Technique Magazine

Women's Minutes

Women's Technical Committee

September 26-28, 1997
Reno, Nevada

I. ROLL CALL

Meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by Audrey Schweyer- NET Chairman.

Present:
NETC                Audrey Schweyer, Fri./Sat. 
Region 1            Pam Bileck
Region 2            Linda Mulvihill
Region 3            Carole Bunge, Sat./Sun. Judged Pacific Alliance on Fri.
Region 4            Linda Thorberg
Region 5            Char Christensen
Region 7            Cheryl Hamilton
Region 8            Marian Dykes
JOPC Chairman       Tom Koll, Fri./Sat.
WABC                Kathy Feldmann, Sat./Sun.
NAWGJ               Yvonne Hodge
JO Program Manager  Connie Maloney

Absent:
Chairman            Marilyn Cross 
Region 6            Cindy Sielski
EPC                 Roe Kreutzer			
WPD                 Kathy Kelly 
NCAA Rep.           Pat Panichas
JCI                 Delene Darst

II. OFFICIAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION

The committee would like to remind the gymnastics community that the only official source of currently correct technical information for the Jr. Olympic Program is generated by the USAG Women's Technical Committee (FIG/Elite official information is generated by the FIG-WTC) and can be found in Technique, USAG Online and other USAG publications. All other sources of technical information should be considered as unofficial.

III. COMPULSORY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

A. GENERAL

1. Clarification of the application of "steps on landing deduction" (This also applies to Optional levels): Examples of one step = 0.10:
    a. The gymnast takes one step forward, sideward or backward on the Right foot, then returns the Right foot to join the Left foot, or
    b. Steps forward, backward or sideward on the Right foot, then brings the Left foot to join Right foot.
2. Incorrect Body position deductions
Motion to add the following to the J.O. Compulsory book - General Faults and Penalties, page 157, II. Execution, A, effective January 1, 1998:
Incorrect body alignment, position, or posture - add "during major elements" Each up to 0.20
Add new deduction: Incorrect body alignment, position or posture during connections
(General deduction for whole exercise) Up to 0.30 3. Q: What deductions are taken if the gymnast begins a major element, falls, then repeats the missed/incomplete element?
A: Execution and amplitude deductions are taken up to and including the fall. If a second attempt is made, start the evaluation at the point of interruption.

B. VAULT

1. Clarification of how the "up to 1.00" deduction is applied for "Too long in Support": If the gymnast leaves the horse by:

C. BARS

1. Motion to delete the 0.50 deduction for "Failure to return to front support after cast to horizontal" for Level 5 Bars (Page 96), effective January 1, 1998. Clarification: If following the front hip circle the gymnast casts to immediate squat on, she has deliberately omitted the major element of "Cast to horizontal, return to front support" and would receive a deduction of 1.00 plus 0.80.

2. Level 5 Dismount: Clarification of "Failure to regrasp" up to 0.3 deduction:
The regrasp is defined as a controlled re-contact of the bar with the free hand. If the hand that releases the bar to initiate the turn does not make contact again with the bar, the gymnast would receive the maximum deduction of 0.30. A brush/slap of the bar would receive an "up to 0.20" deduction. The grip position of the support hand at the completion of the 180º is optional. A grip change of the support hand during or at the completion of the turn is not required, but is allowed.

3. Level 6 Clear Hip Circle:
Clarification of the 0.80 deduction of "Hips touching bar as upswing finishes." This refers to the clear hip circle that finishes in a front support. If the thighs brush the bar during the circle, it is considered as insufficient external amplitude (up to 0.20).
If the 0.80 deduction is taken for hips finishing on the bar at the end of the circle, do not deduct for amplitude, only for any other execution errors.

4. Clarification of the evaluation of Compulsory exercises when a gymnast surpasses the required amplitude requirements:
If, for example, the requirement is a 30º cast and one gymnast achieves a 30º cast with perfect execution, and another gymnast achieves a cast to handstand with perfect execution, they both have fulfilled the requirement of the routine and therefore should be evaluated equally in regards to the specific element.

D. BEAM

1. Level 6 Dismount:
Effective January 1, 1998, the Cross Handstand, 1/4 turn to Side Handstand 1/4 turn off Dismount will have a value of 1.20. Effective January 1, 1998:
Please make the following changes to the J. O. Compulsory book, page 136: Example box:

E. FLOOR EX

1. Level 5 and 6 Front Handspring to two feet, also Front Handspring step-out in Level 6. The following change in deduction for the Level 5 and 6 Front Handspring to two feet, also Front Handspring step-out in Level 6 will be effective January 1, 1998:
Insufficient Repulsion = Up to 0.20
(Total lack of repulsion, i.e., Front Limber will remain as 0.60). Note: Repulsion refers to quickness off the hands and horizontal speed,
not hip rise.

2. Level 5 Floor Pattern:
Effective immediately, delete the deduction for incorrect floor pattern (direction) for Level 5, since the Level 5 gymnast may perform the routine on a tumbling strip, section of the floor mat or the entire floor exercise.

IV. OPTIONAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

A. LEVEL 7

1. GENERAL
Any elements performed in addition to the specific requirements should be evaluated by applying the General Faults and Penalties from the FIG Code of Points.

2. VAULT
Q: If a gymnast performs a Handspring vault, would Compulsory or Optional deductions be applied?
A: Optional deductions, as found in the FIG Code of Points and J.O. Technical Handbook.

3. BARS
a. Q: If a gymnast performs a cast to 30º, then later in the exercise per forms a cast above 60º, has she fulfilled the 60º cast requirement? If so, what deductions are applied to the first cast (or any additional casts that are less than 60º)?
A: The requirements do not have to be met in chronological order. This gymnast would fulfill the cast to a minimum of 60º requirement; however, the first or any additional cast(s) that are less than 60º would be subject to deductions per the FIG Code of Point specific apparatus deduction of "Insufficient amplitude of casts and swings throughout the exercise" up to 0.20. It is suggested that the judge indicate the degree of cast while judging the routine, then go back to determine if the requirement was met and if not, which element was closest to meeting the requirement, then apply the insufficient amplitude deductions.

b. Q: If a gymnast performs two casts in her routine and neither of the casts are to 60º, what deductions are applied?
A: She would receive a deduction of "up to 0.8" for insufficient amplitude on the required cast to 60º, according to the angle chart. In this case, the highest cast would be used to meet the 60º cast requirement and the appropriate deduction for insufficient amplitude would be applied, as found on page 23 of the J.O. Technical Handbook or page 150 of the Women's J.O. Compulsory Program book. Any additional casts that are less than 60º would be considered under the FIG Code of Point specific apparatus deduction of "up to 0.20" for Insufficient amplitude of casts and swings throughout the exercise.

c. Q: If all casts in the exercise are a minimum of 60º, are there any general deductions for amplitude taken?
A: No, the expectation at this level is a cast to 60º (not to vertical); therefore, as long as that minimum has been met, there will not be any additional amplitude deductions. Execution deductions and internal amplitude deductions may be applied for all elements performed.

4. BEAM
a. Q: If a gymnast performs a Back Walkover, Back Walkover and fails to land with her feet on the beam on the second Back Walkover, would the series requirement be considered fulfilled?
A: Yes, but deduct for Incomplete requirement of non-flight Acro series - up to 0.80

b. Q: Gymnasts performs a Back Walkover, stops, then performs a
second Back Walkover and fails to land with her feet on the beam. What deductions would be applied?
A: Deduct 0.80 for the stop, up to 0.80 for failure to complete the requirement of a non-flight Acro series, 0.50 for the fall, plus any execution errors.

B. OPTIONAL LEVELS 8 - 10

1. BARS
a. Q: If an element is performed with a 180º turn to a mixed L or L- grip to finish with the backside leading (Higgins roll), what is the deduction for late completion of turn?
A: Use the general deduction of up to 0.20 for insufficient amplitude at turn completion, as is used for the 360º turns to L or mixed- L grip (Healy turn). Note: this differs from the FIG/Elite evaluation, which uses the up to 0.30 with specific angle requirements.

b. Q: At Level 8, if a cast to handstand with 180º turn (C element, but award B for Level 8) is performed, is the insufficient amplitude at turn completion deduction of Up to 0.30 used?
A: Yes, the same as at Level 9 and 10. Refer to the chart in the J.O. Technical Handbook on page 60 or the FIG Code of Points, Appendix 1, page 1-1.

c. Q: What is the value of a Cast Handstand, change grip (no hop) to a 360º turn to L or Mixed L grip (Healy)?
A: "D"-it is considered the same as #2.403; however, it may be subject to a rhythm deduction depending upon the continuity of the hand change.

d. Q: If after completing a Shaposhnikova (clear hip circle on LB, release and catch HB) or a variation of that element, the gymnast swings backward, then swings forward to initiate an element such as a Pak salto or an Underswing 180º turn to Handstand on Low Bar, would it be considered a direct connection?
A: Yes, the backward swing is the completion of the element. Therefore, if the Shaposhikova (D) is followed by a C (with flight or turn) or D element, it would be eligible for Special Connection Bonus.

e. Q: Is the Glide 180º turn to Glide kip considered as a Value part?
A: Yes, it is an "A" element and will be added to the USAG Jr. Olympic Element Supplement as #S1.109

f. Q: In the Jr. Olympic program, what deductions are taken for casts performed short of vertical?
A: If a cast is performed:

g. Q: If a gymnast performs a cast to squat, stoop or straddle on, would the cast be subject to the insufficient amplitude above listed cast deductions?
A: No, the cast squat on (J.O. Element Supplement # S2.104) is considered one element, with no amplitude requirement on the cast.

h. Q: Is there a deduction for composition if the gymnast performs a long swing forward to less than horizontal, then does a 180º turn?
A: Yes, this is considered as a part with no value and will receive a 0.10 compositional deduction.

Note: If the forward swing is performed between horizontal and 44º, then the 180º turn occurs, it is considered an "A" element (#4.101). If performed to 45º or above, it is considered a "B" element (#4.201).

2. BEAM
a. Q: For the Jr. Olympic program, is a one-arm flic-flac considered a different element than a two arm flic-flac for the counting of Value Parts?
A: Yes, for the Jr. Olympic program only.

Note: This differs from FIG/Elite. With FIG rules, the same type of flic-flac performed with one or two arms is considered the same element.

b. Q: If the gymnast attempts to mount the apparatus (Bars or Beam) and balks two times, then on the third attempt performs a "D or E" mount with less than a 0.20 error, will the D or E be eligible for additional D/E bonus or does the 0.50 deduction for taking a third attempt negate the bonus?
A: The 0.50 deduction is for taking a third attempt . If the mount element itself is performed with less than 0.20 deduction, it is still eligible for bonus.

Note: Please make this change in the J.O .Technical Handbook, pages 48 and 70, #7 - statement following last example.

3. FLOOR EXERCISE
a. As clarified by FIG, delete the following from the J.O. Technical Handbook, page 107, E. 4 - In order to use a handstand pirouette in a series, it must have flight into the handstand and be the final element in the series.

Clarification: A handstand pirouette may be used in a mixed series, provided that the pirouette and the connection is a continuous movement.

b. Q: Does a gymnastics element performed within an acro series break the indirect acro connection for Special Requirement and/or Special Connection bonus?
A: Yes.
Example: Round-off, flic-flac, 2/1 Back salto, Straddle Jump, Front Salto tucked.
The two salto acro series Special Requirement is NOT fulfilled (Straddle jump breaks connection).
One acro series of three flight elements with one salto is fulfilled by performing the RO, FF, Double back salto, OR a mixed series of Double back, Straddle Jump, Front salto is awarded, but not both.
No bonus is awarded for Indirect Acro connection of D + A.
Bonus of + 0.10 for the mixed connection of Double Back (D) + Straddle Jump (B-for J.O.) is awarded.

Correction to the J.O. Technical Handbook, page 109 III. Example C: In the second series of symbols, the loop should be under the last three symbols only (Flic-flac, flic-flac, Double back salto) to indicate that the acro series is fulfilled.

V. ELITE PROGRAM AND TECHNICAL REPORT

A. Schweyer reported that a review of the Elite Course was being made, with recommendations for future courses to be directed to K. Kelly at the national office.

Active Status was reviewed and the committee members were reminded that the Regional Elite judging assignments should be made in conjunction with the Regional Elite Program Chairman.

Change in Rules and Policies for Elite Active Status :
In order to be considered for assignment to the Regional Elite meets, Challenge meets and/or National Gymnastics Festival, the judge must within the current season (beginning with National USAG Congress until July 31 of the following year) either
a. attend one Elite clinic at which the Elite Testing program is covered, or
b. practice judge at a Regional Elite meet at which the Elite Testing is performed.

Note: All Elite and Brevet judges are reminded to file their active status with their Regional Technical Chairman.

VI. NAWGJ REPORT - Y. Hodge

NAWGJ President Yvonne Hodge distributed a written report of NAWGJ activities to the Technical committee. She reported that the NAWGJ National Symposium in June 1997 was a big success and that 325 judging certification exams were administered.

The 1998 National Judges Cup will be held January 9-11 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The new USAG Judges' Fee Structure is now in effect. It was printed in the Technique magazine Volume 17, #8, page 33-35. Please note that there was an error on page 35 in the Per Diem box, under Overnight: change Max. of $30/day to $35/day.

VII. JR. OLYMPIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE REPORT - T. Koll

Tom Koll reported that a JOPC Conference Call was conducted on Sept. 19, 1997. The decision was made to lower the mobility score for Level 5 to 6, 6 to 7 and 7 to 8 to a 31.00 AA.

He also made the WTC aware of the decisions to be made in regards to Regional apparel for Level 9 Easterns and Westerns and reminded them that it is a Regional Board decision, not just the RJOPC's decision.

VIII. WOMEN'S ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD REPORT

Kathy Feldmann reported that there will be an election for the National Chair of the Administrative Board due to the fact that she has taken a full time position at USA Gymnastics as the Director of Member Services. The call for nominations will be in the November/December issue of Technique Magazine.

Kathy Ostberg was elected the WAB Assistant National Chair at the last meeting of the board at National Congress in Denver.
The elections for the positions of National Technical Chair, National Elite Technical Chair and the National Junior Olympic Chair will take place in 1998. The call of nominations will be in the February Technique magazine. The election timelines and process is outlined in the Operating Code of the Rules & Policies book. The new term of office will begin on September 1, 1998.

A reminder that all Professional Members must be Safety Certified beginning August 1, 1998. There are a total of 135 Pro Members currently who are under 18 years of age. We will check to see how many are from women's program and we will need to determine if we can "grandfather" these people or if we can only allow under 18 years exceptions for those that are judges.

K. Feldmann and C. Maloney have been working on the Rules & Policies book. The goal is to have it printed in early October and in the hands of our professional members by the end of October.

The administrative board made three suggestions to membership department regarding the timing of registering as a Team Member. There have been some problems in the past, especially this past summer, regarding TOPS and other new gymnasts with regards to a June/July sign up time so that they can attend the summer activities without having to pay in full again on August 1. The suggestions have been forwarded to Member Services and a decision will be made shortly.

Please continue the good working relationship with all of your regional officers. Good communication is a must. The work load is great for all of the committees. All of these people are doing an incredible job. But, it is most important that the Regional Board works together, keeping in mind that the Regional Chair is the coordinator/facilitator for the region. The RC must be informed of all committee decisions especially those decisions that have a financial impact on the region. Financial items that are tied into National competitions, clinics, workshops, camps or congresses that effect the regional budget must be brought forth to the administrative board for approval.

IX. JUDGES' TRAINING VIDEOS

The majority of the meeting was spent reviewing and finalizing the scripts for the Level 5/6 Compulsory and Level 9 and 10 Optional Judges' Training videos. The Level 5/6 Video and script will be available by October 10 and the Level 9 and 10 videos will be available by the end of October.

C. Hamilton is sending the compiled script for the Level 9 video to the RTC's for their final review.

C. Maloney is compiling additional questions and answers on compulsory and optional exercises and will send to the WTC for their corrections and approval.

X. FUTURE PROJECTS

C. Maloney will edit the Level 8 Judges' Training video within the next few weeks and will send to the RTC's for evaluation. Other projects to be completed at the next WTC meeting are: Level 7 Judges' Training video and a USAG Technique video for all events.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 6-8 in Ft. Worth, Texas in conjunction with the American Cup.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:30 AM, Sunday, September 28, 1997.

This article appears in the November/December 1997 issue of Technique, Vol. 17, No. 10.


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