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2012 Region 8 Congress

Posted: 12.05.2011

Region 8 Congress will be held in Nashville, TN August 10-12, 2012.  View entire article for details.

 

2012 Region 8 Congress
General Information
 
date/site:          
Region 8               August 10 – 12, 2012       Nashville, TN             Sheraton Music City Hotel
 
PURPOSE OF REGIONAL CONGRESSES:
The purpose of regional congress is to provide education to the teachers, coaches, judges and gymnastics business owners of the region. Education and training enable everyone to effectively and professionally serve in the development of the young gymnasts across the country.
 
REGION 8 EDUCATION:
Over 75 Sessions covering the following areas:
 
Coaches Education – Sessions covering popular topics for the developmental through elite gymnastics coach. Learn from leaders in the gymnastics community.
 
Recreational Education – A recreational track covering programs for tots through teens; be the best instructor in your gym!
 
Business Education – Sessions covering marketing, managing your business, staff retention and more.
 
Judges Education – Sessions covering compulsory, optional and elite judging criteria and technique.
 
Registration will begin on December 16th.
Online Registration will be available for members and printable forms will be available for all others here.
COST
Early Bird
(Ends June 17th)
Regular Price
 (Ends August 2nd)
On-site Registration
Full Dinner
Banquet
Professional, Jr. Pro & Instructor Members
$145.00
$175.00
$200.00
$25.00
Other Member Types and Non – Members
$175.00
$205.00
$230.00
$25.00
Member Clubs*
1st – $145.00
2nd - $135.00
3rd - $125.00
4th - $115.00
5th - $105.00
6th or more - $100.00
1st – $175.00
2nd - $165.00
3rd - $155.00
4th - $145.00
5th - $135.00
6th or more - $125.00
N/A
$25.00/ea
One Day Price
Friday - $75.00
Saturday - $75.00
Sunday - $50.00
Friday - $100.00
Saturday - $100.00
Sunday - $75.00
Friday - $125.00
Saturday - $125.00
Sunday - $100.00
 
 
HOUSING
A block of rooms has been reserved. Call by July 19, 2012            Sheraton Music City Hotel
National Travel Systems Sports Travel Team                               777 McGavock Pike
Toll Free: 1-888-603-8747; Main Line: 806-794-3135                      Nashville, TN 37214
Single/Double Rate of $110.00 + tax
Any reservations after the cut-off date will be based strictly on availability.
 
 
 
Please check the USA Gymnastics website – www.usa-gymnastics.org for a detailed daily schedule/speakers – coming soon.
 
HERE IT IS THE OBLIGATORY FINE PRINT: 
*Offer above is only available to Pro, Jr. Pro & Instructor Members affiliated with a Member Club.
There is a $30.00 cancellation fee up until August 2nd; no refunds after August 2nd.
Cancellation request must be received in writing to callen@usagym.org  
Substitution of participants will be allowed until August 2nd if submitted in writing to callen@usagym.org.
Onsite substitutions will be charged a $30 transfer fee.
Minimum age for Congress attendees is 16.

 

Posted In: Programs
Related Categories: Newsletters, Technical, JO

2011 Region 8 Congress

Posted: 07.05.2011

Region 8 Congress will be held July 14-17, 2011 in New Orleans, LA. Come join us for wonderful lectures, Hall of Fame induction, National Champion presentation, Auction, Safety Course, Judges test and HOT Course. Go to Registration form to register today!

Posted In: Programs
Related Categories: Programs, Technical, Newsletters

Winter 2011 Entire Newsletter

Posted: 01.27.2011

 

Entire Winter 2011 Newsletter is available below.
 
 

 

Region 8 Newsletter Winter 2011
 
ALL REGIONAL ENTRIES WILL BE ONLINE FOR 2011 
 
Every gym needs to set up their roster NOW ahead of the State meet. The roster is kept in MeetMaker forever so after state meet you will just have to go to the registration page. All you will need is internet access and their MeetMaker login info (for apple users Safari does not work they will need to use FireFox or NetScape) to enter your athletes in Level 7 & 8, Level 9 & 10 and/or PREP Regionals. Go to www.meetmaker.com to set up roster. Detailed instructions below.
 
There are help pages on the MeetMaker help page you can print these out and they will show you what you should see. At any time you can contact Jason Braun support@meetmaker.com or call 336 407 0896
Create a PROFILE for your gym in MeetMaker (by clicking “New Gym”), the login email is where all MeetMaker email will be sent this includes; lost password and, the registration and online payment information email sent to them. Fill in all fields Address, phone, etc.
Scroll down and click the “Add Organization” button; select the organization you belong too (you can have more than one org. in a gyms profile), fill in the number field and expiration date and if you are “Active” or “Pending”. Then click “SAVE”
Click the “MY ROSTER” link this will set up your roster so you can enter meets. You can enter the gymnast manually by clicking “Add New Gymnast” (you must fill in all fields for your roster to be saved then go to step 15) or you can load your roster from the USA-Gymnastics web page see below:
To load a gyms roster from the USAG site (you will need a USAG login number and password). You will need to use FireFox or Internet Explorer for this; Apple Safari will not pick up all the data. (If you are computer savvy follow the instruction on the download page in MeetMaker they are not as detailed and then pick up at step 15)
1.     Click the Import link in the box on top of the gymnast roster.
2.     Scroll down to the Import Roster instructions
3.     In Step 1 click the Link to open a USAG page window or tab (this depends on your browser and settings)
4.     On the USAG web page click the link that says OBTAIN CLUB ROSTER
5.     You will need to enter your USAG User name and password
6.     In the search grid type in the 6 digit club number in the CLUB ID box (if there are only 5 numbers in a clubs ID put the number 0 in front of it to make it 6 numbers)
7.     Click the SUBMIT button
8.      You can click the “EDIT” on the menu bar and then click “SELECT ALL” or hold the “CTRL” key on your keyboard and then the “A” key. This should highlight or grey out all the words on the USAG page.
9.     You can then click the “EDIT” on the top menu bar and then click “COPY” or hold the “CTRL” key on your key board and then the “C” key. (Nothing will change at this point do not click any other keys, as it will not keep the info to copy)
10.Go Back to the MeetMaker import window or tab scroll down below Step 6 and click the “RIGHT” mouse button in the box that says “PASTE TEXT HERE”
11.You can click the “EDIT” on the menu bar and then click “PASTE” or hold the “CTRL” key on your keyboard and then the “V” key. This will put all the text in the box.
12.Select the Gender of the gymnast you want to import
13.Click the “IMPORT” button, click this only once. (if you click it twice it might not copy all the data, if it is a large team it may take some time)
14.This will take you back to the “MY ROSTER” page. All the new gymnast info will be highlighted (the color depends on your browser and settings)
15.Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click the “SAVE ROSTER” button (if you exit this page or click another link without clicking “SAVE” it will not save the import)
16.You will need to edit the levels of the Prep Optional gymnast if you are using a different name other then “PREP OPT” for these levels in your meet entries or if your gymnast is competing a different level than they are registered in USAG use the [+] to open a gymnast info.
17.Scroll down and click “SAVE ROSTER” if you did step 16
18.To enter a coach you will have to do this manually click the “Add New Coach”(if you are not taking coaches registrations you do not need to do this) if you are filling this info out you will need to fill out all fields including the “ACTIVE/PENDING” field, and use the level “GYMNASTICS COACH” in the level grid.
19.Scroll down and click “SAVE ROSTER” if you did step 18

To enter a club in the meet (Use internet explorer for best results or Mac users can use FireFox):
1.     Go to the “MEETS” link on the top menu bar of MeetMaker.
2.     Scroll down until you see the meet you want to enter.
3.     Click the “CLICK HERE TO REGISTER” link on the right side of the meet you want to register for.
4.     For each gymnast attending the meet you will need to click the “Register” box next to their name.
5.     If they are going to count for the team score then click the “Team Member” box next to their name. (some browser total the number of gymnast some do not)
6.     If there is a special request for a gymnast you can enter this in the “NOTES” field and the other fields that apply to that gymnast of that gymnast.
7.     Scroll down and enter coaches if they are taking registration for these.
8.     Scroll down and click “CONTINUE” to go the registration confirmation page.
9.     On this page you will have to enter payment information if it is an online payment meet.
10.The check the “TERMS AND CONDITIONS” box, enter any request for the registering gym and enter your password.
11.Scroll down and click the “SUBMIT REGISTRATION” button.
12.This will open a confirmation number page; this will be emailed to the registering gym and the meet director.
If you have selected a gymnast for Petition, the gymnast will not be charges to your account until they are approved for the meet.
 
 
Regional Championship Hotels
 
You can link right to the MeetMaker page here is the links for the different meets
 
 
 
 

 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR COACHES OF REGIONAL QUALIFIERS
 
 
REGIONAL MEET ENTRY:
 
EACH COACH IS RESPONCIBLE FOR ENTERING THEIR OWN ATHLETES ONLINE AT www.meetmaker.com by MIDNIGHT THE MONDAY AFTER STATE MEET.
 
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. – ALL Regional entries will be done online.
 
Regional Commitment 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 Commitment form 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 ONLINE PROPERLY WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TIME.
 
 
PETITIONS: (No petitions for PREP, Level 7 or 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 Marian )
 
4.      All petitioning gymnasts must be entered online. Payment will not be processed until petition is approved.
 
5.    Complete Petition Form available online at www.region8gymnastics.org. 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.
 
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 - entry fees will be paid by Tim Rand Fund. You will need club checks for any JO National apparel that you wish to purchase.
 
CHECK REGION 8 WEB PAGE FOR REGIONAL MEET SCHEDULES!
www.region8gymnastics.org
 
Petition Form for Level 9 & 10 Regionals
Petition form for Level 9 and 10 Regionals is available here.  All petitions are due by Wednesday after your Level 9 & 10 State Meet. You may enter petitioned gymnasts at meetmakers.com and payment will not be due until petition is approved.
 
 
Region 8 Committee Minutes from 12/17/2010
 
Region 8 Committee Meeting
December 17, 2010
Alario Center
New Orleans, LA
 
9:17 am
Members present:           
Debby Kornegay – RACC                                    Jon Aardema – GA
Marian Dykes – RTCC                                    Jackie Latino – LA
Brad Harris – RJOCC                                    Nancy Hawkins – MS
Deb Walls – AL                                                Jennie Adams – NC
Toni Rand – FL                                                Joanne Child – SC
                                                                        Larry Corrigan – TN Absent
Beginning Items on agenda led by Deb K:
·      Appointed Jennie Adams as secretary.
·      Thank you notes received since the last meeting in September were distributed.
·      Circulated Committee address and information sheet to be updated
·      Handed out a copy of current Operating Code
·      Went over calendar changes to be placed in Planner – listed in bold on pink sheet. Changes occurred for 2012 because of a shift in date of NCAA Nationals
·      Made members aware of Region 8 Rules and Regulation Compilation sheet with changes in orange.
Regional Financial Report
·      Deb presented a sheet showing the Regional and States finances obtained from the new USAG Accounting site. She asked for questions and concerns. SACC’s asked that the categories for deposits and expenses be updated to better reflect the Quarterly report categories.
·      Deb presented an account of the Region 8 Travel Fund (used for National champion’s reward trip). As of 11/30 there was $20,690.79 in the fund.
·      Deb informed the Committee that she had closed out the Hurricane Fund because the balance had returned to the amount of the original seed money which came from the Region 8 account.
In-Gym Card/Availability Information – Changes needed for the 2012 card:
·      The Judges’ Availability form should be submitted at the same time as the In-Gym Card.
·      Clarification is needed stating that “Levels Judged” should be listed by a day’s worth of a Level and not just by the whole meet judged.
·      Delete the wording for “how many meets does a judge expect to judge” and replace with “Did you judge”
·      Add Sheila Ragle’s fax number if available.
·      Scanning and emailing the forms is acceptable.
2009 Level 9 & 10 Financial was presented. The meet at Vanderbilt University in Nashville reported expenses of $59,043.81 and Income of $65,368.00.
Deb stated that the Regional newsletter deadline was 1-4-11.
Level 9/10 Regional Update
·      Jackie Latino, Meet Director for 9/10 Regional stated that contracts for equipment, arena (Alario Center) and hotels have been approved and finalized. The sanction has been received. Downtown hotels were booked because of the variety of activities that are available there. The Alario Center is only about 12-15 minutes from the heart of downtown New Orleans.
Level 7/8 Regional Update and Leotard/Breast Cancer Fund Update
·      The Georgia All Stars Gymnastics has submitted hotel, facility, and equipment contracts to Deb. Deb W and Nancy H have taken the lead on working with GymKin representative, Mary, for breast-cancer related leotards this year. They presented a photo of a tank leo from GK that has the name of the state and an “8” in crystals for about $28. The leotards are black with clear crystals and the breast cancer icon is pink. Mary will hand out the ordered leotards at Regionals if she is chosen as the provider
·      The cost of the long sleeve leotard is $34.56, but the state name may not be placed on the team leo. Only the Region “8” shall be in crystals. All states shall use the same black warm up but may individualize the bling, including the state name if the state wants. Tanks are optional for each state.
Prep Optional Regional Update
·      Brad Harris stated that the hotels are booked. Lightning City will be the equipment provider. The facility will be able to accommodate three competitive areas – A, B, & C sets of equipment. The officials for the meet will be housed at a facility called Shore Walk.
·      Deb asked that the SACC provide her with an estimate of the number (straw poll) of Prep Optionals from each state by level – Bronze, Silver, Gold, & Platinum, by the end of January to help with better planning for the size of the Regional meet.
Regional Congress speaker and presentation suggestions:
·      Deb would like to have local people from the MS or LA area for some of the presentations. 
·      A therapist named Gina Pongetti was suggested as being a good choice.
·      Other names included Pat Panichas, Ludmilla Shobe, Marian Dykes, Brad Harris, Evelyn Chandler, Bryan Neal, Johnnie Moyal, Vladimir Novikov, Bashem, Steven Arkel, Chris Burdett, Kim Zmeskel, and Salina Peco.
·      Jennie suggested that NC had been having a series of Prep clinics for coaches and judges that could work into a good presentation.
·      Ideas include: ideas for work with autistic children, Acro presentations from the New Orleans area, ideas for acquiring funding from grants, a legal expert who also knows gymnastics, how to run a Regional Meet.
·      Deb K will work with the National office about reliable video equipment and additional registration help.
Recommendation to have the Regional Congress’ date to be set for the second weekend in July 2012. (July 13, 14, & 15).
Motion            J Adams
2nd                        J Latino           
Passed unanimously
 
It was suggest that the 2012 Regional Congress be set in Nashville, TN.
Recommendation that the only auction held at Regional Congress be a silent auction before the banquet.
Motion            M Dykes
2nd                        J Adams           
Passed unanimously
 
Recommendation that each state continue the $1000 donation with an initial contribution of $500 and a second donation of up to $500 as requested by the Regional Chair.
Motion            M Dykes
2nd                        T Rand           
Passed unanimously
 
Deb K presented the 2010 Region 8 Congress report. The total returned to the Region 8 account was $27,306.47.
Deb K handed out nameplates to those present that are in the Region 8 Hall of Fame to be attached to the Hall of Fame Awards indicating the date that the honor was received and the reason for the award. Deb K will send the nameplates to the rest of the former honorees. She asked for nominations for the 2011 Hall of Fame.
Dates for 2012 Training Camps – Bid requests will come at later date.
·      July 20-22, 2012                        7/8 Training Camp
·      September 7-9, 2012            National Training Camp
·      October 5-7, 2012                        8-10 Training Camp
Tim Rand Memorial Fund
Toni Rand reported that the TRMF would like to provide funds for Level 10 National entries in the amount of $5600.00 and the Level 9 Eastern entries in the amount of $9600.00. Marian Dykes asked that the SACC create a way to get information to the parents and vendors at each State Meet to encourage donations to help augment the Fund. This effort will help the fund become sustainable, without working from the principal. The fund is a 403-B tax deductive donation. In order to information to parents, banner will be created (Brad H) and and one per state - 8 plus 4 for Regionals printed (by John Williams) for distribution at State Meets. A TRMF donation table should be set up at State and Regional events. Announcements are encouraged at Awards and during meets.
12:10 pm                         Break for arrival of lunch (Working lunch)
Regional Meet Bids
Deb K led a discussion about how to have better understanding of what is needed from host sites and organizations when running a Regional Meet. The discussion led to the following recommendations:
·      Host sites should request a bid packet by a certain date. This would give the Region 8 Committee an indication of how many bids might be expected for each meet.
·      There shall be an Intent-to-Bid-for-a-Regional-Meet form on the website which will give the host an idea of what’s involved in running a Regional Meet. This shall include a cover page for the meet director packet.
·      Include a session at Regional Congress titled “So you want to run a Regional Meet?”
·      Impress that the host and site for Regionals is a vessel for what is needed by the Regional Director. The host and site are the support system.
Recommendation to accept the bid for 2011 7/8 Training Camp from Broadway Gymnastics.
Motion            B Harris
2nd                        N Hawkins           
Passed unanimously
 
Recommendation to accept the bid for 2011 8/9/10 Training Camp from GAA.
Motion            M Dykes
2nd                        T Rand           
Passed unanimously             J Aardema recused himself.
 
Recommendation to accept the bid for 2011 National Team Training Camp from Orlando Metro.
Motion            B Harris
2nd                        T Rand           
Passed unanimously
 
Regional land National Judges
·      No changes were requested for National Judges or 9/10 Regionals or 7/8 Regionals.
·      PREP Regional judges are being finalized.
Nancy Hawkins requested a discussion about the need to have all judges at Prep Regionals up to date and experienced in using the Regional Prep rules. Marian indicated that all judges (at any meet) need to be very cautious about side remarks that might be inappropriate or misunderstood while in a public forum. Toni Rand pointed out that in the past the committee has always had confidence in the professionalism of all of our judges to come to ALL of our regional competitions prepared to judge even judges that have had limited experience at level 9/10 due to smaller numbers of athletes in their state at this level - Toni stated that she had full confidence in the experience of all the judges assigned to the PO regional meet. 
Recommendation that when judges from each state are assigned to a Regionals (9/10, 7/8, and Prep Optionals), the Regional 8 Committee should make the effort to not assign a single judge to more than one Regional.
Motion            J Adams           
2nd                        T Rand           
Passed unanimously
Regional JO Program
·      Brad Harris showed apparel samples. It was suggested that the coaches’ shirts be wine, black, and gray. Everyone like the style of the samples.
·      Brad indicated that the Coach of the Year criteria is on the website. He would like for each state’s Coach of the Year be recognized at the Level 9/10 Regionals.
·      E-mail sign-ups will be at Regionals for the Junior-Senior book for any athletes interested in submitting information for the Region 8 Excel file sent to NCAA gymnastics coaches.
 
State Chairmen Concerns
·      Deb K referred to the Regional Competition Fees needed from each state based on the number of gymnasts registered with USAG. She also included a history of the total number of gymnasts in each state from 1998-2010.
·      Deb indicated that updated and necessary Regional forms were in the meeting packet.
·      Deb K indicated that the new Regional Meet Commitment Form will help a Regional Meet know how many gymnasts plan to attend Regionals after qualifying from States. This form is also on Region8gymnastics.org.
·      Accepted petition list are emailed back to state chairs. April 4th is the deadline to hear something back from Marian.
·      Alternate Information form is not required to be sent to Deb. Chairs may use if they wish. A column might be added to find out if the cell phone listed accepts texts.
·      Since all Regional Meet entries will be electronic, Deb K indicated that State Chairs need to encourage every team in the Region to register on MeetMaker now. Then only a download is needed later if the gymnasts qualify. After each State meet – just click who has qualified. If the state pays for the entries – Deb will try to get Jason (MeetMaker) to give us a code. Each coach is responsible for entering his/her own gymnast.   If clubs pay the entry fees individually, then they have to get it done by midnight Monday following States.
·      Deb K needs             a) meet commitment form
                                                b) State meet score sheet in rank order with no spaces
                                                before names, DOB, or teams.
                                                c) an idea of who’s going to Prep Regionals
                                                d) email with numbers of Level 7’s @ 32.00 AA, Level 8’s @
                                                32.00 AA & 34.00 AA, and Level 9/10’s @ 34.00 on 3-14-11
·      The last two sheets of papers need to be given to the coaches before state meet.
Reports
·      RTC & JO’s last meeting was a working meeting. Interpretations of rules and practice judging. Next year the committees will be working on the new routines. The form for next National/Brevet’s course is online. Part of the criteria includes indication of volunteer experience. The Committees are looking for a higher standard for the judges. An added criterion is the “expectation for volunteer hours”. Definition is on the form. National NAWGJ needs to be on Judges Availability form in or to place all information on one form.
·      Check the minutes from the meeting from November Tech meeting. The committee is trying to being responsive to the coaching community. Behavior and on floor activities of judges was largest topic of the discussion.
Next Meeting:
·      July 14th – 9:00 am at Regional Congress hotel for Committee meeting before Regional Congress. 
·      State Chair workshop at Disney on June 6th & 7th. Thurs would be Prep & L4, Fri 4 &5 &, Sat.6 & 7 and 8 and Elite National Qualifier on Sunday. 
·      Congress – St. Paul, MN, Thursday August 17 through Sunday August 21, 2011.
Break – 2:50 to 2:58
Operational Code
·      Deb K suggested that the SACC’s review the page 16 of Operational Code for regulations concerning the removal of a member from the Regional Committee.
Nominations for Hall of Fame:
·      Deb K presented nominations that had been received for the 2011 Hall of Fame.
Cindy Lacrotando                        Kenny Morphis            Draha Krzova           
Mary Ann Wallace                        Cindy Prokana            Becky Oppenheimer
Brenda Eberhardt                        Doug McAvinn             Ludmilla Shobe
Added by e-mail vote 1/26/2011 Bob Moore
 
Discussion:
·      In the future the Committee might consider the creation of a definition of the possible categories or written criteria for entrance into the Hall of Fame. Procedurally, a quorum of 80% must be in attendance at the meeting in which voting takes place. 75% of all in attendance are needed for a candidate to be inducted. 
·      Members voted. The results are:
Kenny Morphis, Ludmilla Shobe, Doug McAvinn, Bob Moore and Mary Ann Wallace were elected to Hall of Fame.
Additional new business:           
·      Brad Harris stated that the National Travel Service (NTS) had blocked 100 rooms for Region 8 at Level 10 Nationals, just 2 blocks away from the venue. He will send 2 email reminders that host hotels will be in congratulation packets. He requested that individuals (teams/parents) not make reservations on their own for the gymnasts. Region 8 will take care of that.
Recommendation to adjourn.
Motion            J Adams
2nd                         J Latino           
Passed unanimously
3:46 adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Jennie Adams
Motion by e-mail vote 1/18/2011
Recommendation that the regional judging policy be changed to read: In order to be considered for Easterns or JO Nationals, a judge must judge, coach or assist in the running of the meet as a regional officer.
Motion            M Dykes
2nd                         L Corrigan           
Passed unanimously
 
Region 8 Hall of Fame
 
The 2011 class of the Region 8 Hall of Fame are listed below. Please join us as we honor these outstanding volunteers, coaches, and pioneers in Region 8 gymnastics at the Region 8 banquet at Region 8 Congress Saturday, July 16, 2011.
 
Doug McAvinn
Bob Moore
Kenny Morphis
Ludmilla Shobe
Mary Ann Wallace
 
Level 9 Eastern National Hotel
 
I really apologize for this. It has been just impossible to find the 125 + rooms that we will need to keep everybody together and it is not a good idea to book a number too small to get everybody in. 
 
It would be wise for coaches from gym's that know that they are going to be there go to Eastern's Website to book rooms. FYI - Region 8's designated training time at the DCU Center is Thursday, May 5th from 8:30-11:00. We will have a meeting at the center at 8:00 to distribute apparel. 
 
Thanks - 
 
Brad Harris
R 8 JO Chairman
 
Technical News
Effective January 1, 2011, the rate for mileage reimbursement for judges is $.51/mile to reflect the recent in the IRS standard mileage rate for 2011.
·      Judges and Coaches - Please make sure your membership, and all other requirements are up to date. This includes you USAG membership, safety certification and background check.  USAG does not necessarily remind you. Remember, you cannot be on the floor of a competition unless all three of the above are up to date. Neither the Meet Director nor the Meet Referee can waive this rule.
·      Coaches – Please make sure your athletes’ memberships are current. There is not always an Internet connection at a competition to do a renewal on the spot. It is your responsibility as a coach to have each athlete’s name, birthday and membership number with you. 
The Region 8 Age Group Availability Form for regionals has a new look. There is now only one form to complete for Level 9 & 10, Level 7 & 8, and Prep Opt Regionals. In addition, the in-gym experience card is now part of this form. In other words, they should be submitted together. Completed forms must be received with In Gym Card between April 1, 2011 and May 15, 2011 to be eligible to judge any 2012 Region 8. This form must be sent to Marian Dykes with a copy to Sheila Ragle. Failure to respond by May 15, 2011 indicates you DO NOT wish to be considered for the above mentioned meets. Remember May 15, 2011 is a receipt date.
 
 
 
Tim Rand Fund
 
Region 8 USAG is pleased to announce that the $100.00 entry fee for Level 10 National Championships and Level 9 Eastern Championships is being paid for by the Tim Rand Memorial Fund. This fund was started shortly after Mr. Rand’s passing in August of 2008. Tim Rand was a former Region 8 Elite Chairman, Junior Olympic Chairman and National Team Coach. Tim was also widely known as one of the most generous and successful JO coaches in American history. Tim’s wife Toni, runs this fund through Region 8 in support of our great athletes and coaches.
 
To keep this wonderful fund running strong we are asking for donations of any amount. Checks can be written to Region 8 USAG and given to any Region 8 Committee member. Please write “TRMF” on the memo line.
 
Thank You. 
 
Tim Rand Fund Donation Form
 
The Tim Rand Fund was established in 2007 after the passing of one of our most successful coaches in Region 8. Since that time the fund has raised over $45,000 with ALL proceeds going directly back to our athletes, coaches and judges. The TRF has used funds to sponsor educational opportunities, for athlete support and the National entry fee for our Level 10 athletes($5600) for the last 2 seasons and this year will be paying the National entry fee for both our Eastern and JO National athletes ($16,800). Due to the tax deductible donations by many Region 8 clubs, coaches, judges, parents and friends the fund continues to grow and to do bigger and better things. However, we need your help and hope that everyone will consider making a contribution to this fund.   Our goal is to continue to pay the $100 entry fee per athlete for all of our Region 8 Eastern and JO National qualifiers for years to come as well as continuing to support education opportunities for all our coaches and judges. Any amount will be greatly appreciated and be put to good use.   Please make your tax deductible donation today!
 
Make checks payable to Region 8 and indicate TRF on the memo line of the check. You may turn in the donation in to your State or Regional Chairman or mail the donation to:
Debby Kornegay, Region 8 RACC
394 Stonebridge Road
Birmingham, AL 35210
 
A letter acknowledging your contribution will be mailed to you for tax purposes. Please fill in form below with the requested information so that we can send you this letter.
Thank you so much
 
 

Posted In: Programs
Related Categories: Programs, JO, Elite-Tops, Technical, Contact, General, Training Camps, Xcel Guidelines, Forms, Rules and Regs., Results, Newsletters

Region 8 Committee Minutes from 12/17/2010

Posted: 01.27.2011

 

Below are Region 8 Committee minutes from December 17, 2010 meeting.
 
 
Region 8 Committee Meeting
December 17, 2010
Alario Center
New Orleans, LA
 
9:17 am
Members present:           
Debby Kornegay – RACC                                    Jon Aardema – GA
Marian Dykes – RTCC                                    Jackie Latino – LA
Brad Harris – RJOCC                                    Nancy Hawkins – MS
Deb Walls – AL                                                Jennie Adams – NC
Toni Rand – FL                                                Joanne Child – SC
                                                                        Larry Corrigan – TN Absent
Beginning Items on agenda led by Deb K:
·       Appointed Jennie Adams as secretary.
·       Thank you notes received since the last meeting in September were distributed.
·       Circulated Committee address and information sheet to be updated
·       Handed out a copy of current Operating Code
·       Went over calendar changes to be placed in Planner – listed in bold on pink sheet. Changes occurred for 2012 because of a shift in date of NCAA Nationals
·       Made members aware of Region 8 Rules and Regulation Compilation sheet with changes in orange.
Regional Financial Report
·       Deb presented a sheet showing the Regional and States finances obtained from the new USAG Accounting site. She asked for questions and concerns. SACC’s asked that the categories for deposits and expenses be updated to better reflect the Quarterly report categories.
·       Deb presented an account of the Region 8 Travel Fund (used for National champion’s reward trip). As of 11/30 there was $20,690.79 in the fund.
·       Deb informed the Committee that she had closed out the Hurricane Fund because the balance had returned to the amount of the original seed money which came from the Region 8 account.
In-Gym Card/Availability Information – Changes needed for the 2012 card:
·       The Judges’ Availability form should be submitted at the same time as the In-Gym Card.
·       Clarification is needed stating that “Levels Judged” should be listed by a day’s worth of a Level and not just by the whole meet judged.
·       Delete the wording for “how many meets does a judge expect to judge” and replace with “Did you judge”
·       Add Sheila Ragle’s fax number if available.
·       Scanning and emailing the forms is acceptable.
2009 Level 9 & 10 Financial was presented. The meet at Vanderbilt University in Nashville reported expenses of $59,043.81 and Income of $65,368.00.
Deb stated that the Regional newsletter deadline was 1-4-11.
Level 9/10 Regional Update
·       Jackie Latino, Meet Director for 9/10 Regional stated that contracts for equipment, arena (Alario Center) and hotels have been approved and finalized. The sanction has been received. Downtown hotels were booked because of the variety of activities that are available there.  The Alario Center is only about 12-15 minutes from the heart of downtown New Orleans.
Level 7/8 Regional Update and Leotard/Breast Cancer Fund Update
·       The Georgia All Stars Gymnastics has submitted hotel, facility, and equipment contracts to Deb. Deb W and Nancy H have taken the lead on working with GymKin representative, Mary, for breast-cancer related leotards this year. They presented a photo of a tank leo from GK that has the name of the state and an “8” in crystals for about $28. The leotards are black with clear crystals and the breast cancer icon is pink. Mary will hand out the ordered leotards at Regionals if she is chosen as the provider
·       The cost of the long sleeve leotard is $34.56, but the state name may not be placed on the team leo. Only the Region “8” shall be in crystals. All states shall use the same black warm up but may individualize the bling, including the state name if the state wants. Tanks are optional for each state.
Prep Optional Regional Update
·       Brad Harris stated that the hotels are booked. Lightning City will be the equipment provider. The facility will be able to accommodate three competitive areas – A, B, & C sets of equipment. The officials for the meet will be housed at a facility called Shore Walk.
·       Deb asked that the SACC provide her with an estimate of the number (straw poll) of Prep Optionals from each state by level – Bronze, Silver, Gold, & Platinum, by the end of January to help with better planning for the size of the Regional meet.
Regional Congress speaker and presentation suggestions:
·       Deb would like to have local people from the MS or LA area for some of the presentations. 
·       A therapist named Gina Pongetti was suggested as being a good choice.
·       Other names included Pat Panichas, Ludmilla Shobe, Marian Dykes, Brad Harris, Evelyn Chandler, Bryan Neal, Johnnie Moyal, Vladimir Novikov, Bashem, Steven Arkel, Chris Burdett, Kim Zmeskel, and Salina Peco.
·       Jennie suggested that NC had been having a series of Prep clinics for coaches and judges that could work into a good presentation.
·       Ideas include: ideas for work with autistic children, Acro presentations from the New Orleans area, ideas for acquiring funding from grants, a legal expert who also knows gymnastics, how to run a Regional Meet.
·       Deb K will work with the National office about reliable video equipment and additional registration help.
Recommendation to have the Regional Congress’ date to be set for the second weekend in July 2012. (July 13, 14, & 15).
Motion            J Adams
2nd                        J Latino           
Passed unanimously
 
It was suggest that the 2012 Regional Congress be set in Nashville, TN.
Recommendation that the only auction held at Regional Congress be a silent auction before the banquet.
Motion            M Dykes
2nd                        J Adams           
Passed unanimously
 
Recommendation that each state continue the $1000 donation with an initial contribution of $500 and a second donation of up to $500 as requested by the Regional Chair.
Motion            M Dykes
2nd                        T Rand           
Passed unanimously
 
Deb K presented the 2010 Region 8 Congress report. The total returned to the Region 8 account was $27,306.47.
Deb K handed out nameplates to those present that are in the Region 8 Hall of Fame to be attached to the Hall of Fame Awards indicating the date that the honor was received and the reason for the award. Deb K will send the nameplates to the rest of the former honorees. She asked for nominations for the 2011 Hall of Fame.
Dates for 2012 Training Camps – Bid requests will come at later date.
·       July 20-22, 2012                                    7/8 Training Camp
·       September 7-9, 2012                  National Training Camp
·       October 5-7, 2012                                    8-10 Training Camp
Tim Rand Memorial Fund
Toni Rand reported that the TRMF would like to provide funds for Level 10 National entries in the amount of $5600.00 and the Level 9 Eastern entries in the amount of $9600.00. Marian Dykes asked that the SACC create a way to get information to the parents and vendors at each State Meet to encourage donations to help augment the Fund. This effort will help the fund become sustainable, without working from the principal. The fund is a 403-B tax deductive donation. In order to information to parents, banner will be created (Brad H) and and one per state - 8 plus 4 for Regionals printed (by John Williams) for distribution at State Meets. A TRMF donation table should be set up at State and Regional events. Announcements are encouraged at Awards and during meets.
12:10 pm                         Break for arrival of lunch (Working lunch)
Regional Meet Bids
Deb K led a discussion about how to have better understanding of what is needed from host sites and organizations when running a Regional Meet. The discussion led to the following recommendations:
·       Host sites should request a bid packet by a certain date. This would give the Region 8 Committee an indication of how many bids might be expected for each meet.
·       There shall be an Intent-to-Bid-for-a-Regional-Meet form on the website which will give the host an idea of what’s involved in running a Regional Meet. This shall include a cover page for the meet director packet.
·       Include a session at Regional Congress titled “So you want to run a Regional Meet?”
·       Impress that the host and site for Regionals is a vessel for what is needed by the Regional Director. The host and site are the support system.
Recommendation to accept the bid for 2011 7/8 Training Camp from Broadway Gymnastics.
Motion            B Harris
2nd                        N Hawkins           
Passed unanimously
 
Recommendation to accept the bid for 2011 8/9/10 Training Camp from GAA.
Motion            M Dykes
2nd                        T Rand           
Passed unanimously             J Aardema recused himself.
 
Recommendation to accept the bid for 2011 National Team Training Camp from Orlando Metro.
Motion            B Harris
2nd                        T Rand           
Passed unanimously
 
Regional land National Judges
·       No changes were requested for National Judges or 9/10 Regionals or 7/8 Regionals.
·       PREP Regional judges are being finalized.
Nancy Hawkins requested a discussion about the need to have all judges at Prep Regionals up to date and experienced in using the Regional Prep rules. Marian indicated that all judges (at any meet) need to be very cautious about side remarks that might be inappropriate or misunderstood while in a public forum. Toni Rand pointed out that in the past the committee has always had confidence in the professionalism of all of our judges to come to ALL of our regional competitions prepared to judge even judges that have had limited experience at level 9/10 due to smaller numbers of athletes in their state at this level - Toni stated that she had full confidence in the experience of all the judges assigned to the PO regional meet. 
Recommendation that when judges from each state are assigned to a Regionals (9/10, 7/8, and Prep Optionals), the Regional 8 Committee should make the effort to not assign a single judge to more than one Regional.
Motion            J Adams           
2nd                        T Rand           
Passed unanimously
Regional JO Program
·       Brad Harris showed apparel samples. It was suggested that the coaches’ shirts be wine, black, and gray. Everyone like the style of the samples.
·       Brad indicated that the Coach of the Year criteria is on the website. He would like for each state’s Coach of the Year be recognized at the Level 9/10 Regionals.
·       E-mail sign-ups will be at Regionals for the Junior-Senior book for any athletes interested in submitting information for the Region 8 Excel file sent to NCAA gymnastics coaches.
 
State Chairmen Concerns
·       Deb K referred to the Regional Competition Fees needed from each state based on the number of gymnasts registered with USAG. She also included a history of the total number of gymnasts in each state from 1998-2010.
·       Deb indicated that updated and necessary Regional forms were in the meeting packet.
·       Deb K indicated that the new Regional Meet Commitment Form will help a Regional Meet know how many gymnasts plan to attend Regionals after qualifying from States. This form is also on Region8gymnastics.org.
·       Accepted petition list are emailed back to state chairs. April 4th is the deadline to hear something back from Marian.
·       Alternate Information form is not required to be sent to Deb. Chairs may use if they wish. A column might be added to find out if the cell phone listed accepts texts.
·       Since all Regional Meet entries will be electronic, Deb K indicated that State Chairs need to encourage every team in the Region to register on MeetMaker now. Then only a download is needed later if the gymnasts qualify. After each State meet – just click who has qualified. If the state pays for the entries – Deb will try to get Jason (MeetMaker) to give us a code. Each coach is responsible for entering his/her own gymnast.   If clubs pay the entry fees individually, then they have to get it done by midnight Monday following States.
·       Deb K needs                   a) meet commitment form
                                                b) State meet score sheet in rank order with no spaces
                                                before names, DOB, or teams.
                                                c) an idea of who’s going to Prep Regionals
                                                d) email with numbers of Level 7’s @ 32.00 AA, Level 8’s @
                                                32.00 AA & 34.00 AA, and Level 9/10’s @ 34.00 on 3-14-11
·       The last two sheets of papers need to be given to the coaches before state meet.
Reports
·       RTC & JO’s last meeting was a working meeting. Interpretations of rules and practice judging. Next year the committees will be working on the new routines. The form for next National/Brevet’s course is online. Part of the criteria includes indication of volunteer experience. The Committees are looking for a higher standard for the judges. An added criterion is the “expectation for volunteer hours”. Definition is on the form. National NAWGJ needs to be on Judges Availability form in or to place all information on one form.
·       Check the minutes from the meeting from November Tech meeting. The committee is trying to being responsive to the coaching community. Behavior and on floor activities of judges was largest topic of the discussion.
Next Meeting:
·       July 14th – 9:00 am at Regional Congress hotel for Committee meeting before Regional Congress. 
·       State Chair workshop at Disney on June 6th & 7th. Thurs would be Prep & L4, Fri 4 &5 &, Sat.6 & 7 and 8 and Elite National Qualifier on Sunday. 
·       Congress – St. Paul, MN, Thursday August 17 through Sunday August 21, 2011.
Break – 2:50 to 2:58
Operational Code
·       Deb K suggested that the SACC’s review the page 16 of Operational Code for regulations concerning the removal of a member from the Regional Committee.
Nominations for Hall of Fame:
·       Deb K presented nominations that had been received for the 2011 Hall of Fame.
Cindy Lacrotando                        Kenny Morphis            Draha Krzova           
Mary Ann Wallace                        Cindy Prokana            Becky Oppenheimer
Brenda Eberhardt                        Doug McAvinn             Ludmilla Shobe
Added by e-mail vote 1/26/2011 Bob Moore
 
Discussion:
·       In the future the Committee might consider the creation of a definition of the possible categories or written criteria for entrance into the Hall of Fame. Procedurally, a quorum of 80% must be in attendance at the meeting in which voting takes place.  75% of all in attendance are needed for a candidate to be inducted. 
·       Members voted. The results are:
Kenny Morphis, Ludmilla Shobe, Doug McAvinn, Bob Moore and Mary Ann Wallace were elected to Hall of Fame.
Additional new business:           
·       Brad Harris stated that the National Travel Service (NTS) had blocked 100 rooms for Region 8 at Level 10 Nationals, just 2 blocks away from the venue. He will send 2 email reminders that host hotels will be in congratulation packets. He requested that individuals (teams/parents) not make reservations on their own for the gymnasts. Region 8 will take care of that.
Recommendation to adjourn.
Motion            J Adams
2nd                         J Latino           
Passed unanimously
3:46 adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Jennie Adams
Motion by e-mail vote 1/18/2011
Recommendation that the regional judging policy be changed to read: In order to be considered for Easterns or JO Nationals, a judge must judge, coach or assist in the running of the meet as a regional officer.
Motion            M Dykes
2nd                         L Corrigan           
Passed unanimously

 

Posted In: Programs
Related Categories: Programs, JO, Technical, General, Rules and Regs., Newsletters

Technical News

Posted: 01.13.2010

Petition Guidelines
 
In order to petition to Level 9 or 10 Regional Championships, a completed petition form must be submitted to Marian Dykes. It is the coach’s responsibility to get all information needed for the petition. The petition must be received no later than the Wednesday following the state meet. Please call or fax Marian to notify her that a petition is coming. A check for the petition entry fee must accompany the petition form sent to Marian. If the petition is accepted, Marian will forward the check to the Meet Director.
 
In order to petition, the coach must:
 
  • complete the petition form.   Please fax copy of this form to Debby Kornegay 205-951-0184
  • provide a photocopy of at least one pre-state meet score sheet form the current season or from Regionals, East/West or Nationals of 2009 at the level which the gymnast is petitioning indicating that she has achieved an All-Around score that is a minimum of 1.0 higher than the current regional qualifying score
  • a physician’s written verification of nature of injury or illness and release to return to gymnastics training
  • a written request from the coach or parent
  • a check for the entry fee.
 
Qualification to Level 7 and 8 Regionals is by placement. Therefore there are no petitions to Level 7 or 8 Regionals. There are no petitions to Prep Opt Regionals.
 
Mileage rate change
 
Following USAG guidelines, the mileage rate used to reimburse judges for travel changed to $.50 effective 1/1/10. The mileage rate changes automatically any time the IRS changes the mileage rate. The IRS determines the mileage rate using data complied by the National Automobile Association on the average cost to operate a vehicle.
 
Some optional reminders
 
A new optional rating is required as of January 1, 2010. If a judge has not recertified at their old rating as of the first of the year, they can only be assigned based on any rating they have passed on the new test. The judge will also be paid based on ratings obtained on the new test. The USAG web site has a complete listing of judging exams if a judge still needs to test.
 
Inquiries - Reminder to judges that if a coach has a question regarding an exercise during the competition, the judges should advise the coach to submit an Inquiry Form to officially receive information. There should be no casual conversation between a coach and a judge during the competition regarding the evaluation of an exercise.
 
Vault Matting – Please be sure and review your Rules and Policies under the equipment section regarding vault matting. Whenever a 4” supplemental mat (“throw” skill cushion) is used for Level 7-10, it must be a minimum of 7’ by 10’. Any dimension of sting mat is allowed.
 
Remember the guidelines from the JO and Technical Committee that were presented in the summer clinics and judging courses. The judges Start Value should reflect exactly what was done. The judge should not be giving questionable skills or connections thinking this will make everyone happy. The gymnast and coach should know exactly where they stand every weekend they compete so they can know what needs improvement. There should be no surprises at states, regionals and nationals.
 
Optional Bars - There are several skills in the code that states from a handstand...
This is the wording in the description for both a giant and a flyway for example as well as several other skills.  If a gymnast performs a skill that states from a handstand, but does not start in a handstand, still give value part for the skill and deduct for amplitude based on how far she is from the handstand when she starts.
 
Dance Passage Clarification
IV . Clarification regarding the breaking of a dance passage: A dance passage on floor is considered broken ONLY when there is a pause, stop, 1/1 turn or more, or an acro element between the dance elements. Scooching or bouncing out of control between elements would be considered execution errors and deducted, but credit for the dance passage may still be given.
In order to receive Connection Value bonus, the element must be directly connected.
 
Posted In: Technical → Technical News
Related Categories: Technical News

Technical News

Posted: 10.29.2009

As a new optional season starts, coaches and judges should continue to use the guidelines that were presented in the summer clinics and judging courses.  The USAG Women’s Technical Committee and the Junior Olympic Committee place a strong emphasis on excellence of execution.   Deductions at all competitions should follow this principle.  There are several updates and changes I would like to remind you of:

 

Q&A- There is a question and answers section on the regional web page under the technical section.   Questions can be submitted on line.  Answers will be available on this site for all to see.  This should help keep us all on the same wave length in this busy year with all of the new rules.  You can access this Question and Answer at Q & A.

 

 

There is also a specific place to submit Prep Opt Questions and Answers.  You can found that at PREP Opt Q & A.

 

Judges’ Accreditation - Clarifications regarding procedures:

-    All past ratings are valid through the end of December 31, 2009

-     Judge’s must have tested and received a new rating by December 31, 2009 in order to judge in 2010.  Remember to plan ahead.  The assignor may have to set a date earlier than December 31 in order to obtain a replacement judge.

-    Former judges who have no current rating may start testing again at the level they previously held.

-    Judges who hold a current foreign Brevet and are now living in the U.S. will be required to submit documentation of their Brevet and attend a Level 10 Optional judging/rules clinic prior to being assigned to a Jr. Olympic meet. A person who held a foreign Brevet in the past, but does not hold a current Brevet rating, may begin testing at Level 10.

-    All Optional-rated officials must test at Level 5/6 in order to judge at the Compulsory levels.

-    CPE deficient: If there is a need to assign a judge who has not completed their CPE, the assignor must inform the meet referee, so that the specific judge’s fee will be reduced by $5.00 per hour as per the Rules and Policies, page 66, A. 9. c.2).

-    When hosting a clinic, it is the clinic organizer’s responsibility to have staff available, in addition to the clinician, to sign the CPE forms. Reminder that for multi-track clinics (like Regional Congress), only sessions that pertain to coaching and/or judging of competitive gymnastics can be used for CPE hours. It was suggested to designate the CPE-eligible sessions by an asterisk and to title the judging/coaching tracks as Women’s Artistic, rather than judges/coaches.

 

 

 

Petitions - In order to petition to the Level 9 or 10 Regional Championships, the coach must provide a photocopy of a least one pre-state meet score from the current season (at the level to which the gymnast is petitioning) indicating that she has achieved an All-Around score that is a minimum of 35.00 AA.  If the gymnast competed in the previous year’s Regional, East/West or National meet, she may submit that All-Around score, provided that it is a minimum of 35.00 AA and is also at the level to which the gymnast is petitioning.

 

Petitions for Regionals should be mailed to Marian Dykes with a copy faxed to Debby Kornegay – it is the coaches responsibility to get all information needed for the petition.  The petition must be received no later than the Wednesday following the state meet.  Please call or FAX Marian to notify her that a petition is coming.  A check for the entry fee must accompany the petition sent to Marian.  If the petition is accepted, Marian will forward the check to the Meet Director.

 

Qualification to Level 7 & 8 Regionals is by placement.  Therefore, there are no petitions to Level 7 or 8 Regionals. Prep Opt requires participation in the state meet.  Therefore there are no petitions to Prep Opt Regionals.

Posted In: Programs
Related Categories: Technical News

Technical Notes

Posted: 09.01.2009

Technical Notes
 
The Region 8 USAG Committee will continue to make regional assignments in the summer. The USAG Region 8 Committee at their summer meeting made assignments for Level 9/10 and Level 7/8 regional championships. These assignments can be found in the minutes in this newsletter. Regional assignments for Prep Optional Regionals will be made based on state recommendations. If you are a judge interested in being considered for a regional meet, read on. You must fulfill the criteria listed below to be considered for a regional assignment. While no judge is guaranteed an assignment, meeting all of the criteria year after year is noticed.
 
In gym experience cards for regionals 2011 are now posted on the Internet. These cards can be completed using in gym experiences from June 2, 2009 – May 15, 2010. This May 15th due date is a date received. Please be sure you meet this firm deadline. Any Level 10 or higher judge must complete this card to be eligible for consideration by the Region 8 Board for assignment to a regional meet in 2011. You will not receive a card; you must print one from my web site.
 
Availability forms for Regional Championships are now posted on the Internet. You will not receive an individual mailing. Completed forms must be returned to Marian Dykes, with a copy to Sheila Ragle, and received by May 15, 2010.
 
Your USAG Region 8 Board will make recommendations from Region 8 for Level 10 J.O. Nationals and Level 9 J.O. Easterns. If a judge does not work or host at one of the Region 8 training camps, they will drop to the bottom of the rotation for Level 10 Nationals and Level 9 Easterns and will therefore be ineligible for the year. 
 
Clarifications for the 2009-2010 season include the following:
  • The new J.O. Code of Points is in force. It is so important for coaches and judges to familiarize themselves with the new rules.
  • All optional judges are required to recertify in 2009. Compulsory ratings continue in force with no additional action on the part of the judge.
  • Meet Directors should not publish birthdates of athletes in “pre-meet information.” Age groups may be listed using a range of birthdates.
  • Meet Directors are responsible for the charges for the first checked bag when a judge is flying to a meet. Overweight baggage cast will not be reimbursed.
  • Judges flying to a meet should deduct 30 miles roundtrip from mileage to the airport unless carpooling.
  • For levels 7-10 it is recommended that all landing areas (vault, bars, beam) be equipped with 4” matting equal to the width of the landing area (base mat).
  • If a hand placement mat is used, it must be placed on the vault runway Velcro side down.
  • The required warm-up time for Level 4 is now 45 seconds.
  • New music is available for compulsories. Either new music or old music is allowed. 
Posted In: Programs
Related Categories: Technical News

Technical News

Posted: 01.28.2009

Technical news about FIG Brevet Course, Know you Rules and Policies, Region 8 Judges Availibility and  In Gym sheet and Rules clarification about shapes are available in this article.

FIG BREVET COURSES
The FIG-Continental Brevet Course will be in Indianapolis, Indiana February 10-14, 2009. Region 8 will be represented at this course by the following outstanding judges: Sue Ammerman, Lucy Fox Joan Gnat, René Niccollai, Kristie Phillips-Bannister and Chelle Stack. Good luck to these fine judges.

Know Your R&P
Please remember that there is no video review at any Junior Olympic competition. Coaches should not request this and judges should not allow video review. If you want to reference this rule, you may find it in the Rules and Policies 2008-2009, on page 45, J (5).


Regional Availability Forms
Availability forms for 2010 Regional Championships on line at Judges Availability. You will not receive an individual mailing. That is right; there is no longer a paper form. Forms should be completed on-line. Your completed form will automatically go to Marian Dykes and Sheila Ragle in an electronic format when you complete and submit this form on-line. Forms must be completed on-line by June 1, 2009. You can also print a Region 8 In Gym Sheet from Region 8 web page.

Rules Clarifications - Shapes
The deduction of 0.10 for having more than 2 elements with the same shape on Balance Beam or Floor Exercise was clarified effective August 1, 2006. The definition of the same shape for this deduction is “a wolf or tuck position with or without turn or more than two straddle jumps with or without turns.”
EXAMPLE: If the following jumps were all included in an exercise, it would be considered overuse of dance elements of the same shape: Wolf Jump, Wolf jump ½ (180°) turn, Stride leap with change of legs to wolf position, tuck jump. Deduct 0.10 for overuse of the same shape.
 

Posted In: Technical → Technical News

Regional Technical and Junior Olympic Committee Chairman nominations

Posted: 01.25.2009

Nominations are now open for Region 8 Technical Committee Chairman and Junior Olympic Committee Chairman are now open. Please use nomination form to nomination your choice. Both Marian Dykes and Brad Harris, present Technical and JO chairman plan to run for re-election. Below please find requirements for position and duties from USA Gymnastics Operating Code.

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.
 

Posted In: Programs → JO
Related Categories: Technical

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR COACHES OF REGIONAL QUALIFIERS

Posted: 01.22.2009

 

Please read the following information if you plan to qualify athletes to Level 8, 9 or 10 Regionals.

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!

 

Posted In: Programs → JO
Related Categories: Technical
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