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

The clinic will offer a session for TOPs athletes to work on TOPs skills along with physical ability tests. A session for athletes interested in learning the elite testing, and a session for current elite, pre elite, and hope division athletes that will focus on optional skill development. We will also have brevet judges on hand to go over changes in the code. This will be a great opportunity for all interested in the elite program.

Fees: *Elite Testing $50

Clinic $75
Both the testing and clinic $100
There will be a $50 charge for coaches/judges without an athlete.
*Note this is a change from the previous entry form. It has been lowered to give gyms and athletes every opportunity to try the testing.

2009 Elite Calender
Subject to change

Feb. 27 National Testing JFJ Elite, Birmingham, AL
Feb. 28-Mar 1 National Elite Qualifier West Palm Beach Fl.
April 3-5 American Classic/National Qualifier TBA
Aug. 12-15 Visa Championships TBA
1 -2 more Regional Qualifiers will be added between May and June for qualification of athletes to the pre elite division. Dates and locations to be announced.
 

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
 

The following athletes qualified to Visa Championships June 5-7, 2008

US Challenge

US Classic

2008 Pacific Rim Championships

Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., was the uneven bars champion and took second on the balance beam.

Bieger won the uneven bars with a 15.550, finishing ahead of Liukin and Canada’s Kristina Vaculik, who tied for second at 15.225. Bieger gave a solid routine, finishing with a tuck full-in. Liukin missed a Geinger release but her well-choreographed routine still enabled her to earn a 15.225 and to tie for second. Bieger also was third on balance beam with a 15.525.

“I’m definitely happy,” said Bieger. “I wanted to prove I can hit beam and that’s what I did.”

Track #1- This will be for current elite, pre elite or hope’s division athletes. The focus will be on developing optional skills needed to be competitive at this level.

Track #2- This will be for athletes interested in learning the elite compulsories for future testing. *Coaches, note the compulsories are comprised of basics that can be used at ANY level!

Track #3- This will be for athletes ages 6-10 interested in the TOPS program. Concentration will be on TOPS skills as well as the current physical abilities tests.

EVERYONE attending the clinic will learn the USA National Team warm-up used at all training camps. This is an all-inclusive warm-up that can be used for ALL team levels!

The staff will include at least one National Team coach along with several regional elite level coaches, regional judges, the newly appointed regional Elite Chairman, Kelly Pitzen and the National Pre Elite Committee Chairman, Gary Anderson.

This will be an educational opportunity for athletes, coaches and judges. It will be a “hands on” working/participation clinic for all athletes attending. If you are interested in the testing or the clinic, please email me with a tentative number of athletes you would like to bring along with the tracks you would be interested in. This is essential in order to plan and adequately staff for a successful low instructor/student ratio. If you have any questions please contact Kelly at Kpitzen@gmail.com

Sincerely,
Kelly Pitzen
Region 8 Pre Elite Chairman

Tentative Schedule:

Friday, Dec. 19

• Elite Compulsory Testing
     This is a great opportunity to take, or simply come and watch the compulsories being done in a competitive situation
     Parent and coaches lecture on the “Elite/PreElite/Tops Programs” following the testing.

Saturday, Dec. 20

• Full day of instructional rotations with “tracks” for those wanting to learn the compulsories, those working in the TOPS program (both skills and testing) and optional skill development toward the “new code”.
• Judges to help with the evaluation and construction of routines under the “new code” for all divisions of Elite (international, pre elite and hopes)

Sunday, Dec. 21

• Rotations up until 2:00 PM to allow participants an opportunity to return home the same day.
  (Please fill this out and cut and paste this on an email and send it back to me)

VERY IMPORTANT

In order to adequately plan for staff, it is essential I have some idea of the numbers that will be participating. With this, I will have to LIMIT the enrollment to keep the teaching ratios to a level where the clinic is valuable to those participating. Please give me your best “guesstimate” (you will not be held to these numbers, just give me your best guess!) at this time:

_____ number of athletes for elite testing

_____ number of PreElite/Elite athletes for skill development

_____ number of athletes attending to learn the Elite compulsories

_____ number of 7 to 10 year olds attending for TOPS skills and drills

_____ number of coaches planning on attending

Name of your gym club: _______________________

Club and/or personal email: _______________________

Club and personal phone: _______________________