Technique Magazine - November/December 2015

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF USA

EATING DISORDERS VS. DISORDERED EATING — WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? ___________ GYMNASTICS FOR ALL ___________ THE SERVICE GENE, PART 2, Touch Points that WOW! —Does everything you say and do embody your service brand?

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015– VOL. 35 – #6

GYMNASTICS UNIVERSITY

THE USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CONGRESS AND TRADE SHOW RECAP ___________ TOP 10 THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR SUCCESS IN COMPULSORY FLOOR ... AND MORE!

EVENTS E V E N T S

S C H E D U L E

NOVEMBER

2015

11 – 15

Future Stars Champs. and Coaches Workshop (M)

25 – 28

World Championships (TT)

Colorado Springs, CO Odense, Denmark

World Age Group Competitions (TT)

FEBRUARY 18 – 20

NCAA National Championships (W)

16 – 24

Olympic Test Events (M/W/R/TR)

Odense, Denmark

2016

Winter Cup Challenge (M)

Las Vegas, NV

Virginia Beach, VA

28 – May 1 JO West Championships (W)

Missoula, MT

MAY

4

Nastia Liukin Cup (W)

Newark, NJ

5

AT&T American Cup (M/W)

Newark, NJ

Pacific Rim Championships (M/W/R/TR) NCAA National Championships (M)

Fort Worth, TX

JUNE 3–5

P&G Championships (Sr. M) / Secret U.S. Classic (W)

8–13

USA Gymnastics Championships

Providence, RI

23–26

U.S. Olympic Team Trials (M) /

St. Louis, MO

P&G Championships (W/Jr. M)

8–10

Hartford, CT

U.S. Olympic Team Trials (W)

San Jose, CA

AUGUST 5–21

APRIL 14 – 16

JO National Championships (W)

JULY

MARCH

8 – 10

Ft. Worth, TX Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

28 – May 1 JO East Championships (W)

6 – 8

DECEMBER 2 – 5

15 – 17

Olympic Games (M/W/R/TR)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Everett, WA Columbus, OH

W = Women, R = Rhythmic, TR = Trampoline, M = Men, GFA = Gymnastics for All, TU = Tumbling, AG = Acrobatic Gymnastics, B = Business, TT = Trampoline/Tumbling

NOTE: Dates and events are subject to change or cancellation.

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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF USA

GYMNASTICS UNIVERSITY

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 • V O L U M E 3 5 • #6

PUBLISHER

Steve Penny

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FEATURES 7 ST. VINCENT SPORTS PERFORMANCE— EATING DISORDERS VS. DISORDERED EATING — WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

By Sigornie Pfefferle, MS, RD St. Vincent Sports Performance Fellow

12 GYMNASTICS FOR ALL

20 THE SERVICE GENE, PART 2 TOUCH POINTS THAT WOW! —Does everything you say and do embody your service brand?

EDITOR

Scott Bregman GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jeannie Shaw

USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Peter Vidmar Vice-Chair: Paul Parilla Secretary: Gary Anderson Treasurer: Jim Morris National Membership – Women: Tom Koll National Membership – Women: Kelli Hill National Membership – Men: Yoichi Tomita National Membership – Men: Tom Meadows National Membership – Rhythmic: Brooke Bushnell-Toohey National Membership – Trampoline & Tumbling: Peter Dodd National Membership – Acrobatic Gymnastics: Dr. Jay Binder Advisory Council: Mike Burns Advisory Council: Casey Koenig Advisory Council: Rome Milan Athlete Director – Women: Alicia Sacramone Athlete Director – Men: John Roethlisberger Athlete Director – Rhythmic: Ava Gehringer Athlete Director – Trampoline & Tumbling: Karl Heger Athlete Director – Acrobatic Gymanstics: Michael Rodrigues Public Sector: David Benck Public Sector: Bitsy Kelley Public Sector: Jim Morris Public Sector: Mary Lou Retton

CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: In order to ensure uninterrupted delivery of TECHNIQUE magazine, notice of change of address should be made eight weeks in advance. For fastest service, please enclose your present mailing label. Direct all subscription mail to TECHNIQUE Subscriptions, USA Gymnastics, 132 E. Washington St., Suite 700, Indianapolis, IN 46204 .

TECHNIQUE is published bi-monthly by USA Gymnastics, 132 E. Washington St., Suite 700, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (phone: 317-237-5050) or visit online at www.usagym.org Subscription prices: U.S.—$25 per year; Canada/Mexico—$48 per year; all other foreign countries—$60 per year. If available, back issue single copies $4 plus postage/handling. All reasonable care will be taken, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited material; enclose return postage. Copyright 2015 by USA Gymnastics and TECHNIQUE. ­All rights reserved. Printed by Sport Graphics, Indianapolis, IN. Member Services 1-800-345-4719.

Unless expressly identified to the contrary, all articles, statements and views printed herein are attributed solely to the author, and USA Gymnastics expresses no opinion and assumes no responsibility thereof.

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THE USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CONGRESS AND TRADE SHOW

32

TOP 10 THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR SUCCESS IN COMPULSORY FLOOR

38 PARENT EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

38 DEPARTMENTS 2 EVENT SCHEDULE 4 INSIDE USA GYMNASTICS MESSAGE

29 FREE MONTHLY WEBINARS 43

UNIVERSITY LIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

45

MEMBER SERVICES UPDATE

47

CLASSIFIEDS

12

COVER: Demonstration from the 2015 National Congress.

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M E S S A G E

F R O M

I

t is hard to believe that we are less than 10 months from the beginning of the 2016 Olympic Games. Traditionally, the Olympic year is a great year for gymnastics, and now is the time for our Member Clubs to begin preparing for the increased interest in gymnastics created by the athletic achievements, and the extensive television, media and social media coverage in the Olympic year.

Whether your focus is recreational or competitive, the energy created in an Olympic year can be harnessed to build the base of gymnastics participation at all levels, and USA Gymnastics Member Services is developing a tool kit to help members exploit the message of the Olympics.

The USA’s top athletes are working hard to get ready for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next year. In September, Laura Zeng made history at the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships by finishing eighth place in the all-around and

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T H E

P R E S I D E N T

earning an Olympic spot for Team USA. Our rhythmic group also qualified to the Games, marking the first time they have qualified for the Olympics. In Glasgow, the U.S. Women turned in incredible performances led by Simone Biles who captured her 3rd straight World all-round title, while the team captured its 4th consecutive team gold medal including the 2012 Olympics. Our men’s team finished 5th, punching their ticket to Rio despite the absence of three of its perennial team members. In November, the USA’s trampoline athletes have their first chance to secure trips to the Games at the World Trampoline and Tumbling Championships in Odense, Denmark.

The end of the year also heralds the beginning of the Junior Olympic season.

It’s an exciting time for our athletes and coaches to show off all of their hard work and new skills. I know I am looking forward to some fun at the local meets in Indiana, as well as the Nastia Liukin Cup in

/

C E O

March which is the crowning showcase of our invitational season.

In this issue, we highlight the various award winners across our five competitive disciplines, as well as member services and the 2015 Hall of Fame class. These individuals have gone above in beyond in serving our sport and once again highlight our motto, Success is a Team Effort.

2016 has the potential to become another watershed moment for USA Gymnastics, and we hope everyone will support the journey of our top athletes while they pursue their dreams at the highest level.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season, and here’s to a great 2016!

See you in the gym,

Steve Penny, USA Gymnastics President & CEO

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FEATURE S I G O R N I E

P F E F F E R L E ,

M S ,

R D

EATING DISORDERS VS. DISORDERED EATING S T .

V I N C E N T

S P O R T S

P E R F O R M A N C E

F E L L O W

W H AT I S T H E D I F F E R E N C E ?

T

oday’s world places a great deal of emphasis on body perception, weight, diet, and exercise.

Unfortunately, research shows that nearly 50% of the population faces some type of unhealthy or disordered relationship with food, body image, and exercise. Compare this to the much lower rates of diagnosed clinical eating disorders at about 3% of the general population, and you can see that disordered eating has a much broader impact than an eating disorder (Hoek). In addition, taking part in activities that place a high emphasis on leanness and physique, such as gymnastics, puts individuals at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder and/ or disordered eating (Thompson).

Bottom line, disordered eating is extremely common and can be just as dangerous and problematic to an individual’s health both in the short and long term, and can ultimately manifest itself into an eating disorder. The question becomes then, how do you differentiate between an eating disorder and disordered eating?

The American Psychiatric Association’s classification and diagnostic tool, the

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — V (DSM-V), lists four distinct types of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Binge Eating Disorder (BED), and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS). Each disorder has specific diagnostic criteria that must be met before an individual can be given that diagnosis. Not meeting the criteria for any of these eating disorders though does not mean an individual has, and is maintaining, a healthy relationship with food and weight. They could in fact be dealing with disordered eating, which still puts them at risk both physically and mentally.

Distinguishing between an eating disorder and disordered eating is often a very gray area due to the overlapping signs and symptoms seen in both scenarios. The difference truly lies in the degree and frequency of those signs and symptoms. For instance, an individual with disordered eating may exhibit some of the same behaviors and/or practices as someone with an eating disorder; however, those NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

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with disordered eating exhibit/act on those behaviors with less frequency and/or lower level of severity than the individual with an eating disorder. In essence, disordered eating is any irregular or unhealthy eating behavior and/or attitude, which can, but does not always, stem from a temporary stressor (athletic events, illness, emotional trauma, etc.). This is not to say that disordered eating should not be taken seriously. While disordered eating is usually not as severe as an eating disorder, it can still have adverse consequences to an individual’s health, and has the potential of developing into an eating disorder if left untreated. This is especially true in athletes as mismanaged fueling can result in increased risk of injury

F E L L O W

and/or decreased ability to perform or recover.

One disordered eating classification that has seen a rise in incidence in the athletic community is Orthorexia Nervosa (ON). With this particular type of disordered eating, an individual becomes fixated on eating “healthy” or consuming the “right” or “clean” foods. ON often begins with the desire to improve performance by enhancing nutrition and eventually develops into a “good vs. bad” food approach to eating. This ultimately results in missing too many foods or food groups and the vital nutrients that they provide. Individuals with ON are generally not motivated by fear of weight gain or body fat/body image, but rather on

how foods affect their bodies. An important distinction between ON and healthy eating is how ON impacts social life. Those with ON often isolate themselves and avoid situations where food options are not in their control.

They spend a great deal of time and energy thinking about food, planning meals, and finding “acceptable” foods.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Both eating disorders and disordered eating have telltale “red-flags”; yet these red flags remain constant with an eating disorder and are generally more temporary or sporadic with disordered eating. These red flags include:

· Restrictive dieting/skipping meals

Below is a table describing some of the signs and symptoms associated with disordered eating and each eating disorder mentioned above: (Adapted from Gottlieb & Anderson)

EATING DISORDERS

DISORDERED EATING • Atypical eating patterns/habits (inconsistent eating frequency, possible binging, skipping meals/ snacks) • Avoidance of eating in social situations • Self worth or self esteem issues • Refusal to eat certain foods/food groups • Excessive and/or rigid exercise regime

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

BULIMIA NERVOSA

• Inadequate food intake

• Self-esteem overly related to body image

• Dramatic weight loss

• Frequent episodes of consuming very large amounts of food followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain (e.g. self-induced vomiting)

• Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, dieting • Frequent comments about feeling/being “fat” or overweight • Anxiety about gaining weight or being “fat: • Consistent excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food • Excessive, rigid exercise regimen (despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury) • Withdrawal from usual friends/activities • Obsession with weight • Self-esteem based heavily on body image

• Evidence of purging include frequent trips to the bathroom after meals; presence of laxative/diuretics wrappers/ packages; signs/smells of vomiting • Excessive, rigid exercise regimen • Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area • Calluses on back of hands and knuckles • Discoloration/staining of the teeth • Withdrawal from usual friends/activities • Continued exercise despite injury; overuse injuries

BINGE EATING DISORDER • Periods of uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling uncomfortably full • Abnormal eating behaviors (e.g. no planned mealtimes; skipping meals; only eating small portions at regular meals; sporadic fasting or repetitive dieting) • Developing food rituals (e.g. eating only a particular food/ food group; not allowing foods to touch) • Evidence includes disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time, excessive amount of empty food wrappers/containers • Secretive food behaviors (e.g. eating alone/in the car; hiding wrappers; stealing, hiding, or hoarding food) • Body weight fluctuations from normal to slightly overweight to obese • Anxiety • Feeling a need to please others

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· Binging · Purging · Laxative/diet pill use/abuse PREVENTION & TREATMENT

It is important to be proactive when it comes to managing both disordered eating and eating disorders. Promoting positive body image and healthy relationships with food at home, school, practice, etc., and having that promotion come from multiple people (parents, coaches, teachers, teammates, etc.) is key to starting off on the right foot with prevention and man-

agement/treatment. Also, being aware of the signs and symptoms and being in tune with athlete’s stress management and fueling strategies will hopefully catch issues early on. Knowing where to go for help is also crucial.

Registered dietitian nutritionists and psychologists are vital to the detection and treatment of disordered eating. Seeking out a registered dietitian for nutrition counseling is key as sometimes individuals are unaware their eating patterns are problematic or harmful.

REFERENCES: 1. Hoek, H.W., Van Hoeken, D. Review of the prevalence and incidence of eating disorders: International Journal of Eating Disorders.

2003; 34(4): 383-396 2. Thompson, R., Sherman, R. Athletes, Athletic Performance, and Eating Disorders: Healthier Alternatives. Journal of Social Issues. 1999; 55(2): 317-337 3. Noden, M. Dying to Win: Sports Illustrated.

1994 4. Gottlieb, C. Disordered Eating or Eating Disorder: What’s the Difference? Eating Disorders, Compulsions and Addictions Service of the William Alanson White Institute. 2014 5. Anderson, M. What is Disordered Eating? Eat Right. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

2015.

For more information or guidance on finding support, visit The National Eating Disorder Association website (http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/) or consult with your physician, dietitian, or psychologist.

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GYMNASTI WHAT IS GYMNASTICS FOR ALL?

Gymnastics for All is one of the eight gymnastics sport disciplines officially recognized by the International Gymnastics Federation. This diverse sport program has the largest gymnastics membership worldwide and provides opportunities and activities for all ages and levels of abilities. Gymnastics for All activities contribute to the development of general sport skills, fitness, health, important movement patterns and daily life skills.

Today, well over 30 million participants of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds are taking part in Gymnastics for All activities across the world. These figures support the fact

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that Gymnastics for All is the sport for all elements of gymnastics and provides something for everyone.

Many clubs across the United States regularly participate in Gymnastics for All by hosting exhibitions, performing at local festivals, and end of year shows. Clubs also have the opportunity to participate in Gymnastics for All with USA Gymnastics through local, national and international events. Each year, USA Gymnastics hosts the Gymnastics for All National Championships and GymFest. USA Gymnastics also organizes delegations to the World Gymnaestrada and World Gym For Life Challenge.

The diverse range of activities and opportunities available within Gymnastics for All is what sets it apart from other disciplines and sports. Regardless of age, the opportunity to actively participate in Gymnastics for All is available. This includes children (5 years & under), adults (18–49 years) and seniors (50+ years). All ability and skill levels can participate.

Gymnastics for All is a dynamic sport with new forms of movement and/or adaptations of current movement forms being seen continually across the world, reflecting unique national cultures and trends.

GYMNASTICS FOR ALL INCLUDES THREE TRACKS:

• GROUP PERFORMANCE

Group Performance is non-competitive and fun! It

The West Bend Dance Tumbling Troupe attended all 5 World Gymnaestradas since 1999 including performances in Sweden, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland and Finland.

Jackie Maynard said, “The experience of a WG is like no other in the sporting world. Tens of thousands of athletes from around the world gather to perform their sport. Uninhibited by the ‘almighty race for a medal,’ the athletes genuinely support, encourage,

consists of groups of gymnasts performing to music.

Often costumes, themes, props and apparatus are used to enhance the performance. Routines are typically three to 15 minutes in length, depending on the event in which they are being performed. All types of gymnastics can be used to create the choreography with all ages and ability levels participating. Group Performances can be seen in recitals, performances at festivals, local GymFests, the Gymnastics for All National Championships and Gymfest and at the World Gymnaestrada.

share and relate to one another in a way that is unseen in a similar competitive arena. All of my athletes return from a World Gymnnaestrada as a ‘citizen of the world,’ and I believe that these positive experiences open their eyes, and change them forever.”

“Group Performance requires athletes to work together as a team. They must execute skills of tumbling, acro, dance & cheer while presenting it in precision to music, and in an interesting way that keeps an audience’s attention for up to 15 minutes. That may include lavish costumes, ex-

1) NON-COMPETITIVE 2) COMPETITIVE 3) HUGS (Hope Unites Gymnastics

with Special Athletes) which is a program for Special Needs athletes.

1) NON-COMPETITIVE

The following activity is included in non-competitive Gymnastics for All:

tensive lighting, utilizing props, and unusual themes or music.”

“The majority of our club athlete/performers remain a part of the Troupe into their early 20s. The ability of coaches and choreographers to modify skills and performance requirements for all body types and ages permit participant longevity in the physically demanding sport of gymnastics.”

FOR ICS ALL continued ...

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2) COMPETITIVE

The following four activities are included in competitive Gymnastics for All: • POWER TEAMGYM Power TeamGym squads of athletes perform together in two events — Group Floor Exercise and Group Jump (tumbling, vault and mini tramp). Currently, there are 10 difficulty levels. Squads are made up of 6 to 14 gymnasts and are judged as a team based on difficulty requirements and execution.

Power TeamGym can be competed at local invitationals, at the Gymnastics for All National Championships and Gymfest and international invitationals.

Mandy Lister of Fliptastic! in Carmichael, Calif., said, “We love and support Power TeamGym because it emphasizes teamwork. It’s a great program and every club should embrace it — it is untapped potential right in your own gym. Clubs can recruit athletes out of their recreational program to start new teams.”

“Our program has athletes from age 5 to high school. In our gym, the time commitment is only two days a week

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for a few hours. Many of our athletes participate in other areas of gymnastics or other sports.”

“My tips for starting a program —Contact other coaches who already coach Power TeamGym. Attend a meet or watch videos online to see how a meet works. The Power TeamGym community is

to start at a level that athletes can do the skills with great form and execution. Athletes should be competing skills that they can do great, not skills that they are still trying to master. Fliptastic! started a YouTube channel that helps other clubs see routines and give them information on how to get started. Here is the link:

very helpful. You can start with a performance team or a single team of eight athletes. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. My advice when starting a team is

https://www.youtube.com/ user/cwiseweis”

“I love coaching Power TeamGym because you get to pick your own instrumental music each year and create new choreography. The kids love learning new routines and skills each year. Competitions are exciting to watch.

You don’t miss anything. You get to see each club compete their jump routine and floor routine. All the routines are back-to-back so the competition runs quickly. As a coach it is re- continued ...

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warding to see that TeamGym athletes now have opportunities for college scholarships through NCATA Acrobatic and Tumbling.”

Cheryl Cupples of Showcase Gymnastics in Katy, Texas, says, “Power TeamGym is a great sport for gymnasts who still want the thrill of competition without requiring a huge time commitment. It provides a great foundation for beginner gymnasts, as it requires attention to detail and learning routines, and teaches confidence in presentation. Power TeamGym teams can begin at the most basic level and increase to higher levels including boys and HUGS athletes!”

“The program builds camaraderie and a unique atmosphere of team spirit. Many gymnasts stay longer because they are a part of a team, the time commitment is doable even with a busy high school schedule and it is fun!”

• ACROBATICS AND TUMBLING Team A&T is broken into three divisions; Novice, Junior and Senior. All divisions are designed for the competitive athlete to develop the skill set needed to pursue advancement into NCATA (National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling). Currently, 13 collegiate teams sponsor an Acrobatics and Tumbling team and scholarships are available. Teams compete in a head-to-head format in Acro, Pyramid, Toss, Tumbling and Team Routine categories.

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Team A&T can be competed at local invitationals and the Gymnastics for All National Championships and Gymfest.

To learn more go to https://usagym.org/at • USA GYM FOR LIFE CHALLENGE

Groups participate in the contest with a routine of a maximum of 5 minutes, incorporating any gymnastics element with or without apparatus and accompanied by music. These performances are evaluated on entertainment value, overall impression, innovation, originality, variety and technique (quality & skill safety).

All groups participating in the contest are awarded either a gold, silver or bronze ranking. A Best in Show is named at the USA Gymnastics GfA Championships and GymFest by a vote of the other participating groups.

• RHYTHMIC XPRESS Rhythmic Xpress is an achievement-based program for individuals and groups. It provides easy access to rhythmic gymnastics for new students. It is an alternative program for recreationally competitive athletes and coaches.

Achievement awards are given based on the score. This program is meant to introduce a wider audience to Rhythmic Gymnastics. The Rhythmic Xpress program allows kids who want to play without high-level competitive aspirations the opportu-

nity to do so in an official USA Gymnastics setting.

Rhythmic Xpress is similar to the Artistic Xcel program in that it allows an option for athletes to participate in gymnastics while also being active in school and outside activities.

Michele Zapple, Carolina Gymnastics Academy says, “My team has participated in both the Junior Olympic and Festival Rhythmic, now called Rhythmic Xpress, over the past 16 years. Rhythmic Xpress fits my families’ lifestyle the best. The families in my program have multiple children, who also do competitive sports. We live in a beach community with lots of things for children to do. Our practice schedule is a twice a week commitment, which works well for my families. Rhythmic Xpress is very easy to understand and implement in any gymnastics school. For new coaches, or coaches with kids who love rhythmic but can’t commit to a heavy practice schedule, Rhythmic Xpress is perfect. It provides easy to understand judging forms and score sheets, and promotes a healthy environment!”

3) HUGS

HUGS’, Hope Unites Gymnastics with Special Athletes, goal is to encompass all special needs competitive programs, which at this time include, Women’s Artistic, Festival Rhythmic, and Power TeamGym. • HUGS WOMEN’S ARTISTIC The HUGS women’s artistic program for athletes with continued ...

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special needs was unveiled as a pilot program in the 2014– 15 competitive season in the women’s Xcel Ruby division at three invitationals. Because of its success, USA Gymnastics is now offering the program for nationwide use and the HUGS program has moved to the Gymnastics for All discipline. If you want to add a women’s artistic HUGS event to your women’s invitational, there is no additional sanction needed, simply check women’s meet and HUGS women for one sanction.

• HUGS RHYTHMIC XPRESS There is also a Rhythmic Xpress category for athletes with special needs. If you want to hold a Rhythmic Xpress event along with your rhythmic or GfA event, there is only one sanction fee required.

• HUGS POWER TEAMGYM The Power TeamGym category for athletes with special needs. If you are running a GfA competition, this is the sanction you will need to run a HUGS TeamGym competition.

Cindy Bickman, Coach, Chattooga Gymnastics & Cobb

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County Special Olympics said, “My team competed in all three of the HUGS pilot meets this year. At every competition, I would find myself looking around, my eyes tearing up, thinking, ‘Look at this! The gymnasts with disabilities are out there on the floor with everybody else.

Gymnastics has brought us all together.’ ”

GYMNASTICS FOR ALL EVENTS

GFA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND GYMFEST Each year, USA Gymnastics hosts the Gymnastics for All Championships and GymFest. The event typically occurs over a three-day period and includes an Opening Ceremonies, Group Performances, Power TeamGym Competition, A&T Competition and the Gym for Life Challenge. This event has been held annually since 1993 in various cities throughout the United States. The 2016 event will be held in Sevierville, Tenn., June 23–26.

WORLD GYMNAESTRADA The World Gymnaestrada, hosted by the FIG, is the world’s largest display of gymnastics and is held every four years. There is no competition and the main focus is participation. Groups perform with 10 to 1000s of participants in indoor and outdoor venues. The event is filled with culture from the more than 20,000 participants from more than 50 countries. The age range of the participants is 2 years old to 90. USA Gymnastics has prepared official del-

egations to World Gymnaestradas in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015. In 2019, Gymnaestrada will take place in Dornbirn, Austria.

WORLD GYM FOR LIFE CHALLENGE The World Gym for Life Challenge is a contest for performance groups of all ages and genders. The Challenge compliments the FIG’s World Gymnaestrada by being held every four years in between the World Gymnaestradas. The groups participate in the contest with routine of a maximum of 5 minutes, incorporating any gymnastics element with or without apparatus, and the routine can be accompanied by music.

Group Performances are evaluated on entertainment value, overall impression, innovation, originality, variety and technique (quality & skill safety).

All groups participating in the Contest are awarded either a gold, silver or bronze ranking. Groups who achieve a gold placing in the Contest participate in the Gym for Life Gala. USA Gymnastics has sent participants to both Gym For Life Challenges held to date in Austria and South Africa. The USA will send a delegation to the Gym for Life Challenge in Vestfold, Norway, July 26–30, 2017.

WHY PARTICIPATE IN GYMNASTICS FOR ALL?

A Gymnastics for All program is truly something for everyone. A GfA program can add students to your gym, expand opportunities for your current students, and retain students who are ready to move on from competitive gymnastics. All family members can all be involved with GfA, one stop shopping for family activity.

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THE SERVICE GENE PART 2

TOUCH POINTS THAT WOW! — DOES EVERYTHING YOU SAY AND DO EMBODY YOUR SERVICE BRAND?

SECOND IN A 2-PART SERIES OF ARTICLES FOCUSED ON CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FRONT DESK OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE.

S

ervice, quite simply, is how people feel when they interact with your business. Their feelings may be good, bad or indifferent. Do your customers feel taken care of, respected and appreciated or do they dread doing business with you because it’s just too difficult?

One of the best kept secrets about service is that it’s not hard to be great.

Think of all the service experiences you’ve had in the past day, week or month. From the grocery store, the dry cleaner, the cable company, your favorite restaurant and more. Do any stand out as off-the-charts phenomenal? Most were perhaps okay, while others were down right bad with a handful of good experiences mixed in.

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In a sea of mediocre and bad service, taking care of people and making them feel great should be pretty easy — right? Why is it then that so many businesses fail? There are a variety of contributors: the wrong people, egregious policies, a lack of commitment and more.

For us, providing great service to passionate parents can be slightly more challenging. What is more important to a parent than their child?

Nothing! When they believe you have the best interest of their family and children at the center of your decision making, they feel great and will sing your praises. Give them a reason to doubt your intentions and

a small blunder may be blown out of proportion.

Our first article recapped how great service starts with ensuring the right people are in place — hire nice people who live by the golden rule and love taking care of others. Once the people are right, make certain your operations reflect your service brand. Start by creating an environment where people feel welcome. Enter your business with fresh eyes as if you’ve never been there before (don’t forget to do this at night when it’s dark). Take in the experience with all of your senses. Begin in the parking lot. Is it free of litter? Are the flower beds weeded? Does it feel safe? What do you come across when you walk up to the doors — are they clean or full of fingerprints and leftover tape? What do you hear? Is music playing — if so, what type? What would you change?

How do you think a first-time customer will feel?

Once inside, is your front desk team present — literally and figuratively?

They are the first people customers see and relate to as the face of your business. Are they approachable, positive and helpful? Do they look up with a warm smile on their face, make eye contact and say hello? If not, why not?

This team affects profitability and growth purely by the way they treat customers. Make sure they are right!

If they don’t get it, role play or ask how they feel when they aren’t greeted when they walk into a business. How do they want to be treated? You may have to start with a refresher class on the basics and if that’s the case, give the “why” along with the “how to”.

Continuing inside, is your lobby neat and sparkling? Are the mats in your gym clean? Is your space light

and bright? If you’ve hired the right people, you don’t need a daily checklist of basic housekeeping tasks. Your “service gene” folks will naturally clean the glass doors when they are dirty, pickup stray paper towels in the bathroom and wipe down the counters because they care about the customer and their experience. They want their workspace and the customer’s experience to be delightful, not dirty. If they don’t have the service gene, you may want to provide a small checklist of things to do throughout the day; your hope is that eventually these tasks will become second nature, even for those that don’t have it in their DNA. What about the telephone?

How do your people react when the phone rings? Is it a nuisance or interruption to their day or the task at hand?

Or do they see it as an opportunity to be helpful, answer a question and make someone’s day a little easier?

How can you tell? Observe their body language — it will tell you everything you need to know. You may also want to create a standard greeting everyone adopts — it can be as simple as “Thank you for calling ABC Gym, this is Emily, how may I help you today?” Role-play and teach your front line how to have a smile in their voice as well as on their face — even when there are 15 people standing

at the desk demanding their attention. The caller on the phone can’t see the chaos and they shouldn’t feel less important because of it. Answering the phone during busy times takes practice — you never want your team to practice on customers. Have them role play and practice with each other and remember perfect practice makes perfect!

Service extends beyond how people feel when they walk through your doors or call on the telephone — they want to feel special and taken care of throughout every step of their journey.

Trust and empower your employees to think of the customer first. Teach them to do what’s right for the customer and right for the company by using good judgment. Never punish them for their decision making and if their resolution wasn’t in line with your expectation, use it as training opportunity for everyone. Your front desk manager should constantly gather “real life” situations to use as thought proving training sessions in which everyone gets a chance to share ideas.

Great service doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; it can be small and full with human kindness. For example, when someone asks where the washroom is, walk with them instead of pointing and saying “over there”.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

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FEATURE

FEA TURE . . . T H E

S E R V I C E

G E N E ,

P A R T

2

. . . C O N T I N U E D

In the book Lessons from the Nordstrom Commitment to good service must Way, Robert Spector, through a series permeate throughout your organizaof examples, shows that entrusting tion. Everyone must “walk the walk” and empowering your employees is and it is equally important to “talk the essential to a culture of talk”. If service is imgreat customer service. portant to you, talk about He examines a variety it and talk about it ofof businesses that proten. Provide training full vide great service, one of of robust, real life examwhich is Mike’s Carwash. ples. Start every meeting Mike’s boiled the rules with a great service story. down to the Big One: The It can be an example of a Golden Rule. In this book recent service challenge you will learn successful from within your busiservice companies have ness (ask if anyone has a thrown out their lengthy great example of how we service manuals. Instead “made someone’s day”) —DONALD PORTER, V.P., or an example of how they teach people to trust BRITISH AIRWAYS the theory that everyone another great service knows how they like to be treated and company provided a WOW! to use that “feeling” as the compass Lastly, find opportunities to praise to problem solving. employees for great feats of excellent

CUSTOMERS DON’T EXPECT YOU TO BE PERFECT. THEY DO EXPECT YOU TO FIX THINGS WHEN THEY GO WRONG.

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TECHNIQUE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

service. When someone does a great job, send an email for everyone to see.

Write a letter home to let their family know how much you appreciate their mom, wife or daughter — describe their act of kindness and thank them for their continued support!

At the end of the day, it’s about a feeling — good, bad or indifferent. It’s up to you and your team to create a contagious culture of great service!

“They may forget what you said, but they will not forget how you made them feel.” —Carl W. Buechner

SOME GREAT BOOKS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE:

• The New Gold Standard — 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company — Joseph A. Michelli • Lessons from the Nordstrom Way — Robert Spector • Broken Windows, Broken Business — Michael Levine • Setting the Table —Danny Meyer

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

23

RECAP

RECAP

The USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show was one of the most successful to date. The attendees of this year’s event demonstrated the strength of our community and their commitment for gymnastics excellence through education.

Held in conjunction with the P&G Gymnastics Championships, the event was a great success that provided attendees over 180 gymnastics presentations from all aspects of the sport

In addition to the National Congress presentations, attendees were invited to attend the National Business Forum. The event focused on preparing club owners for the future success of their businesses, including the 2016 Olympic boom.

USA Gymnastics would like to recognize and thank the USA Gymnastics Business Advisors for providing their time and expertise to this most important event.

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TECHNIQUE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

The 2015 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony also took place in Indianapolis. Each year USA Gymnastics is proud to induct the newest members of the Hall of Fame. Nine individuals, representing six different gymnastics disciplines, comprised the 2015 class of inductees for the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame. The six athletes and coach were: Kristin Allen of Livermore, Calif., and Michael Rodrigues of Livermore, Calif., acrobatic gymnastics; Mohini Bhardwaj of Los Angeles, CA, women’s gymnastics; Jessica Howard of Jacksonville, Fla., rhythmic gymnastics; Terin Humphrey of Kansas City, Mo., women’s gymnastics; Jennifer Sans of Burnsville, Minn., trampoline and tumbling; and Mark Williams of Norman, Okla., men’s gymnastics coach.

Men’s gymnastics judge and administrator Doug Hills of Portland, Ore., and the late David Moskovitz, gymnastics for all and USA Gymnastics administrator, were the final members of the Class of 2015 who received Lifetime Achievement honors.

The Trade Show hall was great success that featured products and services from 200 different exhibitors, as well as raffles, autograph signings and hands-on-lectures.

The Hall of Fame Ceremony would not be possible each year without the support and sponsorship of those in the gymnastics community. A special thank you belongs to The National Gymnastics Foundation, Sport Graphics and A-1 Awards for their continued generosity toward the event. We would also like to thank USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny and 1996 Olympian John Macready, who served as the masters of ceremonies for the event.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

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RECAP

RECAP

ACRO

ACRO

J.O. COACH OF THE YEAR — Michael Rodrigues

ROOKIE COACH OF THE YEAR — Allie DeGuire

ACRO ACRO

ACRO

STAR SERVICE AWARD — Valere Binet

ELITE COACH OF THE YEAR — Vladimir Vladev

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR — Ryan Ward and Kiley Boynton with Elizabeth Millard, Program Director

RHYTHMIC

RHYTHMIC

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR — Laura Zeng

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR — Gabrielle Lowenstein

with Caroline Hunt, Senior Director of Program

with Caroline Hunt, Senior Director of Program

RHYTHMIC COACH OF THE YEAR — Natasha Klimouk

T&T

BOB BOLLINGER DOUBLE MINI COACH OF THE YEAR — Amber Van Natta 26 T E C H N I Q U E • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 Presented by George Drew, Director of Trampoline & Tumbling Program

T&T

DEVELOPMENTAL COACH OF THE YEAR — Brad Davis

T&T

JAMES A ROZANAS TUMBLING COACH OF THE YEAR — Chauncy Haydon

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

27

RECAP

RECAP

T&T

MILTON B DAVIS & GEORGE NISSEN TRAMPOLINE COACH OF THE YEAR — Robert Null

T&T

T&T

T&T

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR — Charlotte Drury

CLUBS SERVICES 28

TECHNIQUE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Michael Taylor

STAR SERVICE AWARD — Deanna Hanford

DEVELOPMENTAL GYM OF THE YEAR — Midwest Training and Ice Center

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR — Austin Nacey

T&T

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR — Erin Jauch

MEMBER SERVICES

Paula Lord

MEN’S PROGRAM

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR — Sam Mikulak SPORTSMAN OFTHE YEAR — Donnell Whittenburg COACH OF THE YEAR — Andriy Stepanchenko

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Annette Thomas

ELITE GYM OF THE YEAR— World Elite Gymnastics, Ontario, CA

WOMEN’S PROGRAM

MEN’S PROGRAM JUNIOR OLYMPIC COACH OF THE YEAR — Tom Meadows

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR — Simone Biles SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR — Aly Raisman COACH OF THE YEAR — Aimee Boorman

MONTHLY YLHTNOMMONTHLY

FREE WEBINARS

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WEBINARS

G Y M N A S T I C S

P R O F E S S I O N A L

B E N E F I T

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Are you a club looking to enhance your policy development?

Join us on Wednesday Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. ET for our next USA Gymnastics Webinar Safesport: Policy Development for Your Gymnastics Club. Get the tools you need to create an effective policy for your programs.

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015 Duration: 1 hour Time: 1 p.m. ET

Register today at usagym.org/webinars!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

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TECHNIQUE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

31

FEATURE

TOP 10 THINGS TO SUCCESS IN COM FEA TURE P H O T O S

B Y

J O H N

10

C H E N G

Staying with your music will help the gymnast score well.

9

to an “up he s i e r t The on for i t c u d e ng 0.40” d tine for faili rou t entire the tex m r o f r to pe tly. correc

8

BY TOM KOLL, NATIONAL JUNIOR OLYMPIC COMMITTEE CHAIR/USA BREVET JUDGE elcome, everyone, to the third season of the 20132021 compulsory cycle.

My, is time moving quickly!

With this being the third set of compulsory routines that I have helped create, I realize it is this time in the cycle when “new and creative” (but, unfortunately, incorrect) versions of the routines begin to evolve. I attribute this “creativity” to a few factors:

W

1. People who are now teaching the routines are coaches who learned

5 6

Posture errors occurring Quality of movement on connections/poses will make the can add up to a 0.30 Gymnas difference in receiving ts shoul deduction when looking d show excellen a high score. This t presen at the entire routine. tation; category is “up to 0.15.” the “up to 0 .15” ded uction can mak e the dif ference between first and fifth place in r many ca nd prope a t u se s . o n r a Good tu hould be s k r o w t foo al point. c o f t n a t cons

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TECHNIQUE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

7

O REMEMBER FOR MPULSORY FLOOR the routines second or possibly third hand from someone else, without ever even opening the book themselves.

2. Even though it’s been stated many times, coaches teaching the routines still simply look at the pictures and the video and never bother reading the text.

3.

Coaches routines gyms and new gym

teaching the have switched brought to the “their new and

4

In the Leve l 4 and 5 routines, th ere are sev en (7) places w here the gymnasts a re required to contract an d/or extend .

These pose s/dance mo ves are wor th “ up to 0.10” each.

3

improved versions” the routines.

of

4. Even though many sessions are offered at state, regional, and national congresses to reinforce correct technique and exactness of the routines, for whatever reason many coaches choose to not attend.

5. YouTube In the previous cycle, the choreographers put in movements requiring full body movements of the torso, including level changes and contractions with releases.

Good height and alignment on dance elements is a must in order to score well.

2

Remember the dance steps that changed levels after the first tumbling run and the curved run that showed a side contraction and release into the leap pass? Well, at least that is how it was taught in 2005. It quickly vanished around the country and was replaced with marching steps and a swing turn into the leap. There were deductions in the faults and penalties for failure to show these movements; however, as more and more gymnasts deleted these movements, it somehow became acceptable and many judges simply forgot to apply the deductions.

Being now the third year of the cycle, the judges should have a strong command of the routines and will

bling and m u t g n o r St lp s will he l il k s c i t acroba at score. get a gre

1

The emphasis for coaches and judges needs to be working and rewarding the perfection of the major elements.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

33

FEATURE

FEA TURE . . . C O M P U L S O R Y

F L O O R

. . . C O N T I N U E D

be able to see all the choreography requirements as well as the major elements. As mentioned in the “Top Ten List,” there are seven (7) places in the Level 4 and 5 routines where the gymnasts are required to contract and/or extend. These poses/dance moves are worth up to 0.10 each.

(Level 3 floor has only two.)

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TECHNIQUE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Below is a chart to assist you in coaching and applying the deduction for failure to perform the side contractions. In my experience in teaching these routines in Central and South America, as well as around the United States, I have discovered by relating the concept of the amount of lean/contraction to a “clock,” it helps people understand the movement better. These drawings only apply

to the side contractions. Please remember to read the book for the releases and contractions to show the full body movements created in the routines.

The choreographers of the compulsory exercises hope that gymnasts, judges and coaches alike will find this helpful in keeping the integrity of the choreography for this entire eight-year cycle.

JO AND XCEL TECHNICAL MATERIALS WOMEN’S JO COMPULSORY BOOK

NEW! 2nd Edition Available to order now. Includes all changes/updates through July 2015. The official text, illustrations and penalties for Levels 1 through 5 compulsory exercises for 2013 through 2021. This is a “must have” for all Junior Olympic Compulsory coaches and judges.

Item Number: 3111

WOMEN’S JO CODE OF POINTS

NEW! 2nd Edition available to order now. Includes all changes/updates through Sept. 2015. The official “rule book” for 2013–2017 for the Junior Olympic Optional Levels 6 through 10. Includes a listing of all skills, complete with their value plus illustrations of each skill. A ”must have” for all Junior Olympic Optional coaches and judges.

Price: $60.00

Item Number: 3117

WOMEN’S JO COMPULSORY AND OPTIONAL FLIP-BOOK

NEW! 4th Edition available to order now — Includes all changes/updates through Sept. 2015. A convenient size flip-book provides quick access to all the Junior Olympic Compulsory and Optional rules. A great resource for coaches and judges. Includes Levels 1 through10 requirements and deductions.

Item Number: 3113 Price: $25.00

COMING SOON!!

WOMEN’S XCEL FLIP-BOOK

A convenient size flip-book provides quick access to all the Xcel Optional rules for all divisions. A great resource for coaches and judges. Includes Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum & Diamond Division requirements and deductions.

Price: $60.00

XCEL CODE OF POINTS

NEW! 3rd Edition — Available to order now. Includes all Xcel changes/ updates through September 2015. The Xcel Code of Points is the official rule book for the Xcel Program. This book is a complete guide for coaches and judges. In addition to all of the rules and regulations the Xcel Code of Points includes illustrations of all allowable skills and examples of routines. A “must-have” for anyone involved in the Xcel program.

Item Number: 3105 Price: $40.00

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

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USA W rld s Team Co oach

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Medalist We focus o n creating a positive atm centered a osphere round the sport of gy cabin life to mnastics. F our world c rom lass recrea IGC provid tion progra es not only m, great gymn but the be astics train st overall s in g ummer cam p experien ce.

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www.internationalgymnastics.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

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FEATURE

FEA TURE B Y

D I A N E

B A R R O N

PAREN

AND CO G

ood parent education and communication does not just happen. It requires special skills and business practices. Telling your story is of utmost importance. Getting information to parents is a challenge alone, but getting them to read the information is an additional challenge. Your communication and the image you present create the first impression, often the lasting impression.

How you present yourself is the first step in building the relationship with your parents. Here are some tools we can use to communicate and educate our parents.

1.

TV MONITOR AND VIDEO DIPLAYS IN THE LOBBY AND VIEWING AREAS.

Highlight upcoming events and the benefits and value of those events. Use pictures expressing the fun and education the events provide.

2.

NEWSLETTERS.

Hard copy newsletters handed out to students at their class with information about the program, upcoming events and educational articles are great ways to communicate and educate parents.

Consider a monthly or every other month time frame for distribution. The average email open rate per Constant Contact for Education Services and Sports and Recreation companies is 20%. Because of our diligence with our email marketing, Barron Gymnastics is at 39%. That still leaves 61% of our clients not reading our emails. Consequently, it is necessary to

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TECHNIQUE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

ENT EDUCATION

COMMUNICATION continue handing out hard copies to the students in class.

3.

EMAIL NEWSLETTERS.

In addition to the hard copy newsletters, send out a weekly or two times per month email newsletter. Use the newsletter to promote your program and highlight what improvements and activities with which your staff and company are involved. Educate yourself on what is the best day and time to send out emails and how often. In addition to the open rate discussed in #2, it is important to track the click through rate. A call to action in the body of the email will improve your click through rate. The average click through rate per Constant Contact for Education and Services and Sports and Recreation companies is 8%. Barron Gymnastics is at 10%.

4.

5.

FACEBOOK.

In addition to communicating events and activities, use Facebook to educate the parents. Lead them to other sites like USA Gymnastics. Capitalize on the experts who write articles and provide interesting content for USA Gymnastics.

6.

INSTAGRAM.

Be creative with your pictures and captions.

7.

WEBSITE.

Offer a user friendly website for your families to navigate. Keep it updated and current.

8.

SIGNAGE.

Strategically place signs in your facility. The signage does not need to include all the necessary information.

Keep it simple and professional. Use it as a call to action and direct them to the proper source for more information.

9.

STAFF PICTURES AND BIOS.

Include in the staff bios what strengths and qualifications the staff possess that will benefit the parents and students. Parents do not care if a teacher is willing to sub and help other teachers. Parents want to know what qualities the teacher and front office staff has that will directly benefit them.

EMAIL BUZZES

We save email buzzes for an event or activity we want to highlight.

Since we want them to create a buzz, we limit our use of the email buzzes to the most important messages.

In addition to using engaging content and images, give thought to the subject title. What types of subject titles cause you to open an email? Use those same types of titles. If the parents are not opening the email, your time and energy in creating the email is lost.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

39

FEATURE

FEA TURE B Y

D I A N E

B A R R O N

10.

LESSON PLANS.

Post your lesson plans and provide an explanation of lesson plan logic.

11.

ON LINE REGISTRATION.

With online registration, it is more difficult to have the initial communication with parents that we use to have when registration was in person. Consider a welcome phone call or a welcome face to face greeting prior to their first class. The policies, procedures and what to expect can be discussed at this time. A clear understanding up front will help eliminate potential miscommunication in the future.

Let’s discuss some of the less obvious ways we communicate and educate our parents without the use of words.

1.

BODY LANGUAGE.

The old saying “Actions speak louder than words” is so true. We cannot communicate ideas and thoughts without words. However, the way people interpret those words is greatly influenced by our nonverbal communication and body language. Our facial expressions, eye movements, gestures, and posture play a key role in people’s interpretation of the words we speak, strongly influencing how we are viewed. Avoid signals with body language that can destroy the image you want to project.

2.

IMAGE.

Your image is the loudest way you initially communicate and educate your parents. The look of your gym tells people who you are and what you do. If you have awards banners and trophies as your focal point, then you are communicating that you are a

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TECHNIQUE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

competitive program. At Barron Gymnastics, we have about 100 competitive gymnasts, but that represents only 8% of our total enrollment. In fact, 40% of our enrollment is under the age of 5. So if we want to communicate that we serve the noncompetitive young child, then our gym’s image needs to express that.

3.

FACILITY.

Look at other gyms in the country and get ideas from the gyms you respect. Adopting some of their ideas is the highest form of flattery and can help you improve the look of your gym.

Another idea is to look at other children’s businesses. Check out dance schools, swim schools and educational preschools as an example. Reaching outside of our industry can give you fresh ideas.

Request an advertising/promotional company to evaluate your facility.

What can you be doing better? How can you strengthen your brand? How can you add a fresh new look? Are your mission, culture and values evident?

Their initial walk through consultation will be at no cost. Set a budget that works for your business and consider adding some new promotional products that will add some bang for your buck. Of course these sales people are trying to sell you on their services but you can learn a great deal from their walk through. They are there only to evaluate your facility. They are not distracted with signing their child up for your program so they will be zeroing in on what your facility communicates to the public.

4.

EQUIPMENT.

Keep your equipment updated.

It is the safest way to do business, enhances the look of your facility and

adds value to your curriculum and lesson plans. We added 3 stall bars to one of our walls and it changed the entire look of that area of the gym in addition to adding stations and skills to our lesson plans.

5.

CULTURE.

The actions and attitude of your staff express your philosophy and teaching style. Building a culture that is aligned with your mission and values is so important. Creating a curriculum, lesson plans and business practices that your staff follows is vital to your culture and image.

We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to communicate and educate our students, parents and community. Gymnastics is so much more then cartwheels. We can develop a program that teaches physics, biomechanical principles, kinesthetic sense, spatial awareness, balance, strength, flexibility and social skills. Briefly put, gymnastics builds skills for life. Evaluate your current forms of communication. Develop new business practices that offer communication and education to the parents.

Brand your business. Create an image that tells who you are and what you do. Tell your story. Create a story worth sharing.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

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LIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

LIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

U101 — SAFETY CERTIFICATION (LIVE) Nov. 8 — Rockland, MA Dec. 19 — Mountain View, CA R103 — SCHOOL AGE/RECREATIONAL: HANDS-ON TRAINING (HOTSA) Nov. 8 — Fishers, IN W300 — JUNIOR OLYMPIC TEAM COACHES’ COURSE May 27–30 — Huntsville, TX W400 — NATIONAL COACHES’ COURSE May 27–30 — Huntsville, TX

T200/T201 — TRAMPOLINE & TUMBLING DEVELOPMENT COACHES COURSE: LEVEL 1 AND HANDS-ON TRAINING Visit the course page for more course information and location details.

Nov. 7 — San Jose, CA Nov. 15 — Joplin, MO (T201 only) WOMEN’S JUDGING CPE CLINIC Nov. 1 — Woodbridge, VA — Levels 3 –10 Registration forms at VANAWGJ.com. Send form to berrydb1@aol.com FAX 757.439.1848

Nov. 8 — Waldoboro, ME For registration information, contact Debra Smith at deknitting@yahoo.com

Dec. 6 — Everett, WA For information, contact Lee Bjella at nawgjwa@gmail.com

Dec. 6 — Clarksville, TN — Xcel & JO Optional Clinic For information, Contact Kerma Headrick at mkheadrick@charter.net.

To register for a congress/course, visit the USA Gymnastics website at www.USAGymnasticsUniversity.org. Register online or download the registration form.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

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TECHNIQUE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

UPDA TE UPDATE M E M B E R

S E R V I C E S

M E M B E R

S E R V I C E S

NEW SANCTION REPORT FORMS

Meet Directors may notice that there have been some slight design changes to the sanction report forms. The information on the forms is the same, and it is still a requirement to return pages 2 – 6 of their sanction report form within 72 business hours of the end of the meet. Forms may be returned via mail or email to sanctions@ usagym.org.

SAFETY RENEWAL REMINDER

Individuals have the ability to renew the U101: Safety Risk/Management Certification up to a year prior to the expiration date. If your safety expires July 31,2016, you are strongly encouraged to renew your safety certification soon.

2016 NATIONAL CONGRESS REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Early Bird pricing available through January 25, 2016.

Discounted 2016 Women’s Olympic Trials Ticket Packages are also available to National Congress registrants.

Visit www.usagymcongress.com to register and for complete event details!

USA GYMNASTICS HOLIDAY HOURS

USA Gymnastics National Office will be closed during the following times for the holidays.

THANKSGIVING • Wednesday, Nov. 25 —close at noon • Thursday, Nov 26 & Friday, Nov. 27 • Normal office hours resume Monday, Nov. 30.

WINTER HOLIDAY BREAK • Thursday, Dec. 24 — Friday, Jan. 2 • Normal office hours resume, Monday, Jan. 4 Should you need immediate assistance during the office closure, please email: membership@usagym.org.

Please contact Member Services for any questions/concern at 800.345.4719 or via email at membership@usagym.org.

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TECHNIQUE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS POSITION AVAILABLE

GIRLS COACH NEEDED–NEW ENGLAND SPORTS ACADEMY, located in Westwood MA, 25 min from Downtown Boston Area is looking for COACHES to work with our competitive teams, developmental teams & Xcel teams. Qualifications include but are not limited to having spotting skills, experience in competitive gymnastics, and have knowledge of compulsory and optional gymnastics.

• Must have a passion for teaching Gymnastics and inspiring athletes to reach their maximum potential • Must be able to work well with other Team Members • Must be enthusiastic, motivated, have a strong work ethic, and leadership skills • Must be able to provide corrections in a positive manner Compensation based upon experience and position.

Full-time and part-time positions available. Visit our website www.NESAcademy.com and send resume to info@NESAcademy.com.

OPPORTUNITY FOR TEAM GYMNASTICS INSTRUCTORS Twisters Gymnastics just moved to Sunnyvale, CA into a beautiful new 18,000 square foot facility and is looking for a full-time / highly qualified team coach.

Levels are Junior Olympic Levels 2 through 5. Must have experience and success coaching these levels.

Employment break down is approximately 30% preschool instruction during the mornings and 70% team coaching in the evenings. Salary is based on experience, but the minimum salary is $40,000 plus benefits.

Benefits include dental / vision / medical. After 1 year of full-time employment, you will qualify for Twisters’ 401K Safe Harbor Matching Program. Please email afusilero@hotmail.com or contact me at 408-373-8857 for more information.

petitive gymnastics, five years through level 10, specifically on bars and vault. We are looking to employ a team player that has a positive attitude and good work ethic. Must be able to speak English well. USAG certification and approved background check will be required. We are offering a great salary, signing bonus and medical benefits to qualified applicant. Please submit resume to Ronica@vssg.lvcoxmail.com.

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GYMCERT COACHES TRAINING PROGRAM: GymCert’s Online Courses & Training manuals for sale, Safety Awareness Posters, FREE article downloads & Online Certification for Recreational & Competitive

Gymnastics Instructors Levels 1 through Level 5. Now offering Boys level 1 & Girls Spanish Level 1. GymCert is a MUST for staff training; cuts lesson planning time significantly; use to coordinate class progressions &skill training methods; quick & easy reference guide including Lesson Planning & Class Evaluation Forms. Includes updated “Skills & Drills” for 2013– 2021 Compulsory Routines! The GymCert manuals provide concise instruction, clear illustrations, & several coaching, spotting & safety tips. Group discounts! Order Now: www.gymcert.com or direct by calling 407-444-5669 EST. GYMNASTICS; YOUR BEST MEET EVER! (LATEST BOOK) Gymnastics; Your Best Meet Ever! was written to help Beginning & Intermediate level gymnasts focus on making each competition the BEST possible.

Great book as a reference for all gymnasts. Fears are a major cause of poor performance. If the gymnast is able to face each fear or worry & take specific action to minimize its effect on her performance, she will take a giant step toward winning in both gymnastics & life! Preparation is the base that supports the ability to adapt to new & changing competition scenarios!

Find the Secrets to a Successful Competition! Author, Rita Brown; Two-Time Olympic Coach — Available @ www.amazon.com.

FOR INFORMATION on how to publish a classified ad in Technique, go to www.usagym.org/publications Or call Scott Bregman at 317-829-5650.

THE VITALY SCHERBO SCHOOL OF GYMNASTICS in Las Vegas, NV is looking for an experienced WOMEN’S TEAM COACH. Interested candidates should have at least ten years coaching experience in women’s comNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 • TECHNIQUE

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USA Gymnastics 132 E. Washington St., Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204

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WHY CHOOSE INTERNATIONAL GYMNASTICS CAMP

?

IGC is dedicated solely to gymnastics

40 Gymnastics celebrities, including former Olympians & World Champions, visited IGC in Summer 2015 Train & hang out with gymnasts from all around the world We welcome campers from beginner to advanced abilities Only camp specializing in gymnastics accredited by the American Camp Association THE GYMNASTICS

ACTIVITY BOOK ALWAYS FEATURING PGC™ ATHLETES!

WWW.INTERNATIONALGYMNASTICS.COM