Meeting called to order at 7:00 AM CDT by Chair, Gil Elsass.
Members Present:
Reg 1 – Roger Baldwin
Reg 2 – David Klein
Reg 3 –Gilbert Elsass
Reg 4 – Dan Coon
Reg 5 – Bob Witmer
Reg 6 – Tom Fontecchio
Reg 7 – Rick Tucker
Reg 8 – Kevin White
Reg 9 – Dean Schott
Ath. Rep. – Jay Thornton
NGJA Rep. – Jon Culbertson
Jr. Rep. MPC – Bill Foster
Jr. Rep. MPC – Steve Butcher
Jr. Coaches Rep – Kelly Crumley
Men's Program Mgr. v Bo
Morris
Jr. Nat. Coordinator – Dennis
McIntyre
Men's Program Sr. Dir. – Ron
Galimore
Chairman – Gilbert Elsass
II. Approval of Previous Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes.
Motion: Bob Witmer
Second: Dean Schott
Passed
III. 2005 JO Nationals Report - Tim Erwin
Tim reported that the Revised Format worked out very well and made it more manageable for his staff to handle the large numbers. He also thanked the JOPC for giving him the latitude to make the adjustments to make the competition work well for everyone.
IV. 2006 JO Nationals Report - Battle Creek, Mi.
Al Scharns reports that they will be able handle a large number of gymnasts if needed. They have 1000 hotel rooms available in a very close proximity to the venue.
V. USAG Report - Bo Morris
A. There was an excess of $ 65,000 raised this year for the National Scholarship Foundation. There is now over $71,000 in the fund for the 2004-05 seasons.
B. Bo passed out the statistics on “hit-missed” routines at JO Nationals 2005 from each region. This year’s percentages were much improved over last year.
C. Bo thanked contributors to the Cumiskey Video: Gil Elsass, A.B. Frederick, Abie Grossfeld and Fred Turoff for providing historical background, photographs and video footage of Mr. Cumiskey.
VI. USAG NATIONAL OFFICE REPORT- Ron Galimore
A. TJ Maxx has signed on as a sponsor and is considering a scholarship program for the Junior Olympic and Future Stars athletes.
B. 24 Fitness (mostly on West Coast) but is branching into other areas of the country is giving membership discounts for USA Gymnastics Professional and Athlete Members.
C. GK Elite has continued their high level of sponsorship to the JO Program by donating apparel for JO Nationals. Ron Galimore will be sending all State and Regional Chairmen more information about the GK Elite sponsorship.
D. FIG Code of Points – USA Gymnastics is trying to let the FIG know that we are concerned about safety of the athletes and the “10.0” scoring system. The final vote on the new Code of Points will take place at the end of May. Ron reported that whatever happens with the FIG rules, we will do what is best for gymnastics in the USA!
E. Due to the time frame and competitive calendar, the 2007 & 2008 USA Championships for men will possibly be separate from the women.
VII. LONG RANGE JR. TEAM PROGRAM - Dennis McIntyre
A. Vault proposal - after much research we feel that coaches and gymnasts should spend more time on this event during training periods. This proposal is a way to make vaulting more attractive for athletes and coaches to train a second category of vault in the junior program. This proposal being sent to the Age Group Competition Committee for its review and possible implementation.
B. Multi event athlete in Team Selection
· Dennis McIntyre discussed that we are seeing less emphasis on the All-Around. At the Jr. Elite Levels, it is alright not to do all-around but, we should continue to encourage coaches and athletes to train for the all-around in the JO Program. We must realize that some athletes are not going to do all events at World Events.
VIII. MPC REPORT- Steve Butcher
Information about the Visa Championships Qualifier can be read on the USA Gymnastics web site.
IX. NGJA Report - Jon Culbertson
The NGJA is now using videos for judging courses. Jon wanted everyone to be aware that the JO National Apparatus Leader’s are doing reports and analysis on National Future Stars Championships as well as JO Nationals.
There will be new group JONAL’s selected this summer. Jon thanked the current staff for their excellent work during the past two years.
X. AGE GROUP COMMITTEE REPORT - Gil Elsass
Gil reports that as the season went along he received many positive comments about the new program from coaches and judges alike. There were 3 updates this year. The last one should be completed and posted on the USA Gymnastics website by or before March 1, 2006. The AGCC will be working during the off-season to address concerns from the community for JO Update # 4 in the fall of 2005.
XI. JR. BOYS’ COACHES ASSOCIATION - Tim Klempnauer
The leaders continue to build the membership. The website address is www.usamgca.org for membership information.
XII. BIDS FOR 2007 JO NATIONALS-
Peter Wieging presented a bid on behalf of Scott Barclay from Phoenix, Arizona. The proposed host hotel is the Hyatt which is across the street from the Phoenix Convention Center (host site). Peter reported that the city of Phoenix and the Arizona State University Men’s Team would be an excellent host for JO Nationals.
No other official bids were presented.
Motion to support the bid by Phoenix and have them work with the National Office for approval and receiving a contract for the event.
Motion: Bill Foster
Second: by Dean Schott
Passed
Bids for JO Nationals must take place at the August/September meetings (2005) for JO Nationals Meet (2008) – i.e., the JOPC should make their recommendation to USA Gymnastics at the JO national meetings (2006).
Motion: Dean Schott
Second: by Bill Foster
Passed
No nominations were made at this time. Nominations are open until Congress in August.
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
A. Gil Elsass did a survey of how states and regions raise money for their programs. Gil reported that a large number of chairman participated in the survey and provide a lot of good information. This information was given to the National Office for their review.
B. Judging fees were studied, but no official action is planned at this time. More time is needed to discuss this issue.
C. Discussion of JO National format and issues.
a. Quality verses Quantity
The JOPC will spend more time on the Judging Fee and JO Nationals format at its upcoming meeting in August or September.
XV. Motion to Adjourn
Motion: Kevin White
Second: Dean Schott
PASSED
The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 AM.
Respectfully submitted by Tom Fontecchio, JOPC Secretary
Approved by Ron Galimore, Sr. Director, Men’s Program
Approved by Steve Penny, President, USA Gymnastics