2010 Winter Newsletter

Region 8 USA Gymnastics Regional Committee Meeting

December 18, 2009

Airport Marriott Hotel – Atlanta Georgia

 

Members present:           

Debby Kornegay – RACC                        Jon Aardema – GA

Marian Dykes – RTCC                        Jackie Latino – LA – Late flight arrived 9:45

Brad Harris – RJOCC                                    Nancy Hawkins – MS

Deb Walls – AL                                    Jennie Adams – NC (acting secretary)

Toni Rand – FL Absent flooding            Joanne Child – SC – Late flight arrived 10:00

                                    Larry Corrigan – TN

 

9:30 a.m.            Deb Kornegay called the meeting to order.

·       Thank you cards were handed out and passed around table for all to see.

·       An address list was circulated and members were asked to update the information.

·       It was noted that the purple page of agenda items should be used for planner update. Bolded items were not on the earlier calendar.

·       Deb K handed out a copy of Region 8 Rules and Regulations, printed for portability. New changes are in blue for emphasis.

Deb K presented the Financial Report from the Third Quarter. Marian suggested that Deb K do a comparison between the 2008 and 2009 reports. Worthy of note, is a large reduction in the newsletter costs.

Deb K presented the Travel Fund, which had a balance of $23676.67.

Deb K reported on the Hurricane Fund. Because the bank would have charged fees for a low balance, Deb had deposited $2000 from the Region 8 general account to avoid the additional fee.

Regional and National Judges discussion:               Deb asked Marian if there were any need for Regional judging replacements. Marian reported that all ratings had been updated and CPE’s verified. Nancy H. asked for clarification of the Regional judge assigning fee. The fee should be $5/judge paid to Region 8 NAWGJ, % Sheila Ragle. 

Deb K reminded the Committee that the Tim Rand Memorial Fund paid the Region 8 gymnasts’ entry fees to Nationals last year. Because of the overwhelming positive response, it was suggested that the TRMF try to do that again. Additional proceeds to the TR Fund will possibly come from recovered videos of Tim presenting at Congresses and Training Camps from the past, created and produced by Tom Reynolds. Deb K stated that there would be more about this at a later date.

Jennie K asked Marian D. about the reason why State Committee’s were asked for a Nov. 1 deadline to report State Meet judge selections when the upcoming optional season for most states was not until two or three months later. Marian explained that the main reason was that the deadline to the National office was Dec.1

Jon A. initiated a discussion about the College Gymnastics Fund. He asked if anyone knew about how the funds were distributed for CCF. He expressed concern for Centenary College in Louisiana. It would be in Region 8’s best interest to have the gymnastics program at Centenary continue because it is the only small college in Region 8. Jon questioned if a donation from GA USAG would do more good for Georgia if the money stayed in the Region to help Centenary. Jackie reported that Centenary is the only D1 (changing to D3) school in Region 8. She talked with Coach Gretchen Gurltz who relayed that there would be no gymnastics scholarships next year. She hoped to have support from southeastern clubs who are within driving distance.

Region 8 Congress Financial Settlement Report             Total funds to Region 8 was $17,001.42

Deb K reported that bids were received for Regional Training Camps. 

A bid was received for Regional Team Training Camp from Tampa Bay Turners. The date would be July 23, 2010. 

One bid was received for 2011 Prep Opt Regionals. 

No bids were received for the 2011 9/10 Regionals. Deb K stated that bids would remain open.

Brad Harris presented a New Training Camp proposal – He suggested that a higher number of gymnasts be able to qualify for the training camps.  With the economy in trouble the numbers have been lower.  The quality of the gymnast’s camp experience for the smaller camp was terrific.  The number of gymnasts has always been lower in July than the fall camps.

 

Brad proposed to expand the Regional Team Training Camp and allow all level 7 and 8 Regional gymnasts to attend. The National Team Training Camp will include Level 9 Eastern qualifiers, Level 10 NIT and Nationals gymnasts and current pre-Elite and Elite athletes, but will not include TOPS gymnasts. Brad promised to continue to urge college coaches to attend so that every college in the Southeast would be on site. Even if the numbers increase, Brad stated that he wants the quality to remain as high as it has been. 

Brad proposed that Level 8, 9, & 10 Training Camp would remain the same. He stated that as long as we remain in a super gym the numbers would work. If we outgrow the super gym, then we’ll have to put a cap on the number of kids who can attend. 

In regards to gymnastic club support of Training Camps, if a club spends $1000 cumulatively for all the training camps then 2 of the club’s coaches may attend training camps free during that year. 

Brad encouraged the Committee to deliver the message, that all clubs who support the Training Camp System would in turn, be supporting themselves.  If a club’s gymnasts were to qualify for the All-Star team and the club had not supported the Training Camp, then when their gymnast finishes high in the National Meet she will be disappointed.  Brad asked for the State Chair’s help in comparing the names and the clubs of the kids who go to Nationals and who are supporting the Training Camps.  Then if the State Chairs were to approach the clubs who have not supported, it would be beneficial to the process to let the club know that they should keep in mind where the funds come from for the apparel that qualifiers receive.  Brad stated that he believes that if a club’s gymnasts accept the apparel and go on the Trip, then the Region should expect that club to support the Training Camp process. A club can make a $1,000.00 donation prior to the beginning of the Level 9 & 10 Regional competition and become a club in good standing.

 

Invitations for All Star Trip will be sent in early June. Gymnasts must accept or decline to be included on the Trip within three days after receiving the invitation. Any athlete that qualifies from a gym not in good standing may attend the trip for the cost of the trip or the gym may provided a $1000 donation prior to the beginning of the Level 9 & 10 Regional competition. In order to participate and be included on the All Star Trip when a gymnast from a club qualifies for the Trip and the club is not in good standing, then the gymnast must pay for the cost of the Trip.

 

Possible slogans were suggested:

Training Camps Support You – Pay It Back – Now You Support your Training Camp

Support the System that Supports You.

Deb K asked for a discussion about 7/8 Regionals:

·       The majority of the Region 8 Committee liked the Breast Cancer theme. 

·       Jackie L. talked about the GK leotards. GK has only three tanks that have the theme, but we’re allowed to choose a custom leotard and add the pink ribbon. 

·       Nancy talked about problems with GK shipping. Jackie likes Kylie and has always had good history working with her. 

·       Jackie L. suggested that everyone pick their own tanks. The Team Leos will be the same for all in the Regional competition. It will be up to each state as to what will be chosen for 9/10 leotards.

Jackie L showed a pink logoed football jersey that might be used as a good fundraiser by each state.

Deb K asked about continuing the “basket” raffle fundraiser at 7/8 Regional. It was suggested that general donations could be requested at the door, which might gather just as much money for the cause. Breast cancer stickers could be exchanged for the donation. Jennie K will check on Komen stickers.

Regional Congress Update

Nashville did not have an open date for the Region 8 Congress. Deb K. spent Friday checking with Atlanta hotels for cost projections and facility needs. She provided a sheet with breakdowns. There did not seem to be one hotel that fit all the criteria needed. Deb K decided to check on the Crown Plaza Ravinia at Perimeter during lunch. At least 400 room nights would be needed for the site to be suitable.

12:15-12:25 break

Deb K asked the Committee to prioritize the 2011 Region 8 Congress date.

First choice – June 16-18                Second choice June 9-12                        Third choice – June 23-26

Deb K requested that the Hall of Fame nominations be discussed during lunch.

Lunch came @ 12:30. 

Hall of Fame Discussions:

·       Could categories be set for the nominations such as athlete, coach, judge, contributor, etc.

·       Candidates names were presented before the Committee as follows in no particular order:

·       Members of the Committee voted in secret ballot. Nominees receiving at least 75% of the votes cast would be honored as inductees in the Hall of Fame.

·       Deb K stated that she would count votes and the following are members of the 2010 Region 8 Hall of Fame.

Jennie Adams, Christi Barineau, Kevin Brown, Rita Brown, Joanne Child, Bunny Cook, Smo Didomenica, Rob Travers and Deb Walls

Prep Opt Regional Discussion

Deb K stated her opinion that the Prep Program was a great program before the Regional Committee took it over for multiple reasons. She hoped that the Committee would not make additional rules to change the format for who might attend the Regional meet. She hoped that gymnasts who attended the Regional Invitational in the past would continue to be able to participate.

 

Brad summarized what might be reasons are for opposition to the Prep Optional program on a national level. As the Committee develops and adjusts the program, he suggested that we carefully work cooperatively and with consensus.

Region 8 Gymnastics should strive to provide an opportunity to keep gymnasts in the sport. He noted that every other level of gymnastics had rules created by the National program. The Prep rules and skills were created by our region. Because of the dynamic growth of the Regional Invitational (358 gymnasts to 563 in one year – 157% growth) that the program fulfills a need.

Deb K asked the State Chairs to send out a request (poll) asking gyms for the number of their gymnasts who were interested in entering the Prep Opt Regional this year. It was suggested that if a state does not provide a specific level, then the Platinum and Open levels might be the only one that would require a qualifying score. Other divisions could go to Regionals without a qualification score.

Deb K asked the question - What shall be the make-up, duties, and recommendations of the Regional Prep Optional Committee?  What issues will need to be resolved?

·       The Committee thought that the RPC should make rule change recommendations and that the Regional Committee would vote on the changes at the summer meeting. 

·       Mary Ann Wallace, Emily Lay, Brenda Eberhardt, Mary Thacker, Cindy Wallace, and Deb Walls are currently the members of the Regional Prep Optional Committee.

·       At the previous Regional Invitationals each division had their Team members compete as Team and then were able to compete as individuals after paying a second entry fee. The Committee voted that this process continue.

·       Brad H. asked what would be the procedure if there were 890 gymnasts (4+4+3 sessions), would there be a need to bring in additional judges. Could a C gym be used without utilizing a Capital Cup format, but using 2 judge panels? A poll of numbers in each state will be taken and procedure will be decided after numbers are in, but the region 8 Committee feels strongly that 4 judges per event should be used.

Deb K state that the Regional Committee meeting will be on the Thursday before Regional Congress.

Regional JO Program

Brad H. presented a preview of the proposed apparel that gymnasts going to Easterns and Nationals would receive along with the cost of the items.

Level 9 gymnasts – T-shirt for workout, white, draw-string bag, flip flops, grip bag.

Level 10 gymnasts – grip bag, warm-up hoodie to be worn on workout day, duffle bag, pants or shorts, flip flops, and grip bag. He stated that some of the items would be donated by Cindi Pokrano and Tampa Bay Turners.

Coaches would get three shirts, one for each day of competition. Men would have coordinating raglan sleeved shirts in two colors.

2:15

Brad H. explained the Coach of the Year selection process from the National perspective. The person should encompass all levels of the JO program (Levels 1-10) in that year. He suggested that we decide who gets Regional Coach of Year the day after the Regional Meet. It was requested that each state send in the State Coach of the Year the day after the spring state meet. In essence, Brad suggested that Region 8 should be looking for the leader of the gym that has the best program in Region 8. He also suggested that the honor not be Coach of the Year, but the Program of the Year, but that would need a National office change.

Brad H. stated that the gymnast Cancun trip was great. The facility was a wonderful gym, just not air conditioned. The hotel was terrific and the cost was below budget. One reason for the lower cost was that the gymnasts paid for their own food. Pictures are online. He reminded the Committee that on alternate years there would be an International and then a national rotation for the site for the camp. Chelsea Piers would be a possibility and then Costa Rica. Brad stated that he would be looking for a possibility of clinic with international kids.

Deb K reminded the Committee that 2010 was an election year for state chairpersons. She polled all in attendance asking if each were planning on running for office again. All Region 8 State Chairman will seek re-election.

Deb K reminded State Chairs that 4^th quarter financial statement due Jan. 15^th.

Deb K explained to the Committee about the “redo” of the Regional entry form.

·       She asked that there be only one sheet per level or division, please.

·        Questions were asked about streamlining the regional/national entries by using electronic entries. 

·       Deb K asked that the SC’s use the form given, either on line or in paper form. 

·       State chairs were reminded that they are to write one check for team entries and individual entries from each state. (7 & 8 Optional Regionals). 

·       It would be a nice courtesy to do the same for 9/10 Regionals.

Deb K presented the acceptable Petition form.

Deb K presented the alternate information sheets for each Regional meet needing one with the time and date of the change deadline printed near the top of the page. The deadline for placing alternates at the Prep Regional is April 21^st @ 8:00 am. State Chairs were asked to remind clubs about this deadline.

Deb K presented the 2010 State Meet Reporting Procedures. She stated that Marian still wants all the paper work as a double check. She noted that Prep Opt Regionals has two addresses. She asked the State Chairs to be very careful with excel spreadsheet formats.

Deb K asked that she be emailed the # of Level 7’s @ 32, Level 8’s @ 32 and 34 and Level 9 & 10’s @ 34 on 3-8-10.

Regional Technical Chairperson report:

·       Marian D. noted that there are updates on national website with clarifications and on the new Optional rules. 

·       First zone for Elite will be in Region 8, Kristie Philips and Marian Dykes are assigned to judge. Kristie Phillips will also help with the clinic. 

·       Jan. 2^nd Elite competition is first thing Saturday morning, then the clinic will be on 2^nd and 3^rd. at Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta, Jon Ardema’s gym)

Brad H. asked if the Regional still wants to have a regional hotel at Level 10’s Nationals? 

·       We will block 75 rooms and then we’d compile a rooming list of who would like to be in regional block or not. 

·       Would need spreadsheet format, email address, no more than 2 rooms per person, etc. and someone would have to coordinate this at the end of the Regional meet. 

·       Prepare the coaches, gymnasts, and parents at the state meet about knowing that this will occur.

Brad H gave an overview of the November JO Committee meeting discussing changes in compulsory and optionals for the next cycle. More information will be published later.

Deb K stated that

·       The next meeting will be at Thursday, June 17^th at 9:00 A.M. in Atlanta at Region 8 Congress.

·       State Chairs workshop in Vegas will be May 21-23, 2010. There has been no hotel information published yet. 

·       National Congress would be in Hartford, CT on August 12 – 15, 2010.

Other Business – There was no other business presented.

Motion             Jennie K.            to adjourn. 

2^nd                         Nancy H.            Passed unanimously

4:15 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Jennie Adams – acting secretary