7667

Menlo Park

Michael Taylor

(650) 858-3480

San Diego

Glen Va ughn

(619) 286-9437

Fort Collins

Ron Baretta

(970) 482-3302

Aurora

Betsy Sprague

(303) 814-2664

Hamden

Robert Beach

(203) 230-3388

Bristol

Eli zabeth Cornish

(860) 585-9524

North Haven

Jerry Nelson

(203) 239-7499

Chiefl and

Nelena Beck

(352) 378-8711

Clearwa ter

Ka rl Bishop

(813) 447-2108

Bay Harbor Isla

Marci Levine

(305) 861-8753

Jac kson v ille

D_J_Milem

(904) 641-7768

Panama City

Suza iUle Stanton

(850) 769-6464

Atlanta

Christine Ca lvert

(404) 876-6861

Augusta

Michael Goodale

(706) 738-6678

Pearl City

Corazon Fonseca

(808) 486-6487

Boise

Bernie Ray

(208) 385-9079 (COil tin lied

.--1-=-'---=2--- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 (

TE CH N I QUE '

VOLUM E 18 • # 10 ) \ - - - - - - --

on pnge 31)

---------

There's a whole new generation of athletes out there. They're confident. Bold. And they're more sophisticated than you might imagine. Your best athletes know that to be successful, you should look successful (sounds a lot like business, doesn't it?). Give them the uniforms that theywould choose. Alpha Factor uniforms. They might not remember who supplied the official 1996 USA National Team uniforms worn in Atlanta. But they know what they like. And they like what they see in our new catalogs and on top teams around the country.

.x'" ~

[ Alpha I'octor: -'

~~ Aerials.

You'll like what you see on your bottom line. A well-dressed competitive team is only part of a successful venture. You'll also want to earn additional profits with our popular Alpha Factor Aerials pro shop program. This collection of

knockout practice wear comb ined with a dynamic, proven merchandising system ensures that you'll consistently sell more garments - without a prohibitive minimum order like consignment schemes. Look for our Fall, Winter and special Christmas catalogs to give your gymnasts the variety of products they demand. Call or write to us on school letterhead . We'll make sure you receive all the materials you need to increase your sales and profits. You'll be happy you did.

333 East Seventh Avenue • PO Box 709· York, PA 17405-0709 (7171 852-6920 • 1-800-8ALPHA8 • Toll-Free Fax 1-800-839-1039

Alpha Factor

<><ly$$~y

t<>

AFRiGA by Christy Petroff The Gym Corps to Africa program, sponsored by USA Gymnastics, is designed to assist in the development of gymnastics on the African Continent. The USA coaches who traveled to Africa worked with young gymnasts of lower and middle levels in the hopes of not only developing gymnastics skills, but nurturing their love of the sport.

Imagine a gym that's so small you can't do beam and floor at the same time, or one where your feet scrape the ceiling when you swing giants. Combine that with heat, humidity, strange food and waking up face- to-face with an elephant. For Alison Thoms, Tom Vorkoper, Dona Jones, Seth Hertz, Sumner Darling and Jenai DeCano, the 1997 Gym Corps to Africa provided incredible challenges, obstacles, and above all, an opportunity to allow African gymnasts to learn and love gymnastics.

Thoms and Darling arrived in Morocco to a royal welcome from the federa tion that soon gave way to prayers as the paved highway quickly changed to narrow strips of pavement. The luxury sedan they traveled in was now sharing space with double decker buses, rickshaws, people, lambs, overstuffed taxis and chickens.

Following two weeks of training in Youssoufia, Thoms and Darling arrived at the gym, an abandoned church they would now call home. Part of Thoms' challenge was choreographing floor routines for the girls' junior national team, which also meant searching the local markets and music stands for music that would meet the time restrictions, a quest like many others she experienced in Morocco that Thoms found "not an easy task. " Vorkoper encOlmtered challenges slightly different from Thoms' as he arrived in Namibia. Once learning how to drive on the left side of the road, Vorkoper quickly discovered that, "No matter how bad the conditions might be, enthusiasm and hard work always persevered." The gym was barely able to accommodate a spring floor long enough to finish a tumbling pass, rings hung from the rafters and the floor exercise was only foam and a carpet. Despite lack of funding from this African federation, poor equipment and lack of

If you or someone you know should be included in our new spotlight section, please send a photo and information to: USA Gymnastics, Technique, Pan American Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46225. ' Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your photo returned.

technical knowledge on the part of the Namibian coaches, Vorkoper was amazed at the gymnasts' enthusiasm. "Every day, the gymnasts and coaches showed up with a readiness to work unparalleled by many. " Like Vorkoper, Jones found her experience in Namibia extremely rewarding. What was initially a three-month coaching opportunity led to an ll-month stay that included choreographing, conducting coaches and judges courses which qualified 13 new coaches and 10 novice judges, as well as heading the committee which hosted the 1998 All-African Gymnastics Championships. The venue held about 300 spectators and the equipment was "a bit outdated" but, according to Jones, "WE DID IT!"

Jones has fond memories of her students, who were thrilled to get a gymnastics lesson from "Miss Dona." Her favorite club was located in the outskirts of Etosha National Park called the Outjo Gym Club. The club had 22 gymnasts enrolled and as Jones made her way to practice the children would follow; some of whom would ride in the trunk of the car' Waking up face-to-face with an elephant and riding in speeding cars without seat belts (it's not custom in Na mibia, she found out) was not enough to keep Jones from cherishing her time there. She plans to go back to Namibia in February 1999. The country of Senegal welcomed Hertz

and DeCano with 87 degree heat and plenty of humidity. Both were sent to the city of Dakar and Hertz returned home with memories of an adventure that left him "ready to go back in a heart beat." Hertz believes his trip had many successes. The girls' team found great role models, the boys were given the next level of gymnastics, the coaches were able to create a blueprint for training and the Senegalese Federation was able to attract some political recognition from its sports ministry through Hertz's and DeCano's efforts. While coaching and developing gymnastics programs may have been their main mission, Thoms, Darling, Vorkoper, Jones, Hertz and DeCano found the time they spent outside of the gym to be just as rewarding and memorable. Thoms recalled playing the guitar and being amused by the gymnasts' love of Michael Jackson. Darling enjoyed the exotic cuisine and conversing with all of the townspeople, while Vorkoper was very appreciative of the host families that gave him the chance to see everything from the largest meteorite in the world to anthills twelve feet tall.

Despite the sometimes challenging conditions, these participants in the '97 Gym Corps found their hosts incredibly gracious and receptive, the culture rich in art, music and cuisine, and the gymnasts some of the most enthusiastic and hardworking in the world. Perhaps Vorkoper summed the experience up best recalling, "I am reminded of camping in the northern part of Namibia, watching brilliant stars replace an African SW1set and thinking only of these young Namibian gymnasts reaching for those stars." •

NOTE: PHASE II OF THE GYM CORPS TO AFRICA HAS USA COACHES IN· VOLVED

THE

DEVELOPMENT

GYMNASTICS IN BOTH TUNISIA AND ZIMBABWE THROUGHOUT THE SUM· MER AND FALL OF 1998.

Rhythmic Gymnastics for

3r5

Year Olds

Incorporating Rhythmic Gymnastics in Your Preschool Classes

by Joni Spata

Introduction

The purpose of this article is to introduce various methods and progressions for teaching skills using small hand apparatus. This article will focus on ribbon skills and offer ideas for alternative apparatus that relate to ribbon and can be used as a progression for the preschool age child. Small hand apparatus aids in the development of fine motor coordination. The use of large equipment and large movements develop gross motor skills. Both fine motor skills and gross motor skills are important in the early development stages of coordination for young children. Rhythmic gymnastics has a strong focus on fine motor skills, specifically hand-eye coordination and foot-eye coordination. By developing hand-eye coordination through the use of small hand appara tus, it has been found that children benefit in areas relating to reading, writing, cutting and pasting. Activities using balloons, feathers, bean bags, balls, punch balls, ropes, hoops, scarves and ribbons can greatly enhance a program by offering creative ways to develop fine motor skills, develop confidence and create a fun environment for learning, Included are step-by-step ideas for incorporating rhythmic gymnastics into any program for preschoolage children.

Hold the ribbon stick without the ribbon attached and point the end down into a small row1d bucket. Circle the stick making sure the stick touches the edge of the bucket. Have children "trace" a circle on the floor (use a koosh ring, paper plate, or draw a circle with chalk to practice the pattern of a small circle using a straight arm and circling from the wrist. Tie a scart balloon or plllch ball to the end of a ribbon and have children h'ack the scarf or balloon, learning to keep their eye on the end of the ribbon. This will help them to keep the end moving and off the floor.

"0 ~~1 /);;1 0@ ~ 0.)1

Identify the tasks involved in performing the skills and break down into component parts.

Whole-Port-Whole Method Step 1 - Identify the Equipment Skills The skills specific to ribbon include: • circles • snakes • spirals • swings

Step 2 - Teach the Concepts

/'Ff!\

(AI'

I) \)

iJ \)

<I}

~)~\/

L~9\ "-' "-'

~ .

r;?

j'-----"'-

r::---::-----r'-'l.-- -- - - -- - - - - - - i ( TECH N I QUE •

iJ~

va LU ME

When teaching ribbon skills, the following concepts are essential for the learning process of a 3-5 year old. Include in your lesson activities that include the words and motions stated below. Learning the "body" skills or related body technique is a prerequisite to learning skills with equipment. Each concept is related to a particular technique or pattern using ribbons. Concepts should be incorporated frequently into the lesson so an understanding is developed and can be quickly used when children are instructed to "rotate your hand using your wrist" or "swing your arm back and forth, using your shoulder while keeping your elbow straight." These concepts can be incorporated within the warm-up, with a song, and with various related equipment or "alternative" equipment. 1B • # 1a)f-- - -- - - - - - -- - - - - -

Opposites Straight and Bent Up and Down Back and Forth Forward and Backward Identify Body Parts Hand Forearm Arm Fingers Identify Body Joints Wrist Elbow Shoulder Understand Body Functions Rota ting / Circling Swinging

Step 3 - Break Down the Skills into Simple Tasks Break down skills into simple, small tasks by incorporating relative equipment. Any equipment that shares the same properties but may be shorter, lighter, or easier to handle can be used. It is important that each child finds success at some level of the skill and its progression before moving on. Keep children interested by teaching them something they can do and adjust the pace of the progression accordingly. Alternative equipment that relates to ribbon includes scarves, punch balls, wands, scarves attached to wands and ribbon balls. EXAMPLE-Progression of the spiral skill u sing alternative equipment. DEFINITION: A spiral with the ribbon is a series of small circles administered from the wrist. OBJECTIVES: • To develop strength and dexterity in the wrist • To develop a clear understanding of rotation of the w rist. • To develop proper technique for performing spirals. • To keep the interest of students by offering a variety of fun activities while repeating the same basic skill. Punch Balls DESCRIPTION Hold the rubber band connected to the p unch ball and circle the ball using the wrist. Concentrate on having a straight arm and using only the w rist. Circle in both directions, using both hands. Keep the ball moving tmderneath the arm. Try cOIU1ecting the punch ball to the ribbon stick and repeat the same movement.

Scarves DESCRIPTION Hold the scarf and circle using the wrist. Concentrate on having a straight arm and using only the wrist. Circle in both directions, using both hands. Try one scarf in each hand and rotate the wrist making a series of small circles. Try tying two scarves together and circle.

/ I

Wands DESCRIPTION Hold the wand in one hand with the scarf connected to the end of the wand. Hold the wand with a straight arm while pointing the wand down towards the floor. Rotate the wrist making small circles (spirals) with the scarf. Practice in both directions, using both arms. Try to keep the scarf off the floor. (Find wands at toy stores, dollar stores or use a baton).

Method of Teaching Break down the parts of each skill and begin by teaching small parts focusing on good technique before putting all the parts together to make the skill. This is especially important in working with preschoolers in an effort to create an understanding of the basic technique of each apparatus and developing good habits with the equipment before incorporating skills with equipment and body movements.

Step 4 - Introduce the Whole Skill After children have developed confidence and an understanding of the parts of a skill, introduce the whole skill using the "traditional" equipment. EXAMPLE-The spiral skill using a ribbon The suggested length of the ribbon is 2 meters for 3 year olds and 3 meters for 4-5 year olds. The appropriate length will depend on the size and coordination level of ~ the child. \ I

Have children perform spirals Whil~ ' standing on a level higher than the floor, allowing more space _ from the stick to the (/"" floor. This will prevent the ribbon from tangling and build sh·ength .. and dexterity in the wrist. Create visual ~ aids for developing better spirals.

Develop wrist strength, speed and dexterity by attach- " ing two ribbons to one stick. Children think this is really fun, especially if the ribbons are different colors. Have them perform spirals. Start them back up on the (continued 011 pnge 18)

---------------~( TECH N' 0 UE • VO lU ME 18 • # 10 )r---------------'---:--'.:-~=__

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS FOR 3·5 YEAR OLDS (continued/rolll page 17)

box if necessary and slowly graduate to the floor and then back to only one ribbon and watch their spirals improve.

Step S - Develop Technique Once the skills have been introduced, continue to repeat often enough for good habits to develop . Some ideas for creating good technique include: "Spotting" the skill while a child is performing. Stand behind the child and put your hand on top of hers as she performs the skill. Teclmique will improve once the child can feel the correct position of the arm and ribbon stick and visualize the proper pattern of the ribbon. Practicing with a mirror is often helpful. The child is able to see the position of her arm and stick and make the necessary corrections on her own. Asking children questions which force them to think about proper technique can aid in reinforcing what you are teaching in their own minds. Help them to understand what is necessary for the skill to look good and "work." Questions such as "should your arm be bent or straight?" "Do you want the

FREE CATALOG

800·227·1557 OR VISIT A FRANCHISE NEAR YOU

stick to point up or down?" "Should we circle from our shoulder, elbow or wrist?" "Do we want to move the ribbon fast or slow?" These questions will cause students to think and w1derstand exactly how to perform the skill correctly. Introducing skills using small hand apparatus can greatly add to your program, making it unique, fun, challenging and educational. Be creative by using a variety of equipment. Be descriptive with verbal cues and stories creating an atmosphere where children can visualize and imagine. Don't be afraid to experiment with new ideas or let the children experiment and learn with them. More information on Rhythmic Gymnastics For 3-5 Year aids is available through Building Blocks. Building Blocks is an informative series by Tracey Callahan Molnar and Joni Spata and includes progressions, lesson plans and ideas for teaching young children rhythmic gymnastics. Tracey and Jom are physical education graduates from George Williams College and presently direct and teach successful rhythmic gymnastics programs in the Chicago area. To order your Building Blocks Guidebook, see page 40 .•

by Rik Feeney The size of a young child's head is really the biggest problem in teaching any kind of roll. Achild's head still makes up a large portion of his/her body size and is a difficult obstacle to clear, especially if the child's arms are not strong enough to support his/her body weight. For many, incline mats are used as a popular way of teaching various rolls. The technique is simple: a child sits on the edge of the mat and begins to roll backwards, allowing the momentum developed by gravity to build and roll the child up and over his/her head to complete the roll. Here's another method to try when teaching the backward roll.

To teach the backward roll:

FRONT VIEW

Alaina Gobush 1. On the floor exercise area, place two small panel mats

parallel to each other. Push one end of the two panelite mats together so they form a "V" that gradually opens wider.

of Stanly County Gymnasti(s

2. Remind the class of the rocking motion you have already worked on. Instruct them to place one hand on each mat as they rock backward and allow the head to drop into the hole created by the "v." Emphasize that they will rock backwards into this roll keeping the legs relatively tucked.

demonstrates a BACKWARD ROLL.

3. Once in this position, the child should continue to pull through the stomach (abdominals and hip flexors) and cause the knees to continue over the head until the feet touch the grolmd between the mats. (On the first few attempts, most gymnasts land on their knees.) Teaching the roll in this manner permits the child to feel the motion of a backward roll without the head getting in the way. To advance the technique and teach the child how to push out of the arms appropriately, have each child finish the roll straddled (one leg on each mat). To finish in a standing position, the child will have to push out of the arms correctly. While this push is after the fact, it will eventually, through coaching guidance, occur earlier during the roll. Once the backward roll has been mastered in this maJmel~ the technique can progress to the incline mat with both panelites in a "V," then just the cheese mat, and finall y to the floor without any additional help. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - i ( TECH N IOU E â€˘ VO LUME 18 â€˘ # 10

(ca ll till lien all pnge 23)

) } - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -'-9=--1

Here are some ways in which clubs might gain additional income during the holidays, when enrollment is typically lower than normal.

o./'

Ways to Increase Revenue

during the

./' Holidays by Loree Galimore USA Gymnastics Club Services Manager

Buying Wholesale Items and Selling Them in Sport Shops. There are many companies that offer gymnastics-related products that are great for holiday gifts. Make shopping easier for the parents. Instead of having them buy from someone else, have them buy from you. All gymnasts love gymnastics merchandise!

Selling Gymnastics Equipment. Many equipment manufacturers offer clubs special price discounts on items such as low balance beams, panel mats and single bars. If parents are going to purchase these items as holiday gifts, the clubs can make it easy for the parents and earn a profit, too.

Holiday Fundraisers. Have your gymnasts sell wreaths, swags and garlands this holiday season and bring additional profit to your club or booster organiza tion.

Offer Classes on a Pro-Rated Basis. If your enrollment usually drops over the holidays, consider charging for only the classes that your students can attend. Instead of losing the student's revenue for the entire month you may be able to keep the student in the program and earn a little revenue in the process.

12=-O-=-------.... - - - -- ----I( r EC H H10 UE

Holiday Camps and Clinics. During the holiday break when students are home from school, try offering a holiday camp or clinic. This will give the students some extra time in the gym, offer opportunities for coaches to earn additional income and bring more revenue to the gym.

Parents Shopping Day Out. Hold an open gym or clinic for 3-5 hours on a weekend or evening so the parents can have time to shop for the holidays.

Holiday Extravaganza. Have students enrolled in the session prepare a general gymnastics routine for the holiday extravaganza. Charge a nominal fee for participation. You may even want to print a special Tshirt to be worn. Remembel~ only those students that are paid and attending for the entire month or session can participate. Invite the parents and local commLUuty and put on a Holiday Extravaganza. Tlus is a good incentive to keep students in your program. You can even provide a medal, ribbon or trophy as a prize after the show.

Perfect Attendance Award. For those students who participate in the entire session or month up to the holidays, provide special recognition such as placing their name in the newsletter, giving them a trophy or medal, or putting their name on the wall, etc .

â€˘ VOLUME 18 â€˘ # 10 )}-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bring a Friend Week. Have each student bring a friend, one who is not currently enrolled in the program, for a free gymnastics trial class. This is an excellent way to get new students interested in your program and build enrollment.

New Year's Bash. Here's a perfect way for the parents to have a New Year 's out on the town and the students to have a safe environment. Buy party hats and favors, build obstacle courses, mat mazes, order pizza and have a FUN time. (You'll pl'Obably be the

cheapest but most popular baby sitter in town) . •

Have a Happy and Profitable Holiday!

For more gtjmnastics business-related articles, become a Member Club and receive GNN (Gymnastics Network News). This newsletter comes out quarterly and features topics such as employee manuals and contracts, lesson plans, multi-purpose fac ilities, client and student retention, employee incentives and more. Contact Loree Galimore at 317-237-5050, ext. 340 for more information.

HI do somersaults over this program

so will YOU!"

GymSOFT 3.0 T

~ ~

WindoWs

• Track attendance in minutes

& Macintosh

• Secure-lt™ protects your data ~.-

• Enrollment at a glance

• Past due alerts & late fees

• Easy & flexible billing

• Print letters & ID cards

• Mailing lists & labels

• Includes ba r coding

• Auto phone dialing

• Print out class lists by day

• Register students

• Wait lists , free t rial s

• Assign family &

• Inventory

Multi-Class rates

& MUCH MORE!

This software could double your enrollment

Save Time & Money -

Start Today!

Only $89 in 5 easy installments or one payment of $359 As(, abollt ollr Multi-User versioll

To order:

800-622-0025

~:h)'sical! SOfTWARE. llC

15 East Putn am Aven ue, Suite 376 Greenwic h, CT 0683 0 1-203-622-0 108 • Fax 1-203-622-0033 www.g etph ys ica lso ft ware.co m

Ever ones AWinner With Ks Consignment Program Our consignment program has already helped hundreds of pro shops across the country become successful and profitable. Why not choose the GK consignment program for your pro shop and start earning extra profits with ...

I NO INVESTMENT & NO RISK! I

In addition to receiving consign ment merchandise at wholesale prices, you'll be able to purchase all GK products including team appa rel at our low wholesale prices too. For more info rmation on how you can get started on our consign men t program, just call our custome r serv ice department at 1.800.345.4087. Our consignment program offers packages for:

PRO SHOPS, MEETS & SUMMER CAMPS

With each consignment package, you will recei ve a new assortment of prints and solids from our variety collection, shown on pages 27 thru 29 of the GK catalog. Your packages are specifically tailored to your gym's needs, including quantities, sizes and st yles. Since you only pay for what you ha ve sold and may retu rn the rest of the package, there is ...

I NO INVESTMENT &

NO RISK!

I Th e Choice of Champions GK-E li te SportSwear, L.P. PO. Box 16400 - Readi ng, PA 19612-6400 Phone: 1.800.345.4087 - Fax: 1.610.92 1.0208 E-Mail: custome rse rvice@gkelite.com Web Si te: www.gk-elitesportswear.com OFF I C I AL

SUPPLIER

USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Program

TEACHING THE BACKWARD ROLL

(continued from page 19)

BACK VIEW

Alaina Gobush of Stanly County Gymnastics demonstrates a BACKWARD ROLL.

Rik Feeney is a gynmastics coach, writer and publisher of several books and reports on the sport of gynmastics. For information on other books and reports by Rik Feeney, write to: To receive a FREE catalog ...

RICHARDSON PUBLISHING 1007 E. Main Street Albemarle, NC 28001

ph one 1-800-345-4087 fax

1-610 -921-0208

customerservice@gkelite.com or req uest a catalog through our web site www.gk-elitesportswear.com

e- mail

or send email to: coachrik@aol.com OFFICIAL

or visit: http: // members.aol.com / COACHRIK / index.html

SUPPLIER

USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Program Elite Sportswear, 1.P. . P.O. Box 16400 路 Reading, PA 19612路6400

attention ••

USA MEN'S GYMNASTICS COMMUNITY

OFFICIAL UPDATE ON THE

2000-2004 AGE GROUP PROGRAM by Jeff Robinson Chllirmlln - Age GrollP Competitio11 Committee

he 2000-2004 Age Group Competition C omm i ttee met for the first time on August 23, at the 1998 USA Gymnas tics Congress . Tn an effort to keep the men's gYlm1astics cOImmmity informed as to the progress of the committee, we will continue in the tradition set by the last committee of publishing an "Official Update" after each meeting. The results of the initial survey published in the March issue of Technique magazine provided the committee with a wonderful starting point. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank all who responded to the initial survey and remind you that we have only just begw1 our work. We will require on-going feedback from the professional gymnastics commlmity in order to provide you with the best program possible. We hope that the p ublication of each "Official Update" will not only keep you informed, but will stimulate your response to the items currently being considered and discussed.

; ~

o~ ~

'" ~

The committee voted to adop t the previous committee's mission statement "as written" in the current Age Group Program manual and to once again use it as a "guiding light" throughout our work. The decisions made by this committee will also take into consideration their ramifications on all members of the gymnastics community: athletes, coaches, judges, parents, gym owners and competition directors. We hope that a careful examination of these areas will be included in yo ur feedback to the committee as well.

It is the general feeling of the committee that the work done by the previous committee is outstanding and needs ve ry little work. Perhaps a little "tweaking" of the routines and competition structure are necessa ry, but no major changes are required.

The focus of the committee between now and February of 1999 will be on the compulsory levels of competition. The bulk of work at the optional levels will begin when we have more information on the FIG Code of Poi11ts for the next quadrellliium. In keeping with the idea of simplicity, we want to mirror the FIG Code as much as possible. The following is a list of topics currently under review by the committee:

The Difficult Transition from Class Six to Five It was decided that the ga p between the difficulty of the Class 6 and 5 routines should be closed somewhat, with Class 5 being moved closer in difficulty to Class 6. We are currently seeking input as to how to best accomplish this.

Specific Bonus in Compulsory Routines An effort will be made to strike a balance between the work of the previous two committees with respect to specific bonus in the compulsory routines. This wi ll be accomplished by application of limited specific bonus to designated developmentally important skills in each compulsory routine. This idea includes the retention of virtuosity bonus and a potential revival of "Stick" bonus.

Developmental Vaulting There is a grea t deal of discussion concerning the proper developmental path for va ulting in the competition program. The committee is seeking opinions and suggestions from th e comImmity concerning va ult for all classes, both compulsory and optional.

Club Team Competition Format The cOlmnittee is exploring and feels strongly about including a club team concept at State, Regional and Na tional competition. Some of the reasons for the committee's initial position on this are:

1"--2~4----------------j( TECH H IOU E •

va LUME

18 • # I a )f-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

•

Team competition would expand the possibilities for participation and increase the inclusiveness of the jW1ior program.

•

It would increase the possibility of retaining some of our older junior athletes in the program and wou ld invo lve them in meaningful competition through the national level.

•

It acknowledges and addresses the changes in the cu rrent FIG international rules where all-around competition is no longer required. This concept would allow us to continue the development of potential World and Olympic Team members.

•

It would create add itional excitement for ath letes, coaches and specta tors.

Everyone is fam iliar with th e amount of excitement and intensity at the NCAA Championships. Most clubs experience this same type of intensity in their Invitationals and State Championships. This would ex tend th at intensity to Regionals and on to the Junior Na tional Championships. Every member of your team (whether being a top all-arounder or a specialist on one or more events) would have the opportw1ity to ea rn a spot on your team and qualify to State, Regionals and ationals as a member of your team. This would not preclude qualification by score, as is now the case. It wou ld simply expand the program to provide an opportunity for this very important group of athl etes (the specialists) to contribute in a meaningful way to the team score at these events. It w ill also provide them with a wonderful incentive to continue with their training. You don't have to look far (Lamor te, Solm and O'Neill) to realize that many of these guys can earn slots on our international squads as well.

The Age Group Competition Committee website can be fow1d in the Men's Program Area. All "Official Updates" as well as other pertinent committee information will be ava ilable for your perusal at this site. There will also be opportW1ity for you to give us your feedback to the updates online.

Hot Topic:s for the February Meeting Our next meeting will begin with a review of the skills included in the Class 7, 6 and 5 compulsory routines . Please be thinking (and writing) about those skills which you feel should be included or omitted from these routines. We alread y have some feedback, but would like more. I would also like the commw1ity to consider the "special requirements" at each level and our current list of developmental D's.

We need your feedback! Please take the time to put your ideas to the committee in writing. Verbal commw1ication tends to be lost in the shuffle and we don't want to miss any good ideas that way.

Please send your responses to: Jeff Robinson C/ O Brown's Gynmastics Metro 4636 L.B. McLeod Road Orlando, FL 32811 E-Mail: jeffrobinson@brownsmetro.com

The conunittee has an official website, which should be online by the time this update reaches you. Please check the USA Gynu1astics website at: www • usa - gym n a s tic s . 0 r 9

Thanks to all who have conh'ibuted so far and as well to those I expect to hear from soon! •

On to the February Meeting!

QUIW'f'Y CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS

WITH FREE

30" RIBBON!

Committee C h a iI~ the Athlete Representative, and International Teclmical Consultant) in accordance with the 98-99 Rilles arid

1999

PAN AMERICAN GAMES SELECTION PROCEDURES

WOMEN'S SELECTION PROCEDURES July 24 - August 8

Policies.

VI. REMOVAL OF A TEAM MEMBER An athlete or coach may be removed from the Pan American Team if she / he:

Violates the USA Gymnastics Code of Ethics or Women's Tea m Responsibility Ma nual.

Fails to attend the Pan America n Team Training Camp for the full d uration of the ca mp, if a ca mp is provided .

Is unable to perform at peak at the Pan American Games d ue to an injury or illness. Verifica tion of inj ury or illness will be by two neutral doctors selected by USA Gyrrmastics and approved by the USOc.

Removal may only occur by ac tion of the President of USA Gyrrmastics after consultation with the Selection Comm ittee and an interview with the athlete or coach. Any decision to remove an a thlete or a coach is subj ec t to review th ro ugh USA Gymnastics Grieva nce Procedures.

The alternate will replace any athlete that is removed from the team.

Winnipeg, Canada

I. DESCRIPTION OF THE TEAM The Tea m will consist of six (6) athletes, five (5) competing on each event, and two (2) officially designated coaches (one of which must be female).

II. QUALIFICATION Qualification to the 1999 American Classic/ Pa n American Team Trials to be held in February 13 & 14, 1999, in Pomona, CA, is through Elite Regional meets or directly qualifi ed athletes from the 1998 U.s. Championships.

III. SELECTION OF ATHLETES Selection of the tea m will take place at the 1999 American Classic/ Pa n American Team Trials according to the following criteria:

A combined ranking of age eligible Junior and Senior athletes will determine the final COMBINED RANK ORDER.

All-Around scores will count as 100% in determining an individual's ranking.

Junior age competitors will compete with Juniors and Senior age competitors will compete with Seniors.

Athletes will be invited onto the Pan American Tea m from the COMBINED RANK ORDER.

Replacements will be m ade in rank order from the COMBINED RANK ORDER.

Ties 1. 2. 3.

will be broken as follows: Adding the three highest Event Scores If still tied : adding the two highest Event Scores If still tied: highest Event Score

The alternate, the next ranked athlete, will not travel and will not participate in the Pan American Team Training Camp.

Deadline for acceptance onto the team will be March 15, 1999.

VII. COACHES SELECTION The Head Coach and the Assistant Coach for the 1999 Pan American Games will be determined after the Team Selection, by the Selection Committee (USA Gynmas tics International Consultant, Elite Program Committee Chairman, th e A thlete Representati ve, and USA Gynmastics Women's Program Direc tor) based upon the following criteria:

Proven Team leadership ability

International experience

MEN'S SELECTION PROCEDURES

I. TEAM SELECTION A.

The Men's Delegation for the Pan America n Championships w ill be comprised of six athletes and two coaches. The format for the competition is a six man team, five athletes compete per event and four scores count for the team score.

Be a U.s. Citizen .

USA Gymnastics w ill host a National Team a nd Event Preparation Camp for all ranked and unranked Na tional Team members, ages 15 and over, to be held in Jlme 18-27, 1999. Athletes named to the Pan American Team must be USA citizens. This camp will be deSignated as the Selection and Preparation Camp for the Pan American Championships. The tentative camp schedule will be as follows:

Be 13 years of age or older during the 1999 calendar year.

• 6/ 18:

IV. ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible to compete on the 1999 Pan American Team, athletes must meet the foll owing criteria:

V. PETITIONS A.

There are NO Petitions onto the Pan American Team.

Injury Petitions for the American Classic / Pan American Tea m Trials w ill be accepted for consideration by the Elite Technical Committee (National Elite Technical Chair, Na tional Teclmical

I.-2-=-=6--

- - --

Arrival

• 6/ 19:

Training / prepara tion

• 6/ 20:

Selection competition for age eligible participants using Brevet rated officials

• 6/ 20:

Selection of team

• 6/ 21:

Training

• 6/27:

Depart

- - - - - - - - - {( TEC H N IOU E • VOLUM E 18 • # 10 ) } - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Athletes who are not members of the National Team may petition the Men's Program Committee to attend the Selection and Preparation Camp. Petitions may come from all-around or individual event specialists and will be reviewed by the Men's Program Committee. To be considered, the petitioning athlete must submit a written letter stating their basis for the petition accompanied by a video tape performance which demonstrates an exercise(s) with a minimum 9.8 start value and a minimum score of 9.4. Petitions must be received by the USA Gymnastics Men's Program Director by May 1, 1999. The top six athletes, rank order aU-around, from the Selection Competition will be named as the Pan American Team, unless any event team score, totaling the top five scores on the event, is less than 47.0 points. If any event total, as described above, is less than 47.0 points, then the top four athletes, rank order allaround, from the Selection Competition will be named to the Pan American Team. Selection for the remaining two spots will be decided by the Pan American Championships Team Selection Committee. The Committee will consist of 1) the Pan American Championships Head Coach, 2) the Pan American Championships Assistant Coach, 3) the Men's National Team Coordinator and 4) the Men's Athlete Advisory Council representative. If either the Pan American team head or assistant coach have an athlete eligible for the two selected team positions, he is ineligible to participate on the Selection Committee. In the event that a Selection Conunittee member(s) must remove himself, the named personal coaches from the Selection Competition athlete participants will choose a replacement committee member who does not have

an athlete eligible for either of the two selected team positions. If an athlete who has been named to the Pan American Team is injured or ill prior to the Games and this injury or illness requires the athlete to withdraw or be removed from the team, the replacement will be chosen by the Selection Committee. Selected athletes will represent the United States at the 1999 Pan American Championships unless removed under the provisions stated in section III. E.

The conunittee will consider the following when selecting the remaining team positions: 1.

Athlete performance in the Selection Competition.

Contribution to the Pan American team score and the athletes ability to contribute to a team medal based on routine start value and score from the Selection Competition.

Athlete performance in past national championship and international competitions.

II. COACHES SELECTION Coach selection will be by the Men's Program Committee six months prior to the Pan American Team Selection Competition in accordance with the guidelines established in the 1997-2000 National Team Program.

III. REMOVAL An athlete or coach may be removed from the Pan American Games Team if he violates the USA Gymnastics Code of Ethics or he fails to attend the Pan American Team training camp for the full duration of

(continued 011 page 28)

New Books! Both of these publications include 3.5 disks so you can edit and delete content, then print a customized manual for your program.

IlIKFUNIEY

Each manual is $39.95, or you can get both for $70.00 . (Ship and handle $4.00 per book)

Employee Manual - Gymnastics comes filled with important information each one of your employees should know while working at your facility. Hundreds of topics are covered.

Welcome to the Team! manual helps to explain the responsibilities of the gymnast and family members. The focus is on making the family part of the team effort.

MEN'S SELECTION PROCEDURES (continued from pnge 27) the camp. An athlete may also be removed from the Pan American Games Team in the event of injury or illness which inhibits peak performance at the Pan American Games. Verification of injury or illness will be by two neutral doctors selected by USA Gymnastics and approved by the USOc. Removal may only occur by action of the President of USA Gynu1astics after consultation with the MPC, USA Gynmastics Men's Staff and an interview with the athlete or coach. Any decision to remove an athlete or coach is subject to review through USA Gynmastics Grievance Procedures.

S. B.

RHYTHMIC SELECTION PROCEDURES

I. OVERVIEW The 1999 Rhythmic Gynmastics Pan American Ga mes Competition will consist of two events-individual and group. The Rhythmic Pan American Games delegation will be comprised of three (3) individual gynmasts, six group gynmasts, one head coach and one team manager.

Petitions to enter the ational Championships will be accep ted for any 1998-99 lational Team member lmable to compete at a qualifying event because of injury, illness, or unusual circumstances.

All injury or illness petitions into the Na ti onal Championships must be certified by a neutral doctor selected by USA Gynu1astics and approved by the USOc.

Based upon the physician's report, injury and illness petitions will be accep ted or denied by the Rhythmic Program Committee which includes an athlete representative.

Petitions submitted because of lU1usual circumstances will be accepted or denied by the Rhythmic Program Committee which includes an athlete representative.

An athlete accep ted into the ational Championships by petition will be in addition to other athletes who qualified into the Na tional Championships.

Team Selection 1.

The Rhytlmuc Gynmastics Indi vid ual Pan American Team three (3) athletes will be named by rank order based upon a combined score from the tvvo days of all-around competition.

Athletes named to the Pan American Team must be USA citizens and a milumum of 14 years of age in 1999.

Petitions to Team 1.

If the number one ranked athlete from the senior division at the 1999 Rhythmic Challenge is not able to compete at, or complete the competition at, the Na tional Championships because of injury or illness she will be named to the Pan American Team if confirmation of competitive readiness is received by a neutral doctor selected by USA Gymnastics and approved by the United States Olympic Committee on or before June 23, 1999.

If either the number two or three ranked athlete from the senior division at the 1999 Rhythmic Challenge are not able to compete at or complete the competition at the Na tional Championships due to injury or illness she may petition to be ranked onto the Pan American Team using the all-arow1d score from the 1999 Rhytlunic Challenge.

The selection procedures for the two events are different. The process for qualifying for the Rhythmic 1999 Pan American Games in the individual competition involves two steps: 1.

qualifying to the 1999 National Championships through one of two qualifying events;

finishing number 1st-3rd in the senior division at the 1999 Na tional Championships.

The process for qualifying for the Rhythmic 1999 Pan American Games in the group competition involves two steps: 1.

qualifying for the 1999 Na tional Championships by competing at the 1999 Rhythmic Challenge in the two prescribed FIG group events; finishing number one in the group championships at the 1999 Na tional Championships.

II. PAN AMERICAN TEAM INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION A.

Qualification to the 1999 National Championships 1.

Each athlete must be a registered athlete member with USA Gynmastics.

Qualification to the Rhythmic Gymnastics National Championships is through two qualifying events which are open to all Level 9 & 10 rhythmic gynmasts who are registered athlete members with USA Gynmastics.

The top three Senior National Team Members, as determined by the 1999 Rhythmic Challenge, are automatically accepted into the 1999 National Championships.

The qualifying events are scheduled to take place in May, 1999.

ational Championships will take place in

Petitions to the Na tional Championships

IV. APPROVAL OF THE SELECTION PROCEDURES These Selection Proced ures have been reviewed and approved by the Men's Program Committee and USA Gynmastics.

The Rhythmic June, 1999.

The illness or injury must be verified by a neutral doctor selected by USA Gynmastics and approved by the United States Olympic Committee.

If the All-Around score of a petitioned gynmast places her in a position for Pan American Team membership, verification of competitive readiness must be received from a neutral doctor selected by USA Gymnastics and approved by the United States Olympic Committee on or before June 23, 1999.

Based upon the physician's report, injury and illness petitions will be accepted or denied by the Rhythmic Program Committee which includes an athlete representative.

Only one athlete may be named to the team via an illness/ injury petition as defined above.

The 1999 Pan American Team-Individual Competition will be named immediately following the National Championships competition except in the case of a petition outlined in the preceding section.

(continued 011 pnge 30)

--1-=-2-=-a----------------{(

TECH N IOU E â€˘

va LUMf

18 â€˘ # 1a)---- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

---UNITED

1-800-877-5294

www.unitedathletic.com

ATHLETIC INTERNATIONAL

30' 40' 50' 60'

Powertrac Powertrac Powertrac Powertrac

ER,.RA

$1780 $2670 $3560 $4450 340

速

UNITED ATHLETIC INTERNATIONAL

MON~TER

PIT

~PE~lnL!

The most valuable training tool in the gym! Athletes can learn perfect technique on skills in a fraction of the normal training time. Multiple repetitions are easy on the body. Train multiple forward and backward tumbling skills on the bed or with landings in a portable pit. The Powertrac速 can be permanently stationed or easily tipped on its side for storage. It's constructed of strong durable steel, and is available in custom lengths The metal frame is finished with a high gloss safety blue enamel coating. All floor contact points are cushioned by tough rubber-like plastisol covered feet. Frame padding is 1.4"xI3" Trocellen foam wrapped in our best 18 oz. vinyl.

Buy any size POWERTRAC速 from United Athletic International and get an 8'x16'x32" Monster Pit for only $1,849!

';AVE $Q.70!

The entire bed is doublesprung. Heavy ZIG-ZAG 1/4" wire spring anchor strip is continuously welded to the inside of top round tubular railing for spring hook-ups. This method is far better than holes drilled in the railing for spring hookups.

A special feature of the Powertrac速 is the diagonally placed springs at the four corners of the unit. This provides the safety and convenience of being able to dismount from the very end of the bed and still have a firm footing and good rebound.

RHYTHMIC SELECTION PROCEDURES (continued from page 28) F.

If a mandatory training camp is provided, it will be held immediately prior to departure for the Pan American Games. The training schedule will be determined by the head coach. If an athlete who has been named to the Pan American Team is injured or ill prior to the Games and this injury or illness requires the athlete to withdraw or be removed from the team, the replacement will be the next ranked athlete from the National Championships.

Athletes will be assigned to start positions at the Pan American Games according to the decision of the head coach.

REMOVAL: An athlete or coach may be removed from the Pan American Games team if she violates the USA Gymnastics Code of Ethics or fails to attend the Pan American Team training camp for the full duration of the camp, if a training camp is provided. An athlete may also be removed from the Pan American Games Team in the event of injury or illness which inhibits peak performance at the Pan American Games. Verification of injury or illness will be by two neutral doctors selected by USA Gymnastics and approved by the USOc. Removal may only occur by action of the President of USA Gymnastics after consultation with the Rhythmic Program Committee and an interview with the athlete or coach. Any decision to remove an athlete or coach is subject to review through USA Gymnastics Grievance Procedures.

III. PAN AMERICAN TEAM - GROUP COMPETITION A.

Qualification to the 1999 National Championships

Team Selection: The Rhythmic Gymnastics Group Pan American Team (6 athletes) will be the Group placing number one at the National Championships based upon a two-day combined allarolmd score (four routines). 1.

All group members must be USA citizens.

All group members must be a minimum of 14 years of age in 1999.

Only those athletes who competed at the National Championships as one of the six official group members are eligible to be on the Pan American Team.

If one or more athletes from the first place Group is removed from the team (see section E Removal below) or becomes injured or ill and cannot fully participate as a group member, the second place group from the National Championships will be named as the Pan American Team.

REMOVAL: An athlete or coach may be removed from the Pan American Games Team if she violates the USA Gymnastics Code of Ethics or fails to attend the Pan American Team training camp for the full duration of the camp, if a training camp is provided. An athlete may also be removed from the Pan American Games Team in the event of injury or illness which inhibits peak performance at the Pan American Games. Verification of injury or illness will be by two neutral doctors selected by USA Gymnastics and approved by the USOc. Removal may only occur by action of the President of USA Gymnastics after consultation with the Rhythmic Program Committee and an interview with the athlete or coach. Any decision to remove an athlete or coach is subject to review through USA Gymnastics Grievance Procedures.

Each group must consist of six athletes who are registered athlete members with USA Gymnastics.

To qualify to the Rhythmic Gymnastics National Games each group must compete at the 1999 Rhythmic Challenge with the two FIG group routines prescribed for the year. All groups who compete at the Rhythmic Challenge are eligible to advance to the National Championships.

V. APPROVAL OF THE SELECTION PROCEDURES

The Rhythmic National Championships will take place in June, 1999.

These Selection Procedures have been reviewed and approved by the Rhythmic Program Committee and USA Gymnastics .â€˘

IV.COACH SELECTION The head coach will be selected by the Rhythmic Program Committee following the National Championships.

USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTORS (con tinued from pnge 12) ID

Boise

Ja m es Tighe

(208) 853-4042

La Gra nge

Rob Brown

(708) 579-1548

C hicago

Monte Kimes

(773) 586-6015

Dow ners Grove

Ed ga r Pulido

(630) 969-0900

Eva nsville

Barry D ubuque

(812) 482-4800

Indiana po lis

Steve Whitlock

(317) 237-5050

Olathe

JelUlifer Mclntire

(816) 776-3245

Wichita

Coli n Womack

(316) 946-0467

Louisv ille

Steven Schoenbaechler

(502) 458-8094

Baton Rouge

Caesar Garcia

(225) 275-5597

Stow

Ste phan Ditu llio

(978) 897-8184

Sykesv ille

Kristin A nde rson

(410) 549-0655

Elkridge

Robe rt Ouelle tte

(410) 379-8455

Westminste r

John Perna Jr

(410) 848-2771

Bath

Gerald Belle m a re

(207) 395-4306

Ellswo rth

Rae Rogers

(207) 667-9648

Saginaw

Helen Fry

(517) 792-8254

Livonia

Mary Panackia

(248) 474-0689

Mt Pleasa nt

Je rry Reighard

(517) 828-5604

Minneapolis

Scott Ga y

(612) 953-1911

Springfield

Julie Maynard

(417) 883-9963

Creve Coeur

Ra y mond Overmann

(314) 569-0179

St Louis

Eddie Smith

(314) 909-0070

Billings

Wa lly Price

(406) 259-2237

Ra leig h

Dona ld Dav is

(919) 790-9400

Kerne rsv ille

Daniel Kean e

(910) 665-0662

Po rtsm o uth

Antho ny Retrosi

(603) 433-0404

NJ J

Rocka way

Ca th y Finkel

(973) 586-1808

Cinnaminson

Phil Fra nk

(609) 786-3977

Los Ala m os

Louise Janecky

(505) 662-9523

Sparks

George He ry

(702) 355-7755

Reno

Derick Moelle nbeck

(702) 853-9494

Don Spencer

(702) 658-9003

Penfield

Sarah Ja ne Cl ifford

(716) 388-8686

West Is lip

Edwa rd Konopa

(516) 422-0116

NY NY

orth Las Vegas

Broadview Hts

Rona ld Ga nim

(440) 526-2970

Columbus

Bobbi Montanari-Fahrnbac h

(614) 457-1279

Portla nd

Ruth Sa ndoz

(503) 246-0818

Carnegie

Jea nnette Jay

(412) 279-4344

Ft Washington

Kenneth Mille r

(215) 628-8193

State College

Michael Ri zzu to

(814) 867-4305

St Tho mas

Robe rt Ross

(717) 369-4667

Wakefield

Mic hael Franco

(401) 789-8096

Manning

Kimberly Domaga lski

(803) 473-2257

Greenv ille

Robert White

(864) 268-7740

Ra pid Ci ty

William Alle n

(605) 341-5914

TN TN TX TX TX UT

Bartle tt

Robert Murphy

(901) 388-4720

Hende rson v ille

Robe rt Va lley

(615) 264-2401

Paris

Kay 8ro\<\111

(903) 785-2130

Whitney

Ja nice Eyman

(254) 694-2065

Spring

Russ Ward

(281) 469-4599

Park C ity

Ka ty Heddens

(435) 654-0707

South Burlington

David Clifton

(802) 863-4714

Muki lteol

Kelly Donyes

(425) 513-8700

Brookfield

Ralph Druecke

(414) 782-3430

Lara mie

Raleig h Wi lson

(307) 745-8302

Contact Tiffin for all of your mat needs. Whether you need a single mat for home use, or enough mats to set up an entire gym - quality mats at affordable prices. Visit us on the web - www.tiffinmats .com

•• • •• • •• •• •• •

•••

• • • ••••• •• ••

•• ••• • • • •• • ••

BILL TOM Gymnastics to Badminton Bill Tom, a 1956 Olympian in gymnastics, won the 1998 U.S. Senior Badminton Championship in singles fo r the age 75 group in Shreveport, La., in March. He also became the singles and doubles champion in the Golden Master II (age 75) category of the 1998 Canadian Open Masters Badminton Championship on April 27 . Congratulations Bill!

•• • • •• • •

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Act of August 12, 1970: Section 3685; Title 39, United Sta tes Cod e) Title of Publication: Techniqlle, Publication No.: 07485999. Date of fili ng: October 1, 1998. Frequency of issue: Monthly except Bimonthly in Sept/Oct. and Nov./Dec. Numb er of issues annual: 10. Annual subscrip tion p rice: $25 Complete mailing add ress of known offi ce of publication: 201 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 300, Indianapol is, Ind . 46225. Complete mailin g address of head q uarters of the gen eral business offices of the publisher: 201 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 300, Indianapolis, Ind . 46225. Publish er: Bob Cola rossi, 201 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 300, Indianapolis, Ind . 46225. Editor: Luan Peszek, 201 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 300, Indianapolis, Ind. 46225. Owner: USA Gymnastics, 201 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 300, Indianapolis, Ind. 46225. Extent and Nature of Circulation

Average*

Sept. / Oct. 98**

Total No. of copies Paid circulation: Sa les through Dealers or Carriers Paid circula tion: Mail subscription Total paid and / or requested circulation Free distribution by mail Samples, complimenta ry a nd other free copies Free Distribution outside the mail (Carriers or other means) Total free distribution

13,713

13,900

12,875 12,875

12,968 12,968

506

516

506 13,381

516 13,484

332

416

13,713 96.22

13,900 96.17

Copies not distributed Office Use, Leftovers, Spoiled Return from News Agents Total Sum Percent Paid and / or Requested Circulation

*Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months **Actual no. of copies of sin gle issue published nearest to filing date.

I certify tllnt the statelllellts lIlade by lIle above are correct alld colllplete. USA GYJllIIastics COlltroller

JOH N HEWEIT,

GYMNASTICS HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

his year we will close at noon

on December 24 and re-open

for business on January 4, 1999.

.-.-=-3""'2---------- - -- --«

NOTICE TO MEMBERSHIP The follOWing Membership Statement has been adopted by the Boord of Directors of USA Gymnastics:

Membership in USA Gymnastics is a privilege granted by USA Gymnastics. That privilege can be withdrawn by USA Gymnastics at any time where a member's conduct is determined to be inconsistent with the best interest 01 the sport 01 gymnastics and 01 the athletes we are servicing. The following former professional members have been terminated or have a lifetime bon with USA Gymnastics and/or will not be allowed to renew their membership: Charles Theodore Bates Vince Brown lorry Dutch Matthew H. Erichsen William Alexander Etheridge Rick Feuerstein Joseph Fountain Roy lorry Gallagher Robert Allen Garner (Bob) Ricardo "Chico" Goddard Robert Dean Head Fronk Hohman, Jr. Milos Hroch Steven l. Infante Dono Koppendrayer John S. Moore William Munsinger William M. Permenter John H. Row Steve Shirley Bloke Steven Storr Mark Swift Freddie Eugene Tafoya, Jr. Jon Oliver Kenneth Thomas Brent Trottier Joel Velasquez David Paul Waage Steve Waples lyf Christian Wildenberg

MN SC ME WA TN CA MD PA TN NY KY PA CA CT Fl WV MN Fl DE MO UT Fl CA VA WA OR OR TX MN

BRITISH COLUMBIA GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION SUSPENSIONS USA Gymnastics has been notified that the British Columbia Gymnastics Association has permanently suspended membership in the BCGA for the following individuals: John Henderson, Kamloops, BC Canada Donald Roy Mathey, longley, BC Canada Wayne Andrews, Courtenay, BC Canada

TEC H N I QUE • VOLUM E 18 • # 10 )l - - - - --

- --

- - --

----

GymFest TEXAS STYLE by Dr. Darlene Schmidt, GAT Executive Secretary he 33rd Annual Gymnastics Association of Texas (GAT) Convention got underway on Friday, September 3, 1998, Labor Day weekend in Austin with more than 740 registrants. It was a very special convention this year as GAT hosted the 1998 National GymFest. Participants in the GymFest were also part of the GAT Convention, which included two days of educational and testing sessions conducted by some of the finest clinicians in the country. Cheryl Jarrett, GAT Educational Director, put together an outstanding staff. The highlight of the GymFest activities was the opportunity to watch the Texas AllStars Large Group Performance Team. This team was only a dream at the 1997 GAT Convention. Under the direction of Jodie Trnack and her associates, the Texas All-Stars are doin' Texas proud! Our Labor Day weekend was so successful this year, wrapping up with family participation in our ~ ~, Texas Fair Party under the Big ~~ " Top, that we've planned anoth- .... ' er Labor Day GAT Convention, : September 3-4,1999.

Spieth Anderson is the only company that uses reinforced foam for longer durability. Quality to make it Last!

'~. -

CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS BOOK USA Gymnastics has approximately 200 Congress Proceedings Books leftover from this year's event. If you didn't make it to Congress but would like to have a book, call Member Services at 1-800-3454719. The cost is $5.00 per book. This 84-page book contains a listing of vendors, addresses and phone numbers, plus a half-page to a fullpage description on many of the sessions held during the Congress. It also contains the names, addresses and phone numbers of most of the presenters.

~ Spieth has been in ~ more Olympic Games and World Championships than any other company. 8 Olympic Games and 10 World Championships

Nadia

• • •~IiiI~"~ first Comaneci's !II 10.0 was on a Spieth Anderson beam.

USA Gymnastics HALL OF FAME 2000 Nomination Form and Information Questionnaire

he former Helms Hall of Fame and USA Gymnastics have combined efforts into one National Hall of Fame for gymnastics. Individuals may be nominated for the consideration of the selection committee in any of three categories: athlete, coach, or contributor. The person submitting the name of the nominee for consideration should read the accompanying criteria and seek to obtain all pertinent information from the individual or the individual's family to accompany the nomination. Please submit a typed set of information for each person nominated, including the appropriate category for the nominee. Please use the format below for information as requested and include any additional information, articles, and pictures at the end of the requested information.

I/['JMIIUJ NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ __ _

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

ADDRESS-----------------

ADDRESS-- - -_ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __

C I T Y - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

CITY------- - - - - - - - -- - -

STATE-- - - - - - Z I P - -- - - - - - - --

STATE------- ZlP---- - - - -- -

PHONE---- - - - -- - - - - - - -- FAX _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

PHONE-- - - - - - - -- - - - - - -FAX _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CATEGORY (V" ONE):

o COACH

o ATHLETE

o CONTRIBUTOR

NOMINATIONS FOR ATHLETE

NOMINATIONS FOR COACH

Gymnasts may be nominated as an individual or a team. In order to be considered, the following eligibility criteria is used as a guideline: • Aperiod of five years post competition • Has been an Olympic, Pan American, World University Games or World Championships team member • Has been a National Champion recognized by the National Governing Body (AAU, USGF or USAG) • Has been a National Collegiate Champion Please continue the application with the following information: 1. Date of birth 2. If deceased, date of death and copy of obituary (if possible). Also, please list family name(s} and address(es}. 3. Gymnastics club(s} or school(s} where athlete trained. Please include the number of years trained and the coach(es} with whom the athlete trained in each program. 4. Athlete's competitive history in chronological order (with dates and titles). Please include the following items: • highlight the outstanding competitive accomplishments of individual • attach camplete competitive records, if possible • include information such as notional championships won, listing specific events and/ or all·around • list international competitive records, listing any events or all·around championships won • list any honors awarded to the athlete 5. Any additional information about this individual

Coaches may be nominated either as individuals or as members of a coaching partnership. In order to be considered, the following eligibility criteria is used as a gUideline: • Has fiMeen years experience as a coach • Has been consistently successful in National Collegiate Championships • Has coached one or more athletes who have been members of national teams (international, senior or junior) recognized by the NGB (AAU, USGF or USAG) • Has coached National or Collegiate Champions • Has coached an NGB (AAU, USGF or USAG) recognized international team Please continue the application with the following information: 1. Number of years in coaching 2. Coaching positions held (i.e., club(s), collegiate, organizotion, or school} and what years coached at these locations 3. Gymnasts and coaches (Le., Olympians, notional champions, conference champions, elites, outstanding coaches, etc.} developed by nominee 4. National Team coaching positions held by nominee (please include dotes) 5. Additional information about the nominee's career in coaching (i.e., background as an athlete, honors, publications, contributions to the gymnastics field, records, etc.) 6. List of names, addresses and telephone numbers (with area code) of additional persons who might add to the information you listed here on behalf of this nominee

Nominations for the Class of 2000 Hall of Fame must be completed and copies sent by June 1, 1999, to both of the individuals listed at right. Nominations received alter that date will not be considered. rl-=-3-=4- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - l (

Carolyn Bowers, Chairman Hall of Fame Selection Committee 1315 Bourgagne Ave. Bowling Green, OH 43402

NOMINATIONS FOR CONTRIBUTOR

I criteria n order to be considered, the following eligibility is used as a guideline: • •

Has a minimum of twenty years of service Has served significantly on national committees • Holds national and "brevet" credentials as a judge frequently judging at national and international meets • Invented devises that advance the technical perfor· mance of gymnastics elements or promote a safe gymnastics environment • Has written or contributed to significant gymnastics books, monograms, and articles • Has produced research advancing the sport Please continue the application with the following information: 1. List significant ways in which this nominee has con· tributed to the gymnastics field: • National committees (years and offices held) • Regional and state service (years and offices held) • Books or articles published • Development of significant ideas which have benefited the gymnastics community • Judging service and major assignments (Olympic, World Championships, international &/ or national competitions} • Service to the gymnastics community (volunteer contributions not covered above) 2. Was this nominee a competitor in gymnastics? If so, list background, years and results. 3. Was this nominee a gymnastics coach? If so, list years and achievements. 4. List additional information (i.e., honors received, gymnastics recognition, etc.). 5. List names, addresses and telephone numbers (with area code) of additional persons who might add to the information listed here on behalf of the nominee. Kim Clayton USA Gymnastics 201 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46225

TECH N IOU E • VOLUME 18 • # 10 ) f - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

.,. .0 51 lYe...

ratlent and Disciplired by Meg Warren, British Gymnastics Association t may take five years or more to produce a near complete female gymnast and 10 years or more to produce a male gymnast. Coaches must always look to the future and not be swayed in their judgment by the immediate successes that can be easily achieved. They must be disciplined. The coach has to be patient but he/she also has to make the gymnast patient, so being positive in your training is important for the motivation of the gynmast.

There are many coaches who know the techniques of gymnastics but fail to produce gymnasts. This is often because they are not disciplined, anxious for results and negative in their teaching. The coach must always be optimistic. I hope this article may help to remedy the problem. For the purpose of the article, we'll look at the process of learning a split leap.

1. Have the Desire to Teach Something that is Good If your gymnast does a leap that looks like figure A and you are satisfied, then don't expect her to perform anything else. However, the gymnast in figure B is the winning gymnast.

If you're serious about • gymnastics, you need • serious • gymnastics softYlare.

is the only complete

modular gymnastics program developed

by gym owners managers and judges

• Simple, superb reporting. • Grows with your gym. • Manages gyms, meets, sessions, gymnasts, judges.

for The desire for you as the coach to make your gymnast perfect must be there all the time and so your knowledge of what is good must be correct. This comes with your technical knowledge.

• Processes more information than any other program on the market today.

gym owners managers and judges, with many

• A system of hardware and software modules.

customizable features.

2. Be Patient You can not teach a perfect skill in one session or in one week. With young gymnasts you may need to take several months to achieve your goals. This is certainly so in the case of something as obscure and intricate as a leap.

3. Basic Preparation You will often hear the coach call, "get your legs straight" or "get into splits," but if the gymnast can't do the skill on the floor, there is no chance of doing it in the air.

fO FIGURED~

-C:G--:1-;a; (con tinued on page 36)

Replace those clumsy flip displays and runners!

BE POSITIVE, PATIENT AND DISCIPLINED

(continued from page 35) Preliminary skills must be good, which means that you, the coach, must give the gymnast the opportunity to practice these. In the case of the split leap, the basic preparations are:

1. Splits on the

~==E

2. Splits upside down ~ -~

-:::;:::::?

If the gymnast struggles to get to splits, the chance of getting a good split in the air is remote. The gymnast must rely on strong quadriceps muscles (thighs) and strong gluteals (seat) to lift the legs to the horizontal. Gravity is working against the gymnast all the time, but this gymnast is stiff so she has an added problem. The muscles on the reverse of the legs must be more flexible, since they are always trying to pull the legs closer together. When the gymnast goes to splits, it is the body weight which helps to push the legs apart. So you see, everything in gymnastics is interwoven. As a coach, you need to understand the complete gymnast, her physical make-up as well as her mental state and, of course, the skill.

FIGURE F Q

Qc\..

3. Splits in flight, from a trampoline or even hanging from a bar

~(FlGURE

"'~-

;

-::::::r

\.FlGURE H

Achieving splits while in this position is much more difficult than any of the other positions. The coach must have a thorough knowledge of physical preparation so that he / she understands this. Hanging in splits is more likely to be as shown above in Figure H. Gravity and the muscles are pulling the legs down if the ?ymnast is not very flexible. It is pQ FIGURE I Important that you prepare the gym~ -4-... nast in over splits. (Figure 1) ~--:';:::::::l\iJ

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 1998-99 WOMEN'S JR OLYMPIC AGE DIVISIONS

Level 10 Age Divisions for Regional and National Competitions in 1999

Juniors ages 9-12

Born May 17, 1986 and later (must be 9 to compete)

Juniors age 13

Born May 17, 1985 - May 16, 1986

Juniors age 14

Born May 17, 1984 - May 16, 1985

Juniors age 15

Born Aug. 1, 1983 - May 16, 1984

Seniors ages 15-16

Born Nov. 1, 1982 - July 31, 1983

Seniors ages 16-17

Born Feb. 1, 1982 - Oct. 31 , 1982

Seniors age 17

Born May 17, 1981-Jan. 31 , 1982

Seniors ages 18 +

Born May 16, 1981 and earlier

Please note: age divisions may be combined at the discretion of the state board for state meets and below. level 9 age divisions will be printed in a future issue of Technique.

The gymnast may now have reached a __ level of performance which is okay but not ~ brilliant, but you the coach must still strive .........-:J:--... for better. At this stage the gymnast ~::.....-' -............:~ may well be sufficiently physically prepared. The little bit lacking may be due to laziness or even not realizing the level of expectation. So still encourage your gymnast. This may be the time for "come on you can do better" or "you are not working hard enough." There are times when you know the gymnast has all the tools of the trade but she thinks she can get away with only 50% effort. It's up to you to make sure that the effort is 100%. If you are not having much success with the results of your coaching, even though your gymnasts are training a good number of hours and you have a good facility, then perhaps you need to re-think your coaching manner. Remember basic preparation, discipline and levels of expectation are very important. •

Girl 1'[;l'Wer •••••

Girl Power! and drugs just don't mix! We've got the power to be drugfree. 1-800-729-&&8& TDDI-80D-487-4889 hHp://www.health.arg/gpawer

RHYTHMIC TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING

V. 1998·99 TEAM FUNDING

Sunday, JI/ne 7, 1998 at 9:00 p.11l.-12: 00 p.m. Monday, June 8, 1998 at 8:00 n.m.-ll:30 n.ln.

The RPC approves the 1998-99 USA Gynmastics funding for National Team Members and Group Team.

Colorado Springs, CO

FUNDING SUPPORT- (Funding Period 1998 Nationals to 1999 Challenge)

I. ROLL CALL

The following funding is based upon rank order results from the 1998 U.S. Rhythmic Championships. Funding following the 1999 Rhytlunic Challenge will be determined by the Rhythmic Program Committee at a future time. Funding for the athletes and clubs shall be allocated in the fo llowing manner:

Members Present: Andrea Schmid-Shapiro Candace Feinberg Maureen Broderick Suzie DiTullio Lana Lashoff Catherine Yakhimovich Vanessa Vander Pluym Kathy Scanlan Gary Alexander

FIG Teclulical COimnittee Vice-Chair - Rhytlunic Rhythmic Technical Committee - Chair Jr. Olympic Program COimnittee - Chair Coaches Representative Coaches Representative Athlete Representative President - USA Gynmastics Vice President - Events

II. THESE WERE SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS THAT HAVE ALREADY OCCURED.

Senior Individuals 151 Place Finish 2nd Place Finish 3rd Place Finish 41h Place Finish 51h - 81h Place Finish

• USA Gynmastics has the first option to send athletes to club competitions.

• If USAG declines to send a delegation, clubs with current national team members will then be given the opportunity to send athletes under the following conditions:

Iunior Groups Place Finish 2 Place Finish

The RPC grants permission for Member Clubs to attend club invitational meets with the following stipulations:

1. Attendance to the competition cannot conflict with any National Team assignments, responsibilities or obliga tions. 2. All expenses for attending the competition are the responsibility of the club. 3. Fifty percent (50%) of the athletes attending must have Na tional Team status. 4. An appropriately rated brevet judge must be sent with the delegation. 5. The delegation will represent the individual club and not the federation. 6. Attendance to the competition and the composition of the delegation must be pre-approved by USAG prior to departure.

to the gynmast to the gymnast to the gynmast to the gynmast

Senior Groups }'I Place Finish 2nd Place Finish Iunior Individuals }'I Place Finish 2nd Place Finish 3rd Place Finish 4 1h Place Finish 51h - 81h Place Finish

III. INTERNATIONAL CLUB INVITATIONS

$1,500 $ 1,500 $ 700 $ 400

1 51 nd

$ 2,800 $ 2,800 $1,300 $ 700 $ 200

to the club to the club to the club to the club to the club

$2,000 to the club $ 2,000 to the club $1,500 to the gynmast $1,500 to the gyrrmast $ 700 to the gynmast $ 400 to the gyrrmast

$ 2,800 to the club $ 2,800 to the club $1,300 to the club $ 700 to the club $ 200 to the club $ 500 to the club $ 500 to the club

Club funds will be dispersed by USA Gymnastics on a quarterly basis for individuals, (places 1-4). For individuals (places 5-8) and groups, payment will be in one payment. Criteria for expenditure of funds is as follow s: 1) rental of training facility 2) choreography 3) music costs 4) travel expenses rela ted to training and competition 5) etc. Gynmast funds (places 1-4) will be dispersed by USA Gymnastics on a quarterly basis.

Level 10The score for athletes to enter the Level 10 category is: Senior Div. - 34.50 Junior Div. - 32.00 This score must ha ve been achieved at the 1998 National Championships - June 1998

Criteria of expenditure of fWld s is as follows: 1) tuition 2) music costs 3) uniforms and apparatus 4) choreography 5) tra vel expenses related to tra ining and competition 6) phYSical therapy or medical expenses 7) etc.

1999 Qualifying Score to attend Nationals: Level 9/ 10 Senior Div. - 34.50 Level 9/ 10 Junior Div. - 32.00 This score must be achieved at either th e East or West Qualifier.

Note: If an athlete moves to another club during a funding period, she and the original club will keep their payments. If an athlete quits during a funding period, she will lose her payments and the club will keep their payment.

IV. ELITE PROGRAM

(continued on page 38) - - --

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - i ( TECH N I QUE •

va LUM E 18

• # 1a)> - - - - - - - - - - - -- ----:3=-=7 =--1

RHYTHMIC PROGRAM UPDATE (continued from page 37)

• Petition by a Foreign Athlete to Rhythmic Challenge 1. Accepted upon approval of the RPC. 2. If the foreign athlete ra nks in the top 1'1- 41h places, they become an additional member of the Senior National Team

VI. 1999 FOUR CONTINENTS 1. The FIG change in meet format for Junior Group Team: The Junior Group Team will have five competing athletes. Appa ratus will be five ribbons.

3. They are then eligible for all subsidized training funds and assignmen ts given the members of the senior national team.

2. The apparatus events for Junior Individuals: Rope, Hoop, Ball & Clubs.

IX. FIG REPORT 1. Group World Championships-U.S. team placed 16 out of field of 27 teams. Two non-citizens competed for the U.s. Recomnlendations for our team are first to change the music and second to improve the choreography.

3. The appara tus events for Senior Individ uals: Rope, Hoop, Ball & Ribbon.

VII. 1999·2000 CALENDAR • RPC approves the plans for the top ranked athletes of the senior national team to participate in a Fall training camp utilizing a foreign team and coach at the Lake Placid train ing center if arrangements can be made in a timely manner. • RPC approves the initiative of the national team coaching staff to implement a six week spring training and competition tour of Europe. Cindy French was asked to research a budget for this tour, all competitions must be pre-approved by the RPc. Kathy Scanlan will contact the USOC for Pan Am trial date change from May to June. This date change for 1999 USA National Championships is pending in order to accommodate the senior training tour. Choice of dates: 1'1: June 26-28, 2nd : June 17-20 3rd : May 27-30 (July, 1998 the date for Nationals was confirmed for June 24-27, 1999 - Site TBD] The RPC looks forward to combining our Na tional Championships with the Artistic Championships in conjunction with USA Gymnastics Congress in the year 2000.

2. The FIG Congress voted Trampoline in for the 2000 Olympics. This add ition changes the numbers of athletes competing in Men's, Women's and Rhythmic Individual and Rhythmic Group Team. The total number of groups will be 10 and the total number of rhythmic individuals will be 24. The United States must field three very strong individ ual athletes if we hope to gain one slot at the Olympics. 3. Olympic qua lifying events-the Rhythmic World Championships and other qualifying procedures. a) A win at Pan Am Games may get us an invitation to Rhythmic World Championships. b) If we place at Worlds, USA Gymnastics will earn a spot at the Olympics and USA Gymnastics will hold an Olympic Trials. c) If we do not place at Worlds the individual athlete who won the Pan Am Ga mes may receive a personal invitation to attend the Olympics. In this case only that named athlete may go and there is no need to host an Olympic Trials.

X. SElECTION PROCEDURES VIII. R & P CHANGES

Olympic Selection Procedures

• Coaches Representative Position: All elite coaches in attendance at National Championships are eligible to vote for the Coaches Representative position. (in the odd numbered years).

1. The selection procedures for both the Individual and Group Team are due to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee prior to the November Board meeting. The RPC will review past procedures of both the men's, women's and rhythmic program and submit a draft in ea rly fall.

• Coach of the Year Award: This award is presented to a deserving coach and is voted on by all Elite coaches in attendance at Na tional Championships. The vote will take place immediately following the finals competition and the award will be presented at the national team banquet. • USA Na tional Gro up Team Title: The title of USA Na ti onal Group Team will be assigned to the 1'1 ranked Junior and Senior Groups following the outcome of Rhythmic Ch allenge and then aga in following National Championships. These titles will allow Group Teams the opportunity to secure sponsorship funding and other amenities provided to a nationally ranked group. • Foreign Athlete Status/ Eligibility Clarifica tion: Discussion to keep the committee up to speed on any foreign athlete status which might change the abili ty of a group team to represent the US.

rI3=-=-a- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 ( TECH N I QUE

•

2. All selection Procedures for qualifying events must be documented and placed in the R&P for the 1999 season. These should also incl ud e any petitioning procedures.

XI. JOPC REPORT The Junior Olympic Program committee is being represented on the RPC by its chair, Suzie DiTullio. The JOPC is working on the compulsory program for the next quadrennium, R&P revisions, and the reinstatement of a Level 9 Championship.

XII. RTC REPORT 1. Judges Courses-The RTC has conducted 32 judging courses and certified 98 judges. All brevet level judges have completed compulsory certification at Level 7/ 8.

va l UM E 18

• # 10 ) l - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

1r«iJA

2. RTC elections will happen this fal l. Seventeen nationally rated judges are eligible to fi ll 8 sea ts for a four- yea r term. The chair wi ll serve a two-yea r term.

GYMNASTICS

3. Proposa ls to begin prod uci ng ed ucational materials for judges and coaches. a) Video of the element section of the FIG Code of Points and the Identified skills required for all compulsories. b) The RTC is working closely wi th the JOPC to ensure the quality and direction of the nex t comp ulsory program. c) The congress schedule of sessions has been submitted to USA Gymnastics.

Respectflllly sllu/llitted by SlIzie DiTullio. 'RSG MINUTES WERE EDITED DU E TO TIMELINESS.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

RHYTHMIC TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING Ti1l1l'sday, Jll ne 4, 1998 at 2:30 p.lII. Colorado Springs, CO

I. ROLL CALL Members Present: Maureen Broderick, Chairperson Marina Davidovich Helena Greathouse Jackie Jones Ellen Nyemcsik Diane Massad Patterson Alia Svirsky Norma Zabka Gary Alexa nd er

Men's A"W'ards PrograDl Basil: Skills ..\.l:"'ie~ement Program(BS..\.P) Basic Skills A(hievement Program(BSAP) is designed for boys programs with dasses which meet one hour per week. The BSAP forms the foundation of the USAG Men's Program. The Four levels of the BSAP prepare the gymnast to portici· pate inthe National Team Progrom(NTP) and the Junior Olympi( Competitive Progrom(JOCP). BSAP is a list of skills which instructors (heck off and dote to record the progress of each gymnast. Records of eo(h student's progress in the program are kept on skill (ards and wall (harts with the date the skill is successfully performed. An awards system is designed to recognize the su((essful o(complishment of skills of eo(h level with pot(hes and (hevrons. ITEM#

DESCRIPTION

PRICE

51 BSAP Skills A(hievement Booklet-{omplete description of program and skills ........................$ 7.50 52 BSAP Video-Demonstration of all of the skills ........................................................................$ 29.95 53 BSAP Patch-This is the 1st identificotion award given when entering the program..................$ 1.00 eo. 54 BSAP Wall Chart-Use this to keeptrack of the students' progress(room for 41 names) ............$ 3.00 eo. 55 BSAP Report Card-Maintain on individual record of eo(h student's progress.. ..........................$ 3.00 for 25 BSAP PATCH: Level AChevron (Green); Level BChevron (White); Level CChevron (Red); Level DChevron (Blue)

National Team Program (NTP)

II. JO REPORT It was reques ted that Suzie DiTullio, Chair - JO Committee, contact the choreographers of the Compulsory Rope and Club routines requesting input of any changes they wish to suggest for the 1998-99 competition season. Any changes would have to be approved by the JO Committee. These changes should be distributed to the coaches as soon as possible.

Motion-Ma ureen Broderick Second-Alia Svirsky PASSED-lmanimously

The USAG Junior Notional Team Progrom(NTP) has two goals. One, the recognition of (ompetitive ex(ellence through notional team participation and two, raising the standard of ex(ellen(e in the international (ompetition through the edu(otionol process. The Junior Notional Team Program ultimately exists for the specific purpose of identi~ing and preparing athletes to (ampete for the United States in international (ampetition. While the program (an and should impact the development of all (ompetitive gymnasts in the United States, the focus of the Notional Team Program is development of the elite gym· nost. The NTP seeks to create a year round (ompetitive and edu(otionolsupport system for (oo(hes and athletes through the following objective: A.Simpli~ing the (ompetitive path for our junior elite athletes and elevating the importon(e of su(cessful (ompetition. B.Creating on edu(ational and evaluation system which emphasizes international (ompetitiveness. C. Involve the personal cooches in overall program planning and organization as well as individualized athlete planning. D.The edu(otion of the basic principles of coo(hing and the development of the elite athlete. The NTP manual gives descriptions of Junior National Teamrequirements for all levels and indudes program and routine descriptions for the FutureStars program. ITEM#

DESCRIPTION

60 61

NTP Booklet-Skill descriptions and skill testing moteriols........................................................ $ 7.95 NTP Video-Complete demonstration ...................................................................................... $ 19.95

PRICE

Junior Ol.."mpil: Competition ProgramUOCP) The Junior Olympic Competition Program is made up of seven(ompetitive dasses induding three levels of compulsory and four levels of modifiedoptional competitions. The (am petition dasses are involvedin 10(01, state, regional and national (ompetition.

III. JUDGE'S CERTIFICATION

ITEM#

Maureen Broderick reported that for the 9th Cycle we have 32 judging courses since August, 1997 and presently have 98 judges certified. The Rules & Policy book states that course should be held during the Fall and Spring months (Sep t.-Oct. & April-May). This yea r this schedule will be adhered to.

1202 1996·2000 Competition Program Book--illl of the routines with illustrations and dedu(tions ..$ 29.95 2221 1996·2000 Competition ProgramVideHemonstrotion of all of the exercises ......................$ 19.95 70 JOCP Patch ..............................................................................................................................$ 1.00 eo. JOCP PATCH: Class VII Chevron (Green); Class VI Chevron (White); Class VChevron (Red); Class IV Chevron (Blue); Class III Chevron (Bronze); Class II Chevron (Silver); Class I Chevron (Gold)

Mo tion: The minimum passing score for all Level 5, Level 6 judging tes t should be changed to 80%. Participating in and passing a practica l experience will be a requirement for all judging certification levels. Motion- Maureen Broderick Second-Alia Svirsky PASSED-unanimously

(cantin lied 011 page 42)

DESCRIPTION

PRICE

ITEM#

DESCRIPTION

35 36 37 3B 39 40 41

ClossVII Chevron (Green) ..............................................................................................................$ 12.00 for 25 Closs III Chevron (Bronze) ..............................................................................................................$ 12.00 for 25 Closs 11 Chevron (Silver) ..............................................................................................................S12.00 for 25 Closs I Chevron (Gold) ....................................................................................................................$ 12.00 for 25 Closs VI Chevron (White) ................................................................................................................$ 12.00 for 25 Closs VChevron (Red) ....................................................................................................................$ 12.00 for 25 Closs IV Chevron (Blue) ..................................................................................................................$ 12.00 for 25

PRICE

Order an page 40 DR CALL 1-800-14S-4119

([IlIA GYMNASTICS

VIDEOS & BOOKS

No..,-e ...Ler/Oe£e ...Ler: Spe~ial offer for Profe§§ional Me ...Ler§ For the months of November and December we will be selling the following item at a discounted price for Professional Members only. Professional Members will be able to purchase only one at the discounted price.

Building BlocL:s Adevelopmental approach to preschool rhythmic gymnastics. Fitness, strength, self-esteem, coordination, flexibility and fun! 1997; Spata &Molnar; paper; 38pp #1311 .............. $15.00

building blocks

1~lPPfO'dIlop!tKlIootil'ft!!okff'llll'ti<l

USA. GYDInaslics BacL:pacL: 100%nylon, black with burgundy & white screened USA Gymnastics logo, two-way zipper, adjustable shoulder straps, and white embroidered Reebok vector logo. #4974849 .............. regular$15.95 Use this

lonn 10 order merchandise on pages

39, 41, and NAME ....................... ................................................................................................................. PHONE .............................................................. ............ ... .

above.

ADDRESS ........................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................. . CITY .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................... STATE ...................... ZIP ................................................... . CLUB GYMNASTICS MEMBERSHIP # CHARGE:

0 VISA

......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .

PREFERS

VISA'

o MASTERCARD

0 DISCOVER

0 AMERICAN EXPRESS

Exp. DATE ............................................................... .............. .

CARD# ................ ............. ................................ ............................................................................. SIGNATURE ............................................................................................................................... .

ITEM #

SEND ORDERS AND MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: USA GYMNASTICS LOCKER ROOM PO BOX 5562, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46255-5562 OR CALL

1-800-:J4~-4719

DESCRIPTION

USA GYMNASTICS lt098

'DOMESTIC SHIPPING & HANDLING 5/0 AND UNDER ADD 5 4 ADD 5 6 510.01 -540 540.01-560 ADD 5 7 560.01 -580 ADO 5 B 5BO.01-5100 ADD 5 9 5100.01 -5150 ADO 514 OVER 5150.01 ADO 520 - - INTERNATIONAL-PlEASf CAll FOR fXAG SHIPPING RAff

QUANTITY

PRICE

TOTAL

SUBTOTAL 'DOMESTIC SHIPPING & HANDLING INDIANA RESIDENTS ADD 5% SALES TAX 'LESS 10% MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE MEMBERSHIP #

-------------------------------_ .... ,Memberlh,p dMounl IOn on~ b, opphed 10 p,rchOl" 01 opporel ond novelty Ileml. 110 d.IO,nl on "d ..,.

VIDEOS

Order an page 40 DR CALL 1-800-34S-4719 GENERAL GYMNASTICS

evaluation of this compulsory/ optional level. Also included is a script of the shorthand, deductions and scores, as evaluated by the Women's Technical Committee.

selected routines fromthe All-Around competition. There are around 100 routines shown. Running TIme: 1hour 34 minutes

1991 World

Championships Women Senior All-Around and Event Finals - All routines from the Senior Event Finals and selected routines from the All-Around Competition. Running Time: 1hour 34 minutes

Ch ampionships From the World Championships in lausanne, Switzerland, this video tape contains routines from Competition I, Team Finals, All-Around Finals and the Individual Event Finals. This video tape, taken by camcorder from the stands, includes approximately six hours of competition featuring the top gymnasts from all over the world.

19 98 A.merimn Class i£

#2129 .................................. $15.00

#2270 .................................. $24.95

These videos contain most of the routines from the Junior and Senior International competition at the American Classic that was held in Orlando. Running Time: 2 videos of 2 hours each

How to Train a Front Handspring Safely This video offers the coach many strength and flexibility exercises, as well as lead-up drills to safely teach this skill.

1991 Russian National

#2603 .................................. $15.95

#2124 .................................. $24.95

#2498 .................................. $20.00

1991 USA. Gymnasti£s

1998 Women's Visa

National GymFes t at Walt Disney's Wide World of Sports This video shows the group performances by all of the visiting international groups and most of the USA groups. The routines average about 8 minutes each and showa wide variety of general gymnastics activities. This event was held in Orlando. Running time: 2 hours.

A.meri£an Cup Finals This video has all the Women's Finals routines at the Visa American Cup with a fewof the Prelims Uneven Bars routines. Running Time: 49 minutes

Gheza Pozsar's Ballet Bar Training for Gymnasts Gheza Pozsar created this tape which demonstrates a Ballet Bar training session designed especially for gymnasts. This tape was requested bythe National TeamCoaches as a guideline for training gymnasts. Running TIme: 16 minutes

1998 T exas State

GYDlFest Opening &. Gro up PerforDlam:es The event began with a march-in and introduction of all the athletes, each team was represented by its own banner. Eight teams performed during the day, comprising 160 participants. Before the Awards Ceremony, there was a 30 minute Texas fun dance to "God Bless Texas," this was a fun way to bring all the clubs together. During the Awards Ceremony, each club was brought before the audience to receive its special team trophy as well as individual trophies. Running time: 45 minutes.

# 2604 .................................. $15.95

WOMEN'S World Champions hips Team Finals and ~~ Finals This tape features the Team Finals competition with most of the USA routines and selected routines from the top six countries that qualified to Team Finals. In addition, this tape also has selected routines from the AA Competition. Running TIme: 1 hour and 49 minutes #2122 .................................. $15.95

#2195 .................................. $19.95

#2128 ..................................$15.00

1991 World Championsl.ips

199 8 Euro pean

hent Finals This tape features all the Event Finalist routines from World Championships. Men's Horizontal Bar is also featured. Running TIme: 49 minutes #2123 .................................. $15.95

# 2125 .................................. $15.95

1998 International

Team Meet This video contains all the Senior Women's routines and some of the Junior routines (mostly USA Juniors). Running Time: 1 hour and 32 minutes #2126 ..................................$15.95

In£orporating Leg S wings into your Worlmuts This newvideo by Tammy Biggs & Dr. lorry Nassar shows howto properly prepare the gymnast for skills such as front handsprings and leaps by training the gymnast to perform on efficient and dynamic leg swing. leg flexibility and strengthening drills are also included. #2127 .................................. $20.00

Le... el &. Judges' Training Video Two hours of level 7 routines, in regular speed and slowmotion, to assist the judges and coaches in understanding the proper

1998 European

Championships Women Junior All-Around and Event Finals - All routines from the Junior Event Finals and

#2961 ..................................$1 0.00

RHYTHMIC 1998 U.S. Rhytillnic::

Nat iona ls S r. I ndh'idual Events

# 2364 (3 Topes) ................$24.95 Jr. Indi vidual Events

# 2365 (3 Topes) ..............$24.95

ChaDlpio nships Videotaped from the stands in Moscow's Olympic Stadium, this video tape includes all sessions of the 1997 Russian National Championships. Video taped sessions include All-Around Preliminary, All-Around Finals and Individual Event Finals. Features such athletes as Alexi Bonderanko, Yuri Kurkov, Evegeni Pogorny and standout junior athlete Egor Grebenkov. Agreat two hour educational video tape! # 227 1 .................................. $1 9.95

1998 Visa A.meri£an Cup

This two-hour video tape features both the Individual Event and All-Around Finals from the 1998 Visa American Cup in Fort Worth. The 1998 Visa American Cup hosted an incredibly strong men's field. Video includes American's Blaine Wilson, John Roethlisberger, Jay Thornton and Yoichi Tomita along with international athletes such as Alexi Bondarenko, Dimitri Karbanenko, Wei Yang, and Sergi Fedorchenko. #2272 .................................. $19.95

Sr. i\.lI-i\. round

# 2366 ................................ $15.95

1998 European

Jr, i\. lI-i\. rou nd

Championships This six-hour video tape includes both the Junior and Senior Divisions of the European Championships.

# 2367 .................................. $15.95 Group Preliminaries and Finals

#2368 .................................. $15.95

#2273 .................................. $24.95

PLEASE NOTE *AII USA Gymnastics videos are designed to be used for educational purposes by gymnastics coaches and judges. All videos were produced with commercial equipment by amateur videographers unless otherwise stated. Our Olympic technical videos are presented from one eamera angle and show the entire exercise without cuts, close-ups or other effects and enhancements. Except for women's floor exercise, the videos do not have sound. The Adanta Technical videos are available for purchase to USA Gymnastics mem bers only.

RHYTHMIC PROGRAM UPDATE (continued from page 39)

IV. HIGH SCHOOL GROUP PROGRAM Maureen Broderick discussed the status of the High School Group Program. Information is now ava ilable for any school district who may be interested in instituting a school intramural program.

V. RULES & POLICIES Motion: Change wording ... A Level 9/ 10 gymnas t may start judging at Level 6 if she qualified to the Na tional Championships. Change word ing ...A Level 7/8 coach may start judging a Level 6 if she is the coach of a gymnast who qualified to JO Championships. Motion-Maureen Broderick Second-Ellen Nyemcsik PASSED-lmanimously

RHYTHMIC JUNIOR OLYMPIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE MEETING June 26-28, 1998 Indianapolis, IN

I. ROLL CALL Members Present: Jody Hurlburt Region 1 Joyce Chaplin Region 2 Mary Panackia Region 3 Region 4, Chair Suzie DiTullio Lynne Miller Region 5 Michelle Larson Region 6 Jackie Jones Judges Representative Athletes Representative Brooke Buslmell Coach Representative Anelia Ralenkova Elena Savenkova Coach Representative Ga ry Alexander USA Gymnastics Cindy French USA Gymnastics Opening Remarks-Suzie DiTullio and Gary Alexander

VI. NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS Maureen Broderick distributed a chart listing the various judging assignments over the past several yea rs.

II. GENERAL INFORMATION Club Directory-Met the USOC Marker of adding 14 new rhythmic programs 1997-1998.

VII. ELECTION OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE The eight elected positions on the Technical Committee will be up for re-election in November of 1998. Any judge currently holding a Rhythmic Provisional Na tional or higher rating is eligible. A notice will be mailed out in September asking for any interested eligible judge to send a resume to the USA Gymnastics office. Motion: The specific job description assigned to each Technical Committee member be eliminated. Motion-Jackie Jones Second-Marina Davidovich PASSED-tmanimously

VIII. EDUCATION VIDEO PROPOSAL Maureen Broderick submitted a Video Proposal. In conjunction with the JO program committee a number of videos will be developed during the next several years to aid in the ed ucation of our coaches and judges. The assignment of specific members of the Teclmical Committee will wait until after the November election is completed . Motion-Maureen Broderick Second-Marina Davidovich PASSED-tmanimously

Meeting adjourned at 8 p.lII. RespecJully sublllitted by Moureell Broderick. ' RSG MINUTES WERE EDITED DUE TO TIMELI NESS .

III. RULES & POLICIES Motions made and passed for following policy changes: Regional & State Administration Page 70 E. Conduct a regional board meeting which consists of all active state directors, regional judging coordinator and any other person that sits on the regional board . The board meeting should happen before the general membership meeting. General Meeting should happen at regional championships. 8.03.C. Add: may attend the meeting with voice but no vote (vo ting member/non-vo ting) 8.02. D. Copy of bank statement should accompany financial reports. Page 71 9.03.B. Term of office for State chair is Sept. 1 to Aug. 31. Two year term. Page 72 State chair elections Change the month to conduct the election to July so we have new state chairs for August. Transfer documents, finances after Congress. Page 73 Correction: Year 200l-Change Regiona l Chair to 1, 3, 5 Regional Judging Assignment Coordinator Page 68 6.02.C. Only after being approved by meet director for loca l, state

..---::::- - = - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - { ( TECH N IOU E • VOlUME 18 • # 10 ) r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

142

director for state, and regional director for regionals.

VI. ZONE MEETS

6.02.D.

These are the considerations for the assigning of judges: 1) Expenses to the meet director. 2) Rotate the assignment of judges. 3) Ava ilability of appropriate level judges needed .

6.02.H.

Add: Submit final financial report 30 days following regional championships to Regional chair.

Mo ti on-PASSED TIle proposal to reillstate the Level 9 Championships via a Zone meet quali fy ing process was accepted by the committee. Zone 1 Regions 1 & 2 Zone 2 Regions 3 & 4 Zone 3 Regions 5 & 6

6.02.1.

Add: Or receive a Guide or Handbook.

6.05.B.

Delete $100--change to $35 per meet (for state and regional mee ts)~

IV. J.O. COMPETITION 1998 J.O. Group Competition schedule was approved. Regionals must be completed two weeks before J.O. Championships March 20-21. Approved dates: Region 4, 1 March 6-7 Region 3, 6 March 13-14 Region 2, 5 March 20-21

Meeting contin l/ed Saturday, june 27, 1998

V. RULES & POLICY Motions made and passed for following policy changes: Group Competition Page 25 & 26 LA. Eliminate (age divisions) Il.B. Five gymnasts and five ribbons in '99 (FIG program) IV.B. & c. Eliminate age divisions for group competition IV.C. Add: A begiruler level group calmot contain more than one athlete who has level 7 skill abil ity or above. Page 26 VB. Vc.

VD. VD. VE.

Championships will be held annua lly for the b egilmel~ intermediate and advanced levels. Must have competed at the sta te or regional level and obtail1ed a qualifying score of 6.5 on the floor and 6.5 in one of the other designated events. Elimillate (determined by age division) Ally registered gynmast can compete in rhythmic group. Ribbon length of 5m minimum Elimmate the word (only) and insert (two athletes mto two groups)

Clarification: There is no longer an advanced/elite level of group. You are either advanced or elite. Advanced is a J.O. level and Eli te is an FIG level. Qualifying meets, state meets and regional meets entry fees for group $60 per event/ per group MAXIMUM. State Championships Meet Page 43 ILB. Remove entire sentence. Updating Rilles & Policies Jackie Jones volunteered to redo the scoresheets ill the Rules & Policies.

Zone meets are hosted by each Region m the even and odd years respectively. Zone meets may occur in conjunction with Regional meets. Qualifying scores to Level 9 Na tionals is 28.00 for juniors and 30.00 for seniors received at a Zone meet. The remammg slots up to 30 juniors and up to 30 seniors will be filled ill rank order after combming all the Zone meets onto a master list. Level9's who qualified to the Nationals ill 1998 automa tically qualify to the Level 9 Na tionals il11999. Level10's may participate in any Zone meet but they are not considered a qualifying meet for Level 10.

VII. NOVICE DIVISION Motion-PASSED Novice Division can now compete m a 4th event and go to regionals if they qualify.

VIII. J.O. COMPULSORY PROGRAM Discussion occurred regardmg the 2000-2004 J.O. compulsory program. Tabled lmtil a new program director is llli'ed by USA Gymnastics. Gary Alexander authorized an emergency meeting m the Fall of 1998 with the Rhythmic Program Director, the JOPC and other appropriate people.

IX. REGIONAL & STATE ADMINISTRATION Motion-PASSED Term of office, qualifications, election procedures, and vacancies will be revised. Suzie DiTullio was nominated and re-elected to the Chair of the JOPC for an additional two year term.

Meeting contin ued June 28, 1998

X. 1998·99 COMPULSORY CHANGES Motion-PASSED Changes were mailed out to all rhythmic professional members ill September.

XI. COACHES ATTIRE MotionAt State, Regional/Zone, J.O. and Level 9 Na tional Cha mpionships, coaches attire will be team warm-up suits and white soled sneakers/ tennis shoes. Violation results m remova l from competition floor. PASSED 5-4.

XII. AWARD CHANGES Motion-PASSED

(con tinued 011 page 44) - - - --

- - - - --

=--1

- -- - - - ( ( TECH N IOU E • VO l UME 18 • # 10 ) f - - - - - - - - - -- -- ----::-:

RHYTHMIC PROGRAM UPDATE (continued from page 43)

RHYTHMIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES

Awards format will return to 50% rule up to 12 places (event) & up to 6 places (all-around).

Tuesday, August 18, 1998 at 7:10 p.m. Indianapolis, IN

I. ROLL CALL

XIII. CATEGORY Category changes:

New

In-Sta te Citizens

State/ Regional competitors

In-State Non-Citizens

In-State / Regional Guests

Out-of-State Guests

Out-of-State / Regional Guests

36 e-3: LevelS ribbons may be given to Level5s in a ceremony or each state and region may determine the process. Clarification: If there is only one athlete in a category, they receive event awards AND an all-around award. The book is correct. Group Page 36 G.2

Insert: Awards are given to beginner, intermediate and advanced regardless of age division. Group, duet and trio. Event awards: Use 50% rules up to 6 places.

Members Present Andrea Schmid-Shapiro Ca ndace Feinberg Maureen Broderick Suzie DiTullio Lana Lashoff Brooke Bushnell

FIG Technical Conunittee Vice-Chair - Rhythmic Rhythmi c Teclmical Committee - Chair Jr. Olympic Program Committee - Chair Coaches Representative Athlete Representative

II. COMPETITION SCHEDULE: February 13-14 April 10-11 April 24-26 May 15 May 22 June 10-13 June 24-26

Challenge & Elite Group J.O. Individual & Group Level 9 Championships Western Open - UO Elite Group Eastern Open - UO Four Continents Na tional Championships - UO / Elite

XIV. QUALIFYING PROCEDURES

III. ELITE PROGRAM

Motion-PASSED Qualifying procedures to Regionals: Recommend that we keep qualifying scores as guidelines. Each region has option to lower their qua lifying score based on need.

1. 1999 Rhythmic Na tional Championships A maximum of 25 jWliors & 25 seniors will compete. This will include: a. Exempt Na tional Team Members b. Petitioned Athletes (petitions must be submitted to USA Gynmastics by May 15, 1999) c. The remaining slots to be filled in rank ord er from the master list of East/West Open Qualifiers.

Motion-PASSED Revise petitioning procedures to reflect the additional competitions. Petition JOPC for all meets Regionals up to Level 9 Na tionals. Need guidelines in place for general warm-up and timed warm-ups for State and Regionals. Clarification: JO Championships: Petitioned athletes can only compete for individual awards (even t and all around ) and not team awards and their score cannot be counted for Regional Team awards.

2. 1999 Rhythmic Na tional Championships QUALIFIERS ea rn Level 10 status. 3. 1999 Rhythmic National Championships EVENT FINALISTS earn ELITE STATUS. 4. Level 10 Juniors turning Seniors in 1999 must requalify through the Level 9 Championships process.

Recommendation to RTC:

IV. JOPC RECOMMENDATIONS - APPROVED:

Any judge at 16 must audit USA Gymnastics safety certification comse.

1. Reinstate Level 9 Championship with Zone Meet qualification process.

Recommendations to the RPC:

2. Review the level 9 to level 10 elite sco re and reconsider the national championships qualifying score.

2. Level 10 East/West Na tional Qualifying Meets to include: a. All Level 10 JWliors and Seniors from 1998 Na tionals. b. Top 15 Juniors and top 15 Seniors from 1999 Level 9 Championshi ps. c. Approved petitioned athletes. Failed: 1. Reconsider 1999 National Championships qualifying score. 2. Reconsider 1998 Level 10 status score.

Meetil1g adjourned 12:00 p.m. Respecflll'Y sllbmitted by Suzie Ditullio.

Meeting adjourned at 11:10 p./II. Respectflllly sublllitted by Suzie DiTullio.

' RSG MI NUTES WERE EDITED DUE TO TIMELI NESS.

' RSG MI NUTES WERE EDITED DU E TO TIMELI NESS.

1. Qualifying to the East / West meet-all level lOs and any level 9 athlete that competed at the 1998 nationals. Top 15 seniors and 15 juniors from level 9 nationals, disrega rding pre-qualified athletes, who were not at nationals championships and/or achieve the national qualifying score.

--1-4-4---------------(

TEe H N' 0 U E • VOLUME 18 •

# 10 ) } - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

CONFERENCE CALL

V. 1999 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS JUDGES SELECTION

September 18, 1998

Selection tabled w1til10 / 1 conference call.

I. ROU CAU

VI. 1999 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES PARTICIPATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Meeting called to order at 11:05 a.m. CST by Chair Marc Yancey.

Discussion of document distributed to the MPC. The committee spent a great deal to time talking about the scheduling conflicts and the selection problems. A selection coming from our national team, Winter Cup and petitions was agreed upon.

Members Present: Marc Yancey

Chair MPC & Jr. Coaches Rep.

George Beckstead

FIG Rep. (Left call at 12:50)

Greg Corsiglia

Jr. Coaches Rep.

Tim Daggett

Vice-Chair for Men

Mark Williams

Sr. Coaches Rep.

Barry Weiner

Sr. Coaches Rep.

Chris Waller

Athlete's Rep. (Left call at 12:00)

Ron Galimore

Men's Program Director (voice, no vote)

Dennis McIntyre

Men's Program Manager (voice, no vote)

Peter Kormann

National Team Coordinator (voice, no vote)

USA Gymnastics will send a team to the Games through a selection procedures to be tingency that there will be USOC approval coming from the conferences which received

1999 World University determined on the conand funding assistance USOC grants.

Motion-Marc Yancey Second-Mark Williams PASSED 5-0

VII. ATHLETE'S FUNDING PROGRAM PROPOSAL Athlete's Funding Committee presented a document which allocates lllused National Team support funds. Approve the Amendment to the Athlete's Funding Document

II. APPROVAL OF MPC MINUTES Motion-Greg Corsiglia Second-Barry Weiner PASSED 5-0

Minutes of 6/8, 6/17, 8/24 approved. Motion-Mark Williams Second- Barry Weiner PASSED 7-0

VIII. SELECTION FOR THE 1999 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS COACH AND ASSISTANT COACH

III. CLARIFICATION OF SR. COACHES REPRESENTATIVES POSITIONS The Sr. Coaches Representatives to the MPC will be elected by the coaches of the Sr. National Team at the U.s. Championships. Motion-Mark Williams Second-Barry Weiner PASSED 7-0

Approve the Men's Program Director's recommendation. Motion-Tim Daggett Second-Barry Weiner

IV. 1999 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS & 2000 OLYMPIC GAMES TEAM SELECTION PROCEDURES Subcommittee created to produce the 1999 World Championships and 2000 Olympic Team Selection Procedures by Oct. 31. The committee will consist of Tim Daggett, Jarrod Hanks, Peter Kormann and Ron Galimore. Motion-Marc Yancey Second-Mark Williams PASSED 6-0

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - « r EC H N IOU E

Discussion by Ron Galimore about the selection process and selecting a coach who has shown a consistent presence at the international level. Ron Galimore brought forth the name of Peter Kormann as head coach of the 1999 World Championships Team. The head coach will select his own assistant coach.

Motion-Mark Williams to adjourn. Second-Greg Corsiglia

Meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m. CST Subillitted by Mark Wells Williams, secretary, USA Gymnastics Men 's Program Committee.

s::-ll1

• VOlUM E 18 • # 10 )f - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - :::-:

POSITION AVAILABLE GYMNASTICS COORDINATOR/DIREaOR: Seek enthusiastic person to lead total gymnastics program. Emphasis is on developmental, instructional, and progressive classes, pre-school, home school and mobil program. Limited competitive program through level 5. Administrative duties include staffing, training and marketing of program. Salary range: 522,000-527,000, benefits. Send resumes with salary requirements to: Alice Collins, lakeland Family YMCA, 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd., lakeland Fl33803 (941)644-2517 fox. COACHES/DIREaORS. Academy of Gymnastics, located in the mountains of East Tennessee, is looking for gymnastics coaches, directors, and preschool instructors, directors. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals with good organizational skills and on extensive background of gymnastics experience. The Academy is presently on 18,000 square foot facility and expanding another 5,000. Knoxville is a great place for anyone to be relocated! Salary negotiable based on experience, full/part time available. Health/ dental benefits. Please send resume to: Dennis Gosnell, Academy of Gymnastics, 10612 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922. Fox #{4231690-4487; or Email: AOGKnoxTN@aol.com.

s S S WE LOVE GYMNASTICS S S S. Join our current stoff of motivated gymnastics professionals. Work in a beautiful climate cantrolled facility located just 10 minutes from D/ FW airport. Excellent pay with full insurance benefits. Curious? Visit our web site at www.sunbeltgymnastics.com. Call us at 817-788-9040 or contact us be E-mail at www.sunbelt@star-telegram! BOYS REC AND TEAM COACH NEEDED in sunny Hilton Head Island. Must be positive, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Excellent growth opportunity. Please call (843)689-9560 or send resume to Island Gymnastics, P.O. 80x 22674 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 or fox it to (843)689-9579. FULL AND PART TIME COACHES NEEDED: Oak Pork Gymnastics (Chicago area) is looking for experienced and enthusiastic coaches to teach all levels. We have 450+ students, and are looking for preschool, recreational, and compulsory level team coaches. Experience with boys a plus. Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits available. Send resume to S. Kinsman, 218 Madison, Oak Pork, Il60302. M/F, EOE. MEN'S HEAD COACH WANTED for established boys team and recreational program. Gymnastics Training Center in Fromingham, Moss. Is seeking a motivated Boys Coach to direct our boys program. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Please send resume or coli lynn Mazzaferro @ G.T.c. 21 Blondin Ave., Framingham, Mo. 01702 or call (508)6 20-2979. E-mail: lMazzaferr@aol.com.

COACHES NEEDED. Eastern Notional Academy is looking for coaches Pompton Plains and Paramus NJ. We are looking for directors for Preschool and General program, Team coaches qualified in choreography and dance at a high level and knowledgeable in the compulsory division and instructors for all programs. ENA is in a perfect location for any lifestyle, we are locoted centrally between the Metropolitan New York area and the Pennsylvania Poconno Mountains. First Aid/ Safety certification a plus or must be obtained within 6 months of hiring. Salary commensurate upon qualifications and experience. Contact Rich at 973-835-1 665 or fo x resume to 973-835-6225 or e-mail us atena@ena.com. Eastern Notional Academy, 210 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. Http:// www.ena.com WORLD CUP GYMNASTICS is looking for a highly qualified GIRLS TEAM COACH, BOYS TEAM COACH and RECREATIONAL INSTRUCTORS. Strong spotting skills and good coaching qualificotions a must. Beginner through Elite. Applicants should be professional, energetic, and have strong organization and managerial skills. This position is best suited for person wishing to pursue, long-term career in coaching. World Cup Gymnastics, Chappaqua, NY 10514, phone: (914)238-4967 ext. 23. Fox: (914)238-3568. Email: xcupx@aol.com CAMP WAYNE: Cooed children's camp in Northeast Pennsylvania (2 1/ 2 hrs from NYC). If you really enjoy gymnastics and wont to teach children (ages 6-16) we are looking for a Director, on Assistant Director and instructors for Gymnastics, Aerobics, Dance and Cheerleading. We offer a coring, fun-loving environment, rm./bd. + salary. Write: 12 Allevard St., lido Beach, NY 11561 or coli 1-800-279-3019. Fox#: 516-897-7339. GYMNASTICS DIRECTOR AND INSTRUCTORS: Premiere summer camp for girls located in Western Massachusetts seeks coaches and athletes to serve as Director and Instructor(s) for comprehensive gymnastics program for campers ages 7-15. Beginner-Advanced classes. "State of the Art" facility includes: spring floor, beams, unevens, vault and troveling rig. Competitive salory, room and boord, travel allowance. Contact: Camp Danbee, 24 Woodshire Terrace, Towaco, NJ 07082, (800)392-3752. Program runs June 20-August 20, 1999. HEAD COACH OF INTERCOLLEGIATE WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS TEAM at SUNY Cortland. Required: B.S. degree; successful coaching experience in women's programs. Preferred: Moster's degree; B.S. degree in physical education; public school teaching experience; head coaching experience in women's gymnastics. Head coaching duties including development of a comprehensive recruiting program; teaching gymnastics and other activity areas per expertise in the teacher preparation activity program; physical education major advisement; deportment/ college service. Position

--14 -=-= 6 - -- - - - -- - - - - - - - l ( TEe H N IOU E

â€˘

Available: January 1999. Salary: Competitive with qualifications and experience; excellent fringe benefits. Screening of applicotions will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Send letter of applicotion indicating qualifications and background, a resume, transcripts of college work, and at least three current letters of recommendation written specifically for this position, including at least two from profeSSionals acquainted with the applicant's coaching and teaching abilities and experiences to: Dr. Jerry Casciani, Choir, Physical Education Deportment, Pork Center, Box 2000, SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY 13045. SUNY Cortland is on AA/ EEO/ ADA employer. We have a strong commitment to the affirmation of diversity and have interdisciplinary degree programs in the areas of multicultural studies.

CLASS CONTROL for Windows. The best value in Closs Management and A/ Rsoftware. Pocked with features, easy to use, and runs on a network. Includes rosters, automatic tuition calculation, family discounts, speCial discounts, retail charges, invoices, payment due reports, financial summaries, instructor schedules, moiling labels, on-line help, and more. Supports sales tax and payment through direct debit. Only 5500 (5250 per additional workstation) and includes free training and unlimited personal, understandable, technical support at no charge. Call Vaughn Software Services at 800-821 -8516, P.O. Box 1086, Apex, NC 27502. AMEX/ MC!VISA.

FAIRFAX GYMNASTICS ACADEMY is seeking qualified boys and girls team coaches, closs instructors, and program directors. Applicants must be professional, outgoing, enthusiastic, have strong spotting skills, and love to work with kids. Coaches and program directors must be good leaders with strong organizational and managerial skills. Safety certificotion a plus. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume to Fairfax Gymnastics Academy, 3729 Pickett Rood, Fairfax, VA 22031. Fox or call (703)323-8050.

GYMNASTICS CENTER-Excellent 11 ,500 sq. It. full service facility. l-shaped pit, mirrored walls, weight rooms, large parent/ party room. Tumble-Trak, power floor, all equipment and mots. Modern offices, stoff rooms and 6 bathrooms. Great business with moin Ave location. Team, pre-school, levels classes and hard working stoff in place. TERMS: 350K with 15% down. Private financing is in place. This is a solid business opportunity. Individual financial requirement minimum 10K. Send letter to Pot Ahern, 1927 Bundy St., Scranton, PA 18508.

FOR SALE

SEMINARS

GYM FOR SALE: Massachusetts. Rapidly growing gym with great stoff. 5,000 sq. It. facility, spring floor, tumble trac and much more. Also includes dance area. lease building, purchase gym program and equipment. Send resume and inquiry to: Gym For Sale, P.O. Box 578, Woonsocket, R.I. 02895.

GET CONTROL OF YOUR BUSINESS: Gain 23 years of business experience in 4-1/2 days at the GymClub Owners' BOOT CAMP. learn secrets why some clubs perpetually grow but why many perpetually linger in mediocrity. Following the BOOT CAMP strategy, my club has grown for 23 years straight! I GUARANTEE it will be worth your effort to pick up the phone and call me to receive a FREE portfoliO including testimonials and agenda. For All size clubs including those "in planning." Great for Managers too. JEFF METZGER: (513)489-7575. Next camps: November 19-23, 1998 and March 18-23, 1999.

SOFTWARE FOR DUMMIES! SCORE MASTER, the most widely used system in the U.S., scores the largest meet in the U.s., The Gasparilla, with over 2500 competitors. This score keeping system is very easy-to-use and has on on-line tutorial. Supports: mens/womens, indiVidual/team, artistic/ rhythmic, comp/ optional competitions. It can graph scores over on entire season. Comes with a step-by-step user guide and a 90 day unconditional money bock guarantee. For more info contact: Mark Mahoney, P.O. Box 31 421 , Charlotte,

NC, 28231 -1421 , (704)523-1812 or web site: www.score-master.com(softwaredemo.info guide and user listing on web site).

To place a classified ad: S75 every 90 words. Deadline is the 10th of each proceeding month for the next published issue. For example, the February Technique deadline is January 10th. Send payment to: USA Gymnastics, Classifieds Ads, Pan American Plaza, Suite 300, 201 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46225. Ads submitted without payment WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. USA Gymnastics reserves the right to vary format. Techllique is received by more than 12,000 USA Gymnastics professionaJ members, advertise your open position, product or service here for grea t results! Ca U Luan Peszek at 317-237-5050, ext. 246.

VOLU ME 18 â€˘ # 10 ) l - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - -

EVENT DATE

# OF DAYS

SCHEDULE

EVENT

SITE

CONTACT

PHONE #

MWR M MW

USA Gymnastics Boord of Directors Meeting Chunichi Cup Australian Cup

Indianopolis, IN Nagoya, JPN Melbourne, AUS

Ron Galimore Ron Galimore

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

W MW

Notional TOPs Training Camp PAGU Interclub Championships

Tulsa, OK Son Jose, CRC

Gory Warren Gory Warren

317-237-5050 317-237-5050

MWR

Reese's Gymnastics Cup

Phoenix, AI

USA Gymnastics Winter Cup Challenge American Classic, Pan American Gomes Trials, and Americon Challenge Rhythmic Challenge and Elite Group Competition

las Vegas, NV Pomona, CA

Ron Galimore Don Peters

317-237-5050 714-B95-2909

Colorado Springs, CO

Cindy French

317-237-5050

MW MWR MW GG W

VISA American Cup InternationaI3-on-3 Gymnastics Champianships International Team Championships Jr./Sr. Proposed FIG/PAGU Coaches Information Course level 10 State Meets

SI. Petersburg, Fl St. Petersburg, Fl Richmond, VA TBD, Fl Various sites

Steve Whitlock State Choirs

W R R W W R W MW W

NCAA Regionals J.O. Championships, Individual and Group Competition Rhythmic Western Open level 9/1 0 Regional Championships NCAA Notional Championships level 9 Championships level 10 Regionals USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships USA Gymnastics National Invitational Tournament

Various sites Syracuse, NY Son Rafael, CA Various sites TBD TBD Various sites TBD TBB

NCAA Cindy French Cindy French State Choirs NCAA Cindy French Connie Moloney USAG USAG

203-392-6082 317-237-5050 317-237-5050

M W W W R MWR MWR GG

J.O. Championships level 9 East Championships level 9 West Championships J.O. Championships Rhythmic Western Open and Elite Group Competition USA Gymnastics Executive Commillee Meeting USA Gymnastics Boord of Directors Meeting Proposed FIG/PAGU Coaches Information Course

Hauston, TX TBD Sea"le, WA Austin, TX Son Rafael, CA Indianapolis, IN Indianopolis, IN T8D, Fl

Dennis Mcintyre Connie Malaney Connie Moloney Connie Maloney Cindy French TBD T8D Steve Whitlock

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

DISCIPLINE

NOVEMBER 1998 14 14 23

DECEMBER 1998 2 B

JANUARY 1999 30

317-237-5050

FEBRUARY 1999 10 12

M W

MARCH 1999 4 7 26 26 27

3 1 2 3 2

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

APRIL 1999 10 10 15 16 22 24 24 TBD TBD

203-392-6082 317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050 317-237-5050

MAY 1999 6 7 7 14 15 21 22 28

JUNE 1999 4 4 3

R R W

Four Continents U.S. Rhythmic Notional Championships U.S. Challenge

Jacksonville, Fl TBD TBD

Cindy French Cindy French Gory Warren

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

9 15 4

GG MWR MWR-GG MWR MWR W

World Gymnaestrada (USA delegation) Pan American Gomes PAGU Congress Region VIII Congress PAGU Interclub Championships US Classic/Notional Gymnastics Festival

Goteborg, SWE Winnipeg, CAN Winnipeg, CAN TBD Cordoba, ARG T8D

Steve Whitlock

317-237-5050

Gory Warren Kathy Kelly

317-237-5050 317-237-5050

MW MWR-GG GG

John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships USA Gymnastics Notional Congress USA Gymnastics Classic Gym Fest

Sacramento, CA Sacramento, CA Sacramento, CA

Steve Whitlock Steve Whitlock

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

!!1

MWR-GG MW R

GAT Convention World Championships Team Trials 23rd Rhythmic World Championships

Austin, Texas Kansas City, MO Osaka, JPN

317-237-5050 317-237-5050

.....'"'""'"

10 24 16

JULY 1999 2 24 29 TBD TBD TBD

AUGUST 1999 25 26 26

4 3 3

:z:

...;;:§ ....

SEPTEMBER 1999 3 15 28

2 4 6

Cheryl Jarre" Cindy French

;;:-

OCTOBER 1999 8 8 13 15 23 29

6 9 2 2 4 3

MWR MW MWR-GG

:::.

GG W

Pacific Ocean Basin Gomes Artistic World Championships FIG Extraordinary Congress FIG Medical Technical Symposium Australian General Gymnastics Course Notional TOPs Testing (West)

Santiago, Chile TIanjin, CHN TIanjin, CHN TIanjin, CHN Queensland, AUS TBD

Steve Whitlock Gory Warren

317-237-5050 317-237-5050

Nationol TOPs Testing (East)

TBD

Gory Warren

317-237-5050

S-

.g ...'"<>

.:::

;;;

NOVEMBER 1999 ( TECHNIQUE • VOLUME 18 • # 10 )

is'' is471

28 Stroudsburg, PA; 1:00-5:00 p.m.; course pfl12898pa International Gymnastics, RR 8, Box 18360 Instructor: Phil Frank 609-786-3977

1998·99 Safety Certification Schedule October 1 2, 1998 Minimum age for Safety Certification is 18 years.

DECEMBER 1998

LATE REGISTRATIONS ARE NOT GUARANTEED A BOOK OR SPOT ONTHE LIST.

Gurnee, Il; 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; course mk 120698il Ultimate Gymnastics, Tristate Parkway locol contact: Nancy Northrup 847-662-7110 Instructor: Monte Kimes 773-586-6015

Registrations received less than 5 business days prior to the course or on site will be charged on additional525

20 louisville, KY; TIme: TBA; course ss 122098ky Holiday Inn Hurstbourne Instructor: Steve Schoenbaechler 502-458-8094

NOVEMBER 1998

17 Roswell, GA; 1:00-5:00 p.m.; course ccOl1799ga Roswell Recreation Center locol contact: Susan Durning 770-641-3987 Instructor: Chris Calvert 404-687-9911 29 Noblesville, IN; 4:00-8:00 p.m.; course bd012999in Noblesville Jr. High Instructor: BIiifY Dubuque 812-482-4800, 812-473-3232

FEBRUARY 1999 12 Norman, OK; 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; course ie0212990k Bart Connor Gymnastics local contact: Ben Fox Instructor: Jan Eyman 254-694-2065

29 Bath, ME; 6:00-10:00 p.m.; course gb 122998me Bath-YMCA Instructor: Gerry Bellemare 207-395-4306 (hi, 207-443-3134 (w)

MARCH 1999

14 Anchorage, AK; 1:00-5:00 p.m.; course ajll1498ak Artic Gymnastic; Instructor: Amanda Jones 907-753-1050

JANUARY 1999

14 Redwood City, CA; 1:00-6:00 p.m.; course ss031 499co Paragon SportsTech Instructor: Steve Scott 650-368-7747

20 Pittsburgh, PA; 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.; course iil 12098pa 2101 Greentree Road Instructor: Jeannette Jay 412-279-4344

16 Hamden, IT; 5:00-9:00 p.m.; course inOl1699ct Nelson's Gymnastics Instructor: Jerry Nelson 203-28 1-1826

14 Bow, NH; 5:00-9:00 p.m.; course tr 111498nh Granite Stote Gym Ctr. loco I contact: Diane Cote-B urk 603-228-8424 Instructor: Tony Retrosi 603-433-0404

r----------------------------------------------, Participation Registration Form

(Minimum age for Safety Certification is 18 years)

Name: Soc. Sec. # _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Birlh Date _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ __ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ City: _ _ __ __ _ _ __ State: _ _ _ _ _ _ Zip: _ _ _ _ __ Telephone: (H) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (W) Course Dire(tor: Course City/ State: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Date: Organization represented: Professional or Instru(tor #: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Current Safety Exp. Date: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

COST: Pro-Member with Current Safety Certification wishing to recertify .......................................................... no (harge Pro-Member with Expired or New Safety Certification ............ S 50.00 Instru(tor Member .................................................. _............. S 50.00 Non-Member or Associate Member ........................................ S 100.00 • You must have your USA Gymnastics number on the registration form in order to qualify for the discount. (If obtaining your professional or instructor membership at this time, please indicate date purchased) YOU MAY NOT REGISTER FOR A COURSE TO RECERTIFY ANY EARLIER THAN 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO YOUR EXPIRATION DATE. Registrations received less than 5 business daysprior to the course or on site will be charged an additional 525.

• All materials (including the Safety Handbook) for 4th Cycle (ourses are provided at the (ourse and are part of the course fee . • Certification is good for four years. • To achieve Safety Certification, the participant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the course.

o VISA o MasterCard o Discover o American Express

Please make checks payable, in full, to USA Gymnastics Safety Certification Payment Amount: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Mail registration form and payment to: USA Gymnastics Member Services Name on Card: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Pan American Plaza, Suite 300 Number: _ _ _ __ 201 South Capitol Avenue GYMNASTICS Indianapolis, IN 46225 PREFERS VISA' Exp. Dote: ___ / _ _ Signature: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ L ______________________________________________ or Fax to 317-692-5212 Form of Payment:

USIA