2008 Fall Newsletter

Region 8 Committee Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2008
Region 8 Congress
Jacksonville, FL
Omni Hotel

Meeting called to order at 8:55.

Deb K asked for signed confidentiality statements from all present.

Recommendation to accept Region 8 NAWGJ as regional contractor.
Motion: Marian
Second: Toni
Passed unanimously

RTCC
Marian handed out the Judging Assignment for Regionals and Nationals and went over Region 8 Committee criteria.

Level 10 Nationals: Olga Koraleva, Carole Ide, Cookie Batsche and Joan Gnat

Recommendation to accept proposed judges for Level 10 Nationals for 2009
Motion: Jennie
Second: Jackie
Passed unanimously

Level 9 Easterns: Marian Dykes, Lucy Fox, Winnie Witten, René Niccollai, Mary Lou Dillard, Diane Thompson, Joan Gnat, Olga Korleva, Cookie Batsche, Deb Kornegay and Carole Ide.

Recommendation to accept proposed judges for Level 9 Easterns for 2009.
Motion: Jackie
Second: Deb W.
Passed unanimously

The list of proposed judges for Level 9/10 Regionals was discussed because Deb Kornegay requested to be removed from the list.

Mary Lou Dillard, Cookie Batsche, René Niccollai, Joan Gnat, Sheila Ragle, Gwyned Bius, Kristi Aguilar, Kathy Kuhn, Olga Koraleva, Diane Thompson, Carole Ide, Winnie Witten, Lucy Fox, Kerma Headrick, Sibby Lane and Marian Dykes. Alternates: Terri Costa, Mary Ann Wallace and Chris Jackson.

Recommendation to accept the slate of proposed judges for Level 9/10 Regionals 2009
Motion: Deb W
Second: Toni
Passed unanimously

Phyllis Thompson, Mary Ann Wallace, Sharyn Strickland, Cookie Batsche, Brock White, Kim Joye, Patricia Boudreaux, Brenda Eberhardt, Bobbye Strickland, TG Hawkins, Jennie Adams, Portia Bodenheimer, Janet Efland, Mendi Knisley, Lucy Fox, Kerma Headrick and Marian Dykes.

Recommendation to accept the slate of proposed judges for Level 8 Regionals 2009
Motion: Jennie
Second: Toni
Passed unanimously

Deb K reminded chairs that CPE coordinators are USAG appointed. State Chairs are requested to send name of person to Marian.

Deb K requested that the Committee read ‘Judging Assignments’, p.32 of fall 2006 Newsletter. The Committee discussed whether or not each bullet was up to date or if any bullets needed changing.

Marian requested that the State Judging Selection (contracted judges) be sent to her by Nov. 1, 2008.

Sheila Ragle left @ 11:00

Deb K handed out the address list for Region 8 Committee and asked for corrections.

Deb K asked for Optional State Meet dates for 2009. All states were March 27-29 except MS. MS will hold their meet on March 21-22, 2009.

Recommendation that the bid for Level 9/10 Regionals – 2010 by FL USAG be accepted conditionally on contracting arena by newsletter date of August 25, 2008.
Motion: Marian
Second: Jon
Passed unanimously

Deb K presented the Regional Financial report.

Recommendation that Region 8 adopt a specialist category at Level 10 Regionals. The gymnast must declare as a specialist by state meet entry and can not compete in four events at state meet. Qualifying to Regionals requires a 9.30 achieved at state meet. Refer to individual state meet guidelines for state specialist qualifying scores. No petitions allowed. Entry fees for Regional competition remain the same as fees for all around gymnasts.
Motion: Brad
Second: Marian
Passed unanimously

Regional Auction logistics were discussed. Each state is expected to contribute $1000 each year toward the auction. Proceeds go toward the apparel account. All back fees are to be paid by September 1, 2008.

State Meet dates for 2010 were discussed. Dates were moved from previously published in order to not be on the same date as NCAA conference
Recommendation to set Level 8 Regionals 2010 on April 16-18.
Motion: Jon
Second: Jackie
Passed unanimously

Recommendation to set Level 8 Regionals 2011 on April 8-10.
Motion: Jackie
Second: Deb W
Passed Unanimously

Recommendation that each Level 8 Regional session be divided into at three age groups Keep “No age group will be more than 24 athletes.
Motion Brad
Second: Marian
Passed unanimously

Brad stated that he would add a component to his 2009 JO survey suggesting that coaches review the relationship between age group size and number of awards at Level 9 & 10 Regionals.

Deb K stated that the Regional newsletter deadline is 8-26-08. The distribution date for Sophomore/Junior book may be change to be more beneficial to college coaches.

Deb K stated that she had received numerous responses from 2008 Hall of Fame recipients.

Region 8 T-shirts will be available for sale to parents attending Easterns and National in order to help promote our 8-is-Great spirit at these two events.

Brad reviewed the plans for the Regional All Star trip to be held at Myrtle Beach.

Deb K stated that there continues to be funds in the Hurricane Fund, which will be remain under the Region 8 Hurricane Steering Committee.

12:10 Break for lunch
1:05 Meeting reconvened

Deb K presented the Level 9/10 and Level 8 Regional Competition Financial Statements for review. The discussion then led to ways to increase the numbers of gymnasts at Level 8 Regionals to make the meet costs more viable.

Recommendation to have Region 8 Committee endorse a Level 7 Regional Invitational in conjunction with Level 8 Regional on April 24, 2009. Each state is allowed to enter 16 gymnasts; divided into two groups of 8, youngest to oldest. The two subgroups will compete in two sessions, eight states in head-to-head competition on Friday.
Motion: Marian
Second: Deb W
Passed unanimously

Recommendation that there be no open workout at either Regional meet.
Motion: Jennie
Second: Brad
Passed unanimously

Recommendation that the 2009 Level 8 Regional team competition be dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness and that all gymnasts wear pink leotards and coaches wear pink shirts. Athletes will sign cards for donation. Donations will be asked for at the admissions table. Jackie Latino will coordinate the effort for purchase of leotards and donations.
Motion: Brad
Second: Jon
Passed unanimously

Recommendation that 5 scores will count toward each team score in the Level 7 Regional Invitational.
Motion: Nancy
Second: Jackie
Passed unanimously

Recommendation to allow the Level 8 Regional and Level 7 Regional Invitational meet director will coordinate with Deb K for awards.
Motion Nancy
Second: Jennie
Passed unanimously

Deb K explained that the Level 9’s have always competed on the first day because of the region 8 committee’s recommendation. The competition order has always been from youngest to oldest. If Sunday becomes the longest day for competition because of numbers, Deb will contact Brad and Marian to adjust the schedule for the benefit of the meet.
Toni stated that the new FIG code is on-line and is subject to approval after any future changes.
No other decisions will be forthcoming until after the Olympic Games.
She stated that there are no TOPS changes for this year. A Regional Elite/TOPS clinic will take place at American Twisters, Coconut Creek on Dec. 19-20, 2008 with testing Friday night and a clinic on Saturday and half day Sunday.

Financial statements were due on July 15, 2008.

Deb K reminded all state chairs to send inventory report and competition report to her by end of July. State meets need to be held 3 weeks before Regional meets.

RTCC report – Marian Dykes:

The Tech Committee will meet again in September. Few changes are anticipated. There will be new compulsory music with the choice of new or old. Meet directors need to be prepared with both. Dates for judging course have been published. The courses will be held in Indianapolis. All judging levels must test. Level 5/6 rated judges will need to attend and document a Compulsory Renewal Clinic.

Recommendation that the Region 8 Committee monetarily help Brevet judges attend the Brevet course up to the amount of the registration fee.
Motion: Jennie
Second: Nancy
Passed unanimously

JOCC report – Brad Harris:

Brad thanked all for the Committee’s help in his first year’s transition into his position. Brad received over 200 returns.

Host hotel for Region 8 was a great idea. Training day schedule was on-line and most were pleased about the organization.

The Region 8 All-Star trip will be in Myrtle Beach, SC. Louie Ligouri has been most helpful in the planning. An application has been submitted to Tim Rand Memorial Fund for some funding.

The Regional Team summer camp will be small, but promises to have great quality. Format will be a little different. The structure will be focused on the skills that the gymnasts need to learn. 2009’s camp will be in the Tampa Bay area. Good schedule with large variety of offerings to coaches and judges.

The September camp will have a more structured format using lead coaches, assisted by other staff to work with gymnasts. The lead coach will be able to interact more individually with rotating coaches.

Brad commented on the positive response to the TR logo on the Region 8 apparel. Region 5 was most respectful with honoring Tim.

Jackie asked about state chairs responsibilities for the fall camps. State Chairman Workshop will be held Friday, September 12th at the National Team Camp in Atlanta. Jon Aardema is finding housing. SACC should let Deb K. know if they will be attending any other Training Camp.

RACC report – Debby Kornegay:

National RACC minutes were reviewed.

Recommendation to increase the Regional gate fees to a max of $15 – adult, $10 – children and seniors, $25 – adult weekend pass, and $20 –senior weekend pass.
Motion: Nancy
Second: Jennie
Passed 9 to 1

Deb K reported that coaches and judges must be able to produce the current professional card at sign in as well as being able to produce it upon request.

If a Regional officer resigns before the end of a term (50% or less), the position may be appointed.

Marian encouraged that all states focus on compliance with professional dress code at sanctioned meets.

Winter Region 8 Committee Meeting will be held @ 9:00 am on December 19 2008 Coconut Creek, in conjunction with the TOPS and Elite clinic.

The Prep Optional Regional Invitational was thanked for donating $1000 to the Region 8 account.

Deb K reviewed the Committee member’s responsibilities for sessions at Region 8 Congress beginning @ 8:00 am on Friday, July 18th.

Recommendation to adjourn
Motion: Nancy
Second: Deb W
Passed unanimously

Adjourn at 3:40 pm
 

Below are listed the Requirements and duties for both positions from USA Gymnastics Operating Code:

REGIONAL JUNIOR OLYMPIC COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN (RJOCC)
1. Must have coached a gymnast who has qualified to Level 9 or 10 Regionals within the prior or
current Olympic cycle and
2. Is presently coaching at the Junior Olympic level.

REGIONAL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN (RTCC)
1. Must hold a current Brevet rating.

JUNIOR OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (JOC)
The Junior Olympic Committee shall be responsible for the Women's Junior Olympic Program by
coordinating a National effort to inform, train, educate and advise gymnasts and coaches in the Junior
Olympic Program to:
1. Formulate philosophies and give direction to the program.
2. Work in conjunction with the Technical Committee on:
• all technical aspects, competition format and rules and regulations of the Junior Olympic Program
• evaluation of elements
3. Develop the Compulsory Routines.
4. Establish score requirements and qualification guidelines and procedures for the various levels of competition.
5. Establish the Junior Olympic Competition schedule.
6. Direct the activities of the Junior Olympic National Team, i.e., training camps, exhibitions, demonstrations and athlete and coach selection.
7. Revise the Jr. Olympic Section of the USA Gymnastics Rules and Policies on an annual basis and submit to Administrative Committee for inclusion.
8. Conduct and direct educational programs for the community as needed.
9. Work in conjunction with the Technical Committee to evaluate petitions received.

REGIONAL JUNIOR OLYMPIC COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN (RJOCC)
1. Attend the meetings of the National Junior Olympic Committee.
2. Serve as:
• Chairman of the Regional Junior Olympic Committee
• A member of all Regional Committees
3. Provide a minimum of one (1) Regional training camp per year for gymnasts and coaches.
4. Assist with the regional clinic or congress and competitions when called upon by the RACC.
5. Submit a financial report to the RACC for reimbursement of travel, phone and postage expenses.
6. Be prepared to represent the views of the region at annual meetings by the use of surveys and observations.
7. Support the regional teams at Junior Olympic Nationals and investigate and pursue financial support or donations for regional apparel.
8. Act in conjunction with the RTCC on petitions.
9. Recommend topics, content, and presenters for Regional Congress.
10. Establish a Regional JO Committee.
11. Act in conjunction with the RTCC on element evaluations.
12. Submit a written report to the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman of their activities in the region i.e. clinics, training camps, etc.

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE (TC)
1. The TC shall be responsible for the development, interpretation and coordination of technical information for the Women's Program.
2. Work in conjunction with the Junior Olympic Committee on:
• all technical aspects, competition format, and rules and regulations of the Junior Olympic Program
• evaluation of elements
3. Develop, write and revise (when necessary) the Junior Olympic Technical Handbook for Coaches and Judges.
4. Maintain and revise (when necessary) the USA Gymnastic Junior Olympic Element Supplement and update annually.
5. Respond to all technical inquiries regarding interpretation of the FIG Code of Points, the Jr. Olympic Technical Handbook for Coaches and Judges, and the Rules and Policies for the USA
Gymnastics Program.
6. Recommend topics, content and presenters for National Congress sessions, National clinics and/or workshops.
7. Conduct a USAG/WTC symposium every 4 years (if necessary) to present Optional technical requirements. Design the curriculum for this symposium.
8. Be responsible for the continuing education of judges at the State, Regional and National levels.
• Evaluate films to be used for Judges Training
• Provide Text/Scripts to encourage consistency of scoring at all levels
9. Evaluate Compulsory Base Score films to be used at all Junior Olympic Compulsory, Pre Sectional, Sectional and State competitions.
10. Evaluate Optional Base Score films to be used at all Junior Olympic Optional Pre-Sectional, Sectional, State, Regional and National Competitions.
11. Work in conjunction with Judges Certification INC. in the evaluation of the JCI certification film.
12. Work in conjunction with JCI concerning the testing and active status requirements for judges at all levels of the Junior Olympic Program.
13. Review and revise (when appropriate) annually the Rules and Policies in regards to JO and Elite technical rules and submit to the Administrative Committee for inclusion.
14. Implement the technical aspects of the rules and regulations for the Elite Program Competition.
15. Design format and content for the National Judges Courses.
16. Establishes criteria for invitation to National Judges Courses.
17. Establish the criteria for selection of judges to USAG competitions.

REGIONAL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN (RTCC)
1. Attend the meetings of the Technical Committee.
2. Serve as Chairman of the Regional Technical Committee and as a member of all Regional Committees
3. Serve as the USA Gymnastics Women Program technical consultant for the States and Region and answer any correspondence in that regard, with copies sent to the appropriate regional
personnel.
4. Act as a technical advisor to the Regional Junior Olympic Committee.
5. Assist with the Regional Clinic/Workshops.
6. Actively participate in the training of judges, gymnasts and coaches in the technical aspects of the rules and regulations.
7. Assist other regional personnel with the format for Regional Competitions.
8. Recommend topics, content and presenters for Regional Congress.
9. Notify the Junior Olympic Program Manager of qualifiers to the National JO Championships.
10. Consult with the National Elite Technical Committee Chairman in regards to the evaluation of new elements performed by Elite athletes.
11. Notify the Elite Program Manager of qualifiers to National Elite Competitions.
12. Keep a record of active status for all Elite and Brevet judges.
13. Select a regional Junior Olympic Technical Assistant, if deemed necessary.
14. Select a committee of two to three (2-3) of the most highly rated judges to serve as the Regional Technical Committee.
15. Make interim decisions on element evaluations for the Jr. Olympic Program in conjunction with the RJOCC.
16. Serve as Meet Referee for Regional Championship competitions. (If necessary, may appoint any other properly rated official).
17. Dispense information of a technical nature to the membership through the office of the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman.
18. Coordinate decisions on petitions for Regionals in consultation with the RJOCC and the State Administrative Chairman or the RECC.
19. Notify petitioner and meet director of approval or denial.
20. Approve the assignment of an affiliated judge on a one-judge panel or the assignment of a judge to a competition who does not have the proper rating.
21. Submit recommendation for judges for JO National competitions to the NTCC, JOCC and the JO Program Manager.
22. Verify the Active Status for all judging recommendation within the region.
23. In consultation with the RECC, assign judges for Elite Regional Competitions.
24. Submit a financial report to the RACC for reimbursement of travel, phone, and postage expenses.

- The Committee determined that the “philosophy” of the J.O. Program is that the level system should be truly “linear.” The wording and breakdown of each level will be published at a later date. For example however L 7 = Novice, L 8 = Beginner, L 9 = Intermediate and L 10 = Advanced >>Optional Competitive levels. The compulsory levels will be similar.

The restructuring of L’s 7-10 and allowable difficulty:

- L 7’s = A’s and B’s + selected C’s on Bars (1/2 piro, clear-hip, clear-hip ½)
- L 8’s = A’s, B’s + C* dance elements and selected C’s on Bars (1/2 piro, clear-hip, clear-hip ½)
- L 9’s = A’s, B’s, C’s + 1 D* element per event that receives C credit (no bonus for D’s)
* Unallowable elements that are performed (additional C’s in L 8 and D’s/E’s in L 9) will receive no value part credit and will be given a .5 deduction each.
- L 10’s = unrestricted difficulty

On a different note, the summer of 2008 was a great one for Region 8. In July we were in South Carolina for the first annual “Regional Team” Training camp and it was great. The camp was comprised of the top “up and comers” in the Region and the talent was hot. The focus of the camp was basics and core skill development. The kids and volunteer coaches worked extremely hard and everyone was very happy with the results.

In August we once again returned to Myrtle Beach for the second annual Region 8 “All-Star” trip. The team was made up of the level 9 & 10 athletes that represented Region 8 the best at 2008 Easterns and Nationals. This year’s team was as follows:

Level 9
Nicole Bindewald of Ocean Flippers
Kayla Carlsen of Douglasville
Kaitlin Green of LaFleurs of Largo
Christina Pheil of Tampa Bay Turners
Charley Santagado of Kitty’s All-Stars
Sara Shipley of American Twisters
Kacie Trojanowski of MEGA

Level 10
Haley Bodenheimer of Southeastern
Ashanee Dickerson of Gymnastics Unlimited
Pauline Hanset of Premier
Kailyn Hawkins of Southeastern
Briana Melander of LaFleurs of Largo
Haley Watts of Southeastern

The athletes and coaches took part in three very intense training sessions at Gym and More with head staff Brad Harris, David Parraga, Louie Ligouri, Ludmilla Shobe and Lisa Music. Everyone involved really enjoyed the workouts but enjoyed even more the relationships that were created and the true feeing of camaraderie. It is our hope that this trip has been and will continue to be a great source of motivation within the Region.

I would like to personally thank Louie, Rebecca, Janice, Sue and the Gym and More staff for their incredible hospitality on the trip and to all of our Region 8 Training Camp hosts. Without your dedication to the athletes of our Region, a lot of the great experiences that we are able to provide would not be possible.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who is involved and is supporting our new three training camp system. Although we are moving in the right direction we still do not have 100% participation. I have asked and will continue to ask that every club that qualifies athletes to Level 8-10 Regional Championships be a part of at least one of the three camps. Being a part can mean: sending athletes, volunteering to coach or both. Please understand that all of the funds raised go directly back to our athletes and coaches for apparel and our “All-Star” trip. Please do your part.

Thanks a lot and GO Region 8 –

Brad Harris

Region 8 Junior Olympic Committee Chairman
2301 26th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Phone: (727) 328-8500
E-Mail: Tbayturnrs@AOL.Com

Marriott Coral Springs Hotel
Golf Club & Convention Center
11775 Heron Bay Blvd.
Coral Springs, FL 33076
Rate: $129.00 per night
Group name: Region 8 USAG Elite/TOPs
Group reservation phone numbers: 954-753-5598 or 800-311-8018
RESERVATION CUTOFF DATE: Tuesday, November 18, 2008