EVENTS

2007 JANUARY 13-15 Acro Super Clinic{AG) 18-21 Pre-Elite Training Squod Camp (TTl

FEBRUARY 5-11 USA/JPN/Others Training and Verification Camp (W) 7-11 2007 Winter Cup Challenge (M) 7-11 Nationa) Team Training Camp (TIl 15-17 Rhythmic Invitationa) & Coaches Symposium (R) 18 Rhythmic Challenge (R) 21-24 Tyson American Cup Selection Camp (W) 22-24 Winter Classic (TTl 24-27 Tyson American Cup Training Camp (W)

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

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

MAY 4-6 9-13 10-12 11-13

11-13 18-20 24-27 27-31 31-June 1 TBD

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

JULY 4-6

Tyson American Cup (M,W) USA vs. World Training Camp & Competition (W) Great Britain Tour (W) Gymnix International (W) USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships (M)

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

National Elite Qualifier (W), JO National Championships (M) U.S. Elite Challenge/IAGC Team Trial (TT) level 9 East & West Championships (W)

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

American Challenge (W) Notional Team Training Camp (TR) JO Championships (R) Men's Qualifier (M) Trampoline & Tumbling National Championships (TI) Pan Am Gomes Selection Camp (W)

Pan Am Games Training Camp (W)

2 TECHNIQUE. JANUARY 2007

Riverside, CA Houston, TX

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

Jacksonville, Fla. Houston, TX GBR Montreal, CAN Williamsburg, VA

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

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

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

Houston, TX

6-8 7-8 8-14 13-29 21 -22 27-29 T8D TBD

AUGUST 4 15 15 15-18 16-18 25-26

SEPTEMBER

National Elite Qualifier (W) East/West Championships Rhythmic (R) World Gymnaestrada (GG) Pan Americon Games (M,W,R,TR) East/West Championships Rhythmic (R) U.S. Classic/ Challenge (W) Freedom Cup (AG) Junior Olympic National Championships (AG)

National Gymnastics Day National Business Conference State & Reg. Chair Training (TI) Visa Championships (M/W/ R/ AG) National Congress and Trade Show World Cup - Russia (TIl

1-2 World Cup - Poland (TI) 1-9 World Championships (M, W) 13-16 Stars & Stripes Cup/ IAGC Team Trial (TIl 19-23 World Championships (R)

OCTOBER TBD

NOVEMBER 2-4 7-9 25-Dec 7 29-Dec. 2 TOB TBD

National Team Training Camp (AG)

World Championships (TIl International Age-Group Competition (TIl Olympic Test Event JumpStart National Testing Future Stars Notional Championships (M) Notional Coaches Workshop (M)

2008 MAY 9-11 level 9 East & West Championships (W) 16-1 B JO Notional Championships (W)

JUNE 19-22 U.s. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics

AUGUST 8-24 Olympic Games

W = Women M=Men AG = Acroba~c

Gymnastics

R = Rhythmic GG = Group Gymnastics B = Business

NOTE: OtItes and ev",ts sullied to cIHmge or cancellation.

Houston, TX T8D Dornbirn, AUT Rio de Janeiro, BRA TBD TBD USA TBD

San Jose, CA Son Jose, CA Son Jose, CA San Jose, CA St. Petersburg, RUS

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

Houston, Texas

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

TBA Kissimmee, Fl

Philadelphia, PA

Beijing, CHN

TR = Trampoline TU = Tumbling IT = Trampoline/

Tumbling

PUBLISHER Steve Penny

EDITOR

Luan Peszek

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Zemetria Barnes-Perry

USA GYMNASTICS IXICUTIVI COMMlnl1

CHAIR: Ron Froehlich; PRESIDENT: Slev. Penny; VICE CHAIR WOMEN: Tom KolI; VICE CHAIR MEN: Yoichi Tom~o; VICE CHAIR RHYTHMIC: Andreo Schmid, VICE CHAIR TRAMPOUNE: Paul Parillo; VICE CHAIR ACRO·GYMNASTICS: Tanya Case; SECRfTARY: Gory Anderlon; TREASURER: Bob Wood; FIG REPS: Bob Colorolli {Execulive CommiHeel, Ron Fro.hlich (Audilor), Tonyo Case (Acrobolic Gymnastics Technicol CommiHee) and John Roelhlisberger (Alhlel. Rep.). AT lARGE MEMBERS: Sieve Bulcher, David Holcomb; ATHLETE DIREGORS: Kim Zmeskol·BurdeHe, John Roelhlisberger, C .. oIin. Hun!, Korl Heger; USOC ATHlETE DlREGOR: lorissa Fonloine.

USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRICTORS

CHAIR: Ron Froehlich; PRESIDENT: Sieve Penny; PRESIDENT EMERITUS: Sandy Knopp, Mike Donohue; TREASURER: Bob Wood; SECRfTARY: Gory Anderson; VICE CHAIR WOMEN: Tom KolI; VICE CHAIR MEN: Yoichi Tomilo; VICE CHAIR RHYTHMIC: Andrea Schmid, VICE CHAIR TRAMPOUNE: Paul Parillo; VICE CHAIR ACRO·GYMNASTICS: Tonyo Case; PUBUC SEGOR: Bill Hybl, Bob Wood; AMATEUR ATHlETIC UNION: Ron Ferris; AMERICAN SOKOL ORGANIZATION: Jerry Milan; AMERICAN TURNERS: Beny Heppner; COLLEGE GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION·MEN: Froncis Allen; NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGIATE COACHES·WOMEN: Mork Cook; NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORT: Marilyn Sirawbridge; NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS JUDGES: Carole Ide; NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHlETIC ASSOCIATlON·MEN: Yoshi Hoyasoki; NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS: Becky Oakes; NATIONAL GYMNASTICS JUDGES ASSOCIATION·MEN: Bulch Zunich; NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASTICS COACHES ASSOCIATION: Margie Conlield; U.S. ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENOENT GYMNASTICS ClUBS: Paul Ziert; U.S. ElITE COACHES ASSOCIATlON·MEN: Thom Glielmi; U.S. EUTE COACHES ASSOCIATION· WOMEN: Sieve Rybacki Tony Gehman; U.S. MEN'S GYMNASTICS COACHES ASSOCIATION: TIm Klempnouer; U.s. RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS COACHES ASSOCIATION: Suzie DiTullio; YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF THE USA: Cosey Koenig; NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION· WOMEN: Meg Slephenson; NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DIREGORS MEN: Mike Burns, Abie Grossleld; RHYTHMIC: Ivonko Kirov, Michelle Lorson; WOMEN: Kelli Hill, Tom Forster; TRAMPOUNE: Shoun Kemplon, Dr. George Drew; ACRO·GYMNASTICS: Lindo Porter, Joy Binder; ATHlETES COUNCIl: Mohini Bhardwaj, Kim Zmeskol·BurdeHe, Larissa Fonloine, Karl Heger, Jessico Howard, Caroline Hunl, Jamie Morshik, Sieve McCoin, Shannon Miller, Michael Rodrigues, Joy Thornlon, USOC Alhlele Rep.; Larissa Fonloine, Execulive Boord Member John Roelhlisberger. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS, Lori Katz; SPECIAL OLYMPICS, Kale fober·Hickie; U.S. COMPETITIVE AEROBICS fEDERATION, Howard Schwartz

CHANGE Of ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: In order '0 ensure uninlerrupled delivery 01 TECHNIQUE magazine, nolice 01 change 01 address should be mode eighl weeks in advance. For loslesl service, please en dose your presenl moiling label. Direct all subscriplion moil 10 TECHNIQUE Subscriplions, USA Gymnastics, 201 S. Copilol Ave., Sle. 300, Indionopolis, IN 46225.

TECHNIQUE is published monlh~ excepl bimonlh~ in Sepl/ Oct and Nov/ Dec by USA Gymnoslics, Pon Americon Plaza, Suile 300, 201 Soulh Copilol Avenue, Indionopolis, IN 46225 (phone: 317·237·5050) or visil online @ www,uso·gy_noslics,org Subscriplion prices: U.S.-S25 per year; Conodo/Mexico-S48 per year, all olher loreign counlries- S60 per year. If available, bock issue single copies S4 plus postoge/hondling. All reasonable core will be loken, bUI no responsibility con be assumed lor unsoliciled moleriol; enclose relurn posloge. Copyrighl 2006 by USA Gymnastics and TECHNIQUE. All righls reserved. Prinled by Sport Graphics, Indionopolis, IN. Member Services 1·800·345·4719

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

JANUARY 2007 • VOLUME 27 • #1

FEATURES 6 Raising the Bar

Transforming your gym into a personal development center.

lO A Case Study of Trampoline Throw-in Mats & Peak Accelerations

12 Mental Recipe How much of gymnastics is really "mental"?

16 Philadelphia to Host 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials­Gymnastics

18 Member Club Invitational Listing

DEPARTMENTS 4 USA Gymnastics Message

26 Business Tips

30 Athlete Focus

32 KAT/MELPD Schedule

34 Member Services Update

39 What's New

46 Classifieds

48 Safety Certification Schedule

PROGRAM UPDATE

42 Women's Program Update

1

www.usa-gymnastics.org C OVER: ALEXANDER ARTEM EV

PHOTOGRA PHER © M INKUS IM AGES JANU ARY 1007 • TECHNIQUE 3

GYMNASTICS MESSAGE

4 rECHNIQUE' JANUARY 1007

Happy New Year:

I HAVE ALWAYS FELT THAT THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR IS EXCITING. There is a certain sense of momentum that is generated by the countdown from December 31 to January 1. For USA Gymnastics, it is a time to focus on new objectives, with special emphasis on preparing our elite athletes for the 2007 World Championships and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing .

Several key topics were addressed at the fall USA Gymnastics Board of Director's meeting with special emphasis on safety, education, and technology. USA Gymnastics is embarking on several new frontiers to address these important areas.

Safety must be kept at the forefront of every gym nastics professional's efforts. Safety is fundamental to the success and ongoing popularity of the sport. Every gymnastics professional has an obligation to keep their safety and that of their athletes as the number one priority. Emphasis should be placed on safe conduct in the gym at all times. Coaches should not demonstrate tricks or elements that are beyond their reach. And, coaches must ensure that athletes are capable of the skills they are attempting.

USA Gymnastics will be working closely with the gymnastics industry to better identify issues of concern for safety within the sport. Safety continues to be a core message in all of our educational courses. Remember - safety is an every day priority for all of us.

Last August we announced the promotion of Carisa Laughon to the Director of Educational Services. Carisa has been working closely with Kathy Feldmann and others to develop a plan for the USA Gymnastics University certification program, which will be launched in 2007. One of our early priorities was to conduct an FIG Academy in Houston for some of the elite women's coaches, accompanied by a High Performance Clinic. USA Gymnastics will be working closely with the FIG, which has done a great deal of work in developing its Academy materials, featuring various levels of development. We will continue to add on-line courses and build a curriculum for each gymnastics discipline.

Technology is a prevalent theme in all of our lives. USA Gymnastics is beginning a complete redesign of our web-site, which will become more fan-oriented and user friendly. We are also working closely with our technology providers to explore a more efficient membership data processing system, which is a vital component in serving the clubs and professional members.

Among our other key business priorities is the expansion of the Fitness message. The results of our Member Club survey indicate that this directive is well-received and USA Gymnastics' leadership in this category can have an impact. We are developing the new materials for the 2007 Tyson Fitness Challenge and will be delivering the program earlier to the clubs. This year's program will be updated and enhanced with games, levels (beginner-advanced), and preschool components. The Tyson Fitness Challenge will once again be the driving force for our fund-raising effort for the Children's Miracle Network, and the lead-in to National Gymnastics Day.

Lastly, I would like to welcome the St. Vincent Sports Performance Center as a new partner for USA Gymnastics. Based in Indianapolis, the St. Vincent Sports Performance Center and St. Vincent Hospital is providing valuable health resources for some of our elite athletes. Their impact will be felt throughout the sport as their staff will be contributing articles to both Technique and USA Gymnastics about conditioning , fitness, preventative care, injury rehab and sports psychology. We look forward to their involvement in the sport to provide new information on keeping our athletes healthy.

Once again, Happy New Year!!

See you in the gym.

President

PHOTO STEVE lANGE

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By Dr. Robyn J. A. Silverman I

up aU ove~ How can

e C:listin~U1ish ourselves from the crowd? In this high­erscheduled world of drop-offs and pick-ups,

seeking a place that over-delivers. Let this

Child Development Specialist and Character Education

Expert give you the strategies to transform your gym into a

powerful Personal Development Center that will make your

students want to strap on their gym shoes and stay a lot longer than just a while. I don't want you to worry. Transforming into a Personal Development Center will in no way take away from your stellar gymnastics curriculum. And as the hundreds of schools that we currently consult with have already found out, this new philosophy will add that extra special something that will keep new people coming in, prevent regulars from dropping out, and create a public buzz that brands your school as a community resource.

Many schools will say that they would like to teach personal development at their gyms. Leading instructors know that not everyone is looking for their child to become an Olympian in gymnastics but rather, an Olympian of life. But up until now, it has been difficult to find a character curriculum that takes into account the time constraints of a busy gymnastics academy.

We know that parents desire two programs in one. They want all the value of a program that addresses the major concerns of self confidence, respect, perseverance and self discipline as well as one that provides a fun and exciting gymnastics curriculum that will challenge and motivate. One stop shopping is imperative and skimping is not an option. That is, unless you

want to shorten the shelf life of every student that walks through the door. Clearly, you want to be the best. The opportunity to transform your club into a personal development center is available for the taking; you just need to know where to start. Fortunately, it's as easy as ABCD.

Assess Your Environment

An effective, positive environment provides a pleasant atmosphere for all the senses. Anyone can have four walls and a training floor and call it a gymnastics club. It takes quite a bit more to make it a Personal Development Center. A positive environment evolves when you take great care with how your school appears to others, what you choose to display, and what information goes up on the walls. People wonder as soon as they walk through your doors, "Is this the place for us?"

Look around your academy and ask your senses to go to work. Take a walk in your buyers' shoes! What do prospective and current students see? What do they hear? What do they smell? If you want your gym to be perceived as a Personal Development Center, do not dress it up in old, stinky, dusty, ~

6 TECHNIQUE· JANUARY 2007

drab clothes! After all, when you don't keep up your club's interior, it sends the message that you don't take care of other parts of your business as well.

An effective positive environment also provides informational centers where busy parents can see all the ways you are assisting their children and teens at a glance. These areas serve as your Powerful Extra Value Indicators (PEVI). PEVI help parents assess what their children are going to be learning this month over and above gymnastics, as well as what kinds of community events, presentations and parenting seminars will be provided at or in conjunction with your Personal Development Center.

Finally, make sure to check how the pictures hung on your walls and the photos you select for your Web site read to others. During my doctoral career, I did an entire study on the pictures presented on the Web sites by hundreds of U.S.-based martial arts academies, gymnastics schools, and swimming clubs. Gymnastics academies continually featured pictures of more females, as well as more females in active motion when compared to males. While these schools might have desired an equal attendance of boys and girls, their choice of pictures said differently.

Put simply, make sure that your school represents who you wish to attract. If you are looking to attract more boys, be sure to include pictures of boys up on your walls. If you are looking to attract more preschoolers, be sure to include some of the 3-6 year-old character projects on your walls. When the group you are trying to attract can "see" themselves at your academy, they will find themselves at home and will want to stay.

Build Staff Image We all likely remember the old expression, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." This adage certainly holds true in industries that deal with parents and children. While we already discussed how this pertains to the physical environment, it also relates to staff image. In fact, staff image can be portrayed even when potential or current clients are not in site. If staff rush people off the phone to get back to their class, or worse yet, ask an untrained teenager to answer the phone with a less than appealing, "Ahhhh, yeah?," this is NOT a good first impression.

Ideally, a Personal Development Center would employ a fabulous front-end staff member with a sunny demeanor and a

8 TECHNIQUE· JANUARY 2007

. ffective positive environment provides informational centers where busy parents can see all the ways you are assisting their children and teens at a glan ,

bubbly voice. If this is currently not an option, training a reliable student and providing a detailed phone script is useful. Otherwise, as I have recorded for several of our Powerful Words clients, have someone who speaks with a smile in her voice record a phone message for you. A great phone greeting can make the difference between someone leaving a message or hanging up the phone.

As for the way people are greeted when they first step into the school, the same rules apply. Greet someone as you would your favorite family member or old friend. Otherwise, ask someone on your staff to do this for you. Have a system in place so that your staff knows exactly what to do and say. Everyone should be greeted equally. Just because a child is 4 years old does not mean that she/he should be ignored.

Higb fives, iron-on patches, and even private "praise chats" urge children to stretch their character even when nobody is lookirtg.

Connect with the Community Although it sometimes feels that way, your club is not an island. There is a whole big community out there and they would love to know about your programs! As a Personal Development Center, your school becomes a resource. Community outreach and events are ways to provide your programs, often free of cost, to your community. Community outreach allows schools, and other kid-friendly places to benefit from your creativity, charisma, and knowledge.

Many of you might be wondering why you would go through the trouble of offering programs to your community free of charge. On the one hand, community outreach programs provide others with a sampling of what you offer in your own academy. It allows them to participate in some introductory lessons in public buildings that they know and trust such as schools, churches, and libraries. On the other hand, it is a good service and great karma to give of your heart and time willingly.

While it is wonderful to do activities outside of your gym, perhaps my favorite community outreach programs take place right at the Personal Development Centers. Teacher Appreciation Weeks, a carthwheel-a-thon for charity, or a National Gymnastics Day celebration can help you connect with the community and provide services of gratitude. When you show that you value your community, you become of value to the community.

Incidentally, when community events are planned, it is vital that you let people know about it! Besides putting out balloons and signs about the event. alerting the press of your outreach program is a must. You are a resource to the community-let them know it! The more people who know about you, the more good you can do.

Develop and Teach Character A comprehensive, we ll-thought out character program is the hallmark of a great Personal Development Center. Gymnastics can be a wonderful vehicle for helping students to exercise perseverance, respect, kindness, and goal-setting-but if you are looking to be among the most effective, there is more to teaching character than what chi ldren learn from osmosis.

If you are not an expert in child development and character, either enlist the assistance of someone who is or use a program that is designed by a professional whom you trust. We are here to help you . You do not need to do it all on your own! In fact. coming up with something off the top of your head each day does not lay the groundwork for consistency or systemization-something we all strive to achieve. The best business men and women use qualified experts to make their programs the most successful.

A great character program considers several different groups; students, parents, and instructors. With regard to the students, take­home projects and in-class discussions about character should be easy to understand as well as appropriately challenging for each age group.

Further, building proper praise and reward systems into your character program can help to encourage students to make good choices. High fives, iron-on patches, and even private "praise chats" urge children to stretch their character even when nobody is looking.

Parents also need your wisdom. The reason that we teach our character education program at the end of class is so parents can hear the powerful messages concerning the word of the month as well! Perhaps it goes without saying, but parents can use this information as much (if not more) than the students in your class. Your powerful messages can be used as springboards for discussion in the car, at home, out in public, and just about anywhere else. Wouldn't it be great to know that your lessons were being discussed outside of class?

Finally, the character development program should serve the instructors. Many of you have hopes of getting off the floor one day to take a breather between classes, don't you? We designed the program six years ago so that the main instructors could get off the floor for a few minutes to say hello to parents, eat. or go to the bathroom between classes. With some quick training, anyone from a program director to a responsible advanced level teen can open up the floor for a developmentally-appropriate discussion about the word of the month. Can you see it now? ~ continue on p.44

~ A-..Il How would you like to give your clients the extras that they are looking for?

'll',' rDLm CPCDl!i!7rnMO I!i!7CDm1J~ D@ __ .......... i.o..W (f ~D S Character Education Toolkit for Gymnastics U[][] ~CBrn[f(B1J am ~rnrnrnCB~~Q

Parent leners Newslener Inserts

Press Releases Teacher leners

www.GoldMedalCharacter.com (781) 718-1640

Bulletin Board Displavs Age Appropriate Mat Chats

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HI DAlY 2007 • fEU.'OIf 9

OF TRAMPOLINE THROW-IN

MATS & PEAK ACCELERATIONS

By Wm A. Sands, Ph.D. and George Drew, D.O., FACEP

NE OF THE MAJOR SAFETY INNOVATIONS FOR TRAMPOLINE IS the "throw-in" mat. This mat is used by a coach or spotter to reduce the severity of impact of the gymnast on the trampoline bed and to effectively "kill" the athlete's bounce or reduce bounce forces sufficiently that the athlete can regain control. A PubMed™, Google Scholar™, and Sport Discus™ literature search using the keywords "trampoline," "throw-in mat" and "spotting mat" revealed no existing literature citations on this topic. However, the use of the throw-in mat is described on at least one website: "There will be a tendency to overturn the skill as they are completing the twist and will need a spot at

this time. A throw-in mat also works good [sic] for this" and "As they begin to complete the rudi, they may need a spot or a "throw-in" mat during the landing" (http:www.tu-darmstadt.de/hg/ webtramp/ en/ rep/ teach. html). Other websites mention throw-in mats, but do not go into detail on their use or efficacy (http://www.outreach.psu.edu/programs/ psusportcamps/ gymnastics/default_Coaches.htm and http://www.antigravitysports.com/ trampoline_tumbling_classes.htm ). Consulting all of the U.S. Gymnastics Federation and later USA Gymnastics safety manuals produced no listings involving throw-in mats for trampoline. Even a book

with the title Trampoline Safety Manual (Harris, 1978) makes no mention of a throw-in mat. This paucity of information is not uncommon in many aspects of gymnastics training and performance.

In this case study, Dr. George Drew, DO served as the subject and performed several trials of 3/4 front somersaults on an in-ground full-size string bed trampoline. The somersaults were performed at the Men's Gymnastics training facility at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Dr. Drew is on the USA Gymnastics Trampoline and Tumbling National Coaching Staff and an experienced and previously competitive trampolinist. He attempted to bounce to roughly the same height each time and perform the three-quarters somersaults as consistently as possible.

Three relatively consistent trials of five attempts were selected for analysis. The trial conditions included three trials performed onto the trampoline bed without a throw-mat, three trials with a 120 x 182 x 10 cm 9.3 kg throw-mat (four inch), and a 90 x 150 x 20 cm 8.7 kg skill cushion (eight inch). The order of conditions was: no mat, skill cushion, and throw-mat.

Dr. Drew was instrumented with a 3-dimensional accelerometer (PASCO Scientific, Roseville, Calif.). By "3-dimensional" we refer to the idea that the sensor has three single axis accelerometers oriented at right angles to each other (forming axes in X, Y, and Z directions). The three directions of the accelerometer allow collection of accelerations in three directions completely characterizing accelerations in three-dimensional space. The three acceleration directions were used to calculate resultant accelerations.

The accelerometer was connected to an AirlinkTM transmitter (PASCO Scientific, Roseville, Calif.) that provided telemetry of the data at 100 Hz (100 samples per second) via Bluetooth ™ technology. The accelerometer and transmitter were taped to Dr. Drew at approximately the level of the mid-sternum . Data was captured, stored, and displayed using DataStudio™ (PASCO Scientific, Roseville, Calif.). All three directions of acceleration data were collected. A resultant acceleration was calculated and used for further data analyses. Accelerations were collected in "Gs." A "G" is a unit used to describe acceleration relative to earth's gravity. A G is approximately 9.81 meters per second per second or otherwise expressed as 9.81 m.s-z. Acceleration refers to the change in velocity. In other words, you accelerate a certain number of meters per second - each second. As you stand, sit or lie on the surface of the earth you experience l-G acceleration due to gravity. When an airplane accelerates during take off or when you ride an amusement park rollercoaster you commonly experience the effects of accelerations greater than 1 G (feeling pressed into the seat) or less than 1 G when you feel lighter or rise off the seat.

The results of the trials and conditions are shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Note that the 4" throw mat showed the greatest reduction in impact accelerations with the 8" skill cushion close behind. The no mat condition, as expected, resulted in the highest peak accelerations. The use of throw-in mats appears to be effective in reducing peak accelerations and thus forces of impact. The reduction of force is verified by the common equation F = m.a (force = mass times acceleration). In this case, mass does not change so any reduction in acceleration will result in reduced force.

Note that the measured peak accelerations in Figures 1 through 3 have some variability. However, the overall ranges of these accelerations indicate that the use of a throw-in mat appears to reduce peak accelerations on impact. The slight advantage showed by the four inch mat may be due to its increased mass (i.e., heavier) than the eight inch mat.

This idea may serve as an impetus to throw-in mat design to direct attention to the mass or weight of the mat. A heavier mat will possess more inertia on impact and may thus cause the trampoline bed rebound to be attenuated (i.e., reduced) and this may help reduce the subsequent bounce of the athlete following his/her impact with the mat. Of course, the mat also has to be light enough to be thrown easily. Therefore, future research should be directed at determining the optimum weight and size of the throw-in mat in order to maximize its ability to reduce impact forces while also being easily thrown or maneuvered under the falling trampolinist. X

13

12 11

10 9

Wm A. Sands. Ph.D. Performance Services Sport Biomechanics and Engineering U.S. Olympic Committee

George Drew. D.O .. FACEP USA Gymnastics Trampoline and Tumbling National Coaching Staff National Team Physician. USA Gymnastics T&T Associate Professor. Michigan State University. College of Human Medicine Butterworth Hospital. Department of Emergency Medicine. Grand Rapids. MI

Reference List

Hams. R. (1978). Trampoline safety manual. Cedar Rapids.lA: Wagners Printers.

Impact Resultant Acceleration - Trampoli ne - 4" Mat

rJ' '" 'J!. ... /

I \l 1 -'I. \ I \\ \

r/1' t/ I\, II

Time (5)

Figure 1, Impact Resultant Accelerations. Four Inch Throw-In Mat Condition,

13

12 11

10

9

Impact Resultant Acceleration - Trampoline - 8" Mat

11 Il , I ! l'. ,

... Y K1.

.....-vll .... ,pJ'

Time (5)

Figure 2, Impact Resultant Accelerations. Eight Inch Throw-In Mat Condition,

13

12

11

10

9

Impact Resultant Acceleration - Trampoline - No Mat

A r

f \.

8 --4~ T2

___ 4NT3

!8 - 8" T2 __ 8" T3

I I~NO MatT~ 1 I { - No MatT2

No Mat T3

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Time (5)

Figure 3. Impact Resultant Accelerations. No Mat Condition,

JANUARY 2007 • TECHNIQUE 11

12 TECHNIQUE· JANUARY 2007

How much of gymnastics is really "lIfen(a/"?

BY CHRIS CARR, PH.D. SPORT AND PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGIST,

PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM, COORDINATOR,

IN DIANA NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE - INDIANAPOLIS, IN,

USA DIVING NATIONAL TEAM SPORT PSYCHOLOGIST

~ StYincent ~ Sports Pelfonnance Center

ASKING THE QUESTION AND MAKING A DECISION ABOUT MENTAL SKILLS TRAINING Whenever I begin a meeting with a team for the first time, I ask the athletes the following questions: "What percent of your sport is mental?" .... then I ask, "Of all the mistakes you make in your sport performance, what percentage of them are "mental" mistakes?" . .. then finally, I ask, "Of all your training and preparation time for your sport, what percent do you spend doing "mental" training?" At this point, most of the athletes understand where I'm going. They indicate anywhere from 70-95% of their sport is mental, and most gymnasts will say that "at least 90-95% of their mistakes are "mental" (meaning that they can do the ski ll, like a back handspring on beam, but they didn't do it when they needed to, like in a meet). They all report that they spend very little time, if any, doing "mental skills" training .

As a member of the United States Olympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry, I have many conversations with other sport psychologists that work with elite athletes. In my 10 years (1992-2002) as the Sport Psychologist for the United States Men's Alpine Team, and in my current role as the Sport Psychologist for the USA National Diving Team, I have observed and worked with a number of elite athletes. In the five years I was the athletic department sport psychologist at The Ohio State University, I worked with both the men's and women's gymnastics teams. In all of these experiences, I can clearly state that the actual TIME an athlete needs to commit to a mental skills "plan" is about 25-35 minutes a day on average. So when I ask athletes "Is it worth it to you to try something different (mental skills training) for 25-35 minutes a day, if you make ONE less mental mistake the next time you compete?" If you are reading this and are saying to yourself, "Yes, it is worth it," then let me describe briefly some of the skills that help athletes develop a mental skills plan .

THE "INGREDIENTS" FOR A MENTAL SKILLS RECIPE It may be easy to think of a good mental skills plan as a "recipe." You need certain "ingredients" to make a great final product. The basic ingredients of a good mental skills plan are: a) goal setting strategies; b) energy management skills; c) focus and concentration skills; and, d) a mental skills individualized routine.

Goal setting strategies are often quite simple. I have athletes take a stack of 3 x 5 cards and put them in their backpack or locker. Then before every practice, write the date on top and put down one to three goals they want to accomplish for that practice. For example, "I want to stick 90% of my landings on vault" is a good goal for practice. How do I know it's a good goal? An effective goal can meet the following rules: it is specific, challenging, realistic, adjustable, and measurable ... . known as SCRAM. Research in goal setting shows that setting controllable (in gymnastics, you can't control the scores, the judges do) and realistic goals, on a daily basis, help to guide you to your ultimate goal (e.g. getting a personal best score). You do need to know where you are going (your outcome ... a score or place) , but it is the "process" of getting there (daily practice) where it is most important to work on your goals.

The second ingredient, energy management, is really a process where you can "get the butterflies to fly in formation." Gymnasts need to understand that the nerves you feel before an event or meet are normal. But when those nerves hurt your performance, they can be overwhelming. One of the best techniques to practice, three to five times a week, is relaxation training. You can get a relaxation CD at many places where they sell music CDs; in my practice, I make individualized relaxation CDs for my clients. The goal is to practice relaxation on a regular basis so that right before you begin your beam routine, you can take a deep breath, think of your focused "cue" word, and then begin your routine. But just like any tumbling skill, you can't expect to be good at relaxation if you don't practice it! And relaxation training can help you with other "performances," like before a math test, a speech in class, or just before you get ready for your second vault.

Focus and concentration techniques, the third ingredient, are most commonly called imagery and visualization. These techniques are not so much about visualizing yourself getting a medal at the Olympic Games, but visualizing your next tumbling pass when you are choreographing a new floor routine. It is important that you visualize what to DO, rather than NOT DO. For example, on a beam dismount, you want to visualize the cues of "do ... , then do .... " versus "don't go

14 rfCHII'QUE· JANUARY 2007

-

slow ... " or "don't land short." One technique I have gymnasts do is write down each of their routines/events based on their "best" performance ("When you have a perfect floor exercise ... what do you think, how do you feel, what do you do?"). Then you can read and review each of these exercises at night before you go to bed . .. then close your eyes, do some relaxed breathing, and visualize yourself doing that same routine. Just like relaxation, the more you practice, the better you get with your concentration and focus skills.

Finally, you put all your techniques together by having a consistent and regular mental training routine. I have all of my clients keep a mental training JOURNAL/DIARY when they begin to do sport psychology work with me. This journal can be a great tool to write in when you had a great practice and want to remember what skills and thoughts you had that day, or even when you had a bad practice you can write down the negative thoughts, then write down how you will do better the next practice. Also, individual mental training techniques such as pre-meet mental routines, pre-event mental routines (e.g. doing a similar set of focus skills before each beam routine), and re-focus strategies (e.g. a consistent routine you do when you are struggling in practice, like taking five deep breaths, telling yourself "Slow down ... keep it simple," and then a positive "cue" before you go again) are all very individualized techniques. They get better and better with practice and taking the time to look at what you do every day.

PUTTING THE INGREDIENTS TOGETHER My daughter Rachel is a Level 7 gymnast and she loves her sport. As an inquisitive 11- year-old she'll ask me "What do you say to athletes before the Olympics?", as if she is asking for the "magic" answer to the "mental" game. I tell her, "Well, before the Olympics you have to TRUST your training .... and that includes your mental training." Understand that the "mental game" is not a magical event, but the result of the time and effort that you put into practicing those skills on a regular basis, over and over again .. . .for 25-35 minutes a day. So, is it worth it to you? If so, good luck with helping your athletes put together their "mental" recipe! 1\

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JANUARY 2007 • TECHIIIQUE 15

USA Gymnastics has awarded the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials -Gymnastics to Philadelphia, which will hold the event at the Wachovia Center, June 19-22. The USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show will be staged at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in conjunction with the u.s. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics. "The 2008 U.s. Olympic Team Trials for gymnastics is going to be a tremendous showcase for the Olympic movement prior to the Beijing Olympic Games," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "We are proud to partner with Philadelphia and the Wachovia Center to bring this prestigious event to the City of Brotherly Love. We know the enthusiasm of the people, the renewed vibrancy of the city, and the deep spirit of patriotism will be a perfect backdrop for the selection of our u.s. team. Philadelphia has proven to be a strong supporter of gymnastics events in the past, and we are confident this will be a successful event."

The U.s. Olympic Team Trials for all sports is a collaborative, three-way partnership between the u.s. Olympic Committee, the National Governing Bodies and the Local Organizing Committees.

"The USOC is committed to working in partnership with USA Gymnastics and the city of Philadelphia to provide a world-class Olympic Trials event that will be the next step towards our common goal of competitive excellence in Beijing," said Steve Roush,

16 rECHNIQUE· JANUARY 2007

the USOC's Chief of Sport Performance. Premier gymnastics is not new to Philadelphia.

Most recently, the city has hosted the 2001 U.s. Gymnastics Championships and the 2006 Tyson American Cup, as well as stops on the 2003-04 T J . Maxx Tour of Gymnastics Champions.

The Wachovia Center, one of the nation's most premier facilities, has already hosted the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals, the 1998 U.s. Figure Skating Championships, 1999 American Hockey League All -Star Game, the 2000 NCAA Women's Final Four, the 2000 Republican National Convention, the 2001 NBA Finals, the 2001 NCAA Men's East Regionals, the 2002 X Games, the 2002 NBA All-Star Game and the 2006 NCAA Men's First and Second Round Games, as well as will host the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships.

Past venues for the u.s. Olympic Team Trials for gymnastics are: 2004, Anaheim, Calif.; 1996 and 2000, Boston; and 1992, Baltimore, Md. 1\

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group; WHlite, prepopt, open Club Name - Dynamite Gym., Inc. Start Date - 2/2/2007 Start Date - 2110/2007 Club Name -California Dynamites Top Flight Invite Phone - 217-875-1400 Club Name - Empire Gymnastics

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18 TECHNIQUE· JANUARY 2007

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levels -W4-6 -Salcianu GYM lucky Star Challenge Phone - 513/942-4435 Emerald Team Challenge Start Date - 2116/2007

Phone - 702/795-3332 Start Date -3/3/2007 levels - W4-10 Start Date - 3110/2007 Club Name - Meadowlands GYM

Festival In Motion levels - W4-Elite Club Name -Star Bound Gymnastics Follow your Dreams Inv 2007 Club Name - National Academy of Training Center

Start Date - 2124/2007 Academy Artistic Gymnastics Phone - 7241745-5558 Club Name - Gym-Jester Vegas Vacations Phone - 856/825-9222

Start Date - 311712007 Phone - 5411744-2002 levels -W4-10, prepopt. Gymnastics, Inc. Start Date - 21212007 levels - W4-10

Club Name - Fliptastic levels - W4-Elite Phone - 9891754-7401 Club Name - Academy of GYM Gymnastics Inc. Nittany Spring Invitational levels - W5-1O, prepopt. - Salcianu GYM NEW MEXICO

Phone -6141529-8828 PENNSYLVANIA Start Date - 3/2512007 Phone - 702/795-3332 levels - W4-8 Return to the Olde Country

Club Name - Nittany Gymnastics levels - W4-Elite

2007 American Dream Invitational Invitational Jester Fest Inv Start Date - 21212007 Academy Start Date - 2110/2007 Winter Blast Start Date - 2116/2007

Club Name - Dana's Westside Start Date - 21212007 Club Name - Accelerations Phone - 814/238-8995 Club Name - Gym-Jester Cactus Cooler Invitational Gymnastics, In Club Name - Hyde Park Gymnastics Gymnasti cs Acad levels -W4-7 Gymnastics, Inc. Start Date - 2123/2007 Phone - 9891754-7401 Club Name - Desert Gymcats

Phone - 505/898-7334 Phone - 513/527-4343 Phone -717/560-4978

levels - M4-10 Gymnastics Levels - W3-Elite levels - W4-10; M4-10 levels -W4-10, prepopt. Nittany Boys Invitational

Phone - 702098-3547 Start Date - 2125/2007

GTC Classic Cup levels - W4-Elite NEW YORK 2007 Blaine Wilson Ohio Classic Dutch Classic Club Name - Nittany Gymnastics

Start Date - 3/912007 Spring Graffiti Invitational Start Date - 211612007 Start Date - 2110/2007 Academy

Club Name - Gymnastic Training Vegas Cup Start Date -4/20/2007 Club Name - Ohio Gym Institute, Inc. Club Name - Berks Gymnastic Acad. Phone -8141238-8995

Center Roch Start Date - 219/2007 Club Name - Flips Gymnastics Phone - 330/652-4386 Phone -610/372-8454 levels - M4-7 Phone - 2481852-7950 Club Name - Gymcats Gymnastics and Sport levels - M4-1 0 levels - W4-10, prepopt.

levels - W4-1 0 Phone -7021566-1414 Phone -716/433-8811 Friendship Classic levels - W4-1 0 levels - W3-10 Winterfest 2007 Berks Beach Bash Start Date - 3123/2007 Start Date - 3124/2007

MINNESOTA Start Date -112712007 Club Name - Berks Gymnastic Club Name - Portsville Gymnastic Rev It Up Gymnastics Nevada Challenge Orchard Park Gymstars Invitational Club Name - Queen City Academy Training Start Date - 2/312007 Start Date - 21212007 Start Date - 21912007 Gymnasticsl Kids First Phone - 610/372-8454 Phone - 570/628-4966 Club Name - Flyaways Gold Club Name - Gymnastics Nevada 70 Weiss Ave; W Seneca, NY 14224 Phone - 513/489-7575 levels -W4-6 levels - W4-Elite Gymnastics Phone -775/355-7755 Phone -716/675-9748 levels - M4-Elite Phone - 651/464-8648 levels -W4-10; M 4-10, Open levels - W4-10 Tri State Optional Team Winteriest levels - M04,MOS,M06 Shooting Stars Invitational Championships Start Date - 21212007

Spring Fest long Island Classic Start Date - 2/3/2007 Start Date - 212412007 Club Name - Ricochets Twin Cities Classic Meet Start Date - 3/3/2007 Start Date - 31212007 Club Name - Sta~ GYM And Club Name - Butler Gymnastics Gymnastics Club Start Date - 21212007 Club Name - High Sierra Gymnastics Club Name -long Island Gym Nest Dance, Inc. Club, Inc. Club Name - Classic Gymnastics, Inc. Phone -7751747-7748 Phone -631/924-9422 Phone - 937/252-8787 Phone -724/482-2900

Phone - 2151328-0900

Phone - 952/368-1909 levels -W4-8 levels - W3-Elite, Open levels -W4-9 levels - W7-10 levels - W4-10, prepopt.

levels - W4-10 Dalmation Classic Starz and Stripes 2007 Niagara Cup 2007 Sunrise Boys Gymfest Tri State Compulsory Team Champs

Shamrock Shake Invitation Start Date - 2117/2007 Start Date - 31912007 Start Date - 2/1112007 Start Date - 3/3112007 Start Date - 21912007

Start Date - 3/10/2007 Club Name - Starz Gymnastics, Club Name - Niagaral Gleason's Club Name -Sunrise Gymnastics Club Name - Butler Gymnastics Club Name - Spirit GYM Club Name - North Shore Gymnastics Dance, & Che Gymnastics Academy Club, In c. Training Center Phone - 763-479-3189 Phone -775/853-9494 Phone -716/694-6557 Phone - 419/841-2902 Phone - 7241482-2900 Phone - 215/699-2900 levels -W4-6 levels - M4-10; W4-Elite; Tl-Elite levels - W4-Elite levels - M4-10, Open levels -W4-7 levels - W4-10 ~

20 TECHNI QU E· JANUARY 2007

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Member (Iub Invitational Listing 10th Annual Star Stru ck Flower Power Invitational Start Date - 212/2007 Start Date - 4114/2007 Club Name - Star Bound Cl ub Name - Chantilly Academy Gymnastics Academy Phone - 703/3 78-4966 Phone - 856/82S-9222 levels -W4-10 levels - W4-10

Exca libur Cup Fun In The Sun Meet Start Date - 2116/2007 Start Date - 3/212007 Club Name - Excalibur Gymnastics Club Name -Trinity Gymnastics Inc Phone - 757/499-8258 Phone -724/444-3010 levels -W3-10, prepopt.

levels - W4-Elite, Open

Teddy Bears Picnic Rock and Roll Rumble Start Date - 211012007 Start Date - 3/3/2007 Club Name - Gymnastics, Inc. Club Name - X-Cel Gymnastics Phone - 7S7/723-4966 Phone - 724/772-0055 levels - W3-10 levels -W4-7, prepopt.

Rodeo Round Up TENNESSEE Start Date - 311012007 Gatl inberg Classic Club Name -Gymnastics, Inc. Start Date - 2123/2007 Phone - 7S7/723-4966 Club Name -WEGA Gymnastics levels - W3-10 Phone - 86S/696-8930 levels - W2-Elite; Tl -10; M4-10 VA Beach Classic

Start Date - 21212007 TEXAS Club Name -Gymstrada Gymnastic Invitationa l School Start Date -1 /27/2007 Phone -757/499-8591 Club Name -Achiever; Gymnastics Center levels - W4-10 Phone - 940/484-4900 levels - W2-10

Miss March Meet Sta rt Date -3/3/2007 Alamo Mens Cha ll enge Club Name - lynchbu rg Acad of GYM Start Date - 211012007 & Power Club Name -Alamo Gymnastics Center Phone -4341239-8900 Phone - 2101479-8282

levels - M4-Elite levels - W4-10

Sweetheart Invitational River Walk Classic Start Date - 212412007 Start Date - 2117/2007 Club Name - Brown's Gymnastics Central Club Name - Ocean Tumblers Phone - 407/869-8744 Gymnastics levels - W2-Eli te Phone -757/547-0169

levels - W4-10, prepopt. Friendship Invite

Shamrock Invitational Start Date - 213/2007 Club Name - Eagles Wings Athletics Start Date - 3117/2007 Phone - 972/727-991 1 Club Name - Ocean Tum blers levels - M4-Elite Gymnastics

Phone -7571547-0169 Houston National Invitational levels - W4-10, prepopt. Start Date -3/2/2007 Club Name - Houston GYM Club VA NAWGJ Judges Cup of the JCC Start Date - 2124/2007 Phone - 713/729-3200 x3272 Club Name - Ocean Tum blers levels - M4-10; W4-Elite Gymnastics

Phone - 757/547-0169 Rose City Classic Gymnastics levels - W4-10 Start Date - 3/9/2007 Club Name -Texas East Gymnastics Spring Fling Phone - 903/509-2924 Start Date - 3/312007 levels - W2-Elite Club Name -Stafford Gymnastics Center

Phone - 540/373-8192 Trevino's Tumbling & Trampoline levels -W4-9 Invitational 2007 Start Date - 2123/2007 Mother May I Club Name -Trevino's Gymnastics Start Date - 4115/2007 Phone - 972/223-0167 Club Name -World Class Gymnastics l lC levels - Tl-Elite Phone -757/873-6440

WOGA Classic 2007 levels -W4-7

Start Date - 21312007 Team Cha llenge Club Name -WOGA Gymnastics Start Date - 2118/2007 Phone - 972/985-9292 Club Name -Youth Sports Virginia levels -W2-Elite Training

UTAH Phone - 703-590-8400 levels -W3-9

Winter Classic Start Date - 2123/2007 Presidents Day Invitational Club Name - Black Diamond Gym Start Date - 2117/2007 & Sports Center Club Name -Youth Sports Virginia Phone - 435/615-1800 levels - W4-Elite, Open Training

Phone - 703-590-8400

VIRGIN IA levels - M4-10

Emerald City Classic WASHINGTON Start Date - 31212007

Club Name - APEX Fall Classic Phone - 703/777-5344 Start Date - 3117/2007

levels - W4-10, prepopt. Club Name - Cascade Elite GymnastiCS Phone - 206/672-6887

Merry March Invitational levels -W4-1 0 Start Date - 311712007 Club Name -Chantilly Academy Rainier Cup Phone -703/378-4966 Start Date - 112712007 levels -W4-10 Club Name -Gymnastics Unlimited, Inc.

Phone - 253/815-0998 levels -W4-10

PJ Classic Start Date - 3/3/2007 Club Name - Gymnastics Unlimited, Inc. Phone - 253/815-0998 levels- W4-1 0

Bunny Hop Invitational Start Date - 3/23/2007 Club Name - Metropolitan Gymnastics, In c. Phone - 206/575-4138 levels -W4-10

Invitational Meet Start Date - 3/31/2007 Club Name - Northshore Gymnastics Center Phone - 425/402-6602 levels -W4-6

Invitational Meet Start Date - 2/17/2007 Club Name - Northshore Gymnastics Center Phone - 425/402-6602 levels-W4-10

Fast Session Start Date - 112712007 Club Name - Puget Sound Gymnastics Phone - 253/845-0910 levels - W4-Elite

Teddy 8ear Invitational Start Date -3/30/2007 Club Name - Puget Sound Gymnastics Phone - 253/845-0910 levels -W4-6

Pacific Northwest In vitational Start Date - 2110/2007 Club Name - Puget Sound Gymnastics Phone - 253/845-0910 levels - W4-Elite

WISCONSIN Wisconsin Dells Vacation Classic Sta rt Date - 1127/2007 Club Name -CSA Kids Sports Arts Campus Phone -608/756-0444 levels - W2-10, prepopt.

Midwest Twisters Harley Davidson Invite Start Date - 31212007 Club Name - Midwest Twisters Gymnastics Phone -414/764-6540 levels - M4-10

Bliuard Invite Start Date - 2/312007 Club Name - Scamps Gymnastics Phone -262/694-0805 levels - W3-10

Scamps Boys Invitational Start Date - 2110/2007 Club Name - Scamps Gymnastics Phone - 2621694-0805 levels - M4-10, Open 1\

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BUSINESS

Making The Go/No-Go Decision To set the stage: I wrote the follo wing article in May 1993, when I was trying to decide whether to make the move from a very profitabLe, personally owned 22,000 square­foo t facility, which housed 1,600 students, into an 86,000 square foot fa cility, which wouLd certainLy be unprofitabLe initially. One question I kept dwelLing on was, "Does this 43-year-oLd guy with a very desirabLe lifes tyLe really want to risk it all including bankruptcy?" OstensibLy, this article was wnHen for insertion into a newsLetter, but as you will sense from the rambling nature of the article, it was written to heLp me clarify my future. My hope is th is article will heLp someone-maybe you-who is currentLy struggling with a big "go/no-go" decision as I was in 1993.

As a business leader, are you ma king goa ls whi ch test you or bore you? For two years I've been thinking about ex panding Queen City Gymnastics into something "big," and recently, my desire to exercise my creative muscle is really building steam . I don't yet ha ve a clear picture of what my "p roject" might look like but one thing is certain-something exciting needs to hap pen .

The NEED for something exciting to happen at Queen City is made clear by the answer to thi s question -- five years fro m no w, if things remain substantially the sa me as they are today, will I feel stimulated

as I walk through the doors of my business? My answer to this question is, "No, in five yea rs, I will NOT feel stimulated if things remain the same." Is feeling stimulated important? Yes, it is essential if one hopes to keep complacency out of you r business' culture.

It was exactly thi s same question which drove my 1983 decision to move from our 5,800 square-foot facility into our current 22,000 square-foot facility. Today, as in 1983, the thought of my job being the same five years in the future is not at all appealing . In fact, I simply CANNOT let that happen. It would not be fair to me as a creative human being . I can't become my best self unless I change, and changing my business and my job is one way to become a happier me. That's the GREAT thing about being in busi ness for yourself-you can create the job you want and change it when you feel the need.

I don't know about you but it's depressing fo r me to think about having the same programs, the same literature, the same organizational structure, the same everything five years from now. Stimulation or variety is a basic human craving exceeded in importance only by the needs of survival, love and sense of importance. When we are stimulated, our

attention is focused and we are maximally productive and that is a great feeling! In short, for a tru ly fulfilled life, stimulation is essential on the personal and organizational levels. The old sayi ng is true - a busi ness must be green and growing or it is rotting and decaying. The status quo is a myth . It doesn't really exist, except in short bursts, just long enough to seduce you into buying into the myth .

Does any of this hit home? When we are not stimulated our minds are dull and lifeless. We "go through the motions" but little else. This is another way of saying "burnout." Many of us got into this busi ness from the bottom up as coaches, and we were ready to conquer the competitive ~ continue on p.28

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26 TECHNIQUE· JAIIUARY 1007 ILLUSTRATION BY lEMETRIA BARNES

r Rely on Motionwear for your team competition leotards, stylish cover-ups, custom screenprint and embroidery. Designed to exceed your expectations, Motionwear team apparel scores big every time!

Look to the fall 2006 collection for trend-setting styles and fabrics for class and practice leotards, basics, and fashionable apparel for all gymnasts.

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Go to USA Gymnastics Online for all your gymnastics needs.

ViWW.usa-gymnastics.org The website includes: • Membe rship Information • Event Results • Features • Announcements • Minutes • Event Ca lendar

• Program Informati on • How to Find a Gym nasti cs Club

• Education al Information • Regional and National Congress Information

• Past issues of USA Gymn astics and Technique

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28 TECHNIQUE' JANUARY 2007

BUSINESS ~ continued from p.2 6

world at one leve l or another. Our attention was focused on moving our coaching career forward . But one day, we got out of bed and we realized we were not getting the same gratification from coaching that we once did . We felt stuck in a state of "eterna l mediocrity." Or, perhaps, we were lucky enough that things had digressed to the level of actual dislike. Why would that be lucky? Because if we have actually formed a strong dislike for something, we are more likely to make tough decisions to change. Never forget. mediocrity is poison to the spirit as we ll as the creative genius within us. It is the wo rst of all li es because of its insidious nature. Once it creeps in it tends to become a habit.

I'm getting a hankering to give up the security of enrollment of 1,600, to give up the upward trend in revenue and profit, to give up fixed expenses that are so low they seem cheap, and to give up a mortgage that is near being retired. Why would anybody do that? Because I need stimulation and so does my business and because the alternatives are not acceptable.

Thirteen years later I did opt to risk it all and build Kids First Sports Center, which opened for business April, 1998 at a cost of $4.5 million. The results have been stupendous by every measure (see www.kidsfirstsports.com). But more to the point, what would my life be like now had I failed to take that risk? I would certainly not be the person I am today. I would be less knowledgeable, less fulfilled , le ss able to help others in and out of the industry. What's more, complacency almost assuredly would have set in years ago and my business would have begun to backslide. Kids First was a dream worth pursuing, I pursued it and I'm a happier person because of it. Life is good and I genuinely wish the same for you . X

Make it a great month! Jeff Metzger

Ce"ff Metzger USA Gymnasti(s Business Development Partner President, Gym(lub Owners Boot (amp President, Kids First Sports (enter

GK Risk Free Program • It's easy to order, easy to sell and easy

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GK Workout Essentials • This line features NEW and EXCITING workout

leotards in the latest styles and fun, fashion fabrics. They are sure to be a big hit in your pro shop. You'll also find a complete selection of accessories .. .from bras and briefs to wristbands and gymnastics shorts.

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

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GK Team Workout Wear • Add even more variety to your pro

shop ... this collection of elegant workout wear and basics are in stock for one year, making reordering easier.

• These styles are great for your team or for a special event for which you are outfitting a group of gymnasts.

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to fill your pro shop with the hottest selling apparel in the gymnastics industry.

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FOCUS

The Art of Allemev ByLuanPeszek

ALEXANDER ARTEMEV, NICKNAMED SASHA, is the current USA National All-Around Champion and winner of two individual event national titles, pommel horse and pa rallel bars. Artemev, 21 , of Morrison , Colo., trains for Team Chevron and is coached by his father, Vladimir.

From Visa Championships, Artemev moved on to an even bigger venue, the World Championships. Artemev qualified for both all-around and pommel horse event finals at the World Championships, where he earned the

bronze medal on pommel horse. So what's next? "After World Championships I didn't take a

break," said Artemev. "I just came right back to the gym and started working even harder than before. Training is going well

and I've changed my routines a lot since the World Championships. I've upgraded my start value a little on every event so I'm ready to

go for 2007." Born in Minsk, Belarus in 1985, Artemev moved to the U.S. at age 9 and by

age 13 he was winning the JO National Championships. He earned his citizenship in 2002, and was able to compete in the U.S. Championships that same year.

Unfortunately, injuries slowed down his progress but did not deter him. Artemev continued to train and push forward. By 2006 he was back on top of his game, winning the national all-around

title, two event titles, plus securing a spot on the World Championships team. Artemev comes from a long line of gymnastics success. His father was a member of the Soviet National

Team and the USSR national all-around champion in 1984. His mother, Svetlana, was a rhythmic gymnast. Both parents are now involved with coaching gymnastics. Artemev looks forward to his upcoming challenges in 2007 which are competing in the Winter Cup Challenge

in February and the Tyson American Cup in March. X

HOW WELL DOES IT WORK? FROM THE 2006 USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CONGRESS

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Gymnasts can practice correct technique, fear free , with more repetitions, while getting comfortable performing a skill or series on the high beam; safely!

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30 TECHNIQUE· JANUARY 2007

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USA Gymnastics 2007 KAT and MELPD Workshop An Educational Opportunity For Your Club A KAT WORKSHOP CONSISTS OF SEVEN productive hours of preschool teacher education. The workshop covers philosophy, understanding the preschool-age child, safety considerations, class management and much more!

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

-'-OYM,CERT

GYITUlastics

32 TECHHIQUE. JANUAR Y 2007

emphasize developmentally appropriate practices, fundamental skill development and much more. This workshop is designed to help instructors meet the needs of the individual students and encourage adoption of lifelong physical activity. Attendance at a KAT certific::tion course is highly recommended, but not required to attend a MELPD course.

lf there has never been a KAT or MELPD workshop in your area, 2007 is a great time to host a workshop. Any club can host a workshop and it's free. The only things you'll need are an empty room and a TV & VCR.

lf your workshop has 12 paid participants, your club will receive one free registration. Member Clubs receive two free registrations, with 12 paid participants. Complimentary registrations are non-transferable and will only be valid at the workshop you are hosting. The workshop must maintain the minimum attendance of 12 for complimentary registrations. Courses that do not meet minimum participation levels are subject to rescheduling or cancellation. ~

For more information on the KAT & MELPD courses call 1-800-345-4719 or visit www.usa-gymnastics.org/

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MEMBER www .... ·gymn .. Uco .o'g SERVICES ATTENTION CLUB OWNERS, MANAGERS, AND MEET DIRECTORS Important Notices: Please make note. 1. Certificate of Insurance: Sanctioned events in outside facilities. • You must have a sanction approval and

sanction number prior to requesting a certificate from the insurance company.

• The certificate of insurance application form is included in your sanction approval package. A certificate of insurance may be requested from the building's owners when you host an event at an outside venue.

• The request for certificate of insurance must be sent to the insurance company directly. It does not come to USA Gymnastics. The insurance company must receive this request a minimum of 30 days in advance. The form must be filled in completely and properly. You must have the sanction number prior to the request of the certificate of insurance.

• If you are in need of a certificate of insurance, we urge you to request your sanction a minimum of 60 days in advance.

• You must show the sanction number on the request form . You can not receive a certificate from the insurance company until the sanction is recorded and approved in the USA Gymnastics database system.

2. Accident Report Form: Must be filled out at the sanctioned event • The form is included in your sanction

approval packet. Please read it and familiarize yourself with the form and the procedures.

• Have copies of the form at the meet/event. • The form must be filled out by the

trainer/doctor (if onsite), meet director

34 TECHNIQUE· JANUARY 2007

and the parent or guardian . • The form is sent di rectly to

the insurance company. It does not come to USA Gymnastics. The address of the insurance company is on the form

• For the benefit of the athlete and the parents, this form must be on file with the insurance company when/if a claim is made.

• Reminder: there is a $500 deductible on this secondary insurance coverage. This policy is in effect until July 31, 2007. Changes may occur in the insurance policy for the 2007-2008 season.

• The sanctioned meet must be in compliance of all rules and policies in order for the insurance coverage to be valid. The injured athlete must be a current athlete member or the insurance coverage is null and void.

3. Individual Memberships - Athlete, Professional, Jr. Professional, Instructor, Introductory, Team USA Gymnastics • It's individual all the way .... that means

the membership belongs to the person who receives the membership number. Memberships are not transferable.

• Memberships are not refundable. Benefits and services are applied and paid out upon receipt and entry into the database system.

• When a club owner pays for the professional and instructor memberships for the coaches working at their gym, they have given their employee a "gift," or a work benefit. The membership belongs to the coach. If the coach leaves your employment, his/her membership

goes with him/her. Please develop your business rules and employee benefit package with this in mind .

• When an athlete leaves your club, the USA Gymnastics athlete member number goes with him or her. The membership belongs to the individual.

4. Do not hold athlete membership monies at your club for any extended time. • The Member Services department

continues to receive complaints from parents who are upset because their child did not receive USA Gymnastics magazine in September/October or November/ December or even later. They tell us they gave the form and the money to the club director in July or August.

• Unfortunately, when the club holds onto these funds and does not apply for the memberships until two or more months after receipt, the parent does not understand why they did not receive the member card and the magazine. Sadly this places USA Gymnastics and the named club in a very awkward position since we can not explain nor defend the position of the club who did not send us the membership funds. Please set up a system so that on a weekly or biweekly basis, you apply for your memberships. Please let your parents know what your business policies and time lines are.

5. Follow "Best Practices" in all of your business dealings and decisions. • Please have full disclosure to your clients

regarding the various fees that may be ~

• UPDATE

charged due to a person being on team . • Please do not state various charges are

from USA Gymnastics, if they are not. Such as: booster club fees, parents' club fees, team travel fees, apparel fees , competition fees, etc. Please do not state a fee is due to insurance costs, when it is not. When parents contact us, we tell them exactly what the membership fee covers. We explain it is a one time charge for the year. Please conduct your business with full disclosure regarding the various fees and charges that result due to belonging to the USA Gymnastics organization.

• USA Gymnastics Member Services mission is to support our clubs and members; however we will explain to our callers exactly what the membership fees and charges are for that current season.

• Help us - help you.

6. Information - changes and corrections. Please keep current • Address changes: You may make

changes and corrections directly online using your professional ID and password . CLubs are to use t heir club ID number and password. You may also mail or fax the corrected information into the national office. Please note USA Gymnastics and Technique magazines are not forwarded . You must have the address correction made with the USA Gymnastics national office-

member services. It must be correct in ou r database system.

• Email address - please keep your email address current. USA Gymnastics is relying more and more on technology to relay many of our notices and information . It is important for you to receive this information on a regular and timely basis . You can change this online or contact Member Services.

• Name changes or corrections: you must contact the national office in writing to make these changes in your record . You may Fax: 317-692-5212. Please make sure the correct spelling of your name is in our system . Check your card and any mailings you receive from us.

7. Renewal notices: Membership renewals - Please check your mail • Membership renewal notices are sent out

quarterly. 90 days in advance. • Second renewal notices are sent out 30-

45 days prior to date expiration.

• The third notice is sent to those who have expired in that month .

• Safety renewals are not sent out. The information is on your member card or you may call member services.

8. Sanction report forms - Please follow all directions in order for sanction to be official and closed out.

• All coaches are to sign the sign-in form by printing name and Professional or Jr. Professional member number. This form is sent with the sanction report form to USA Gymnastics National Office - Member Services.

• All judges are to sign the sanction report form with printed name, rating and Professional or Jr. Professional number.

• Fill in the number of competitors section. Send additional payment with report form if competition hosted more than 72 competitors and only $50 was sent with the original sanction request.

• Sanction report form and coaches sign in are to be sent to the National Office within 48 hours of the competition. Forms will be checked and the sanction will be closed out in the system once all is in order.

• Competition fees are sent to the respective state and or regions, depending on the policies as outlined for that specific area .

• Score sheets are to be sent to the state and/ or region as determined by that area . Score sheets are not sent to the national office.

• Men's and Trampoline & Tumbling programs - Make sure to send the check for the designated scholarship program to the National office with the sanction report form. Additional competition fees are sent to the regions and/ or the states as determined by program. 1\

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36 TECHNIQUE· JANUARY 2007

o .....

2007 USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CONGRESS AND TRADE SHOW

August 16-18, 2007 • San Jose, CA REGISTRATION FORM

Held in Coni unction with the Viso Chompionships

Early Bird Ends April 1 st. Complete one form per person-Photocopy for additional registrations. Your confirmation will be sent by email. Please provide a valid email address. Registration opens August 15; Congress sessions and Exhibit Hall August 16-18. To become an Instructor Member to receive the

-_. member discount, simply check " Please sign me up" and include an extra $50

DATE RECV'D

AMT. PAtD

CHECK #

DEPOSIT

CRCDAPP#

REG#

" o .....

I o r0-O :::J 0.. -i ..., o ~ Z (I) (I) 0.. ,VI

" CD o VI (I)

($70 Foreign Instructor Member) in your total amount enclosed.

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

Professional, Jr. Professional & Instructor Members Minimum age for Congress attendees is 16. EARLY BIRD PRICING (Ends April J st) o $199 Early Bird Congress Registration o $298 Early Bird Congress ond Visa Championships all session ticket package at seating Level P2 o $374 Early Bird Congress and Visa Championships all session ticket package at seating Level P1

REGULAR PRICING (April - July J 5th) o $235 Congress Registration o $334 Congress and Visa Championships all session ticket package at seating level P2 o $434 Congress and Visa Championships all session ticket package at seating level P 1

Additional Visa Championships ticket information Number of additional all session tickets at P2 x $99.00 each Number of additional all session tickets at P1 x $175.00 (prior to April 1 st) Number of additional all session tickets at P1 x $199.00 (April 2nd - July 15th)

Non-Members & other member types o $300 Early Bird Congress Registration

(Ends April 1 st) o $335 Congress Registration

(Ends July 15th) o $400 On-site Registrotion

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

PI - Lower Level side seating (lower rows); P2 - Lower Level side seating (mid to upper rows); Special Rate for all session tickets are for Congress attendees.

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

Name ______________________________________________________________________________________ ___

Birth Date (d/ m/y) ___________________ _ USA Gymnastics Pro/lnst. No. __________ _

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

Email Address, ___________________________________ _

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

Mailing Address _____________________________ 0 This is a new address

(Please make the change in the USA Gymnastics database)

City ________________ State _____ Zip ______________ _

Evening Phone( Day Phone(

Club Name ______________________ Club Number ______ _

Check all that apply: 0 Club Owner 0 Coach/Teacher 0 Judge 0 Administrator

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $ .... 1 _____ ----'1 Make check or money order payable to USA Gymnastics

o VISA 0 Other Card Number ______________________________________________ _

Exp . Date ________________ Sig nature ___________________________________________________________ _

Print Cardholder Name _____________________________________ Telephone # _________________________ ___

Please return this registration form to: USA Gymnastics Congress, Pan American Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave. Ste 300,

Indianapolis, IN 46225 • FAX: 317.692.5212 Attention: Member Services

THE INDIVIDUAL CONGRESS FEE INCLUDES:

• Credential for entrance to Congress sessions Aug. 16-1 8.

• Admission 10 Rhythmic & Acrobatic Gymnastics Competitions.

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

• One lickello the Congress Dance Party on Saturday, August 1 8

ladditional Congress Dance Party lickets for spouse/guests are $35 each-available 01 on-site registrationj

Videotaping: Videotaping of Congress sessions is permitted FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY unless the session presenters announce that

his/ her/their session may not be videotaped.

Language: Th e official language of Congress is English. USA Gymnastics will make no special provisions for translation of sessions into other languages.

Congress aHendees with special needs must notify USA Gymnastics in writing in this regard prior to July 15 . We suggest that this information be included wi th the Congress registration form.

CANCEUATION POUCY All registration concellolion~ must be in writing_ Submit written request 10 USA Gymnastics, AHention Cathy Allen Before July 15 - Registration fee less $30 service fee per person cancelling_

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

SUBSTITUTION POUCY To trander registralion to another person, the new CongreH

atlendee mu~t also have a Professionol or Instructor membership.

Sefore July 15 - $30 per subslilution On-Site - $35 per substitution

Submit request in writing to USA Gymnastics, Atlention Cathy Allen

REQUESTS FOR REFUNDS AmR AUGUST 31,2007, WIll NOT BE ACCEPTED

• all ~ession tickel~ ore nOrHelundoble

UPDATE

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

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

WHERE? San Jose Convention Center

VISA CHAMPIONSHIPS DATES: August 15-18, 2007

AUGUST 15, 2007

EVENT TICKETS

REGISTRATION FORM:

Congress Registration 12:30-6:30 p.m. San Jose Convention Center

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

Special rate for all-session tickets for Congress attendees. Rhythmic and Acrobatic Gymnastics events included in Congress registration fee.

In Technique and on Website

HOTEL TRAVEL RESERVATIONS: National Travel Service 888-603-8747 Email atusagama@takeavacation.com Website: www.wdpltd.com

CONGRESS DATES: August 16-18, 2007

Special discounted group registration for Member Clubs. Special Early Bird Pri cing ~ {i1 ~ ~ )

J j '" J .n J

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38 TECHHIQUE· JANUARY 2007

Jeff Lulla receiving the 2006 "Business Leader of the Year"

award with Loree' Galimore,

USAG Club Services Manager

JEFF LULLA is Founder and President of the FUN & FIT GYMNASTICS CENTERS. Jeff is a National Safety In­structor and a member of the National Safety Review board and National Pre­school Advisory Board for USAG and has co-authored their "KAT" (Kinder Accredita­tion for Teachers) Course. Jeff speaks internationally and consults on the Fun and Fit PERSONAL BEST phi­losophy and teaching con­cepts to club owners and coaches.

• WHAT'S NEW

Prestigious Honor Two Members of the USA Gymnastics Family Honored by the South African Gymnastics Federation at the FIG Gala By Steve Butcher

Ron Froehlich and Brian Le Roux were honored by the South African Gymnastics Federation on November 30 at the prestigious FIG Gala in Cape Town, South Africa. Both individuals made substantial contributions to the SAGF while living in South Africa . The impact of their contributions can be felt today even though both have been living in the u .S. for many years . Froehlich was honored as an honorary lifetime vice president of the SAGF and

1\-USA

GYMNASTICS

Le Roux as an honorary lifetime member of the SAGF.

Froehlich is the Chairman of the Board for USA Gymnastics and an auditor for the International Gymnastics Federation and lives in Birmingham, Ala . Le Roux is the owner of In-Flight Gymnastics Center and Comets Cheerleading program of North Haven, Conn . X I

Top: Ron Froehlich Bottom: Brian Le Raux

JANUARY 2007 • TECHHIQUE 39

I WHAT'S NEW

USA GYMNASTICS HIRES ROBINSON FOR MEN'S JO PROGRAM USA Gymnastics is rleased to announce that Jeff Robinson 0 Orlando, Fla ., has been named men's Junior Olympic Program coordinator. He will be responsible for the overall management and supervision of the technical aspects of USA Gymnastics Men's Junior Olympic Program.

Robinson has more than 20 years of coaching and administrative experience in gymnastics. He's currently a member of USA Gymnastics Junior O lympic Age Group Competition Committee, which he chaired from 2000-04. In addition to coaching for several private gyms and collegiate teams, Robinson

AHention Club Owners Summer Camp Directory

has also served as a judge and was a gym owner for 10 years, where he produced several national team members. Robinson earned his Masters in Education at Memphis State University, where he graduated magna cum laude. He graduated from Auburn University with a BS in education .

His responsibilities w ill include overseeing the technical aspects of the development and implementation of the Age Group Competition Program and the Junior National Team Program (the Junior Elite, Junior National and Junior Development Teams), as well as assist in developing a USA Gymnastics education initiative for men's gymnastics.1(

If you would like your summer camp listed in the free summer camp directory in the Marchi April issue of USA Gymnastics and online, please register at

http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/ camp/

In order for your camp to be included in the Marchi April issue of USA Gymnastics magazine you must register by February " 2007. 1(

40 rECHNIQUE. JANUARY 2007

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Women's Program

UPDATE NATIONAL ELITE PROGRAM COMMITTEE NATIONAL TEAM TRAINING CENTER NOVEMBER 12, 2006 The meeting was called to order 1:00 p.m. by Gary Anderson, National Elite Program Chairman.

1. ROLL CALL Chairman .................................. ...... Gary Anderson Region I ................................................... Jack Carter Region II ....................... Brad Loan Region III ........................... Chris Burdette Region IV ................................. Bart Roskowski (proxy for Greg Lafleur) Region V ................................................... Enrique Trabanino (proxy for Mary Lee Tracy) Region VI ................ ... Barb Tiess Region VII ......... ....... . .. Jen Bundy Region VIII .. ...................... Toni Rand WPD. ................. ..... Gary Warren

2. REGIONAL REPORTS Gary Anderson asked all committee members to present reports from their regions concerning clinics and competitions. All regions reported on competitions and clinics in their regions withi n the last year. They also presented new initiatives that were implemented in their region at clinics and competitions. Gary Warren also presented the calendar for the 2007 Elite season. Each regiona l chairman presented their 2007 Regional Elite calendar.

R§~* .. ~I

3. SENIOR PRE ELITE DIVISION Recommendation to eliminate the Senior Pre Elite division Motion: Barb Tiess Second: Toni Rand Passed 7-1 (Jack Carter opposed)

4. JUNIOR PRE ELITE AGES Recommendation to extend the following ages for the Junior Pre Elite Division Junior Pre Elite 11-15 Motion: Jen Bundy Second: Jack Carter Passed

5. HOPES MODIFICAilONS Recommendation of the following EGR modifications to the Hopes division for the 2007 season. All events will follow FIG ERG requirements with the following modifications: Vault - No modifications Ba rs - B Dismount, 1/ 2 turn,"g element and only two of the three

re leases required (Judges should not deduct the Hopes athletes for the lack of a 1/ 1 turn in composition)

Beam - B Dismount Floor - B Dismount Motion: Jen Bundy Second: Jack Carter Passed

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42 TECHNIQUE· JANUARY 2007

6. HOPES/PRE ELITE AWARDS AGE DIVISIONS Recommendation the following age breakdowns for Hopes and Junior Pre Elites for Regional Qualifiers, National Qualifiers and Challenge competitions. Hopes: 10 year olds and 11-12 year olds. Junior Pre Elite: 11-13 and 14-15 Motion: Brad Loan Second: Chris Burdette Passed

7. PRE ELITE COMPULSORY SCORES Recommendation the following compulsory qualification scores for Hopes and Junior Pre Elite for the 2007 season. Hopes: 32.00 (no change) Junior Pre Elite: 33.50 Motion: Bart Roskowski Second: Jack Carter Passed

8. PRE ELITE OPTIONAL SCORES Recommendation the following optional qualification scores to the Challenge competitions for Hopes and Junior Pre Elite for the 2007 season . Hopes: 46.50. Junior Pre Elite: 48.50 Motion: Barb Tiess Second: Brad Loan Passed

9. VAULT WARM·UP FOR 30 SECOND TOUCH Recommendation that there be only two vaults permitted for the 30 second touch warm-up in the National Qualifiers and the Challenge competitions. Motion: Jen Bundy Second: Chris Burdette Passed

10. PRE ELITE/HOPE TRAINING CAMP QUALIFIERS Recommendation the following numbers to qualify to the Pre Elite/ Hopes Training Camp from the US Challenge Competitions with all expenses paid (along with one coach per club). Hopes 10 year olds - Top 1 All Around Hopes 11-12 year olds - Top 2 All Around Junior Pre Elite 11-13 year olds - Top 4 All Around Junior Pre Elite 14-15 year olds - Top 1 All Around An additional 8 athletes (Hopes or Juniors) may be selected from the American or US Challenge to be added to the Pre Elite Training Camp with their room and board paid for by USA Gymnastics Motion: Jen Bundy Second: Enrique Trabanino Passed

11. TOPS PROGRAM Gary Warren reported that a TOPs Task Force will meet in January of 2007 to review the current TOPs program and make recommendations to the National Elite Program on any changes to the TOPs program. Gary Anderson asked the committee to work closely with the TOP State Managers in conducting clinics for the TOPs athletes in their respective regions. Gary Warren also reported that the TOP State Managers for the 2007 season will be decided in January in consultation with the National Elite Program Committee.

Meeting adjourned 5:00 pm. Motion: Jen Bundy Second: Enrique Trabanino 1\

WOMEN'S PROGRAM MEET DIRECTORS AND JUDGES:

Judges Mileage Reimbursement Effective January 1, 2007, the rate for mileage reimbursement is $0.48/miLe to reflect the upcoming change in the IRS standard mileage rate for 2007.

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44 TECHNIQUE· JANUARY 2007

~ continued from p.9 • Raising the Bar

Putting it All Together No need to get overwhelmed. Once the structures are in place, you will have more time to spend on teaching gymnastics.

Families are so grateful for the extra care and special touches that make your academy more like a home than just a place to go. As a parent continually tells me, "You are part of our village!" As a Personal Development Center, you will find that your students grow-up there-not just grow older. You are laying the foundation for success. Now that is really raising the bar. X

UI GI >< .-

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C1

Here are a few quick fixes to bring your school up a notch:

1 Fix old or peeling paint . ...... ___ _

2 Trash dead plant carcasses.

3 Provide storage for coats, shoes, and student belongings.

4 Paint one wall a bright color to make it look less stark.

5 Place informational bulletin boards in the parents' area.

6 Hang inspirational pictures and school achievements in a prominent area.

7 Put away your "stuff" that clutters your desk and entry way.

8 Place new and current student pictures on a bulletin board or.in a photo album.

9 Clean, dust, and vacuum ... everyday.

r_,-,: f r

10 Systemize. There is no substitute.

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

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.. FITNESS

CHALLENGE

2007 National Gymnastics Day &

TY$on Fitness Challenge

Mark your calendars now! National Gymnastics Day 2007 is scheduled for August 4 and will culminate again with the Tyson Fitness Challenge to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. The Tyson Fitness Challenge, the eight-session program, will kick off at the Tyson American Cup in March and will go through to Notianal Gymnastics Day, Aug. 4.

The first year of the Tyson Fitness Challenge was a great success, but we want to make it ev~n better this year. Based on feedback from our members, we have expanded the Tyson Fitness Challenge to include your recommendations.

o More lead time to plan the program

o Exercises on DVD and in photos

o Different levels of exercises. For example,

for upper body, core and lower body,

we have beginning, intermediate and

advanced levels

o Preschool-oge fitness activities

o Games for preschool and school age kids,

as well as gymnasts

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

We encourage you to plan ahead and offer the Tyson Fitness Challenge to your students.

By participating in the Tyson Fitness Challenge and raising money for the Children's Miracle Network, you will be keeping 100% of the money you raise in your local Children's Miracle Network hospitol. By incorporating the eight-session Tyson Fihless Cha llenge into your schedule, you ore helping get todoy's youth off the couch ond more physically active.

For more informotion, contoct Loree Golimore at 31 7-829-5654 or Igo li@uso-gymnostics.org. To become 0 Member Club ond receive 011 the benefi ts, go online to ond register ot http://Www.uso-gymnostics.org/ membership/ dub.hhnl.

46 TECHNIQUE· JANU AR Y 100 7

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POSITION AVAILABLE CAMP WAYNE FOR GIRLS- Children's summer camp in Northeosl Pennsylvania (2 _ hrs from New York City) wilh a slrong gymnoslics program. If you love children as well as gymnoslics, we are seeking a Director, Assislonl Director ond female counselor/ inslructors 10 live 01 Ihe camp and leach children (6-16yrs). We also need on experienced Aerobic inslructor and (heerleading sloff. We offer a coring, fun·loving environmenl, rm/bd and salary and on awesome summer experience! Families welcome. Doles are 6/ 16·8/ 12/ 2007. (0111 ·800·279·3019 or apply on· line at: www.campwoynegirls.com.

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INSTRUCTORS/COACHES. Paragon Gymnoslics of Norwood (Bergen (ounty), NJ is looking for Inslruclors ond (ooches, PIT·FIT Weekdays/ weekends/evenings. Requiremenls: Posilive oHilude, responsible, reliable, love of children. Posilions available for pre·school Ihrough inlermediole level inslruction. (ompelilive Team (ooch Levels 5·10. (om pony sponsored cerlificalions (Safety, (PR, Firsl Aid) Full benefils/poid vocalion & sick days, company molched reliremenl plan. Will Iroin. Solory commensurole wilh experience. NEW facility, slole·of·lhe·ort, opprox. 11,000 sq. N. Locoled in Ihe NY/ NJ Melropolilon area, easily accessible from all moior highways. (onlacl Dot: 201 ·767·6921 or fox resume 10 201·767·6693 or e·moil:dol@porogongym. com. 49 Wolnul Slreet, Suile 4, Norwood, NJ 07648. WWW.porogongym.com.

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Email your ad and credit card information to: Ipeszek@uso·gymnoslics.org Or mail to: USA Gymnoslics, Pan Americon Plaza 201 S. (opilol Ave., Sle. 300 Indianapolis, IN 46225 or fox 10 317-237-5069.

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2007 SAFETY CERTIFICATION SCHEDULE

The Safety Schedule is updated weekly on our website www.usa-gymnastics.org. Please see the website for the most current schedule.

'Tille tD! elate SIiJiect to darge. See uso-gymastics.org for upc/ates.

January 14 Wichita, KS 29070; 8:00 a.m.

to 12:00 p.m. Heseff (enter, Wichita State University Directions: Mark Folger 316·733·7525 (ourse code: JS01142007KS Instructor: James SampeI913·764·8282

September Gncinnati, OH 45014; 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Gncinnati Gymnastics Academy Directions: Mary Lee Tracy 513·860·3082 (ourse code: BM090720070H Instructor: Bobbi Montanari 614·777·9430

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Name: Male or Female: _____ _

Professional or Inslructor #: Current Safely Exp. Date:

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Cily: State: Zip:

Telephone: (H) (W)

E·mail Address:

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Pro-Member with Current Safely Certification wishing to r~certi~ at live course ............. :.: .... : ................ no charge

Pro-Member With Expired or New Safety Certlflcalion ............ $ 65.00 Instructor Member ................................................................ $ 65.00 Non-Member or Associate Member ............................... ..... .... $ 115.00 * You must hove your USA Gymnostics number or date applied for

on the registration form in order to qualify for the discount.

All registrations must be received at USA Gymnastics two (2) weeks prior to the course date'. late registrations

r incomplete registrations,

or registrations without proper payment wi I not ~e processed. late registrations are not guaranteed a book or admission to the course. On-site an~ late registrations will be charged a $25 on-site/late fee. All materials, inciudinJi tlie course book, are/rovided ot the course and are pari of the course fee. Certification is vali for four (4) years. Safety Certification is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another individual. Safety Certification registration, however, may be transferred to another course within six (6) months with prior written notification. late fee will apply if notification is received after course deadline. *USA Gymnasti~s re,~l v,,~ the right to alter course deadline

Mail registraTIon form and payment to: VISA 1\ USA Gymnastics Member Services P,o,d Spo",o, G",~ks Pan American Plaza, Suite 300 201 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225 or Fax to 317-692-5212