Technique Magazine – February 2007

2007 N atlonal 째 G ymnastic D Tyson Fitn:ss

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C~allenge and

Featured

Newsweek's "Wh os ' next?"

EVENTS 2007

27-29 TBD TBD

FEBRUARY 7-11 8-11 15-17 18 21 -24 22-24 24-27

las Vegas, NV Houston, TX Colorado Springs, CO Colorado Springs, CO Houston, TX lubbock, TX Houston, TX

Tyson American Cup (M,W) USA vs_ World Training Camp & Competition (W) Greot 8ritain Tour (W) Gymnix Internotional (W) USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships (M)

Jacksonville, Fl Houston, TX G8R Montreal, CAN Williamsburg, VA

World Cup - USA (TTl World Cup -Canada (TI) NCAA Championships (M) Nationol Teom Training Camp (W) USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships (W) level 9/ 10 Regionals (W) NCAA Championships(W) World Cup (AG)

lake Placid, NY Quebec City State College, PA Houston, TX Seattle, WA Various Sites Salt lake City, UT Puurs, BEL

APRIL 1-2 7-8 12-15 14- 18 17-21 20-22 26-28 T8D

4 5-11 15 15 15-1B 16-18 20-26 25-26

National Gymnostics Doy T& TScholorship Camp (TTl Notionol Business Conference Stote & Reg_Chair Training (TTl Visa Championships (M/W/ R/ AG) Notional Congress and Trade Show World Championships Training Camp (W) World Cup - Russia (TT)

Three Rivers, MI Son Jose, CA San Jose, CA San Jose, CA Son Jose, CA Houston, TX St_Petersburg, RUS

World Cup - Poland (TT) World Championships (M,W) Stars & Stripes Cup/ IAGC Team Trial (TT) World Championships (R)

Zelona-Gura Stuttgart, GER Birmingham, Al Patros, GRE

World Champs_ Team Training Camp (TI) Notional Team Training Camp (AG)

La ke Plocid, NY Houston, TX

World Championships (TI) International Age-Group Competition (TT) Olympic Test Event Future Stars National Championships (M) Nationol Coaches Workshop (M)

Quebec City, CAN Quebec City, CAN Beijing, CHN TBD TBD

JumpStart Notional Testing (TT)

T8D

SEPTEMBER 1-2 1-9 13-16 19-23

OCTOBER 23-2B TBD

NOVEMBER 2-4 7-9 25-Dec 7 TOB

TBD

MAY 4-6 9-1 3 11 -13 11 -13

National Elite Qualifier (W) JO Ilational Championships (M) U_S_ Elite Challenge/ IAGC Team Trial (TI) level 9 East & West Championships (W)

lB-20 24-27 27-31 31-June 1 TBD

JO National Championships (W) International H_Chmielewski Tournament (AG) American Classic (Pan Am Verification) (W) American Classic (W) Machuga Cup (AG)

Houston, TX Oklahoma City, OK Colorado Springs, CO Kissimmee, Fl & Spokane, WA Mason, OH Swidnica, Poland Houston, TX Houston, TX Krasnodar, RUS

American Challenge (W) National Teom Training Comp (TR) JO Championships (R) Men's Quolifier (M) Trompoline & Tumbling National Chompionships (TT) Pan Am Games Selection Camp (W)

Houston, TX TBD TBD Colorodo Springs, CO Memphis, TN Houston, TX

Pan Am Games Troining Comp (W) Notional Elite Quolifier (W) East Championships Rhythmic (R) World Gymnaestrada (GG) Pon Americon Games (M,W,R,TR) West Chompionships Rhythmic (R)

Houston, TX Houston, TX TBD Dornbirn, AUT Rio de Joneiro, BRA Newark, CA

JUNE June 1-3 5-12 8-10 9 20-28 30-July 4

TBD USA TBD

AUGUST 2007 Winter Cup Challenge (M) National Team Training Camp (TT) Rhythmic Invitational & Coaches Symposium (R) Rhythmic Challenge (R) Tyson American Cup Selection Camp (W) Winter Classic (TTl Tyson American Cup Training Camp (W)

MARCH 3 5-10 13-20 16-18 22-25

U_S_Classic/ Challenge (W) Freedom Cup (AG) Junior Olympic Notional Chompionships (AG)

DECEMBER 7-B

2008 MAY 9-11 16-18

level 9 Eost & West Championships (W) JO National Championships (W)

T8A Kissimmee, Fl

U_S_ Olympic Team Trials- Gymnastics

Philadelphia, PA

Olympic Games

8eijing, CHN

JUNE 19-22

AUGUST 8-24

JULY 4-6 6-B 7-8 8-14 13-29 21 -22

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TECHNIQUE' FEBRU ARY 2007

W= Women M= Men AG = Acrobatic Gymnastics

R= Rhythmic GG = Group Gymnastics B= Business

NOTE: Dotes and events subjed to change or cancellation.

TR = Trampoline TU = Tumbling 1T = Trampoline/ Tumbling

PUBLISH E R

FEBRUARY

2007 •

Steve Penny EDITOR

Luan Peszek GRAPH IC DESIGNER

Zemetria Barnes-Perry USA GYMNASTICS IXICUTIVI COMMlnl1 (HAIR: Ron Froehlich; PRESIDENT: Steve Penny; VICE (HAIR WOMEN: Tom KolI; VI(E (HAIR MEN: Yoichi Tomita; VICE (HAIR RHYTHMIC: Andrea Schmid, VI(E (HAIR TRAMPOLINE: Paul Parillo; VI(E (HAIR A(RO-GYMNAST](S: Tanya (ose; SE(RETARY: Gory Anderson; TREASURER: Bob Wood; FIG REPS: Bob (olorolli (Execulive (ommiHee), Ron Froehlich (Audnor), Tanya (ose IA(fobalic Gymno~ics Technical (ommiHee) and John Roelhlilberger (Alhlele Rep.). AT LARGE MEMBERS: Sieve Bulmer, David Holcamb; ATHLETE DIREGORS: Kim Zmoskol-BurdeHe, John Roelhlisberger, (orotme Hunt, Karl Heger, USO( ATHlEII DIRECTOR: larissa Fooloine.

USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRICTORS (HAIR: Ron Froehlim; PRESIDENT: Sieve Penny; PRESIDENT EMERITUS: Sandy Knopp, Mike Donohue; TREASURER: Bob Wood; SE(RETARY: Gory Anderson; VICE (HAIR WOMEN: Tom KolI; VICE (HAIR MEN: Yoimi Tomilo; VICE (HAIR RHYTHMIC: Andreo Schmid, VICE (HAIR TRAMPOLINE: Paul Porillo; VICE (HAIR AeRO-GYMNASTICS: Tanya (ose; PUBlI( SEGOR: Bill Hybl, Bob Wood; AMATEUR ATHlETl( UNION: Ron Ferril; AMERICAN SOKOL ORGANIZATION: Jerry Milan; AMERICAN TURNERS: Beny Heppner, COLLEGE GYMNASTICS ASSO(IATION-MEN: Frondl Allen; NATIONAL ASSO(IATION OF COLLEGIATE COA(HES-WOMEN: Mark (oak; NATIONAL ASSO(IATION FOR GIRlS AND WOMEN IN SPORT: Morilyn Strawbridge; NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN'S GYMNASTICI JUDGES: (orale Ide; NATIONAL COllEGIATE ATHlETIC ASSOCIATION-MEN: Yoshi Hoyoloki; NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS: Becky Oakes; NATIONAL GYMNASTICI JUOGES ASSOCIATION-MEN: Bulm Zunim; NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASTICI COA(HES ASSOCIATION: Morgie (onfield; U.S. ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT GYMNASTI(S ClUBS: Paul Ziert; U.S. ElITE COACHES ASSO(IATION-MEN: Thom Glielmi; U.S. ElITE COACHES ASSOCIATlONWOMEN: Sieve Rybacki Tony Gehman; U.S. MEN'S GYMNASTICI COA(HES ASSOCIATION: Tim Klempnouer; U.S_ RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICI COACHES ASSOCIATION: Suzie DiTullio; YOUNG MEN'S (HRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF THE USA: (osey Koenig; NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETI( ASSOCIATIONWOMEN: Meg Stephefll{)n; NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DIREGORS MEN: Mike Burnl, Abie Grollleld; RHYTHMIC: Ivonko Kirov, Mimelle Lorson; WOMEN: Kelli Hill, Tom For~er; TRAMPOLINE: Shoun Kemplon, Dr. George Drew; A(RO-GYMNASTICI: Undo Porter, Joy Binder; ATHlETES (OUN(ll Mohini BhordwoL Kim Zmeskol-BurdeHe, Lorillo Fonloine, Korl Heger, Jessica Howard, (oroline Hunl, Jamie Morshik, Sieve Mc(oin, Shannon Miller, Michoel Rodrigues, Joy Thornlon, USO( Alhlele Rep.; Lorislo Fonloine, Execulive BoordMember John Roelhlilberger. ASSO(IATE MEMBERS: JEWISH COMMUNITY CEHTTRS, lari Katz; SPE(IAL OLYMPICI, Kote Fober-Hickie; U.S. COMPETITIVE AEROBI(S FEDERATION, Howard Schwortz (HANGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBS(RIPTION INQUIRIES: In order to enlure uninlerrupled delivery 01 TECHNIQUE mogoline, nolice 01 change 01 oddrell Ihould be mode eighl weekI in odvonce. For lostesl service, pleose endose your presenl moiling label. Dired oillubmiplion moil 10 TECHNIQUE Submiplions, USA Gymnastics, 201 S. (opilol Ave_, Sle. 300, Indionopolil, IN 46225.

FEATURES 6 Scream and Run Naked: 7 Pri nciples to Loving your Li fe of Coachi ng

10 Experience a New Culture Namibia Gymnastics Federation

14 10 Steps to More Profit Through Better Relationships 18 Neuromuscular Activation Warm-Up 22 2007 National Gymnastics Day and Tyson Fitness Challenge

DEPARTMENTS 4 USA Gymnastics Message 26 Business Tips 28 Athlete Focus 30 KAT /MELPD Schedule 32 Member Services Update 38 What's New 46 Classifieds 48 Safety Certification Schedule

PROGRAM UPDATE 40 Rhythmic Program Update 42 Women's Program Update

TECHNIQUE is published monlhly mepl bimonlhly in \epl/ Od ond Nov/ Dec by USA Gymno~ies, Pon Arnericon PlOlO, Suile 300, 201 Ioulh (opilol Avenue, Indionopolis, IN 46225 (phone: 317-237-5050) or visn online @ www.UIa-gymftGltKs.org Submiplion prices: U.I.-525 per yeor; (onodo/ Mexico-548 per year; all olher loreign counlries-560 per year. II available, bock illue single copies 54 plus pOlloge/hondling.

All reolonoble core will be loken, bUI no responlibilily can be ollumed lor unsoliciled moleriol; endose relurn postage. (opyrighl 2006 by USA Gymnoslies and TECHNIQUE. All righls reserved. Prinled by Sporl Graphics, Indianapolis, IN. Member Services l-BOO-345-4719

Unless expressly identified to the contrary, all arti,l.s, statements and views printed herein are attributed solely ta the author and USA Gymnastics expresses no opinion ...d assumes na responsibility thereof.

www.usn-" v,nn C OVER : JULIA N AMARO AND TYLER SPRAY PH OTOGRAPH ER RALPH SHiElDS

©

VOLUME

27

•

#2

• • USA GYMNASTICS

MESSAGE

THE 2007 TYSON AMERICAN CUP, one of the most prestigious international gymnastics invitationals in the world, will be held in Jacksonville, Fla., on March 3. The City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission has a tradition of excellence within our sport. The city hosted both the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Trials, as well as several other international competitions. They are exited to have some of the world's top gymnasts back in the Sunshine State for this premier event.

The Tyson American Cup, which began in 1976 to celebrate the United States Bicentennial, has a rich history of past champions that reads like a who's who of gymnastics greats. In fact, the first champions of the event included the USA's own Bart Conner and Romania's Nadia Comaneci. Ironically, now the two gymnasts are married and recently had their first child!

Other former champions of the American Cup include Mary Lou Retton, Kurt Thomas, Peter Vidmar, Kim Zmeskal, Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes, Kerri Strug, Blaine Wilson, Carly Patterson and Nastia Liukin, just to name a few. All of these American gymnasts have gone on to win World and Olympic medals.

The Tyson American Cup competition, utilizing an all-around format, typically is the launching ground for new faces and upcoming champions. Both Retton and Patterson won gold at the American Cup in 1984 and 2004 respectively before going on to win the all-around gold medals at the Olympic Games!

This year's event is expected to bring a new generation of athletes to the forefront. USA Gymnastics has invited the top countries and gymnasts to compete and expects to give gymnastics' bns a glimpse of what to expect as we approach the 2007 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

At this year's Tyson American Cup, USA Gymnastics AMERICAN CUP will unveil the 2007 Tyson JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA Fitness Challenge that will run through National Gymnastics Day on August4, with proceeds going to the Children's Miracle Network. We're excited about the feedback we received from our members last year, after the initial launch of the Tyson Fitness Challenge, and we have incorporated your suggestions into this year's plan. Check out page 22 to learn more about the Tyson Fitness Challenge.

If you can't join us in Jacksonville, then tune in to NBC Sports for live coverage of the Tyson American Cup on Saturday, March 3, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. EST. For more information on the 2006 Tyson American Cup or the Tyson Fitness Challenge go to http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/

Ron Gali more Vice President of Events Olympic ReLations/Men's Program

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TECHNIQUE' FEBRUARY 2007

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• GK releases seven exciting new lines each year. .. so you'll always have something fresh and new in your pro shop.

• Also a great way to supplement your "Risk Free" packages.

Call to receive free catalogs for your pro shop needs.

Ask how you can become a Dealer and take advantage of our GK Dealer Exclusives:

• Receive Wholesale prices on all merchandise.

• Electronic Invoices.

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• Visit our website, www.gkelite.com to get more information on our Dealer Program.

GK is proud to have been chosen by adidas®to manufacture the 2007 National Team competitive apparel for USA Gymnastics.

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6

rECHNIQUE. FEBRUARY 2007

Scream and

Naked:

7 Principles to Loving Your Life of Coaching

by Alison Arnold

after day you go to the gym. You love it. The smell. The chalk dust in your lungs. The "thrill of victory and agony of defeat. You love the feeling you get when an athlete learns a new skill or overcomes a major obstacle. You feel the pain when one of your athletes gets hurt. Some say it's in our blood.

But it can also be difficult sometimes as you move from day to day. Coaches make huge sacrifices to be in this sport and sometimes you may wonder if it's all worth it. It's normal for your coaching passion to wax and wane.

We all feel "flat lined" once in a while, wondering if this is all there is. When I was in graduate school, I gradually became aware that I was beginning to "flat line" my own life. I confided my struggle to one of my favorite professors at my college, in Oregon. I saw him regularly for "supervision" meetings. He was a mustached hippie with red hair, keen blue eyes, and a renegade spirit. After we finished discussing my classes, there was a brief pause while I got up the courage to ask, "Do you ever feel more dead than alive? All I hear is the dull day-in-day-out hum of the machine in my head . What do you do to feel something? To feel alive? " A rueful smile crossed his lips, he chuckled knowingly, and said, "Sometimes, on my property in the forest, no matter how hot, cold, or rainy, it is, I take off all of my clothes, and I run . I run through the trees as fast as I can, and I scream at the top of my lungs.

I scream, I cry, I yell at God and the world. Sometimes I just drop to my knees, throw my head back, and wail to the sky." He leaned forward and looked me in the eyes, "I dare life to seize me, to use me, to show me something more. " I was somewhat taken aback. I'm sure my eyes were wide with astonishment. I thought about asking him , "So, short of running naked in the forest, do you have any other suggestions?" But I didn't, I laughed. And he ~

FEBRUARY 1007 • TECHNIQUE

7

did, too. I knew that what he was saying was true. Sometimes you have to really seize life. You have to take off all your armor and live your life exactly the way you want it. To really be ALIVE. This article will look at 7 principles to being more alive in your coaching. At the end of each principle are a few questions for you to write out or think about. These principles and questions will help you feel alive in every moment as if you were screaming and running naked on a cold Oregon morning. Sounds a little crazy? Let's see.

B~ing A"1are of who you are and who you re not In order to live a Scream and Run Naked life you have to be aware.

Aware of who you are and what you want. Aware of your habits and beliefs. Aware of what's working in your life of coaching and what isn't.

When we are unaware, we move through life as a robot, just doing the same behaviors day in and day out. Same drills, same kids, same mistakes over and over. This can get very boring ... and frustrating. The first step in changing any "flat line" feelings is become aware of what feels good in your coaching and what doesn't. Answer the following questions. These answers will help you wake up a bit to what is working and not working in your gymnastics life right now.

• Are you doing the same thing in your coaching day in day out?

• Are you taking care of yourself outside of the gym?

• When do you feel the best in the gym?

• When do you feel the worst?

Being in the Present Every moment is amazing in this sport, and no two are ever the same.

When we really wake up and experience our lives we see the magic of the present. Really when you think about it, the present is all we have. Every moment is a "now" moment. As a coach, it's important to celebrate each moment with your athletes. What if today was the last day you were to walk into the gym? What would you notice? How would you coach? The key to living a scream and run naked life, is noticing the opportunity of every moment. See the sights, hear the sounds. Are you always so much in your head that you miss what's going on right in front of you? The richness of the present can make the difference between smelling the roses and stomping on one as you walk by.

• Pretend today is your last day of coaching. How are you coaching differently?

Setting Intention Now that you are aware of what's working and what's not, it is time to set intention. Setting intention is about creating exactly what you want to create in your life. How do you want to feel every day when you walk into the gym? Who are you? How do you want to coach? Do you want to be strong, organized, and motivating? We can never reach a goal or create what we want without a vision of it first. Setting intention is creating the vision. It is deciding right now who you want to be, and how you want to coach. We can not expect athletes to have goals and vision unless coaches are willing to do the same.

• Just for today, don't multi-task. Be totally present with whatever you are doing.

• Your breathing always takes you back to the present. Be sure you are breathing as you are coaching. Especially when you're frustrated.

• Decide and write five characteristics of the coach you want to be.

• Describe your ideal gym atmosphere.

• What are your goals for this season? Be specific. Have outcome and process goals. Outcome goals describe an achievement at the end like winning state. Process goals are the steps along the way like having a good conditioning plan.

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TECHNIQUE· FEBRUARY 1007

Go with the Ups and Downs The only guarantee in life is that everything changes, especially in the world of gymnastics. As a coach, you want to be ready for the ups and downs of gymnastics without being devastated by them.

There is nothing so draining on your energy then the holding on

to pain and disappointment. Of course there is disappointment in gymnastics. The sadness of injury, not-qualifying, or the loss when one of your athletes leaves the sport or changes gyms. Feeling sad and disappointed is normal. Living the scream and run naked life of coaching means moving through these disappointments knowing that every down will eventually find its way up. Albert Einstein said, "In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity." The power to seize that opportunity lies within every coach. How can you see each situation in the best possible light? How can you find the positive amidst the negative? Being the eternal optimist is one way to save yourself from the "flat line."

• Find the positive amidst any negative situation in your life right now. How are you growing from this experience?

coaching is a sure fire way to give meaning to every day. If you have chosen coaching, you have an enormous gift to give. Everyday, you are impacting your athlete's life. Remember why you coach gymnastics.

Ask yourself, "What is my gift?" "What legacy to I want to leave behind?" The answers to these questions will be a foundation you can lean on during difficult periods in your coaching.

• Create two words that represent your purpose in coaching.

Examples include: motivating kids, inspiring others, eliciting talent, creating self-confidence.

• During a difficult day, remember these words and use them to give you strength and inspiration.

• Put these words where you can see them every day. Mirrors and computer screens are perfect.

• Write one "negative" event from your past and list three positive things that emerged from it.

• Go out of your way to "be Okay" with a change that has happened in your gym or life. Call a gymnast that has quit, or a fellow coach you had a falling out with.

For the Love of the Sport

Coaching with Integrity The word integrity comes from the word integer which means "whole." Integrity is living a life that is congruent with your values.

Do you keep your word? Do you threaten consequences only to back down once again? Walking your talk is essential to living the scream and run naked life. When we are not living our values, our life feels poisoned. Think of times you have betrayed yourself and not kept your word. Both to yourself and others. It is du ri ng those times we feel the most pain in life. Anger, depression , and dullness all come from not living a life that is lined up with what is most important to you.

• List the top five values that are most important in your life (for exa mple: family, honesty, teaching, fun).

• Do you feel li ke you are living these values in your daily life?

• Just for this day, keep your word on everythi ng you say that includes "little" things and "big" things like calling so meo ne back, being on time, sticking to an eating plan, etc.

Many times when coaches feel flat lined they have forgotten why they got involved with gymnastics in the first place. Think about the first time you walked into a gym. What did you love about it? Be careful that you are not so caught up in awards and accomplishments you have forgotten the beauty and joy of daily life in the gym. Remembering the joy of gymnastics also includes taking care of yourself so that you have energy to bring into the gym. It's impossible to love a situation that is draining you dry.

You owe it to yourself, your family and your athletes to take care of yourself enough to feel the passion and contagious joy that got you involved in gymnastics in the first place.

• Why did you begin to coach gymnastics?

• What do you love about gymnastics every day?

• What are you doing for balance?

This is suc h an amazing, crazy sport. It is my hope that this article has helped you awaken into the wonderful life of coac hing that is yours. Our time here is so short and so precious. We must devour every minute, every situation. Life is not something to shield yourself from-it is so mething to run to ward, to fling yourself into life's arms and let it flow through every cell in your body. Can you do it? Can you live so fearlessly that in every event and every situatio n you open yourself to life rather than closing yourself off? This is what living the scream and run naked life is all about. Enjoy every day of coaching as if it was your first or your last. Celebrate every second.

You only live once, and this is it. Live Big. 1\

The Power of Purpose You are much more than "just" a gymnastics coach. Gymnastics is simply the vehicle for you to give your bigger purpose. Why do you coach? Is it just for the gold medals? Finding the purpose behind your

Alison Arnold Ph. O. hos been a Peak Performance Cansultant ta USA Gymnastics since 1997. Her books, Scream and Run Naked, and Living the Scream and Run Naked Life are available at www.screamandrunnaked.com. For more information on her mental toughness training tools and clinics see www.headgames.ws FEBRUARY 1007 • TECHNIQUE

9

Namibia Gymnastics Federation

BY LUAN PESZEK

Left al1d above: Dona Jones enjoys the outdoors in Africa.

Above: Dona is hanging out with the kids.

fEBR UARY 2007 • TECHNIQUE

11

ave you ever thought of traveling to another country to share your knowledge of the sport of gymnastics with others?

Here in the United States we are fortunate to have so many great gymnastics coaches. Many countries could benefit from the gymnastics expertise we have in our country. Namibia is one such country.

Valeries Geldenhuys, the president of the Namibian Gymnastics Federation, has extended an invitation to American coaches to spend part of their summer or holidays in Namibia to help with its gymnastics program. Coaches are also welcome to bring their athletes to experience a shared training camp with another country. Namibia in return can help with accommodations, transport, safaris, a small wage, and an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Coaches can experience sightseeing, climbing the highest dunes in the world, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Above: Dona Jones poses with some gymnas[S after the competition. Right: Dona is coaching in a gym in Namibia.

There is startling beauty in this African country - from the dunes of Kalahari and Namib deserts to the foggy shores of the Skeleton Coast. The Fish River Canyon makes for steep but exhilarating walking. And Namibia is also home to an incredible variety of plants and animals that have adapted to the extreme climate.

Its national parks and wildlife refuges are among the finest in Africa!

Dona Jones, a professional member with USA Gymnastics, traveled to Namibia to help with its gymnastics program. Jones is a former competitor, coach, judge and choreographer.

She recently spoke to us about her days in Namibia.

Championships held in Walvis Bay, Namibia. I also judged the competition!

Every day would lead to another task.

I taught preschool classes, trampoline, swimming, English or whatever was needed for the day! I was flexible in my schedule and where I would travel throughout the country.

After a year I returned to the States for a few months to make enough money to go back and live for another year. I thought it was so rewarding.

The hospitality of the Namibians is beyond belief. They are wonderful people and treated me as if I was family and we still keep in touch. I was included in everything they celebrated and became immersed in their day-to-day lifestyle.

How often have you visited and helped out with the Namibia Gymnastics program?

Dona: I first went to Namibia in 1997 and went back and forth between the United States and Namibia for four years. The Namibians have brought coaches and gymnasts over to train here in the U.s., too.

What are their gymnastics facilities like?

Dona: For the most part, every facility is in an abandoned building where the rent is affordable. The gyms are filled with whatever equipment the families can afford. I was shocked when I saw bed mattresses used for mats and benches used for beams.

It is definitely a 'luxury' sport for any family in Namibia. The gyms that are inland have to work their gym schedule around the heat of the day, too. We would wait until five or six at night to start with the gymnasts even though their schools would finish at one or two in the afternoon.

There is a facility in Walvis Bay that is quite nice and has newer equipment available for the athletes to train on when preparing for an upcoming competition.

I have not been in the country for several years so there could be better conditions now for the gymnastics community.

What do you do when you're visiting?

What's a normal day like there?

Dona: When I first arrived in Swakopmund (the country's second largest city), I lived with Valeries Geldenhuys, the president of the Namibian Gymnastics Federation.

I worked with her daughter, Gharde, who was training for the World Championships held in Lausanne, and some other gymnasts for the first three months. I decided to stay another eight months and travel to additional clubs throughout the country and continue doing coaching and judging courses.

In 1998 I organized and acted as the meet director for the 1998 All-African

What I have realized after helping several different federations throughout the world is that it's important to teach the coaches to work with the gymnasts.

What were your experiences like?

Dona: Working in Namibia gave me a true appreciation for ~ conti nue on p.44

If yo u're interested in learni ng more about the Namibia Gymnastics Federation please email Dana Risser Wheeling, the NGF Secretary General at dana@accenrsofafrica. in .na

FEBRUARY 2007 • TECHNIQUE

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14

TECHIIIQUE路 FEBRUARY 2007

To More Profit

Through Better

STEPS

Relationships

By Ken Wood Owner of a multi-sport facility and CEO of Paragon Business Consulting Services, an affiliate ofDGS 9.9's.

t is a given that a company is only as good as its employees. It is nearly impossible for a gym club owner to do the multitude of jobs required in a gymnastics business or mUlti-sport facility all by himself or herself. So he or she must rely on others, namely employees, to get the work done and get it done right.

The single biggest problem in most gyms is hiring good employees who are beneficial to the bottom line. For many years, hiring the right person was hit or miss for us at Paragon Training Center in Fredericksburg, Va. Clearly, something had to change and that change had to come from me.

After several attempts my company has been able to put together a strong group of managers who understand the importance of increasing the bottom line as one of our company's goals. However, what may interest you the most is how we achieved this end.

For some time, we have followed the commonly accepted practice of hiring high-quality people with good attitudes who fit the attributes we are looking for and then training them for the position.

Unfortunately many less successful companies often hire new employees for skills already possessed and do not recognize the importance of how an applicant's attitude and work ethic would support the business's ultimate goal of the bottom-line and profit. Here are 10 steps you can take to improve your relationship with your partners (employees) and, if you choose to make these changes, you will see improved relationships, increased profits and a happier staff. ~

FEBRUARY 2007 • TECHNIQUE

15

1. Admit your mistakes • Nothing will improve your relationships fa ster than admitting your mistakes before they are presented to you or become a larger issue.

Show evidence of correcting a mistake and learning from it. You can disarm any conflict by admitting your mistake first.

2. Don't sweat the small stuff • The ability to overlook the daily issues and rise above pettiness goes a long way to giving employees the sense of freedom necessary to do their jobs well.

3. Accept what (and who) you can't change • The ability to accept an individual as they are is the single most important aspect of showing respect to another individual. It is also sometimes the most difficult.

4. Put peopLe where they beLong • Everyone is different and have differing abilities or gifts. The biggest mistake managers make is to look at others through their own gifts and expectations they have of themselves. Doing this marginalizes the individual, making it impossible to utilize the em ployee effectively, creati ng an inefficient situation. When this happens the manager has made his own strengths into weaknesses not just for himself, but for the company as well.

Show a " willingness to

do any job, any time."

'6

TECHNIQUE· fEBRUARY 2007

5. Appreciate what you have • An employee is motivated more by management showing appreciation for a job well done than any other factor. Study after study shows this. Make sure you show your employees individually in tangible, heartfelt ways what they mean to you as we ll as to your com pany. Sometimes this only needs to be a word of encouragement.

6. Offer to heLp • Show a willingness to do any job, any time. Pitch in at parties when understaffed; cover a shift or two when necessary (on top of your own work). Be generally helpful to your staff (no ivory towers) !

7. A positive attitude is a choice • This is infectious, just like a bad attitude. Make su re you set a good example.

8. Change is good • A methodical use of your prerogative to change your mind shows your ability to adjust to new stimuli. If used correctly and at the right time, you will show your staff that you are open to new ideas and ways of doing busi ness. Eventually, your staff will feel comfortable about bringing their own ideas forward, which gives your company more options for improving profitability.

9. OK, what's next? • Show your staff that working hard to anticipate problems or opportunities can minimize failures or possibly lead to larger profits. For example, changing a policy or tweaking the operating schedule to maxi mize efficiency during times of peak square footage utilization have the potential to do both, create new problems or make your business more efficient. Encourage your staff to anticipate what these may be and use them in your planning.

10. Require exceLLence, not perfection • Perfection is impossible. Plan on errors, knowing that everyone is going to make mistakes. By requiring excellence you are telling your staff that mistakes are acceptable but only if they learn from those mistakes and continue to improve both as an employee and a person .

As business owners and managers we are certainly not perfect by any means. Yet, in order to create a healthy work environment where all employees have a vested interest in the viability of the company's long-term success, we have begun the long path to partnership outlined above. Eventually, if you practice these steps with your department leaders (managers), you will in turn see evidence of your upper level staff enlisting these practices with the employees they are responsible for su pervising . The ultimate achievement is a cohesive unit working toward one goal: a team. jT(

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... , NOJ'ON~EA~ ~------

........-

Rely on Motionwear for your pro shop apparel.

Designed to exceed your expectations, Motionwear offers the best fit and comfort.

Look to the Spring 2007 collection for trend-setting styles and fabrics for class and practice leotards, basics, and fashionable apparel for all gymnasts.

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Indianapolis, IN E-mail : gym@motionwear.com www.motionwear.com

Neu

muscular •

Act atlon

~ St.villccnt

~ Sports Performance Center

Robb Rogers M.Ed, CSCS, MSCC St. Vincent Sports Performance

everal years ago many highly regarded educators in the field of physical therapy began to expound on the theory that neural recruitment of muscle groups in sequential order is paramount in injury prevention as well as optimal performance. In other words, it is very important for the proper muscles to do the job they were designed to do in the optimal order in relation to the movement skill being executed . Physical therapist Mike Clark, President and founder of NASM is quite versed in this theory and has spent the last several years of hi s career researching as well as teaching methods in relation to this theory. Over the years many physical educators, athletic trainers and physical therapists have grown to accept this theory.

Most injuries are related to poor technique, muscle imbalances and overuse . However, there have always been those few nagging injuries that occur at the most inopportune time and seem to occur and recur w ith maddening frequen cy for no apparent reason. Many times seemingly equal athletes will display a vast disparity in strength, power, speed and summation of force , even when trained si milarly and seeming to possess simi lar genetic potential for performance. What is the piece of the puzzle that w hen implemented can impact both performance as wel l as injury preventio n? Gray Cook of www.

FunctionaIMovement.com , one of the leading physical therapists and educators in this field relates the concept to hardware and software issues. If the injury or symptom is caused by hardware problems, then possibly jo int mobilization , chi ropractic manipulation, massage th erapy and/or surg ica l ~

Pulling off a double t wisting double backflip takes energy. The kind of energy that Tyson速serves up w ith every single protein-filled dish we make. We're proud to be a brand that powers the world, and powers USA Gymnast ics. Vis it tyson.com for power-packed recipes.

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intervention is mandated. However, if it is a software problem , then neural recruitment re-training in order to enhance the enervation and contractibility of the muscle group as well as re-coordinate the recruitment pattern may be the key to overcoming that odd or recurring injury as well as provide the spark for peak performance power.

If we accept the following: • The center of all power is seated in the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex.

me here, as we all compensate from joint to joint in our everyday movements .

Compensation in a nd of itself is not a negative . Compensation is how we move.

Compensation is how we perform. The master compensators are the ones that we enjoy watching execute the skills of gymnastics as elite level sport in any form requires movements and forces that put tremendous strain on the human body.

What we want to do is create a menu of pre-training/ competition exercises that will " re-wire" the software and energize the

neural recruitment pattern of the muscle groups of the body.

This "re-wiring " will allow the body to move as fluidly as possible through the joint ranges of motion and movement skill patterns the work bout demands. The beauty of the drills is that they are relatively easy to do, require very little equipment and with minor focus on a few specific techniques these drills can unlock the joint and unleash the optimal movement patterns that will optimize performance in preparation as well as competition . ~ continue on p.45

• Power is generated by and from this area .

• This power is expressed from the base of support through the hands, feet or sport implement.

Prone Press Down Scissors 1) With Abs " activated" go onto forearms into a prone plank. 2) Lift the leg approximately four inches off the ground.

3) Keep hips level. 4) Do not let hips rotate .

5) Alternate sides .

• Therefore, this is the region of the body in which to focus our attention .

Some general concepts: Movement Control Back side muscles control front side movement. For example, when you bend at the waist in an RDL movement, this activity is controlled by the backside musculature of the body (calves, hamstrings, glutes and back musculature) . Conversely, if you lean back as in a reach back hand stand, this movement is controlled by the front side musculature of the body (anterior calf, quad/hip flexor, abdominal musculature). If we accept this, then inside muscles control outside movements and outside muscles control inside movements.

The inside or inner unit muscles are the transverse abdominus, multifidus and the internal oblique . For example, when one leg is supporting the body in a stance and the hip shifts laterally, this movement is controlled by the inner unit above the pelvis and the adductors of the hip below the pelvis . Conversely, when one leg is supporting the body and the knee collapses medially in a valgus maneuver, this movement is controlled by the outer unit musculature which include the Quadratus Lumborum, external oblique, lIio-psoas above the hip and below the hip the lateral hip abductors, specifically the gluteus medius.

Muscle Recruitment If the correct muscles are not recruited in the proper order to do the job they were designed to do then the software patterns of movement become corrupted with compensation " bugs" that over time can create imbalances that can lead to "-itises" and injuries. Don 't misunderstand

20

TECHNIQUE· FEBRUARY 2007

Back Side Activation Bridge Up Series -Two Leg Bridge Ups

.....:----------------~~~

1) Lift hips up by squeezing glutes together. 2) Dorsiflex (toes toward ceiling) ankles. 3) Do not hyperextend the back and do not let the hips sag . 4) Straight line from shoulder, hip and knee .

One Leg Bridge Ups Leg Straight 1) Elbow underneath the armpit, lift hips up in the air. 2) Abduct the top leg without dropping hips and rotating the shoulders .

3) Straight line from head , shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle

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child through adult sizing!

2007 National Gymnastics Day &Tyson Fitness Challenge

•

FITNESS CHALLENGE

Mark your calendars now! National Gymnastics Day 2007 is scheduled for August 4 and w ill center around the Tyson Fitness C hallenge to raise money for the Children 's Miracle Network. The Tyson Fitness Challenge, the eight session program , w ill kick off at the Tyson American Cup on March 3 and will go through National Gymnastics Day, Aug. 4.

The first year o f the Tyson Fitness Challenge was a great success, but we w ant to make th is even better! Based on feedback from our members , w e have expanded the Tyson Fitness Challenge to include your recommendations.

o More lead time to plan the program o

Exercises on DVD and in photos For example, for upper body, core and lower body, we have beginning , intermediate and advanced levels Preschool-age fi tness activities Games for preschool and school age kids, as well as gymnasts

o Different levels of exercises. o o

More details will be broadcast emailed to clubs and professional members soon.

We encourage you to plan ahead a nd offer the Tyson Fitness C hallenge to your studen ts.

By participating in the Tyson Fi tness Challenge and raising money for the Children 's Miracle Network, 100% of the money

22

TECHNIQUE¡ FEBR UAR Y 10 07

you raise will be kept in your local Children 's Miracle Network hospital. By incorporating the eight-session Tyson Fitness Challenge into your schedule, you are helping get today's youth off the couch and more physically active.

For more information , contact Loree Galimore at 317-829-5654 or Igali@usa-gymnasticsorg.

To become a Member Club and receive all the benefits, go onl ine and register at www.usa-gymnastics .org / membersh ip/ club.html. ~

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THI ALPHA fACTOR速 AIRIALS

VIRTUAL PRO SHOP"M

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Pro shop profits without the hassles of a pro shop. Consignment programs seem like a good idea at first, don't they? But then you get on that merry-go-round. Unpacking the merchandise, checking it, putting on the price tags, displaying, selling, handling returns, taking off the price tags, packing it back up, writing the check and shipping it all back again. Whew! It's enough to make you dizzy. And you still haven't made much money.

The Alpha Factor Aerials Virtual Pro Shop changes everything. With this program, you simply hand out free brochures and let the parents take care of the rest. You don't have to buy or sell anything. You don't have to put any money up front. You never even touch the merchandise.

Parents order from us directly and we send you a commission check for 30% of everything they order or credit your Alpha Factor competitive account for 40% of a team order! Your choice.

Your unique gym code is printed on their brochures ensuring you get credit for each and every item sold. They can order by phone, fax or online. Then we ship direct to the parents and handle any returns.

Of course, we'll continue to support the thousands of Aerials customers who earn top dollar from our traditional pro shop program.

But if you'r e stuck in a consignment plan, it's time to get off the merry-go-round!

Call us today at 800-748-2796 (the Virtual Pro Shop direct line), and we'll ship you as many free brochures as you need. Your new pro shop may be virtual, but the profits are very real!

Alpha

Fact~

== PRO

~ ;;!~~ !op p,.fit, Aerials. =-

without opening a pro shop!

333 East Seventh Avenue P.O. Box 709 York, PA 17405-0709 E-mail: alpha@tighe.com Toll-free: 1.800.8ALPHA8 Toll-free fax: 800.839.1039

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Benefits of Participating in the Tyson Fitness Challenge To Raise Funds for Children's Miracle Network

Last year

over 100 gyms In

thi rty-three states,

switched from their meet scoring program

to ProScore meet management softwa re.

Benefits at a glance

o Increase community involvement and enrollment at the gym. o Heightens publicity through local media and community. o Boosts networking with other commun ity organizations. o Enhances morale among gymnasts. o

Are you still using the same old thing?

Why not prepare for the millennium?

o

Raises needed funds to ensure quality of life for children in your community.

Great prizes for clubs and individuals will be announced soon.

The Impact of USA Gymnastics Support

ProScore: simply the best meet management system in existence-period.

Children require specialized medical care and attention that only child ren's hospitals can provide. The funds contributed by the USA Gymnastics family ensure the absolute best care is always available. In fact, si nce 2001, the USA Gymnastics community has contributed more than $645,500 for Children 's Miracle Network hospitals, more than $134,000 last year alone These funds improve the health and save the lives of 17 mi llion children each year.

Child ren 's Miracle Network hospitals benefit more children than any other children's cause or organization, providing the very best care, research, and education available. These hospitals are committed to trea ting every disease and injury imaginable.

This comprehensive, round-the-clock comm itment means Children 's Miracle N etwork hospitals need to have the skills, equipment, and staff available at any time. In one year, Chi ld ren's Miracle Network hospitals treat 6 million ch ildren for accident trauma, 49,000 for cancer, 45 ,000 for heart defect, and 1,300 for sickle-cell anemia.

The funds contributed by USA Gymnastics ensure that the best care is always available, whenever children need it.~

24

TECHNIQUE路 FEBRUARY 2007

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1.996 Olympic Gold Medalist Amanda Borden

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3-Time Olympian 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist Blaine Wilson

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The Ultimate Gymnastics Camp Experience www.internationalgymnastics.com (570) 629-0244

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BUSINESS

Track Your Marketing Dollars ARE YOU TRACKING THE EFFECTIVEN ESS of your marketing? I don't know about you, but I am bombarded with three to four 'marketing opportunities' in a typical week and certainly more than a 100 in a year, enough to confuse me and enough that if I were to 'throw a few dollars' at each one, it would bankrupt Kids First. And of course the sales person for each 'opportunity' tells me the only thing he/she can - this particular message will reach X thousands of potential customers and is gonna ring my phones off the hook . Who do I listen to? The correct answer is no one.

You see, I do not focus on how many people a particular marketing campaign reaches, I care only about how many prospects that campaign generates. Of course this approach to marketing requires accurate internal data and that is the point of thi s article. I implore every club to establish the discipline to track: (1) the general effectiveness of your tactical marketing-i.e. the vehicle by which your prospects are first learning about your club; (2) the specific effectiveness of EVERY campaign your club uses, including the exact COST of the campaign and the exact REVENUE DOLLARS generated by it.

Once you collect a year or so of thi s data, you will know how to get the biggest bang for your marketing dollars.

Consider this scenario.

Club A and Club Bare identical in almost every way. They have simi lar cities, same demographics, same marketing strategies, same enrollment of 500, same revenue of $250,000, and each traditionally spends 3% per year on the same tactical marketing. Now, suppose that Club A begins to diligently record and track how each and everyone of its prospects learned about it. And from this data, Club A finds out that it is spending 80% of its marketing dollars on a marketing tactic that was generating only 20% of its prospects. And so, Club A decides to shift its marketing dollars proportionately to the number of clients each tactic generates.

yearly attrition rate at both club s, the rule of 72 tells us that in only five years, Club A will be twice the size of Club B. Imagine, doubling your competition, at no cost, by simply creating the discipline of asking every caller, visitor or registrant how they first learned of your club. Now that's HUGE! Make it a great month , Jeff. 1\

0eff Metzger

The Results Assuming Club A's new marketing tactics proved to be 50% more effective in generating prospects and assuming a 30%

USA Gymnastics Business Development Partner President, Small Business Boot (amp President, Kids First Sports (enter

路.. [ifetime so [utions for !Jour business...business so[utions for !Jour [ifetime.

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Visit us at www.metzgerbootcamp.com 26

TECHNIQUE' fEBRUARY 2007

ILlUSTRATION BY ZEMETRIA BARNES

Visa is the only card accepted at the 2007 Vi sa Champio nships

Event Information: www.hppavilion .com Ticket Information: 408-999-5844 San Jose Information: www.sanjose.org

VISA Proud Spon sor

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•

ATHLETE

FOCUS

Julian Amaro and Tyler Spray The USA Gymnastics Acrobatic program had success at the British Open Tournament in Stoke-on-Trent in December 2006. Senior elite men's pair and senior national team members Julian (pronounced who-lee-un) Amaro and Tyler Spray won the gold!

Amaro will be 25 in February and lives in Pleasanton, Calif. , where he trains 30 team gymnasts at West Coast Acrobatics. Spray, 14, is from Livermore and also trains at West Coast Acrobatics.

The men's pair won the Acrobatic Gymnastics National Championships fo r the second consecutive year in 2006. They also finished first in the balance and dynamic event finals . The pair exhibited a spectacular performance and won a gold medal at the 2006 Flanders International Aero Cup in Purrs, Belgium. They claimed another gold medal at the 2005 Freedom Cup in Landover, Md. When asked about the British Open Tournament, Amaro said, "We did really well. We had no falls or major bobbles. It was a really fun meet."

Amaro is the head coach at West Coast Acrobatics. In fact, at the 2006 National Championships, he won an award as both a competitor and a coach. He won the award for the "Highest Flying Tumbler"

because of his combined exercise performance which included a double back. He also earned awards for his work as a coach, being named the 2006 Coach of the Year and 2006 JO Coach of the Year!

Spray's athletic honors include 2004 and 2005 Athlete of the Year at his club. He was also honored at the 2005 and 2006 National Championships, as the Most Flexible Top. Amaro said, "Tyler has been in aero six years but has only been a top for four years. He went from Level 8 to elite in 2004 so he's progressed very quickly."

Amaro's goals include winning a medal at the 2008 World Championships and to coach athletes who compete at the World Championships. Spray's goal is to compete at the 2008 World Championships!

Looks like Amaro and Spray are on target to meet their goals! X

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28

TECHNIQUE· fEBRUARY 2007

~ -~"~~

EDUCATION HOSTING A

KAT or MELPD

WORKSHOP IS

FREE!

PLEASE CALL FOR MORE DETAILS!

USA Gymnastics 2007 KAT and MELPD Workshop An Educational Opportunity For Your Club A KAT WORKSHOP CONSISTS OF SEVEN

productive hours of preschool teacher education. The workshop covers philosophy, understanding the preschool-age child, safety considerations, class management and much more!

A Movement Education and Lesson Plan Development Workshop (MELPD) consists of five enlightening hours of preschool teacher education. This workshop is continuing education of the KAT Program . The overall emphasis of this workshop is to provide instructors with the necessary knowledge to develop preschool gymnastics lesson plans,

USA GYMNASTICS

30

TECHNIQUE路 FEBRUARY 1007

emphasize developmentally appropriate practices, fundamental skill development, and much more. This workshop is designed to help instructors meet the needs of the individual students and encourage adoption of lifelong physical activity. Attendance at a KAT certification course is highly recommended, but not required to attend a MELPD course. lf there has never been a KAT or MELPD workshop in your area, 2007 is a great time to host a workshop. Any club can host a workshop and it's free. The only things you'll need are an empty room and a TV & VCR.

lf your workshop has 12 paid participants, your club will receive one free registration.

Member Clubs receive two free registrations, with 12 paid participants. Complimentary registrations are non-transferable and will only be valid at the workshop you are hosting. The workshop must maintain the minimum attendance of 12 for complimentary registrations. Courses that do not meet minimum participation levels are subject to rescheduling or cancellation. 1( For more information on the KAT & MElPD courses call 1-800-345-471 9 or visit www.usa-gymnastics.org/ membership/

•

UPDATE

Domestic Sanction Procedures and Policies:

SAHTYPOPKAT

...d M~lPD CHHI~ICATlON!o POCPL(V[t IIC[IHIrICATION

M[[T OIIl(CTOI)...J SKilL [VALUATOR C~IHI;ICAnONS

www.u"·&ymn .. l;c,.o<&

MEMBER SERVICES

Reminders: Meet Directors/State Chairs/Regional Chairs/National Chairs Important notes: 1. Meet Directors are to accept the printed copy of the membership form from the internet, if the member does not have a membership card. Athletes and professional members will receive a card in the mail; however it does take 4 to 6 weeks for the card to be received. Athlete cards and professional member cards may be printed online from the website. You will receive the card information in an email. You must open the email to see and print the card.

2. It takes a minimum of 24 hours for a membership to be posted when online registration takes place. Memberships that are applied for online on a Friday will not be visible in the online search until the following Monday. The meet director is to accept the membership print out from the website. If the meet director has questions

or concerns you are to accept the form and call the member services department on Monda~ The phone ~nes open on Monday at 12:30 pm.

3. The normal in-house processing time for memberships is 3 to 4 weeks. You may request a rush processing for an additional fee. You must allow a minimum of 3 days for a rush membership to be processed and entered into the database system. The card will still take 4-6 weeks via the mail.

Proof of membership may be printed from the website. You must request an email verification of the number in advance or call member services for the number.

3. Remember you may renew your safety certification up to one year prior to the expiration date. The online safety course is available 24/7/365. Live courses will be conducted at all regional and national congresses. Courses may be given in states when there is a high demand. However, you must plan on when to take your course as there may not be a live course in your area.

Make sure to compLete the form in its entirety. We must have a fax number, phone number and an email address.

• Apply for your domestic sanction a minimum of 30 days in advance of the event • If a certificate of insurance is needed, you must request this from K & K insurance a minimum of 30 days prior to the event.

The certificate is se nt from the insurance company not USA Gymnastics.

• The sanction approval forms, blank certificate of insurance and the accident report form are sent from the USA Gymnastics office through the postal system.

• The envelope is marked on the outside stating Important - Sanction Enclosed • Multiple sanction approval forms may be included in the same envelope if you requested multiple sanctions at the same time.

• Please keep this in a safe place prior to the respective event.

• A $ 5.00 administrative fee for the refaxing and/or re-mailing of sanction forms may be applicable.

• When the sanction is a late req uest, the forms will be faxed.

• The meet director requesting the sanction approval must be a professional member and a professional member in that specific discipline.

• Every competition site must attain separate sanction approval. ~

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12 -I- ENGLrSf4~ PMt :/Up/it ::JIpi.:;oppf SUPER A BOLLPOG~i1i p~ GIBSON ~b/~JiUll GRIPS TRI IRIP y 11kJOlle 32

TECHNIQUE· FEBRUARY 2007

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AAI offers several products in the full line of TAC/10 equipment, including: • TAe/10 FIG Vault Table • TAe/10 LZT Vault Table • TAe/10 LZT Vault Board • TAe/10 Round Off Pad • TAe/10 Pommel Horse • TAe/10 Pommel Trainer • TAe/10 Low Beam For more information on AAl's world-class equipment, call 1.800.247.3978 or visit us online.

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UPDATE

~ continu ed fro m p.30

• Only one discipline may be listed on a sanction request form.

• A non-sanctioned event may not be conducted concurrently with a USA Gymnastics event.

• Training days must be included in the dates of the sanction, if applicable.

• It is the responsibility of the meet director to check all numbers ofthe participants. Athletes, coaches and judges must hold current USA Gymnastics member numbers. Coaches and judges must have Professional memberships.

• Junior Professional memberships must be held for any coach or judge who is 16 or 17.

Safety certification is a requirement of the Junior Professional. When the individual turns 18 years of age, they must upgrade to a professional membership .

• Introductory coaches may only be on the floor for level 1-3 competitions. They must have a current safety certification.

• Instructor members are not allowed on the floor as a coach or judge.

• The sanction report form is to be signed by the judges. They print their name and record their professional number. Numbers will be checked in the national office.

• Coaches are to use the sign-in form and print name and record member number.

• The signed sanction report form along with the coach's sign-in list or a listing of the coaches with their numbers is sent to the national office within 48 hours of the end of the competition.

• Policies and time lines are different for Foreign Sanction requests. Please review the Rules & Polices book for complete details.

• Additional sanction procedures are listed online in the Rules & Policies for each discipline. The sanctioning rules and requirements are consistent throughout all programs and disciplines. 1\

43rd ANNUAL USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CONGRESS and TRADE SHOW Held in coni unction with the 2007 Visa Championships August 15-18, 2007, San Jose, California WHO SHOULD ATTEND? All USA Gymnastics Professional and Instructor members. Coaches, judges and instructors of all levels. Recreational and preschool teachers, business managers, administrators, club owners, high school and college coaches.

WHAT IS OFFERED? Three days of education with more than 150 sessions offered. Lectures given by recognized top individuals in the field . Sessions on coaching, judging, business, preschool, recreational, sports science, fitness, Group Gymnastics and cheerleading. The leading experts in the areas of Women's, Men's, Rhythmic, Acrobatic Gymnastics and Trampoline and Tumbling programs will present. The Trade Show exhibit hall will feature 200 booths of products and information from over 90 different Industry Member vendors. Special events to take place in the exhibit hall daily.

WHERE? HOTEL TRAVEL RESERVATIONS:

San Jose Convention Center

; EVENT TICKETS

National Travel Service

:

888-603-8747

:

Email atusagama@takeavacation.com ; Website: www.wdpltd.com • REGISTRATION CONGRESS DATES: August 16-18, 2007 : FORM: VISA CHAMPIONSHIPS DATES: August 15-18, 2007 AUGUST 15, 2007 Congress Registration 12:30-6:30 p.m.

San Jose Convention Center

Special rate for all-session tickets for Congress attendees.

Rhythmic and Acrobatic Gymnastics events included in Congress registration fee.

In Technique and on Website

: Special discounted group • registration for Member Clubs. : Special Early Bird Pricing 1\

Pre-Congress events • Annual Business Conference • Safety/Risk Management course • KAT Certification course • Women's SC/RC Workshop

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34

TECHNIQUE· FEBRUARY 2007

Jeff Lulla receiving the 2006 "Business Leader of the Year" award with Loree' Galimore, USAG Club Services Manager

JEFF LULLA is Founder and President of the FUN & FIT GYMNASTICS CENTERS. Jeff is a National Safety Instructor and a member of the National Safety Review board and National Preschool Advisory Board for USAG and has co-authored their "KAT' (Kinder Accreditation for Teachers) Course.

Jeff speaks internationally and ccnsults on the Fun and Fit PERSONAL BEST philosophy and teaching ccncepts to club owners and coaches.

ded ication

24

official fitness center of the USA Gymnastics Team and all those who support them

over 360 clubs nationwide

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2007 USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CONGRESS AND TRADE SHOW August 16-18, 2007 • San Jose, (A REGISTRATION FORM Held in Conjunction with the Viso Chompionships

DATE RECV' D

Early Bird Ends April 1st,

Complete one form per person-Photocopy for additional regi stration s, Your confirmation w ill be se nt by email. Please provide a valid email address. Registration opens August 15; Congress sessions and Exhibit Hall August 16-18. To become an Instructor Member to receive the - . . . member discount, simply check " Please sign me up" and include an extra $50 ($70 Foreign Instructor Member) in your total amount enclosed.

CONGRESS COSTS

AMT. PAID CHECK # DEPOSIT CRCD APP# REG#

(Early Bird postmarked by April 1st - All others by July 15th - NO EXCEPTIONS)

Professional, Jr. Professional & Instructor Members

Minimum age for Congress attendees is 16.

EARLY BIRD PRICING (Ends April Jst)

o $199 Early Bird Congress Registration o $298 Early Bird Congress and Visa Championships 011 session ticket pockage ot seating Level P2 0$374 Early Bird Congress and Visa Championships all session ticket package at seating Leve l P1

o $300 Early Bird Congress Registration (Ends April 1st) 0$335 Congress Registration (Ends July 15th) $400 On-site Registration

o

REGULAR PRICING (April - July J5th) 0$235 Congress Registration $334 Congress and Visa Championships all session ticket package at seating level P2 0$434 Congress and Visa Championships all session ticket package at seating level P1

To become a Professional Member call: 1.800.345.4719 or go online to www.usa·gymnastics.org

o

Additional Visa Championships ticket information Number of additional all session tickets at P2 Number of additional all session tickets at P1 Number of additional all session tickets at P1

Non-Members

& other member types

x $99.00 each x $175.00 (prior to April 1st) x $199.00 (April 2nd - July 15th)

PI -lower level side seating {lower rows}; P2 -lower level side seating (mid to upper rows); Special Rate for aI/session tickets are for Congress attendees.

On-site Registration in San Jose for members is $335.00

Name _______________________________________________________________________________________ Birth Date (d/m/y) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

USA Gymnastics Pro/lnst. No. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

o Please sign me up for on Instructor Membership. I have included $50 ($70 Foreign Instructor) in total amount due.

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Mailing Address

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Email Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ (Email address must be provided in order to receive confirmation)

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This is a new add ress

(Please make the change in the USA Gymnastics database)

City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ _ _ _ Zip _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Day Phone(

Evening Phone(

Club Name

Club Number _ _ _ _ _ _ __

< CD

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Check all that apply:

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TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED

CD

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0 Club Owner 0 Coach/Teacher 0 Judge . 0 Administrator

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Make check or money order payable to USA Gymnastics

Card Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___

Exp. Date _________________ Signature ________________________________________________________________

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Print Cardholder Name ______________________________________ Teleph one # ___________________________

9.

please return this registration form to: USA Gymnastics Congress, Pan American Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave. Ste 300, Indianapolis, IN 46225 • FAX: 317.692.5212 Attention: Member Services

3

THE INDIVIDUAL CONGRESS FEE INCLUDES: • C rede ntial for entrance to Congress sessions Aug. 16-18.

• Entrance 10 the Exhibi t Hall featuring the industry's finest products and services.

• One ticket to the Congress Donce Party on Satu rda y, August 18

(additional Congress Donce Party tickets for spouse/guests ore $35 each-avai lable 01 on-site registration) permilled fOR PERSONAL USE ON LY unless the session presenters announce that

his/her/their session may not be videotaped .

Language: The offic iallanguoge

of Congress is English . USA GymnastiCS wi ll moke no specia l provisions for translation of sessions inlo

other languages.

Congress attendees with special needs must notify this information be included w ith the Congress registration form.

All ,egislrolion concellolions must be in writing. Submit written request to USA Gymnastics, Attention Cathy Allen

Before July 15 - Registrolion fee leu $30 service fee per penon cancelling.

• Admission 1o Rhythmic & Acrobatic Gymnastics Competitions.

Videotaping: Videotaping of Cong ress sessions is

CANCEUATION POUCY

USA GymnastiCS in writing in th is regard prior to July 15. We suggest that

After July 15 - 50% of registration fee per person cancelling

SUBSTITUTION POUCY To Ifomfer registration to another person, the new Congres~ ollendee must also hove 0 Professional or Instructor membership.

Before July 15 - $30 per substitution On-Site - $35 per substitution Submit request in writing to USA Gymnastics, Allention Cathy Allen

REQUESTS FOR REFUNDS AFTER AUGUST 31, 2007, WIU NOT BE ACCEPTED • oU session tickets Ole non-refundoble

W H A Tf

Liukin is featured in Newsweek's IIWho's next?"

2006 u.s. all-around champion Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, was one of 20 identified as ones to watch in 2007 in Newsweek's "Who's Next? " feature in the Dec . 25-Jan. 1, 2007 issue . liukin , who was the 2005 bars and beam world champion, is the first gymnast to be included in the annual feature. " I am really excited to be included as one of the top people to watch/' said liukin , 17, who is coached by her father, Valeri , a two-time Olympic champion . "It is a great honor to be chosen and recognized as the only female athlete ." " Nastia is one of the best gymnasts in the world and the recognition is well deserved /' said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics . " In competition , Nastia is known for her style and grace, as well as her competitive fire and team spirit. Out of the gym , Nastia is an outstanding high school student and typical teenager. She is an excellent ambassador for our sport, and we are thrilled that more people will get to know Nastia through Newsweek's feature ." I'(

Christina packs a lot oj power.

38

TECHNIQUE路 fEBR UARY 1007

2007 March 3 .......... Tyson American Cup ....................

...... 1-3 p.m. (LIVE)

August Visa Championships ....... 8-9 p.m.

Aug. 18 ............. Women's first day of competition ...

Aug . 19... ... Women's second day of competition ................ ..7-8 p.m.

Sept. 1............... Men's competition ................................................. 1-2 p.m .

2008 March 1

...... Tyson American CUp

April 13 .. june Visa june june june june june june june

...H... ... . .. . H.. 1-3 p.m. (LIVE)

.. Pacific Alliance Championships .......................... ..4-6 p.m .

Championships 7 .............. Women's first day of competition .H ................ 4-6 p.m. .. 2-3 p.m.

8 ................ Women's second day of competition 15 .............. Men's competition ................... .................................... 12-1 :30 p.m.

19-22........ U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics 21. .... Women's first day of competition .. H. ................. 8-10 p.m .

21 .............. Men's competition .... . .. .... .. ... ... 4 :40-6 p.m. (LIVE) 22 ............. Women's second day of competition ...7-9 p.m. (LIVE) X

NOTE: All events are on NBC; all times are Eastern. Times and dates are subiect to change; please check for updates at www.usa-gymnastics.org.

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fEBRUARY 2007 â&#x20AC;˘ TECHNIQUE

39

Rhythmic Program

UPDATE RHYTHMIC INTERNATIONAL ELITE COMMITTEE

Jan Exner .......................... Senior Director Rhythmic Program Kathy Kelly .......................................... Vice President

ROLL CALL

Jan and Kathy welcomed the lEC to their first official call and expressed excitement about forming this ad hoc committee. The input that this committee gives will be invaluable for the program.

Voting Members Natasha Klimouk..................Coaching Representatives Olga Kutuzova Yelena Chshukareva Nataliya Kiriyenko Caroline Hunt .................................... Athlete Representative Lucy Kerznerman (non-voting)

I. ATHLETE SELECTION COMMITTEE Recommendation that the complexion of the Athlete Selection Committee be:

HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?

FROM THE 2006 USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CONGRESS

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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TECHNIQUE· FEBRUA RY 2007

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Caroline Hunt Lucy Kerznerman Chairman of the lEC - Natasha Klimouk Motion

Nataliya Kiriyenko

Second

Olga Kutuzova

PASSED

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II. JUDGE SELECTION COMMITTEE Recommendation that the complexion of the Judges' Selection Committee be: Chairman of the lEC Brevet Judge Coach Representative Motion Second TABLE

Away

Custom Business Coaching

III. CHAIRMAN OF THE INTERNATIONAL ELITE COMMITTEE Committee wishes to elect a Chairman of the lEe. Ballots were faxed to the voting members of the committee.

Two of the coaches will call in their vote to Tonya Spencer since they are not close to a fax. The results of the elections will be announced during the conference call and included in these minutes. Natasha Klimouk was elected as Chairman.

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Business Profitability and Efficiency Assessment

IV. 2007 CALENDAR Jan wiLL get the committee an updated 2007 CaLendar and distribute it to the coaches in attendance at the training camp.

V. NATIONAL TEAM TRAINING CAMP - DECEMBER 1¡5 Jan asked the committee for suggestions for staffing at the December camp. Nadine Davies has been invited to explain the changes to the Code of Points.

Committee made recommendation for a ballet teacher and a coach .

Caroline suggested that committee decide upon the camp goals and then decide upon the staffing . Jan stated that the major goal would be to understand the changes to the Code and emphasize the strength and conditioning program and the ballet program that were used in Montenegro.

Business Expansion and Succession Planning Business Valuation & Brokerage Services Buy-Sell Neutral Negotiator

PeerN ( Business Brain Trust Conference)

VI. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SELECTION COMMITTEE Jan will send you a draft of the procedures. She asks that you get back to her as soon as possible.

She will then compile your thoughts and conduct another conference call before submitting them for final approval.

VII. JUDGES' RECOMMENDATION FORM Jan updated the Judge's Recommendation Form and will send it to all National Team Coaches. The names of the coaches who are rated judges were removed as they are not eligible for national assignments. ~

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",,\< FEBRUARY 2007 â&#x20AC;˘ TECHNIQUE

41

*NEW* MED-903

Women's Program

INTERNATIONAL ELITE PROGRAM COMMITTEE

CONFERENCE CALL

NOVEMBER 30, 2006 1. ROLL CALL NIECC .....

Coach Representatives ...

MED-901

National Team Coordinator.....

Athlete Representative ..... .

Sr. Director Women's Program ...

................. Steve Rybacki ...........................Mihai Brestyan Valeri Liukin Donna Strauss Mary Lee Tracy .......... Martha Karolyi .............. Kim Zmeskal ........Kathy Kelly

2. WORLD TEAM SELECTION PROCEDURES

All Star Series Also Available Mens, Rhythmic, T&T Acro & Cheer

The IEC made the final review and corrections of the 2007 World Championships Selection Procedu res. Kathy will email the procedures t o the committee for a final email vote.

3. RULES AND POLICIES Recommendation to the Administrative Committee to make the additions and corrections to the Elite Section of the R & P as stated below.

Motion Kim Zmeskal Burdette Second Mary Lee Tracy PASSED Delete the wording ""beyond her control" in IX. Procedures for Petitioning

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TECHNIQUE. fEBRUARY 2007

Add to c. to IX. A.6.

The co mmittee will consider the following areas when evaluating the petition • Resu lts from recent international and national championships • A & B Scores (Execution) in comparison to the current elite qualification chart. Note: that per event the th ree event score is higher than a four event score .

• World Class Presentatio n • Readiness to compete • Physical capability to fulfill training plan as listed in the Women's Responsibility Manual.

Change Section 4 Level Mobility A. For the purpose of qualification and consideration of scores the elite competitive year begins with the conclusion of the Visa Championships and ends with the Visa Ch ampionships the following year.

4. EQUIPMENT ISSUES Representatives from our equipment su pplier will be in Indianapolis December 13-14. Kathy asked the coaches to supply her with i nputj opinions on all equipment concerns prior to that date.

RECOMMENDATION TO ADJOURN. Motion: Tracy Second: Liukin PASSED 1\

Who wants to see another first?

The people of Chevron know about being first. Chevron was the first to be designated TOPTIER gasoline by BMW, GM, Honda and Toyota. So it makes sense that Chevron has been, and will continue to be, a proud sponsor of U.s.A. Gymnastics, a team that tirelessly strives for top tier performance. Their success is inspirational and we wish them all the best.

Chevron

Š 2005 Chevron Products Com a n San Ramon CA. ;\ 11 ri hls reserved .

fEBRUARY 2007 â&#x20AC;˘ TECHNIQUE

43

~ continued from p.13 • Experience a

New Culture

how spoiled we are in the States. I'm not saying it's better or worse, just different.

A person has to go into any country knowing that it will not be like home. We are used to having anything at any time of the day or night. We take for granted simple things like ice in our drinks or a late night pizza. At the time it was not an option to call very often, have a cell phone or even email access.

Would you recommend others visiting Namibia and helping out with their gymnastics program?

Dona: I encourage people all over the world to help any federation, including Namibia. Our country has an excess of coaches and if they have an y desire to take time off and visit another country, then Namibia would be a great option.

What I have realized after helping several different federations throughout the world is that it's important to teach the coaches to work with the gymnasts.

Coaching the gymnasts can be great but the information needs to stay in the country and the only way to do that is through coaching, choreography and judging clinics. The gymnasts will always gain from the experience, but the coaches need to be present to carryon with the coaching techniques after you leave the country.

What is the country like?

Dona: Namibia is a large country with a small population. It is famous for a few things, such as the Skeleton Coast, Etosha National Park and Luderitz. (Editor' s note: Skeleton Coast Park includes sand

dunes, canyons and mountain ranges all of which are synonymous with Namibia. Etosha National Park is a haven for 93 mammal species and 340 bird species. Ludertiz is a quirky, scenic town lodged in one of the best harbours on the coast.)

What are the accommodations like once you arrive? Climate?

Dona: My choice was to always stay with the families. They do not use air conditioning or heat so when it does get cold, they would give me something similar to a hot water bottle for the bed. It's like a big bean bag that you heat up in the microwave and stays warm for hours! Swakopmund has a climate that is perfect in the summer months but can be cold and misty through the winter.

The first week arrived in Swakopmund, I experienced a sandstorm.

For hours everything is covered in sand and you don't dare venture outside. I kept looking out the window and seeing brown. The next morning we had to go to the gym and start cleaning up because everything was covered in sand!

What is the best part about being involved with Namibian gymnastics?

Dona: It is an opportunity to experience another culture and share your passion of gymnastics with them. I met some of the nicest families and experienced Namibia as a local.

Anything else you'd like to tell us about Namibian Gymnastic Federation?

Dona: It's an opportunity of a lifetime to help any federation! Go For It!!! X

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TECHNIQUE. FEBRUARY 2007

at (

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~

continued from p.13 • Neuromuscular Activation Warm-Up

Back Side Activation .......- - - - - -----,=

Linear Bridge Up Series - Single Leg Bridge Ups

- - , - - - - - ----..,

1) Lift hips up by 'activating' glutes. 2) Extend one leg without letting the hips drop or rotate. 3) Dosiflex ankles 4) Do not hyperextend the back and do not let the hips sag . 5) Straight line from shoulder, hip and knee .

Lateral Abductor Activation

Medial Adductor Activation

Rubber Band Drills (1 and/ or 2 bands) Shuffle 1) Step lateral.

2) Do not

Wall Slide Ball Squeezes 1) Sit against

drag feet.

3) Keep both feet pointed stra ight. 4) Do not turn feet out, lead with the heel. 5) Keep tension on the bands

the wall with hips and knees at 90 degrees.

2) Keep back flat against the wall.

3) Squeeze ball between knees 4) Arms locked straight out, ball at chin level.

If you activate the nerves and turn on the muscles, the movement patterns will be cleaner, healthier and smoother. This in turn leads to better quality drills and practices, lowered incidence of injury, increased quality training time which leads to improved performance . After all , better quality of efforts in practice will create higher quality performances.

Fewer injuries will increase the number of repetitions performed over time . Better performances help flame the passion for performance and passion creates intense, focused preparation. And as we all know, quality preparation powers championship performance .

For more information on this subject or any other performance or medical issue, contact St. Vincent Sports Performance at (317) 415 - 5747 or via our website sport.performa nce.stvi ncent.org , the offici a I health provi der to USA Gymnastics. 1\

51. Villcenl Hospilal alld 51. Villcelll Sporls Peiforlllallce ill Illditllltlpolis, Illd., are official se/"lliee providetJ 10 USA GJ'IIJII(1slics. Call 3174 15-5747 or visil bttp:/ / sporispeiforlllallce.slvillcenl.org

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FEBRUAR Y 2007 • TECHNIQUE

45

CLASSIFIEDS f or sale' position a va il a bl e ' s eeking employment · educa t io n' c o n s ig nm e nt

POSITION AVAILABLE

U Gymna tl Onlin for all your gymnastics n ads .. www.usa-gymnastics.org

The website includes:

POWERHOUSE GYMNASTtCS AND CHEER is looking lor experienced, energelic ond molivoled closs inslructors ond leom coaches lor our 15,l00-sq.h slole ollhe art gymnoslics school in Aonders, North Jersey. We oller compelilive solary, bonuses, benelils (depending on experience), memberships, certilicolions (CPR, FIRST AIDI and growing polentiol. Appliconl should be responsible, reliable, and have knowledge 01 skill progressions and spoiling. Love lor children and Ihe sport is a MUST. Spoiling is a plus_ FIT-PIT posilions available immedialely! Our lacilily is localed in Flanders exil 27A, 011 RT BO. Send resume 10 powerhousegymcheer@gmoil.com or conloct Sergio 973-44B-GYM1.

INSTRUCTORS/COACHES. Paragon Gymnaslics 01 Norwood (Bergen County), NJ is looking lor Instructors and Coaches, PIT-FIT Weekdays/weekends/evenings.

Requiremenls: Posilive allilude, responsible, reliable, love 01 children. Posilions available lor pre-school Ihrough inlermediole level inslruclion. Compelilive Team Coach Levels 5-10. Company sponsored certilicolions (Safety, CPR, Firsl Aid) Full benefils/ paid vacolion & sick days, company molched reliremenl plan. Will Irain. Salary commensurale wilh experience. NEW facility, slale-of-Ihe-art, opprox. 11,000 sq_ h. Localed in Ihe NY/ NJ Melropolilan area, easily accessible from all major highways_Conlacl Dot: 201-767-6921 or fax resume 10 201-767-6693 or e-moil:dol@parogongym. com. 49 Wolnul Sireel, Suile 4, Norwood, NJ 0764B. www.porogongym.com.

ASSISTANT MANAGER/TEAM COACH. Lorge multi-Iocolion gymnaslics school seeking assislanl facilily manager. Excellenl opporlunily for coreer orienled gymnoslics professional in a well-eslablished business 01 over 33 years, with a greol sloff and support syslems already in place. Cenlrally locoled near major Big 10 university. Slarting salary commensurale wilh experience and includes medico I, reliremenl, paid vocalion, paid holidays, sick days and professionol fees.

Greal inlerpersonalskills, ability 10 leach, and supervise junior sloff members are a musl. Desire 10 assisl wilh boys and, or, girls compelitive leoms is preleroble. Send resume 10 j.schloll@mchsi.com or conloct Jill Schloll 01 3193311B20

• Membership Information • Event Results • Features • Announcements • Minutes • Event Calendar

COMPETITIONS Jewish Gymnasls for meel in Argenlina.

Applicalions lor Ihe leam represenling Ihe USA 01 Ihe 11th Pan American Maccobi Games are available online 01 www.maccabiusa.com. The compelilion is for Jewish female gymnosls born in Ihe years 1991 and 1992. Younger gymnasls may be considered for Ihe leam, based upon Iheir ability_The compelilion will be held in Buenos Aires, Argenlino, December 26, 2007-Januory 2, 200B. Conlact Gymnaslics Chairman Ben Fox- bhf1161@00I.com

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• How to Find a Gymnastics Club • Educational Information • Regional and National Congress Information • Past issues of USA Gymnastics and Technique

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TECHNIQUE' FEBRUARY 2007

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD RATES 1-100 words = 5100 101-200 words = 5200 Your od in Technique will ouIorno1ic~~ be pia<ed ..Me lor 30 days 01 no ofditionol 0090_The odd..ess is: www.usa-gymnostks.org!da"niec!s!

Your30 days will begin 00 the next regu~r posting dot~

DEADLINES DEADLINE FOR AD AND PAYMENT

ISSUE

January _.. _ ..___ Oed 0 February... ................ _Jon. 10 March ..........___..._. Feb. 10 Apri!._... ........ _Mor.10 May ... .................. Apr_10 June ._... . ......... Moy 10 July .. ._. June 10 August ..... ._ ............................. July 10 S.pt/Od ... _... .. ..........__ . Aug. 10 Nov/ Oec..._ .....___ Od. 10 NOTE: If rhe 'Orh fa"s on 0 wuhnd or holiday, rhe preceding work doy is considered rhe deodline.

SUBMIT Email your ad and credil card informalion 10: Ipeszek@usa-gymnostics.org Or mail 10: USA Gymnoslics, ron American Plaza 201 S. Capilol Ave., Sle. 300 Indianapolis, IN 46225 or lax 10 317-237-5069. ' Hyou fax, p1~s. include YIlI!' uedit card number, exptratton date cIHI SIgnature.

Please designate if your od Ihauld oppeor in Technigue m'_9ozine or USA GymnOltics magazine_ AOS SUBMITTED WITHOUT PAYMENT WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED_USA Gymnosti" reserves the rightfo vory formal.

EDUCATION

• Program Information

46

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Technique is received by more thon 11.000 USA Gymnostics ~olessiono memben plUl thousoOOs of viewers will be exposed to your ad online. Advertise your employment opportuni~. produd. servi<e. or compehlion hOle lor great resulK Ouestions? Call Luan Pel1Okat 311-819·5646.

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FOR INFORMATION

on how

10 publish a classified ad in Technique, go to

hllp://www.usa-gymnaslics.org/publicalions/ Or call Luan Peszek 01317-829-5646.

Coli Not ional Travel s yst ems

t oday to book your next trip, whether it 's a gymnasticS competit ion or a va cat ion ~TS

ge t away!

I.~. '~j

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(888) 603-8747

USA GYMNASTICS

The, Wortd (loy') .

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\M-)en L WOlper€) o..ea.A,nsf- rn~seJf) :c ciO (f)~ best-. /Va one., else, matWs. I ~LI~ ~o CAJ~_J?J) whar Dn CA.pctb(e., ctt. kJ hen r CoN1~~ CJ..ggjnst- rn~se.tf, I aJw~~ w ·L f).

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage

USA Gymnastics 201 S. Capitol Avenue, Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46225

PAID Indianapolis, IN Permit No. 7867

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

2007 SAFETY CERTIFICATION SCHEDULE The Safety Schedule is updated weekly on our website www.usa-gymnastics.org. Please see the website for the most current schedule. *Tune tnI date 5iJbject to drmge. See uso-gymnastics.org for lfNlates.

February 16 Little River, S( 29566; 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Gymnastics & More, 304 Eost Hwy 90 Bldg. B Directions: louie Liguori B43-390-5B67 (ourse code: KB02162007S( Instructor: Kimberly Boyd 803/ 348-2693 17 Portsmouth, NH 03801 ; 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Atlantic Gymnastics Directions: Tony Retrosi 603-433-0404 (ourse code: TR02172007NH Instructor: Tony Retrosi 603-433-0404

September Cincinnoti, OH 45014; 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cincinnati Gymnaslies Academy Directions: Mory lee Tracy 513-860-30B2 (oursecode: BM090720070H Instructor: Bobbi Montanari 614-777-9430

SAFETY CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED FOR PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIp路 PRE路REGISTRATION FORM

(Minimum age for Safety Certification is J6 years)

Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _,Male or Female:_ _ _ _ __ Professional or Inslrudor #: _______ Current Safety Exp. Date: _ _ _ _ _ __ Soc. Sec. # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Birth Date:_ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address:- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State: _ _ _ __ Telephone: (H) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Zip:

(W) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

E-mail Address: Course Code: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ Course City/ State: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ Date: _ _ _ _ _ __ Form of Paymenl:

0 VISA

0 Other _ __ __ Payment Amounl: _ __ __

All registrations must be received at USA Gymnastics two (2) weeks prior to the course date'. late registrations incomplete registrations, or registrations without proper payment wirI not be processed. late registrations are not guaranteed a book or admission to the course. On-site ana late registrations will be charged a $25 on-site/late fee. All materials, including the course book, are provided at the course and are port of the course tee. Certification is valid for four (4) years. Safety Certification is non-refundable and cannot be tronsferred to another individual. Safety Certification registration, however, may be tronsferred to another course within six (6) months with prior written notification. late fee will apply if notification is received after course deadline. *USA Gymnastics reserves the right to alter course deadline

Mail registration form and payment to: VISA

Name on Card: Number: _ _ _ __ Exp. Date: _ _ _

COST: www.usa-gymnastics.org Pro-Member with Current Safety Certificatian wishing to r~certi~ at live course .............:.: ....:................ no charge Pro-Member with Expired or New Safety CertificatIOn ............ $ 65.00 Instructor Member ................................................................ $ 65.00 Non-Member or Associate Member ........................................ $ 115.00 * You must have your USA Gymnastics number or date applied for on the registration form in order to qualify for the discount.

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Signa lure: _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

USA Gymnastics Member Services P,o,dS,o",o, Pan American Plaza, Suite 300 20 I S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225 or Fax to 317-692-5212

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