Region 8 Chairperson Deb Kornegay called the meeting to order at 9:02.
Members present:
Debby Kornegay – RACC Jackie Latino – LA
Marian Dykes – RTCC Nancy Hawkins – MS
Brad Harris – RJOCC Jennie Adams – NC
Deb Walls – AL Toni Rand – FL
Jon Aardema – GA Joanne Child – SC
Larry Corrigan – TN
Jennie Adams was appointed secretary.
Address list for the Web page and Emergency lists were passed around to the members for updating.
Operating Code – Deb K. presented an updated code for review since 2012 is an election year for state chairs.
A Thank you card was read from Connie Maloney for a donation to her mother’s memorial fund. Thank you’s were also received for fruit sent to Larry Corrigan and Marian Dykes after surgeries.
Planner update. Deb K asked that states verify the dates for state meets.
Deb K asked that state chairs review current Region 8 Rules and Regulations document to see if updates are needed. Corrections were made and new document posted on Region 8 Website.
State and Region accounts from Regional Financial Fund. Deb K presented the current Region 8 Financial report. Deb W reported that she was challenged by the National office about a state committee travel reimbursement to a state committee meeting, but finally had it resolved by John Hewett. Deb K reminded all to check accounts on a regular basis.
Deb K presented the Region 8 Travel Fund statement from September 30, 2011 with an ending balance of $12,466.92.
Level 9 & 10 Regional update - Nancy H. asked to approach the meet directors about coordinating the flights for the two Regionals in order to reduce costs. Marian suggested that she contact the Sports Commission to work it out. Marian also asked to have Toni R. be the meet ref for 7/8 Regionals.
Level 7 & 8 Regional updates – Deb K reported that there would be 2 all-star sessions and 1-team sessions for Level 7’s. All Level 7 & 8 state team gymnasts shall have the same long sleeve leotard with no state name. Leotards will be black with purple. All teams shall have the same warm-up, but state name and bling are up to the state. Individual state warm-up leotard designs are up to each state. Deb K reminded that each state must request a bid from GymKin, but might purchase from any competitive vendor.
Larry C. suggested that the charity sponsored by the 7/8 Regional might be changed after concern of Komen Fund donations voiced from TN coaches. Marian suggested that we consider the Pat Summitt Foundation because of its work with Alzheimer’s. The ribbon color would be purple.
Motion Marian D Moved that the charity for the Level 7/8 Region 8 Regionals be the Pat Summitt
Foundation, supporting its research for Alzheimer’s.
2nd Jackie L Passed unanimously
Jackie L stated that Kylie would be coordinating the GymKin order for Region 8. Her email address is Kylie
Region 8 Xcel Optional Regionals state teams (6 member teams on 4 levels) will wear the leotards of the state’s choosing. In 2013 there may be 5 levels if the national program is adopted. Level 9/10 Regional leotards are also up to each states choosing.
Regional Congress speakers and sessions – Deb K asked for suggestions for Region 8 Congress session speakers. Tom Forrester, Chris Burdett, Lynn Moskovitz Thompson were proposed. Nancy H. suggested that the rooms for judging sessions be larger than in the past. Brad H suggested that a shotgun start golf tournament would be a good addition to a Congress activity and a good way to raise funds for the Region 8 TR Legends Fund (formerly the Tim Rand Fund). He also suggested that it would be a good way to change the focus of the TRF by including other gymnastics legends to be honored.
Brad led discussion on suggested ways to raise donations for the Fund.
· Each state could solicit three groups (coaches, judges, gym owners) to play in tournament.
· States or vendors could sponsor a hole.
· States and individual clubs could showcase banners on a hole.
· Each hole would raise $500 or holes could be shared for $100 each X 5 individuals.
· Brad and Kenny Morphis would work on negotiations with a golf course.
· Raffle prizes could be sold. Head to toe raffle tickets.
· Ask the USA Gymnastics office to give gifts that are quality for the 4 players who win
· Individuals could buy mulligan packages.
· There could be a silent auction at the end of the golf tournament. Suggestions for silent auction items: free entries into training camps, regional apparel, national congress paid entry, club camp entry paid, gymnastics meets (5 free entries), compulsory workshop. Each value could be over $100.
· Individuals could purchase the opportunity to caddie for a group, – raking the traps, tending the pens.
· Heckling gallery passes could be purchased.
· Time suggestion: Noon to 6:00.
· Perhaps the golf course could provide prizes and dinner.
· Cost could be $60-70 per player.
· The golf tournament will be held at the end of Regional Congress on Sunday afternoon.
· States could have fundraiser to get the state team on board. Event would be for adults only.
· Date for this is Sunday August 12th.
Proposed date for 2013 Region 8 Congress First choice -June 21-23.
Second choice - June 28-31
City suggestions were Atlanta, Tampa, and Birmingham.
Motion Jennie A. moved to have the first and second dates accepted for 2013 Region 8 Congress.
2nd Jackie L Passed unanimously
Deb K presented the Regional Congress 2011 Financial Report stating that $13,265.98 was the total amount that went into the Regional account from USA Gymnastics.
Region 8 hall of Fame Deb K presented the Hall of Fame Criteria for Selection. She stated that any discussion and selection needs to be completed at the Winter meeting. In order to be selected, each candidate must earn 75% of votes from the Committee members. Names were presented, members discussed, and votes cast.
2012 Hall of Fame – Brenda Eberhardt, Mary Hoagland, Katsu Kanzaki, Sibby Lane, Cyndi Locrotondo, Fred Martinez, Paul McAloon and Fred Sanders.
10:40 Break until 10:55
Deb K asked for discussion on how to select the Level 8 Team to represent Region 8 at the USA Open Championship in Orlando at the end of May.
Motion Marian D moved that the Region 8 Team for the USA Gymnastics Open Championship be
Designated as the top 8 AA scores, regardless of age group, in rank order from the Level 8 State Team Session.
2nd Jennie A. Passed unanimously
Deb K suggested that all state chairs should get assurance from team gymnasts that they are able to attend. Brad will take care of getting a Region 8 jacket for athletes. Leotards from State Team session will be used at USA Gymnastics Open Championship. Each state shall pay for one $75 entry. The $15 Team entry will be paid by the Region. States are reminded to let membership know that there will be a Level 8 All Star session at USA Gymnastics Open Championship.
Brad confirmed that the 2013 Training Camps dates are:
· 7/8 Training Camp July 19-21 2013
· National Team Camp September 6-8, 2013
· 8/9/10 Training Camp October 4-6, 2013
Hall of Fame Banquet at Region 8 Congress - Deb K stated that 2 tickets would be given to inductees for themselves and a guest. After the meal the banquet hall will be open to any that wish to see the ceremonies.
The Tim Rand Memorial Fund name shall be changed to Region 8 Gymnastics TR Legends Fund. This fund will continue to help gymnastics with the same spirit as the TRMF, but will become more universal because legacy donations may be made in the name of other Region 8 friends. The Fund will continue to provide the entry fees for gymnasts who qualify to Easterns and Nationals. In 2011 Level 10 National entries for Region 8 gymnasts was $5600.00 and Level 9 Eastern entries were $9600.00
Three bids for 2013 Level 7/8 Regionals were received and discussed.
· Huntsville Gymnastics Center – Von Braun Center - James Linderholm
· Rockdale Gymnastics – Sevierville Event Center, TN – Drew Davis
· Gymnastix Training Center – Georgia State University – David Pomerantz
Motion Toni R moved to accept the bid from Gymnastix for 2013 Level 7/8 Regionals
2nd Nancy H Passed unanimously
Two bids for 2013 Prep/Xcel Regionals were received and discussed:
· Central Florida Sports Commission & Metro Gymnastics – Karen Kerr
· Upstate Events – Clemson University – Gary Knisley
Motion Brad H moved to accept the bid from Upstate Events for the 2013 Prep/Xcel Regionals.
2nd Jennie A Passed unanimously
Deb K stated that there were no bids for the 2013 Level 9/10 Regionals. She asked the chairs to get the word out. Brad H reported that he had accepted a bid for ACE in Florida for the 8/9/10 Training camp on October 5-7, 2012. He stated that bids are needed for the other two camps. He would prefer to have the National Team camp at a college facility.
Regional and Nationals judges – Deb K asked Marian D if there were any judge replacement needs. Marian said that we were in great shape for the 9/10 Regionals. Toni R will be the meet referee for the 7/8 Regionals. Jamie Wallace is expecting as asked to be excused from the 7/8. Next in line – Stephanie Kuhlmann accepted.
The second panel of the Prep/Xcel Regional is missing judges (3) after some from Panel 2 were moved to Panel 1. Marian updated judge selection for Xcel Regionals.
Motion Deb W moved to add MJ McDaniel – MS, Gayle Craver and Sharon Griffin – AL to the
2nd panel of 2013 Xcel Regionals.
2nd Jon A Passed unanimously
Terry Laymon, Mark Robbins, and Karen Tilton will be the alternates for Panel 2, in that order.
Deb K entertained Xcel rule discussions for 2011-2012. She referred to Region 8 rules to become a Gold – Delete the rule “closed to gymnasts who have attained an AA of 31.00 at Level 6””. If a gymnast earns a 31.00 @ Lv 6 and wishes to remain a Gold, she may.
Marian clarified questions posted on the website.
· Discussion on the Floor - Silver Gold Platinum use of Round off in three passes – Leave the rule as it stands.
· Go to clarification page for full answer - Silver – Bars – Special Requirements – two circles, cast, and dismount. If a gymnast does pullover mount, cast back hip circle, cast back hip circle, cast squat on dismount, has she fulfilled all special requirements? Yes because the cast back hip circle may be considered either one or two skills.
Break for lunch 11:56
Deb K asked that the 2013 Xcel Rules be taken back to home states to be discussed by coaches. She relayed that the National meeting to discuss the 2013 Xcel rules was productive. All Regions had a set of Pre/Xcel rules except Region 3. Three of the regions were using close to Region 8 rules. The JO Committee will now discuss how the Xcel rules will be implemented.
Deb K explained to the members about the need to revise the Judge Selection process for Regionals/Nationals. She asked to be able to create a subcommittee to help with the judge rotation process. If the process is in place, after the new ratings in 2013 are earned, the Board will be ready to activate a new rotation. The question to be answered would be “Who are the most active and best judges from our region who should be going to a national meet?” Deb would like the subcommittee to create the application and criteria for selection. The subcommittee’s report will be approved at the Region 8 Congress meeting in August. Deb appointed Brad, Marian, Larry, and Deb K to the subcommittee.
Coach of the Year – Brad H reported that the Coach of the Year will be renamed Club of the Year. The JO Committee recommends that all states use a point system with state meet team results as the basis. Brad also suggested that the Region 8 Committee determine the Regional Club of the Year by using a two-vote process. Vote on all 8 states’ Coach of the Year, then take the top 2-3 and vote a second time on the one regional representative club.
National Qualifier Apparel Information – Brad H stated that apparel will be Red, White, & Blue in recognition of the Olympic year. Region 8 gymnasts will continue to wear burgundy (wine color)
| Day of Easterns/Nationals | Men Coaches Shirt w/ Region 8 swirl logo | Women Coaches Shirt w/ Region 8 swirl logo |
| Blue Friday | Navy shirt w/ white Region 8 logo | Navy shirt w/ white Region 8 logo |
| White Saturday | White shirt, blue insets and red Region 8 logo | White shirt, red insets, and red Region 8 logo |
| Red Sunday | Red shirt w/ white Region 8 logo | Red shirt w/ white Region 8 logo |
Gymnasts will receive the following:
| Level 9 gymnasts going to Easterns | Gym bag, flip-flops, and a T-shirt. |
| Level 10 gymnasts going to Nationals | Hoodie, leggings, drawstring grip bag, tank top, maroon tye-dye for work out day, meet bag and travel bag |
(Grip bags will be donated by Tampa Bay Turners and tank tops will be donated by Busy Bodies.
Deb K asked that all 8 states send their Club of the Year selection to her at the end of the last State Meet. The 8 selections will be recognized on Saturday night of the 9/10 Regionals.
Deb K will request the Regional Competition fee as an ACH amount from John Hewett.
There are no petitions for 7/8 Regionals due to qualification by rank. The Region has taken petitions for Level 10, 9 and Xcel Regionals and will continue to do so.
The Level 7/8 alternate form was distributed and Deb asked for the information to be sent, on the form or on the scoresheet.
Deb K noted the Regional qualifying score needed to be a specialist at Level 10 is a 9.30 or higher and at Level 9 it is a 9.50.
Deb K needs the scoresheet from every State meet going to Regionals. She suggested using a pdf and then the chairs do not need to send overnight forms. She just needs to have the information. She reminded the chairs that there should be no spaces before names on the excel sheet.
By March 12, 2012, state chairs should send their numbers of qualifiers to Deb K as follows:
| # of Level 7’s @ 32.00AA | # of Level 8’s @ 32.00 and 34.00 AA | # of Level 9/10’s @ 34.00 AA |
Running for SACC – The National office will send info to all professional members in each state asking for nominations for State Chairs (SACC) by the end of January. All current members of the Region 8 Committee indicated the intent to run for office again except for Jon Aardema of Georgia.
RTCC – November meeting – Marian updated the Committee on the Technical Committee Meeting. Details can be found on-line at www.usa-gymnastics.org.
JO Committee Brad told everyone that the online survey for 2013 optional rules would be available soon and encouraged all states to wholly participate. He also stated that Region 8 has 200 rooms available for Nationals, but coaches need to book online with NTS after qualification. Two rooms per credit card.
Administrative Committee Deb K told about the RACC conference call emphasizing the Level 8 Team event (USA Gymnastics National Team Challenge) to be held in Orlando in early June at the USA Open Championships. All Regions were asked to participate. Team and individual awards.
The next meeting of the Region 8 Committee will be at Region 8 Congress, Thursday, August 9th at 9:00 am at the Sheraton Music City Resort in Nashville, TN.
The State Chairmen’s Workshop will start in the afternoon of May 29th for new SACC’s and go all day May 30th before the USA Gymnastics Open Championship (May 31-June 3) in Orlando, FL. Deb suggested traveling in the morning or afternoon of May 29th.
National Congress will be held in San Jose CA on Thursday June 28th through Sunday July 1st.
Other Business - A Text Bid was received from Meet Control for the 2013 9/10 Regionals- Jackson, MS
Motion Brad H moved to accept Meet Control’s bid for 2013 9/10 Regionals.
2nd Joanne Child Passed unanimously
Deb W and Nancy H recused themselves from the room during the vote.
Motion Nancy H moved to adjourn
Toni 2nd Passed unanimously 1:56
Respectfully submitted – Jennie Adams
Motion by email 1/30/2012
Motion Brad H moved that Xcel gold and platinum athletes that reach the
age of 14 (and is at least a freshman in HS) be eligible
Deb W 2nd to petition the State Administrative Committee Passed unanimously for entry. This petition must be accompanied by a video
that demonstrates her skill level.