GYMNASTS' INVOLVEMENT IN HIGH-LEVEL SPORTS

• Safety Certification Requirement

• 1998 Gym Corps to Africa

• 1998 CONGRESS INFORMATION

• Alternative Abdominal Conditioning

• Cure Conflicts Before They Corrupt Your Productivity

• Hop Pirouette - Parallel Bars

• Women's Rules & Policies Update

• Gymnastics Network News

(rWAIli GYMNASTICS

Dr. Michel Leglise, Chair of the International Gymnastics Federation Medical Commission, discusses issues relating to elite level gymnastics.

( APRIL 98 • VOLUME 18 • #4

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PUB LI S HER

Kathy Scanlan

E DITOR

Luan Peszek

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lion Cottrell

USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(HAIR: Sondy Knopp; PRESIDENT: Kothy Sconlon; PRESIDENT EMERITUS: Mike Donohue; AMATEUR ATHlnlC UNION: Mike Stonner; AMERICAN SOKOL ORGANIZATION: Jerry Milon; USA TRAMPOLINE & TUMBLING: Woyne Downing; AMERICAN TURNERS: Beny Heppner; JEWISH (OMMUNITY (ENTERS: Lori Katz; (OIllGE GYMNAlnCS ASSOOATION·M: Roy Johnson; NATIONAL ASSOOATION Of (OIllGIATE GYMNAlnCS (OACHES fOR WOMEN: Goil Dovis; NATIONAL ASSOOATION fOR GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORT: Marilyn Slrowbridge; NATIONAl ASSOGATION Of WOMEN'S GYMNAlnCS JUDGES: Yvonne Hodge; NATIONAL (OIllGIATI ATHlETIC ASSOOATlON: Chris Voelz. Tom Dunn; NATIONAl FEDERATION Of STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS: Suson True; NATIONAl GYMNASTICS JUDGES ASSOCIATION: John Scheer; NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASTICS (OACHES ASSOCIATION: John Brinkworth; SPECIAL OLYMPICS, INC.: Kote fober-Hickie; U.S. RHYTHMIC GYMNAlnCS (OACHES ASSOCIATION: Suzie DiTullio; U.S. ASSOCIATION Of INDEPENDENT GYM (LUBS: [nnce Crowley; U.S. EUTE (OACHES ASSOCIATION fOR MEN'S GYMNAlnCS: Mork Willioms; U.S. EUTE (OACHES ASSOOATION fOR WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS: Gory Anderson. Roe Kreutzer; U.S. MEN'S GYMNASTICS (OACHES AsSOOATlON: Morc Yoncey; U.S. SPORTS ACROBATICS FEDERATION: Bonnie Dovidson; U.S. (OMPnITIVE SPORTS AEROBICS FEDERATION: Howord Shcwortz; YOUNG MEN'S (HRllnAN ASSOGATION Of THE USA: Rick Dodson; USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORS: MEN'S: Roy GUIO. Jim Holt. WOMIN'S: Undo Chendns~. Dovid Holcomb; RHYTHMIC: Alia Svi"ky. Tomoro Dosso; ATHlITI'S ADVISORY (OMMITTEE: Tonyo Service Cho~in, choir. Chris Woller, vice choir. Kristen Kenoyer Woodlond, sec, Wendy Hilliord. Vanessa Vander Pluym. Peler Vidmor, Conrod Voorsonger, Kim lmaskol; USO( ATHlITI REPRESENTATIVE: Michelle Dusselle-follell.

USA GYMNASTICS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(HAI R: Sondy Knopp; SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE CHAIRMAN Of THE BOARD: Roe Kreutzer. PRESIDENT: Kathy Scanlon; SECRnARY: Mike Mi1idon~; Via CHAIR WOMEN: Joon Moore Gnot. Via CHAIR MEN: TIm Doggett; Via CHAIR RHYTHMIC Condoce feinberg; FIG ExECUTlVE (OMMITIII: Joy Ashmore; FIG WOMEN'S TECHNiCAl (OMMITTEE: Jockie fie; FIG RHYTHMIC TECHNICAL (OMMITTEE: Andrea Schmid-Sho~lO; FIG MEN'S TECHNICAL (OMMITTEE: George Becksteod; AT LARGE MEMBERS: Jim Hartung, Susan True; AmITE DIRECTORS: Tonyo Service Choplin, Wendy Hilliord. Peter Vidmor; USO( ATHlITI REPRESENTATIVE: Michelle Dusselle­fOllell; PRESIDIHT EMERITUS: Mi,e Donohue.

CHANGE Of ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: In order to ensure uninte rrupted delivery of TECHNIQUE mogozine, notice of chonge of oddress should be mode eight weeks in odvonce. for fastest service, please enclose your present moiling lobel. Direct all subscription moil to TECHNIQUE Subscriptions, USA Gymnastics, 201 S. Capitol Ave., Ste. 300, Indionopolis, IN 46225.

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Unless expressly idenlified 10 Ihe conlrory, all orlicles, slole' menls and views prinled herein are ol/ribuled solely 10 Ihe oUlhor and USA Gymnoslics expresses no opinion and assumes no responsibililY Ihereof.

FEATURES

Safety Certification Requirement - Deadline August 98 ............ ...... .. .... ........ ... .. ... ............ 5

Limits on Young Gymnasts' Involvement in High·Level Sport .. .... ...... .. ..... .. ... ...................... 8

Alternative Abdominal Conditioning .. .. .. .... .......... ...... .......... ............. .. ............. .. .... ...... 18

1998 USA Gymnastics Congress ................................ .. .. ...... ...... .. .. .......... .... ..... .... ..... 23

Meet the Staff: Events and Marketing Department ........... .......... .. ............ ..................... 30

Cure Conflicts Before They Corrupt Your Productivy .. .. ... .. ..................... ....... ...... .. ......... 32

Hop Pirouette - Parallel Bars ........... ................. ... .... ... ..... ................... .......... ......... .. ... 34

APR I L 98 • VOLUME 18·

6 30

23 34

DEPARTMENTS PROGRAM UPDATE

President's Message .......... ... .. .... .. ..... .... 4 1 998 Gym Corps to Africa ............ .. .. .. .. 6

USA Gymnastics Education Programs .... 14 Women's Rules & Policies Update ........ 15

Athlete Well ness Course ................. .. ..... 17 KAT Certified List .. .................. .. .... .. .. .. 21

What's New ....... ....... ... .. ...... ... ... ....... 28 Gymnastics Network News ...... .. .. .. .... .. 33

Classifieds .. .... ... .. .... .... .... .. .. ...... .. ....... 46 Women's Technical Committee Meeting .... 36

Event Schedule .......... .. .. .... ......... .. .... . 47 GGAP Conference Call ...... .. .. ........ .. .... 44

Safety Certification Schedule .. . 48 Rhythmic Program Committee Meeting .. .. 45

COVER PHOTOGRAPH Of KRISTIN MALONEY: USA GYMNASTICS PHOTOGRAPHY © DAVE BlACK

Sandy Knapp

Kathy Scanlan

z

o z

As you've probably heard, Kathy Scanlan has submitted her resignation as President of USA Gymnastics effective September 25, 1998, when she will become President of the Seattle Bid Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games. Kathy will perform fully the functions of the Presidents' position until her resignation is effective. Given that timetable I will wait until a later opportunity to reflect on Kathy's extra­

ordinarily effective leadership of this organization. My purpose in this message is to brief you on the process we will use to find Kathy's successor. I also want to take the oppor­tunity to encourage qualified candidates to apply for this position.

The search process for the new President who will lead us into the 21st century has already begun. By beginning the process now we hope that the search will be completed prior to September 25 so there is a seamless transition in leadership. With the approval of the Executive Committee, we will be using the same process as was used in the 1994 search and I have appointed Peter Vidmar, 1984 Olympian and a member of the USAG Board of Directors and Executive Committee, to Chair a Search Committee. Peter will bring his immense knowledge of, and genuine commitment to, gymnastics to bear on this important task.

Serving on the Search Committee with Peter will be:

Jay Ashmore

Joan Moore Gnat

Tim Daggett

Candace Feinberg

Michelle Dusserre-Farrell

Roe Kreutzer

Jim Morris

FIG Executive Committee member

Vice Chair for Women

Vice Chair for Men

Vice Chair for Rhythmic

USOC Athlete's Advisory Council

USAG Board of Directors Elite Coaches Association

National Gymnastics Foundation Director

The Search Committee is charged with soliciting applications, interviewing and recom­mending the best candidate as President to me, the Executive Committee and the Board. They will conduct a nationwide search to find an individual who is a recognized leader in the world of business and sport and has the ability to manage a multi-faceted, mem­bership based organization that continues to excel both on the competition floor and in the increasingly complex world of television and sponsorship.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in applying for this position, resumes can be sent to USA Gymnastics, PO. Box 441100, Indianapolis, IN 46244. Be assured that this process will be conducted with the utmost respect and confidentiality for all candidates.

If you have questions or comments, please contact me through the USA Gymnastics Office. With all of us working together I am confident we can once again manage this transition and emerge from it an even stronger organization.

.... 14----------------{( TECH N I QUE • VO L UME 18 • #4 )f-----------------

If your Safety Certification has

expired or you have never been

Safety Certified ACT NOW!

~ memo

As of August 1998,

Lml • .t¥iiflj""'A"f§·Q for USA Gymnastics

For more information, call Member Services at

1.800 345.4719.

ut!

----------------I( r EC H N IOU E • VO lU M E 18 • #4 )>--------- - -----;:5:-111

NATIONAL SAFETY CERTIFIERS 1998 AS OF 3/3/98

NAME STATE PHONE NAME STATE PHONE NAME STATE PHONE Landvatter, Beth AK (907)463-3025 Kimes, Monte IL (773)586-6015 Janecky, Louise NM (505)662-9523 Wright, Scott AR (501 )327 -77 42 Pulido, Edgar IL (630)969-0900 Moellenbeck, Derick NV (702)355-7755 Ray, Bernie AZ (602)934-2007 Dubuque, Barry IN (812)482-4800 Clifford, Sarah Jane NY (716)388-8686 Wehr, David AZ (602)596-3543 Whitlock, Steve IN (317)237-5050 Konopa, Edward NY (516)422-0116 Birdsong, Mike CA (805)299-4150 Schoenbaechler, Steven KY (502)458-8094 Domagalski, Kimberly OH (330)666-9401 Franz, Edward CA (619)594-5553 Garcia, Caesar LA (504 )924-1705 Ganim, Ronald OH ( 440)526-2970 Fujimoto, Hiroshi CA (408)373-1694 Ditullio, Stephan MA (508)486-0124 Montanari-Fahrnbach, Geigert, Nicki CA (760)943-6986 Ouellette, Robert MD (410)379-8455 Bobbi OH (614)457-1279 Lulla, Jeffrey CA (818)845-0700 Perna Jr, John MD (410)848-2771 Sandoz, Ruth OR (503)246-0818 Moskovitz, David CA (415)721-0904 Bellemare, Gerald ME (207)395-4306 Jay, Jeannette PA (412)279-4344 Scott, Steven CA ( 415)591-8734 Randall, Stephen ME (207)284-8351 Miller, Kenneth PA (215)628-8193 Shannon, Quin CA (619)562-7667 Rogers, Rae ME (207)667 -9648 Rizzuto, Michael PA (814)867-4305 Taylor, Michael CA (415)858-3480 Panackia, Mary MI (810)484-0689 Ross, Robert PA (717)369-4667 Baretta, Ron CO (970)482-3302 Reighard, Jerry MI (517)828-5604 Franco, Michael RI (401) 789-8096 Sprague, Betsy CO (303)750-3356 Gay, Scott MN (612)953-1911 White, Robert SC (864)268-7740 Beach, Robert CT (203)230-3388 Maynard, Julie MO ( 417)883-9963 Allen, William SO (605)341-5914 Beck, Nelena FL (352)378-8711 Overmann, Raymond MO (314)569-0179 Valley, Robert TN (615)264-2401 Bishop, Karl FL (813)447-2108 Price, Wally MT (406)259-2237 Brown, Kay TX (903) 785-2130 Levine, Marci FL (305)861-8753 Davis, Donald NC (919)790-9400 Eyman, Janice TX (254 )694-2065 Milem, D.J. FL (904)641-7768 Keane, Daniel NC (910)665-0662 Smith, Eddie TX (214)747-8294 Stanton, Suzanne FL (904)769-6464 Mickelson, Dave NE (402)551-3977 Ward, Russ TX (281)469-4599 Calvert, Christine GA (404 )876-6861 Reichart, James NE ( 402)296-2858 Heddens, Katy UT (435)647-5797 Goodale, Michael GA (706)738-6678 Stanner, Mike NE (402)592-3308 Clifton, David VT (802)863-4714 Fonseca, Corazon HI (808)486-6487 Retrosi, Anthony NH (603)433-0404 Druecke, Ralph WI (414)782-3430 Eaton, Leigh 10 (208)461-2044 Fi n kel, Cathy NJ (973)586-1808 Taylor, Billy Bob WV (304)344-3279 Tighe, James 10 (208)853-4042 Frank, Phil NJ (609)786-3977 Wi lson, Raleigh WY (307)745-8302

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF

APPLICATIONS IS MAY 8, 7998

Once again USA Gymnastics is working with the African Gymnastics Union and will jointly carry out Phase 2 of the Gym Corps to Africa. Just as with this pioneer program in 1997, we are again hoping to send six artistic gymnastiCS coaches to Africa for the summer of 1998 to assist African Nations in developing their gymnastics programs. Participants will travel in pairs (a men's coach and a women's coach). USA Gymnastics will provide air transpol1ation, and the host African countries will provide room, board and a small per diem. No salary will be offered.

1lP.n:"i1,p.mp'J:lt.~jor Participants: The jollowing are the minimum requirements jor participation in this program:

• At least 21 years of age by June 1, 1998 • A United States citizen, with a valid passport • Professional Member of USA Gymnastics • Safety Certified through USA Gymnastics • PDP I Certified through USA Gymnastics • Provide proof of health insurance and complete

all necessary shots prior to departure for Africa • file a weekly report to USA Gymnastics on

experiences in the host country. To obtain an application form. contact: USA Gymnastics - Gym Corps Becky Riti. 20 1 South Capitol Avenue. Suite 300 Indianapo lis. IN 46225 Phone: 317-237-5050 x 223 • Fax: 317-237-5069

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...... espect for childhood and children themselves, for their mental and physical health and their future must be our only concern;

..... psychological and medical expe­rience are obviously important, but reason and ethics must also guide, direct, restrict

and even, if necessary, lead to a ban on this kind of sporting activity, which is actually

limited to a very small group of exception­al young people who sometimes defy the physiological and psychological norms and whose very special talents will be

amply demonstrated and constantly scru­tinized. Although general criteria can be

used to identify the limits of these talents, individual and specific factors must also

be taken into consideration .

Everything we say will center, of course, on the main thing which characterizes this stage in life, that is growth. This is an emi­nently favorable time for learning and for taking up many activities which depend above all on psycho-motor skills. It is a well-known fact that the things we learn in childhood are learned far more easily and better, and are less likely to be forgotten, than the things we learn as adults. Indeed, some things can only be learned at a very early age-after that, "late" can soon become "too late." Virtuoso musicians always start on their scales very young, and the same is true of prima ballerinas taking their first steps, or brilliant linguists first setting out to mas­ter the subtleties of another language. It is certainly a favorable time, but it is also a time when things are being built and therefore a time of fragility, instability and

BY

Dr. Michel Leglise

Member of the Executive

Committee of the FIG

Chair of the FIG Medical Commission

Medical Officer, European

Gymnastics Union

Report presented at the

International Gymnastics Federation

Scientific Symposium,

Oct. 22·23, 1997 in Berlin

In the light of recent, extensive work and research on the physiologtj, psychologtj and pathologies of sport in general and gymnastics in particular, and in response to certain controversies, many of them sparked by media sensationalism and totally devoid of any scientific basis, we shall try to take a rational look at the effects of intensive training on young gtjlnnasts. We will cover not just the pos­itive and beneficial aspects, but also the dangers, and so identiftj the limits and reservations-in short, define the condi­tions, and theJj are strict ones, which apply in this area.

of physical and psychological upheaval.

We know that the consequences of sim­ply engaging in a physical or sporting activity are nearly always beneficial in the short, medium or long term. But choosing the activity, and deciding on its level, frequency and intensity become a far heavier responsibility, even though our scientific knowledge, ethical sense and reason can guide us, once we know that any activity embarked on in child­hood or adolescence can affect adult life, sometimes deeply. Whether the effects are favorable or unfavorable depends on the quality of the activity and on the way in which it is pursued.

The title of this paper introduces two con­cepts, which call for fuller definition, those of high-level gymnastics and age.

..... -=-s----------------{( TECH H 10 U E • VO LUME 18 • #4 )l--------- --------

r

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THE CONCEPTS OF HIGH-LEVEL TRAINING AND GYMNASTICS THE IISTATUS" OF HIGH-LEVEL SPORT "High-level" must not be defined simply in terms of time spent training in the gym, the quantity and quality of the effort involved, the technical level of the perfor­mance or the results achieved in competi­tion. "High-level" must cover not only the athlete's relationship with gymnas­tics, but also the whole environment sur­rounding the discipline, on which success often depends. High-level sport is also a way of life.

The notion of an elite indicates, as I have said, that we are dealing with exceptional people, who have passed through a process of medical, physical, psychologi­cal, technical and ethical selection (some­times, alas, natural selection as well). All the mistakes, accidents, interrupted or broken careers, and even tragedies come from forgetting, underestimating or refusing to accept this fundamental idea. Very few young gymnasts can reach this high level, and their progress towards it should be based on extremely rigorous and constantly verified criteria; far too many of them, however, are driven and pushed by unscrupulous or incompetent coaches (sometimes, alas, doctors too), or even by irresponsible parents, although they lack the qualities and even the environment and conditions needed to engage in sport at this level.

THE CONCEPT OF AGE Paradoxically, age is of very limited and debatable interest when it simply denotes chronological age, or the age shown on official documents. The latter is, in fact, of very little use in measuring a gymnast's

level of maturity against a standard yard­stick, comparing several gymnasts, classi­fying them and organizing category­based competitions (seniors, juniors, etc.). There can be surprisingly wide differ­ences and discrepancies in pubescent maturing, and principally muscle power, between competitors of the same legal age, and especially between young peo­ple from different population groups or parts of the world, since, as we shall see, many environmental factors can encour­age these disparities in development.

Physiological age would be a much fair­er and more logical basis for comparing individuals and enabling them to com­pete on equal terms; this would entail referring to a wide range of criteria and carrying out various tests: somatic tests (age in terms of stature), clinical tests (determination of the stages in pubescent development), biological tests (hormone level), x-rays (bone age, etc.). These tests are very useful in keeping a regular check on the maturing process, but do not always indicate physiological age with sufficient accuracy to determine competi­tion categories, since findings and stan­dards are open to exceptions, when the subjects themselves are exceptional.

It is also vital to bring in the concept of "psychological age," here again, the cri­teria need to be placed in the same kind of environmental context.

GROWTH FACTORS These are mainly endocrinous; the ner­vous system and especially the hypothal­amus, the cerebral command structure, restrain or stimulate the secretion of hor­mones - principally the growth hormone GH, the thyroid hormone, sex hormones (androgens and oestrogens), cortisol and

I I

glucocorticoids, insulin, somatomedins (ILGF) and other factors . These hor­mones are secreted by different glands and each one has a specific target (bones, cartilage, nervous system, etc.).

Many very up-to-date studies clearly show changes in secretion of these hor­mones which are directly linked with exercise and also connected, over a peri­od, with the accumulation of physical effort and training pressures. Some studies have focused specifically on gymnastics, but the sport seems to have no distinctive effects in this area; the organism does not "recognize" it as hav­ing any special hormonal effects, which means that all the criticism leveled at this sport-particularly by the media, are totally unfounded. Before they say anything, the critics should thus substi­tute the general term, "practice of sport" for "gymnastics" and stop making our sport their target. When we think strict­ly of hormones, "physical activity in general" is the only meaningful concept, whereas, when we come to consider pathology, and particularly osteo-articu­lar pathology, we shall describe things which are indeed specific to our sport.

Nevertheless, we should briefly note that every effort leads to an inunediate increase in the circulating growth hor­mone, associated, depending on its dura­tion, intensity and repetitiveness, with a rise or fall in the level of somatomedin (IILGF), one of the essential hormone reg­ulators. The hypothalamus may also react by reducing the secretion of male hormones (testosterone) and female hor­mones (LH and FSH), especially if certain negative factors, such as nutritional defi­ciency or unfavorable environmental con­ditions, are present as well.

(col1til1ued 011 page 10)

------------------i( TECHNIQUE' VOLUME 18 • #4 ) 91

LIMITS ON YOUNG GYMNASTS' INVOLVEMENT IN HIGH-LEVEL SPORT (continued from page 9)

There is, therefore, a quantity of effort above which certain secretions are reduced and growth may slow down, the latter being reflected in objective signs­the subject'S being behind in bone age, size, the clinical stages of puberty, delayed onset of menses or menstrual disorders, etc.

Fortunately, all the research clearly shows that, with very rare exceptions, a "catching-up" process always remedies these delays or disorders, either during rest periods or at a later stage which is why we have to give serious thought to the scheduling of training and rest peri­ods in the short and medium term.

, ~INTERNAL"

NFLUENCES N GROWTH

These are the genetic fac­tors. They may be impor­tant additional criteria among the many on which gymnasts are selected and recruited. Very little is yet known about these genetic factors; we do know, of

course, that children of small parents are far likelier to be small themselves-so why blame small stature, as some people do, on sinister manipulation or the harm­ful effects of gymnastics! But apart from size and a few minor criteria, we still do not know a great deal in this area. We can take it that the incredible progress made in genetics will very soon be contributing to the selection process, but we shall have to stay vigilant to prevent abuses and firmly reject certain "projects" which still lie within the realm of science fiction, but may one day become realities.

Genetics can save mankind, and can help sportsmen and sport, but genetics can also destroy. In sport, unscrupulous genetic manipulation gives us good rea­son to fear the worst.

These are many and various and have power­ful effects on develop­ment; climate, and partic­ularly exposure to sun­shine and light. A young South American or Central African girl matures far

earlier than a young girl living in the far north of Europe, all exceptions proving the

HIGH-LEVEL ATHLETES DO, HOWEVER, DISPLAY VARIATIONS FROM THE NORM OF THE DELAYED PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT TYPE; these are linked to the external and internal factors previously described, but the main cause seems quite simply to be intense and repeated physical effort.

In the absence of intercurrent illness, these disturbances and delays should be seen as variations in development and not disorders. This indeed is an issue which certain media, educationalists and doctors who lack a proper scientific grounding are quick to seize on for polemical purposes, although the few simple points we have made above provide ready answers. Questions repeatedly asked include the following:

Q. Does the specific lind intensive practice of gJ)mnastics limit growth, and therefore IIdult height?

A. No, artistic gymnastics does not stunt growth, any more than competitive rhythmic gymnastics stimulates it, although height differences between the practitioners of each are considerable. The explanation lies simply in genetics, natural or organized selection and the spontaneous and logical success of the morphologies best adapt­ed to one sport or the other. It is certainly true, as we have seen, that intensive train­ing in general, and not only in gymnastics, may slow growth, but the catching-up process, which is more or less constant, always cuts in at some point, whether in the short (rest periods), medium (holidays) or long term. Growth is normal, but spread over a longer period.

Q. But doesn't the practice of gJ)mnllstics cause certain disorders, such liS delayed bone struc­ture development, Illte menstrulltion, menstrulIl disorders, etc.?

A. No, there are no disorders which can be specifically ascribed to gymnastics. The fact is, that any form of intensive physical exercise can reduce the growth-rate, slow down maturing of the bones and so delay puberty. I repeat, growth goes on for a longer period. More and more frequently, too, the specific environmental factors such as diet, climate, travel, stress and various psycho-social factors which affect many gymnasts are found to apply equally to people who lead entirely sedentary, sport-free lives. A balanced diet and physical and mental hygiene are at least as important as good training and are necessary to reach the "catching up" phase, when these irregularities are completely corrected with no after-effects.

rule. This has nothing to do with physical exercise, but is simply due to a natural time lag. The growth rate is normal in both cases, but the time-span differs. This alone shows how hard it is for an international institu­tion like ours to take legal age as its sole cri­terion for harmonizing, comparing and bringing groups of young people together to compete with one another, when their qualities and capacities are so dissimilar.

Since we have mentioned sunshine, light and their stimulating effects on growth, we might as well make the point here that some gymnasts spend too much time

shut up at home, in school and in the gymnasium, and need these things vital­ly too. Sunshine and light are essential to their development and health: the syn­thesis of Vitamin D, through the action of ultra-violet rays on the skin, plays a vital part in building bone calcium.

Illness, especially chronic illness, also interferes with healthy growth. The neg­ative influence of certain social factors can also be mentioned : certain psycho­affective disorders linked with family or training or certain environmental condi­tions (lifestyle, family habi ts, school

--1-1-0------------------4( TECH N I QUE· VOLUME 18 • #4 )f-----------------

. a ,

boarding, etc.), and nutrition (the dis­astrous effects of certain deficiencies on growth are well-known). On the other hand, physical activity in gener­al is recognized as being a very favor­able external factor.

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL GROWTH PROCESS-HOW IT CAN GO WRONG A number of thoroughly objective and quantifiable criteria, which are influ­enced by external and internal factors, can be used to monitor the growth process. Thus we follow somatic development (height/weight), the development of bone structure (bone age provides a useful indication of the general development staget of carti­lage and of muscle volume; we follow psycho-motor development, the sub­ject's relations with others, the onset and evolution of menstruation and particularly the appearance of sec­ondary sex characteristics (the devel­opment of pubic hair, breasts and external genital organs) which, if they are regularly checked and the results compared between examinations, pro vide an excellent indication of the rate and quality of hormonal secretions.

PRACTICAL CONDITIONS AND LIMITS OF HIGH-LEVEL TRAINING FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS These conditions and limits are physi­cal and, obviously, psychologicat but must always include an ethical factor as well. To benefit from and enjoy any sport, one has to accept the risks, inci­dents and accidents which may go with it. That is the rule, the moral con­tract common to all sports, and indeed life itself, although gymnastics is well down the list of sport statically classi­fied as dangerous by insurers. Young gymnasts are not always fully aware of the risks involved, although they are the ones who take them. Coaches, parents, organizers and doctors must always remember that the moral responsibility they bear is consider­able, since it is, in fact, delegated.

The physicat physiologicat psychologi­cal and ethicallirnits must be based on accurate, ongoing assessment of the

individual's capacities, measured against the demands and constraints of the activity, always remembering that the organism involved is in full process of development and therefore vulnera­ble. These are questions for the doctor, the coach and indeed the psychologist, who must all work together in pursuing just one aim, the child's self-fulfillment. One must guard against the unhealthy complicities which can develop in this area, where doctors are sometimes exploited as hostage, pretext or rubber stamp, and unduly influenced by coach­es, or where, even more dangerously coaches regard themselves as medically competent and act accordingly.

Respect for the child's specific physiol­ogy is the necessary basis of all action. Children have natural abilities which they can and must be allowed, and indeed encouraged, to use. But they are also naturally incapable, physical­ly and biologically, of meeting certain demands. There are many examples,

and if recovery, healing and rehabilita­tion periods are not respected. This is true of fractures affecting mainly the fertile zone, growth cartilage. ln certain conditions, the consequences of resum­ing training too soon and too inten­sively can be disastrous (i.e., shorten­ing of a limb by angulation of the bone caused by growth deficiency).

The second risk is chronic pathologies: these include so-called fatigue frac­tures (or fissures) affecting legs, feet, hands and vertebrae. Properly treated, wounds can heal and bones knit with no after-effects. These fractures are sometimes discovered by chance and are probably but not always, due to excessive training (isthmic lysis). Other causal factors include certain diet deficiencies, decalcification and often a reduction in bone density. These deficiencies must be corrected as quickly as possible, since they may contribute to or aggravate osteoporo­sis in the very long term.

RESPECT for the child's specific physiology is the necessary

basis of all action. Children have natural abilities which they

can and must be allowed, and indeed encouraged, to use.

but one will suffice: the level of myo­globin, an oxygen-carrier which fuels the muscle fibers, is highest in the mus­cles at the end of puberty. Work which relies on pure strength is thus incom­patible with the subject's physiology and so all but impossible. Exercises to develop speed and agility would be more appropriate. This example shows the need for a good knowledge of the physiology of growth, and many oth­ers could be cited. There are some things that a child's physiology and psychology will not let him or her do yet. This should be accepted.

In the case of osteo-articular patholo­gy, there are two types of risk. The first is of accident-caused injuries, such as sprains, dislocations and fractures, which may have serious and lasting effects, especially if they are neglected

The growth-related articular diseases, such as osteochondrosis, can affect all the joints. Statistically, they affect young people engaged in high-level sport slightly more often than those who go in for leisure sport or are sedentary.

There is, however, one fundamental dif­ference: they must be watched far more closely in the case of young high-level athletes, since the accumulation of pres­sure-stretching-rotation phases and of various micro-traumatisms can lead to complications, and especially perma­nent after-effects, if they are not treated by a doctor and/or the coach fails to obey the doctor's instructions. Coaches would be wise to adjust training to reduce pressure on the affected joint, or even interrupt it for a short or longer

(continued on page 12)

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LIMITS ON YOUNG GYMNASTS' INVOLVEMENT IN HIGH-LEVEL SPORT (continued from page 11)

period, as advised by the doctor. If these rules are followed, these conditions should right themselves spontaneously in 80% of cases. We have painted a less opti­mistic picture of os teo-articular patholo­gies than we did of hormonal distur­bances: the catching-up process does not apply here, but after-effects can be avoid­ed almost invariably if coach and doctor work well as a team.

Because they are often less spectacular, less visible, more insidious and longer lasting, psychological disorders can be very dangerous, interfering with the child's gymnastics career and leaving per­manent scars in later life. Here again, pre­vention depends on common sense and on the sense of responsibility both of par­ents, who too often try to fulfil themselves through their children's exploits, and of coaches, who are too often in a hurry to "manufacture" champions. Parents, coaches and federations must take care that gymnastics does not become the child's sole center of interest, avoiding both saturation (a gymnast's career starts early and is a very long one) and depen­dence either on gymnastics itself or on the coach. The danger with coaches is that children may develop a fixation on them, expecting to be told all the time what to think and what to do. All too often, the gymnast/coach relationship, especially in women's gymnastics, is one of subjec­tion/ domination. Child athletes must not be robots in their coaches' hands, but

must have as much freedom of expression as other children of their age, so that their personalities can develop fully; their per­formance will be all the better for it.

Everything we have said so far points to the coach as the key person; constantly present, he/she sometimes becomes the gym, st's first "family." Overall, and

We must endeavour to

protect CHILDHOOD ... that wonderful period of

human life which child

athletes need to experi­

ence fully to "build up

memories," like other chil­

dren of the same age.

depending on his/her qualities or short­comings, the coach is one of those most responsible for all successes or failures. From a technical, physical, psychological, ethical and social point of view; the gold­en rule is to treat children or adolescents as such and employ methods which are specially designed for them, and not just derived from those used with adults. A child is not a miniature adult, for whom training programs are simply scaled down. A child is not a smaller, weaker adult, but a special being who requires special treatment. The coach must be will­ing to adapt the program constantly to the

THE RULES ON ADMISSION TO

child's capacities at any given moment, and even suspend or abandon it completely if there is the slightest risk or doubt. He/she must ensure that every exercise and move­ment is carried out below the pain thresh­old: pain is a useful warning signal that danger lies ahead (some painful stretching movements too often result in damage to tendons and bones). Take your time. This is the key, even when you have commitments or want to prove yourself quickly. Lasting results are never achieved overnight; real champions mature slowly-hence the importance of a long-term career plan, cov­ering training, rest, general education, leisure and competition phases.

We must endeavour to protect childhood, that wonderful period of human life which child athletes need to experience fully to ''build up memories," like other children of the same age. If children are artifically turned into adults too soon, a whole period f waking to the world, maturing psycholog­

ically and gathering experience, which is vital to future stability, is simply wiped out. Children and adolescents must not be cosset­ed or indeed idolized because they are cham­pions, but they must be shielded from the stresses, constraints and problems of adult­hood for as long as possible. This is difficult, since there is a discrepancy between the child's psychology, aspirations and needs and the demands made on him/her in an environment (competitions, media, travel, etc.) largely created by and for adults. In short, parents, coaches, the media and orga­nizers should let children and adolescents be just that-and not use them as a means to personal glory or power.

The FIG rules make the minimum age for admission to its competitions 16 for male and female seniors and 15 for competitive rhythmic gymnasts, 14-18 for male juniors and 13-15 for female juniors, and 12-14 for competitive rhythmic.

For information, here are the average ages recorded at:

The 1995 World Championships in Sabae

The 1997 World Championships in Lausanne

Men Women

Men Women

22.73 years 16.57 years

22.81 years 17.43 years

These figures are illuminating and provide the answer to media allegations that female top-performers are being allowed to enter our competitions at an ever-earlier age. The figures show the contrary. These age rules are needed, of course, even if they natu­rally take account only of chronological age in grouping competitors in categories. As we have seen, this is far from being fair in an international context, because of the wide variations in maturing from one country to another. Nevertheless, the rules do have the advantage of respecting average norms in a majority of the Federation's member countries. Perhaps some continental unions or groups could adapt them to their real situations, i.e. to early or later maturing, for their own competitions.

r.-=-1-=2--------------j( TEe H N IOU E • VOLUME 18 • #4 )r-- --------------

· 1

Junior competitions raise a real problem, and a simple age limit is not enough to separate them clearly from the spirit and the physical and technical difficulties of adult competitions, which is the aim in all forms of sport. This age limit remains totally artificial if no qualitative or quanti­tative limits are imposed on the level of involvement. We know that juniors are perfectly free to train with the aim of presenting a program far superior to, "riskier" than, the one presented by any senior champion in the previous competi­tion. And so everything depends on the coach's sense of ethics and responsi­bility. Junior competitions are fine as long as precise limits are imposed. There is no question of returning to rigid, compul­sory exercises, which are tedious and lacking in media appeal, but it should be possible to come up with a program in which the difficulties are controlled and adapted to the age of the competitors, leaving them free to link and choreograph the different elements, and paying more attention to the technical quality of the performance-in short, to adopt a new philosophy.

The quality of the equipment used is vital, in terms both of basic design, which can help to reduce the accumulation of micro­traumatisms, and of the safety and pro­tective features which can be added. Teaching aids should be used throughout the learning period. It would also be a good thing if the excellent laboratories which test and approve our equipment spent far more time on tests carried out directly on gymnasts (measuring the physical stresses on joints, muscles and tendons) . It would seem more important to monitor gymnasts and the stress to which their muscles and joints are sub­jected when using the equipment, than simply to monitor the equipment and mats when subjected to the gymnast's weight, and to verify the qualities involved in carrying out the exercise and completing it as perfectly as possible. Although both types of research are use­ful and complementary, one must never forget that a young gymnast's joints and cartilage are being built up and are there­fore fragile, and must be protected all the time against shocks and their accumulat­ed effect.

(continued 011 page 14)

Lifestye Time-use must ensure a healthy balance between family, school, leisure, relaxation and gymnastics. Managing these timetable elements harmoniously and wisely is not easy, but it makes for success; the slightest imbalance, too much emphasis on one area, and particularly a real obsession with train­ing, rocks the boat dangerously. Many federations have set up special sport/study-type programs for young elite gymnasts, cutting out time-loss on things like travel from school to training center, and devoting considerable time to school work. The ideal situation is one where family, leisure and rest factors are respected too. Leisure activities should include other sports, games and activities which are suited to children and adolescents and which they enjoy. Families have a vital part to play. Ideally, they should be close at hand, in regular contact or represented, if necessary, by a host fam­

ily at the place of training-but they should not be omnipresent and should not be allowed to interfere overmuch, as they sometimes do, in technical areas of which they know nothing. With very few excep­tions, parent-trainers cause serious problems and pose a real threat to the child's equilibrium; "projec-

Iy matter of managing everyday life outside the gymnasium. These cover things like stress-control, sleep, problems linked with travel, time differences, climate variations, etc. and, above all, DIE' .

DIE' is a vital question for young athletes, and getting it right in practice is not always easy for a whole variety of reasons: children are torn between their natural liking for (mainly) sweet things and the restrictions imposed by their sport and trainer. Reasonable diet control, essentially based on physiological principles, should be relied on to reduce episodic bulimia and real excess weight, which is unsightly, a handicap and even potentially dangerous, particularly when doing acrobatics. A seri­ous effort must be made to stamp out unacceptable aberrations, based on unfounded, unrealistic, physiologically unsound, highly dangerous and always restrictive principles, which result in extreme­ly serious deficiencies (in water, minerals, vitamins, glucides, protides and lipids). They interfere with growth, somatic development and the normal hormonal processes and can lead to anorexia nervosa, a psychosomatic pathology which is hard to control and sometimes fatal. This terrible illness has nothing whatsoever to do with gymnastics; it turns up wherever the physiological diet rules and processes are ignored, and specific psychosomatic conditions apply. On the contrary, sport and gym­nastics can, under reasonable and qualified supervision, be an excellent means of prevention and therapy. Our own code makes it our duty to protect gymnasts against such deprivations and defi­ciencies, which are hardly compatible with high-level sport and may even be dangerous.

are sometimes necessary. They must be kept at a low level and be justified by deficiency risks which food alone cannot wholly overcome

(iron deficiency in particular). Here, too, aberrations are possible, and doping-or practices which are not called doping to start

with, but soon adopt its philosophy and principles­may become a temptation; apart from being

__ --lL..~:------,..-:::'7 deplorable in terms of sports ethics and educa-tion , the dangers of using certain doping sub­

stances are multiplied when young people are concerned.

Even more serious is the use of hormone products to slow down or accelerate the growth processes for

purposes of sport only. This is a criminal offense and a matter for the courts, even if we ourselves have an important part to play in the area of prevention and in providing information.

Another vital point is the need for rest peri­ods and plenty of sleep. Children need far more sleep than adults; this must be taken into account not only in daily life, by avoid­ing late training sessions, but also by avoid­ing early morning qualifying sessions and evening competitions.

.. ------~~---------------------------------------------;( TECH N IOU E • va LUME 18 • #4 )}----------------=1:-:3;:-]11

USA GYMNASTICS EDUCATION PROGRAMS

KAT-Kinder Accreditation for Teachers

PDP I-Professional Development Program I

PDP II-Professional Development Program II

Safety Certification Program

o o o o

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

USA Gymnastics Member Services Pan American Plaza 201 S. Capitol Ave., Ste. 300 Indianapolis, IN 46225

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

Fax: 317-692-5212

LIMITS ON YOUNG GYMNASTS' INVOLVEMENT IN HIGH-LEVEL SPORT (continued from page 13)

MEDICAL SUPERVISION This involves monitoring the various fac­tors which contribute to the child's equi­librium and make for balanced practice of the sport, and detecting any sign of exces­sive training or effort as early as possible. Such monitoring is necessary and com­pulsory, and indeed the basic condition for children's involvement in sport. It must be stringent when children are embarking on high-level training pro­grams or, even better, at the preparatory stage, when they are being recruited and selected for such training. After that, they must be monitored very regularly throughout their sporting career. As far as medical confidentiality allows, practical information gleaned from every check-up should at once be passed on to coaches.

_eJlltIJJIIBJleJII Because some of the qualities needed by gymnasts can be acquired at a very early age, and because professional, social! affective and leisure demands soon make themselves felt, leaving them with little time or inclination for inevitably long and sometimes tedious training ses­sions, gymnastics, or at least its artistic,

rhythmic and aerobic disciplines, attract young people even at a high level.

Although gymnastics is often singled out and accused of encouraging maturing disorders, it has no special characteristics in this area, as compared with other sports. Like them, too, it generally has a very favorable effect on development in the long term. But so many precautions, warnings and restrictions are needed! There is no room for improvisation when young people are engaging intensively in gymnastics. The responsibility must be shared between structures and people who combine common sense, specialized training and an impeccable moral and ethical sense, even if the coach remains the one person on whom the child's sporting, and indeed general, future, depends to a very large extent. Coaches' skills and their respect for the special people they are training are factors in success. Their own proper training is the basis of every development program run by any national or international federation which has a real sense of its responsibilities.

The coach is the main person in the process, but not the only one. One can think of the gymnast's vital balance as being sustained on a kind of three-legged stool. Each of the three legs comple-

ments and supports the other two, and all are equally strong. I am thinking of the doctor, coach and parents, each bear­ing part of the weight and all providing general support.

In some civilizations, children are sacred. And the moral and physical welfare of children who engage in sport should be sacred to us. If we stay vigilant, stop the few unscrupulous sorcerer's apprentices from getting away with their malprac­tices, and respect the basic rules of physi­ology and ethics, our children and adoles­cents will-if they prove to have the right abilities-be "winners" in terms both of sport and of health, and make the most of their youth in the process. There is no basic incompatibility between the two.

And if our gymnasts lack the necessary skills, if there is the slightest risk to their health, then they must be able, without any sense of having failed, to switch to a more suitable level of activity, or a differ­ent activity altogether.

All forms of sporting activity are worthy of respect. •

(Published by Council of Europe-Committee for the Development of Sport-Protection of Young People Involved in High-Level Sport 1997. Translated by Becky Riti.)

--1-,-1-=4---------------{( TEe H N I QUE' VOLU ME 18 • #4 )}-----------------

Update to the

lfOnten ~ RuieJ ana PoiicieJ March 12, 1998

Please make the following changes to your Rules and Policies book.

Directory of officers: Page viii Administrative Board Chairman is now Jan Greenhawk (see Region VII RC) Region I: RTC - Pam Bileck Add FAX# 650-596-3808 RTOPCo. - Derick Moellenbeck new address: 895 W. Patriot Blvd. Reno, NY 89502 Phone (702) 823-9800 FAX# 702-823-9755

Page ix: Region II REPC - Brad Loan change area code to 253 RJOPC - Laurie Reid Add Email: hlreid@webtv.com SC: AK - Tammy Monette add FAX# 907-563-1441 SC: HI - Pam Zak add FAX same as work phone # SC: MT - Wally Price add FAX# 406-259-5568 SC: WA - Patti Gable change area code to 425

Region III REPC - Russ Ward add FAX - same as phone #

Supennatch Gymnastics

Ribbon add 20C el.

G Dept. GA48

SEE OUR FULL LINE OF GYMNASTIC AWARDS

Page x Region VI SC: RI - add Donna MacRae 163 Calderwood Dr., Warwick, RI 02886 (401) 737-4149

Page xi Region VII RC - elections in process. Call Jan Greenhawk. SC: MD - Lynn Perrott change Email: Lperrott@prodigy.com

Region VIII REPC - Ray Gnat Gym Phone & FAX# 407-831-7807 RTOPCo. James Linderholm change FAX# to 205-883-7500

Page xii Judges Certification: Sue Ammerman change area code to 973 Page 4, III. B. 4. Delete (Beginning August I, 1998, coaches must be PDP certified in order to register as a Professional Member)

Page 19: Jr. Olympic Entry Requirements #3: Change Level 7 or below to Level 6 or below

Page 28: top: #3. D. Event Requirements for Level 7:

Beam - delete "element close to the beam"

Floor: change 3600 turn to 5400 turn on one foot

Page 51: III. B. Third sentence. Delete and 1/2 on-Repulsion off

Page 90 #7. B. 4) If a one judge panel is used: a) Change to read: A minimum of a Level 5/6 certification is required, with a minimum of one year's experience .•

The Official Reebok® USA National Team Replicas.

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USA Gymnastics

Athlete Wellness Program

The Athlete Well ness Course will be held in conjunction with the 1998 USA Gymnastics Congress in Indianapolis.

The Athlete Wellness curriculum includes topics such as:

1) Nutrition and Gymnastics Success - How to reduce nutritional risk to improve performance and development.

2) Successful Motivational Environments - How to structure an environment to encourage development and success in the sport.

3) Stress - How to identify and manage stress in the athletic environment.

4) Child Development - Emotional and physical makeup of the adolescent as it relates to involvement in gymnastics.

5) Coach and Athlete Burnout - Symptoms, Prevention and Intervention.

6) The Female Athlete Triad - What is it? Why gymnasts may be at increased risk. What are the possible long term implications? Signs to look for that identify a problem and what to do if you suspect a problem.

Faculty is still being determined for the course in Indianapolis. The faculty will present topics in their areas of expertise.

This year the course will not be an add-on but rather part of the Congress Sessions. Anyone registered for Congress may attend one or all of the lectures. However, if you would like to receive course materials, credit, and a certificate for taking the course, you must register, pay a nominal fee, and attend the four Athlete Well ness lectures scheduled at Congress.

To register for the Athlete Well ness Course, see page 26. For more information contact Jennifer Lee at 317-237-5050 ext. 237. ..{

~Ll " LtL '-; t!L~ G

Abdominal Conditioning

by Wm A. Sands, Ph.D. Motor Behavior

Research Laboratonj Department of Exercise

and Sport Science University of Utah

TYPICAL CRUNCH - FIGURE 1

Abdominal muscles have received considerable media attention in recent years. Although much of the attention has been in the pursuit of the "six pack" (the indentations of the abdominal muscles due to the tendon intersec­tions between the segments of the rectus abdominus) and for cosmetic pur­poses in reducing the size of a "pot belly," there are important reasons to con­dition the trunk flexors. In acrobatic sports the abdominal muscles assist trunk stability and hold the shape of the body through acrobatic movements (3, 10, 11). Due to the nature of acrobatic skills, forces must be applied to the body while the body is in particular shapes. The athlete's body also applies forces to the apparatus, board, floor, and so forth, and the body must adopt a particular shape while applying the force. Failure to shape the body appro­priately results in less efficiency in the transfer of force and momentum and therefore a decrease in the magnitude and the direction of the applied force and resulting momentum (4). The inappropriate shape of a body is often seen when the athlete attempts a back somersault by "throwing the head back," and arching (hyperextending) the spine. The excessively arched body shape results in much of the resultant force being directed to rotation rather than height resulting in fast somersaulting but less time in the air to complete a dif­ficult maneuver (4) .

Gymnasts and divers require extra strong abdominal muscles and trunk flex­ors to avoid the problem described above when somersaulting backward. The traditional approach to training trunk flexors has been to perform an exercise affectionately referred to as a "crunch" (Figure I),

The crunch exercise is usually performed on the floor. The arm position has been frequently discussed with some argument as to whether the athlete should grasp the head. Although grasping the head and pulling with the arms is probably not a safe method of performing this exercise, by placing the

rl-=-1-=a---------------i( TE C H N I 0 UE • VOLUME 18 • #4 )f-----------------

arms near the head the resistance is increased and the crunch exercise is made more difficult. The primary prob­lems with the crunch exercise for high level athletes are the exercise is: (a) too easy, (b) too slow, and (c) uses too little range of motion. All of these problems are due to the special needs of athletes and the principle of specificity (9). It is not uncommon to find fit athletes able to perform hundreds of crunches while their sporting activity may consist of only a few to a few dozen trunk flexion movements. The crunch is performed fairly slowly when compared to even the simplest of acrobatic trunk flexions such as occurs in the beginning of a front somersault, the upswing of a giant swing, or the quickness with which one achieves a tuck. Finally, the crunch exer­cise moves from a straight position to a slightly flexed position due to the athlete usually performing the movement on the floor. Rarely do athletes actually per­form trunk flexion without beginning a slight arch or hyperextended trunk posi­tion. The trunk flexion of an athlete from a slightly arched to a slightly flexed position can be seen in a snap-down in tumbling, the front somersault take off from a front handspring, a tap swing on the horizontal bar or uneven bars, and the quick movement from a layout posi­tion (i.e., slightly arched) at take off to a pike or -tuck position to increase the speed of the somersault (5-7).

The crunch exercise was promoted for a very good reason. When performing the hip flexion phase of a sit up type exercise, a muscle called psoas major serves to flex the hip and pull the lum­bar spine (i.e., low back) forward. The psoas major serves a very valuable role in swinging the free leg forward dur­ing walking and running, and is usual­ly very well developed (1, 2). If psoas major is the dominant muscle perform­ing the trunk movement during a sit up type exercise, such as a V-Up, then one can usually see the athlete bend the trunk as shown in Figure 2. The crunch exercise was developed to avoid the positions shown in Figure 2. The first means of doing this is to avoid all flex­ion of the hip. The second means of avoiding the problems contributed by psoas major is to flex only the upper

v-up • INCORRECT TECHNIQUE - FIGURE 2

trunk. In circumstances involving peo­ple of low fitness, general conditioning, people with a history of back problems, and so forth; the crunch exercise is an appropriate and relatively safe means of conditioning the abdominal muscles and the trunk flexors. However, failing to involve the entire trunk, slow speed, ease of performance, and small range of motion make the crunch exercise less than ideal for acrobatic athletes.

The principle of specificity indicates that exercises should be similar to the demands of the sport skill that one is trying to enhance. Similarity in this case involves: (a) using the entire trunk, (b) higher speeds, (c) larger range of motion, and (d) increased resistance. The entire trunk is used in athletics, not just the upper trunk. Therefore, the entire trunk must be conditioned in movements that are similar to those encountered in the sport. High speed movements must be possible, although one may not always perform the exercises at high speeds. Increasing the speed of an exercise usually follows a considerable period of preparatory conditioning that is designed to enhance strength while not

emphasizing speed. As the athlete reaches elite status, the speed of exercis­es becomes paramount and the ability to perform an exercise at high speed is cru­cial to enhancing sport skill performance at high speeds. Athletes usually begin a trunk flexion movement from a slightly hyperextended or arched trunk position. This can be seen in the "windup" prior to a throw, the movement from an arch to a pike or tuck in somersaulting, and a "tap" swing on the apparatuses. Finally, the resistance of the trunk flexion must be increased so that the athlete is suffi­ciently challenged that he/she increases strength, speed, power. It is astonishing that exercise prescription for every other muscle group in the body usually ranges from 6-12 repetitions per set. However, the abdominals are usually trained with 100s of repetitions per set. The primary reason for this discrepancy is that the resistance used in a traditional crunch is body weight which is not sufficiently large to cause the athlete to fail in a dozen or less repetitions (8, 12, 13). The crunch resistance can be augment­ed by holding a weight plate on the chest or behind the head, but this is often awkward, particularly with child

(continued on page 20)

------------------{( r EC H N IOU E • va lU ME 18 • # 4 )f----------------'--:9:-111

MUSHROOM ABS - FIGURE 3

MED BALL ABS

[I] ~

TABLE ABS

[I]

ALTERNATIVE ABDOMINAL CONDITIONING (continued from page 19)

athletes, and still may not cause the athlete to fail in a small number of repetitions.

Figure 3 shows three alternative abdomi­nal/trunk flexion exercises. The mush­room is an apparatus that is often found in male gymnastics training facilities where it is used for pommel horse. The mushroom places the athlete in a slightly arched starting position. The athlete then performs a crunch and a small V-Up only as high as hel she can without placing the lumbar spine in the position shown in Figure 2. The Med Ball abdominal condi­tioning exercise shows the athlete leaning backward over a medicine ball or other object similarly shaped and performing a crunch while holding a weight plate. The medicine ball helps support the lower back so that the athlete cannot misuse the lumbar spine. Finally, the Table Abs exer-

cise shows the athlete resting on the legs while the trunk is hanging off the table. A partner is necessary for this exercise to prevent the athlete from slipping off the table. The goal of the Table Abs exercise is to touch the elbows to the bottom of the table. The athlete should not be allowed to "swing" the trunk during the Table Abs exercise. The Table Abs exercise is quite difficult to do well, and promotes the ability of the athlete to achieve a tight pike position by training the extreme range of motion of the piking action.

Trunk flexion exercises should be a part of every athlete's conditioning pro­gram. Before prescribing trunk flexion exercises the coach and athlete should assess the speed, resistance, and range of motion required for the athlete's skills and then prescribe exercises by exceeding the typical speed, resistance, and range of motion by about 10%. Trunk flexion exercises can be trained every day under

the approach of dozens to hundreds of rep­etitions used in the typical crunch. However, when resistance is increased so that athletes are seriously challenged to complete 10-12 repetitions then trunk flex­ion exercises can be approached on a hard day I easy day format. Always supervise the athletes during trunk conditioning exercises because as the athletes fatigue they often resort to inappropriate postures and move­ments. When the athlete fails to hold the proper body position or move with proper technique, the exercise should be halted .•

REFERENCES 1. ANDERSSON, E. A., J. NILSSON, Z. MA, AND

A. THORSTENSSON. Abdominal and hip flexor muscle activation during various training exer­cises. Ellr. J. Appl. Physiol. 75: 115-123,1997.

2. ANDERSSON, E., L. ODDSSON, H. GRUND­STROM, AND A. THORSTENSSON. The role of the psoas and iliacus muscles for stability and movement of the lumbar spine, pelvis and hip. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 5: 10-16,1995.

3. FLINT, M. M., AND B. DIEHL. Influence of abdominal strength, back extensor strength, and trunk strength balance upon antero-posterior alignment of elementary school girls. Res. Quar. 32(4): 490-498, 1961.

4. GEORGE, G. S. Biomechnnics of wOll1en 's gyll1llnS­tics, 1st ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1980.

5. MILLLER, D. l. What the biomechanics researcher tells the diving coach and what the coach tells the researcher. In: Biomechanics in Sports, edited by J. Terauds. Del Mar, CA: Academic Publishers, 1983, p. 31-34.

6. MILLER, D. I., E. HENNIG, M. A. PIZZIMENTI, I. C. JO ES, AND R. C. NELSON. Kinetic and kinematic characteristics of lO-m platform performances of elite divers l. Back takeoffs. lIS.B. 5: 60-88, 1989.

7. MILLER, D. I., AND C. F. MUNRO. Body segment contributions to height achieved during the flight of a springboard dive. Med Sci. Sports Em. 16(3): 234-242, 1984.

8. PAMPUS, B., K. LEHNERTZ, and D. MARTIN. The effect of different load intensities on the development of maximal strength and maximal endurance. Leistungssport 4: 5-10,1987. (Translated by J. Major, University of Utah)

9. SALE, D., AND D. MACDOUGALL. Specificity in strength training: A review for the coach and athlete. Can . J. Appl. Spt. Sci. 6(2): 87-92, 1981.

10. TESH, K. M., S. J. DUNN, AND J. H. EVANS. The abdominal muscles and vertebral stabili ty. Spine 12(5): 501-508, 1987.

11. TESH, K. M., J. SHAW DUNN, AND J. H. EVANS. The abdominal muscles and vertebral stability. Spine 12(5): 501-508, 1987.

12. WATHEN, D. Load assignment. In: Essentials of strength tmilling and conditioning, edited by T. R. Baechle. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1994, p.435-446.

13. WATHEN, D., AND F. ROLL. Training methods and modes. In: Esselltials of strengtli tmillillg alld conditionillg, edited by T.R. Baechle. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1994, p. 403-415 .

.... 12."..O-=----------------{( TEe H N' 0 U E • VOL UME 18 • #4 )}----------------

•

Congratulations to the following individuals

who are now KAT (Kinder Accreditation

for Teachers) certified:

• • • •

Congrat~lation6! • •

Charlaine Polak ........ AK Brenda Butcher .. .... .. IN

Randy McCoy ... .... ... AZ. Christine LaFollette ... . IN

Jody Baer .. .. ...... ... .. . CA Jeanine Schilling ...... KY

Suzanna Flournoy .... CA Kristi Kelley .. .. ...... .... LA

lisa Gaitero ......... ... CA Tina Cote ............. ... MA

Joanne Harned ... .. ... CA Ken Hutchison ..... .... . MA

John Hayes .. ...... .... .. CA Sally Poveromo ........ MA

Kimberly Palm .......... CO Molly Lenard .......... .. ME

Amy Tindale .. .. ..... ... CO Cheri Lambrix .. ........ MI

Leigh Grund ..... ..... .. . .Fl Stacey Palmer .......... NC

Rachael Bommicino .. GA Randy Kopenhaver .. NJ

Tim Courtwright .... .. GA Wendy Musgrave .... NJ

Scott Dearborn ..... ... GA Joyce Theodore ...... .. NJ

Trisha Guinn ... ......... GA Sally Wovkulich ... ..... NJ

Susan Haldeman .. .. .. GA Patricia Barrett ... ..... Ny

Caren Martin ..... ... .. GA Gayle Esterman ..... ... Ny

Laura Mikszan ........ GA Mark Smith .. ... ....... .. NY

Robin Mirabal. ... ...... GA Mindi Smith ...... .... .. OH

Gwyneth Puckett .... .. GA Kay Brown ... .. ...... .. .TX

Lori Strickland .......... GA Laura Laughter .. .. ... .. .TX

Maureen Gamble ...... IA Megan Rodriguez ... .TX

Kathleen Howeth ...... IL Lorna Spellman ....... .TX

Jamie Lapke ......... ..... IL Kim Stafford ..... .... .. .TX

Beth McCloskey .... .... IL Karen Weaver .. ....... .TX

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CONGRESS

HOST CITY: Indianapolis, Indiana

PRE-CONGRESS ADD-ONS: Wednesday, August 19 (ALL DAY)

Indianapolis Convention Center

CONGRESS SESSIONS: August 20-22, Indianapolis Convention Center

POST-CONGRESS ADD-ONS: Sunday, August 23 (IN THE MORNING)

Indianapolis Convention Center

1 998 John Hancock u.s. Gymnastics Championships

August 19-22 • Market Square Arena

Wed.8/19 1:00-3:30 pm Competition (Jr. M) 7:00-9:00 pm Competition (Sr. M)

Thurs.8/20 1:00-3:30 pm Competition (Jr. W) 7:00-9:00 pm Competition (Sr. W)

Fri. 8/21 7:00-9:00 pm Competition (Sr. / Jr. M) Sat. 8/22 1:00-3:30 pm Competition (Jr. W)

7:00-9:00 pm Competition (Sr. W)

See page 27 for ticket order form

Transportation/Travel Arrangements The above hotels are a very short walk from the Indianapolis Convention Center and a short walk (5 blocks) from Market Square Arena.

Taxi service from the airport to downtown is approximately $20.

Hotel parking: TBD at both hotels

Ross & Babcock is the Trovel Agency of Choice for USA Gymnastics. Call the USA Gymnastics Travel Desk (317·237·5050, ext. 259) now to make your reservations for the 199B USA Gymnastics Congress. Ross & Babcock is a full-service trove I agency and can arronge for all of your trovel needs.

Presentations Sessions will be conducted at the Indianapolis Convention Center providing a modern, elegant, and flexible environment for Congress. Sessions will feature informative speakers discussing dub business, technique and sport science, preschool/developmental, judges troining, as well as men's, women's, rhythmic, and general gymnastics topics.

Exhibition Hall The Exhibit Hall, located in the Indianapolis Convention Center, will provide Congress ollendees with the opportunity to see the latest and best in equipment, apparel, and services. Generol Gymnastics groups and dubs will have the opportunity to do exhibitions in the Exhibit Hall. If you ore inte rested in information about this, contact Steve Whitlock (317-237-5050, ext. 236) or email at e due ate @ usa - gym n a s tic s - 0 r 9

Special Assistance For any Congress allendees with needs requiring special assistance, please contact Steve Whitlock at USA Gymnastics (317-237-5050, ext. 236) no later than July 24.

Congress Rates and Registration Dates . $175 Pre-registration

$200 On-site

Non-Members $275

No pre-registration after July 24 (registrations must be post­marked by July 24). After July 24, you must register on site.

Offidal Co-Headquarter Hotels for the 1998 National Congress

The Westin Hotel, Indianapolis 50 S. Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204 317 -262-8100

The cut-off date: July 17, 1998 (You must pay a deposit equal to the room rate for one night.) Check-in time: 3:00 p.m. Rates: $100 for single; $111 for double;

$131 for triple; and $151 for quad.

Reservations are made directly with the Reservations Department (317-262-8100), or through the Central Reservations Department (800-228-3000).

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis At State Capitol One South Capitol Avenue I ndianapolis, IN 46204 317 -632-1234

The cut-off date: July 18, 1998 Reservations after this date will be accepted on a space and rate availability basis. Check-in time: 4:00 p.m. Rates: $85 single through quad occupancy. An $85 deposit of each of the confirmed rooms will be due 14 days after confirmation (but no later than the cut-off date). These are refundable if canceled seven days or more prior to arrival date. Reservations made directly with the Hotel (317-632-1234).

It is important that you identiftj your group as the "USA Gymnastics National Congress" when making reservations.

SCHEDULE 011 pnge 25

-----------------{( r EC H N IOU E • VOLUME 18 • #4 ))-----------------=2:-::3:-J11

1998 Pre-Registration Form

[

Your Professional Address] (Listed in the USA Gymnastics

Pro-Member Data Base) will be used for all correspondence.

DATE RCV'D

AMT. PD.

CHECK #

POSTMARK

DEPOSIT

CRCD APP#

~ONGRESS COSTS

Professional or Instructor Members Pre-registration $ 1 75 (postmarked by July 24)

On-site $ 200

Non-Members $275

Complete one Congress form per person - you may photocopy for additional Congress Registrations. Minimum age for Congress registration is 16.

Name .....

Social Security No . .... .................... ............... ................................_ Date of Birth ................................. ................................................ ...... _

USAG Pro or Instructor # ... ........ .......... ............. ............._ Exp. Date .. .

Mailing Address ...

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ State .

Name of Club Program

Day phone ... . ........................................... ..........._ Night phone

a A Y MEN T Make Check/Money Order Payable To USA Gymnastics

Amount Enclosed ... 1 $ ______ ... 1 ~ PREFERS VISA' o Visa o American Express o Mastercard o Discover

Card No.

Exp. Date ............................................. _ ................................. ........................................................... _ ..... .

o THIS IS A NEW ADDRESS

Zip

Congress Costs (Fee includes:) • One credential for entrance to Congress sessions

and master clinics on Thursday morning through Saturday afternoon.

• Entrance to the Exhibit Hall featuring the Industry's finest products and services.

• One ticket to the Congress Banquet (Addtional Banquet tickets for spouse/guests are $50 each­available at the registration desk.)

Signature _.... . ............................................. _ ................. _................................ . ..... _.... • The annual Ceremony of Honors. a.;(~re..;.qu_;r_ed..;.l _______________________ ..... please return this registration form to:

Registration is non-refundable after July 24

No Pre-Registration after July 24

After July 24 you must register on-site

Sorry No Exceptions!

USA Gymnastics Congress Pan American Plaza, Suite 300 201 S. Capitol Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46225

To order tickets to the John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships, use the order form on page 27. -GYMNASTICS

--1--".2-=4---------------{( TEe H N' QUE' VOLUME 18 • #4 )f----- - -----------

Tentative Schedule for 1998 USA Gymnastics National Congress

During the 12 Congress Session Rounds, there will be simulta­neous presentations in the following topic areas: women's artis­tic gymnastics, men's artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, general gymnastics, sport science, business, preschool move­ment education, women's judging, alternative activities, and other special topics. NOTE: not all of these topic areas will be presented during each round . A more detailed listing of pre­sentations will be posted at a later date.

Tuesday, August 1 8 5:00-7:00 pm Congress Registration (site TBD)

Wednesday, August 1 9 7:30 am-8:00 pm

8:00 am-8:00 pm

12:00-8:00 pm

1 :30-4:30 pm

7:00-9:00 pm

Congress Registration (at tile Indianapolis Convention Center)

"Add-ons" and various meetings - Safety Certification, PDP I, PDP II (ASEP), KAT Workshop, Athlete Wellness Course, Skill Evaluator exam, CPR/First-aid course, etc.

CONGRESS EXHIBITION HALL SET-UP

John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships (Junior Men)

John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships (Senior Men)

Thursday, August 20 7:00 amIOO pm

7:00-8:00 am

8:00-11 :00 am

8:45-10:00 am

10:15-11 :30 am

10:30-11 :30 am

11 :30 am-5:00 pm

1 :00-3:30 pm

1:00-2:15 pm

3:00-4: 15 pm

4:30-5:30 pm

7:00-9:00 pm

Congress Registration (at Indianapolis Convention Center)

Various meetings

Congress Exhibition Hall set-up (Exhibitors only)

Round 1 Congress Sessions - followed by a 15 min. break

Round 2 Congress Sessions - followed by a 90 min. break

Exhibition Hall Preview (Gym Club Owners Only!)

CONGRESS EXHIBITION HALL OPEN TO ALL REGISTRANTS

John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships (Junior Women)

Round 3 Congress Sessions - followed by a 45 min. break

Round 4 Congress Sessions - followed by a 15 min. break

Various meetings

John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships (Senior Women)

7:30 am-6:00 pm

7:00-8:00 am

8: 15-9:30 am

9:30 am-5:30 pm

10:15-11 :30 am

1 :00-2: 15 pm

3:00-4: 15 pm

4:30-5:30 pm

5:30-6:30 pm

7:00-9:00 pm

Friday, August 21 Registration Desk open

Various meetings

Round 5 Congress Sessions - followed by a 45 min. break

CONGRESS EXHIBITION HALL OPEN TO ALL REGISTRANTS

Round 6 Congress Sessions - followed by a 90 min. break

Round 7 Congress Sessions - followed by a 45 min. break

Round 8 Congress Sessions - followed by a 15 min. break

Meetings

PROPOSED Hall of Fame reception (at Market Square Arena)

John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships (Top 36 Men - Jrs. and Srs.)

Saturday, August 22 9:00 am-3:00 pm

7:00-8:00 am

8: 15-9:30 am

9:30 am-3:00 pm

10:15-11 :30am

1 :00-3:30 pm

1:00-2:15 pm

3:00-4: 15 pm

4:30-5:30 pm

7:00-9:30 pm

9:30 pm

9:45 pm

10:00 pm

10:15 pm

11: 15 pm-1 :30 am

9:00-1 :30

Congress Registration Desk open

Various meetings

Round 9 Congress Sessions - 45 min. break

CONGRESS EXHIBITION HALL OPEN TO REGISTRANTS AND GENERAL PUBLIC

Round 10 Congress Sessions - 90 min. break

John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships (Junior Women)

Round 11 Congress Sessions - followed by a 45 min. break

Round 12 Congress Sessions - followed by a 15 min. break

Various meetings

John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships (Senior Women)

Banquet Hall Opens - videos and finger-food

Food service begins

Year in Review Videa

Welcome to Ceremony of Honors and Congress Banquet/Party

Congress Party

Sunday, August 23 Congress Add-ons and various meetings -Safety Certification, judging exams, etc.

- - - - - - ---- -------{( TEe H N 10 U E • VOLU ME 18 • #4 )}------------------:2=-s:::-JI1

DATE RCV'D

AMT. PD.

CHECK #

POSTMARK

DEPOSIT

CReD APP#

'998 Congress Add·Ons Registration Form [

Your Professional Address (Listed in the USA Gymnasti(s ] Pro·Member Data Base) will be used for all (orrespondeme. COMPLETE ONE FORM PER PERSON - YOU MAY PHOTOCOPY FOR ADDITIONAL ADD·ONS REGISTRATIONS.

Name ......................................................... _ .... .

Social Security No. . ......................................................... .. .................... ...... ................... .. ....................... ....................................................................................................... Date of Birth .

USAG Pro or Instructor #

Mailing Address ..

............... .Exp. Date

. ............................................................................. 0 THIS IS A NEW ADDRESS

..................................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................. State ...

Name of Club Program

Day phone .........................__ Night phone ....... . .._

CHECK V' APPROPRIATE INST. PRO NON SUB MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER TOTAL

SAFETY CERTIFICATION COURSES (Must Pre.Reglster) Minimum age for Safety Certificotion is 18.

Wednesday, 8/19, 1·5 p.m. o For Ihose who are recertifying­

(MUST be curren~y safely certified AND a Pro Member!

o For Ihose who are not already safely certified or safely has expired

Sunday, 8/23, 9·1 :30 p.m. o For Ihose who are recertifying­

(MUST be curren~y safely certified AND a Pro Member)

o For Ihose who are not already safely certified or safely has expired

$50

$50

$50

$50

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS (PDP) (Must Pre-Register)

Level 1 Video Clinics

$0

$50

$0

$50

o Course #1-Wednesday, 8/19, 1-4 p.m. $10

o Course #2-Sunday, 8/23, 9-12 noon $10

USA Gymnastics/ ASEP Coaching Principles Course

Note: (ourse enrollment is limited to 50. first come, first serve basis. You MUST pre·register. o Wednesday, 8/19, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $70

Kinder Accreditation for Teachers (KAT) Workshop

Note: Minimum age is 16. (ourse enrollment is limited. first come, first serve basis. (Must Pre.Register) o Wednesday, 8/ 19, 9 a .m.-7 p.m. $140

Sport Safety Training (Combination CPR & First Aid) (hosted by local American Red Cross)

Note: (ourse enrollment is limited. first come, first serve basis. (Must Pre-Register) o Wednesday, 8/ 19, 10 a .m.-4:30 p.m. $50

Adult CPR & First Aid o Wednesday, 8/ 19, 10 a .m.-6:00 p.m. $55

Adult/ child CPR & First Aid

ATHLETE WELLNESS COACHES COURSE (No On-Site Registration)

Note: Minimum age is 16. (ourse enrollment is limited. First come, first serve basis. You MUST pre-register. o Wednesday, 8/19, 2-9 p.m. $5

$1000

$1000

$1000

$1000

$10 0

$100

$800

$160 0

$500

$550

$10 0

WOMEN'S PROGRAM COURSES (Must Bring (ompulsory J.O. Book)

Skill Evaluator Examination o Sunday, 8/23, 9-10:30 a .m.

PRO NON SUB MEMBER MEMBER TOTAL

$9

Women's Gymnastics Judges Certification Exams Payment & lorm must be

o Sunday morning - Registration form sent to NAWGJ by August 10 available in NAWGJ National Newsletter

RHYTHMIC JUDGING COURSE EXAMS

o Sunday, 8/23, 9-11 a .m. Written test for all levels Note: (omplete Schedule of rhythmic judging courses will be in the May issue.

DOTAL PAYMENT

$20 $200

MAKE CHECK/MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO USA GYMNASTICS

Amount Enclosed I $ I ~ PREFERS VISA· Charge to: 0 VISA 0 Discover

o Mastercard 0 American Express

Card No.

Exp. Date

Signature (required) .......... .. ... .. ........................... .... ........ .. .... .. ................ ... ........................................... ...... .... .

Registration is non-refundable after July 24

No Pre-Registration after July 24

Sorry No Exceptions!

Use this Form to register For the 1998 USA Gymnastics Congress tests, examinations, certifications, accreditations, etc. please return this registration Form to:

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

IrIfiA GYMNASTICS

1..-2-=-6-=--- ------ --------i( TEe H N 10 U E • VO l UME 18 • #4 )>-- - - ------------

1998 JOHN HANCOCK U.S. GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS -TICKET INFORMATION

John Hancock

For Congress Attendees: The 1 998 ticket packages have been designed with special attention paid to the Congress attendees. By doing so, USA Gymnastics invites you to enjoy one of the most important competitions of the 1998 season - the John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships for Men and Women.

This ticket request for special prices and priority seating must be postmarked by July 24, 1998. Ticket orders will be processed in the order in which they are received. Don't wait - buy your tickets now!

If you wish to be seated with another group or person, please put your total order on one form . Indiana Sports Corporation will not coordinate separate forms.

CONGRESS AnENDEE TICKET ORDER FORM COMPETITION / TIME PLATINUM GOLD SILVER BRONZE QUANTITY PRICE TOTAL

Wednesday, August 1 9

Jr. (M) AA & Event Finals 1 :00-3:30pm $10 $ 8 $ 5 $5 I x

Sr. (M) AA & Event Finals 7:00-9:30pm $ 23 $19 $13 $7 I x

Thursday, August 20

Jr. (W) AA & Event Finals 1 :00-3:30pm $10 $ 8 $5 $5 I x

Sr. (W) AA & Event Finals 7:00-9:30pm $23 $19 $13 $7 I x

Friday, August 21

(M) AA Finals 7:00-9:30pm $ 23 $19 $13 $7 I x

Saturday, August 22

Jr. (W) AA Finals 1 :00-3:30pm $ 10 $ 8 $5 $5 I x

Sr. (W) AA Finals 7:00-9:30pm $ 23 $19 $13 $7 I x

Strip Tickets

All (M) Events $50 $40 $30 $30 I x

All (W) Events $50 $40 $30 $30 x I All (M&W) Events $85 $65 $45 $45 I x

Service Charge + $4.00 All ticket purchases are non·refundable! Do not send this form to USA Gymnastics! Grand Tolal

Not valid with any other coupons or ticket programs.

Fill out all information on this form, make check payable to Indiana Sports Corporation and mail to: Indiana Sports Corpopration • 201 S, Capitol Avenue • Suite 1200 • Indianapolis IN 46225 • Phone: 1-800-HI-FIVES

EiJAYMENT

Amount Enclosed .. 1_$ _______ ...... o Visa o Other

Card No . .

,~ .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Phone

Social

Signature .... (required)

~ PREFERS VISA'

Exp. Date ..

--------------------i( TEe H H I QUE· VOLUME 18 • #4 )l----------------:2=-=7=--1

••••••• ••• • •• •• • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• •• •• •••••••• The History of USA Gymnastics: the early years through 1991 by Brian Schenk

"Brian Schenk brings the gymnastics past to the here and now, from the very beginnings­from GutsMuth, Jahn, and ling over 200 years ago when gymnastics was physical educa­tion-to the decline and demise of many high school and university programs of the recent past. Anyone who has competed or coached in the sport of gymnastics will find at least one episode from the past, either an event or a per­sona�ity' that will trigger a bit of nostalgia. The focus is on the historical development of the USGF, with emphasis on the people, the places, the events. Brian does a great job in bringing the many facets of gymnastics in the USA into focus." Dr. Darlene Schmidt

The book is available through USA Gymnastics: Item: #3603 Price: 525.00 (all Member Services at 1-800-345-4719

1998 USA Gymnastics National Gym Fest AUSTIN, TEXAS

A qualifying event for the USA Delegation to the 1999 World Gymnaestrada. The Gym Fest is . held in conjunction with the 1998 GAT Convention.

DATES: September 5-7, 1998

Fri. 9/5 Afternoon: Group rehearsal opportunity Evening: Opening Ceremony

Sat. 9/6 Daytime: Gym Fest Group Performances, GG workshops, and clinics

Evening: Texas Fair Party (With GAT attendees)

Sun. 9/7 Daytime: GymFest Group Performances, GG workshops, and clinics

Mon. 9/8 9-10 am: Large Group Performances 12-2pm: Gym Fest Gala Showcase

SITE: Renaissance Austin Hotel

REGISTRATION: $75 per person- Two Group Leaders are FREE with each club registration

~" ~ ~ # # For more information, schedules, registrations forms, ~ ~ • # ", and the 1998 Gym Fest Performance Guidelines, con-· t ' tact Steve Whitlock at: 317-237-5050, ext. 236 (ph),

: : 317-237-5069 (fax), gg@usa-gymnastics.org , ~ (email), or visit the USA Gymnastics website at "~ ,\~~ www.usa-gymnastics.org

'#,,~\

CORRECTION In the article entitled, "Lower Extremity Functional ProgreSSion: Back to Tumbling and Stuck Landings After An Injury" published in the January 1998 issue of Technique, pages 6-13, a reference was out of place. The Dynamic Drills listed on page 12 including Single Leg Hops, Square Hops Forward and Backward, Square Hops Side to Side and Five Point Star should be referenced to number 4 (Sedory).

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Join the Decision Makers of Sport. Connect with 1.000 Olympic movers and shakers. Participate in the only conference to focus exclusively on the Olympic movement from the Games to the grass roots .

#~~OSl"~~ I~" 1~~'!t. ~ ~U S A'll 'i. ---------- ~~ o ~ ~ ~t;.()()C)"1 ~ " 01-'i::.){Yt 01-The U.S. Olympic Congress ';,~~~_ ",,,p'~:' ~~~co~.1£°

brings together those commit- .~ ted to the Olympic movement' . from across the U.S. to provide information to a wide variety of sports organizations; to assist civic groups interested in developing grass­roots sports programs in their communities; to interact with those is the sports marketing and media businesses; and most importantly to honor and applaud our great Olympic athletes. This year's event will take place in Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 11-14.

We are busy lining up an exciting workshop agenda complete with tracks on Marketing, Grass Roots Development and Basic Business Practices in the world of sport and the Olympics. Our keynote speaker and motiva­tional general session are a draw to one and all. This year, the 8th annual conference plans to add its inaugural golf tournament to its line-up of special events.

To request a brochure (available in June), send us your name, company, address, business phone and fax and your e-mail address: can 9 res s@usoc . or 9 or call the Olympic Congress Hotline: (719) 578-4711 .•

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• • • • •

• • • •

• • •

Our Events Services Manager is responsible for making each event enjoyable and memorable for the delegation. Darcy and

• • • • • • • • • Wendy ensure that all travel for the delegation is commu­

nicated to the travel agent, for doing site surveys and bids on the host hotels, planning all group meals,

• social events such as welcome dinners and final

•• • • banquets, coordinating all local transportation, " C ordering gifts and credentials and managing the reg-

~ ~ istration room on site. In each city, we ask our Local ,,"'Organizing Committee to find businesses to host our

<if\. ~ opening and closing dinners and donate items for our

~ "\~" ' goody bags and volunte", to 'tuff th, goody bags

•

\. \ \)~ Th, Ev'nt Op,mtioru; Manage';'; n"ponrubl, fo, planning and n' \) implementing all event operations within the arena. Linda's responsibilities include everything from set-up and takedown of the podium and equipment to coordinating with television, determining the entertainment and lighting, and coordinating the

USA Gymnastics staff members are here to help you-the mem­bers of our organization. In the next few issues of Technique we'll introduce each of the departments that make up USA Gymnastics. We'd like to introduce the staff behind the phones so that you can put a face with a name. We'd also like to tell you a liHie about our departments so that you may take advan­tage of what we have to offer.

Last issue we introduced the Women's Program Department, this issue we'd like to introduce the Events and Marketing Department.

The Events and Marketing department consists of: Jeff Olsen, Director of Events and Marketing; Darcy Atkins, and Wendy Mertz who share the Events Services Manager position; Linda Barclay, Events Operations

Manager; Chris Sanders, Broadcast Sales and Sponsorship Manager; and Sara Swindell, Events Marketing Manager.

As the director, Jeff is responsible for the department, which annually conducts and produces as many as six nationally tele­vised events, including the Reese's Gymnastics Cup, Visa American Cup and International 3-on-3 Championships, International Team Championships, John Hancock U.s. Gymnastics Championships, World Team Trials, Goodwill Games and the Olympic Trials. The staff is responsible for every step of the event, from site evaluation and selection through con­tract negotiation, to pre-event marketing, advertising and pro­motion and local sponsorship development, to television pro­duction, venue operations and the presentation and production of the entire competition.

In addition, the Events and Marketing department also arranges all delegation travel and housing, event hospitality and tends to the needs of USA Gymnastics' national and inter­national guests. Also, the department works very closely with the Broadcast Sales and Sponsorship department on the servic­ing of sponsors at our events, and the implementation of spon­sor promotions. Furthermore, this department is responsible for the bid process for those cities that are interested in hosting USA Gymnastics events.

volunteers needed for the event. In addition, Linda is responsi­ble for the planning and implementation of all event operations, including event scoring systems and scoreboards, floor manage­ment, and event production.

Our Broadcast Sales and Sponsorship Manager assists in the cor­porate sales and sponsor development and fulfillment, the sale of television rights to USA Gymnastics events and the management of USA Gymnastics' relationship with Jefferson Pilot Sports. In addition, Chris is involved with the planning and implementa­tion of all event marketing, promotions, advertising, and ticket sales for each event hosted by USA Gymnastics.

Chris and other Events and Marketing staff are very active in get­ting USA Gymnastics sponsors more involved at the club and grassroots level. The department is initiating programs that will benefit the entire membership as well as athletes on the National Team. Examples of these programs include mall tours, club exhi­bitions at sponsor retail locations, pre-paid phone and affinity cards and club sale programs.

Sara Swindell is the Events Marketing Manager at USA Gymnastics. She is responsible for the planning and imple­mentation of all marketing, promotions, advertising and ticket sales for each event hosted by the Events and Marketing department of USA Gymnastics. She also promotes programs which benefit our USA Gymnastics membership as well as enhance the sport of gymnastics. The Club Ticket Sales Program is an example of a promotion specifically created for the gymnastics community. With this program, gymnastics clubs obtain the best seats at the lowest price for USA Gymnastics events and have the opportunity to win equipment from American Athletic, Inc.

The success of USA Gymnastics events depends on the support of our gymnastics community. It is always our objective to involve as many local gymnastics clubs in the area as possible to assist with these events in volunteer positions. The Events and Marketing department is devoted to increasing the involvement of the gymnastics community, from tumbling tots to the elite level. •

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Cure Conflicts Before They Corrupt Your

Productivity When a conflict rears its ugly head, there's usually a reason for it. Use the

opportunity to create something positive. Here are some tips for how to go about it:

1. Don't tn) to determine who "started it." This is a thankless, unproductive task. Instead, work on finding a solution.

2. Don't attack people. Always focus on the problem that needs to be changed, not on personalities.

How Do You Deliver Criticismt 3. Effective criticism depends heavily on how it is said. Never, never start a

sentence with "You always." That is too accusatory, and too impossible to answer. When you cause the person to react in a defensive manner, it's just the same as closing the employee's ears and ensuring that he or she will repeat the offending behavior.

4. Don't look for a winner and a loser. When you have successfully resolved a conflict between staffers, it should be viewed as a win-win resolution for both parties. No one should walk away feeling that his or her side of the dis­pute was ignored or given short thrift.

5. Don't focus on the past. It's not constructive to list past grievances. Instead, focus on the future and how to make things better.

Listen Up, Keep Your Focus 6. Listen closely without making snap judgments. In the heat of conflict, the

real issues can be buried. Even if they're out in the open, people can be deaf to them. Instead, look for a common ground that both sides can agree on.

7. Don't flail around. Know what your objective is. If you feel things slipping out of control in an argument, keep this objective in mind. For example, what exactly is it you want the other person to do? How do you want his or her behavior to change?

Don't Feed Into The Anger 8. Don't be negative. As the media­

tor, you have to keep the larger picture in mind. Once you have clarified and stated the problem, follow up with a positive way to solve it.

9. Don't be disrespectful. Name­calling never solved any con­flicts.

10. Don't aggravate angn) personal­ities. Some people may be "cruis­ing for a bruising." Don't give it to them. These workers may have a gripe that you can handle before conflict erupts. So talk to them and see if there is a reason for their anger.

11. Don't pick a bad time. If you need to "have it out," pick a time and place where the atmosphere is conducive to quiet discussion. This may not be the moment that the conflict first surfaces .•

Reprinted from the Belter-Work Supervisor; November 24, 1997, published by Clement Communications, Inc.

--• ..".3....,.2----------------(( TECH N' 0 Uf • VOLUME 18 • #4 )}-----------------

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Inside GNN is a section called Club Close-Up which features gymnastics clubs from around the country that have achieved business success. Thus far GNN has featured the following gymnastics clubs and owners:

CLUB CITY/STATE CLUB OWNERS

American Twisters Pompano Beach, Florida Tim and Toni Rand

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Tulsa World of Tulsa, Oklahoma Linda and Wayne Gymnastics Bradshaw

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n the Code of Points, the hop 3/ 4

pirouette in arm support swing is one of the most commonly used D moves on parallel bars. This skill is relatively easy to learn even for younger gymnasts and has good potential for connecting with other skills for additional bonus. Before a

gymnast tries to learn hop 3/4 pirouette, he should learn, or at least have a good grasp of, how to execute a simple hop pirouette. The hop pirouette is a good foundation for any other variation of hops on parallel bars.

PrB-..~GJ~~SION rp(lfou~fTE

1. Swing to hop handstand a. This is a very importan asic drill

that all gymnasts nee to learn first. During the backward swing up toward the hand tand, the body should be in an arohed posi­tion from the upper chest and the heels should be driven up until the hop is initiated.

b. The shoulders must be shrugged through the bottom of the swing to ensure a good push off during the hop.

e. The hop should occur as the upper chest goes into an arched to hol­low position very rapidly.

.... 13:::-=4----------------1( TEe H N 10 UE • VOLUME 18 • #4 )}----------------

• • • • • • •• ••• • • ••••••••••

d. The shoulders should be vigorous­ly extended as the hop occurs. It is very crucial that the shoulders are fully extended as the gymnast fin­ishes the hop in handstand.

Note: The most common fault during this drill is to initiate the hop too early and the mid-section of the back is lifted instead of the upper chest. Lifting of the mid-section of the back does not give a full extension of the shoulders. However, lifting to a hollow position in the upper chest region will ensure full shoulder extension at the end of the hop.

2. Swing to reverse pirouette a. The reverse pirouette should be

done without excessive arch. The moment that both hands are on the single rail, the chest should be elevated upward as the second half of the pirouette is initiated. -----b. When the reverse pirouette is learned well, it is a good idea to extend the pirouette to a full pirouette instead of just a half pirouette. An additional half turn should be added on the single rail.

3. Hop pirouette with a spot A hop pirouette should be initiated as a reverse pirouette hopping back­ward instead of forward . In other words, the shoulders going forward should not initiate the hop pirouette. If a gymnast can make a hop pirou­ette in the same spot on the bar, or can release his hands simultaneous­ly, the hop pirouette is done well.

() ~ - 3/4 PIROUETTE

1. Swing hop handstand Make sure that the each hop is done correctly with the proper body position.

2. Hop 1/4 turn to single bar in mixed grip with a spot. a. This is a simple drill but an important one. The hand of the axis arm

should be turned to an under grip and the other hand is in over grip when hopping to a single bar.

b. The shoulders must be well extended and the rest of the body is straight over the shoulders.

3. Hop 1j4 turn to single bar in mixed grip then, 1j2 turn with a spot. a. Simply add the 1/2 turn after the first hop 1/4 pirouette.

The second 1/2 pirouette should be initiated after the straight body position is secured in the mixed grip position on the single rail.

b. There should be a slight hesitation prior to the second pirouette. Once consistency is achieved, the pause between the first 1/4 hop pirouette and the second 1/2 pirouette should be shortened.

c. When the above drill becomes consistent, the first hop 1/4 turn pirou­ette should be caught almost with the one shoulder of the under grip arm. That will require slightly more shoulder extension of the axis arm in order to put all the weight on one shoulder. Then, complete the 1/2 turn on the axis shoulder. This is a very delicate transition period. The shoulder extension of the axis arm and the straightness of the body is absolutely necessary.

d. A spotter should assist less as consistency improves. It is important to note that checking the technique of the basic swing hop drill should be done throughout this progression. A typical problem of hopping with a shoulder angle and/or a too early hop can be corrected by doing the swing hop handstand well. •

----------------i( TECH H I QUE • V 0 LU ME 18 • #4 )f----------------~ 351

WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS

WOMEN'S TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING March 6-8, 1998 Ft. Worth, TX

I. ROLL CALL: Meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM by Marilyn Cross, WTC Chairman

Present: Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 7 Region S JOPCC EPC NAWGJ NCAA

Pam Bileck Linda Mulvihill Carole Bunge Linda Thorberg Char Christensen Kathy Ostberg, proxy for Cindy Sielski Cheryl Hamilton Marian Dykes Tom Koll

JO Program Manager WPD

Roe Kreutzer (Fri.) Yvonne Hodge Pat Panichas Connie Maloney Kathy Kelly (Fri.)

Absent: ICI WABC

Delene Darst Jan Greenhawk

II. COMPULSORY HANDSPRING VAULT Motion to change/add the following deductions to the Level 4/5/6 Handspring Vault, EFFECTIVE AUGUST I, 1998:

• Support phase #2. Too long in support-up to 0.50 (delete failure to leave horse by vertical)

• Support Phase Add as # 3 Angle of repulsion (point at which gymnast leaves the horse) Up to 1.00 (use the angle deductions printed in the WTC minutes, page 43 in Technique Volume 17, #10 (October, 1997).

Motion: C. Bunge Second: C. Hamilton PASSED

III. COMPETITION RULES Motion that when determining the maximum allowable number of judgments per day, the meet director must conform to the following, EFFECTIVE AUGUST I, 1998:

• the maximum number of judgements PER SESSION as printed in the R & P and also

• the time parameters of : - warm-ups scheduled no earlier than 8:00 AM and - competition scheduled to be completed by 10:00 PM and - athletes on the floor (warm-up & competition) no longer than

five hours.

Therefore, the maximum number of judgments per day will be dictated by the number of sessions conducted within the above time parameters, which includes break time for judges between sessions (minimum of 30 minutes after every 3112 to 4 hours of judging is recommended) .

Motion: A. Schweyer Second: C. Christensen PASSED

Recommendation that whenever meets are conducted with more than one level in a squad, that the athletes of the same level compete consecutively. When moving to the next event, the first competitor of a level would be dropped to the last spot. Example: Squad of 8 (4 level 8's 101-104, 4 level 9's -201-204) Rotate

as follows:

Vault Bars Beam Floor

101 102 103 104

102 103 104 101

103 104 101 102

104 101 102 103

201 202 203 204

202 203 204 201

203 204 201 202

204 201 202 203

In the case of a team invitational, all teams in the squad would com­pete their level S's, then the leveI 9's, in the team order drawn for that event.

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IV. PERFORMANCE OF RESTRICTED ELEMENTS AT LEVEL 7 AND 8

The committee discussed the problem of voiding exercises at Level 7 and S.

Motion for Level 8 that EFFECTIVE AUGUST I, 1998, the following will VOID the exercise:

• all D or E acrobatic mounts, dismounts or elements performed on Beam or Floor

• a D or E mount, dismount or release element on Bars would void the exercise.

All other D or E elements performed would receive a 2.00 penalty (each) and all appropriate execution/amplitude deductions would be applied.

Motion: M. Dykes Second: L. Thorberg PASSED

Motion for Level 7 that EFFECTIVE AUGUST I, 1998, all event requirements must be fulfilled by performing A or B elements only. If an A or B element is performed with such great amplitude or tim­ing that it results in the performance of a C element, there would be no penalty. However, if an element that is listed only as a C is per­formed (examples on FX: Schushunova), then a 2.00 penalty would be applied. The performance of DIE elements will void the exercise.

Motion: M. Dykes Second: C. Bunge PASSED

(Uneven Bar exceptions: The following C elements are allowed at Level 7: Cast handstand with 1/2 turn, Clear hip handstand with 1/2 turn, back uprise to clear hip circle to handstand (counts as two B ele­ments) . A straddle back to handstand is not allowed at Level 7.

V. LEVEL 7 CONCERNS A. Questions & Answers from Technique, Vol. IS, #2 Beam #13

In reference to the switch-leg leap being used as the isolated Large leap requirement: EFFECTIVE AUGUST I, 1998, the switch-leg leap cannot be used to fulfill the requirement of a large leap with 1S0° leg separation. If the only isolated leap with 1S0° leg separation performed is a SWitch-leg leap, then the athlete will receive a 1.S0 deduction for omission of the requirement.

However, a switch-leg leap may be used as part of the gym series and/ or as an additional isolated leap. There would be no penalty if the gymnast exceeds the split requirement of the B switch-leg leap and performs the C leap 060-1S00}.

B. LEVEL 7 BEAM AND FLOOR: Reminder that chasses and assembles are not considered as A elements and may not be used to fulfill requirements (gym series). If the isolated leap requirement is followed by a chasse, there is no penalty since the chasse is not considered as a value part. Note: This also applies to levelS, 9 & 10.

C. There is no flashing of start values at level 7.

D. LEVEL 7 BEAM: The flight element must be performed entire­lyon the beam (not as the mount or dismount element). It may, however, be used in the dismount series. (Example: flic-flac to back salto stretched dismount series will fulfill both the acro flight and salto / aerial dismount requirements.)

E. LEVEL 7 BARS: Kip mount requirement clarification: As a mount, a Glide, straddle cut, glide kip will be allowed to ful­fill the A or B kip mount requirement and will be considered as one element. If the straddle cut is followed by a kip or long hang kip within the exercise, it would be considered two elements.

F. LEVEL 7 VAULT: Motion to add the following deductions for Level 7 Vault EFFECTIVE AUGUST I, 1998, to be used in addition to the optional deductions found in the FIG Code of Points:

Too long in support Up to 0.50

Angle of repulsion Up to 1.00 ( use the angle deductions printed in the WTC minutes, page 43 in Technique Volume 17, #10

Motion: M. Dykes Second: A. Schweyer PASSED

October, 1997) .

Clarification: If the gymnast performs a vault different than the vault announced (or flashed), each judge takes the 0.2 deduction for per­forming the wrong vault.

VI. FIG CODE OF POINTS UPDATE AND THE JR. OLYMPIC PROGRAM

The committee reviewed the changes made for the Elite program per the FIG Code of Points Clarification and Update from December 1997. This was printed in the previous issue of Technique (Vol. IS, #3- March 1995). The following decisions were made for implementation for the Jr. Olympic program, EFFECTIVE AUGUST I, 1998:

General

o The JO program will not use the compositional deduction of 0.05 for performing more than 2 similar elements from the same structure group.

o A-elements may be used to fulfill SpeCial Requirements, whether listed in the FIG Code or commonly recognized (ie., comparable to a listed A-element). Note: A hitch-kick is listed on Beam as #2.110 (Scissors leap with straight or bent legs). This would also apply to Floor #1.116 cat leap, since the hitch kick can be considered as a cat leap with extended legs.

Optional Vault

Change the following deductions:

• Prescribed longitudinal axis turn begun too late Up to 0.50 (this was 0.30)

Note: Delete Prescribed LA turn begun too early from Second flight phase deductions. This fault is considered under the repulsion phase-poor technique

Up to 0.20

• Late open/extension of body before landing Up to 0.50 (this was 0.30)

• Prescribed LA turn incomplete upon landing (remains up to 0.30) but is now under Landing Phase instead of Second Flight phase.

In regards to the late open/ extension deduction, the WTC created the following guidelines for applying the up to 0.50 penalty:

Saito vaults: Opening refers to the change in body shape from a tuck or pike position to an extended stretched position. If the gymnast achieves an open, but then pikes down to land, deduct up to 0.20 for body position error.

To receive no deduction for late open, the gymnast must extend from the saito position by horizontal (3 0 ' clock). From horizontal to 45° below hor­izontal, deduct up to 0.30. If the open occurs past 45° below horizontal, deduct 0.40-0.50. The maximum penalty of 0.50 would be applied if there is absolutely no attempt to extend from the saito position.

Non-Salto Twisting Vaults: Opening refers to finishing the twist by horizontal (3 o'clock) to show an extended stretched position before landing. From horizontal to 45° below horizontal, deduct up to 0.30. If the open occurs past 45° below horizontal, deduct 0.40-0.50. If the

(continued 011 page 38)

------------------i( TEe H N IOU E • VOLUME 18 • #4 )>--------------- -:3::-:7=--1

WOMEN'S MINUTES (continued from page 37)

gymnast fails to complete the twist upon landing, deduct 0.50 for late open/ extension and an additional up to 0.30 gymnast fails to com­plete the twist upon landing, deduct 0.50 for late open/extension and an additional up to 0.30 for incomplete twist.

New Vault: 2.502 Handspring on -Tucked saito forward with 1112 (540°) twist off-10.00 for JO Program (9.9-Elite)

Optional Bars

• All mounts with a saito or flic-flac may be used in a Special Connection for bonus

• D + D (with or without flight or turn) will continue to receive +0.20 bonus for Special Connection.

• C + D (D-element with or without flight or turn) will continue to receive +0.10 bonus for Special Connection

• Specific Apparatus "Compositional" deductions:

The deduction of 0.20 each for "uncharacteristic movement" has been eliminated. The following deductions will now apply to the JO Program:

Squat on LB, with or without sole circle or with 112 tum to grasp HB 0.05

From hang on HB, swing forward, place

(more than one) Level 10 only

feet on bar to stand and 112 tum 0.10

Swing forward with 112 turn under horizontal 0.10

Kip cast to under 45° 0.10

Swing backward under horizontal 0.10

Note: If a grip change is made on backswing, it breaks a connec­tion and also receives 0.10 deduction.

• New Elements: The JO Program will use the same values as found in the FIG update, with the exception of:

- 5.305 Jaeger saito tucked D (#5.405 for JO)

- 5.408 Front giant in L-grip with 1/1 turn after HS to L or mixed-L grip (L-grip front giant to Healy) remains E for JO (#5.508)

Optional Beam

• Special Connection Bonus: Add to principle 10.5.1 (Two acro ele­ments directly connected) C + C = +0.10

• Principle 10.5.3 now deals only with connections of two gymnas­tics elements or gym/acro connections. There no longer is a Special Connection bonus of +0.10 for Two acro flight (counter or front/side) of B + C.

• New Elements or changes in element value-the JO program will adopt the new FIG values with the exception of:

- 2.206 Straddle pike jump in cross position with 1/4 tum C (add to #2.306)

To clarify the wolf hops and wolf jumps on Beam, the following values will be in effect AUGUST 1, 1998 for the JO Program:

2.111 2.211 2.311 2.411

Wolf hop (off one foot) Wolf hop 112 Wolf hop 3/4 Wolf hop 1/1

J.O. (EFFEC 8/ 98)

A B (WAS C)

C(WASD)

D (WAS E)

'Value for USA Elite until clarified by FIG

Elite (EFFEC1 / 98)

A* B* C* D*

J.O. Elite (EFFEC 8/ 98) (EFFEC1 / 98)

2.211 Wolf jump (off two feet) B B 2.311 Wolf jump 112 C (was D) C 2.411 Wolf jump 3/4 D D 2.511 Wolf jump 111 E E

Optional Floor

• Special Requirements:

#4 Choice of one gymnastics series with three elements OR one mixed series with at least three elements (gym/acro/gym or acro/gym/acro)

#5 and 6 Two gymnastics elements (minimum of 1 C and 1 B for Level 10, two B's for Levels 9 and 8), which may be a component of the gymnastics or mixed series.

• Special Connection principles #11.5.1 (Acro Indirect) and #11.5.2 (Acro Direct) may include saltos and acro elements with flight and without hand support (Aerials). Note: The inclusion of aerials applies only to the awarding of special connection bonus. Aerials are not considered as saltos and may not be used to fulfill acro series Special Requirements.

• Indirect acro series with D-saltos in combination with A and/or B saltos, the order can be freely chosen, except when the A-saltos are the same, in which case they must be directly connected and pre­cede the D-salto.

• New elements or changes in value: The JO program will adopt all new FIG values and changes with the exception of the Wolf hops (off one foot)

J.O. Elite (EFFEC 8/ 98) (EFFEC1 / 98)

Wolf hop (off one foot) A 1.117 A* 1.117 Wolf hop 112 B 1.217 A 1.117 Wolf hop 1/1 C 1.317 B 1.217 Wolf hop 1112 D 1.417 C 1.317 Wolf hop 2/1 E 1.517 D 1.417

'Value for USA Elite until clarified mj FIG

VII. FIG TECHNICAL LIAISON TO WTC K. Kelly brought forth the question of whether the WTC would like to have an FIG Technical liaison officially added to the USAG-WTC. The committee felt that if there is a specific need to have additional FIG input, that an invitation for the FIG liaison to attend a speCific meeting or conference call would be adequate.

VIII. NATIONAL ELITE TESTING PROGRAM EDUCATION A judges educational experience addressing the Elite National Testing program will be offered prior to an International Training Camp to be held in May, 1998. A minimum of 24 judges will be invited to attend, with • one from each region recommended and funded by NAWGJ (with

input from the Regional Elite board), • one from each region selected by the USAG Regional Elite board

(WTC recommends that the RTC be invited to attend), and • eight selected by the National office-list of selected judges from the

regions and NAWGJ must be sent to Kathy Kelly by April1S'h.

IX. NATIONAL ELITE PROGRAM COMMITTEE REPORT R. Kreutzer informed the WTC of the success of the 1997 TOPS testing and addition of TOP athletes in the ClaSSic/Challenge. Jackets were presented to all participants at the 1998 American Challenge and Classic competitions. The U.s. Classic/National Gymnastics Festival will be held July 31-August 2,1998 in San Antonio.

A National Team Coaches summit was conducted in December for the purpose of strategic planning. Discussion was held in regards to the par­ticipation of athletes in Elite regional testing/meets outside of their home region. The WTC conveyed that the Elite clubs should be supporting their own regional Elite events.

(cont inued on page 42)

--1-3--,-S-----------------1( r EC H N IOU E • va lU MEl B • # 4 )}-----------------

NOTICE TO MEMBERSHIP

TIle following Membership Statement has been adopted by the Board of Directors of USA Gymnastics:

Membership in USA Gymnastics is a privilege granted by USA Gymnastics. That privilege can be withdrawn by USA Gymnastics at any time where a member's conduct is deter­mined to be inconsistent with the best interest of the sport of gymnastics and of the athletes we are servicing.

The following former professional members have been ter­minated or have a lifetime ban with USA Gymnastics and/ or will not be allowed to renew their membership:

Charles Theodore Bates MN Vince Brown SC Larry Dutch ME Matthew H. Erichsen WA William Alexander Etheridge TN Rick Feuerstein CA Joseph Fountain MD Roy Larry Gallagher PA Robert Allen Garner (Bob) TN Ricardo "Chico" Goddard NY Robert Dean Head KY Frank Hohman, Jr. PA Milos Hroch CA Steven L. Infante CT Dana Koppendrayer FL John S. Moore WV William Munsinger MN William M. Permenter FL John H. Row DE Steve Shirley MO Blake Steven Starr UT Mark Swift FL Freddie Eugene Tafoya, Jr. CA Jon Oliver Kenneth Thomas VA Brent Trottier WA Joel Velasquez OR David Paul Waage OR Steve Waples TX Lyf Christian Wildenberg MN

British Columbia Gymnastics Association Suspensions USA Gymnastics has been notified that the British Columbia Gymnastics Association has permanently suspended mem­bership in the BCGA for the following individuals:

John Henderson, Kamloops, BC Canada Donald Ray Mathey, Langley, BC Canada Wayne Andrews, Courtenay, BC Canada

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The History of USA Gyrnnasti<:s: tLe early years tluougL 1991

The History of USA Gymnastics is one of people and places; pioneer leaders and programs formed the foun­dations of the sport which has experienced periods of expansion and decline. By examining the origins of mod­ern gymnastics, insights can be gained into the innovation, struggle, sacrifice, triumph and tragedy which mark the nineteenth century period of the sport in the United States.

1997; USAG; paper; 259 pp #3603 ........................ $25.00

The History of USA h 1991 the early years throug

Gyrnnasti.:s: The Art of Sport

The Art of Sport is a unique book which celebrates the beauty and excitement of competitive Gymnastics through the medium of photography.

In addition it is a book which invites those from within the sport - gymnasts, coaches and judges - to express

their views and feelings about what Gymnastics means to them and what

it has given to their lives. The worldwide appeal and popularity of the sport is reflected in these pages and it is hoped

that the book will become a valued souvenir for all who love Gymnastics.

1996; Mosler Press; 208 pp #1602 .................................................. $25.00

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COACHING DA. Y IN THE GYM

Video Series Series Description:

The Day In The Gym series features training footage from clubs across the nation. Each video focuses on a level of training at a gymnastics club in the United States. This series shows candid, unrehearsed views of typical workouts.

Elite len I - Cindnnati Gymnasti<:s A.<:ademy

Featuring an Elite Level workout from Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy with Olympic coach, Mary Lee Tracy and Olympic Gold Medalists, Amanda Borden and Jaycie Phelps. 2 lope sel

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GENERAL GYMNASTICS Three General Gymnasti<:s This video is used to give the viewer a general idea which General Gymnastics is all about. The video features "1999, Welcome Giiteborg", "A World Gymnaestrada" and "FIG Gala" from 1995 World Gynaestrada. #2601 . .. .... . ....... $10.00

VIDEOS

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Bela Karolyi's Running

Training Video

Bela takes you through a basic running warm-up that he did with his athletes everyday. The video gives the basic run­ning movements to do during the warm­up period at the beginning of a workout. Running time: 11 minutes and 40 seconds.

#2962 .... . ......... . $10.00

WOMEN'S World Championships

Training Tape #1 &- #CJ.

Both of these tapes are from the World Championships in Laussane, Switzerland. They are of the top countries during their workouts. You will see these top countries from the time they walk into the training gym to the time they walk out viewing their worm-ups, conditioning, complexes, flexibili­ty, and routines. Romania, Russia, USA, China, Ukraine and selected other countries are featured. 2 lope sel #2120 ...... . .. . .. .... . . $19.95

World Championships: Team Pre-lims This tape is from Team Preliminaries of the World Championships. You wil see most of the USA routines with select­ed routines from several other countries including Romania, Russia, China, France, and Ukraine. Running time: 1 hour and 59 minutes.

#2121. .... . . . . . ..... ... $15.95

World Championships Team Fina ls and A..A. Finals This tape features the Team Finals com­petition with most of the USA routines and selected routines from the top six countries that made it to the Team Finals.

In addition, this tape also has selected routines from the AA Competition. Running Time: 1 hour and 49 minutes #2122 ..... . . .... ... . $15B5

World Championships

E~ent Finals This tape features all the events Finalist routines from World Championships. Men's Hi Bar is also featured . Running Time: 49 minutes

#2123 .... . .......... $15.95

1998 A.mer i<:an Classi<: These videos contain most all of the routines from the Junior and Senior International competition at the American Classic that was held in Orlando. Running Time: 2 video of 2 hour each

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Gheza Pozsar's

Ballet Bar Training

for Gymnasts This tape takes you through a suggested Ballet Bar training session designed espe­cially for gymnasts that was put togehter by Gheza Pozsar. This tape was requested by the National Team Coaches as a guide­line for training their gymnasts. Running TIme: 16 minutes

#2961. ....... . . ... .. $10.00

RHYTHMIC 1998 National Team 1998 Rhythmic Challenge National Team re-ranking meet. Individual All-Around

Competition, Downers Grove, IL, Feb. 13-14. This video shows all Junior and Senior competi­tors in the individual events for both days. Running TIme: 1 hour and 55 minutes

#2360 .. . ....... .. . .. $19.95

1998 Group Competition 1998 Rhythmic Challenge Group Competition, Downers Grove, IL, Feb. 13-14. This video shows the two-day competition for both Junior and Senior Groups. The team placements were determined by adding Day One results with Day Two result. Running Time: 53 minutes

#2361. .... . . .. ... . . . $16.95

MEN'S 1995 Winter Cup Challenge Three SLP format tapes featuring EVERY routine, compulsories and optionals, all divisions! Features all competitors includ­ing: John Roethlisberger, Chainey Umphrey, Chris Waller, Jair Lynch, Trent Dimas, Josh Stein, Brian Yee and many more! Camcorder footage taken from the stands. # 2245 ........ .. .. .. $19.95

1995 Pan A.meri<:an Garnes Straight from Mar Del Plata, Argentina: Men's Preliminaries and finals. See the U.S. men's team triumph! Camcorder footage taken from the stands. #2247 ..... . ....... .. $19.95

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

Practice Balance Beams

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WOMEN'S MINUTES (continued from page 38)

Recommendation to the Elite Program Committee that the decision to allow an athlete to attend a Regional meet outside of their own region be approved by both regions' Elite Program Committee Chairman, in consultation with both regions' Regional Technical Chairman and/or the Regional Chairman. (Refer to R & P, page 108 B. e.)

Recommendation to the EPC that even though an athlete competing in another region's Elite meet may use the score to qualify to Challenge/Classic, they are not eligible for awards.

X. AFFILIATION OF JUDGES Reminder: Judges that are affiliated may NOT be assigned as Chief judge to a USAG qualifying meet if the team that the judge is affiliated with is competing in the meet to which the judge has been assigned. If meets is using one-judge panels, an affiliated judge may be assigned ONLY when there are not enough non-affiliated judges available and only with the approval of the RTC. If the RTC is the person involved, approval must come from the State Chairman.

XI. NCAA REPORT P. Panichas clarified that the NCAA Women's GymnastiCS Committee is in charge of Regional and National competitions. The newly formed USAG Women's Collegiate Program Committee is charged with mak­ing recommendations to the NCAA WGC regarding the adoption of JO Rules. The Round-off entry vault is being allowed for the first time in NCAA competition.

In the 1999 season, the NCAA regions will be realigned, going from five regions to six and seeding the top twelve teams into the six regions.

XII. ELITE TECHNICAL REPORT A. Schweyer asked the committee to communicate to her in writing (by June 1) any concerns/recommendations regarding the evaluation of the Elite Testing.

There was discussion regarding the definition of an "open tuck" salta position which is allowed at the National level. This refers to the ath­lete who performs a double salta backward without grabbing the legs.

XIII. NAWGJ REPORT Y. Hodge gave a written and oral report. The 1998 Federal mileage rate is $.32 per mile and is effective immediately.

XIV. OPTIONAL ELEMENT EVALUATIONS & CLARIFICATIONS GENERAL EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 1998 for the Jr. Olympic Program, that no bonus (extra DIE or Special Connection) will be awarded with a deduction of 0.30 or more. (This is a change from the present rule of a deduction of 0.20 or more negates bonus.)

Motion: C. Hamilton Second: A. Schweyer PASSED

ELEMENT EVALUATIONS: Add the following elements to the J. O. Supplement:

BARS-EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

• Bars: Long hang pullover - A element - Add to # 7.102

Motion: C. Hamilton, Second: C. Bunge PASSED

• A tap swing-counterswing as performed in the Level 5 or 6 com­pulsory exercise is not considered to be an element and would be considered as an extra swing in an optional exercise (Level 7 and above).

BARS-EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 1998 for the J.O. Program:

Change #7.202 to # 7.302 Clear hip hecht (also with Y2 turn) from Low bar to high bar (change from B to C)

BEAM-EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Backward shoulder roll-A element-Add to # 6.104

Motion: C. Christensen Second: C. Hamilton PASSED

FLOOR-EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Whip saito with 1/2 turn = B Add to # 6.206

UNEVEN BAR CLARIFICATIONS:

A. When an element finishes with a backs wing showing maximum amplitude to hand­stand (within 20° of vertical for Jr. Olympic), then it is considered as only one element.

Examples:

• Front giant with 1/ 1 turn to L or mixed L grip (Healy), continuing to within 20° of hand­stand = one element.

• Front giant with 1/ 1 turn to L or mixed L grip (Healy), continuing to within 20° of hand­stand with a hop grip change with discernible flight = one element and may fulfill one of the two required flight elements for JO.

If the gymnast performs a front giant 1/ 1 turn Healy, continuing to within 20° of hand­stand and performs a 1/2 turn (Higgins roll), and swings back down, it is considered two elements.

If the front giant 1/ 1 turn (Healy) continues circling to handstand and the body goes over the top of the bar with or without turn, it also will be considered as two elements.

In all of the above examples, if the front giant Healy is followed by another C, D or E ele­ment, applicable bonus could be applied and no compositional deduction for a grip change on the backs wing would be taken.

B. Straight body cast to handstand, legs together = B Straddle cast to handstand = A However, once the handstand is achieved and a turn or hop grip is performed, it takes on the value listed for cast handstand with legs together. Examples: Straddle cast handstand with 1/2 turn = C

Straddle cast with hop grip in handstand = C

Motion from the WTC to the JOPC to reconsider the use of hop grip change to fulfill the Special Requirement of flight element.

Motion: C. Hamilton Second: A. Schweyer PASSED (7 in favor, 1 abstention)

Reminder: Coaches and judges should use the correct chain of command to present technical questions (ie., first to your RTC). If the RTC does not have an answer, she will pursue through National Chairmen, etc.

xv. INCORRECT ATTIRE FIG Code allows stud earrings only. The judge should first warn the gymnast prior to com­peting and report the warning to the Meet Referee. If the gymnast proceeds to compete without removing the jewelry, then the judge will deduct 0.10 from the average score of that event.

XVI. JCI Jer has redefined the requirements for active status, in particular the practice judging requirements. Please see minutes from JCI's meeting in the upcoming May 1998 issue of Technique.

Reminder: Judges who had a rating from the past cycle must have re-certified with the new Jer exam. They no longer hold their old rating until they pass both parts of the new exam.

XVII. JR. OLYMPIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE REPORT T. Koll reported that the JOP Committee will be dealing with the age divisions for Levels 9 and 10. It was suggested that a survey regarding meet evaluation and qualification proce­dures be included in JO Na tional coaches' packets.

(con tinued on pnge 44)

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WOMEN'S MINUTES (continued from page 43)

XVIII. CONGRESS PRESENTATIONS Ideas for judging sessions:

Joint NAWGJ/JCI sessions

Active status requirements

What it's like to judge the World Championships or Olympic Games­Round-table

Optional Vault - application of new deductions

Gymnastics models & memories (Little girls need big girls to look up to) - the best of the best

Chain of command/who answers what

How to figure out the judges fee structure

XIX. LEVEL 7 AND 8 JUDGES TRAINING VIDEOS The WTC evaluated exercises for the production of a script for the new judges' training videos.

XX. RULES AND POLICIES UPDATE In this issue (April 1998) of Technique, there is an errata section for the Women's Rules & Policies on page 15. Please update your book.

Meeting adjourned on Sunday, March 8 at 1:00 PM.

Next meeting to be announced.

GENERAL GYMNASTICS'

I ' UTES GGAP CONFERENCE CALL March 3, 1998, 12:00 p.m. EST

I. ROLL CALL David Moskovitz, Leader Dean Capelotti Lori Laznovsky Steve Whitlock, USA Gymnastics

II. REPORTS 1999 World Gymnaestrada (Whitlock)-An addition to the first Bulletin was distributed to the national federations.

• Registration update: 43 Federations; 22,249 participants. The organizing committee is expecting over 25,000 participants.

• USA received an additional five group performance time slots (total of 10).

An additional field venue was designated for Large Group Performance.

The English Speaking National Evening will be on Monday, July 5, at 9:00 p.m.

USA will be a major component of the Closing Ceremony. Many federations applied, but only 10 are eligible. Federations must commit 150 participants to be eligible.

Texas State GymFest-Whitlock and Laznovsky will attend. This will

be a I-day event. A follow-up event is scheduled for July, site and date TBA.

USA Gymnastics Membership-Whitlock reported that there are currently 196 Professional GG Members. Discussion followed regard­ing the need to plan for GGPC elections.

Whitlock expressed concern from the Membership Department regarding confusion between General Membership (currently 3,321) and General Gymnastics Membership. The panel agreed that General Gymnastics should be reserved for festival activities and other programs not related to the current Junior Olympic and Elite programs in Artistic and Rhythmic gymnastics.

Sanctions-Whitlock expressed concern with the process of filing sanction reports and General Gymnastics event financial reports.

1999 and 2000 budgets-Whitlock has developed and submitted a 2-year budget plan. Whitlock urged the Panel to continue development of plans for the 1999 World Gymnaestrada. This event comprises a sig­nificant portion of the General Gymnastics budget for 1999.

FIG Congress in Portugal-Whitlock reported that the meeting will take place April 18-25. It is likely that a PAGU/GG meeting will also take place.

California Report (Capelotti)-Knott's Berry Farm GymPest was very successful (275 participants, 13 groups). A videotape will be available shortly. Disneyland GymPest will be Sunday, June 14. Cost: $45. Planning is under way to conduct four festivals this fall following the National GymFest.

Las Vegas GymFest and General Gymnastics Mini-Congress-The event will take place July 10-12, in conjunction with a Rhythmic "Get It Going" clinic. Clinics will be available for coaches, group leaders, as well as partici pan ts.

Pan American Gymnastics Union-Whitlock is preparing a report. PAGU member federations will again be invited to attend a General Gymnastics clinic in conjunction with the National GymFest. Moskovitz was assigned to develop content for the clinic.

General Gymnastics Calendar for the remainder of 1998

Hoosier GymFest, August 14

National Congress - GG performances in Exhibition Hall plus clinics / workshops

National GymFest (at GAT), September 4-7

PAGU Clinic (at GAT), September 4-6

III. GENERAL GYMNASTICS PROMOTION AND EDUCATION, 1999,2000,2001

Whitlock expressed concern that we need to plan events for the upcoming year. The panel agreed that a special focus will be placed on development in the Northeast (Region 6) and the Southeast (Region 8). Representatives will attend each of the Regional Mini-congresses in those areas and present General Gymnastics topics, with the intention of developing regional fes tivals in 1999.

IV. 1998 NATIONAL GYMFEST Whitlock and Laznovsky will be working on plans during their visit to the Texas GymFest.

V. GGAP MEETING The panel agreed to conduct a meeting April 10-12, with site to be

.-.-=-4-=4---------------{( TEC H N IOU E • VOLUME 18 • #4 )f------------------

determined. Moskovitz and Capelotti were assigned to develop poten­tial sites for the meeting.

VI. 1998 NATIONAL CONGRESS, INDIANAPOLIS, AUGUST 20·23

Moskovitz was assigned to develop session topics and contact Jennifer Lee, Speakers Coordinator. The panel agreed that a booth space in the Exhibition Hall was necessary.

VII. 1999 WORLD GYMNAESTRADA The panel agreed to conduct another conference call to deal specifical­ly with World Gymnaestrada.

Call concluded 2:15 p.m. EST Respectfully submitted, David Moskovitz, Leader

RHYTHMIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE MEETING FebruanJ 14, 1998, 7:00 p.m. Downers Grove, Illinois

Present: Committee Members Andrea Schmid Candace Fp' .,berg Maureer Jroderick Lana Lashoff Catherine Yakhimovich Vanessa Vander Pluym

USA Gymnastics Staff Kathy Scanlan Gary Alexander

Cindy French

FIG Technical Committee VP Board of Directors Technical Committee Coaches Representative Coaches Representative Athlete Representative

President Sr. Vice President, Programs & Administration RhythmiC Program Assistant

I. RHYTHMIC PROGRAM DIRECTOR The following committee was selected to act as the Search Committee for the USAG Rhythmic Program Director position. (Note: Kathy Scanlan has subsequently contacted each person and each individual accepted this assignment.)

Susan True - Chair Kathy Scanlan

Andrea Schmid Tamara Gerlack Alia Svirsky Vanessa Vander Pluym Candace Feinberg Catherine Yakhimovich Suzie DiTullio

Member of the Board of Directors President, USA Gymnastics (Non-voting member) FIG Technical Committee Member of the Board of Directors Member of the Board of Directors Athlete Representative VP Board of Directors Coaches Representative J.O. Program Committee

II. RHYTHMIC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The RPC overwhelmingly supported moving the Rhythmic National Championships to coincide with the Artistic Nationals. Due to bid­ding reasons this is to begin 2001. Kathy Scanlan will work with the USAG Events Department and see if it is possible to start in 2000 or 1999, in the cities who have previously been selected to host the Artistic Nationals. The Committee felt the sooner the better.

III. INTERNATIONAL CLUB INVITATIONS The RPC feels that independent clubs should not go to FIG in an attempt to get FIG Sanctions for their competitions, but instead this request should go through USA Gymnastics. The Committee also felt that USA Gymnastics should "encourage rather than discourage" inde­pendent clubs in hosting international events which give our athletes opportunities to compete. Gary Alexander is to contact the four clubs that currently host major international rhythmic events and see how USAG can assist with their event.

IV.ALLA SVIRSKY'S ACCEPTANCE TO DERIUGINA CUP Alia Svirsky can attend the Deriugina Cup permitted she ONLY rep­resents her club and not USA Gymnastics. '

V. FOREIGN ATHLETES & FUNDING Individual non-citizen athletes can compete at the 1998 National Championships but only as exhibition and only if they file a petition to compete and it is approved by the RPc. Non-citizen individual ath­letes, with permanent residence status, can petition to compete at the 1999 Rhythmic Challenge to pOSSibly make the national team, petition to receive USAG funding and be invited to compete in international competitions.

Non-citizen athletes can compete at Group World Trials by following correct procedures in getting approval through USA Gymnastics. The athlete must be a bona fide resident of the United States and must have permission of USA Gymnastics, the Federation of citizenship, and the FIG Executive Committee. The process begins with the athlete send­ing proof of permanent residence in the United States to USA Gymnastics.

For the 1998-1999 season top 4 seniors and top 3 juniors from 1998 Rhythmic Nationals will get funding. Amounts and methods are yet to be determined. Catherine and Lana are to prepare a proposal for the Committee.

VI. FOUR CONTINENTS A decision of the site ofthe 1999 Four Continents will be made by April 6, 1998. Jacksonville is deciding if it is financially capable of hosting the event.

VII. REPORT FROM GARY KARL ALEXANDER The Rhythmic Program will continue to function during the interim period between Program Directors. The rhythmic community is to contact the office with business as usual, however please be aware the turnaround time might be a bit longer than usual.

Kathy Scanlan will contact Nora Campbell concerning the question of the status of Nora's Technical Director position with PAGU.

VIII. FIG REPORT

IX. INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS WERE MADE

X. MEMMEL LETTER The letter from Jeanelle Memmel was discussed and Candace was to answer that competition will continue as currently structured.

-------------------i( TECH N IOU E • VO LUM E 18 • #4 )f-----------------,4:-cs::-.1

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POSITION AVAILABLE POSITIONS AVAILABLE-Career opportunities are now open for qualified level 4-7 coach/instructors for June '98 start. Club in 25th season on Maryland's Eastern Shore, adjacent to Salisbury State University. Full or part-time posi­tions with competitive compensation, health ben­efit, additional income options, and up to 6 weeks vacation time. Contact Bob Morris at Delmarva Gymnastic Academy, Inc., 200 Bateman St., Salisbury, MD 21804; Phone (410) 742-2053; FAX (410) 860-9039; or E-mail: hastings@shore.intercom.net

WORLD CUP GYMNASTICS is looking for a highly qualified girls team coach. Strong spotting

sk ills and good coaching quolificotions a must. Beginner through Elite. Applicants should be pro­fessional, energetic, and have strong organization, and managerial skills. This position is best suited for person wishing to pursue, long-term career in coaching. World Cup Gymnastics, Chappaqua, NY 10514, phone: (914) 238-3901. fa x: (914) 238-3568. Email: cjshh@ix.netcom.com

Announcing the opening of Marin Elite Gymnastics Academy (MEGA) in Marin County, Northern California. MEGA opened January 5, 1998, and is currently accepting applications for employment. Posit ions are open for a full time coach for Girls Pre-Team, and Girls Teams level 5-6. Knowledge of the level 5-6 compulsory routines and some spotting skills required. Openings are also available for instruc­tors to teach Pre-School, Recreational Classes, Rhythmic Classes, Boys Pre-Teams, and Girls Optional Teams. Send resume to MEGA, 72 Woodland Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901 , or call (415) 257.MEGA.

GYMNASTICS COACHES / SPOTTERS WANTED: For all levels Beginner through level 10. This is a rapidly growing program. Applicants must work well with kids and have some knowl­edge of gymnastics. Awesome 10,000 + sq. ft. gym with foam and resi pits in Chicago Suburb. looking for dedicated coaches who want to be part of a fun and successful Team. We are State Champs and have numerous National qualifiers for the past 3 years. Send Resumes to Fox Valley YMCA, Attention Sandy. 3875 Eldamain Rd., Plano, Il60545. (630) 552-4100.

POSITION AVAilABLE: Seeking Full-Time, professional coach to work with Women's Compulsory and Optional Teams (levels 5-10). Excellent salary plus full benefits. Must have choreography experience and experience with USAG competitive programs. largest training facility in North Carolina, located just ten minutes from the beach. Send resume to: Coastal Gymnastics Academy, 509 Bell Fork Rd., Jacksonville, NC 28540. Attention: David Maltbie. 1-910-938-2213.

BOYS GYMNASTICS COACH: We're looking for an energetic, committed man to coach a group of talented, disciplined boys. Your oppor­tunity to strengthen and continue enlarging on already established and successful program. Must be interested in working with our boys pro­gram from beginner class level through pre­team and competitive team Class 6-1. Other duties include teaching recreation classes, and some coaching of level 5 team girls. Full time hours, benefits, vocation. Contact Jane Hesford, Gymnastics World, 8 Heritage Park, Clinton, CT 06413. (860) 669-3547.

HEAD COACH/COORDINATOR: The City of Novato, located 30 minutes north of San Francisco is accepting applications for Head Cooch/Team coordinator. This position will work

to develop a comprehensive program that meets the needs of our pre-team and team gymnasts in our new 12,000 sq. ft. facility (completed in fall/ I998). Salary range - 52,293-2,849/ month, plus benefits. For application and information call (415) 897-4302. Final filing date - April 17.

TEAM COACHES WANTED. Compulsory and optional coaching positions now available for energetic, professionals. Experienced coaches needed to train compulsory and optional level gymnasts. We are located in beautiful southern New Hampshire, 45 minutes from the ocean, mountains, and Boston. Contact Tim Madore, Owner and Head Coach at New England Gymnastics Training Center, Hudson, NH at (603) 880-8482, fax (603) 880-1800, Email: NEGTC@AOl.COM

GYMNASTIC COACH NEEDED ... YESTERDAY! New gymnastic center in Roanoke, TX (Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex) has immediate opening for exceptionally positive coach teaching progres­sions all levels through elite. Please phone or fax Mark at (940) 464-0446.

BUSINESS PARTNERS WANTED. Coaches and instructors wanted to be business partners. No investment required. We are a well-estab­lished program with a modern fully equipped facility. This is on excellent career opportunity for a limited number of people. Apply now and we' ll talk. Partnerships start Sept. 1998. Send cover letter, tell us about yourself, and a resume in confidence to: Mr. Patrick Ahern, Astronauts Gymnastics, 1927 Bundy St., Scranton, PA 18508. If you 're a great worker, why work FOR someone else when you can work as a partner.

GYMNASTICS INSTRUCTOR(S): We are seeking energetic and dedicated full and part­time coaches for our expanding recreational and team programs. We have a comprehensive pro­gram which needs enthusiastic coaches who work well with boys, girls, cheerleading, tumbling, and pre-school classes. Friendly Staff-rapidly growing facility. Salary and benefits commensurote with experience. Send references and resume to Spectrum Gymnastics Academy, 26 Buttrick Rd., londonderry, NH, 03053. Phone or Fox at (603) 434-8388.

PROGRESSIVE GYMNASTICS is seeking a full or part-time experienced recreation direc­tor/heod coach/ instructor. We have a fully­equipped facility and a reputation for quality

and exce llence in gymnastics instruction. If you are a highly motivated, enthusiastic individual, will ing to accept the challenges of a busy gym, please contact us. Salary commensurate with experience. Call Wendy at (718) 463-151 1 or fax resume (718) 463-1236.

THRIVING GYMNASTICS CLUB avai lable for the first time in small, growing community near Ann Arbor, MI. 7200 sq. ft. of space com­pletely set up to meet USA meet specifications. Acre-plus setting on paved road with city utilities. Office with 2-way window for observation, 2 half baths, 2 large gymnastic/ cheer-leading rooms, staff workroom. This club is the only one in town and enjoys a fine reputation for its consistent ability to turn out excellent gymnasts. 5199,500. Glenna Stroud (517) 423-3342. lENAWEE PROPERTIES, INC. (800)968-6083.

GYMNASTIC COACH: Immediate openings at Tim Daggett Gold Medal Gymnastics level 5-Elite plus some class responsibilities. Pay and benefits commensurate with experience. New 16,000 sq. ft. facility. Call or send resume to Joe or Tim at 103 Gold Street, Agawam, MA 01001 (413) 786-4686.

GYMNASTICS' INSTRUCTORS & COM­PULSORY /OPTIONAl COACHES. All-Star Gymnastics Center is seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated teachers and coaches. Teaching: Mon.-Sat. beginner to intermediate level gymnastics skills. Coaching requirements: Must be a U.S.A. Gymnastics professional mem­ber. Coaching levels: 5-9. Salary commensurate with experience. Please send resume or call: Tom Bonacci @ All-Star Gymnastics Center 92 Chelmsford Rd., N. Billerica, MA 01862 - (978) 670-2523.

SEMINARS GET CONTROL OF YOUR BUSINESS: Gain 23 years of business experience in 4-1/2 days at the GymClub Owners' BOOT CAMP. learn secrets why some clubs perpetually grow but why many perpetually linger in mediocrity. FollOWi ng the 800T CAMP strategy, my club has grown for 23 years straight! I GUARANTEE it will be worth your effort to pick up the phone and call me to receive a FREE portfolio including testimonials and agen­da. For All size clubs including those "in plan­ning." Great for Managers too. JEFF METZGER: (513) 489-7575. Next camp: June 25-29.

To place a classified ad: $75 every 90 words. Deadline is the 10th of each proceeding month for the next published issue. For example, the June Tedmique deadfine is May 10th. Send payment to: USA Gymnastics, Oassifieds Ads, Pan American Plaza, Suite 300, 20 I South Copitol Avenue, Indianapofis, IN 46225. Ads submitted without payment Will NOT BE ACCEPTED. USA Gymnastics reserves the right to vary format. Technique is received by more than 12,000 USA Gymnastics profes­sional members, adver tise your open position, product or service here for great results! Call Luan Peszek at 317-237-5050, ext. 246.

I .-4-::-::-6---------------I( TECH N IOU E • VO LU M E 18 • # 4 )}-----------------

I I Event Schedul e

DATE # OF DAYS DISCIPLINE EVENT SITE CONTACT PHONE# ' \

APRIL 1998 16 W NCAA National Championships los Angeles, CA NCAA 913-339-1906 16 M NCAA National Championships State College, PA NCAA 913-339-1906 18 2 R 10_ Championships Orlando, FL Cindy French 317-237-5050 MAY 1998 1 1 MWR USA Gymnastics Executive CommiHee Meeting Indianapolis, IN Julie Bejin 317-237-5050 2 2 MWR USA Gymnastics Boord of Directors Meeting Indianapolis, IN Julie Begin 317-237-5050 7 3 M 10_ National Championships BOHle Creek, MI Dennis Mcintyre 317-237-5050

l 8 4 W 10. Championships SeaHle, WA Connie Maloney 317-237-5050 8 3 R Rhythmic World Championships Sevilla, ESP Cindy French 317-237-5050 9 2 R Rhythmic Eastern Open Tampa, FL Cindy French 317-237-5050 15 3 GG Canadian Gymnaestrado OHawa, ONT, CAN Steve Whitlock 317-237-5050 16 2 R Rhythmic Western Open Downers Grove, IL Cindy French 317-237-5050 16 2 W Level 9 East/West Championships Lansing, MI/Austin, TX Connie Maloney 317-237-5050 JUNE 1998 5 3 R U.S. Rhythmic National Championships Colo. Spgs., CO Cindy French 317-237-5050 14 1 GG California Gym Fest (Disneyland) Anaheim, CA Dean CopeloHi 760-728-8582 17 4 MWR Region VIII Congress Atlanta, GA Marion Dykes 404·325-3745 19 3 MWR Region IV Congress Sf. Paul, MN Robin Ruegg 612·681-9233 TBD W Elite Regionals Various Sites Kathy Kelly 317·237-5050

~ JULY 1998 iii 10 3 W U.S. Challenge TBD Kathy Kelly 317·237-5050 '0

10 3 MWR Senior Pacific Alliance Championships Winnipeg, CAN Gary Alexander 317·237-5050 .. ;;:-

10 3 R "Get It Going" - "Keep It Going" Workshop los Vegas Cindy French 317·237-5050 ... §

11 2 GG GG Coaching Congress and GymFesf Los Vegas Steve Whitlock 317·237-5050 .... ... 15 4 MWR PAGU Junior Championships Houston, TX Gary Alexander 317·237-5050 ~ 15 6 GG Argimtona GymFest '98 . Costa del Maresme Argimtona, ESP Steve Whitlock 317-237-5050 ;;;-18 16 MWR Goodwill Games New York, NY Mike Milidonis 212-484·7640 '" 6-30 4 W US. Classie/National Gymnastics Festival TBD Kathy Kelly 317-237·5050 .... TBD R Pan American Group Championships TBD Cindy French 317-237-5050 :::.

c;-TBD W Elite Regionals (International Only) Various Sites Kathy Kelly 317-237·5050 So AUGUST 1998 §

19 4 MW John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships Indianapolis, IN Jeff Olsen 317-237·5050 ... Q ...

20 3 MWR USA Gymnastics National Congress Indianapolis, IN Steve Whitlock 317-237·5050 ill SEPTEMBER 1998 :;:

4 3 GG USAG/PAGU General Gymnastics Instructor's Training Course Austin, TX Steve Whitlock 317-237-5050 ~ is-

5 3 GG USA Gymnastics Notional Gym Fest Austin, TX Steve Whitlock 317·237·5050 ;:>

11 3 MWR Region I Congress Santa Claro, CA Chere Crowhurst 408-238·7245 S; 18 3 MWR Region II Congress SeaHle, WA Ruth Sandoz 503-246-0818 g OCTOBER 1998 ~

!? 2 3 W TOP National Testing -West TBD Gary Warren 317·237·5050 3!: .. 9 3 W TOP National Testing - East TBD Gary Warren 317·237·5050 So 9 3 MWR Region VII Congress Hunt Valley, MD Steve Koss 800-344-1574 ,"0

10 2 R 10. Group Championships TBD Cindy French 317·237·5050 -"0

15 4 MWR Region VI Congress New York, NY Paul Spadaro 212·957·1963 ~ NOVEMBER 1998 13 1 MWR USA Gymnastics Executive CommiHee Meeting Indianapolis, IN Julie Bejin 317·237·5050 14 2 MWR USA Gymnastics Board of Directors Meeting Indianapolis, IN Julie Bejin 317-237·5050 TBD M Future Stars National Championships TBD Dennis Mcintyre 317·237·5050 TBD M Coaches Workshop TBD Dennis Mcintyre 317·237·5050 DECEMBER 1998 5 2 W National TOP Training Camp TBD Gary Warren 317·237·5050 JANUARY 1999 30 MWR Reese's Gymnastics Cup Phoenix, AZ Jeff Olsen 317-237·5050 FEBRUARY 1999 10 4 M USA Gymnastics Winter Cup Cha llenge TBD Ron Galimore 317·237 -5050 13 2 R Rhythmic Challenge Colo. Springs, CO Cindy French 317·237·5050 TBD W American Classic THO Kathy Ke lly 317·237-5050 MARCH 1999 4 3 MW VISA American Cup TBD Jeff Olsen 317-237·5050 7 1 MWR International 3 on 3 Gymnastics Chompionships TBD Jeff Olsen 317·237·5050 26 2 MW American Team Cup Jr./Sr. Richmond, VA Jeff Olsen 317·237·5050 27 2 W Level 10 State Meets Various sites Various

TBD W American Challenge TBD Kathy Kelly 317·237·5050 APRIL 1999 10 1 W NCAA Regionals Various sites NCAA 913·339·1906 10 2 R 10. Championships TBD Cindy French 317·237·5050

( TECHNIQUE· VOLUME 18 • #4 ) 471

1998 IA'IIY CIRII'ICAIION ICHIDUll 1998 Safety Certification Schedule March 9, 1998 *(Bold Courses, Notional Safety Certifiers are encouraged to offend in order to recertify for the new cycle.)

Minimum age for Safety Certification is 18 years.

MONDAY IS THE LAST DAY REGISTRATIONS CAN BE FAXED FOR COURSES 8EING CONDUCTED THIS WEEKEND. ANY REGISTRATIONS RE(EIVED AFTER THAT TIME ARE NOT GUARANTEED A BOOK OR SPOT ON THE LIST.

APRIL 16* Minot, NO; 4 p.m. Registrations; 4:30-8:30 p.m. course;

(ourse code: RD041698NO; Holiday Inn 701-852-4585; Locol contact: Steve (arver 701-852-4585; (ourse Oir: Rolph Oruecke 414-782-3430

17 Tempe, AI; 6-10 p.m.; (ourse code: HF041798AI; ASU or host hotel (TBA); (ourse Oir: Hiroshi Fujimoto 408-373-1694

17 Hammond, LA; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; (ourse code: (G041798LA; Southeastern University; Local contact: Bo Morris 504-624-8310; (ourse Oir: (aesar Garcia 504-275-4210

17 Livingtson, NJ; 8:45 a.m. registration; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. course; (ourse code: (F0041798NJ; Livingston Gymnastics Academy; 355 Eisenhower Pkwy; 973-992-8007; (ourse Oir: (athy Finkel 973-586-1808

30 Bath, ME; 6-10 p.m.; (ourse code: GB043098ME; Bath YMCA; (ourse Oir: Gerald Bellemore 207-443-3134, 207-395-4306

MAY Federal Way, WA; 7-11 p.m.; (ourse code: LE050198WA; Federal Way High School; (ourse Oir: Leigh Eaton 208-461-2044

Dyer, IN; 2-6 p.m.; (ourse code: MK0501981N; Patti 's All American Gymnostics; 1530 Joliet St. (Rt .30); Locol contact: Patti Komara 219-865-2274; (ourse Oir: Monte Kimes 773-586-6015

JUNE 4 (olorado Springs, (0; 6-10 p.m.; (ourse code: --

0604988CO; Location: TBA (in conjunction with Rhythmic Notionals); (ourse Dir: T8A

13* Stroudsburg, PA; 2-6 p.m.; (ourse code: PF061398PA; Internationol Gymnastics (amp; Local contact: Bruno Klaus 717-629-0244; (ourse Dir: Phil Frank 609-786-3977

17-20 Dunwoody, GA; Time: TBA; Region VIII (ongress; (ourse Oir: (hris (alvert 404-687-9911

19 Bloomington, MN; 3-8 p.m.; (ourse code SG061998MN; Days Inn - Mall of America; In conjunction with Region IV (ongress; (ourse Oir: Scott Goy 612-953-1 911

AUGUST 8* Stroudsburg, PA; 1-5 p.m.; (ourse code: PF080898PA;

International Gymnastics (amp; Local contact: Bruno Klaus 717 -629-0244; (ourse Oir: Phil Fronk 609-786-3977

19* Indianapolis, IN; Time: 1-5 p_m.; (ourse code: NS0819981N; National (ongress "Add-On"; Local (ontact: Tino Sunier 317-237-5050, ext. 238; (ourse Oir: Nationol Safety Staff

23* Indianapolis, IN; Time: 9 a.m.-l :30 p.m.; (ourse code: NS0823981N; Notional (ongress "Add-On"; Local (ontact: Tino Sunier 317-237-5050, ext. 238; (ourse Oir: National Safety Staff

SEPTEMBER 11 ,12,13

Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN; Time TBO; In conjunction with Minnesota Women 's State (ongress; Location: TBO; (ourse Oir: Scott Goy 612-953-1911

18 Montville, NJ; 8:45 a.m. registration, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; (ourse code: CF091898NJ; North Stars; 2 (hangebridge Road; (ourse Oir: (athy Finkel 973-586-1808

26 Edison, NJ; 2:45 p.m. registration; 3-9 p.m.; (ourse code: CF092698NJ; Henderson's Gymnastics; 216 Tingley Lane; 908-769-8746; (ourse Oir: (athy Finkel 973-586-1808

NOVEMBER Livingtson, NJ; 8:45 a.m. registration, 9 o.m.-3 p.m.; (ourse code: (Fll0698NJ; Livingston Gymnastics; 355 Eisenhower Pkwy; 973-992-8007; (ourse Oir: (othy Finkel 973-586-1808

COST: Pro-Member with Current Safety Certification

r--------------------------, Participation Registration Form (Minimum age for Safety Certification is 18 years)

Name:

Soc. Sec. # ____________ Birlh Date _______ _

Address: _______________________ _

Cily: __________ Stale: _____ Zip: _____ _

Telephone: (H) _________ (.W)

Course Director:

Course Cily/State: ____________ Date:

Organization represented:

Professional or Instructor #: ___________________ _

Currenl Safely Exp. Dale: ___________________ _

Form of Payment: 0 VISA 0 MasterCard 0 Discover 0 American Express

Payment Amount: _____________________ _

Nome on Card: ______________________ _

Number: ____ _

Exp. Dote: ___ / __ Signature: _____________ _ L __________________________ ~

wishing to recertify _ .. __ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _. __ ._ .. __ .. _. __ .... __ . __ ..... _ ... _. ...... no charge Safety Certification .............................................. _ .......... .. ... S 50.00 Instructor Member _._ ..... __ .. _ ..... _ ... ___ .. _. __ ... _ .. _._. ___ . __ ....... _ ......... S 50.00 Non-Member or General Member ....................................... _._ S 100.00 * You must have your USA Gymnastics number on the registration form in order to qualify for the discount. (If obtaining your professional or instrudor member­ship at this time, please indicate date purchased) You may not register for a course to recertfly any earlier than 6 months prior to your expiration date. No on-site registration. You must pre-register no later than 10 days prior to the course.

• All materials (including the SaFety Hanclbook) for 4th Cycle courses are prOVided at the course and are port of the course fee.

• Certification is good for four years. • To achieve Safety Certification, the participant must be at least 18

years of age at the time of the course. Please make checks payable, in full, to USA Gymnastics Safety Certification Mail registration form and payment to: USA Gymnastics Safety Pan American Plaza, Suite 300 201 South Capitol Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46225 or Fax to 317-237-5069

USA GYMNASTICS PREFERS VISA·