CRITERIA FOR NOMINATIONS
All nominees must be:
Professional Members of the Women's Program at least 21 years old and in good standing for a minimum of two (2) consecutive years immediately prior to the nomination.

A member in good standing is defined as a person who has complied with all aspects of the program as outlined in the Rules and Policies.  Special circumstances involving residency criteria for any State or Regional Chairman position can be petitioned to the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman (RACC), in consultation with the National Administrative Committee Chairman (NACC), if necessary.

Prior to being placed on the ballot, all nominees must sign a document that verifies that they have read and understand the duties and responsibilities of the office for which they have been nominated.

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)
The Regional Technical Committee Chairman (RTCC) must hold a current Brevet rating.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE:

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

REGIONAL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN (RTCC)
A. Attend the meetings of the National Technical Committee (NTC).
B. Serve as Chairman of the Regional Technical Committee (RTC) and as a member of all Regional Committees.
C. 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/national personnel.
D. Act as a technical advisor to the Regional Junior Olympic Committee (RJOC).
E. Assist with Regional Clinic/Workshops.
F. Actively participate in the training of judges, gymnasts and coaches in the technical aspects of the rules and regulations.
G. Assist other regional personnel with the format for Regional Competitions.
H. Recommend topics, content and presenters for Regional Congress.
I. Notify the Junior Olympic Program Manager of qualifiers to the National Junior Olympic Championships.
J. Consult with the International Elite Committee in regards to the evaluation of new elements performed by Elite athletes.
K. Submit competition results for all regional elite meets to the Women’s Program Director/Athlete Development.
L. Keep a record of active status for all Brevet judges.
M. Select a regional Junior Olympic Technical Assistant, if deemed necessary.
N. Select a committee of two to three (2-3) of the most highly rated judges to serve as the Regional Technical Committee.
O. Make interim decisions on element evaluations for the Jr. Olympic Program, in conjunction with the Regional Junior Olympic Committee Chairman.
P. Serve as Meet Referee for Regional Championship competitions. (If necessary, may appoint any other properly rated official).
Q. Dispense information of a technical nature to the membership through the office of the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman (RACC).
R. Coordinate decisions on petitions for Regional competitions in consultation with the RJOCC and the State Administrative Committee Chairman (SACC) or the Regional Pre-Elite Committee Chairman
(RPECC) and notify petitioner and meet director of approval or denial.
S. Approve the assignment of an affiliated judge on a one-judge panel or the assignment to a competition of a judge who does not have the proper rating.
T. Submit recommendation for judges for Junior Olympic National competitions to the National Technical Committee Chairman (NTCC) and the JO Program Manager.
U. Verify the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for all judging recommendations within the region.
V. In consultation with the Regional Pre-Elite Committee Chairman (RECC), assign judges for Regional Pre-Elite Competitions.
W. Submit a financial report to the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman (RACC) for reimbursement of travel, phone, and postage expenses.
X. Administer a National Judges’ Exam, if necessary, for retest.
Y. Conduct a Test Administrators Workshop, if necessary, within the region.
 

I recently returned from my December - Regional Board Meeting and things are going to stay pretty much the same for the 09’ Winter, Spring and fall seasons. Please see the minutes in this newsletter for specifics. I do have one fantastic announcement to make however. The Tim Rand “TR” Memorial Fund will be paying for 100% of the Level 10 entries into Nationals in the Seattle area. Thanks to Toni Rand and all of the supporters of this fund for keeping the memory of one of Region 8’s greats alive and really making a difference in the lives of our athletes and families.

Training Camp Announcements:

# 1 = “Regional Team” Training Camp – July 24-26, 2009 at Tampa Bay Turners - FL

Qualifiers:

Level 8 State “Regional” Team athletes (up to 64)
Level 8 Regional athletes that placed 1-3 at Regional Championships in non state team sessions.
TOP’s National Qualifiers that competed L 7 and above in the previous year.

# 2 = “R 8 National Team” Training Camp – September 11-13, 2009 at Orlando Metro - FL

Qualifiers:

All L 9 and 10 athletes that qualified to the previous year’s Eastern/National Meet
All active elite athletes

This camp will serve as host for NAWGJ Symposium

# 3 = “L 8, 9, 10 Regional Training Camp” - October 2-4, 2009 - Gymnastix – Buford, GA

Qualifiers:

All L 8, 9 and 10 athletes that qualified to the previous year’s Regional Championship meet or above.

I am confident that our camp system will continue to provide the ultimate training and learning opportunities for our athletes, coaches and judges alike to help take Region 8 to the next level. With that said however, supporting our training camps will be more important than ever. The Regional Board unanimously decided that to bolster support, every club that has athletes eligible for the all-star trip must be in good standing to accept the trip upon earning it. Good standing means that each club must do one or more of the following:

• Host a R 8 Training Camp within the last 2 years
• Send a volunteer coach or coaches to a Camp to actively work with gymnasts
• Send an athlete or athletes to a Camp
• Make a $1,000 donation to the Regional Apparel Fund

Clubs failing to meet these criteria are making the decision to be ineligible for the “All-Star” Trip if one or more of your athletes qualify. Please do not put yourself in this position.

The Board made this tough decision with the knowledge that the training camps cannot be a success without the support of ALL of our clubs. The funds created by the camps are the funds that are the life blood our athletes and coaches for apparel and our “All-Star” trip. Please do your part.

The “All-Star” trip will once again be in July/August on the 30th – 2nd weekend. The team will be made up of the level 9 & 10 athletes that represent Region 8 the best at 2009 Easterns and Nationals. The athletes and coaches will take part in three very intense training sessions at the unbelievable CAR Gymnastics Training Center in Cancun, MX  with myself and the head staff that I will assemble post qualification. The team and attending coaches will be housed in a local, all inclusive hotel and be transported via bus while in Mexico. We will also mix in a little bit of local culture and fun. It is our hope that this trip has been and will continue to be a great source of motivation within the Region. The Region will furnish the funds for the athletes and the head staff. Coaches that qualify athletes that are not on the staff may also attend but at their own expense. The qualification system is as follows:

The top six – L 9’s (plus ties) and the top six – L 10’s (plus ties) from Eastern/National Championships will make up the team. The team is chosen as follows:

Any athlete(s) that place first in the AA get first priority.
Any athlete(s) that place second in the AA fill any remaining spots.
Any athlete(s) that place third in the AA fill any remaining spots.
If there are still spots available the athlete(s) with the highest AA score regardless of Age Group will make up the remainder of the team.

Graduating Seniors are ineligible for the trip.

The Region 8 Junior Olympic Committee remains:

Alabama
J – Mary Lou Dillard
C- Meg Henry
Florida
J - Rene Niccollai
C - Laura Parraga
Georgia
J – Michelle Donovan
C – Elena Piskun
Louisiana
J – Brenda Eberhardt
C - Bryan Neal
Mississippi
J – Mary Moore
C – Emily Lay
North Carolina
J – Kristie Phillips
C – Kenny Morphis
South Carolina
J – Mendy Knisley
C – Louie Liguori
Tennessee
J – Jeanna Rogers
C – Adam Byrd

As always, please feel free to contact your State’s representative or myself with any questions or concerns.

Please remember that the changes that will go into place in August 2009 are not in effect until then. The 2009 Winter/Spring season will use the current rules.

Thanks a lot and GO Region 8 –

Brad Harris
Region 8 Junior Olympic Committee Chairman
 

REGIONAL MEET ENTRY:

Please be sure that you have ALL necessary information at your State Meet to enter your gymnasts in the Regional Meets -- USAG athlete number, birthdate, etc. - and one club check per Regional Meet for entry fees. No checks from parents are allowed.

Regional Meet entry fees and forms MUST be turned in to your State Chairman (or designated official) at your State Meet -- within the specified time.

If a gymnast's Regional Meet entry is NOT turned in at the State Meet; in order to enter the gymnast(s) in the Regional Meet the following penalty will apply to the coach:

- a $25.00 late fee per gymnast (in addition to the regular entry fee) must be paid to the Regional Meet Director

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR GYMNAST HAS QUALIFIED (according to the official announcement of qualifiers) -- AND ENTER HER PROPERLY WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TIME.

PETITIONS: (No petitions for Level 8 Regionals)

1. Any petitions should be mailed to the RTC, Marian Dykes -- it is YOUR responsibility to get all information needed for petitions.

2. Marian must RECEIVE petition NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY following State Meet.

3. You should call, FAX or E-mail Marian to notify her that a petition is coming. (770-451-6910 Ph, 770-457-0943 Fax or mariandykes@aol.com )

4. List all petitioning gymnasts on bottom of entry form under petition section.

5. Complete Petition Form from Region 8 Winter Newsletter. Fax a copy of Petition Form to Debby Kornegay 205-951-0184

6. A photocopy of one pre-state, sanctioned meet results from the current season (at the level to which they are petitioning) showing a score at least one (1.00) point greater than the regional qualifying score.

7. A club check for entry fee MUST accompany petition to Marian. She will forward check to Meet Director if petition is accepted. (Check will be returned if not accepted.)

AT REGIONALS:

To be allowed onto the floor of competition, all coaches MUST show their current USA Gymnastics pro membership card with Safety Certification and Background Check expiration dates at Coaches sign in.

Level 9 & 10 coaches - you need to have with you ALL necessary information to enter your gymnasts in the National meets - including club checks for entry fees, extra T-shirt purchases, and any JO National apparel that you wish to purchase.

CHECK REGION 8 WEB PAGE FOR REGIONAL MEET SCHEDULES!

 

Jon    Aardema    -    GA SACC GAA Host
Jennie    Adams    -    National Judge - North Carolina SACC
Philip    Adams    -    SEGA
Donna    Alexin    -    Gymstars
Gene    Alexin    -    Gymstars
Brian    Amato    -    Brandy Johnson's
Richard    Aramas    -    Flip and Twist
Michelle    Aspinwall    -    Gymnastics Unlimited
Cookie    Batsche    -    Brevet Judge
Heather    Breasbois    -    Tampa Bay Turners
Jim    Candler    -    Orlando Metro
Evelyn    Chandler    -    Brevet Judge
Brodie    Cotton     -    Gymnastics Inc
Dimda    Denka    -    SEGA
Sharon    Doyle    -    Georgia SJD
Marian    Dykes    -    Brevet Judge - RTCC
Brenda    Eberhardt    -    National Judge - Louisiana SJD
Devon    Everett    -    TNT Gymnastics
Jeremy    Ferguson    -    Gymnastics Center of Chattanooga
Lucy    Fox    -    Brevet Judge - Tennessee SJD proxy
Lauren    Foxworth    -    Gymnastics Inc
Alex    Gatch    -    Salem Gymnastics
Jim    Gault    -    MEGA
Jacobo    Giron    -    Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta
Joan    Gnat    -    ACE
Ray    Gnat    -    ACE
Mark    Goodson    -    MEGA
Grisha    Gutkin    -    Atlanta North Stars
Laurel    Hambrick    -    West Georgia Gymnastics
Brad    Harris    -    Tampa Bay Turners - RJOCC
Nancy    Hawkins    -    Mississippi SACC
Mary    Hoagland    -    National Judge -  North Carolina SJD
Emily    Hubbuch    -    Gymnastics Center of Chattanooga
Carole    Ide    -    Brevet Judge
Davita    Ivey    -    Charleston Twisters
Davita    Ivey    -    Charelston Twisters
Wilson    Kevin    -    Gymnastics and More
Mendi    Knisley    -    South Carolina SJD
Debby    Kornegay    -    Brevet Judge - RACC
Jeff    LaFleur    -    LaFleur's Tampa
Jackie    Latino    -    Louisiana SACC
Brad    Laymon    -    Everest
Louie    Liguori    -    Gymnastics and More
Bruce    McGartlin    -    North Shore
Mary    Moore    -    Region 8 JO Committee - MS
Kenny    Morphis    -    Salem Gymnastics
Lisa    Music    -    Gymnastics Unlimited
Doug    Neiman    -    Tampa Gymnastics
Rene    Niccollai    -    Brevet Judge
Tish    Opie    -    Georgia All-Stars
April    Ostejic     -    New Vision
Paul    Padron    -    Brevet Judge
Zebadua    Paris    -    Gymnastics Inc
Kelly    Pitzen    -    RPECC
Irina    Podgornaya    -    Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta
Sheila    Ragle    -    Brevet Judge - NAWGJ RJD
Toni    Rand    -    FL SACC
Jason    Rawlings    -    Orlando Metro
Mark    Robbins    -    Bieger Internationsl
Curtis    Rucker    -    Salem Gymnastics
Amy    Schulthess    -    Tampa Bay Turners
Wendy    Settles    -    National Judge
Ludmila    Shobe    -    Southeastern
Nikki    Spinelli    -    Sun Country
Mary      Thacker    -    National Judge - Mississippi SJD
Dan    Thaxton    -    Gwinnett Gymnastics Center
Patrick    Thomas    -    Georgia All-Stars
Diane    Thompson    -    Brevet Judge
Rick    Wagner    -    Gymnastics Inc
Mary Ann    Wallace    -    Alabama SJD
Winnie    Witten    -    Brevet Judge
Winnie    Witten    -    Brevet Judge
Jeff    Wood    -    Orlando Metro
 

- 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

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