Just Gymnastics Newsletter Archives Gymnastics Rules Interpretations and Your Questions and Answers

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
December, 2011 - Issue #27

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This issue includes...
1) Judging Quiz Question
2) “It Pays to Know the Rules” by Judy Schalk – Brevet Judge
3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives
4) Your Gymnastics Questions
5) Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================
1) What, if any, penalty is applied if a coach inadvertently
touches the gymnast without actually assisting on a release
element in Optional bars?
a.) No deduction.
b.) 0.50 deduction, Value Part, Special Requirement and Bonus awarded
c.) 0.50 deduction, V P and SR awarded, NO Bonus awarded
d.) 0.50 deduction, NO VP, SR or Bonus awarded

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================
2) “It Pays to Know the Rules” by Judy Schalk – Brevet Judge
===========================================================
I’ve always said you need to know the rules to maximize your scoring
potential. Maybe the Optional gymnast having trouble with her full turn
on beam would reconsider before leaving it out of her routine if she knew
it was a 0.50 Special Requirement. Gymnasts can make smarter decisions
if they know the consequences.

Being a student of the sport equips the gymnast with knowledge to
improve her own performance and to even help teammates by sharing
that knowledge. Gymnasts often pick up coaching and spotting skills
just by being in the gym. It’s a natural extension to be a master of
the rules as well if rules are coached within the training program.
Gymnasts are ready-made coaches when they come through a
good gymnastics program … why not ready-made judges as well?

Gymnasts can become certified Level 5/6 Compulsory judges and
Level 7/8 Optional judges when they are only 16 years old. It can
be a great source of spending money while contributing to their
mastery of the sport. By the time they’re 18, they’re eligible to become
Level 9 judges, and by 20, Level 10 judges. I was already an active,
certified gymnastics judge while I was still competing in college.

USAG recognized the importance of keeping gymnasts involved in
the sport after they’re done competing by encouraging a fast-track
judges’ certification for those having achieved higher levels of
competition in their careers. Eighteen-year-old, Level 10 senior
gymnasts are allowed to enter the judges’ certification system as
Level 9 judges. Twenty-year-old, Senior Elite gymnasts, having
participated in a National Elite Classic meet, are eligible to enter
as Level 10 judges.

Marking its commitment to foster participation of top gymnasts in
the judging ranks, USAG arranged an unprecedented International
Brevet course for selected international gymnasts this past November.
We now welcome Chellsie Memmel and Tabitha Yim as International
Brevet judges. Congratulations Chellsie and Tabitha!
(See photo at: http://usagym.org/pages/post.html?PostID=9112&prog=h)

You can check out the specifics of USAG’s judges’ certification
requirements at the following link:
http://usagym.org/pages/women/pages/judging.html

The National Association of Women’s Gymnastics Judges (NAWGJ)
is the next place you’ll want to go to for information and resources for
becoming a gymnastics judge:
http://www.nawgj.org/becoming_a_judge.htm

Judge Judy

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3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"
Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/page/136724

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4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q. Recently I was coaching at a meet and my gymnast fell off the
beam got back on and then fell off again when getting back up. I have
had this happen before and judges take that as two falls. This judge
said that since she wasn't back on the beam for more than 3 seconds
it was counted as only one fall. Is there a specific rule for this.

A.) No, you were correct in your original understanding. There is no
"3-second rule." Both falls should have received 0.50 deductions.

Q.) Is a Level 4 gymnast allowed to wear bar shorts over the leotard
during competition?

A.) No, it would be a 0.20 deduction for incorrect attire.

Q.) My daughter is competing for the first time as USAG gymnast.
What are most important for scoring?

A.) This is a very general question. The USAG Compulsory program
is designed to emphasize "clean" execution. Correct technique is
specifically prescribed and enforced by the deductions applied by
the judges. For a good understanding of the Level 4 routines and
deductions I recommend my "How Compulsories Are Judged –
Level 4" DVD and supplement with my "Gymnastics Rules &
Score Book - Levels 1-6." http://www.justgymnastics.com/page/96458

Q.) There was a lot of confusion at this last meet regarding the
order in which the girls were performing floor. My daughter got
an unusually low score, which did not reflect her routine. Is there
a deduction for compulsory gymnasts going out of order at the
meet? If so...how much can it be?

A.) No, there is no deduction for going out of order. However, there
is the possibility that the confusion was never properly reconciled
and she received someone else's score.

Q.) Could you explain what the start value is for a level 7 gymnast
without a cast to handstand? I was told it is 9.5 but I have your
book and it does not say that exactly. It gives different values for
the degrees of the cast which does not quite make sense to me.
My daughter does not quite have her cast to handstand (it's above 45)
but she has a clear hip to handstand followed by 2 giants into a layout.

Knowing how the scoring works actually makes it much easier as
a parent to sit and watch and figure things out.

A.) The Level 7 exercise you describe has a 10.0 Start Value.
There is no cast to handstand requirement. The 0.50 requirement
is a cast to 45 degrees above horizontal. However, a 45 degree
cast that fails to reach handstand, i.e., within 20 degrees, receives
an amplitude deduction of up to 0.20. That deduction is not taken
out of Start Value.

The cast angle is defined by a line drawn from the shoulders
through the midpoint of the lowest body part. If, for example,
there was an arch in the body and the feet were above 45 degrees
but the belly sagged below 45 degrees, the 0.50 special requirement
would NOT be given and all additional execution deductions
would also apply.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge
============================================================
"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.
Submit your Gymnastics Questions at: http://www.JustGymnastics.com
============================================================
5) Products
Optional season is here. Make sure you know your rules!
Do you have your Optional Rules & Score Book – Levels 7-10?
(Blue Book) http://www.justgymnastics.com/product/1002

Compulsory training and competition runs practically all year. It’s never
too late to learn the rules.
Get your Compulsory Rules & Score Book – Levels 1-6 (Pink Book)
http://www.justgymnastics.com/product/1001

The “How Compulsories Are Judged” DVD Series gives you the inside
scoop on what the judges are looking for and how the rules in the Pink
Gymnastics Rules & Score Book are applied.
ALL Compulsory gymnasts should have these resources.
http://www.justgymnastics.com/page/96458

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1) Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q. What, if any, penalty is applied if a coach inadvertently
touches the gymnast without actually assisting on a release
element in Optional bars?
a.) No deduction.
b.) 0.50 deduction, Value Part, Special Requirement and Bonus awarded
c.) 0.50 deduction, V P and SR awarded, NO Bonus awarded
d.) 0.50 deduction, NO VP, SR or Bonus awarded

A. c.) 0.50 deduction, VP and SR awarded, NO Bonus awarded
An accidental touch is still a “spot” (0.50) and will prevent Bonus
from being awarded but since there was no assistance, the Value Part
and Special Requirement will still be awarded.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
September, 2011 - Issue #26

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Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to.
If you no longer wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter
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This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "New Look for JustGymnastics.com"

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) Q. In the Level 6 FX routine, what is the deduction for
performing the Front Handspring Step-Out with no repulsion,
i.e., like a Front Walkover?

a.) Up to 0.20
b.) 0.60 - Value of the element - Change of element
c.) 1.20 - Twice the value of the element - Substitution

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "New Look for JustGymnastics.com"

===========================================================

Check out the "new look" at www.JustGymnastics.com. The
web site has undergone a make-over.

My annual "Special Offer" coincides with the software upgrade.
So while you're visiting the new site, take advantage of FREE
Shipping on all orders that include Gymnastics Rules & Score
Books + 1 FREE BOOK with every 10 Books ordered.

This offer runs through September 12.
Make sure your gym club orders its shipment NOW.

Plan to get Compulsory and Optional Rules & Score Books
for your entire team at Wholesale prices and...
stock up your pro-shop or plan a fund raising sale for your next home meet!

Judge Judy
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3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:

http://www.justgymnastics.com/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q. If I'm 14 years old and want to start up on gymnastics
after 4 years of not doing it, what level would I be at, and when
do classes start?

A. What state are you in and what gym club do you plan to
go to? You must contact your State Chairman regarding re-entering
USA Gymnastics. That person may also be able to put you in
contact with a local club for schedules, etc.

Here are the regulations that may apply to you regarding re-entering
the USA Gymnastics program.

"Any athlete who has previously competed in the Jr. Olympic
Program, but has been inactive for one or more years, must
contact their State Administrative Committee Chairman for proper
entry regulations. The options are:
a. Remain at the level at which they last competed.
b. Move up one level if they achieved the minimum mobility score
during their last season,
c. Move down one numerical level, without petitioning."

Or in your case, since you are 14, you may be considered for this option:

"Any gymnast who has had previous competitive experience in any
system (including USA Gymnastics) and who is a minimum of 14 years
of age (and is also at least a freshman in High School) is eligible to
petition the State Administrative Committee for entry into Level 7. The
petition must be accompanied by a video that demonstrates her skill level."

Q. What is the deduction for doing more skills in a level 7 floor routine?
Assuming the gymnast completes all requirements (5As and 2Bs) and
does not do any skills out of A or B range but just does more than the
required amount. For example doing 3 leap passes and/or 2 acro series
(3 or more flight elements) which includes a back salto stretched to 2 feet)

A. There is no deduction for doing more than the required number of
skills as long as no restricted skills are performed, i.e., "C" or higher.
But since there are no compositional deductions for Level 7, less is
usually better. All skills beyond the minimum requirement, receive
applicable execution deductions that would not accumulate in a short routine.

Q. Can you tell me how important it is for a compulsory floor routine
to be in sync with the music? I've been told there's no deduction for
this, but it seems that it is somewhat 'incorrect'.

A. Being out of sync with the FX music would come under the
deduction of "Lack of overall rhythm during the exercise - Up to 0.40."
If the rhythm is specifically noted in the text for an element or connection,
it's up to 0.10 for incorrect rhythm.

Q. I was wondering what the start value for this level 8 bar routine
would be.

Kip cast hand, clear-hip to handstand immediate pirouette, glide kip,
squat on, kip cast hand giant, giant layout flyaway.

A. This exercise has a 9.5 SV if she gets within 20 degrees of at
least one of her cast handstands. The clear hip 1/2 can fulfill either
the group 3,6,7 requirement, OR the 180 turn or release requirement,
but not both. Adding a clear hip circle to the exercise would do it. If
neither of the casts get credit, the SV would be 0.30 lower for missing a "B".

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

============================================================

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the "Gymnastics Question" box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com

============================================================

5) New Products

Get FREE Shipping on your "How Compulsories Are Judged" DVD Series
when you order it with its counterpart - the Pink Compulsory

"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6." (Thru Sept. 12)

The DVD's show the routines with an explanation of required technique and how
all the rules in the Pink Score Book are applied. ALL Compulsory gymnasts
should have these resources.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/page/96458

============================================================

1) Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q. 1) Q. In the Level 6 FX routine, what is the deduction for
performing the Front Handspring Step-Out with no repulsion,
i.e., like a Front Walkover?

a.) Up to 0.20
b.) 0.60 - Value of the element - Change of element
c.) 1.20 - Twice the value of the element - Substitution

A. b.) 0.60 - Value of the element - Change of element
The Front Walkover is the root element of the Front Handspring
Step-Out so it qualifies as "changing" rather than "substituting" the element.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
June, 2011 - Issue #25

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This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to.
If you no longer wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter
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This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "What's New for 2011-2012?"

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) Q. What happens if one of the two judges misses an exercise that
started before she returned to her seat?

A.) Judge 2 makes up a score to submit without telling anyone what
happened.
B.) Judge 2 gives the same score as Judge 1 without telling the coach
what happened.
C.) The Meet Referee is brought in to tell the coach what happened
and explains that the final score will be Judge 1's score only.
D.) The Meet Referee is brought in and gives the gymnast the opportunity
to repeat the exercise or take the score given by Judge 1.

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "What's New for 2011-2012?"

===========================================================
Already working on changes for the next quadrennium, the USAG committees
were reluctant to make major changes for the 2011-2012 season though a number
of clarifications were made. Here are some of the more significant rulings.

GENERAL
Bars/Beam/Floor
- Any exercise that would result in a score of 1.00 or lower will receive a final
score of 1.00.

OPTIONALS
- A folded panel mat will now be allowed as a mounting surface for Bars and
Beam at the Optional levels.

Vault
Tsukahara Tucked with 1/2 twist has been eliminated from the L-8 Vault List.
It may not be performed at Level 8 under penalty of voiding the event for performing
a restricted vault.

Uneven Bars
- Clear Hip Circles performed below horizontal (Value - A)will receive no deduction
for being 1-10 degrees below horizontal. Greater than 10 degrees below horizontal
is penalized up to 0.20.
- Level 7 & 8 - Clear Hip Circles finishing at 45 degrees or above will receive NO
deduction for insufficient amplitude.

Balance Beam
- ANY C+C directly connected Dance elements will now receive +0.20 CV Bonus
instead of 0.10. This means the SAME element may be performed twice as in
Switch Leg Leap, + Switch Leg Leap for +0.20 Bonus.
- A dance series is considered "broken" if after landing an element in plie', the
legs straighten completely, then plie' again before take-off into the next element.

Beam & Floor
- Deduct up to 0.10 - Failure to land with legs/feet together on jumps/leaps that
land on 2 feet on Floor or Beam (on Beam it refers to SIDE position landings only).
- Deduct up to 0.10 - Insufficient amplitude of front leg on Sissones and Ring Jumps
if the front leg is more than 45 degrees below horizontal.

Judge Judy
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q. My daughter is a level 6 gymnast, she wants to have pink highlights put in her
hair. We are new to gymnastics & are unsure if this can be a deduction at any meet.
We know all her hair needs to be pulled out of her face, but will having pink highlights
cause a problem?

A. No, there is no specific deduction concerning hair color.

Q.) Our gym has expressed a preference for specific hair rules. This is fine because
we all believe presentation counts. Though as we attend meets we see so many
different hair do's below the nape of the neck, fly aways and great variations. We
were wondering are there any specific rules and policies published outlining the
specifics of hair and deductions that may be taken?

A.) Our only regulation concerning hair states that hair must be secured away
from the face. Beyond that, common sense should prevail considering safety,
appearance and practicality.

Inappropriate hair style would fall under "Inappropriate Attire" which first requires
the judge to give a warning to correct the situation followed by a 0.20 deduction
in the event of noncompliance.

Q.) My daughter is a new Level 6 this year. This past weekend at her first meet
she had some mistakes on beam. She did something with her leap such that she
never extended the leg and both legs ended up close to each other on the beam.
On the back-walkover, she landed it awkwardly but she did it. Then she got rattled
I think and forgot part of the routine completely--omitted the full turn and fish pose
and whatever pose comes before the fish. she ended up getting an 8.45. I am trying
to understand how much it cost her to forget the full turn and poses. Her score did
not seem so bad without the full turn so I was surprised. Is it better to omit it rather
than try it and fall?
Thanks for your help!

A.) No, it's not better to omit an element. The deduction for omission is twice the
value of the element specifically to prevent it from becoming an attractive alternative.
Omission of the full turn is -0.80. Missing the lateral pose and the fish pose should
be -0.30 for missing a series of connections. I assume the score did not reflect these
deductions. The exercise may have confused the judges to the point that they weren't
able to recreate exactly what was all missing so they didn't take the appropriate deductions.

Q.) Just a couple questions about level 6........ first bars - what is the value of the
tuck flyaway? Would it be wiser for a gymnast to omit the element or to do it with a
spot? And beam - for skills like the full turn, back walkover and dismount - if they
fall they would lose the value of the skill + .5 correct? What if they fall, get back up
and repeat it and hit the second time - what would the deductions look like?

A.) Tuck Flyaway
The flyaway is an 0.80 element. Omission of an element is twice the value of the
element (1.60). Being spotted on the element is the value of the element (0.80)
plus 0.50 for the spot ... plus execution deductions, e.g., height, body position,
opening and landing. Though it might be slightly more costly to do the element with
a spot, at least she's working toward her goal. The coach must determine if it's safe
for her to be working at that level and what the spotting requirements should be.

Balance Beam
The deduction for an incomplete element due to a fall is up to the value of the
element plus 0.50 for the fall ... plus execution deductions. In most cases you
would not lose the full value of an element, e.g., if a fall occurs on a back walkover
after hand support with no foot contact on the beam, the deduction would be half
the value of the element (0.30).

If the gymnast successfully repeated an element after a fall, she would be given full
credit for the element. Execution deductions on the second attempt would only be
incurred for the second half of the element, picking up where she left off on the first
attempt. Depending on how well the gymnast is capable of performing the balance
of the incomplete element should dictate whether she makes another attempt or
chooses to cut her losses.

Q.) I see some level 7's do two giants in their bar routine and some do one giant.
Is that a coaches choice? Also, can level 7's do tuck flyaway's? I just saw a girl do
a level 7 bar routine on youtube ... she did a giant, giant, tuck flyaway.

A.) It's a good idea to do 2 giant swings in Level 7. They need a "B" circling element
and a total of 2 "B's" in the exercise. If they don't have a "B" clear hip circle (horizontal
or higher), they can meet these requirements with an "A" clear hip and 2 giant swings.
They also need a salto dismount. The tuck flyaway certainly fulfills this requirement.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge
============================================================
"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com

============================================================
5) New Products

"How Compulsories Are Judged" DVD Series
AND the Pink
"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6."

The DVD's show the routines with an explanation of required technique and how
all the rules in the Pink Score Book are applied. ALL Compulsory gymnasts
should have these resources.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

1) Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q. What happens if one of the two judges misses an exercise that started
before she returned to her seat?

A. D.) The Meet Referee is brought in and gives the gymnast the opportunity
to repeat the exercise or take the score given by Judge 1.

The coach is informed of what Judge 1's score is, then is given the option for the
gymnast to accept that score or repeat the exercise after a reasonable period of
rest. If she repeats the exercise, that score will count.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
December, 2010 - Issue #24

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Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to.
If you no longer wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter
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This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Is It Fair?" - by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge
(Repeat L-5 and Move to L-7)

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) Q. Who were the top 3 Women's Artistic Gymnastics teams in the 2010
World Championships in Rotterdam?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2)"Is It Fair?" - by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge
(Repeat L-5 and Move to L-7)

===========================================================
Repeating Level 5 has been a hot issue with so many for so long that it warrants
special consideration. In my August issue I quoted the newly published statement
from USAG on their philosophy of fair play in the matter of "mobility," i.e.,
when to move up to the next level. It states that once a high level of proficiency
is achieved at a level, the gymnast should move to the next level when she can
do so safely.

USAG, not wanting to force gymnasts out of a program because, for whatever
reason, they can't make the commitment to go to the next level, no longer has
mandatory "move up" scores. Therefore, clubs have developed their own program
strategies for mobility. The following scenario submitted by a reader lends to an
explanation of the current mobility regulations.

Q.) I would like to know the rules for competing a level and then moving down
to compete another level, or skipping a level altogether. My colleagues and I,
as well as several other coaches from other gyms have noticed that a particular
gym in our area will compete their girls as Level 5's, skip level 6, and then compete
Level 7. Or, they will compete Level 5, then compete one meet as a Level 6 and
then compete Level 5 again for the remainder of the season, then move immediately
to Level 7 after the Level 5 season is complete again. We have had several
complaints about this from parents that not only go to our gym and compete against
these kids, but also the parents of the kids who attend the other gym that skips
and repeats levels. As a newer coach, I am not sure what to tell these parents. I
assume that moving down a level after competing a higher level (I.e. Level 6 back
to Level 5) is against the rules.

Also, this team was Level 5 Team State Champions last year. About 5 of the girls on
that Level 5 State Team were competing Level 7 no later than 2 months after. This,
without competing a Level 6 meet first, this information was confirmed by a parent
whose gymnast was part of that squad of girls who went directly from Level 5 to Level 7.

Please clarify with me if this is indeed against the rules, and if so, what disciplinary
actions can be taken? I assume that this is definitely against the spirit of the JO
program since it is holding girls back from progressing, or progressing incorrectly.

A.) Some clubs choose to only compete one meet at Level 6 just to get a mobility
score and move directly to Level 7. They may prefer to spend their time more productively
working L-7 skills while just competing L-5 meets to remain competition-sharp. According
to the rules, this strategy is allowable.

With the exception of skipping Level 6 entirely, never getting a mobility score, the rest
of what you described is legal. Here are the Mobility and Dropping Back rules that apply.
- Athletes may not skip any level. They must advance one level at a time by scoring the
minimum mobility score at any USA Gymnastics sanctioned competition.
(Rules & Policies, p. 19, II., A., 3.)
- Once a gymnast has competed in a Sectional meet, she may NOT drop back to a lower
level in the same competitive season.
--- If no Sectional meet is held, the State Administrative Committee must determine prior
to the beginning of the competitive year, a designated "declaration" date for each level
for such purpose. (Rules & Policies, p. 21, C., 1.)

This means that a L-5 may compete in a L-6 meet before Sectionals (or the designated
"drop back" date), then finish the season as a L-5. Having already received her L-6 mobility
score in that one L-6 meet, she may move to L-7 as soon as she leaves L-5.

Are you sure there was NO L-6 meet in the past where some of these athletes may have
acquired their mobility score to move to L-7. I would assume that a coach who uses this
strategy would understand this requirement. You must contact your USAG State Chairperson
with this concern if further action is to be taken.

Considering the ramifications you described, I assume that's what led USAG to come out
with a statement on their philosophy of mobility. The issue of "good sportsmanship and
fairness to all athletes" may be in jeopardy. I don't believe that simply professing a
philosophy is enough to deal with real issues when regulations clearly permit the strategy.

Judge Judy
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) Can a gymnast skip USA level 4?

A.) USAG does not require competition at Level 4. They may skill test out of
the level with 75% proficiency as they do in Levels 1-3. Level 5 can be
the entry level of competition.

Q.) What is the deduction for spotting a Tsuk at level 8?

A.) If a coach spots a vault and actually assists the gymnast, the vault is
void. If the spot is only on the landing, not aiding rotation, the
deduction is 0.50.

Q.) My daughter "made it to state" at her first meet of the year however, I
do not totally understand what that means. She is a level 5. I just found out
that what was going to be our second meet is now also the Fall State competition.
I have the choice to let her compete the meet or the state competition (which
will be held at the same place). I do not want to take away the joy of "state" but
she is 7 yrs old and I imagine there will be a lot of other gymnasts at the "state"
meet that have private club training as we are from a park district. My fear is that
she will get lower scores due to the elite competition at the "fall state meet".

If this was your daughter how would you proceed and if you have any coaching
from the parent end I'm open. What would be the ultimate goal for a child in the state
competition - do any of them go to lets say regional competition after state??
Anything you can share would be great!!

A.) I don't know what you mean by the second meet you planned to enter now
being designated as Fall State Meet. Are you saying two meets are being held
in the same venue, one of them being State Meet and the other an Open competition?
If that's the case, my personal recommendation would be to enter the Open meet
since she's only competed in one meet so far. I assume you also have a Spring State
Meet she can look forward to? Let her get some experience first and perfect her routines
so she can have a satisfying competition experience.

State Meet is the culminating competition for Level 5. They do not go to Regionals. It's
an important competition and she should prepare adequately for it.

If you would like to understand the Level 5 exercises and how the judges apply deductions,
I recommend my "How Compulsories Are Judged - Level 5" DVD along with my "Gymnastics
Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6". The two items go well together to give you a very good
idea about what is expected of your daughter in Level 5.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

Best of luck in Level 5!

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge
============================================================
"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com

============================================================
5) New Products

Great Holiday Gift Idea for Compulsory Gymnasts!

"How Compulsories Are Judged" DVD Series
AND the Pink
"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6."

The DVDs show the routines with an explanation of required technique and how
all the rules in the Pink Score Book are applied. ALL Compulsory gymnasts
should have these resources.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q. Who were the top 3 Women's Artistic Gymnastics teams in the 2010
World Championships in Rotterdam?

A. 1 - Russia (175.397), 2 - USA (175.196), 3 - China (174.781)

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
August, 2010 - Issue #23

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to.
If you no longer wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter
or if you have received this mailing in error, follow the
unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Important Rule Changes"

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) Q. FX - What deductions apply if on the hurdle step for the final
tumbling pass the gymnast trips and falls, then just remains on the
floor to strike her final pose?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "Important Rule Changes"

===========================================================
Thought I'd give you the highlights of what struck me as the most significant
JO rule changes and clarifications to come out of the annual May meetings
effective as of August 1, 2010.

ATHLETE MOBILITY
Because so many of you have brought up issues about "mobility," that is,
when should a gymnast move up to the next level, I'll quote USAG's recent
statement on their philosophy of mobility.
"In the spirit of good sportsmanship, fairness to all athletes and competitive
balance, the mobility system within the National JO Program should be followed
in the manner that it was intended.
- Before moving up a level, every athlete should show proficiency at their
current level.
- Once a high level of proficiency is achieved at the athlete's current level,
she should strive to move up to the next level as long as it is done safely.
- For athletes to repeat a level with the intent to gain an advantage over
other competitors or teams IS NOT in the spirit of the JO Program or youth
sports in general."
Though it still comes down to the coach's personal judgment, ulterior motives
have been censured.

COMPULSORIES
- Level 2 and 3 beam routines time limits have been increased by 5 seconds.
Warning at 25 seconds. Time at 35 seconds.
- The "air-o-board," a cross between a mini-tramp and a vaulting board, has been
approved for use at Leve1-3 and Prep Optional. Tiny gymnasts formerly unable
to get anything out of a stiff board will be able vault without that drawback.

OPTIONALS
Uneven Bars
- As a result of the concern I expressed in the April "Just Gymnastics Newsletter, "
climbing onto the LB after a fall, then jump to HB is no longer considered a
"bar change" fulfilling a Special Requirement. A listed value part element must
be performed on the LB.
- Level 7 and 8 may do the "C" skills Back Stalder Circle and Back Pike Sole Circle
to Handstand (also with 1/2 turn)in addition to the already permitted Clear Hip
Circle to Handstand (also with 1/2 turn). No other "C" skills are permitted.
- Level 7 only may perform a counter swing without an extra swing penalty (0.30)
prior to a front (salto forward) flyaway dismount.
- The maximum deduction for multiple extra swings after an element is 0.60,
i.e., stop deducting after 2 extra swings per element. (Applies to all levels.)

Balance Beam
- Continuous but slow connections on all series receive the same deduction - Up to 0.20.
(Exception remains unchanged: Backward acro series with at least 1 flight element
does not receive Special Requirement (0.50) if performed "continuously but slowly.")

Floor Exercise
- C+C dance elements may be the SAME element and receive +0.10 Bonus
e.g., Popa + Popa = +0.10 Bonus
- Definition of dance passage Special Requirement has been expanded to allow
any kind of turn on 1 or 2 feet to be performed between the 2 dance Value Parts,
and it doesn't matter if a jump used as the first element lands on 1 or 2 feet as long
as the passage keeps moving.
- Balks on the final salto Special Requirement or falls with failure to initiate the salto
receive an additional 0.30 deduction resembling the "no dismount" deduction on
bars and beam.
- Coach on the FX mat deduction has been reduced to 0.50 (Levels 7-10).
(There is no deduction for Coach on the FX mat for Compulsories or PREP Opt.)

For a complete and specific update of rules as they affect "Gymnastics
Rules & Score Books," get a downloadable insert for your books at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96461
New books come with the update sheet already inserted.

Judge Judy
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) I am having trouble completing flyaway stretch dismount from the High Bar
and my coach has just moved to Canada. Can you give me some tips on how to
get my final confidence with this skill? I can do it with a slight touch from the
coach but just need the last of my technique improved so I feel confident.

A.) Are you a Level 6 trying to use a layout instead of a tuck flyaway or are you
a Level 7 that can already do a tuck flyaway? It takes a bigger swing, that is,
come from a higher cast position, handstand if possible, and a stronger tap to
rotate a layout flyaway. If you've worked proper lead up drills to do a good tap
swing and keep your shoulder angle open, you just need to let go near the top of
your upswing. But if you haven't mastered the lead up drills for swing and tap
technique well enough to be confident in releasing at this point, maybe you need to
work on that longer. Being able to just get by on a tuck flyaway isn't good enough.
I can't give you a magic cue to get over the fear of releasing the bar if that's what's
holding you back. You may just need a coach standing there encouraging you and
who is able to step in to spot if necessary until you become more comfortable with
turning it over.

Q.) Hi Judge Judy,
I have level 7's for the first time. I'm trying to find out the requirements for Beam
and Floor (skills) I tried to look them up, I have an idea but I want to be sure.
Could you tell me? For example: Beam- how many A skills, or leaps stuff like that.

A.) Level 7 requires 5-A's and 2-B's. Remember, L-7 is not allowed to use C's.
L-7 BB Special Requirements (0.50ea)
1.a. Acro series with minimum of 2 A's or B's with OR w/o flight, PLUS
1.b. One acro flight element which may be included in the series
e.g. BWO + BWO Series and a standing Flic Flac OR BWO + BKHdsp Series
2. One leap or jump with 180 degree split forward or sideward isolated OR
in series (no dance series required)
3. Minimum 360 degree turn on one foot
4. Aerial or salto dismount
L-7 FX
1. Acro series (3 or more flight elements) including a Back Layout Salto to 2 feet
2. 2 or more directly connected Forward Acro flight elements one element being an
aerial or salto
3. Dance Passage with 2 different dance elements directly or indirectly connected.
One must be a leap with 180 degree split forward or sideward. The definition
of this passage is being modified this season to be more flexible and allow more
possibilities. Be sure to read the new rule changes published by USAG.
4. Minimum of 360 degree turn on one foot.

Q.) I had a question regarding what a skill on bars is worth. I would call the
skill a higgins-full. She casts on the high bar and does a higgins to eagle grip,
then continues the same direction and pirouettes out. I can not find the
EXACT skill in the book and just want to make sure. I am assuming that it
is a D, just like a blind-full, but I feel this is SO much more difficult given the
grip that is involved.

A.) Yes, the Higgins plus an additional 1/2 turn is considered a full pirouette in
handstand - "D". No distinction is made based on grip (P. 55 in Code of Points C. 1)
Different grip doesn't change the value of an element nor is it recognized as a
different element unless specifically listed elsewhere in the Code as in the case
of front giants and L-grip giants. Two full pirouettes with different grip/technique
would be considered the same element.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge
============================================================
"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com

============================================================
5) New Products

Download your FREE 2010 Rules Updates for "Gymnastics Rules & Score Books"
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96461

If you don't already have a "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book," get it NOW.
If you have a Pro Shop or Fund Raiser, get WHOLESALE quantities NOW.

FREE Shipping on ALL Orders that include Book Orders
1 FREE Book for every 10 books ordered(per color)
SALE Starts NOW - thru Sept. 13

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

Absolutely essential for parents of Compulsory gymnasts -
"How Compulsories Are Judged" DVD Series
to accompany the Pink "Gymnastics Rules & Score Books."
The DVD's show the routines with an explanation of required technique and how
all the rules in the Pink book are applied.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q. FX - What deductions apply if on the hurdle step for the final
tumbling pass the gymnast trips and falls, then just remains on the
floor to strike her final pose?

A. 0.50 - Missing Special Requirement for final salto of required value
0.30 - No attempt to perform last salto element
0.50 - Fall
0.10 - Not finishing with the music if applicable

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
April, 2010 - Issue #22

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

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unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "How to EARN a 0.50 Special Requirement for Falling Off Bars"
by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge (Rule changed as of May 2010)

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) Q. In Optionals, must the 4 Special Requirements (0.50 each) be
fulfilled by elements that receive Value Part Credit?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "How to EARN a 0.50 Special Requirement for Falling Off Bars"
by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

===========================================================
Recently a coach approached me at a competition about a seemingly inexplicable
Start Value issue. He had two Level 9's doing identical uneven bar exercises as
often is the case according to a club's skill development strategy. One gymnast fell
off and got a Start Value 0.50 higher than the one that stayed on, essentially putting
them in equal scoring range.

Explanation? Level 9 bars has a 0.50 Special Requirement for "2 Bar Changes
(LB to HB, HB to LB)." The coach knew the routine only had 1 Bar Change and
should have received the 0.50 lower Start Value. He was not aware of an obscure
rule that states, "After a fall, climbing onto the low bar, then jump to high bar is
considered a bar change." According to that statement, had he lifted the gymnast
up to the high bar after the fall, she would not have qualified for the 0.50 addition to
her Start Value.

I have no idea why this counterintuitive rule is in the book but it awards a Special
Requirement for committing a large error, a fall, and encourages an undignified
climb onto the apparatus rather than the permitted assistance from the coach
directly to the high bar.

Judge Judy

P.S. As a direct result of my challenge to this faulty regulation, as of May 2010 it has been changed to require an actual element to be performed on the LB)
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) Great site: concise, well-written. Here is my question: My child is an L-4 gymnast
at the end of her first competition season. She struggles with "form" issues and, as such,
has never received a 9 or above in any event. She has been scoring in the mid 8s for all
apparatus most of the year and getting AA scores of around 34 since January. She has
never fallen off beam or missed an element on bars all year, but because she does not
perform with a tight body, gets seriously deducted for her routines (e.g., legs are still
bent on round-off bhs on floor). I am hoping she will be advanced to L5 despite the form
issues, since I think she will get bored doing another half year or year at L4. I would
rather see her spend two years at L5 than redo L4, with possibly more AA success. I
have read, in general, that this is a better plan for young gymnasts, since a number of the
L-4 elements do not translate to the higher levels. I have not seen form issues addressed
very often and am curious! about your informed opinion about this.
Thanks.

A.) Good technical execution of skills should be a primary objective of any gymnastics
program. It reflects poorly on a program that permits athletes to just "throw and go"
on skills without demanding technique and execution. Drills and training progressions
should be designed for this purpose. It is not good to put a gymnast into competition at
a level in which she demonstrates inadequate preparation.

That being said, you're right in that gymnasts must be challenged to maintain interest and
not get bored. It is also true that different children have different talents, patience and
attention to detail in their approach to learning. Once the minimal USAG requirements are
met, it is up to the coach to determine when to advance gymnasts to the next level in their
program. That doesn't mean they can't introduce new skills and challenging and interesting
training progressions.

Q.) My daughter's coaches believe she will qualify for TOPS. Considering the expense
involved in trying out and actually qualifying, is it worth it. In addition, is it also beneficial
to the gymnast to get to optionals (Level 7) as quickly, therefore, as young as possible?
I am afraid rushing/pushing a gymnast may result to burn out. Any insight you can give will
be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

A.) TOPS is not a goal in and of itself. It is a process to identify talented children and
fast-track them into the Elite program and international competition. If your daughter is
truly very talented, totally dedicated and has aspirations to follow the Elite path, it's a
commitment you and your family must consider carefully. It is expensive, all consuming
and very difficult. The entire family would need to sacrifice greatly for your daughter to
go this route. Please check out the information about this program at:
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/pages/overview_tops.php

The objective is to look at a broad base of participants as a pool to choose from then
to direct the cream of the crop into the Elite program. However, mere exposure to the
TOPS program can give her experience and possibly an edge in her current J.O. level
even if she doesn't go the Elite route.

The USAG J.O. Program does not have the same goals as the USAG Elite Program.
The J.O. Program encourages maximum participation. The Compulsory levels are
designed to teach good progressive basic skills and execution. Athletes don't all work
at the same pace. It may be advantageous for very talented athletes with a good grasp
of execution and technique to progress more rapidly to Optionals to keep them
sufficiently challenged. It is never good to accelerate past basics and try to go back
and pick them up after bad habits have already been developed. Coaches have
different philosophies on when to enter Level 7. Some spend minimal time at Level 6
and get right on to Level 7 to have more time to spend developing the somewhat more
difficult routines. This is fine if they demand high standards for skill development and
execution. Hope this helps.

Q.) My daughter is a level 5 gymnast, with problems on her floor routine. I am new
to the sport and I can't recognize the errors that she is doing. She thinks she is doing
her routine ok, but it doesn't look like the other girls. Our gym is overcrowded with few
coaches and private practice is not the best, where the coaches are not telling her to
change anything! Where do I turn? Are there independent judges/coaches that would
review a routine (taped/digital file or live) and tell us what should be worked on?
I am willing to pay anyone for some help. Do you do anything of the sort?

A.) Yes, there are coaches and judges, including myself, that teach Compulsory clinics
for clubs and probably for individuals if requested. Where are you located? Maybe there's
someone in your area that I can direct you to. In the summer there are gymnastics camps
all over the country but which generally concentrate on skills rather than Compulsory
routines. There are also DVD's including my "How Compulsories Are Judged" DVD and
some of Cheryl Jarrett's DVD's at my web site http://www.JustGymnastics.com that
convey a lot of information about the Compulsory exercises. However, applying information
learned from a DVD or a one-time clinic, though certainly beneficial, may be difficult to
master without regular reinforcement and training in a quality gymnastics program. Likewise,
having someone review a tape and recommend a course of training may be difficult for a
gymnast to implement on her own. I've been hoping to offer a program where I can accept
tapes/digital files to review and give feedback from a judging perspective but unfortunately
have not yet implemented it.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge
============================================================
"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com

============================================================
5) New Products
Gymnastics Rules & Score Books - Compulsory (Pink) and Optional (Blue) Books
WHOLESALE prices for orders of 10 or more books per color (Pink or Blue).

NEW 2009-2013 Edition of "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 7-10"

"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6" has been updated with all the
changes and clarifications submitted over the past 4 years. (NEW 7th Edition)

Absolutely essential for parents of Compulsory gymnasts -
"How Compulsories Are Judged" DVD Series
to accompany the Pink "Gymnastics Rules & Score Books."
The DVD's show the routines with an explanation of required technique and how
all the rules in the Pink book are applied.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

1) Q. In Optionals, must the 4 Special Requirements (0.50 each) be
fulfilled by elements that receive Value Part Credit?

A. No. The Level 7 SR of Cast to minimum or 45 degrees is not a Value Part element
nor are some bar changes which may in fact be deductions in themselves, i.e. swing
forward and place the feet on low bar to stand (-0.10 uncharacteristic element),
~~or as a result of a fall, climb up on LB and jump to HB.~~ No longer true due to rule change May 2010.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
March, 2010 - Issue #21

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

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If you no longer wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter
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This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Compulsory" Optional UB Routines - Strategy to Score the Highest
by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) Q. Which sequence fulfills the dance passage Special
Requirement on Optional FX?

a.) Straddle Jump 1/1 - Sissone - Chasse' - Switch Leg Side Leap
b.) Cat Leap 1/1 - Assemble' - Straddle Jump to Prone
c.) Switch Leg Leap (R) - Switch Leg Leap (L)
d.) Chaine' - Chaine' - Jete' en Tournant

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "Compulsory" Optional UB Routines - Strategy to Score the Highest
by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

===========================================================
Do Optional Uneven Bar routines all look alike? It doesn't take long to figure out
what the most efficient skill sequences are on Level 7 Uneven Bars. Even Level 8
and 9 often have what seem to be "Compulsory" UB exercises.

Especially in Level 7 where there are no additional composition deductions taken
for exercise content, it makes sense to fulfill the event requirements and get off.
- 5 "A"s, 2 "B"s
- Cast to minimum of 45 degrees
- Two 360 degree clear circle elements (One a "B", One from Group 3, 6 or 7)
- Salto dismount, minimum an "A"
The "Compulsory" Level 7 UB exercise: Kip; Squat on jump to HB; Long Hang
Kip; Cast to 45 degrees or higher (within 20 degress of vertical "B"); Clear Hip
Circle; (2) Giant Swing(s); Flyaway.

This exercise requires only one cast which contributes well to scoring potential.
The requirement of only reaching 45 degrees is not an "A" Value Part and does
not exempt the gymnast from the Up to 0.30 deduction for casts not reaching
within 10 degrees of vertical (0.20 deduction applies at 45 degrees). Execution
deductions for bent arms and legs, arched backs, etc. associated with casts also
drive up the penalties and are multiplied by every cast performed. A cast to handstand
with clean technique is a big plus in that it is additionally rewarded as being a "B" .
That takes the pressure off of the Clear Hip Circle needing to reach horizontal for a "B"
and eliminates the necessity of doing a second giant swing to count 7 elements. The Giant
Swing is a guaranteed "B" circle and can usually be performed with minimal execution errors.

Less is better, especially at Level 7, for maximum scoring potential on UB.

Judge Judy
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) I am a coach, choreographer and professional dancer.
I am new in region 7 (one year). Previously, I was a class 1 gymnast,
judge and coach in region 6. At our most recent competition, a judge came up
to me and informed me that one of my level 7's did not have a toe turn in her
floor routine. Obviously she did. It was a front attitude turn (maybe not your
typical turn, but coming from a dance background I pride myself on my
choreography and my transitions.) I had my gymnast show her the turn and
explained where it was in her floor routine, but she said that neither judge had
seen it or they would have given the gymnast the benefit of the doubt. I reviewed
a video of the routine and it was successfully performed. What is the appropriate
reaction? I had a coach who alienated a lot of judges in his day. I don't want to be
that coach, but my gymnast deserves to be evaluated on the artistic gymnastics
that she performs.

A.) I think the problem may have solved itself in this case. If the judges took the
initiative to actually approach you concerning the deficiency, they obviously were
searching for it but, unfortunately, neither could find it in her scripting. Maybe because
it wasn't the "typical" turn it didn't jump out at them as the event requirement they
were expecting but more likely they both may have looked down momentarily and
missed it. This sometimes happens when something unusual precedes the missed
element, perhaps a tumbling pass with a fall or even an element that is unusual for the
judges to script.

Regardless, judges don't like to get it wrong. It bothered them enough to approach you
on the matter. Unfortunately, if they don't have it on their papers and don't remember
seeing it, they have no basis for which to reward it. The judges can not change their
score after the meet. This is a situation in which an inquiry immediately submitted within
5 minutes of the squad's completion of floor exercise might have convinced them that
they may have missed it. Viewing a video of the exercise is NOT an option. Video review
is not allowed in USAG Junior Olympic competition.

Nothing can be done about this score at this meet, but I don't think those judges will miss
this skill again in this exercise. I also recommend in your choreography that you place the
event requirements so obviously that they can't be missed.

Q.) In level 8 on floor am I required to do a third tumbling pass in my routine? I already have
three other different saltos. A front tuck, back tuck, a half. But I keep getting low scores,
and it's not because of dance, that's the one thing I can do. So what are my options? I have
been moved up to level 8, although I am finding it quite difficult to score well. I don't know
what I am doing wrong.

On Floor I have a, double salto pass, half, two B jump pass, a B leap
pass, and a well choreographed routine. I nailed most of my tumbling with a slight hand touch
on my half but I still managed to get a 7.4 On bars I don't really know my requirements so I
got a 6.3. I nailed beam and vault I was just wondering the start value difference of a half-full
to a Tsuk.
A.) It sounds like you have 4 "B" elements in your FX, (back salto 1/2 twist, 2 "B" jump
series, "B" leap pass - I assume a leap with 180-dgree split). It also sounds like you have
met your requirement of a 2 salto tumbling pass and have a 3rd different salto in your
exercise. You've met your Special Requirements and difficulty requirements unless you
didn't perform them well enough to get credit. Do you also have a "B" turn in your exercises,
e.g.,270-degree (1-1/2) turn, a 0.20 compositional requirement?

That leaves Execution/Amplitude and Artistry as your major sources of deduction. An
exercise with a 10.0 Start Value that receives a 7.4 score indicates very poor execution.
The "touch" on the back salto 1/2 may have gotten 0.50 deduction if you put weight on
the hand plus deductions for height and body position errors. If the 1/2 turn wasn't completed
with "B" credit (0.30), you'd also get an additional 0.30 deduction for not having a "B"
salto and 0.20 for tumbling not being up to the competitive level. I can't tell you anything for
certain without having seen the exercise.

Uneven Bars requires that you have 4 "B's," one being from group 3, 6 or 7, basically
that's a clear hip circle to horizontal or higher. You also need a "B" turn or release. Most
gymnasts do a handstand 1/2 pirouette, shoot 1/2 turn over LB or straddle back over LB.
It's also difficult to score well if you don't have giant swings. The other significant problem
on bars is being able to do a good cast. Anything lower than within 10 degrees of vertical
gets a deduction of up to 0.30 depending on the angle achieved. (There are a couple
exceptions that don't require a high cast, the most significant being the cast before the
shoot 1/2 turn over LB and cast to squat on LB.) A 6.3 score indicates to me that you
did not have a 10.0 Start Value.

L-8 Vault Start Values: Tuck Tsuk - 9.80, Pike Tsuk - 10.00, 1/2 on -1/1 off - 9.40.

I feel strongly that gymnasts need to know the rules and requirements of their Level
of competition. It helps them to make informed decisions, know what to work on, and
not to be surprised or disappointed by scores. Good for you for seeking answers to
your questions. I recommend my "Gymnastics Rules & Score book - Levels 7-10" to
help you learn the rules.

Q.) Would a back walkover, "step through", gainer back handspring be considered a
series for level 8 beam? Or would the step through cause it to be a break in the connection?

A.) Yes, it is a series, e.g., in the case of a right sided BWO: step down - right, step through -
left, swing through - right - to gainer back handspring. The difficulty lies in trying to get credit
for the connection. In my December newsletter I discussed the newly defined criteria for a
backward tumbling series with one or more flight elements. The series is considered "broken"
when there's a delay in the immediate take-off of the second element or if it is "slow moving."

Q.) I have a question about the Level 4 Bar Routine. My girl is struggling with her Mill Circle
(Forward Stride Circle- whatever you want to call it). Just today, she sort of got it. She
does not fall out of it and has terrible form, but she is now able to muscle it up- so far in
meets, she would attempt it, not make it all the way around and hook her knee until the
coach put her back on top of the bar. If she got a 7.65 with the coach's help (all other
things being equal), how much will it help that she can muscle it the rest of the way up
unassisted?

A.) As long as the coach had only been assisting her to get back into position AFTER
failing to complete the element, there was no deduction for the coach's assistance. The
deductions would have been:
Up to the Value of the Element (0.60) - Probably about 0.30
Fall - 0.50
Plus execution errors like bent arm/legs (Up to 0.30 each).

If the coach had assisted her during the element she would have lost the full value
of the element (0.60), 0.50 for the spotting assistance, plus execution errors.

Struggling but completing the element alone (without hanging under the bar
taking extra swings) would only result in execution deductions including a possible
0.50 deduction for "hooking the knee on the bar on the upswing to complete the cirlce."

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge
============================================================
"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com

============================================================
5) New Products
Gymnastics Rules & Score Books - Compulsory (Pink) and Optional (Blue) Books
WHOLESALE prices for orders of 10 or more books per color (Pink or Blue).

NEW 2009-2013 Edition of "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 7-10"

"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6" has been updated with all the
changes and clarifications submitted over the past 4 years. (NEW 7th Edition)

Absolutely essential for parents of Compulsory gymnasts -
"How Compulsories Are Judged" DVD Series
to accompany the Pink "Gymnastics Rules & Score Books."
The DVD's show the routines with an explanation of required technique and how
all the rules in the Pink book are applied.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

1)Q. Which sequence fulfills the dance passage Special
Requirement on Optional FX?

a.) Straddle Jump 1/1 - Sissone - Chasse' - Switch Leg Side Leap
b.) Cat Leap 1/1 - Assemble' - Straddle Jump to Prone
c.) Switch Leg Leap (R) - Switch Leg Leap (L)
d.) Chaine' - Chaine' - Jete' en Tournant

A. a.) Straddle Jump 1/1 - Sissone - Chasse' - Switch Leg Side Leap
The Sissone is a jump that lands on one foot and connects with the chasse'
locomotor movement into the switch leg side leap which has a one-foot take off
and a 180 degree side split.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
December, 2009 - Issue #20

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to.
If you no longer wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter
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============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2)"Suffering from Broken Series Confusion?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1)Q. What is the deduction in Level 7 Balance Beam for a slow moving
connection in the Acro Series: Back Walkover - Back Handspring ?

a.) Up to 0.10
b.) Up to 0.30
c.) 0.50
d.) No deduction

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2)"Suffering from Broken Series Confusion?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

===========================================================
We have a new way of looking at balance beam connections and series. The
Backward Acro Flight Series receives the most critical scrutiny and is
significant since it has always been the combo of choice for the Levels 8-10
Acro Series requirement (0.50). Examples of Backward Acro Flight Series are:
Back Walkover - Back Handspring, 2 Back Handsprings,
Back Handspring - Back Layout Step-out, Back Tuck - Back Tuck.

A backward tumbling series with one or more flight elements is considered "broken"
when there's a delay in the immediate take-off of the second element. It has been
further defined that the connection is broken if it is "slow moving" or if "the arms
move as low as the thighs or further back" in preparation for the next element. A
good rule of thumb is that the Backward Acro Flight Series on beam should move
like it would on floor.

Less critically defined, Non-Flight Series (Back Walkover - Back Walkover),
Flight Series with Forward or Sideward Elements (Aerial Walkover - Aerial Cartwheel),
and Counter Acro Flight Series (Front Handspring - Back Tuck) will receive
series credit if performed "continuously, but slowly" with Up to 0.30 deduction for lack
of tempo between elements. Non-Flight Series by their nature are slower moving than
Flight Series, and Counter Acro Flight Series necessarily have a moment of inertia as
direction is changed.

Finally, Dance Series and Mixed (Dance + Acro) Series receive a deduction of
only "Up to 0.10 - lack of tempo/poor rhythm" for continuous, but slow connections
between elements. If the body continues its movement, an arm circle does not
necessarily break this connection. Though not a 0.50 Special Requirement, a
Dance Series is a 0.20 compositional requirement in Levels 8-10 beam. Additionally,
Dance and Mixed Series are often the source of Connection Value Bonus points for
Levels 9-10.

However, all of the above types of Series are considered "broken" if:
- A stop occurs between elements
- There's a loss of balance, causing a stop between elements
- There's a repositioning of a support leg
- There's an extra step, hop/jump between elements

The last two of these conditions can be rather subtle errors with drastic consequences.

Judge Judy
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q. Hi Judge Judy -
My daughter is competing as a new level 5 this year. Of course the biggest
struggle is with that darn kip!! My question is, when is the kip considered
to be a "fall" - only if they miss it completely? if they struggle to get up with
bent arms? if their chest hits the bar and then they push up?

Also, I know from your video that the casts should be to horizontal. If they
do not hit horizontal but say hit maybe 45 - does the whole value of the skill
get deducted or is there "partial credit" given for the skill?

Same questions for beam - if they hit vertical in the handstand and close
the legs but do not hold for 2 seconds, what would be the deduction?
Thanks for the help!

A. In most cases, if the gymnast completes the kip without foot support
on the floor, it will not be considered a 0.50 fall. However, other
deductions come into play like bent arms (up to 0.30) and
supplementary support (0.30) for resting the chest on the bar before
pushing up to support. If the kip is never completed and a fall occurs,
deductions for incomplete element (Up to the value of the element)
plus 0.50 for the fall would be taken in addition to bent arms and any
other execution deductions.

If a cast is actually performed, the element gets full credit (0.80) The
Horizontal Cast "amplitude" deductions are incremental: 1 to 45 degrees
below horizontal - 0.05-0.15; 46 or more degrees below horizontal - 0.20-0.30.
If the gymnast fails to execute the cast at all, the deduction is twice the value
of the element (2 x 0.80).

The same principle applies on Balance Beam. If the Cross Handstand
(0.60 Element Value) is attempted but is short of vertical, it receives
element credit with a deduction of Up to 0.30. Other deductions may also
apply, e.g., Failure to hold 1 second - Up to 0.10.

The dismount Cartwheel to Side Handstand 1/4 Turn needs to be held 2
seconds - Failure to hold 2 seconds - Up to 0.20. If the gymnast falls off on
the wrong side of the beam (0.50 - fall), failing to execute the 1/4 turn off,
it is considered incomplete element with only 0.10 being deducted for Failure
to perform 1/4 turn. In many cases the gymnast is better off taking the 0.10
incomplete element deduction rather than trying it again with the risk of another fall.

Q. Hi Judge Judy -
My daughter is in Level 4 and on BB she has yet to complete the L4 dismount.
I've read that judges deduct 2x the value for not attempting the right dismount -
.60 x 2 - 1.20 deducted for omitting a major element. But from reading your
newsletter, you say they only deduct the .60 - which is correct? Many thanks
as there is much debate going on between parents on this issue!

A. Failure to attempt the dismount is considered "omission of a major element"
and is 2 x the value of the element as is "substitution" - performing a different
element. However, if the gymnast attempts the dismount, but fails to complete
it successfully, it's "up to the value of the element" plus a fall and any other
execution errors.

Q. Hi Judge Judy I have two different questions:
1. In the level 4 handstand bridge kick-over does the gymnast have to touch
the floor with legs together, or legs just have to be together from handstand
falling into the bridge? I hope I'm not confusing you.

2. Level 6: If a level 6 does a RO BHS layout on the floor, what would they
get deducted on? (example: height, form)

A. 1. The feet may be separated up to shoulder width apart upon contact
with the floor in the L-4 bridge kick-over. They just have to be together in
the handstand.

2. L-6 FX - Performs a RO BHS LO instead of tuck:
Deduct 0.80 for incorrect body position plus
- Up to 0.30 - Insufficient height
- Up to 0.20 - Failure to extend prior to landing if gymnast pikes down
- Up to 0.20 - Lack of acceleration in the series
Plus landing penalties for steps/deep squat/additional trunk movements

Q. We have a new coach at our club saying that girls are not allowed to
compete if they are missing a single skill. I am referring to a level 5 gymnast
who is not consistently making her kip. I have seen girls at meets before
being spotted on their kips, so I was wondering if this is a new rule.

A. No, it's not a USAG rule, however, it may be the coach's rule. Clubs
may set their standards based on their philosophy. High standards force
the gymnasts to higher goals and can prevent devastating competitions
due to a poor level of preparedness.

Q. What is a Brevet Judge?
A. A Brevet Judge is an Internationally rated Gymnastics Judge qualified to
judge USA Elite competitions and International competitions.
International rules are quite different from the USAG Junior Olympic
rules.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge
============================================================
"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com

============================================================
5) New Products
Gymnastics Rules & Score Books - Compulsory (Pink) and Optional (Blue) Books
WHOLESALE prices for orders of 10 or more books per color (Pink or Blue).

NEW 2009-2013 Edition of "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 7-10"

"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6" has been updated with all the
changes and clarifications submitted over the past 4 years. (NEW 7th Edition)

Absolutely essential for parents of Compulsory gymnasts -
"How Compulsories Are Judged" DVD Series
to accompany the Pink "Gymnastics Rules & Score Books"

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q. What is the deduction in Level 7 Balance Beam for a slow moving
connection in the Acro Series: Back Walkover - Back Handspring ?

a.) Up to 0.10
b.) Up to 0.30
c.) 0.50
d.) No deduction

A. c.) 0.50 - for missing the Acro Series Special Requirement
Even though a Level 7 MAY perform a slow moving Acro Series without flight,
e.g., Back Walkover - Back Walkover, if attempted, a Backward Acro Flight
Series with one or more flight elements may not have a delay in the
immediate take-off of the second element.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
September, 2009 - Issue #19

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to.
If you no longer wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter
or if you have received this mailing in error, follow the
unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2)"So What's New in Compulsories?"

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1)Q. In Level 5 and 6 Compulsory balance beam, what is the deduction for
performing a step "in releve'" after the bow where the text reads "NOT in
releve'"?

a.) 0.05
b.) 0.10
c.) 0.20
d.) No deduction

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "So What's New in Compulsories?"

===========================================================
New music, that's what's new in Compulsories. For those of you who can't get
those catchy Compulsory tunes out of your head after 4 years of hearing the
same song a couple hundred times every weekend, USAG came out with an
alternative song for each Compulsory FX level. The new songs are an option.
You may continue to use the old songs or the new songs for the next 4 years.

Other than the new music, the Compulsories have not changed. However, over
the first 4-year period of using these Compulsories, a number issues and/or
questions have been addressed - some resulting in changes, additions or
clarifications about the Compulsories. USAG has compiled all these changes/
clarifications and re-written the "Penalties" section of the Compulsory book
to include this information.
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/PDFs/Women/Junior%20Olympics/penalties_sectionrev.pdf

I have also published a 7th Edition of "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6"
to include these updates.
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/product/1001
However, if you have the previous 6th Edition of the book, you can download
a pdf document with updates at: http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96461

Have a Good Season,
Judge Judy
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q. Dear Judge Judy,

I have several questions regarding women's gymnastics.

Is there a weight concern for girls as they continue up the levels in
women's gymnastics? If so, what are the guidelines?

If a young girl is aspiring to reach her potential, is there a
realistic point where a girl is considered too old at Level 6 or
Level 7 to reach Olympic status some day?

Do you ever have workshops that girls competing in Wisconsin can attend?

Thank you for your time.

A.) Weight is a very sensitive subject in women's gymnastics as
in other aesthetic women's activities. Eating disorders and
unhealthy nutritional practices have been identified, researched and
reported upon. This is a serious issue that requires professional advice
only. I am not qualified to offer guidelines in this area though I can
say performance can be hindered by an unhealthy strength/weight ratio
and injuries are more likely.

Regarding Olympic aspirations, that path needs to be set upon early in
the gymnast's career. USAG has a Talent Opportunity Program (TOPs)
where children are identified between age 7 and 11 to prepare for the
international gymnastics track. It is not exclusive to participation in
the Junior Olympic program but rather concurrent. Here's a link to the
TOPs program which also links to more general info about it.
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/pages/overview_tops.php

The USAG Elite home page leads you to further explanation of the
different Levels and divisions of the U.S. international gymnastics
program - Hopes/Pre-Elite/Elite. These programs set out in a different
direction than regular matriculation through the J.O. Program. Check
out these links.
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/pages/elite_preelite_tops.php
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/pages/overview_elite.php

Gymnasts are not likely to just "reach Olympic status" through the
Junior Olympic Program without redirecting their training through the
above programs. Early commitment to a training program is critical as
you'll see in the TOPs article at:
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/PDFs/Women/TOPs/Testing/08topgeneralinfo.pdf

Wisconsin Workshops - I'm often contracted to work at different gyms to
teach Compulsories and evaluate or critique routines. I also lecture or
teach at local and regional workshops/congresses. They usually occur in
the summer and are on the USAG state/regional schedule.

Q.) Is it true that a coach can move a gymnast all the way to Level 7,
without doing the Compulsory levels? I was always told by gym owners
and coaches that a Compulsory gymnast had to have a minimum qualifying
score at a USAG sanctioned meet to move up to the next level. Or that a
judge could be brought in to score a gymnast out of that level.
(I believe the score needs to be at least a 31.)

A.) No, a coach may not move a gymnast through the Levels (5-10)
without attaining the mobility score at each level to move to the next.
Levels 1-4 do not have mobility scores but must show 75% proficiency in
evaluation points listed at those levels.
Mobility scores must be achieved at a USAG sanctioned meet not by
bringing a judge in to evaluate a gymnast. However, gymnasts do not
need to spend an entire season at a level. They may enter one meet,
achieve the score and move on to the next level.
The current USAG mobility scores required to move to the next level are:
Level 5 - 31.00 AA
Level 6 - 31.00 AA
Level 7 - 31.00 AA
Level 8 - 34.00 AA
Level 9 - 34.00 AA
However, there is an exception if a gymnast has had previous competitive
experience and is at least 14 years old and is in high school. She would
be eligible to petition the State Administrative Committee for entry into
Level 7. The petition must be accompanied by a video that demonstrates
her skill level.
Also, athletes with competitive experience outside of the USAG structure,
like YMCA, AAU or High School, may petition the State Administrative
Committee for entry into Level 6 or below and must prove proficiency at that level.

Q.) Subject: Moving Up Skills or Scores
Hey Judge Judy,
I was wondering my daughter is a level 6 with all her level 7 skills, she
took first AA in most level 5 meets and her coach said she is about a 34 AA
for level 6 already even though she has 6 months till competition season,
her coach said she will go to 7 right after state for 6 but the head coach
said she has to have a 35 or 36 AA to go to 7. I guess at a 34 AA now she
most likely will get the 35 or 36 but is that right even if she has all her 7 skills?

A.) "Once a gymnast achieves the minimum "mobility score" to move up to
the next level, USAG clubs and their coaches determine if and when to move
gymnasts to the next level based on their own coaching philosophy and standards."
This is a quote taken out of my "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book." There is
merit in this concept. High standards help promote the basic USAG objective
of good execution and presentation. It's never a good idea to put gymnasts in a
position where their performance is so poor that it becomes an embarrassment
or even possibly dangerous. Responsible coaches need to make these decisions
based on the big picture of their overall program objectives.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge
============================================================
"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com

============================================================
5) New Products

Annual SALE in Effect thru Sept. 14

NEW 2009-2013 Edition of "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 7-10"

"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6" has been updated with all the
changes and clarifications submitted over the past 4 years. (NEW 7th Edition)

FREE Shipping for ALL Orders that include Book Orders + 1 FREE Book for
every 10 per color ordered.

Wholesale prices for orders of 10 or more books per color (Pink or Blue).
(Sale ends Sept. 14)

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q. In Level 5 and 6 Compulsory balance beam, what is the deduction for
performing a step "in releve'" after the bow where the text reads "NOT in
releve'"?

a.) 0.05
b.) 0.10
c.) 0.20
d.) No deduction

A. d.) No deduction.
This clarification/change was added to the General Faults & Penalties
Section, "Note: Any step designated as 'not in releve', may be performed
in releve' without penalty."

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
August, 2009 - Issue #18

============================================================

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This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2)"So What's New in Optionals?"

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1)What is the Connection Value (CV) Bonus for
Clear Pike Circle Backward to Handstand ,
Clear Pike Circle Backward to Handstand on Level 9 Uneven Bars?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) " So What's New in Optionals?"

===========================================================
There's been a return to the basic philosophy of progression in the JO Optional
rules. Exceeding difficulty requirements of Levels has been discouraged by
imposing 0.50 deductions for doing so. Level 7 may only do "A" and "B" skills
with the exception of Handstand 1/2 turn and Clear Hip Circle w/wo 1/2 turn (UB).
Level 8 may only do "A" and "B" skills plus the above mentioned UB skills and
"C" dance elements (BB/FX). Level 9 may only perform 1 "D" or "E"
element which receives "C" credit. Level 10 has no difficulty restrictions.

Vault Values have changed giving increased value to some Level 8 and 9 vaults.
Level 9 has been restricted from using the Level 10 10.0 valued vaults. Some
Level 10 vaults have decreased values but most of the 10.0 vaults have become
eligible for +0.10 Bonus if performed successfully.

On Level 7 UB, only one of the required circling elements must be a "B" but the
Clear Hip Circle to below horizontal has been lowered to "A". Casts reaching more
than 20 degrees short of vertical receive no element value; and ALL casts including
the required 45 degree L-7 cast, receive up to 0.30 deduction for insufficient amplitude
(a few exceptions exist). This rightfully emphasizes the significance of casts.

Level 10 has added a requirement of a "C" with LA turn, and the old Special
Requirement for 2 bar changes has become a 0.20 compositional requirement.
Now 2 different "C's" from Groups 3, 6 or 7 without turn or flight will receive
+0.10 Connection Value (CV) Bonus.

Event requirements on BB have remained the same, but some new CV options
have been added. A compositional deduction of 0.10 has been added for more
than 2 pivot turns on straight legs. Rhythm deductions on acro series have been
modified to include an Up to 0.30 deduction in some cases. Significantly, the
Straddle Jump facing the end of the beam has been lowered to "B" and the Layout
Step-out has gone back down to "C". Several skills have increased in value, most
notably: Handstand Forward Roll - "B", Valdez - "B" and Gainer Layout 1/2 turn
dismount off the side - "B".

I'm pleased to note that with the statement "Only elements listed in the Code may be
recognized as Value Parts," just climbing up on the beam to mount will no longer
be considered an element.

The most significant FX change is in the dance Special Requirement no longer
requiring a direct connection of 2 elements, but now describing a "passage" where
running steps, small leaps, hops and other loco-motor movements can occur between
the 2 dance elements to create a large flowing movement pattern.

Connection Value (CV) has been eliminated for "C" turns directly connected to "C"
jumps from 2 feet. These connections were always dubious and elimination of CV
removes the controversy. However, a new Acro/Dance CV principle has been added
to FX - "D" Salto + "A" Jump (in this order only)+0.10 Bonus.

These are the highlights of the new Optional rules. My "Gymnastics Rules &
Score Book - Levels 7-10" has been rewritten for 2009-2013. There won't be
an errata published reflecting these changes for the old books because the
changes are too extensive. However, I have published a new errata for the old
Compulsory "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6" for those who have
the 6th Edition. The NEW 7th Edition will also be available in August.
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

Judge Judy
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q. I have a few questions regarding the adding of bonus points for Level 9
that I hope you will answer, and one about changes for next year.
1.) Do the connections series for acro/dance need to be in the order they are
listed in your book? For example, you indicate that on beam an acro series of
B + B+ C will result in a bonus of .10, if done correctly. Do the elements need
to be in that order, or would a B + C + B earn the .10 bonus also, if done correctly?
2.) Does a 2/1 full turn on floor (2.301) count as a dance element, and can it
be combined with a C jump to earn bonus points on floor?
3.) I noticed that the updated Level 9 vault values for next year are now listed
on the USAG website. I have heard that some dance elements (leaps and jumps)
will be devalued for next year. Is this true, and do you know when those changes
will be published?

A.)
1.) No, the elements may be in any order for the principles for Connection Value
(CV). Unless specifically noted, "The order of succession of Value Parts within
a Connection may be freely chosen."
2.) A double turn is a dance element and formerly could be combined with a "C"
jump to earn CV points. However, that particular example will no longer be eligible
for CV as of Aug. 1, 2009.
3.) The changes for next season were posted on the USAG web site on April 1.
There haven't been a lot of elements devalued but most notably the Straddle Jump
in cross position (facing length of beam) has been lowered to a "B" and the
Back Layout Step-Out has been lowered back to a "C". More skills have increased
or have been added to the element list than those that have been lowered.
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/post.php?PostID=2817&prog=w

Q.) Subject: Moving up
Judy, I was curious about your thoughts for moving a gymnast up through the levels.
Also, are there new rules for next competition season? I am relatively new to this.
My daughter started competing at level 4 this past fall and has been promoted to level 5
already. I was kind of surprised, but not sure how it is determined. Thank you. I just
found your newsletter and absolutely love it. I look forward to reading all the archives.

A.) Once a gymnast has achieved the minimum "move up" score it's at the coach's
discretion when to actually move her to the next level. The coach should have a program
objective and overall plan to determine how best to implement advancement through the
JO Program.

I would say gymnasts generally spend one season at each level. This could vary based
on a number of factors - the gymnast's strength, flexibility, coordination, fear factor,
maturity, dedication, desire, etc. Progressive development of basic skills and excellent
execution is a primary objective of the JO Program and should be reflected in the coach's
philosophy.

However, some programs accelerate gymnasts through a level by simply getting one
score and moving to the next where they might spend more time developing difficult
skills. This often occurs at Level 6 so they can concentrate on optional skill
development at Level 7.

New Rules - The Compulsory Program will remain the same with only small changes
if they become necessary through July 2013. However, new music will be available
for Compulsory Floor Exercise this summer. Either the old or new music will be
acceptable after that point.
A number of new Optional rules will be implemented next season.

Q.) First, I'd like to say I love the level 4 DVD I purchased. It's amazing how
everything is broken down. I will be purchasing level 5 soon.
I have a few level 4 questions.

My daughter's best event is the bars. When she does her pullover into the front hip
circle, she briefly stops to arch her back into the front hip circle and she immediately
casts back and goes right into the shoot through etc.. My question.. She is able to
do the pullover, right into the front hip circle without having to stop to arch her back
for the front hip circle.. If she does this, would this increase her score? Also, on the
dismount, I know from your DVD I thought the dismount is .60 value. If she does the
back hip circle and brings her feet up to the bar and arches into her dismount, will
that give her more points?? She usually scores in the 9.0 to 9.3 area.. One more
question about bars.. My daughters last meet, she scored a 9.0 and it looked better
then her previous score of 9.3.. everyone in her group, except one girl score 7 and
under.. The closest one was 8.0. If the other girls are scoring that low, is it hard
for the judge to go a lot higher with one girl??

On the level 4 balance beam.. When she goes to her handstand where she has to
have her feet hit each other if she doesn't always make that contact with her feet,
is that a huge deduction?? She split the beam last year doing a handstand during
practice and that's why she's a little gun shy. She is getting better with it. Are you
required to make a handstand all the way up?? She keeps telling me it's not a
requirement, but most of the girls do the full handstand. Her scores on the beam
are around 7.8 -8.0 With not going up on the handstand and hitting the feet and
not jumping real high on her jumps, does that sound like most of the problem?

On the level 4 FX.. When she does the handstand to bridge, if she keeps her feet
together going into the bridge and they are not spread apart, is that better to do??
When the girls do the splits, if she arches her body and moves her hands back
while in the splits, does that make a difference. I was just told by a Mom that it
was. My daughter got a 9.1 on the floor at her last meet..

The vault is her worst event.. She has a hard time getting straight up, although
she's getting a lot better. I know most of the time she has pike in her body when
she's hits the mat and know that could be up to two deductions for that.

A.) Glad you're using the L-4 DVD. It has a lot of specific information even
about the questions you're asking.

On the Pull Over, Front Hip Circle the legs should stop rather than continuing
under the bar as she pushes down on the bar lifting her chest to achieve the
straight-hollow position. The movements should be continuous. It's a 0.10 rhythm
deduction for actually stopping. It's up to 0.10 for failure to show a straight-hollow
body position. She should neither be piked nor arched as she begins the FHC.
The movement is initiated by lifting the heels backward, but the body, acting as
a straight lever, falls forward with this heel lift rather than stopping in an arch.
The dismount as indicated on the DVD is an 0.80 element.

Both the Back Hip Circle and Underswing Dismount must be performed with a
straight-hollow body (Up to 0.20 each). The body should rotate as a straight-hollow
unit rather than piking. The dismount is achieved by opening the shoulder angle
during backward rotation essentially lifting the bar overhead before releasing. The
head remains neutral throughout. No arch should occur.

It's hard to say if judges would have a psychological scoring barrier based on
other gymnasts in the group. Ideally, no. It's just a matter of applying deductions
as they occur. It's possible they could actually go the other way and score very
high because their expectations may have been diminished and then abruptly
altered resulting in overcompensation. I can't speculate on this.

It's a 0.10 deduction for failing to join the legs in the 3/4 handstand on beam.
More likely, common deductions that occur on this element are failure to show
a straight line levering action in and out of the 3/4 handstand (Up to 0.10 each).
You'll find a number of examples of this required levering action in the DVD. 3/4
refers to 22.5 degrees from vertical. It's up to 0.30 for failure to achieve 22.5 degrees.
Achieving full handstand is NOT required. Showing good stretched body
alignment is the other area of common deduction on this element.

Insufficient height on leaps and jumps is Up to 0.20 each. This is in addition to
deductions for body position and technique. For example, the tuck jump
requires a dynamic and complete extension of knees and hips before
landing (up to 0.10). This is seldom even attempted.

On the Handstand to Bridge, Back Kick-Over on FX, the feet may separate
up to shoulder width apart while being placed on the floor. A very flexible
gymnast can achieve this skill without separation but it doesn't affect her score.

While sliding into the split on FX the arms push open supplely to
sideward-diagonally-upward. The cue here is "supplely." An opening of the chest
and release of the head (arching) to coordinate with the arm movement would
be a natural complement to achieve this effect. There are a number of places in
the text that call for supple movement and being able to convey this feeling where
ever indicated would result in an overall score improvement. Caution however,
one must be careful not to over-embellish on what is specifically stated in the
text as that would be a deduction.

On L-4 vault, the pike is probably the most critical common error. Actually, she
could lose up to 0.50 in 3, not just 2, phases of the vault (First Flight, Support
and Post-Handstand Phases). You'll see an example of this on the DVD.
Hope this helps and thanks for endorsing my DVD.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge
============================================================
"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com

============================================================
5) New Products
NEW 2009-2013 Edition of "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 7-10"
also
"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6" has been updated with all the
changes and clarifications submitted over the past 4 years. (NEW 7th Edition)

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q.) What is the Connection Value (CV) Bonus for
Clear Pike Circle Backward to Handstanded,
Clear Pike Circle Backward to Handstand on Level 9 Uneven Bars?

A.) No CV Bonus and 0.50 deduction for performing a 2nd "D" element.
Level 10 would receive +0.20 Bonus for a D+D CV Connection.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
March, 2009 - Issue #17

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This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2)"Vault - Which Way Did She Twist?" by Judy Schalk
- Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1)What is the deduction for mounting balance beam from
standing on an 8-inch skill cushion placed on top of a 20 cm
landing mat?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) " Vault - Which Way Did She Twist?" by Judy Schalk
- Brevet Judge

===========================================================
Are you confused about twisting vaults? We've had a rule change
this season for those Optional twisting vaults with 1/2 turn in first
flight and 1/2 or more turn in second flight. The rule change allows
the second flight twist to be performed in either direction
(right or left) regardless of the direction of the first flight twist.

Formerly, we would expect to see the gymnast's front or back side
in the first flight followed by the opposite view, back or front side,
coming off the table. This is no longer required. This would seem to
simplify the judge's job in not having to identify the back-front, or
front-back view. This is true in the case of vaults with complete
1/2 turns in first flight.

However, we used to know which direction the gymnast would
be facing when she landed, either inward, toward the vault table,
or outward, away from it, depending on what vault she called.
But gymnasts are allowed to complete between 1/4 to 1/2 turn
in first flight with the balance of the turn required to be completed
in 2nd flight, for example, if on a 1/2 on - 1/1 off, only 1/4 is
completed in first flight, the second flight must be 1 1/4.
The total amount of twist still adds up to 1 1/2. If she turned in
a continuous direction, she'd be facing the table (inward)
when she landed. If she turned in opposite directions, in this case,
after turning 1/4 on she'd reverse her direction and face outward
(away from the table)after turning 1/4 off. The balance of the
turn, 1/1 turn, would still have her facing outward upon landing.

So now judges must identify that if less than 1/2 turn is
completed in first flight, and if you do not see the opposite
body view (front/back) in second flight, the vault will finish
facing the opposite direction of what would normally be expected.

Hope this wasn't too confusing but since the value of the vault
is based on the amount of twist performed, this certainly adds
a new "twist" to judges' vault evaluation.

Judge Judy
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) Subject: Mental Blocks

I just found your site and WOW - what a great source of
information. I had several questions that were answered
just by looking through all the archives! This is not a
scoring question but thought maybe you could help.
My daughter is a Level 4 and she has been doing her
round-off BHS for over a year and a half. She scored
above a 9 on floor in her first meet of the season. However,
out of the blue she can no longer do it - well, physically
she can but mentally she can't. She will not do it with
out a spot. She is VERY frustrated with herself. She
knows she can do it but when she tries, it just won't
happen. It is killing her floor score to use the spot and
in turn also killing her AA score. Do you have any advice
for helping children overcome these mental blocks? What
causes them? She did not get injured or anything, it just
came out of the blue. Any advice would be greatly
appreciated.

A.) If you've read my archives you probably found that I
touched upon mental blocks in issue #15. Unfortunately,
mental blocks against tumbling backwards are fairly common.
As I indicated in that article, "Sometimes tumbling backward
or other skills just 'go away.' Sometimes they finally
'come back' or painstakingly are coaxed back with lead-up
drills." I'm not an expert in this field but the link below is to
an article published in the USAG Technique magazine
precisely on this topic. I hope it helps.
http://www2.usa-gymnastics.org/publications/technique/2006/7/pdf/backwards.pdf

Q.) In the level 4 floor routine, how many steps may the gymnast take
before the round off? Does the hurdle step count as a step?? What is the
deduction for an extra step?

Also, my daughter is still having a mental block with her round off
back handspring combination. She will do the BHS now but still cannot
connect it. Can you tell me what the deduction would be if she does her
round off and then pauses a moment before throwing the BHS?

Thank you for your help!

A.) 1 to 3 steps are permitted into the round-off. The hurdle does NOT count
as one of the steps. Extra steps are 0.10 each up to a maximum deduction
0f 0.30.

It's a 0.30 deduction for stopping between the round-off and the back
handspring.

Q.) Hi Judy -
My daughter is still having trouble with her "brick wall" going backwards.
She finally did her round off BHS in competition for the first time in a
couple weeks using a 4 inch mat to feel more secure. It cost her a
few tenths in extra steps but she scored a 8.925. This past weekend
she opted not to use the mat but to have her coach come on the floor
to give her the security she needs even though she can totally do it
by herself. Anyway, she did the round off and tried to throw the BHS
but her body did not "go" and she landed on her bottom. After she got
up her coach spotted her for a standing BHS and then she presented.
She received a 7.150. I am trying to get a sense of what the debacle
at the end cost her and what she could have received had she done it.
I know she would get a .5 for a "fall". How would the deductions for
the BHS be taken - twice the element for omission (2 x .6) or the
value of the element plus spot deduction (.5 + .6)? Also, I assume
she would get a rhythm or failure to connect deduction. Can you
please clarify for me?
Thanks!

A.) It appears you've really studied up on this. You've got a pretty good
handle on the possibilities. She would lose:
0.50 Fall
0.60 Value of the BHS
0.50 Spot on the BHS
0.30 Failure to connect RO BHS
plus any execution deductions like bent legs, arms, etc.

Q.) Dear Judge Judy,

I have read your news letter and find it very helpful! I as well
as other parents that I know, get very frustrated when our daughters
perform well and then their scores do not show it. Our coach will only
tell us a few things that could be done better and then say nothing else
about it. Is there any way as parents are we able to obtain a copy of
what the judges have written and seen at any given competition? Perhaps
so we can help our girls to understand what they can improve on in
different skills.

Thanks So Much,

A.) Judges' actual meet notes are not available to anyone else. Realizing
the frustration you speak of prompted me to write my "Gymnastics Rules &
Score Books" and to produce my "How Compulsories Are Judged" DVD
series. Is your daughter a Compulsory or Optional level gymnast?

If she's doing Compulsories, I strongly advise you to get the
"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6" AND the DVD series. It's
exactly what you need. (Available at my web site -
http://www.JustGymnastics.com)

If she's an Optional gymnast, it'll help to get the Levels 7-10 Rules &
Score Book, but it won't give you the depth of understanding you really
need. I hope to produce a DVD series for Optionals but it won't happen
till next year.

It is my hope to eventually offer a service where parents/coaches can
send me videos of their routines and I can return a breakdown of
applicable deductions.

But at this time all I can offer is to answer specific questions you may
have about skills or situations. Feel free to make inquiries.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge
============================================================
"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com

============================================================
5) New Products -
NEW RELEASE -- "How Compulsories are Judged." DVD Series
LEVEL - 4, LEVEL - 5 and LEVEL - 6 may be purchased separately
OR in one entire set with a $14.85 savings.

Thank you for you patience as many of you have been requesting
this long awaited production. I think you'll like it.

http://www.JustGymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458
============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q.) What is the deduction for mounting balance beam from
standing on an 8-inch skill cushion placed on top of a 20 cm
landing mat?

A.) No deduction. A board may not be placed on an 8-inch
skill cushion for mounting, but mounting without using a board
is permitted. A board may be placed on a 4-inch skill cushion
for mounting.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
December, 2008 - Issue #16

============================================================

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This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to.
If you no longer wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter
or if you have received this mailing in error, follow the
unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2)"How Compulsories Are Judged" DVD Series by Judy Schalk
- Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) What is the range in which the judges' scores must fall for
an Optional exercise scoring 8.825?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "How Compulsories Are Judged" DVD Series by Judy Schalk
- Brevet Judge

===========================================================
Introducing the debut of my DVD Series "How Compulsories Are Judged."
It was a work long in the making, but now finally available.

If you've felt confused, frustrated or just out of touch with what goes
on at Compulsory gymnastics meets, you're not alone. Unless you grew
up in the sport and stayed with it over the years, chances are you're
struggling to make sense of it.

If you have a copy of my "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels
1-6," you've been able to look up rules and try to figure out how they
translate into real life situations and which ones might apply in any
given situation. Now you have the opportunity to see real footage and
clips of gymnasts competing with explanations and rule applications
specified.

This adds a whole new dimension to your understanding of Compulsory
exercises and what the judges are looking for, more importantly, how
much they're taking off for what kind of errors.

This is a great aid for any spectator, but a wonderful advantage for
gymnasts to better master their sport. Coaches who don't have time
to study rules can refresh their knowledge of an entire Level in less
than an hour. Judges, of course, know all the rules but can always
stand to hear it from another source in a different format.

So, better late than never, I give you the DVD series "How
Compulsories Are Judged."
Available Now at: http://www.JustGymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

Judge Judy
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) When scoring a floor routine does difficulty get considered?
This weekend at a competition a level 8 got 9.5 on floor. She did front
tuck, ro, back tuck, 2)fhs, front tuck 1/2 twist, 3) back layout
1/2 twist. She scored much higher than my daughter who did a back
layout full twist, 2) front layout full twist, 3) front hs, front layout,
front tuck. (my daughter rec'd a 9.1 )Their dance and leaps were
about the same. My daughter had a couple extra steps on landing
her tumbling. She is discouraged and feels if she hadn't had difficult
tumbling she would have scored better. Is it better to do the bare
minimum ??? Thank You so much for helping me help her.

A.) The Optional Levels are designed to be progressive and have
requirements and restrictions to guarantee the integrity of each Level.

There is a compositional deduction in Floor Exercise of Up to 0.20 for
Acro (tumbling) elements not being up to the competitive level.
However no additional consideration may be given for exceeding the
difficulty required at the specific level. The expectation for Level 8
is "A" and "B" difficulties. The front tuck 1/2, back layout 1/2, back
layout full and front layout are all "B"s. The front layout full is a "C"
with no additional consideration.

The emphasis is on good execution and presentation rather than
performance of additional difficulties. The risk of accumulating more
execution deductions on harder skills is very likely. There is no
mitigation for execution deductions.

With that being said, your daughter has a couple options. Work very
hard to clean up her difficult tumbling realizing that though she suffers
with deductions now, she will improve and be that much better when
she enters Level 9. Or water down her difficulties in competition but
execute impeccably and train the other difficulties to be included only
when she has perfected them.

Q.) Is a front gainer- flipping forward from one leg legal off the balance
beam- it is not in the code of points or is it treated as a front
somersault?

A.) "Gainer" refers to backward saltos that travel forward while rotating
backward as in "reverse" dives. We've come to use the term to refer to
swing through back saltos that also dismount at the side of the beam.
They too, by definition, should travel forward.

The element you refer to is a one-foot take-off or a swing-through front
aerial. It's an "A" element.

Q.) My daughter's coach is teaching her straddle backs for
her level 7 bar routine. I have never seen this done
in level 7 and was wondering if it was allowable?

A.) Yes, straddle backs are "B" release elements that are permitted at Level
7 and are progressive to subsequent Levels but not required at Level 7.
If, however, the straddle back was performed to catch within 20 degrees
of handstand, it would be a "C" release element and would VOID the
routine at Level 7.

Q.) Is a straddle 3/4 a C on beam? Will a handstand back tuck fulfill my
series requirement on beam? Thanks.

A.) A straddle jump 3/4 turn is a "D" on beam ("C" for Level 9).
A handstand back tuck will NOT fulfill your series requirement on beam.
Only Level 7 may use a handstand (held 2 seconds) as part of their acro
series.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge
============================================================
"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com

============================================================
5) New Products -
NEW RELEASE -- "How Compulsories are Judged." DVD Series
LEVEL - 4, LEVEL - 5 and LEVEL - 6 may be purchased separately
OR in one entire set with a $14.85 savings.

Thank you for you patience as many of you have been requesting
this long awaited production. I think you'll like it.

http://www.JustGymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458
============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q.) 1) What is the range in which the judges' scores must fall for
an Optional exercise scoring 8.825?

A.) 0.70 - This is a new change as of August 1, 2008. Since the
judges may disagree on awarding Special Requirements (each at 0.50),
the expectations for the range of judges' scores have been expanded
from 0.50 to 0.70 for scores between 8.00 and 8.975 and from 0.30 to
0.50 for scores between 9.00 and 9.475.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
November, 2008 - Issue #15

============================================================

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============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2)"Are Affiliated Judges Fair?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) What is the deduction on Level 4 UB for using a 1-foot take-off on
the Back Hip Pullover mount?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "Are Affiliated Judges Fair?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

===========================================================
"Is a gym owner/team coach allowed to judge her own athletes in a meet?
It doesn't seem quite right even though we think she would be impartial."
I received this inquiry from a reader and know it's a universal perception.

Yes, an affiliated judge may judge her own gymnasts as long as she is
not Chief Judge. The subject of affiliation has been specifically addressed
and defined in the USAG Rules & Policies. (See the following excerpt.)

So the issue has been reduced to a definition but certainly not a
perfect definition. Some people may have strong alliances with certain
clubs or gymnasts and not fall within the defined "affiliated" group. Then
again, others who have adult children that come back from college and
work in a local club, suddenly become "affiliated" when they have no
feelings of association whatsoever. The degree to which anyone "feels"
their own affiliation is personal. When there truly is an emotional tie, it
becomes more difficult to do the job, but the resulting scores from an
affiliated judge may or may not be correct.

The obvious perception that an affiliated judge will favor her own
gymnasts is not necessarily well-founded. It can result in the gymnasts
getting lower scores because the judge has higher expectations, knows
where her gymnasts' errors usually occur, or overcompensates in an
effort not to show bias. Most judges are uncomfortable judging their own
gymnasts. Regardless, correct scoring is always the goal - neither
higher nor lower than the standard.

Part of the problem with the issue of affiliation is that many judges
wouldn't be involved with the sport if they weren't affiliated. That is,
judging is as extension of their affiliation - club owner, club coach,
parent, etc. After all, they had to get their interest, knowledge and
background from somewhere. Likewise, whatever their gymnastics
involvement is, it contributes to their overall experience when they
become judges as opposed to a newcomer with no gymnastics
background but no affiliation either.

Judge Judy

Excerpt from USAG Rules & Policies:

II. AFFILIATION OF JUDGES
The regulations regarding affiliation are NOT meant to prevent officials
from judging, but to prevent unfair situations for the gymnasts.

A. Affiliation of an official at a specific meet refers to:
1. An immediate family member of a competing gymnast, or of the
gymnast's coach(es), or of the club owner
whose team is competing.
� An immediate family member is defined as a parent/step-parent,
grandparent, or sibling. In
addition, it could include any other person living in the household.
2. A person on the payroll of a competing Club.
3. A Team member or parent of a Women's Artistic team member of a
competing club.
a) A parent of a Men's or Rhythmic Team member of a competing
club is NOT considered affiliated.
b) A parent of any child enrolled in a recreational class of a competing
club is NOT considered affiliated.
4. A Coach of a club that has gymnast(s) competing in the meet.
5. A Club Owner whose club has a gymnast who is competing in the meet.
6. Any sport science professional that is paid for ongoing services for
a competing gymnast.

B. Judges affiliated with a club, gymnast or coach participating in the
competition MAY be assigned, with the following stipulations:
1. In USA Gymnastics qualifying competitions with a two or a four-judge
panel:
a. An affiliated judge may be assigned as a Panel judge or as the Meet
Referee.
b. No more than 1 judge with the same affiliation may be assigned per
panel.
c. An affiliated judge may not be assigned as Chief Judge, regardless of
certification.
2. In non-qualifying Open Invitationals with a two or four judge panel:
a. Affiliated judges may be assigned as Chief or Panel judges.
b. Meet Director must list the judges (and their affiliation) on the
pre-meet information.
3. In meets 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 RTCC.
� If the RTCC is affiliated and must be assigned, approval must come
from the State Administrative Committee Chairman.
4. If the club with which a judge is affiliated is not participating in
the meet to which the judge has been assigned, she/he is not considered
affiliated at that meet.

===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) My question concerns spotting by the coach on bars. Level 3 and
Level 4 gymnasts both do mill circles which often leave the gymnast
hanging by one knee or collapsed on top of the bar. The question is, is
it a bigger deduction for the coach to let the athlete upright herself on her
own or to go and help her get upright and step away? Is there a point
where there is no deduction for the spot?

Thank you for your help.

A.) If the gymnast ends in a hang by her knee beneath the bar on this
skill, it is considered a fall (0.50). At that point the coach may assist
the gymnast to get her back up into position with no further deduction.
Likewise, there is no further deduction if she struggles on her own to
resume position. I recommend the coach step in to assist at this point
to prevent the unnecessary struggle.

Q.) Wow! Thanks for the rapid reply.

We were fairly certain there was no further deduction when the girl is
hanging by her knee. Is there no further deduction if the coach helps
the girl when she comes fully around on the mill circle but ends
collapsed on top of the bar (where she really only needs to push her
arms straight to bring her body upright)? Or is that a spot that would
warrant a deduction?

Thank you so much for your help and clarification.

A.) If the gymnast falls on or off of the bars, it's a 0.50 deduction for
the fall. The coach may assist her to a position to resume the exercise
without an additional 0.50 deduction for spotting. So a collapse on the
bar may be considered a fall, or if not actually a fall, a 0.50
deduction for a spot would be taken. Either way, 0.50 for the spot or
the fall. Other execution deductions like bent arms or legs would be
taken in addition to the fall or spotting deduction.

If a coach assists during an element, the deduction is 0.50 for the spot
plus the value of the element and execution deductions.

Q.) I would like to know the difference between achievement and
placement in level 5.
Thank you,

A.) "Achievement" awards are given based on a score range, e.g.,
9.00-above - Blue Ribbon, 8.00 - Red Ribbon, 7.5 - White Ribbon,
7.00 Yellow Ribbon ( these are the suggested scores/ribbons).
All gymnasts scoring those scores get the appropriate ribbon.
Placement awards are comparative awards based on who scored
highest, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. It's a more competitive awards system.

Q.) Could you please tell me if there is a deduction for no arm
swing before the vault on level 7. On level 7 as well, is there a
deduction for keeping your head up/out when doing a round-off to
a back handspring? ex- Between the arms, my daughter keeps her
head up so she can see. (she says) When her hands hit the
floor she looks up. She won't because she said she is afraid of
not looking? Is this a common fear? She has been doing this for
about 5 years and now she won't do the back handspring to tuck.
What part should a parent play in blocks? I am confused.....

A.) There is no specific deduction for no "arm swing" before vault.
However, she needs to get her arms extended into her reach for
the table regardless of the technique she uses. Some techniques
are more efficient than others resulting in a better vault which
ultimately is scored better than an inefficient vault. An underarm
swing technique is generally preferred but some gymnasts are
successful with the overarm or even somewhat of a sidearm technique.

It is an alignment error if your daughter's head is "out" on a round-off.
She should keep her eyes on her hands with her ears between her arms
and shoulders extended while tumbling. Misalignment leads to inefficient
tumbling subject to additional penalties.

Bad habits are always hard to break, especially if cultivated over
several years. Re-learning skills by breaking them down into component
parts and working repetitious corrective drills may help. This may even
help if the problem is actually fear based.

Mental blocks on the other hand occur fairly often in gymnastics.
Sometimes tumbling backward or other skills just "go away." Sometimes
they finally "come back" or painstakingly are coaxed back with lead-up
drills. Unfortunately, I'm not a psychologist and can't offer you
professional advice in this area.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
5) New Products -
I've been seriously working on my new 3-part DVD series, "How Compulsories
are Judged." I had hoped to have it out by this Newsletter publication but it's
proving to be a HUGE project. However, I do believe it'll be great when it's done.

Once again, I thank you for you patience and will let you know when it's ready
to debut.

http://www.JustGymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458
============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q.) What is the deduction on Level 4 UB for using a 1-foot take-off on
the Back Hip Pullover mount?

A.) 0.30

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
August, 2008 - Issue #14

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This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2)"2008 Olympic Vault Fiasco" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) On the Level 4 Balance Beam dismount, which is a bigger deduction?
Gymnast performs cartwheel to a side handstand and holds for 1
second and ...
a.) falls off on the wrong side of the beam without performing the
1/4 turn. Does not re-try the element.
b.) starts to fall on the wrong side of the beam but coach taps her
to prevent the fall and is able to complete the dismount.

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "2008 Olympic Vault Fiasco" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

===========================================================
Was it blatant cheating that allowed Cheng Fei of China to receive a bronze
medal in vault finals to edge out Alicia Sacramone of the U.S. by .025?
I've been asked about this controversial event so often that I thought I'd give
you my take on what may have happened.

There were no Chinese or American judges on the panel that judged the
Vault Finals. No country represented in a finals event may have a judge
on that event. However, Cheng Fei is the 3-time World Vault Champion
and highly respected world wide for her unquestionable talent.

My opinion is that the judges flat out didn't do their job. There are only
8 gymnasts in Event Finals. With falls being a whopping 0.80 deduction,
they may have assumed a fall would knock anyone out of standings,
certainly out of medal contention, without having to disgrace a revered
athlete with a humiliatingly low score. I doubt that it was a calculated
manipulation. It's hard to subtly manipulate scores with these rules
especially in vault finals since they average both vaults together. But
since Cheng's combined Start Value is 0.90 higher than Alicia's, they're
pretty much on equal ground if you just take the 0.80 fall and don't
conscientiously score the vault.

The rules used in the 2008 Olympics are more severe on execution
than the old rules. All deductions are "flat" with no incremental fractions.
That is, deductions are 0.10, 0.30, 0.50 or 0.80. Obviously the judges did
not evaluate all the categories of deductions when they scored Cheng's
missed vault. Her legs were apart in the first flight - 0.10. Her arms
were staggered on the table, 0.10 or 0.30. She lacked her usual height
in the second flight, minimally 0.10 but probably 0.30. She had body
position errors in flight, (pike, knees) each 0.10. She piked down
before landing, 0.50. Dynamics, 0.30. Fall, 0.80. Her score
should not have been above 8.00.

So, yes, Alicia Sacramone earned the bronze medal for Vault in the 2008
Olympics though she'll never own it. Alicia was our best US Olympic
vaulter - our ONLY US Olympic vaulter. No one else on our team had the
2 required vaults to even contend for the event

Judge Judy
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
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4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.)Dear Judge Judy,

I'm writing to tell you how much I enjoyed your gymnastics
book. It has really given me a better understanding of the sport.

One thing that wasn't discussed in your book, that I'm curious about,
is good sportsmanship on the part of parents and other spectators.
Some things are obvious to me like you'd never criticize another team
or its gymnasts, yell loudly, ask another team for scores, etc.
However, I'm wondering whether it is considered bad sportsmanship to
record the scores of other gymnasts. A few parents at our gym
maintain that it's poor sportsmanship to record other girls' scores,
especially if they are from other gyms. Other parents maintain that
it's competitive gymnastics after all and they wouldn't sell score
sheets at the meets if we weren't supposed to use them. So I'm
wondering--- is it okay to write down scores other than your own
daughters or is this widely considered a No-No?

Thanks so much for your time!!!

A.) Scores are flashed for the benefit of all. Meet results are published on
the Internet. My book is a score keeping book. You certainly are welcome
to keep track of whatever scores you like. I know the parents in the
stands often know the team standings and event placements before the
awards ceremony.

There's nothing to feel guilty about. Go ahead and keep score.

Q.) Thank you for your site which I have recently found.

Please help me with a question. I'm the lucky parent from NYC of 15 year
old Level-10 and 11 year old Level-8 gymnasts. My son plays the safe sport
in the family, ice hockey. I played some pro-baseball, so I'm the parent
who stands quietly and simply tapes the girls when I'm not coaching my son.
Our hope is that both girls can continue in college as they both have the
dedication quotient.

My question revolves around the bars and settings. My 15 year old is
5'7", one of the taller gymnasts. The discussion of "Elite" comes up from time
to time and I'm confused about the bars and settings. I hear that Elites
have to use "FIG" bar settings. Does that mean all gymnasts have to use the
same bar settings or is there some allowance for height and distance between
the bars? Locked settings would seem to favor shorter girls.

I hope my question makes sense. Thanks in advance for your help.

A.) Yes, elite gymnasts must use FIG specs. The high bar is 250 cm and the
low bar is 170 cm. The width between the bars is adjustable from 130 cm
to 180 cm. 20 cm mats are used under the bars plus a 10 cm mat in the
dismount landing area.

The only deviation from the prescribed settings is through petition
indicating that the gymnast's feet (on HB) or hips (on LB) contact the
mat during swing. If approved, both bars must be raised equally. The
equipment specs only require the bars to be adjustable by 5 cm (2
inches).

I'm afraid you're right, a tall gymnast is at a disadvantage if she
can't work within these dimensions.

Q.) Would a front hand spring step out in to a bhs on beam be considered a
series? The arms would swing from by ears to forward then in to the flic
flac, is this continuous motion?
A.) This combination could receive credit if after the second foot lands
neither foot moves again before the back handspring from a 2 foot take
off. The arm swing forward between the elements does not necessarily
break the series but it may if there is a delay in the immediate take
off. The rule states, "If the body continues its movement, the arm
circle (swing) does not necessarily break the series." The change in
direction of momentum makes it difficult to get credit for a counter
movement (forward/backward) series. It's always be a judgment call by
the judges.

Q.) I have a question...my daughter is getting ready to compete (level 4)
she is having difficulty achieving her shoot through on the bars. Is there
any advice that anyone has that I can tell her to try to help her with it?
Thanks!!

A.) A prerequisite for the single leg squat through is a good cast. The arms
need to remain straight pushing down on the bar with the shoulders
slightly forward to attain the clear support position during the cast. A
quick and tight knee bend then extension is the key to this skill. The
knee must bend quickly at the height of the cast and pull up sharply to
the chest. Then a quick extension of the knee must occur as the body
returns to the bar and the shoulders shift back directly over the bar.
Remember to show a "clear" stride support before lowering to sit on the
bar.

I realize this description is fairly technical but I hope it's helpful.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
5) New Products - This Sale only comes once a year.

"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book" SALE thru Sept. 7 ONLY
1 FREE Book with every 10 Compulsory (Pink) or Optional (Blue)Books
ordered ... Plus FREE SHPPING on All Book Orders!
Sale ends Sept. 7
Click here to Shop the SALE:
http://www.JustGymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

COMING SOON - "How Compulsories are Judged" DVD series for parents. I'll
keep you posted when this long awaited series is ready to debut. Thanks for
your patience.
http://www.JustGymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458
============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q.) On the Level 4 Balance Beam dismount, which is a bigger deduction?
Gymnast performs cartwheel to a side handstand and holds for 1
second and ...
a.) falls off on the wrong side of the beam without performing the
1/4 turn. Does not re-try the element.
b.) starts to fall on the wrong side of the beam but coach taps her
to prevent the fall and is able to complete the dismount.

A.)b.) is a bigger deduction. (0.50 for the spot + 0.60 for the value of the
element - 1.10 total)
a.) is deducted 0.50 for the fall + 0.10 for incomplete 1/4
turn (0.60 total)

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
May, 2008 - Issue #13

============================================================

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============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2)"How You Make the Olympic Team " by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1)What is the deduction if a gymnast with an injured ankle dismounts
from an optional bar routine by simply dropping to her feet from a hang on HB?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "How You Make the Olympic Team" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

===========================================================
The Summer Olympics are just around the corner and we're all speculating on who
will represent us on the 2008 US Olympic Gymnastics Team. The Olympic Trials
is only part of the selection process.

Basic criteria requires US citizenship, minimum age of 16 within the calendar year
2008, and being a USAG athlete member. The Olympic Team will be 6 athletes
nominated to the US Olympic Committee (USOC). Additionally, 3
replacement athletes will be named.

There are 3 "tryout" events leading up to making the Olympic Team: Visa
Championships (June 5-7, Boston), Olympic Trials (June 20-22, Philadelphia),
and Final Selection Competition (July 16-20, Houston). Qualification to the
Visa Championships is by scoring 56.00 All Around (or 45.00 3 event total)
at Classics, or for National Team members at Team Training Camp, International
Assignment or the May Open Qualifier. The 7 members of the 2007 World
Championship Team (Ivana Hong, Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Samantha
Peszek, Alecia Sacramone, Bridget Sloan and Shayla Worley) automatically
qualify to Visa Championships. Accepted petitioned athletes will also be admitted
to Championships.

The top 12 All Around (2-day combined total) from Visa Championships qualify
to Olympic Trials. The Olympic Selection Committee (Martha Karolyi - National
Team Coordinator, Steve Rybacki - Chairman, International Elite Committee, and
Kristi Phillips - Athlete Representative) MAY add additional athletes from the
Championships or petitioned athletes to the Olympic Trials.

The top 2 All Around (2-day combined total) from the Olympic Trials will
automatically qualify for the Olympic Team. Additional athletes from the
Olympic Trials MAY be selected directly onto the Olympic Team based on
discretionary criteria (listed below). An unspecified number of additional
athletes from the Olympic Trials and petitioned athletes will be invited by
the Selection Committee to the Final Selection Camp. All Olympic contenders
must attend the Final Selection Camp.

The Final Selection Competition will be 2 days of competition judged by 2
Brevet judges. The 6-member Olympic Team and 3 replacement athletes will
be named immediately after the Final Selection Competition, but ranking in
the competition will NOT necessarily determine placement on the Olympic
Team. The Selection Committee will use discretionary criteria to select
athletes to the Olympic Team. Since Olympic rules no longer require all
athletes to compete on all events, simple rank AA order doesn't measure
relative event strength and contribution to total or event scores. To be optimally
competitive for both team and individual medals the following discretionary
criteria will be considered by the Olympic Selection Committee.
- Team needs and medal potential
- Results from international and national competitions
- Difficulty scores
- Routine performance "hit" consistency
- Composite strength of all the Olympic Team members
- Routine execution
- World class presentation
- Competitive readiness
- Professional attitude and ability to positively contribute to the team dynamic

This criteria is also used when a petitioned athlete with injuries and/or
extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances prevented an otherwise
deserving athlete from participating in one or more of the steps in the
qualification process. No petitions are permitted for placement directly
onto the Olympic Team.

The complete USAG 2008 Olympic Athlete Selection Procedures
document can be viewed at:
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Women/ElitePre-Elite/Selection%20Procedures/AthSelPro-Women18Oct.pdf

Judge Judy

===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
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============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) Dear Judge Judy,
I am coaching compulsory gymnasts on floor and beam. They have
done well so far managing to score in the 9's, however... I am
concerned about the line in the text that reads :
"*Changing,reversing, or omitting a small part....... 0.10." What
I would like to know is, in the beginning of the routine during
the arm waves, for Level 4 is there a deduction if the gymnast
waves her arm above horizontal? Also, is there a deduction if the
arm does not return in front of the gymnast but instead finishes
behind the hips? Does the deduction for changing a part of the
routine apply to dance elements (arm waves, slide to the floor
after split leap, floor work), or just to the skills that have
point value (jumps, handstand forward rolls, dive rolls ect)?
In compulsory, would it be better for the gymnasts to perform the
routine exactly as perscribed in the text, or to exceed the
minimum requirements (180 split leap instead of 90) and exagerate
the dance?

A.)The small deviations from text that you describe are subject to
deduction. They fall into the general category of "Incorrect position of
arms, head, feet or legs (text errors)" up to 0.40 for the entire
exercise. Each small error would not necessarily amount to a deduction,
but in general, if several such errors occur it would accumulate.

The "Changing, reversing or omitting a small part - 0.10" would apply to
other connections, not major elements, for example, doing a forward
chasse' instead of a side chasse' after the handstand forward roll.

There is no deduction for exceeding minimum required split angles as
they are just that, minimum requirements. However, I caution you on
exagerated dance enhancements. The movement techniques described in the
text are deliberately very specific with long-range basic goals. If an
"enhancement" violates the text, it is deductible.

Q.)I hear repeatedly that there are deductions for girls' long hair
touching the beam or floor in competition. Is this actually true?

A.) Gymnasts are required to have their hair secured away from the face.
There is no specific deduction for long hair touching the beam or floor.
However, it could get in the way or get pinched under their hands
causing an execution fault. Safety is the main concern and common sense
should dictate a hair style that does not interfer with safety or
performance.

Q.)I was wondering how long do the level 5 or 6 keep the same routines and
when are they due to change?

A.) We keep these Compulsories through July 31 of 2013.

Q.)My daughter is a level 3 and since competitions began in Oct '07 she has
been taught to do the backbend kickover and recently lost .60 on her FX
for not following a rule change and doing a bridge kick over. Could you
let me know when the rule took place - I'm concerned that her coach did
not know of the change.

A.) The rule change was made at the annual Junior Olympic Committee meeting
in May of 2007, effective as of Aug. 1 2007. There have been a number of
instances where coaches and/or judges were not aware of the changes that
affected Levels 1-3 FX. All coaches and judges received the minutes of
this meeting in their July 2007 issue of Technique Magazine.

The national USAG office was slow to get pdf pages of the new element
descriptions with deductions published on their web site which may have
contributed to the slow dissemination of the information. Secondly,
Levels 1-3 are not as widely competed as Levels 5-6 meaning not as many
gymnastics professionals were affected by the changes. However, that is
not an excuse for those affected not to remain current with the new
changes.

Q.) I have a question about bar settings. Some of my level 5 gymnasts are
having problems with glide kips. Their parents try to tell me that the
low bar is too low, because they took them to the high school clinic and
they raised the bar for them pretty high. I know that the bar setting is
not the problem, but I was wondering, are there any regulations on how
high the low bar can be set? Thank you very much for your answer.

A.) Actually, the bars may be adjusted to any height as long as they're in a
notch that locks-in with the dual locking mechanism intended by the
manufacturer. But it's my recommendation not to distort settings to try
to gain a falsely perceived advantage, but rather concentrate on
teaching corrrect technique.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
5) New Products - I'm currently working on a series of DVD's for parents
showing how Compulsories are judged. If that goes well, I hope to follow up with
a similar series for Optional judging.

In the mean time, you can find my Compulsory and Optional books along
with Cheryl Jarrett's DVD's at:
http://www.JustGymnastics.com
============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q.)What is the deduction if a gymnast with an injured ankle dismounts
from an optional bar routine by simply dropping to her feet from a hang on HB?

A.)0.80 (0.30 for no dismount + 0.50 for the Special Requirement of a salto or
hecht dismount of appropriate value).
============================================================

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
March, 2008 - Issue #12

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This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Less is Better at Level 7" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1)What is the correct deduction if during a fall from balance beam
the gymnast falls again while trying to get back on the beam before
the routine clock has been restarted?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "Less is Better at Level 7" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

===========================================================
This plea submitted by the mother of a Level 7 gymnast is
a full article in itself.

Judge Judy,

Hello. My daughter and I live in Wisconsin and often see you at
gymnastics meets. We value your opinion and are excited to find out
that you have this website. We have already read all of the past
newsletters posted. Thank you so much for dedicating so much time and
effort trying to help coaches, parents and gymnasts understand the
world of gymnastics.

My daughter has moved up this year to level 7 and has entered the
world of optional gymnastics which leaves so many questions for
parents and gymnasts. While in compulsories she would score 8.8-9.2
regularly on the balance beam. Now that she is in level 7 she is
scoring 7.5-8.0. She is really frustrated and is trying to figure out
what she should do to improve her score. My daughter is someone who
works very hard in the gym, and although she may not always do
everything right, she is always trying her hardest. So to not
understand how to improve her score is really frustrating her. Her
coaches, though very nice, are not giving her enough direction. When
a score went up at a recent meet and she turned to her coach to ask
why she received that score, her coach just shrugged. Not very
helpful when you want to improve. So we are hoping that you could
shed some light for us. My daughter even used her own money to
purchase your book which she has read from cover to
cover. But she still has some questions about beam.

First of all, I would like to explain that her coaches' approach when
putting her routine together, was more is better. They said, just in
case she did not do something right she would have a back-up. But
what we are finding is that in Level 7, more is not better because it
just gives you more opportunities to get deductions. We recently
watched a girl who consistently scores high on beam and her routine
could not have been longer than 40 seconds. She mounted, did her
required elements, and dismounted. Her score? A 9.6! That spoke to
my daughter. She realized it was not in how much you have (her beam
routine is 1:10 minutes) in your routine, but how well you do what is
required. So that is where we need help. One positive thing about
having a hands off coaching style is the girls are flexible to change
their routines and my daughter is looking to change her routine.

In your book you state that you need 4 special requirements, 5 "A"
moves and 2 "B" moves. We are wondering, does an element performed
fill both requirements? For example, does the back handspring fulfill
both a special requirement of a "flight move" and a "B" move for the
value points. Or do you need a back handspring, an acro element and
another 2 "B" moves?

Another question she has is, is a back walkover, back walkover a
"good" acro move? She is not able to do a back walkover, back
handspring, and is currently using a handstand, back walkover. Though
she is connecting the handstand to the back walkover, she is not sure
she is holding it long enough. Does it matter how "strong" your acro
series is? Meaning is it better to do the hardest one you can do, or
should you do a simpler one that keeps it safe?

She is also wondering how many jumps she should have to make a "good"
level 7 routine. She currently has 4 but we are thinking that is too
many. She has a split jump, tuck jump connection, a split leap, split
jump connection, and a handstand, tuck jump connection. Her split
jump is not a full 180 degrees and so it getting deducted on everyone
she does. She wants to have what she needs to make it appropriate for
her level without opening herself up to too many needless deductions.
She can do a really good straddle jump on beam but was told by her
coaches that that was a "C" move that could not be performed. But
reading your book makes it seem like that is now a "C" move that is
acceptable for level 7 on beam. Does she need a jump connection or a
leap/jump connection in her routine? Is it recommended to have one in
her routine for the appropriate difficulty level?

If she did a routine that involved her mount; a straddle jump; a back
handspring; a back walkover - back walkover connection; a leap; a
scale; a full turn; a salto dismount. What else would she need?

Please help any way that you can. I wish I could explain my
daughter's desire to improve. This does not come from me. She is
coming to me, asking me what she could do differently. I don't have
enough answers for her. She is frustrated to tears. Could you please
help my 11 year old, where she is beginning to feel helpless.

Judge Judy's Response:

You've pretty much deduced for yourself the secrets for scoring well on
Level 7 beam. It works out that less is definitely better.

"A" and "B" elements that fulfill Special Requirements are also counted
as Value Parts. That is, you only need 7 elements (5 "A's" and 2 "B's")
to meet all requirements on Level 7 beam.

The handstand step down, back walkover is a poor choice for acro series
because as of this season, the handstand must achieve vertical and be
held for 2 seconds. Very few gymnasts do this well enough to get credit.
Back walkover, back walkover is a good choice if you can't do back
walkover, back handspring. However, it's also risky because if there is
a wobble on the first back walkover, you're likely to break the
connection. Also, since you can only get credit for a maximum of 2 of
the same element, you do not have the option of repeating the back
walkover series if you stop or fall after the first one. The back
walkover, back handspring has advantages in that you fulfill the acro
series and the flight element requirements with just 2 elements. It's
also a more progressive series preparing for Level 8. There are easier
elements that can "meet" Level 7 requirements, like cartwheel,
cartwheel, and round off but are not progressive.

You are correct about the straddle jump being added to the Level 7
repertoire. It will be given "B" credit and fulfill the leap/jump with
180' split requirement. The regular split jump has become a favorite for
Level 7 since it's an easy "B" and also fulfills that requirement. But
if your daughter doesn't do it without deduction, you might be better
off with the straddle jump. Leap/jump combinations are not a Level 7
requirement but have value as being progressive for the next Levels
which have this as a 0.20 compositional requirement.

The routine you describe has 9 elements and fulfills all Level 7
requirements. In fact, you don't need the split leap or the scale
(scales must be held 2 seconds to get credit), but if done well, it's
fine to have some extra content in the exercise. We do not take
compositional deductions at Level 7 which is precisely why less is
better -- but do it well. So, unless skills are being added as a
progressive tool to prepare for the next Level, don't include them
unless they can be performed flawlessly.

Concentrate on performing a clean, simple routine without a lot of poses
and added head or arm movements. Working on toe, with tight execution
and good rhythm and presentation should be your objective. Practice this
clean, simple routine over and over again, so it becomes second nature.

Hope this helps. Good luck!
Judge Judy

===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

(Reference to November Newsletter - Issue 11)
Q.) 2 questions, 1) isn't the flat foot leg swings before the cartwheel? I
think the answer to the quiz question should read "after the handstand"
not "after the cartwheel".

2) on page 54 of the (Blue Book, Gymnastics Rules & Score Book)
level 7 -10 book, it lists B+C+C acro connection as +.1, should
that be +.2 same page, dance/dance-acro C+C (different) is +.2,
correct? my book is blank on that line.

Please let me know so I can correct in my books if need be.
A.) 1.) You're absolutely right! I don't know why I mixed up the elements
but the flat footed swing forward and backward comes after the
handstand. Good to see someone's on top of things.

2.) Right again. The B+C+C acro connection on beam has always been +0.20
CV and C+C (different "C's") dance should have .....+0.20 CV.

Those are typos that went unnoticed till now. Here's another oversight,
P.52, #1, 3rd small bullet. Delete "Rolls may not be included."
Thanks for the editorial help and do let me know if anything else turns up.

Q.) Hi, my daughter is in level 4.
Do judges give any 'bonus points' in compulsory meets? or do they simply
deduct points from original 10.0?
Also, for bars, it said, 'front hip circle-immediate cast-return to
front support-leg squat through...'. It seems impossible to 'return to
front support instead of squat through immediately. What do they mean
by that?

A.) No, there are no bonus points in Level 4. Deductions come from 10.0.

The concept of the forward hip circle, small cast is to learn to cast
with proper technique and rhythm immediately out of another skill.
However, to continue by working immediately out of the cast into the
single leg squat through is asking a bit much of a Level 4. So they've
written the routine with what would be considered an "extra swing" to
allow the gymnast to gain control of position and momentum before
executing another element from a cast.

There is no stop between the casts and the casts are small therefore,
the return to the bar should not be difficult to control nor cause
rhythm failure. An "extra swing" very much like this often occurs
naturally when learning to work into and out of casts, however, at
higher levels an "extra swing" is a 0.30 deduction.
Q.) Dear Judge Judy,
Can you please shed some light on Level 7 Optionals (not to be confused
with true second year level 6s) entering end-of-season Level 6
Compulsory and State meets in preparation for their meet season that
begins in January? It is extremely de-motivating for a passionate and
dedicated level 6 to suddenly face these more experienced and advanced
gymnasts that "appear out of nowhere" and, as expected, sweep the
awards ceremony. Is there a USAG rule regarding this? What is your
opinion of this practice? Many thanks, a concerned Level 6 parent
A.) To tell you the truth, I've never run into this situation in my state. I
see your concern though. Unfortunately, we no longer have "mandate
scores" which force a gymnast out of one level and into the next for
practical reasons. No one has to move up. It would force gymnasts who
had reached their maximum potential at a lower level out of the sport,
and it would force larger time and financial commitments from gymnasts
that might not be able to make the commitment of the next level.

The future Level 7 has the right to enter Level 6 meets and qualify to
State Meet even if she didn't enter the early season meets while she was
training to become a Level 7. As a matter of fact, she would be allowed
to drop back to Level 6 after competing Level 7 if she had not yet
entered a Level 7 Sectional meet or competed past the declared
"drop-back" date.

However, in a sense of "fair play" you may question why a coach would
pursue this strategy. It would give the Level 7's pre-season competitive
experience, confidence, motivation ... and, of course, all of the Level
6 awards - an ethical dilemma the coach should consider.

Q.) Hi Judge Judy -

I have another question.? Is it a fact that giants are a requirement
this year for level 7 bar routine?? My coaches told me I can't compete
level 7 if I don't get my giants.

A.) No it's not a "requirement" to have a giant for Level 7 bars, but it
certainly helps. The requirement is to have 2 "B" circling elements in
the exercise. One MUST be from group 3, 6 or 7 (clear hip circle,
stalder circle or pike sole circle backward to clear support). The other
circle may be a giant swing or another clear hip circle (group 3, 6 or 7)
done on the other bar or done in a different combination than the first one.

It's the coach's prerogative to set guidelines for his/her program based
on their own coaching philosophy and standards. The coach does not have
to move a gymnast up just because she achieved the minimum mobility
(move-up) score at the previous level or because she can do the minimum
requirements of the next level.
Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
5) New Products - My next project is to produce a series of DVD's for parents
showing how Compulsories are judged. If that goes well, I hope to follow up with
a similar series for Optional judging.

In the mean time, you can find my Compulsory and Optional books along
with Cheryl Jarrett's DVD's at:
http://www.JustGymnastics.com
============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q.)What is the deduction if during a fall from balance beam the
gymnast falls again while trying to get back on the beam before
the routine clock has been restarted?

A.)The gymnast will be penalize 1.00 for 2 falls even though the
routine clock had not yet resumed timing the routine.

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Just Gymnastics Newsletter
November, 2007 - Issue #11

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

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This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Where Does Artistry Come From?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1)In the Level 5 beam routine, how many times is the gymnast required
to swing one leg forward to horizontal or above?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "Where Does Artistry Come From?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

===========================================================
A most elusive quality, artistry receives an up to 0.30 deduction in
Compulsory and Optional balance beam and floor exercise. In Compulsories,
artistry encompasses quality of movement and quality of expression, i.e.,
projection, emotion and focus. In Optionals we also consider originality of
choreography.

I recently participated in the first NAWGJ - NACGC/W NCAA (College)
Rules Symposium in St. Paul, Minnesota. There I had the privilege of
hearing Valorie Kondos Field, UCLA coach, speak on the subject of
artistry. Kondos Field is a former professional ballet dancer and renowned
gymnastics choreographer. Here are a few pointers she gave on the subject
of artistry.

Artistry is about pictures. The gymnasts movements must be captured
in a series of clear, visual pictures with all body parts precisely where they
were planned to be down to the smallest detail. Whether at the height of a leap,
in the midst of a turn or when striking a pose, the clarity of position must be
present.

Elbows are the key to supple movement quality. Arm movements initiated
by leading with bent elbows creates an essential flow and beauty of move-
ment. This concept is so basic that we've specifically written this technique
into the Compulsory exercises and it must be carried through into Optionals.

Focus, that is, really focusing the eyes not just looking off into a direction,
brings the exercise alive. That doesn't have to mean actually making eye
contact with a judge, but rather choreographing when and where the eyes will
zoom into focus.

Inspiration comes from the music. The emotion it stirs must exude from
within the gymnast if she is to make it her own. Mimicking movements
choreographed by the coach will never come across as real unless the
gymnast is able to feel it in her soul. This is a sophisticated concept for
our young age group gymnasts, but they must learn to tap into this source.

Finally, less is better. Intricate steps and constant movement during an
exercise is difficult to pull off. There is beauty in simplicity. But this doesn't
mean that at any time you may "let down" during the exercise. Alignment,
position and carriage must be maintained beginning till end without an obvious
relaxation between sections or before tumbling passes.
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
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4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) My daughter is a level 7 gymnast and doesn't quite have her giant
yet for her bar routine. If she is not able to do it well enough by the
time she competes in her first meet she plans on doing a clear hip on
the low bar and then another one on the high bar.

I believe her cast (angle of her body after the circle) after her clear
hip on the low bar is not more than 45 degrees from vertical so she
should get credit for it. Her cast after her high bar clear hip is more
than 45 degrees from vertical. One of the level 8 mothers on the team
informed me that she will still receive credit for it since her hips do
not touch the bar because if they do 2 clear hips, only one has to be
not more than 45 degrees from vertical. I looked through your book, but
didn't see anything indicating that only one of the clear hips needs to
be at sufficient height. Is this true?

As always, thanks for your help.

A.) She'll get credit for both clear hips fulfilling both requirements for
360 degree circles, at least one being from group 3,6 or 7 (clear hip).
Clear hips get "B" credit if they are more than 20 degrees from
vertical. They get up to a 0.20 deduction for amplitude if they are
greater than 45 degrees from vertical but they still get "B" credit.

Q.) My daughter is a level 7 gymnast, possibly going to compete 8 this year.
My question is regarding the acro series for Level 8 requirement on
beam. The JO Code of Points states that the gymnast needs one acro
series with a minimum of two elements - 1 with flight. Does a back
handspring step out - back walkover fulfill that requirement? Most of
the other girls do a back walkover first then the handspring. Does it
make a difference?

A.) Yes, back handspring, back walkover does fulfill the acro series
requirement for Level 8. There's more risk of breaking the series when
trying to control momentum of a flight element preceding a non-flight
element and the more popular back walkover, back handspring series is a
more useful, progressive combo.

Q.) I have some questions on some optional routines.

Would this fulfill all of the level 8 requirements for an uneven bar
routine?

Jump to front support on low bar cast hand
half pirouette
switch kip
cast pike on
HB kip cast
layout flyway.

And is this a B mount for balance beam
Standing on springboard back to the beam
jumping backwards straddle over the beam ending in a front support.
(like a straddle back)

A.) No, the bar routine you describe does not meet the Level 8
requirements.
You need 4 "A" and 4 "B" elements. (You have 4 "A's" and 1 "B".)
1 bar change
1 "B" element with turn or flight
1 "B" element from group 3, 6 or 7 (e.g., clear hip circle)
A salto or hecht dismount

The jump to front support is not an element.
The cast handstand 1/2 pirouette is one "C" element which counts as one
of your required "B's" and fulfills the turn/flight requirement.
You have a bar change and a salto dismount, but you still need a "B"
from group 3,6 or 7 (clear hip circle) plus 2 more "B" elements.
The cast to stoop on and the cast on HB need to be at least 45 degrees
to get "A" credit and to 80 degrees to get "B" credit.

The beam mount you describe is no longer in the Code of Points. If you
wish to have it evaluated, you need to send a description of it to your
Regional Technical Chairman.

Q.) My daughter has osgood-schlatter in both knees and a weak ankle after a
recent sprain. She wears braces on her knees and right ankle and was
told that she gets deductions on her floor routine due to the braces.
Is this a true deduction? How much is it? She is protecting her body
with these braces and I can't believe she is getting deductions for
that, but we need to know. She has a meet in 2 days and state in 2
weeks. Thank you!.

A.) No. There is no deduction for wearing braces or medically necessary
bandages. There is a 0.20 deduction for "incorrect padding," for example,
wearing heal pads on bars since these are preventative not medically
necessary.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
5) New Products - My next project is to produce a series of DVD's for parents
showing how Compulsories are judged. If that goes well, I hope to follow up with
a similar series for Optional judging.

In the mean time, you can find my Compulsory and Optional books along
with Cheryl Jarrett's DVD's at:
http://www.JustGymnastics.com
============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q.)1)In the Level 5 beam routine, how many times is the gymnast required
to swing one leg forward to horizontal or above?

A.)5 times - 4 of which must be in releve': before the cross handstand, the 1/2
turn in forward coupe', the cartwheel and the dismount, and once on flat foot
during the leg swing forward and backward after the handstand.
Failure to do so is a deduction of up to 0.10 each time.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
September, 2007 - Issue #10

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============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Are You Still Confused by FIG Rules?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1)What "C" dance elements are permitted on Level 7 balance beam?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2)"Are You Still Confused by FIG Rules?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

===========================================================
If you're still confused by the scoring system used at Elite and
International competitions, you're not alone. If you can't relate to scores
like 14.50, 15.75, and 16.1 you're not alone.

After the 2007 Visa Championships in San Jose' August 15-18 I got
so many questions primarily from JO judges who used to be information
sources for other spectators at USA Championships. Not anymore, even
JO judges find this new system a mystery. It's so vastly different from
the rules we use to judge our Age Group and Collegiate gymnasts.

We've also made a few modifications from last year's Championships. So
if you understood what we were doing then, here are a few nuances you
will have found different this year. For our purposes in this country only,
the A-Panel judges who give the difficulty and event requirement score,
like a 6.2 for example, also give an execution score, B-Score, 9.2 for
example. This is the score that relates to the familiar 10.0. Execution
deductions are taken from 10.0 to arrive at the B-Score.

The B-panel judges just give an execution score. Since we now have 4
(execution)B-Scores we are able to throw out the high and low and
average the 2 middle execution scores. This is a good thing, though it
puts a lot of pressure on the A-Panel. They have to do everything - and
that's a lot!

If you were wondering about all the "neutral deductions" that were taken
off the final average of many exercises, it's not just out of bounds and
overtime anymore. The B-Panel used to take specific composition
deductions like less than 2 different grips on bars (0.30) or more than
1 pivot turn on 2 feet on beam (0.10) from the B-Score. Now the A-Panel
takes those deductions off the final score.

One more misconception I'd like to clarify is the "out of bounds" deduction
on vault. The "V-shaped" tape line on the vault landing mat indicates the
landing boundary. Contrary to what you've heard Tim Dagget say in
commentaries, the initial contact is decisive. If a step over the line occurs
after the initial landing within bounds, the deduction is NOT applied. The
deduction for "landing" with 1 foot outside of the line is 0.10 and "landing"
2 feet outside of the line is 0.30. These are neutral deductions taken from
the final score.

A final note on the seemingly low execution scores - Deductions are taken in
0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 increments. Any landing where the hips are lower than the
knees is a 0.5 deduction; a turn completed more than 30 degrees past
vertical on bars is a 0.5 deduction; legs shoulder width apart is a 0.3
deduction; falls are 0.8 deductions. A few deep landings or late turns can
yield remarkably low scores for what may be a highly difficult exercise.

I hope this gives you a little better insight when spectating at the next
International event.
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
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4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) Hi Judge Judy,

Can you please tell me the correct leg to mount the beam on in the level
6 routine. My daughter is a lefty and mounted on her right leg in level
5. Now in level 6 she is mounting with the other leg since there is a
step added before the heal snap turn. So my question is... In level 6
does the leg you stand up on change or the leg you turn on?

A.) The Level 6 beam mount takes off from the opposite foot of level 5
because it involves a scissoring of the swing leg. It's just a different
mount and should be done as your daughter is doing it taking off from
her left foot. However, the mount is an element that may be reversed,
so she could choose to mount from the other side of the beam using
the other leg. But the intention is that she stand up on the same leg as
she did in Level 5. The heel-snap turn is intentionally done on the other
foot, the non-dominant side, demonstrating progression of skills in
compulsory routines.

Q.)Hi, Judge Judy! We have a question for you. Since we are new to level
seven we were wondering about the acrobatic connection that we need on
beam. Could one of the acrobatic skills be a handstand? (handstand step
down backhandspring.)Thanks for your help.

A.) Yes, Level 7 is the only level that is allowed to use a handstand step
down into another element for the acro series. However, they have just
tightened up the requirements of the handstand to award this connection.
The handstand must reach vertical and be held for 2 seconds. If this
criteria is not met, the series will NOT receive credit. I urge you not
to use the handstand in your acro series. Those I've seen in the past
have not met the criteria.

Q.)My daughter is level 7 and was originally taught to do a cast straight
up into a handstand prior to doing her giant. She now has a new coach
who is requiring her to cast and straddle into a handstand. She is
finding this move to be much more difficult than going straight up into
a handstand. From a judging and scoring perspective, is there an
advantage for the gymnast to straddle into a handstand prior to doing
her giant? Is there a skill at a higher level that will require the
straddle? Thank you in advance for answering these questions.

A.) The straight body cast is a better technique and the one we begin
teaching and require in the Compulsory routines. I feel it's an
essential basic to good bar work. However, the bent-hip straddle cast is
easier and has gained acceptance throughout the world as some of the top
world gymnasts use it. It's especially easier for the taller athletes.
There is no deduction for using the bent hip cast except in
Compulsories. But once this technique is used, it may be harder to learn
the straight body technique.

Q.) I was told that girls are picked for the Olympic team at age 9 by the
Olympic committee. Is this true?

A.) No. That's an over-simplification. There is a Talent Opportunity Program
(TOPS) and also now a HOPES program where athletes as young as age 7 are
tested and fast-tracked toward elite competition rather than simply
matriculating through the J.O. program. The decision of potential elite
athletes and their coaches must be made early on to commit to the
rigorous training agenda required at that level.

The Pre-Elite and Elite levels have a structured format of competitions
and score requirements to advance through the program and to be
ultimately selected to the National Team. These top athletes are
repeatedly observed and tested at training camps to assure their
competition readiness for upcoming international meets including the
Olympics.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
5) Products

FREE SHIPPING SALE for "Gymnastics Rules & Score Books" orders
is on now thru Sept. 10
*********************** PLUS *********************
FREE BOOK Special Offer for wholesale orders of 10 or more books
per color (pink/blue)thru Sept. 10
Order NOW! http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

The NEW 2007, 3rd edition of "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 7-10"
is now available at: http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/product/1002

Cheryl Jarrett has just come out with a new Optional Balance Beam Drill DVD
"Pick 3 - My Favorite Drills for Beam" (Item 1009)on the "Products" page:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q.) What "C" dance elements are permitted on Level 7 balance beam?

A.)The 180 degree switch leg leap and straddle jump are exceptions that may
be used at Level 7 and will be counted as "B" elements and fulfill the 180
degree leap/jump special requirement.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
April, 2007 - Issue #9

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This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "What Counts as an Acro Series?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1)What is the deduction if a Level 7 does a back walkover to a
one-arm back handspring for her acro series on beam?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2)"What Counts as an Acro Series?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

===========================================================
I touched upon direct connections and series in the last issue, but
there's more to be said on the subject and it can't all be found in
the book.

Let's review the criteria for "breaking" a series.
-1.) A stop between elements.
-2.) A delay in the immediate take-off of the second element.
-3.) Loss of balance causing a stop between elements.
-4.) Repositioning of a support leg.
-5.) Extra step, hop/jump between the elements.

This criteria does not explain the concept of needing a "free Leg" in
certain connections. When the landing of the first element is on one
leg, the other leg is considered the "free leg." The "free leg" may
take a step and become the take-off leg for the next element.
However, once that "free leg" is placed, it may not lift up as the
swing leg into the next element, that is, the first leg to step down
from one element must be the first leg to lift up into the next
element as in back walkover, back walkover.

If a landing occurs on two feet, there is no "free leg." The take-off
into the next element must be from two feet. For example, a round
off to two feet may not connect to a back walkover even if the
movement seems continuous.

Besides meeting the criterion for elements being directly connected in
the acro series on balance beam, there are a few additional
stipulations.
-1.) The mount or dismount may not count as part of the series.
-2.) Level 7 requires at least 2 "A" or "B" elements with or without
flight, one of which passes through a handstand.
---a.)Level 7 may use a handstand element with a 2-second hold as either
the first or second element in the series.
---b.) Level 7 may use roll elements as long as one element passes
through a handstand.
-3.) Level 8 must include at least one flight element in the acro
series.
-4.) Both elements must have flight for Levels 9 and 10.
-5.) Level 10 must have at least one "C" element in the acro series.
-6.) Levels 8, 9 and 10 may use (flight 9/10) elements with a 2-second
hold as the last element in the series.

The final decision to award the acro series Special Requirement on
balance beam may come down to a judgment call. The judge determines
if there was a stop or delay in the immediate connection of elements or
if a "flight" element didn't actually have flight.

One other issue to note is what happens when the gymnast falls off the
beam on her acro series. If she falls on the second element, she will
receive credit for the series if she makes contact on the top surface of
the beam with her foot/feet before the fall. If she just glances off the
side of the beam or doesn't touch it all, she will lose credit for the
acro series (0.50) as well as receive a 0.50 deduction for the fall.
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

I'm in the process of renovating my web site and will update the archives
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============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) If a girl has a qualifying score to move to level 7 and or the
qualifying score to go to state level 6, then competes level 7 but does
not make the qualifying score for level 7 state can she compete at
the level 6 state meet?

A.)If the gymnast has competed in a Level 7 Sectional meet she may not
drop back this season. If, however, your state doesn't hold "Sectional"
meets, then they will have declared a "drop back" date after which
gymnasts may no longer drop back to their previous level. Your State
Chairperson can give you this information.

Q.) I was hoping you could help clear something up.....is this a 10
start value for level 7 bars?

kip, cast, free hip, kip, cast, free hip, squat on, jump to high bar,
kip, cast, back hip circle, underswing, flyaway.

We were told for the first time today that the gymnast cannot do two
free hips on the low bar back to back. Her start value today was 9.7.

Thank you for your help!

A.) Actually, this routine is a problem. Depending on the angle achieved
on each cast, the decision could vary.

The basic rule is that you can receive credit for the same skill twice
in an exercise IF it is preceded OR followed by a different "element."
The kip mount is considered a "different" element than the kip within
the exercise. However, if the cast before the clear hip is below 45
degrees, it's a non-element (no value), if it's 45-79 degrees above
horizontal it's an "A" element, within 20 degrees of handstand, it's a
"B" element.

So if you get credit for a 45 degree "A" cast each time, you will only
get credit for the first clear hip since both are preceded by an "A"
cast and followed by a glide kip. You'll not only lose 0.30 for missing
a "B," you'll also lose 0.50 for not having a 2nd circling element.
Start Value: 9.20

If both casts are below 45 degrees (non-elements), each receives a
0.10 amplitude deduction, and we defer to the kip mount as the "element"
that precedes the clear hip. In which case, the kip mount being
"different" than the kip within the exercise, the sequence would be
considered "different" and thus allowable. Regardless, this is a very
poor choice for a routine because your Start Value could change each
time depending on how high you cast that day.

Furthermore, the underswing, counter swing to flyaway is considered an
extra swing (0.30 deduction). This sequence is in the level 6 Compulsory
exercise because it's a good lead up to learning a flyaway from a cast.
When you get to Level 7 you may not take this extra swing backward and
forward before the release.

Q.) I was wondering what the deduction was for doing a run-on kip as a
mount in level 7 bars instead of the regular glide kip. My daughter has
higher casts if she performs the run on kip and then if she performed
the regular glide kip. Would it be better if she did the run on kip
with higher casts or the glide kip with significantly lower casts?
Thanks Judge Judy! Your advice is very appreciated.

A.) If you mean she grasps the bar and runs under it pushing off the
floor instead of doing a clear glide under the bar, she'll get a 0.50
deduction for a fall. Level5 and 6 Compulsory deductions specifically
address the "run-out" glide as a 0.30 deduction. In Optionals there is
no skill that permits this technique. Not specifically being addressed
in the rules book, the judge would have to interpret the rules
application. In this case, contact with the floor can be 0.10 for a
brush, 0.30 for a hit and 0.50 for support (fall) on the floor.

Q.) I am purchasing your book for level 7-10. But I was wondering, can
you recommend a DVD or books that will help me visualize/understand
the requirements, deductions etc. so I am in a better position to
explain to my daughter. My daughter is young and sometimes I don't
think she fully understands the requirements and the deductions of her
skills. As a parent, I would like to help her understand. Thanks for your help.

A.) Here's a link to an interactive site that shows sequential photos of
manygymnastics elements on each event along with descriptions of
technique.

http://www.gymnasticsrevolution.com/GymInteractive-Intro.htm

I think adding this visual dimension might be beneficial for your
daughter's understanding.

You might be interested in my plan to do individual critiques of
gymnasts' exercises submitted on video. I hope to return a disk with a
break down in deductions and comments overlying freeze frames and slow
motion for parents and gymnasts. I have not yet worked out the
technology required for this project.

If you're interested in getting news of when this service becomes
available, I'll put you on my Just Gymnastics Newsletter mailing list.
You can sign up for the newsletter at my web site,
http://www.JustGymnastics.com

Hope this helps,

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not
to be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
5) Products
The latest 2006 6th edition of "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels
1-6" is now available. It contains all the updates from May of 2006.
If you're attending gymnastics meets without this handy tool, you need
to pick this up.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q.) What is the deduction if a Level 7 does a back walkover to a
one-arm back handspring for her acro series on beam?

A.) The exercise is VOID (score is 0.00).
A one-arm back handspring is a "C" acro element which is not allowed at Level 7.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
February, 2007 - Issue #8

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to.
If you no longer wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter
or if you have received this mailing in error, follow the
unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Did I Get Credit...?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

5) Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1)What are the consequences of the coach stepping onto the FX mat
and spotting the round off, back handspring double back salto
dismount for a Level 10 gymnast resulting in a fall after being assisted
on the salto?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2)"Did I Get Credit...?" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

===========================================================
"Did I get credit for my direct connection?" Directly connecting
elements on optional floor exercise and balance beam can be worth
0.50 as a Special Requirement or 0.20 for Composition, and/or can
have additional Additive Value of 0.10 or 0.20 (Level 9 and 10)
if certain criterion are met. Just having attempted the connection
will not necessarily guarantee the credit.

Some elements connect better than others. Let's consider the Special
Requirement (0.50)on FX of a dance series containing a one-foot
take-off leap with 180' split. The 180' split element can land on one
foot, two feet or in a prone or split-sit position on the floor. However,
if it's the first element in the series, a prone or split-sit landing wouldn't
permit a connection to a second dance element. The second dance
element may be a turn, leap, jump or hop that is at least an "A"
Value Part.

If the first leap lands on one foot, you may:
1.)take off for the next element from that same landing leg as in the
case of switch leg leap - switch leg leap, or
2.)place the free leg next to the landing leg and jump from two feet
into the next jump, or
3.)take a step with the free leg and take-off from(leap/hop/jump)or
turn on that leg.

Presumably, the one-foot take-off 180' leap will have height and
momentum which may be difficult to control if connected to a stationary
element like a turn, or if as in option 2, the free leg is placed next to
the landing leg. If a small hop or movement of the foot/feet occurs
upon landing, the direct connection is broken. Instead, choose a
second element that naturally carries the momentum of the leap and
increases rather than constricts the amplitude of the entire series.

If the one-foot take-off 180' split element lands on two feet like a
switch side leap, and the second element is a difficult turning jump
that requires positioning or preparation, a hesitation or extra
movement might occur that will break the series. Difficult dance
series like this that are intended to fulfill both the Special Requirement
and earn additional Connection Value can backfire. I recommend
having a sure fire backup series that fulfills the Special Requirement,
even if it's just a nice big split leap - split leap.
===========================================================

3) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

4) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) Could you tell me for level 7 beam connection, back walkover to
front walk over. Where and how would you lose connection points..
Could you explain the move...

A.) This is not a good choice for the acro series requirement,
especially for a Level 7 gymnast. It is possible to get credit but
the risk of not getting credit (a 0.50 deduction) is great as in
all back-to-front or front-to-back combinations. The change in
direction requires a reversal of momentum that challenges even
the accomplished gymnast.

Criteria for awarding series credit is that the connection between
elements must be continuous. The series is considered "broken" if any of
the following occurs:

- 1.) A stop between elements.

- 2.) A delay in the immediate take-off of the second element. This could
be the result of doing a plie', then straightening the legs, followed by
another plie', or pumping or circling of the arms contrary to the
technique of the element. However, if the body continues its movement,
the arm circle does not necessarily break the series.

- 3.) Loss of balance causing a stop between elements.

- 4.) Repositioning of a support leg. In this case, if after placing the
second leg behind the first leg on the back walkover, the front foot
lifts up or moves or steps as the weight transfers forward for the take
off for the front walkover, the series is broken. More precisely, after
placing a foot on the beam during completion of the first element, it
may not be moved again before take off of the second element.

- 5.) Extra step, hop/jump between the elements.

Hope you find the answer to your question in this
definition/explanation.

Q.)Level 7 Floor - Round off, back handspring to layout. Should there
be a rebound and if you don't do it is there a deduction? Where should
the rebound be? Does the optional rules book describe what elements
should be in the routine? it's item 1003? Is there another place to send
in questions?

I think your newsletter and site are a great source of information.

A.) No, there should not be a rebound after the layout salto. Optional
tumbling passes are expected to have "stuck" landings.

The optional rules specify Event Requirements that can be fulfilled
by choosing elements from the Junior Olympic Code of Points.
Level 7 is a little more restrictive than the other Optional levels in
that it specifies that a back layout be included - "One acrobatic
series (3 or more flight elements) which includes a backward
salto stretched to 2 feet".

Item 1003 at www.JustGymnastics.com "Adkins All You Need JO
Optional Judging/Coaching Aids" lists all the "B" or higher
difficulties from the Junior Olympic Code of Points. It does not
include the "A" elements. For a complete listing and illustrations
of all the elements, the Junior Olympic Code of Points is available
through the merchandising department of USAG at http://usagym.sportgraphics.biz/index.asp?cmd=showsearch�m_0=JO+Code+of+points ($42.75).
However, if you're mainly interested in the basic rules without
the list of elements, you should at least have the Optional (blue)
"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 7-10" available at
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/product/1002 ($19)

Q.) When a gymnast does her 1/4 turn jumps at the beginning of the
compulsory level floor routines, should she travel on the jumps or
remain in place? What would the deduction be for doing it incorrectly?

A.) The little jumps should be traveling forward not staying in place.
The concept is to generate a little momentum to facilitate execution
of the next major jump. However, the little jumps are not major
elements and this text error couldn't incur more than a 0.05 deduction.

Q.) Would a round off back handspring, layout step out to immediate
front handspring step out, front handspring, front pike count as one
pass or two in USAG level 8 competition?

A.) The pass you describe is considered one "pass," a 2-salto series,
as long as there is no stop or extra steps during the connection.

Q.)We (parents and coaches) enjoy and look forward to all of your help
and insight. We have a question pertaining to the Level 4 Back
Handspring. If the child has not achieved this skill, is it better they skip
it in their routine or have a spot? What would the point deduction be for
either situation?

A.) If the gymnast omits the back handspring the deduction is twice the
value of the skill (2 X 0.60 = 1.20). If she gets spotted on it, she
loses the value of the skill (0.60)plus 0.50 for the spot plus any
execution deductions like bent legs and/or arms (1.10 + execution). So,
scorewise, she's probably better off omitting it, but developmentally,
it may be good practice for the day that she's able to do it without the
coach touching her. (No deduction for coach on the FX mat Levels 1-6.)

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not to
be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
5) Products
The latest 2006 6th edition of "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6"
is now available. It contains all the updates from May of 2006. If you're
attending gymnastics meets without this handy tool, you need to pick this up.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:
Q.)What are the consequences of the coach stepping onto the FX mat
and spotting the round off, back handspring double back salto for a
Level 10 gymnast resulting in a fall after having been assisted during
the salto?

A.)- 1.00 for the coach being on the FX mat (chief judge deduction Level 7-10)
- 0.50 for the spotting assistance
- 0.50 for the fall
- 0.50 for no "C" salto dismount Special Requirement
No Difficulty Value for the "D" double salto (0.10)
Execution deductions are also taken.
(Assuming there are at least 2 other "C's" in the exercise and at least one
is a salto, no Value Part nor further compositional deductions are taken.)

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
November, 2006 - Issue #7

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to.
If you no longer wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter
or if you have received this mailing in error, follow the
unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Gymnastics Fans in the Stands - the New Road Rage"
by Judy Schalk-Brevet Judge

3) "If Only ... USA #2 2006 World Championships"

4) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

6) Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1)Level 5/6 Handspring Vault -- What is the deduction if the
gymnast'sfeet are level with the vault table when her hands
leave the table?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2)"Gymnastics Fans in the Stands - the New Road Rage"
by Judy Schalk-Brevet Judge

===========================================================
Things are getting out of control. Recently I learned of an
incident where a fan at a Level 4 meet had become so
obnoxious while whooping and cheering for her gymnast
that another fan verbally assaulted her with, "Shut up you
stupid f******' b****!" A little gymnastics meet etiquette is
definitely in order.

Spectators' accommodations at most meets are less than
ideal - inadequate parking, long admission lines that string
out the door into the elements, limited seating capacity in
uncomfortable bleachers or folding chairs, poor lines of
visibility, long waits for meet delays and award ceremonies.
These annoyances fuel the already existing tension of
helplessly spectating while ones own child is competing
for her dreams.

Regardless of ones own feelings, the parent's role as
spectator is to enhance the positive competitive experience
for the gymnasts. It helps to know the ground rules of the
sport. Here are some guidelines for gymnastics meet etiquette.

1.)A gymnastics meet is not a basketball or football game
but neither is it a golf or tennis match. It's something in between
regarding what's acceptable fan behavior. No loud whistling
or jeering. It is not acceptable to yell comments out that rise
above the regular clapping and cheering for an exercise or skill
well done. Loud and obnoxious comments are annoying to
everyone and will brutally embarrass your gymnast.

2.)Be supportive, positive and encouraging of all gymnasts,
not just your own. Control your own competitive feelings and
aggressions. Avoid negativism, criticism and gossip. What you
say in the stands will be overheard, spread widely and distorted.

3.)Be an informed spectator by educating yourself as best
you can regarding the rules and procedures of the sport.
"Gymnastics Rules & Score Book" available at
http://www/JustGymnastics.com is a great parent's tool for
both learning rules and keeping score at meets.

4.)Do not disturb the order of the meet, its competitors or its
officials. Never approach a judge with your personal comments
or questions. If you have a legitimate concern, address it to
your club coach who can go through proper channels if unable
to handle it herself. Follow the guidelines set up by your club
regarding meet protocol.

5.)Observe on-site ground rules of designated areas for the
public, food and beverage restrictions, etc.

6.)NO flash photography is allowed during warm-ups or
competition. Flash may be used during award ceremonies.
This is a safety regulation. Distracting or blinding a gymnast
while she's performing could result in injury. Even if your
gymnast is safely on the ground when you snap the shot,
other gymnasts may be in danger. This is a widely abused
regulation. Though some spectators deliberately violate this
rule, others simply don't know how to operate their cameras
or forget to turn off the flash.

7.)Cell phones must be turned off or silenced. You must
leave the gym if you need to answer a call coming in on a
silent signal.

Here are a few tips on pre-meet preparation:

1.)Check the meet information and schedule provided by
your club before the day of competition.

2.)Make sure you have accurate directions and an
adequate time table for your departure.

3.)Have your daughter's hair done at home before departing
if it's going to be a lengthy or difficult hair do.

4.)Check that the correct leotard is packed and in proper
condition along with a regular list of meet accessories, e.g.,
hand grips, tape, back-up FX music.

By doing your part to make every meet a positive experience
for your gymnast, you're helping her learn essential
lifetime lessons.
===========================================================

3) "If Only ... USA #2 2006 World Championships"

============================================================
If only ... we should have, could have, would have repeated our
2005 World Championships victory. As it is, we had 2 falls in team
competition and there is no forgiveness when it's 3 up, 3 count.
So, we settled for second (181.350) behind China (182.200)
who did the job they needed to do.

Not just an excuse, but the reality of the situation, our top 2 all
arounders were injured. Nastia Liukin was only able to compete
uneven bars due to an ankle injury. She had surgery to remove
bone chips from her ankle after she returned from the competition.
Despite her injury, she was able to put in an excellent performance
to help the team and to capture silver on bars.

Chellsie Memmel jammed her ankle badly in training the second
day in Denmark but ignored the pain and competed all around for
the team. She fell on her Hindorff salto on bars but that wasn't where
she sustained further injury. Chellsie re-injured a previous shoulder
injury on her bail to handstand. She had been rehabilitating that injury
for several months and had come back just in time for the Visa USA
Championships last August. Doggedly, Chellsie refused to give an
inch on a one-footed near miss on beam and stuck chillingly perfect
landings on her floor routine to see the US team to its second place
finish.

Back home after the competition, about the same time Nastia was
having surgery on her ankle, Chellsie was having shoulder surgery on
her labral tendon and rotator cuff. She, too, sustained bone chip
fragments in her ankle and is waiting to see if they'll require surgical
removal. The shoulder surgery requires six months before returning
to uneven bar training but possibly only 5 months for the other events.
That cuts it pretty close for Chellsie's goal to make the 2007 World
Championships in Stuttgart, Germany just ten months away. In case
you're still wondering, Chellsie definitely plans a run at the 2008
Olympics in Beijing, China.
============================================================

4) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.)Recently we attended a meet, I have a big question regarding
vault. 1/2 on and 1/2 off
One judge said "I have to see your stomach going on and back
going off. The other judge said "Stomach going on, stomach going off"
Finally another judge made the statement, "The girls can turn either way"

HELP: which is correct? and whichever way is correct we all need
to be aware of since different judges judge different meets. I don't
want to see a child get penalized for doing the wrong vault, however
no matter which way the vault is done, some judge is going to penalize
her. I had always thought 1/2 on and 1/2 off the twist could be either way.
Which is correct?

Thanks so much for your help, there are other gym coaches in our area
that are just as confused that is why I decided to write to you.

A.)The 1/2 on - 1/2 off vault may be performed in either direction,
that is stomach-back or stomach-stomach as you described. All
Group 1 Vaults(handspring type vaults without saltos) may be
performed with 1/4 to 1/2turn in the first flight. However, if the
gymnast only completes a 1/4 turn on, she must complete a 3/4
turn off in a continuous direction, that is stomach-back, to finish
facing in the same direction as the corresponding 1/2 - 1/2 vault.
The end result, she will be facing forward for landing not facing
toward the vault table.

There is no 1/4 on - 1/4 off vault listed, which would be the result if
she completed 1/4 on and turned in the opposite direction (stomach -
stomach) coming off to finish facing forward. This is often the result
of an attempted 1/2 on - 1/2 off with turns performed in opposite
directions (stomach-stomach).

With all that being said, I recommend turning in a continuous direction
(stomach-back) to avoid a judgment call by the judges to determine
if she gets credit for the vault. The 1/4 to 1/2 on rule has been changing
and evolving in recent years. Obviously not everyone is on the same
page yet. I hope this helps to clarify it.

Q.)I was wondering if you could answer this question for me! If a
gymnast was a level 7 two years ago moved up to level 8 for last
year and was registered with USAG as level 8 can they be moved
back to level 7 for the up coming season? Is there any rules
against this with USAG, if the girl didn't loose any of her skills?
Has there been many changes for level 8 this coming year? Last
year my daughter was a level 8 and on beam she done a
backwalkover/backhandspring the coach is now saying she must
do 2 backhandsprings back to back, is this new for this year? I can
see where she would be staying level 8, as in her scores were only
30-33 but as level 7 they were 34-36?

A.)If your daughter did NOT qualify to the Level 8 State
Championships last season, the coach may petition the Regional
Technical Committee Chairman(RTCC) to drop her back to
Level 7 at the beginning of this season. Once she competes in
the State Championships, she is not allowed to drop back except
for valid reasons for which she could be petitioned, i.e., injury,
illness or other extenuating circumstances that would have
prevented her from continuing to train at level 8.

Last year Level 8, 9 and 10 gymnasts who competed in the
2004-2005 season were allowed to drop back one level for the
2005-2006 season without petitioning because of the new rule
changes. However, that does not apply this season. The rules
have not changed greatly since last year with the exception of
those changes I included in issue 6 of Just Gymnastics Newsletter.

The Level 8 Balance Beam requirement of an acro series with a
minimum of one flight element has not changed. However, coaches
may impose their own standards of expectations for their team
that may exceed minimum event requirements.

Q.)Would a front handspring to two feet backhandspring on beam
count as a series?

A.)Yes, provided there was no stop or foot movement between the
elements. It's pretty hard to do but not impossible.

Q.)Does a double backhandspring equal a "C" element in level seven?

A.)No. 2 back handsprings connected on beam are 2 "B's" at any level.
However, if the gymnast breaks the connection, she only gets credit for
1 "B". The second one would be considered a repetition of the same
element not performed in a different connection.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not to
be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
6) Products
The latest 2006 6th edition of "Gymnastics Rules & Score Book - Levels 1-6"
is now available. It contains all the updates from May of 2006. If you're
attending gymnastics meets without this handy tool, you need to pick this up.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q. Level 5/6 Handspring Vault -- What is the deduction if the gymnast's
feet are level with the vault table when her hands leave the table?

A. 1.00 -- The "angle of repulsion" would be considered horizontal and incurring
the maximum 1.00 deduction. The expectation is to leave the table by vertical.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
August, 2006 - Issue #6

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to. If you no longer
wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter or if you have received this
mailing in error, follow the unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "New Rules Changes - What and Why" by Judy Schalk-Brevet Judge

3) "Calling All Gymnasts - American Girl Wants Your Story"

4) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

6) Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) What is the value of this Level 10 Uneven Bar combination?
- (Facing inward) Clear hip circle to handstand on HB
- Tkatchev
- Swing forward, release with 1/2 turn over LB to a hang on LB

a.) C + D + B (no CV)
b.) C + D + B (0.10 CV)
c.) C + D + C (0.10 CV)
d.) C + D + C (0.20 CV)

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "New Rules Changes - What and Why" by Judy Schalk-Brevet Judge

===========================================================
Here are some of the more significant rules changes that
we'll be using this season, effective August 1, 2006.

1. Compulsory and Optional uneven bar fall time has been
increased from 30 seconds to 45 seconds. This should give
gymnasts enough time to chalk up and adjust their grips
without risking termination of their exercises. Beam fall time
remains 30 seconds.

2. Level 4 vault may now put an unfolded panel mat on top
of the mat stack/resi-pit to provide a more stable landing surface.
This will also provide a more stable hand placement surface.

3. Level 1-4 bars has added a 0.30 deduction for gymnasts that
rest their chin on top of the bar during the pullover mount. This is
an unacceptable technique for performing the skill.

4. Level 5 beam has added a 1/2 pivot turn following the scale
similar to the sequence in the Level 4 beam routine. This allows
the gymnast to perform the dismount in a direction moving away
from the end of the beam where landings were occurring dangerously
close to the beam bases. However, the time limit remains 1:05, so
gymnasts will really need to work on the intended rhythm of the
exercise to prevent overtime deductions.

5. Compulsory floor exercise has added a 0.30 deduction for stopping
between elements in an acro series. Previously, we only had an "up to
0.10 deduction for lack of continuity (tempo) between elements in a
directly connected series." This is a fairly serious error that had not
been adequately penalized.

6. Optional landing penalties has added an "up to 0.30 deduction for
brush/touch the landing surface with one or both hands." This is a
deduction used in Compulsories that had not been addressed in Optionals.

7. Optional skill changes:
Uneven Bars
- Change from D to C - Back uprise with 1/2 turn in handstand
- Change from E to D - Weiler kip to handstand with 1/1 turn after
handstand (Healy). Consistent with the policy that the Healy turn
does not raise the value of the core element.
- Change from D to C - Jaeger from LB to HB. Consistent with the
value of similar releases from LB to HB.
- Change from B to C - Long swing forward with 1/2 turn and flight over
LB to hang on LB when it immediately follows a D or E release element.
Considered comparable difficulty as when performed from a handstand on HB.

Balance Beam
- Change from C to D - Side aerial. (No longer allowed at Level 8 due
to the difficulty upgrade). This skill was upgraded in the FIG Code.
- Add as a B - 1/1 turn with heel of free leg forward at 45 degrees below
horizontal with free leg extended.
- Add as a B - 1/1 turn with thigh of free leg backward upward at 45
degrees below horizontal.
With the inclusion of "C" 1/1 turns with the leg at horizontal, there was
no incremental "B" level turn. Everything just dropped to "A".
- Add as a C - 1/1 turn with hand holding the leg at 45 degrees above
horizontal. No C if in the 1/1 turn the leg at "horizontal" is held with the hand.

Floor Exercise
- Change from A to B - Salto forward tucked with 1/2 twist.

Level 7 Changes
Balance Beam - Allow Level 7's to do a "C" straddle jump with 180 degree
split. Receive "B" and special requirement of leap/jump with 180 degree split.
Floor Exercise - Allow Level 7's to do a "C" 2/1 turn on one foot. Receive "B"
and special requirement of minimum 360 degree turn on one foot.
There are a limited number of A/B skills that fulfill the event requirements,
and these are safe, basic skills that would have incurred 2.00 deductions if
included or accidentally performed in Level 7 exercises.

Level 8-10 Uneven Bar dismounts may now be a salto or a "hecht." By narrowly
defining dismounts as saltos, the hecht dismounts would essentially be
eliminated from usage.

Level 8-10 Balance Beam special requirement (0.50) of a dance series with a
leap or jump with 180 degree split was changed to allow the split leap or jump to
be an isolated element. However, a compositional deduction of 0.20 was added
for "lack of a dance series with at least 2 dance elements from groups 1, 2 or 3."
This removes the severe 0.50 deduction for missing special requirement when
the connection is broken on the intended series while still retaining the desired
180 degree split element. The concept of dance series is also retained by
including a lesser deduction (0.20) in composition.

Gainer dismounts off the end of the beam may now incur an "Up to 0.30
deduction for directional error." Gainers off the end have a higher value than
gainers off the side. The difficulty value was being compromised by gainers
that went off the end but landed to the side.

Awarding difficulty value when a fall occurs on Balance Beam has been
redefined to include credit for landings that "make contact with the foot/feet
on top of the beam." Elements that just hit and glance off the side of the beam
will not receive credit.

Balance Beam and Floor Exercise has redefined the "overuse of same shape
dance elements" deduction to state: - More than 2 elements with a wolf and/or
tuck position with or without turn (0.10) - More than 2 straddle jumps with or
without turn (0.10). These are the shapes that were being overused, and the
broader definition was confusing and also limited choices in other areas.

Level 8-10 Floor Exercise special requirement of "1 acrobatic series with 2
saltos" has been expanded to include "OR 2 directly connected saltos."
This opens up the possibility of using bounding saltos that gymnasts might
not be able to perform if required to connect to another hand support/or
aerial flight element to meet the "3 flight elements, 1 being a salto"
definition of acro series.
===========================================================

3) "Calling All Gymnasts - American Girl Wants Your Story"

============================================================
Hi! I am an editor at American Girl and I am working on a project that I'd
love your help with. We are looking for stories from girls ages 8-12 about
their participation in gymnastics.

Are you a girl who is into gymnastics? If so, we want to hear your stories!
Between now and August 17, 2006, we're rounding up gymnasts like you
to tell us about things such as:
- A challenge you've faced or a time when you had to work really hard to
accomplish a goal or overcome fear.
- How your coach keeps you motivated.
- How you get along with your teammates.
- An interesting meet experience (either really good or really bad).
- If you are involved in a unique gymnastics sport such as rhythmic,
trampoline, tumbling, or exhibition.
- How you balance gymnastics with school and friendships.
- Anything else about your experience in gymnastics that you think
would be interesting for other girls who do gymnastics.

This link has all the details:
http://www.americangirl.com/books/gymnasts/index.html

Stories we flip for will be posted along with pictures on
www.americangirl.com this fall.

Thank you,
Sara R. Hunt
Book Editor
American Girl

============================================================

4) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) Level 4 question about beam: On the entry to the handstand -
the text says to "lift the left leg backward-upward
maintaining a straight line from the hands, torso, and left leg
while reaching to the beam" (pg. 67). One of our coaches
wants to teach the entry from an arabesque - thus not maintaining
the straight body line - would this be a deduction? Is it a deduction
to exit a skill like that (the handstand in the level 4/5 and the
back walkover in level 6)?

A.) Levering into and out of handstands - The Compulsories
specifically describe the required technique of straight line from
hands, torso and leg. Primarily, there must not be an angle or
"pike" in the hip or shoulder. The arabesque, though possibly a
more advanced technique, is not what these Compulsories ask
for either. The objective is basic, good lines and technique not
enhancements to the text. So, I advise you to stick to the text
and not risk a small text deduction.

Q.) In the level 4 floor routine - am I correct in saying that it is
a .6 deduction for performing a backward roll to handstand, fall to
push-up position? If I am correct - is it printed somewhere in the
text that it is that deduction?

A.) Level 4 FX Backward Roll - If the gymnast does a backward roll to
handstand, it is a 0.60 deduction (Changing a major element - Up to the
value of the element - p.161). This was specifically clarified in a
Nov. 4, 2005 release from USAG.

Q.) If an aerial cartwheel has been upgraded to a D....is an aerial
switch on beam an E?

A.) The switch leg aerial cartwheel would have to be submitted to
the RTC to be evaluated.

Q.) If switch, switch on beam (same leg) is c-c = .1....then a
switch...free leg then steps and does a switch (other leg)....same
skill...different leg...can this get .2 bonus?

A.) Regardless which leg the switch leg leap is done on, it's still the same
skill. No +0.20 bonus.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not to
be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
6) Products

Gymnastics Rules & Score Books FREE Shipping and FREE Book sale is going
on now through September 11. Compulsory (Pink) and Optional (Blue)
books have been updated with an insert sheet containing the new rules
changes. I have a limited supply of these books. When they're gone there'll be a
PRICE INCREASE with the next printing. Get your books now before everyone
else finds out in my August mail promotion.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q. What is the value of this Level 10 Uneven Bar combination?
- (Facing inward) Clear hip circle to handstand on HB
- Tkatchev
- Swing forward, release with 1/2 turn over LB to a hang on LB

a.) C + D + B (no CV)
b.) C + D + B (0.10 CV)
c.) C + D + C (0.10 CV)
d.) C + D + C (0.20 CV)

A. d.) C + D + C (0.20CV)
The clear hip circle C + D combo does not need turn or flight to
receive 0.10 CV. The swing forward, release with 1/2 turn over
LB to hang has been upgraded to C when it follows a D/E release.
============================================================
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Just Gymnastics Newsletter
April, 2006 - Issue #5

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to. If you no longer
wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter or if you have received this
mailing in error, follow the unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Judging Bias" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Memmel/Liukin AA Tie (61.050) at 2006 Pacific Alliance Championships

4) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

6) Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) What is the deduction for a gymnast vaulting before receiving the
signal from the Chief Judge?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "Judging Bias" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

============================================================
Allegations of bias in judging are inherent in the sport of gymnastics. No
gymnast, coach or parent is ever satisfied with all the scores. The natural
inclination is to accuse judges of bias or incompetence. What other
explanation could there be when one has their own crystalline concept of
what scores should be? However, gymnasts, coaches, and above all,
parents have an emotional bond that dictates their perspective. If their
background doesn't include an in-depth knowledge of gymnastics rules,
they're at an additional disadvantage.

Coming from ones own emotion-packed point of view, it's impossible to imagine
anyone not having an emotional perspective on the outcome of the competition.
I once attended a lecture where an intensely animated coach had the floor and
took the opportunity to berate judges for not having empathy for the
hardworking, dedicated gymnasts. He demanded that judges spend as much
time in the gym observing as the gymnasts do in training to gain empathy and
to earn the right to stand in judgment of these athletes. Though this righteous
demand may seem reasonable, it was really just an emotional plea to put
judges into the same emotional perspective as gymnasts and coaches.
Though possibly a satisfying concept for this coach, he was seeking empathetic
scores not unbiased, accurate scores. If Brittany still can't cast to handstand
with straight arms she's going to get the deduction regardless of how intensely
she trained it in practice.

Granted, in-gym observation is one of the educational experiences judges need
along with clinics, seminars, video practice, and book learning. However, it
does not require that judges feel their pain and sacrifice to judge gymnasts
impartially, nor does it take as many hours to learn to evaluate a skill as it
does to learn to do the skill. Emotional involvement can only cloud and
confuse judgment. Don't misunderstand, this is not to say that having had
personal competitive and/or coaching experience isn't also invaluable
experience for a gymnastics judge.

So what is the perspective of an impartial judge? Judges, like gymnasts, have
practiced and trained to do their jobs; in the meet they too are performing and
trying to get it right. It's the judge's job to know the rules, apply them
correctly and properly place the gymnasts. When dealing with hundreds of
judgments in a day, this can be mind-boggling. It's like taking an all-day test.
Each gymnast is just another test question. Deliberately trying to distort
scores for individuals or teams would be disastrous for ones continuity in this
test. The judge's motivation comes from HER personal goal to do well, not
from how well the gymnasts do. This may seem impersonal, but that's what
it should be.

Emotional disassociation from the gymnasts, coaches, teams, etc. is necessary to
maintain clarity in the judging process. Introducing emotional factors into the
equation like a coach telling a judge she's "just an ignorant housewife" is
disastrous. Judges take their job very seriously and comments like that don't
just bounce off. The judge then second guesses herself--Did I let it influence
my judgment? Was I too critical? Did I overcompensate and score it too high?
With these kinds of thoughts flying through her mind there's no chance of the
judge gaining perspective on the proper placement of the exercise. Though not
deliberate bias, scores can be affected by psychological interference. Even
strong positive emotion can distort scores. Getting caught up in the escalating
excitement of a highly charged event can lead to score inflation. When outside
factors and fatigue creep in, the judge must constantly re-examine her
perspective to guard against deviation from her standard.

In this imperfect world, some outright bias surely does exist, though I believe
that by far the vast majority of gymnastics judges operate with the utmost
integrity and just want to "get it right." No one claims that all the scores are
always right. Judges can only do their best to try to make them so.

===========================================================

3) Memmel/Liukin AA Tie (61.050) at 2006 Pacific Alliance Championships
(Apr. 13-15, Honolulu, HI)

============================================================
Both USA's Senior and Junior Women's teams placed 1st in the 2006 Pacific
Alliance Championships, April 13-15 in Honolulu. Our Senior Team members were:
Chellsie Memmel (M&M Gymnastics), Nastia Liukin (WOGA), Jana Bieger (Boca
Twisters Gymnastics Academy) and Shayla Worley (Orlando Metro). The Junior
Team members were: Shawn Johnson (Chow's Gymnastics), Bianca Flohr
(Cincinatti Gymnastics Academy), Shantessa Pama (Gym-Max Gymnastics) and
Rebecca Bross (WOGA).

Now that we've seen some competition using the new FIG rules we're starting to
get a feel for what kind of scores to expect. It's amazing that this open-ended
system is already producing ties (Memmel/Liukin AA 61.050 1st-Tie). It appears
that a "good" individual event score is in the 15.000's and a "good" all around
score is then in the 60.000's. Being early in the season I expect those
standards will climb some as new skills are added and execution polished.

For complete results and commentary on this hugely successful USA competition,
go to:
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/events/2006/pac-all/news.html

============================================================

4) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) Is there anything that can be done about unfair judging? There is one
judge, I won't mention her name, who is painfully obvious about her favorites.
I have actually witnessed this first hand. I observed this judge watch a
girls routine on beam who fell 3 times and she wanted to give her a 9?! So
was the girls routine worth higher than a 10? Before the girl started her
routine, I overheard this judge say, "I love this girls name." In that same
meet I observed her score another girl unreasonably low (in my opinion). I
overheard her saying "She should change her hairdo." I thought the girls
were supposed to be judged on elements, not their name or hairstyle. Over
the years I have made an observation that this judge ALWAYS scores my
daughter anywhere from 5 tenths up to 1 whole point LOWER than ANY
other judge. My daughter participates in at least 10-15 meets per year and
it is very discouraging whenever she has this particular judge on an event.
Can anything be done about this judge? I am curious if my daughter reminds
her of someone a family member of hers once competed against, or if she
just hates my daughters hairdo or name? I just feel bad for my daughter as
well as the other girls judged unreasonably by her.

A.) You describe one of the most undesirable and regrettable judging situations
- the possibility of bias. But I must preface this with no parent is completely
objective when facing a perceived injustice to their own child. You must admit
at least the possibility that your perception is inaccurate. I've been shocked
by some of the comments and bizarre interpretations overheard from parents in
the audience. This is one reason I published my Gymnastics Rules and Score
Books. In the absence of concrete knowledge of gymnastics rules,
imaginations take over to fill in the gaps in some most creative ways.

In the case of the 9.00 with 3 falls, it's possible that this judge forgot to
calculate the falls into the score as occasionally happens. I assume
there was no doubt that these were actual falls? If, however, she deliberately
tried to score an exercise 9.00 with 3 falls, I have no excuse for the judge
and she shouldn't be judging. Not everyone has the disposition to be a judge.
If you're saying the judge just made a comment that "she wanted to give her a
9.00," that just sounds like a compliment regarding the quality of the
gymnast's work aside from the falls.

I caution judges to be guarded in comments they make that may be overheard by
parents, gymnasts or coaches. Expressing a personal opinion about a gymnast's
name, hairdo or leotard is immediately construed as part of the criteria upon
which the gymnast is evaluated. Obviously judges have personal opinions about
these irrelevant issues but that doesn't, or shouldn't, have any influence on
the score - but the perception is that it does.

In your daughter's situation, it's possible that there's a quality missing in
her performance that this judge keys in on where other judges aren't as
critical, be it tumbling or dance technique, footwork, dynamics, or something
else. This could account for lower scores without being biased but still,
possibly, overly critical.

I suggest you visit with your daughter's coach to see if he/she agrees that the
scores have been unreasonable. If there's evidence of bias, the coach should
contact the USAG State Chairperson and request that he/she follow-up with the
State Judging Director. If other issues have been brought forth regarding
problems of bias with this judge, the State Judging Director can confront that
judge possibly without actually naming your daughter. The judge may very well
be unaware of her tendency and then try to adjust accordingly. However, if
your daughter's appears to be an isolated case her name can't be kept out
of it if any useful action is expected to be taken.

Before making any accusations you need concrete documentation of the judge's
scores indicating the trend. This might take some research since you'd need
individual judges' scores, not just the average score that was flashed. Meet
directors should have the individual judges' scores though printed results
seldom include this breakdown. Your coach should be able to help you get
these scores. Some of the gymnastics scoring software can generate
statistical reports on each judge. Statistics gathered across a season of
meets, should enable you to determine if your perceptions are borne out. I
caution you to gather scientifically sound comparison data. Statistics can
be manipulated to anyone's advantage if selectively chosen. An accusation
of judging bias is grave and should not be entered into frivolously.

Q.) My daughter is a Level 10 gymnast, and I was wondering what is the
difference between competing as a Level 10 and Elite?

A.) The Elite program is not a natural progression from Junior Olympic (JO)
Level 10. Instead, the Elite program is designed for international competition.
International gymnastics requirements are tremendously more difficult than JO
requirements. Training is much more intense requiring much greater time and
financial commitment. Most gym clubs don't have the resources to run an Elite
program so many Elites train away from home.

Separate from the JO program, USAG conducts a pre-Elite development program
termed Talent Opportunity Program, "TOPS," with a new division called "Hopes"
for young "Hopeful" developing Elites. It provides early screening and
identification of talented athletes. This is the more likely track athletes
follow to prepare for the Elite program. You can find out more about this
program at: http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/

Q.) I'm just wondering what the mininim fx music time is for a level 7, 8. 9 and
10 gymnast? then what about beam?

A.) There no longer is a minimum FX or BB time except that they can't be less
than 30 seconds which might occur in an injury situation. Less than 30 seconds
is a 2.00 deduction.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not to
be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
6) Products

Get wholesale prices for orders of 10 or more Compulsory (Pink) or Optional
(Blue) "Gymnastics Rules & Score Books." It's a great fundraiser idea and a
"must-have" in your club pro-shop.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q. What is the deduction for a gymnast vaulting before receiving the
signal from the Chief Judge?

A. The vault performed without signal is not evaluated. It does NOT count as one
of the 3 approaches permitted to complete one or both vaults. 0.50 is deducted
from the average of the next vault performed.

============================================================
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without delay.

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Just Gymnastics Newsletter
March, 2006 - Issue #4

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to. If you no longer
wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter or if you have received this
mailing in error, follow the unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Coaching During Competition" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

3) Chellsie Memmel is one of 10 finalists for 2005 Sullivan Award

4) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

6) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) What is the penalty if a gymnast does not begin her exercise within
30 seconds after the Chief Judges signals her to begin?

- a.) 0.20 deduction
- b.) Exercise is terminated and scored 0
- c.) No deduction

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "Coaching During Competition" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

============================================================
What's the coach's role during competition? Ideally, to do very little, if
he/she has done their job well. Coaching should be done at home in the gym.
Just prior to competing the gymnast should be concentrating and mentally
rehearsing her performance. How can she possibly be concentrating on
nose-to-nose advice from a coach who is in her face while in the background
the judge's hand is signaling her to start? In competition the gymnast has the
floor. The performance should be hers alone with a word of encouragement
and only incidental assistance from the coach to move equipment and spot if
necessary - and spotting should be merely precautionary. If a spot is truly
needed, the gymnast should not be doing the skill in competition.

Coaches have important responsibilities that go well beyond teaching tricks
in the gym. In preparing a gymnast to compete, the coach needs to know the
rules of the sport and to coach the gymnast to know these rules insofar as
they apply to her routines and performance. Backup routines and alternative
options need to be discussed and practiced so the gymnast won't be at a loss
when things don't go as planned in competition. Mock meets simulating actual
warm-up and competition formats should be practiced.

Athletes need the tools to be self-reliant and confident in their own
performance. Relaxation, mental rehearsal, introspection and pinpoint focus on
the feel and rhythm of the gymnast's movement require concentrated practice.
If instead the coach encourages athlete dependence and insists on making all
the decisions for the gymnast, she won't acquire these skills. That coach does
the athlete a great disservice. Some coaches instruct their gymnasts to listen
and watch for instructions or signals from them during actual competition. This
coaching behavior forces the gymnast to be distracted and not to focus on her
own performance. Whether it be coaching ignorance or ego that prompts
coaches to cue their gymnasts during competition, this practice is a violation.
Under most circumstances the coach gets one warning for cueing gymnasts,
but if the coach needs to blatantly remind a gymnast what to do, the 0.20
deduction is taken from that event score without a warning. Some coaches pride
themselves in not getting caught giving covert signals to their gymnasts. But
how does this conspiracy help the gymnast to become self-reliant, or ethical for
that matter?

Coaches should try to be efficient and as unobtrusive as possible on the floor
of competition. It helps to plan routines with as little board and mat moving as
possible. When unavoidable, they should get in and out of the field of play
discretely. Hovering around within the perimeter of an event while clapping
and cheering like a fan, is distracting to the gymnast, judges and the fans in
the audience. It's like a stagehand stopping while moving a piece of scenery
to watch and applaud the performance, and maybe even to give some overt
direction to the actor. This is the gymnast's show and the coach shouldn't
try to steal the spotlight. Nor should he/she try to influence the outcome.

Coaches may think it's their right or even obligation to do everything possible
to achieve better scores, even by influencing judges. Tactics range from
schmoozing to intimidation to outright bribery. Thankfully I've personally
observed only a few subtle bribery attempts at the international level.
Schmoozing is more common with coaches trying to establish personal
rapport with judges at meets and then polishing with repeated friendly
overtures. Intimidation is a dangerous tactic in that it could backfire
resulting in lower scores. I know coaches who have earned reputations
for storming around the floor, ranting and raving, throwing arms up in
despair and in general creating a great show of theatrics. Once emotions
are stirred it's hard to discern if or how they influence a judge's ability to
remain objective. Any attempt to influence judges is a violation of the USAG
Code of Ethics.

===========================================================

3) Chellsie Memmel is one of 10 finalists for 2005 Sullivan Award
- (Article forwarded from USA Gymnastics)

============================================================
2005 world all-around champion Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, WI, is among
the 10 finalists for the 76th Sullivan Award. Fans can vote for their choice for
the winner at sullivanaward.usatoday.com. The Sullivan Award, sponsored
by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), is presented annually to the USA's top
amateur athlete.

Vote at these sites:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2006-sullivan-award_x.htm
http://www.aausullivan.org/donations.html

In addition to Memmel, the other nine nominees are: basketball - Seimone
Augustus and J.J. Redick; diving - Laura Wilkinson; football - Reggie Bush,
Matt Leinart and Vince Young; skiing - Bode Miller; taekwondo - Steven
Lopez; and track and field - Kerron Clement.

"We are thrilled that Chellsie is one of the finalists for the Sullivan Award,"
said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "Chellsie had a phenomenal
year in 2005, culminating with her becoming the first U.S. woman in 11 years
to win the world all-around title. This recognition is certainly well deserved."

At the 2005 World Gymnastics Championships in Melbourne, Australia, Memmel
became the first U.S. woman since 1994 to win the women's world all-around
title, the sport's most prestigious title behind the Olympic crown. She also
earned twoworld silver medals, the balance beam and uneven bars. In
September 2005, Memmel won three gold medals (all-around, uneven bars
and balance beam) at the Pan Am Championships, as well as anchored the U.S.
Team that won the team gold medal. She also won the uneven bars title at the
American Cup, a World Cup event. At the 2005 Visa Championships, she
finished second in the all-around, uneven bars and balance beam. Memmel is
an "A" student and member of the Honor Roll at West Allis Central High School.
Memmel was a Sullivan Award finalist in 2003 for her contributions to the U.S.
Women's Team that won the USA's first world team title at the 2003 World
Championships, where she also won the gold medal for uneven bars.

Paul Hamm (2004) and Kurt Thomas (1979) are the only gymnasts to win the
Sullivan Award.

Known as the "Oscar" of sports awards and older than The Heisman, the AAU
Sullivan Award honors the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. It
has been presented annually by the AAU since 1930 as a salute to founder and
past president of the Amateur Athletic Union and a pioneer in amateur sports,
James E. Sullivan. Based on the qualities of leadership, character, sportsmanship,
and the ideals of amateurism, the AAU Sullivan Award goes far beyond athletic
accomplishments and honors those who have shown strong moral character.

Vote at these sites:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2006-sullivan-award_x.htm
http://www.aausullivan.org/donations.html

============================================================

4) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q.) Last year my daughter went to Lake Owen camp, which we loved, but this
year I'd like to pair her camp with a visit with some friends. I was wondering
if you knew of any gymnastics camps that are good in either the Chicago area
or the Southern California area.

A.) I have no personal experience with most of the out-of-state camps, but
if you follow this link and you can search the state of your choice for camps.
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/camp/

Q.) What does the toe shoot from low bar to high bar satisfy at L9 or L10?
A.) The toe shoot from LB to HB is a "C" release and a bar change.

Q.) I was wondering if on vault your two scores are averaged together or if
the judges take the best score out of the two?

A.) We take the best score of the two. We average both vaults together only
in International Elite Level competition.

Q.) I have a question for you. What is the name and value of a skill on UB,
in which the gymnast performs a back giant on the low bar and then releases
and does a flyaway with a half twist, and then catches the high bar?

A.) The element you describe is #4.307 in the JO Code of Points. It is a "C"
release and is named for Laumann whom I assume first competed it at JO
Nationals.

Q.) I am confused on the beam series. If a gymnast does flipflop, fall, then
walks up and does flipflop, flipflop does she get credit for doing a series
because she did 3 flipflops? What if she did the last one to a 2-foot landing
then does she get credit? If you throw the flip flop flipflop and your feet miss
the beam on the second flip flop what should they do? Do they get credit ?
Should they get up and do a Backwalkover, flipflop (level 8 here) Would they
get credit here because it is a third flipflop?
Also Level 9 - If my gymnast does the � Pirouette on the high bar to bail to
handstand on low stuck nice in Handstand then does a crummy kip out
because of her grip or whatever does she still get the bonus???

A.) I can't believe how many people are confused about this rule. You're
right, when she does the 3rd flip flop she gets no credit for the
element and therefore, no credit for the series. The rule of thumb is,
if your series is 2 of the same elements, you'll never get credit if you
stop or fall after the first one... unless you miss the first one so
badly that it doesn't get credit, that is, don't even get a foot on the
beam. A flip flop to a 2 foot landing is different than a step out so it
gets series credit.

If you do flip flop, flip flop (fall with no feet on) you may do back
walkover flip flop since this is only the 2nd flip flop to get credit.

Level 9 UB - As long as the bail to handstand doesn't have a 0.30
deduction, she'll get credit. Execution of the kip is after the fact and
should not be attributed to the bonus connection.

Q.) If a level 10 kid does a back handspring, back handspring, layout for .1
bonus and flight (c) series and stops after the two back
handsprings...can she do a (3rd) back handspring into a layout to get
back her c flight series requirement or does the 3rd back hand negate
the requirement?

A.) No series credit. The 3rd back handspring gets no value and, therefore,
will not count unless it's done to 2 feet or as a gainer.

Q.) I have a daughter who is a level 7 gymnast and have no idea how events
are scored. It makes it difficult to enjoy watching a sport when you
don't understand the scoring. I'm hoping that by reading your book I
will understand what the heck is going on out there.

A.) You certainly have a good point. I agree. Gymnastics rules are not known
nor understood by the general public like football or baseball or most
other sports. Even most gymnasts don't know the rules of their sport.
There are different rules for each level of competition. Of course some
rules overlap but still there's so much to learn. Hope my book answers most
of your questions. Feel free to email me your questions.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not to
be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
6) New Products

"Adkins ALL YOU NEED - JO Optional Judging/coaching Aids" puts all the
current Optional rules at your finger tips in an organized "cheat sheet" format.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q. - What is the penalty if a gymnast does not begin her exercise within
30 seconds after the Chief Judges signals her to begin?

- a.) 0.20 deduction
- b.) Exercise is terminated and scored 0
- c.) No deduction

A. - a.) 0.20 deduction
When the judge is ready and she signals the gymnast, the gymnast has 30
seconds to begin. Gymnasts and coaches are often unmindful of this rule and
take as much time as they want in preparation.

============================================================

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
February, 2006 - Issue #3

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to. If you no longer
wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter or if you have received this
mailing in error, follow the unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Chellsie Memmel, World Champion - A Made for Movies Success Story"

3) "Beyond the 10.0 - New FIG Rules" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

4) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

6) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) What is the deduction for a Level 7 gymnast casting to 30 degrees
short of vertical on Uneven Bars?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "Chellsie Memmel, World Champion - A Made for Movies Success Story"

============================================================
With drama, suspense and conflict, Chellsie Memmel's 2005 World
Championship title quest imitates a barely believable movie script. But
amazingly, her 2003 World Championships in Anaheim was an even less
believable fairy tale.

Pushing an early return from an injury, Chellsie entered the 2003 USA
Championships held for the first time in her home town of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. She got through the competition with a 10th place finish making
her eligible to be considered for either the upcoming Pan American Games
or World Championships team.

Disappointed not to make the World team, Chellsie went to the 2003 Pan
American Games in Santo Domingo where the U.S. team captured the team title
as well as 9 other medals. Chellsie claimed the all around gold dramatically
edging out her teammate Nastia Liukin by less than 0.10.

Still reeling from the Pan Am victory the impossible scenario of competing in
both Pan Am's and World's was presented to Chellsie, though the offer came
at the disappointing loss due to illness and injuries of Ashley Postell, Annia
Hatch and Courtney Kupets from the 2003 World team. Chellsie stepped up
and led the U.S. team to the World title in Anaheim and tied with teammate
Hollie Vise for gold on uneven bars.

By 2005 Chellsie was a confident veteran of these competitions and though
nursing a bad ankle she again led the U.S. team to its Pan American team title
in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and once again captured the all around gold. But this
time she knew it was just a warm-up for World Championships in Melbourne,
Australia.

The rest of the world may as well not have shown up for the 2005 World
Championships as per the one-sided American dominance. But the audience
got its money's worth as the historic drama played out between Chellsie and
Nastia Liukin vying for the all around. Chellsie emerged on top by the
narrowest of margins - 0.001.

Everyone had a happy ending in this fairy tale. Nastia edged out Chellsie for
gold on bars and beam besides taking silver on floor. Still both gymnasts
couldn't have been more gracious and supportive of each other. Adding to
the glory, teammate Alicia Sacramone won gold on floor and bronze on vault.

Someone ought to buy the movie rights to Chellsie's story, but who would
believe it?

Upon her return from World's, Chellsie underwent the arthroscopic surgery
she had put off till after the competition to have scar tissue and bone
spurs removed from her right ankle.

Meanwhile, Chellsie has made some career decisions. She has opted not to
pursue a college scholarship next year. Instead she intends to continue
working in the Elite program while attending college part-time in Milwaukee,
possibly at Marquette University. Giving up NCAA eligibility, she'll be able to
accept prize money and tour money. But this was not a financial decision.
Chellsie has worked hard to achieve the level of gymnastics she has attained
and isn't willing to give it up for a less demanding level of competition. In
fact, she wants to take a crack at competing under the new FIG rules. She
admits a certain sadness in leaving the "perfect 10.0" rules but is eager to
meet the challenge of the new open-ended scoring system.
============================================================

3) "Beyond 10.0 - New FIG Rules" by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

============================================================
10.0 isn't even a good score anymore. The new international gymnanastics rules
are drastically different from anything you've known before. In the new system
the A-Panel judges' score (exercise content) is added to the B-Panel judges'
score (execution, composition and artistry). On vault, each vault has an
assigned value (A-score) to which the B-score is added. The B-Panel submits
deductions to be taken from 10.0. In this respect, the B-score calculates into
something we have perspective with.

However, execution deductions are no longer taken in 0.05 increments. Instead,
all deductions are flat 0.10, 0.30, 0.50 or 0.80. We've lost the fine tools to
distinguish subtleties and are left with crude hatchets. The most alarming
example is if a turn on bars finishes between 10 and 30 degrees from vertical
the deduction is 0.10; if it finishes beyond 30 degress the deduction is 0.50.
Many of the world's top bar workers, like the Chinese and Tweddle of Great
Britain, would lose 1.50 for having 3 such turns in their bar routines. Under
the old rules, judges didn't have the courage to deduct 0.20 for each of these
turns from those top gymnasts. Another significant change we'll have to get
used to is taking 0.80 for a fall instead of 0.50.

The composition deductions taken by the B-Panel are very specific, more like
event requirements. Once routines are composed to the new rules composition
deductions should disappear. There's no subjectivity involved, which is a good
thing.Though somewhat subjective, artistry deductions on beam and floor are
expanded to be more specific to each of these events - also a good thing.

The A-Panel's exercise content score includes Difficulty Value (DV), Element
Group Requirements (EGR) and Connection Value (CV). DV is the top 10 skills
(including the dismount) in the exercise. Skills are listed as A through G
receiving 0.10 - 0.70 difficulty values respcetively. Since no event has 10 "G"
(0.70) skills in the list, it's not possible to achieve the theoretical 7.0 DV.

Each event has 5 EGR's each valued at 0.50 (2.50 total EGR). Each EGR
must be fulfilled by a different skill within the 10 DV skills. If, for example,
only an "A" (0.10) split leap, jump or hop were performed on beam or floor
and the top 10 skills were "B" (0.20) or higher, the EGR of a split leap, jump
or hop would not be fulfilled. The most difficult EGR is a "D" dismount on bars,
beam and floor. If a "C" is performed, 0.30 is awarded. "A" or "B" dismounts
or no dismount receives no EGR credit.

CV of 0.10 or 0.20 can be awarded each time for connecting difficult skills
according to specific criteria. This is similar to what's been done in the past
except some formulas have been changed and CV is no longer awarded for
connecting dance difficulties. This is one of the best changes in the new rules.
Direct connection and completion of dance elements was always controversial.
Values of most dance elements have also been lowered, which is another
appropriate change relative to the actual difficulty of comparably valued
tumbling elements.

The A-Panel judges confer and jointly set the A-score while the B-Panel
judges independently submit their deductions. This division of work was already
in place under the old rules due to the complexity of the scoring system even
then. However, Elite competitions within the U.S. have required all judges to
independently set their own A-Panel scores (Start Values) as well as submit
B-Panel scores. Coaches would become paranoid when they saw judges
conferring on the A-score. They were either suspicious of the competence of
B-Panel judges if they weren't required to perform all the same calculations as
the A-Panel or felt that all judges should have equal input to all aspects of
the scores. So, the intent to simplify and speed up the complex task was lost
in this country. I don't know yet if we'll adopt the split A/B-Panel scoring
system with this new Code of Points or continue with what we've done in the past.
============================================================

4) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q. I have a level 7 question that I am hoping you can clarify. I feel
that I am judging the special requirements wrong.

For example, on floor, a gymnast does a round-off, back handspring,
back tuck. To me, she should lose .5 for the special requirement for no
layout, as well as execution on the pass. The next gymnast does a
round-off, back handspring, rebound - no layout or any somersault. She
also will lose the .5 special requirement and execution for the pass
that she does. However, the back tuck done by the first gymnast was so
bad that she ends up losing more than the second gymnast that just does
the rebound. That doesn't seem right to me. Is there something else
that I am supposed to take on the gymnast that does no somersault?

A. No, there is no further deduction to make it more justifiable. Sorry.

Q. We would like to make up etiquette cards to leave at the judging tables
for our flashers and runners to follow during our next meet in March. Do you
have any information regarding this, or should we just use common sense and
not flash or run when a gymnast is performing?

A. There is no official publication outlining duties of runners and
flashers, but the organizing committee of most competitions give either
verbal or written instruction to the volunteers who have signed up for
these positions. To some extent these instructions will depend on the
physical layout of the facility, and the scoring and meet format.

Here are some guidelines:

1.) Very young children should not be assigned these positions.
Volunteers should be old enough to understand what to do, know their
numbers and have an attention span long enough to be able to perform the
task for the duration of the session. Volunteers should not trade
positions or have substitutions during the session.

2.) Volunteers should be signed up for their specific position in
advance of meet day and have a report time of at least 15 minutes before
so the "meet personnel" committee member can give them their
instructions. Parents of young volunteers must have given their
permission and should have received written notification of the schedule
and time commitment.

3.) Volunteers should be instructed to wear appropriate attire and
footwear designated by the organizing committee. Matching T-shirts or
team warm-up suits enhance the appearance of the event.

4.) Volunteers should have designated seats while on the floor and
remain in those seats quietly without creating a distraction when not
performing their duties. Judges should review procedures with the
volunteers before competition begins. If a volunteer needs to ask the
judge a question, she must wait until no one is performing and the judge
is finished with her calculations.

5.) Runners at each event need instruction on the path they must follow
to get to and from the judge's table and score table with special
consideration in small gyms for not obstructing judges' views or
gymnasts' performances. They need to move quickly.

6.) Flashers should be provided flashing devices with 3 decimal places -
4 digits total (3 digits for 1-judge panels) and instructed how to
display the score consistently across the number slots.

7.) Scores should be flashed for 15 seconds or longer and rotated slowly
enough for all to see. The score must be lowered before the next
competitor finishes her performance to avoid confusion.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not to
be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
6) New Products

"Adkins ALL YOU NEED - JO Optional Judging/coaching Aids" puts all the
current Optional rules at your finger tips in an organized "cheat sheet" format.

http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q: What is the deduction for a Level 7 gymnast casting to 30 degrees
short of vertical on Uneven Bars?

A: No deduction. Level 7 and 8 gymnasts receive "A" difficulty value for a
cast between 45 and 20 degrees short of vertical. Level 9 and 10 gymnasts
would receive up to 0.10 deduction and no difficulty value.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
November, 2005 - Issue #2

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to. If you no longer
wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter or if you have received this
mailing in error, follow the unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Judging Quiz Question

2) "Judging the new Women's Compulsory Routines...Do I Put a Number
on my Paper or a Letter?" by Tom Koll

3) "Out-of-Order - Does the Penalty Fit the Crime?"

4) Visit Our Newsletter Archives

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

6) New Products

===================Judging Quiz Question================

1) What is the procedure if a gymnast falls on the beam but clings to the
underside of the beam and is able to crawl back up without actually touching
the floor?

(Answer found near the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

2) "Judging the new Women's Compulsory Routines...Do I Put a Number
on my Paper or a Letter?" by Tom Koll, National JO Committee Chair,
approved by Cheryl Hamilton, National Technical Committee Chair

============================================================
This article is being written to help both coaches and judges understand
some of the "in general" deductions for the Compulsory routines and how to
apply those deductions...

- Incorrect position of arms, head, feet or legs (text errors) -- Deduct in general,
not each time, according to small, medium and large errors - Up to 0.40

Question: What is most important in the Compulsory routines?
Answer: The major elements.

Making sure the text is followed is also important as it defines the exactness
of the routines and defines the term "Compulsory Exercise." However, the
main emphasis must be placed on the evaluation of the major elements listed
in the routines...

This "deduct in general" deduction is applied when the prescribed positions
are not performed exactly as specified in the text. What is important to
understand is there is no specific deduction if, for instance, a gymnast places
her arm in side middle when the text states crown. In this situation, a "t/T"
(depending on how big the error is) should be written on the judge's paper
indicating the text was not followed correctly. The judge should not write a
deduction (number) if this type of error occurs. When deciding how much to
deduct, the judge, at the end of the routine, would count up all the "T's" and
decide how great in total were the errors and apply the appropriate "Up to 0.40"
deduction. If the above text error was the only text error in the entire
exercise, there should be no deduction. So the next question you might have is,
"How many "t/T's" should there be before there is a deduction?" The answer to
that question is not simple. There is not a set number because some text errors
are larger than others. A gymnast who has her arms in the wrong place during
the full turn on floor has made a larger text error than the gymnast who forgets
to turn her palm out on the fish pose. The judge must use common sense and
determine how great the errors were.

- Incorrect body alignmnet, position or posture duirng connections -- General
deduction for whole exercise - Up to 0.30

Question: When do I take a specific deduction (number) for posture/alignment
fault and when do I just have a general deduction?

Answer: All major elements can be deducted up to 0.20 each for errors in
posture/alignment. Faults in poses, connections, etc. fall under the "in
general" deduction. It is very important for coaches and judges to make sure
they know what the major elements are. Pay close attention as sometimes the
same element can either be a connection or major element depending on the
level, i.e., the V-sit on balance beam is a major element in Level 4 but is a
connection in Level 5 and 6.

Just like above in the text errors, when there is a posture error in areas other
than major elements the judge should put a "P" on the paper, not a number.
When deciding how much to deduct, the judge, at the end of the routine,
would count up all the "P's" and decide how great in total were the errors
and apply the appropriate "Up to 0.30" deduction. As in evaluating text errors,
the judge must use common sense to determine how great the total errors were.

- Movement lacking artistry of presentation - Up to 0.30
- Quality of gymnast's movement to reflect the style of the choreography -
Up to 0.15

The choreography of the 2005-2013 routines has incorporated many different
styles of choreography. The text in areas is very specific regarding the quality
of movement. For example, some movements should be performed supplely,
while others should show a dynamic/sharp quality. Areas not specified can
reflect the gymnast's own style.

- Quality of expression (i.e., projection, emotion, focus) - Up to 0.15

The gymnast needs to make the beam and floor routines a performance, not
just a routine. She needs to perform as if she were "on stage." Performing
with emotion whether that be happiness (smiling), pride (lifting the head and
chin), confidence (finishing each movement to the ultimate) are a must to
develop a good sense of artistry.

Just as with text and posture errors, when there is an artistry error during
the exercise, the judge should put an "A" (or "Q" for Quality and "E" for
Expression) on the paper, not a number. When deciding how much to deduct,
the judge, at the end of the routine, would count up all the "A/Q/E's" and
decide how great in total were the errors and apply the appropriate "Up to
0.15" deduction for each of the two categories.

In closing, it is strongly encouraged for everyone to work together at clinics,
workshops, and especially at practices at a gym. Working together to recognize
all the above "in general" deductions along with all other aspects of the
routines is what is needed. Only through this collaboration and "meeting of
the minds" will our gymnasts benefit.

Note: The above article presents the format suggested by the author to
notate "in general" deductions but is not necessarily the only method to
achieve the same end.
============================================================

3) "Out-of-Order - Does the Penalty Fit the Crime?"
An editorial by Judy Schalk - Brevet Judge

============================================================
If a gymnast forgets her routine and performs some of the elements
"out-of-order" the deduction is DOUBLE the value of all elements performed
out-of-order. In addition, appropriate execution deductions are also applied to
those elements regardless of when they are performed in the exercise.

If, on the other hand, a gymnast skips certain elements in her exercise
because she can't do them, she also receives a deduction of DOUBLE the
value of those elements. But obviously because she never performed the
skills, no execution deductions are applied.

The strategy then for the gymnast who forgets her routine is to just move on
and never attempt those elements that were skipped. However, in their
confusion, gymnasts can't necessarily recreate the proper sequence of
elements. They're lucky to put sequences together here and there and finish
with the correct dismount.

This also presents the judges with a significant challenge. Identifying missing
elements is one thing, but determining which ones qualify as being within the
correct sequence in an already out-of-sequence exercise is an enigma.

The penalty for forgetting the exercise and performing skills out-of-order, is
huge! Some elements are worth as much as 0.80 (Double value - 1.60). It
seems incongruous with what might represent a similar shortcoming --
getting lost in the floor exercise pattern: Committing an error in the line of
direction or placement of single elements, (Up to 0.10); an acrobatic, dance
or dance/acro series, (Up to 0.20); or whole sections of the floor pattern,
(Up to 0.30).

Personally I'd rather see the gymnast give her best effort to perfrom all of the
required skills regardless if out-of-order -- even if the coach needs to remind
her (a 0.20 deduction for cueing the gymnast). The good news is that we may
have a break through. A list of Compulsory Exercise Questions and Answers
has just been published by USAG to address issues we've been encountering
with the new routines. The deduction for reversing the order of elements in a
direct connection on beam or floor is now 0.30. The example being that if a
Level 6 performed a Split Jump, Tuck Jump (2x0.40) instead of the correct
sequence - Tuck Jump, Split Jump, the deduction would now be 0.30 instead
of 0.80. This does not address other isolated skills or entire sequences being
performed out-of-order, but at least it's a step toward making the punishment
fit the crime.

============================================================

4) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter are archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

============================================================

5) Your Gymnastics Questions

Q. What is the deduction when a Level 4 gymnast releases the bar and grabs
the back of her legs and then regrasps the bar to complete a front hip circle
on bars? It's got to be less than a fall and missed element, but we weren't sure
of the deduction.

A. The deduction is "up to the value of the element" (0.60) for changing a
major element.Plus up to 0.30 if she bends her legs. If she is able to perform
the small cast immediately after the hip circle without stopping, I would only
take 0.30 for "part of the value of the element." Not immediately performing
the small cast is 0.30.

Q. My daughter is a Level 6 gymnast in Wisconsin and competes for the
YMCA. She begins her bar routine without a springboard. Her approach is
one step and jump from two feet to begin her kip. My questions are: 1. Is
there a deduction for using the springboard at this level or is it the gymnast's
preference? and 2. Can she approach the bars with one step anda two foot
jump without a deduction or does she have to begin stationary?

A. The gymnasts must stand with feet together and jump from both feet on
the Compulsory UB mounts. A board (or a raised surface like a panel mat)
may be used but must be removed as soon as possible after the mount is
performed. There would be a 0.10 deduction for the extra step.

Q. My name is Jamie and I am competing Level 8 this year. I had a few
questions about the back walkover back handspring on beam. If when you
are competiing and you do not connect your back walkover to your back
handspring what is the deduction? Also what is the deduction for having a
coach stand by the beam for the back walkover back handspring?

A. The deduction for breaking the connection on the required acrobatic
connection on beam is 0.50. There's no deduction for the coach stepping in
near the beam during the series but it's a 0.10 deduction if the coach
remains there for the entire routine.

Judge Judy
Brevet Judge

"Just Gymnastics Newsletter" is intended to answer and/or discuss your
burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you'd
like us to address in upcoming issues.
The responses to your questions are the opinions of the author and not to
be regarded as "official" unless published by USAG.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at http://www.JustGymnastics.com/

============================================================
6) New Products

Cheryl Jarrett DVD Series. Learn the intimate details of Compulsory BB and FX
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/96458

============================================================

Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q: What is the procedure if a gymnast falls on the beam but clings to the
underside of the beam and is able to crawl back up without actually touching
the floor?

A: Deduct 0.50 for a fall but do not stop the competition clock nor start the
fall clock. Allow the gymnast to re-establish her position on the beam before
resuming evaluation. If the gymnast exceeds the exercise time limit as a
result of this maneuver, deduct 0.10 from the average score but evaluate the
entire exercise.

Just Gymnastics Newsletter
October 1, 2005 � Issue #1

============================================================

Hi Just Gymnastics Subscriber,

Welcome to the first issue of Just Gymnastics Newsletter � Finally! Thanks for your extreme patience in this long overdue launch date.

This is a FREE opt-in newsletter that you subscribed to. If you no longer wish to receive Just Gymnastics Newsletter or if you have received this mailing in error, follow the unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of the page.

============================================================

This issue includes...

1) Welcome to the First Issue of Just Gymnastics Newsletter

2) Judging Quiz Question

3) �You Can�t Keep a Good Gymnast Down � Chellsie Memmel Back in the All Around�

4) �Dire Consequences of Exceeding the Fall Time on Bars and Beam�

5) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

6) "Send Us Your Gymnastics Questions"

===================Judging Quiz Question================

In Level 6 FX, what is the deduction for coach spotting on the backward salto tucked?

(Answer found at the bottom of the page)

================== FEATURE ARTICLE ====================

3) �You Can�t Keep a Good Gymnast Down � Chellsie Memmel Back in the All Around�
============================================================

Chellsie is back and she�s lovin� it. Chellsie Memmel, an alternate on the 2004 Olympic Team struggled with injuries all last season and other seasons before. She�s always been good in an underdog position with a come-back attitude, but now she has arrived. At 17, a senior in high school, Chellsie says she�s ready for anything. After being on the National team for so long she feels elation not fear when she steps before the whole world in the arena of competition. �It�s so good to be competing all around again.� Chellsie took second at USA Championships in August. A fall on beam in day 2 of the competition narrowly cost her first place.

I�ve known Chellsie since she was a Level 4 and saw her excel at every stage of the game. I also saw the long difficult recoveries from hamstring, ankle, shoulder and foot injuries over the years. Hours of therapy, conditioning and one-event workouts have got to be frustrating when a season of competition is passing you by. But there�s a silver lining; a setback can make you stronger. The intense focus on an individual event, conditioning, flexibility or therapy can give you strengths you never would have developed�and if it doesn�t break you, mental toughness, courage and determination.

Gymnasts at a very young age have and do achieve bigger-than-life size goals�and face bigger-than-life size challenges and disappointments. Chellsie acknowledges that she�s really grown up a lot in the past year. When she was in Athens as alternate to the 2004 Olympic Team she was there as a hopeful 2-event specialist on bars and beam. She was still coming back from a broken foot. Her Olympic dream was within her grasp when she was told to get ready; she was going to compete. The dream was instantly dashed away when she was then notified that, no, she wasn�t going to be put in the lineup after all. But her spirits soared again when that decision was overturned and once again she was told to prepare to compete. Then one final decision was delivered wiping out that opportunity. How do you come back from a roller coaster ride like that? Well, Chellsie did it and now has her sites set on World Championships in Melbourne, Australia this November.

Most of us may never have had such lofty goals or at least have never been that close to grasping them. The lifetime lessons and character building that Chellsie and all of our young gymnasts experience through this sport have got to put them way ahead of the game when they come to face the normal day-to-day challenges that life is going to throw their way�like Chellsie says, she�s ready for anything!

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4) Dire Consequences of Exceeding the Fall Time on Bars and Beam

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It�s surprising how many coaches and gymnasts are unaware of the fall time regulations on bars and beam. I ran into this situation several times last season ranging from Compulsory Competition to Division III College Nationals. The consequences are so dire that everyone involved needs to know exactly what to expect.

Slight changes have been made in the rules this season, hopefully, to make it easier to avoid an overtime penalty and to make the procedures on bars and beam consistent.

- When a gymnast falls to the floor from bars or beam, the 30-second fall time begins.
- The timer gives verbal warnings of 20 seconds and 10 seconds remaining.
- When the gymnast remounts (leaves the floor), the 30-second fall time stops.
- If the 30-second fall time is exceeded, time is called and the exercise is terminated.

Additional Consequences:
In Compulsory Competition, if half or less than half of the elements were performed:
- The gymnast does not start from a 10.0. She only receives credit for the value of those elements performed.
- All execution deductions including falls are taken from the starting value of the exercise.
For example, if a Level 5 fell off beam after her cross handstand and didn�t get back on in 30 seconds, her score would be 2.00 (the value of the first 5 skills in the exercise) minus execution and fall deductions. Her final score would be less than 1.50.

If more than half of the elements were performed:
- All elements that were not performed are considered �omitted� and receive a deduction of DOUBLE their value.
- All execution deductions including falls are taken.
For example, if she had fallen off beam after her � turn in forward coupe� without resuming, she would lose 2 x 2.4, i.e., 4.8 plus execution and fall deductions. Her final score would be less than 4.70.

In Optional Competition, any missing Value Parts and Special Requirements plus 0.30 for No Dismount are taken from the Start Value in addition to the fall, execution and composition deductions. If it was a �short routine,� less than 5 Value Parts on bars or less than 30 seconds on beam, an additional 2.00 is deducted from the score by the Chief Judge.

I�ve seen coaches outraged and gymnasts devastated when faced with these penalties. Coaches have told me it was a �bad call,� and �cold, abusive and without regard for the gymnast�s well-being.� When asked, one coach told me that this deduction was never enforced in other states where he had coached.

Unfortunately, this is a rule of the sport and judges would be remiss in not applying it as indicated. Coaches must be aware of the fall time procedure and need to educate their gymnasts in how to handle a fall situation. In the case of an injury, the coach must be prepared to stop the gymnast from continuing the exercise�but be aware of the associated penalties. Parents need to be informed too. This penalty is too dire to allow anyone to be taken by surprise.

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5) "Visit Our Newsletter Archives"

While in the early launch stages of �Just Gymnastics Newsletter,� we have some glitches to work out in the mailing list. Do to the configuration of the newsletter mailing software, a lot of subscribers may unintentionally block the mailings - especially Hotmail users. Hopefully they�ll stumble upon the archives to view the newsletter content until these issues are resolved.

Past issues of Just Gymnastics Newsletter will be archived at:
http://www.justgymnastics.com/site/263730/page/136724

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6) "Send Us Your Gymnastics Questions"

�Just Gymnastics Newsletter� is intended to answer and/or discuss your burning gymnastics questions. Please send us questions and issues you�d like us to address in upcoming issues.

Send your questions to: Inquiries@JustGymnastics.com

Or submit from the Comment box at www.JustGymnastics.com

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Answer to Judging Quiz Question:

Q: In Level 6 FX, what is the deduction for coach spotting on the backward slato tucked?

A: 1.30 0.50 for spotting plus 0.80 for the value of the tuck salto. There is no deduction for coach being in the FX area in Compulsory Competition.

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