Women's Technical Committee Meeting

March 6-8, 1998
Ft. Worth, Texas

I. Roll Call

Meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM by Marilyn Cross, WTC Chairman

Present:

Region 1	Pam Bileck
Region 2	Linda Mulvihill
Region 3	Carole Bunge
Region 4	Linda Thorberg
Region 5	Char Christensen
Region 6	Kathy Ostberg, proxy for Cindy Sielski
Region 7	Cheryl Hamilton
Region 8	Marian Dykes
JOPCC	Tom Koll
EPC	Roe Kreutzer (Fri.)
NAWGJ	Yvonne Hodge
NCAA	Pat Panichas
JO Program Manager	Connie Maloney
WPD	Kathy Kelly (Fri.)
Absent:
JCI	Delene Darst
WABC	Jan Greenhawk

II. Compulsory Handspring Vault

Motion to change/add the following deductions to the Level 4/5/6 Handspring Vault, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 1998:

Support phase	#2. Too long in support-up to 0.50 (delete failure to leave horse by vertical)
Support Phase	Add as # 3 Angle of repulsion (point at which gymnast leaves the horse) Up to 1.00 (use the angle deductions printed in the WTC minutes, page 43 in Technique Volume 17, #10 (October, 1997).

Motion: C. Bunge
Second: C. Hamilton
PASSED

III. Competition Rules

Motion that when determining the maximum allowable number of judgments per day, the meet director must conform to the following, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 1998:

• the maximum number of judgments PER SESSION as printed in the R&P and also
• the time parameters of :
  - warm-ups scheduled no earlier than 8:00 AM,
  - competition scheduled to be completed by 10:00 PM, and
  - athletes on the floor (warm-up and competition) no longer than five hours.

Therefore, the maximum number of judgments per day will be dictated by the number of sessions conducted within the above time parameters, which includes break time for judges between sessions (minimum of 30 minutes after every 31/2 to 4 hours of judging is recommended).

Motion: A. Schweyer
Second: C. Christensen
PASSED

Recommendation that whenever meets are conducted with more than one level in a squad, that the athletes of the same level compete consecutively. When moving to the next event, the first competitor of a level would be dropped to the last spot.
Example: Squads of 8 (4 level 8's #'s 101-104, 4 level 9's #'s 201-204) would rotate as follows:

Vault	Bars	Beam	Floor
101	102	103	104
102	103	104	101
103	104	101	102
104	101	102	103
201	202	203	204
202	203	204	201
203	204	201	202
204	201	202	203

In the case of a team invitational, all teams in the squad would compete their level 8's, then the level 9's, in the team order drawn for that event.

IV. Performance of Restricted Elements at Levels 7 and 8

The committee discussed the problem of voiding exercises at Level 7 and 8.

Motion for Level 8 that EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 1998, the following will VOID the exercise:

• all D or E acrobatic mounts, dismounts or elements performed on Beam or Floor
• a D or E mount, dismount or release element on Bars would void the exercise.

All other D or E elements performed would receive a 2.00 penalty (each) and all appropriate execution/amplitude deductions would be applied.

Motion: M. Dykes
Second: L. Thorberg
PASSED

Motion for Level 7 that EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 1998, all event requirements must be fulfilled by performing A or B elements only. If an A or B element is performed with such great amplitude or timing that it results in the performance of a C element, there would be no penalty. However, if an element that is listed only as a C is performed (examples on FX: Schushunova), then a 2.00 penalty would be applied. The performance of D/E elements will void the exercise.

Motion: M. Dykes
Second: C. Bunge
PASSED

Uneven Bar exceptions: The following C elements are allowed at Level 7: Cast handstand with 1/2 turn, Clear hip handstand with 1/2 turn, back uprise to clear hip circle to handstand (counts as two B elements). A straddle back to handstand is not allowed at Level 7.

V. Level 7 Concerns

A. Questions & Answers from Technique, Vol. 18, #2 Beam #13

In reference to the switch-leg leap being used as the isolated Large leap requirement: EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 1998, the switch-leg leap cannot be used to fulfill the requirement of alarge leap with 180° leg separation. If the only isolated leap with 180° leg separation performed is a switch-leg leap, then the athlete will receive a 1.80 deduction for omission of the requirement.

A switch-leg leap, however, may be used as part of the gym series and/or as an additional isolated leap. There would be no penalty if the gymnast exceeds the split requirement of the B switch-leg leap and performs the C leap (160-180°).

B. LEVEL 7 BEAM AND FLOOR: Reminder that chassés and assemblés are not considered as A elements and may not be used to fulfill requirements (gym series). If the isolated leap requirement is followed by a chassé, there is no penalty since the chassé is not considered as a value part. Note: This also applies to level 8, 9 and 10.

C. There is no flashing of start values at level 7.

D. LEVEL 7 BEAM: The flight element must be performed entirely on the beam (not as the mount or dismount element). It may, however, be used in the dismount series. (Example: flic-flac to back salto stretched dismount series will fulfill both the acro flight and salto/aerial dismount requirements.)

E. LEVEL 7 BARS: Kip mount requirement clarification:
As a mount, a Glide, straddle cut, glide kip will be allowed to fulfill the A or B kip mount requirement and will be considered as one element. If the straddle cut is followed by a kip or long hang kip within the exercise, it would be considered two elements.

F. LEVEL 7 VAULT:
Motion to add the following deductions for Level 7 Vault EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 1998, to be used in addition to the optional deductions found in the FIG Code of Points:

• Too long in support - Up to 0.50
• Angle of repulsion - Up to 1.00 (use the angle deductions printed in the WTC minutes, page 43 in Technique Volume 17, #10 October, 1997).

Motion: M. Dykes
Second: A. Schweyer
PASSED

Clarification: If the gymnast performs a vault different than the vault announced (or flashed), each judge takes the 0.2 deduction for performing the wrong vault.

VI. FIG Code of Points Update and the Jr. Olympic Program

The committee reviewed the changes made for the Elite program per the FIG Code of Points Clarification and Update from December, 1997. This was printed previous in Technique magazine (Vol. 18, #3, March, 1998).

The following decisions were made for implementation for the Jr. Olympic program, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 1998:

GENERAL

• The JO program will not use the compositional deduction of 0.05 for performing more than 2 similar elements from the same structure group.
• A-elements may be used to fulfill Special Requirements, whether listed in the FIG Code or commonly recognized (ie., comparable to a listed A-element). Note: A hitch-kick is listed on Beam as #2.110 (Scissors leap with straight or bent legs). This would also apply to Floor #1.116 cat leap, since the hitch kick can be considered as a cat leap with extended legs.

OPTIONAL VAULT

Change the following deductions:

• Prescribed longitudinal axis turn begun too late - Up to 0.50 (this was 0.30) Note: Delete Prescribed LA turn begun too early from Second flight phase deductions. This fault is considered under the repulsion phase - poor technique - Up to 0.20
• Late open/extension of body before landing - Up to 0.50 (this was 0.30)
• Prescribed LA turn incomplete upon landing (remains up to 0.30) but is now under Landing Phase instead of Second Flight phase.

In regards to the late open/extension deduction, the WTC created the following guidelines for applying the up to 0.50 penalty:

Salto vaults: Opening refers to the change in body shape from a tuck or pike position to an extended stretched position. If the gymnast achieves an open, but then pikes down to land, deduct up to 0.20 for body position error.

To receive no deduction for late open, the gymnast must extend from the salto position by horizontal (3 o'clock). From horizontal to 45° below horizontal, deduct up to 0.30. If the open occurs past 45° below horizontal, deduct 0.40-0.50. The maximum penalty of 0.50 would be applied if there is absolutely no attempt to extend from the salto position.

Non-Salto Twisting Vaults: Opening refers to finishing the twist by horizontal (3 o'clock) to show an extended stretched position before landing. From horizontal to 45° below horizontal, deduct up to 0.30. If the open occurs past 45° below horizontal, deduct 0.40-0.50. If the gymnast fails to complete the twist upon landing, deduct 0.50 for late open/extension and an additional up to 0.30 gymnast fails to complete the twist upon landing, deduct 0.50 for late open/extension and an additional up to 0.30 for incomplete twist.

New Vault: 2.502 Handspring on - Tucked salto forward with 11/2 (540°) twist off - 10.00 for JO Program (9.9-Elite)

OPTIONAL BARS

• All mounts with a salto or flic-flac may be used in a Special Connection for bonus
• D + D (with or without flight or turn) will continue to receive +0.20 bonus for Special Connection.
• C + D (D-element with or without flight or turn) will continue to receive +0.10 bonus for Special Connection
• Specific Apparatus "Compositional" deductions:
  The deduction of 0.20 each for "uncharacteristic movement" has been eliminated.

The following deductions will now apply to the JO Program:

Squat on LB, with or without sole circle or with 1/2 turn to grasp HB (more than one)	0.05 (Level 10 only)
From hang on HB, swing forward, place feet on bar to stand and 1/2 turn	0.10
Swing forward with 1/2 turn under horizontal	0.10
Kip cast to under 45°	0.10
Swing backward under horizontal	0.10

Note: If a grip change is made on backswing, it breaks a connection and also receives 0.10 deduction.

• New Elements:
  The JO Program will use the same values as found in the FIG update, with the exception of:
  - 5.305 Jaeger salto tucked D (#5.405 for JO)
  - 5.408 Front giant in L-grip with 1/1 turn after HS to L or mixed-L grip (L-grip front giant to Healy) remains E for JO (#5.508)
  

OPTIONAL BEAM

• Special Connection Bonus: Add to principle 10.5.1 (Two acro elements directly connected) C + C = +0.10
• Principle 10.5.3 now deals only with connections of two gymnastics elements or gym/acro connections. There no longer is a Special Connection bonus of +0.10 for Two acro flight (counter or front/side) of B + C.
• New Elements or changes in element value-the JO program will adopt the new FIG values with the exception of:
  - 2.206 Straddle pike jump in cross position with 1/4 turn C (add to #2.306)

To clarify the wolf hops and wolf jumps on Beam, the following values will be in effect AUGUST 1, 1998 for the JO Program:

		J.O.	Elite
		(effec. 8/98)	(effec.1/98)
2.111	Wolf hop (off one foot)	A	A*
2.211	Wolf hop 1/2	B (was c)	B*
2.311	Wolf hop 3/4	C (was D)	C*
2.411	Wolf hop 1/1	D (was E)	D*
			*Value for USA Elite until clarified by FIG
		J.O.	Elite
		(effec. 8/98)	(effec.1/98)
2.211	Wolf jump (off two feet)	B	B
2.311	Wolf jump 1/2	C (was D)	C
2.411	Wolf jump 3/4	D	D
2.511	Wolf jump 1/1	E	E

OPTIONAL FLOOR

• Special Requirements:
  #4 - Choice of one gymnastics series with three elements OR one mixed series with at least three elements (gym/acro/gym or acro/gym/acro)
  #5 and 6 - Two gymnastics elements (minimum of 1 C and 1 B for Level 10, two B's for Levels 9 and 8), which may be a component of the gymnastics or mixed series.
• Special Connection principles #11.5.1 (Acro Indirect) and #11.5.2 (Acro Direct) may include saltos and acro elements with flight and without hand support (Aerials).
  Note: The inclusion of aerials applies only to the awarding of special connection bonus. Aerials are not considered as saltos and may not be used to fulfill acro series Special Requirements.
• Indirect acro series with D-saltos in combination with A and/or B saltos, the order can be freely chosen, except when the A-saltos are the same, in which case they must be directly connected and precede the D-salto.
• New elements or changes in value: The JO program will adopt all new FIG values and changes with the exception of the Wolf hops (off one foot)

	J.O.		Elite
	(effec. 8/98)		(effec.1/98)
Wolf hop (from one foot)	A	1.117	A*	1.117
Wolf hop 1/2	B	1.217	A	1.117
Wolf hop 1/1	C	1.317	B	1.217
Wolf hop 11/2	D	1.417	C	1.317
Wolf hop 2/1	E	1.517	D	1.417

*Value for USA Elite until clarified by FIG

VII. FIG Technical Liaison to WTC

K. Kelly brought forth the question of whether the WTC would like to have an FIG Technical Liaison officially added to the USAG-WTC. The committee felt that if there is a specific need to have additional FIG input, that an invitation for the FIG liaison to attend a specific meeting or conference call would be adequate.

VIII. National Elite Testing Program Education

A judges educational experience addressing the Elite National Testing program will be offered prior to an International Training Camp to be held in May, 1998. A minimum of 24 judges will be invited to attend, with

• one from each region recommended and funded by NAWGJ (with input from of the Regional Elite board),
• one from each region selected by the USAG Regional Elite board (WTC recommends that the RTC be invited to attend), and
• eight selected by the National office-list of selected judges from the regions and NAWGJ must be sent to Kathy Kelly by April 15th.

IX. National Elite Program Committee Report

R. Kreutzer informed the WTC of the success of the 1997 TOPS testing and addition of TOP athletes in the Classic/Challenge. Jackets were presented to all participants at the 1998 American Challenge and Classic competitions. The U.S. Classic/National Gymnastics Festival will be held July 31-August 2, 1998 in San Antonio.

A National Team Coaches summit was conducted in December for the purpose of strategic planning. Discussion was held in regards to the participation of athletes in Elite regional testing/meets outside of their home region. The WTC conveyed that the Elite clubs should be supporting their own regional Elite events.

Recommendation to the Elite Program Committee that the decision to allow an athlete to attend a Regional meet outside of their own region be approved by both regions' Elite Program Committee Chairman, in consultation with both regions' Regional Technical Chairman and/or the Regional Chairman. (Refer to R&P, page 108 B. e.)

Recommendation to the EPC that even though an athlete competing in another region's Elite meet may use the score to qualify to Challenge/Classic, they are not eligible for awards.

X. Affiliation of Judges

Reminder:
Judges that are affiliated may NOT be assigned as Chief Judge to a USA Gymnastics qualifying meet if the team that the judge is affiliated with is competing in the meet to which the judge has been assigned. If meets are using one-judge panels, an affiliated judge may be assigned ONLY when there are not enough non-affiliated judges available and only with the approval of the RTC. If the RTC is the person involved, approval must come from the State Chair.

XI. NCAA Report

P. Panichas clarified that the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Committee is in charge of Regional and National competitions. The newly formed USAG Women's Collegiate Program Committee is charged with making recommendations to the NCAA WGC regarding the adoption of J.O. Rules. The Round-off entry vault is being allowed for the first time in NCAA competition.

In the 1999 season, the NCAA regions will be realigned, going from five to six regions and seeding the top twelve teams into the six regions.

XII. Elite Technical Report

A. Schweyer asked the committee to communicate to her in writing (by June 1) any concerns/recommendations regarding the evaluation of the Elite Testing.

There was discussion regarding the definition of an "open tuck" salto position which is allowed at the National level. This refers to the athlete who performs a double salto backward without grabbing the legs.

XIII. NAWGJ Report

Y. Hodge gave a written and oral report.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY the 1998 Federal mileage rate is $.32 per mile.

XIV. Optional Element Evaluations and Clarifications

GENERAL:
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 1998 for the Jr. Olympic Program, that no bonus (extra D/E or Special Connection) will be awarded with a deduction of 0.30 or more. (This is a change from the present rule of a deduction of 0.20 or more negates bonus.)

Motion: C. Hamilton
Second: A. Schweyer
PASSED

Element Evaluations: Add the following elements to the J. O. Supplement:

BARS-EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
Bars: Long hang pullover - A element - Add to # 7.102
Motion: C. Hamilton
Second: C. Bunge
PASSED

A tap swing - counterswing as performed in the Level 5 or 6 compulsory exercise is not considered to be an element and would be considered as an extra swing in an optional exercise (Level 7 and above).

BARS-EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 1998 for the J.O. Program:
Change #7.202 to # 7.302
Clear hip hecht (also with 1/2 turn) from Low bar to high bar (change from B to C)

BEAM-EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
Backward shoulder roll - A element - Add to # 6.104
Motion: C. Christensen
Second: C. Hamilton
PASSED

FLOOR-EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
Whip salto with 1/2 turn = B Add to # 6.206

UNEVEN BAR CLARIFICATIONS:
A. When an element finishes with a backswing showing maximum amplitude to handstand (within 20° of vertical for J.O.), then it is considered as only one element.
Examples:

• Front giant with 1/1 turn to L or mixed L grip (Healy), continuing to within 20° of handstand = one element.
• Front giant with 1/1 turn to L or mixed L grip (Healy), continuing to within 20° of handstand with a hop grip change with discernible flight = one element and may fulfill one of the two required flight elements for J.O.

  If the gymnast performs a front giant 1/1 turn Healy, continuing to within 20° of handstand and performs a 1/2 turn (Higgins roll), and swings back down, it is considered two elements.

  If the front giant 1/1 turn (Healy) continues circling to handstand and the body goes over the top of the bar with or without turn, it also will be considered as two elements.

  In all of the above examples, if the front giant Healy is followed by another C, D or E element, applicable bonus could be applied and no compositional deduction for a grip change on the backswing would be taken.

B. Straight body cast to handstand, legs together = B
Straddle cast to handstand = A
However, once the handstand is achieved and a turn or hop grip is performed, it takes on the value listed for cast handstand with legs together.
Examples:
Straddle cast handstand with 1/2 turn = C
Straddle cast with hop grip in handstand = C

Motion from the WTC to the JOPC to reconsider the use of hop grip change to fulfill the Special Requirement of flight element.
Motion: C. Hamilton
Second: A. Schweyer
PASSED (7 in favor, 1 abstention)
Note: The JOPC will review this recommendation at their June meeting.

Reminder: Coaches and judges should use the correct chain of command to present technical questions (i.e., first to your RTC). If the RTC does not have an answer, she will pursue through National Chairmen, etc.

XV. Incorrect Attire

The FIG Code allows stud earrings only. The judge should first warn the gymnast prior to competing and report the warning to the Meet Referee. If the gymnast proceeds to compete without removing the jewelry, then the judge will deduct 0.10 from the average score of that event.

XVI. JCI

JCI has redefined the requirements for active status, in particular the practice judging requirements. Please see minutes from JCI's meeting in the upcoming May 1998 issue of Technique magazine.
Reminder: Judges who had a rating from the past cycle must have re-certified with the new JCI exam. They no longer hold their old rating until they pass both parts of the new exam.

XVII. JR. Olympic Program Committee Report

T. Koll reported that the JOP Committee will be dealing with the age divisions for Levels 9 and 10. It was suggested that a survey regarding meet evaluation and qualification procedures be included in J.O. National coaches' packets.

XVIII. Congress Presentations

• Ideas for judging sessions:
  Joint NAWGJ/JCI sessions
  Active status requirements
  What it's like to judge the World Championships or Olympic Games - Round-table
  Optional Vault - application of new deductions
• Gymnastics models and memories (Little girls need big girls to look up to) - the best of the best!
• Chain of command - Who answers what?
• How to figure out the judges fee structure

XIX. Level 7 and 8 Judges Training Videos

The WTC evaluated exercises for the production of a script for the new judges' training videos.

XX. Rules and Policies Update

In the April 1998 issue of Technique magazine, there is an errata section for the Women's Rules and Policies on page 15. Please update your book.

Meeting adjourned on Sunday, March 8 at 1:00 PM. Next meeting to be announced.

These minutes are published in the April 1998 issue of Technique magazine, Vol. 18, No. 4.

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