EVENTS I 2010

FEBRUARY 4-6 Winter Cup (M)

11 -14 Rhythmic Challenge (R)

12-14 Natl. Elite Qualifier (W) All Olympia

19-21 Natl. Elite Qualifier (W) Buckeye

MARCH 5 Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup (W)

5-9 JO and National Team Training Camp (AG)

6 Tyson American Cup (M/W)

25-27 T&T Pan American Championships (TTl

26-27 USA Gym. Collegiate Champs (M)

APRil 10 Women's NCAA Regionals

15-17 Men's NCAA Championships

15-17 USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships (W)

las Vegas, NV

Colorado Springs, CO

Los Angeles, CA

Columbus, OH

Worcester, MA

Huntsville, TX

Worcester, MA

Daytona Beach, FL

Colorado Springs, CO

23-25 CoverGiri Classic (W)

25-28 Acro JO National Championships

TBD Men 's National Qualifier

AUGUST 10-14 Visa Championships (M,W,R,n and AG)

11 Annual Business Conference

12-14 National Congress and Trade Show

14-26 Youth Olympic Games (M,W,R,TR)

SEPTEMBER 1-5 Seniar Pan Am Championships (M/W)

18 National Gymnastics Day

19-26 Rhythmic Warld Championships

TBD Senior Pan Am Championships (R)

oaOBER 17-24 World Artistic Championships (M/W)

NOVEMBER

Chicago, IL

Kissimmee, FL

Colorado Springs, CO

Hartford, CT

Hartford, CT

Hartford, CT

Singapore

Guadalajara, Mexico

Everywhere

Moscow, Russia

Guadalajara, Mexico

Rotterdam, NED

22-24 Women's NCAA Championships

various sites

West Paint, NY

Denton, TX

Gainesville, FL

Swidnica, Poland

Melboume, AUS

4-7

11-13

17-19

Future Stars Championships/ Coaches Workshop (M) Colorado Springs, CO 28-May 2 XIV IntI. H. Chmielewski Tournament (AG)

'lI-Nr1{2 Pacific Rim Champs. (M/W/R/TT/ AG)

lH'I'at 2 Level 9 East/West (W)

4-9

6-9

7-9

9

22-24

3-6

23-25

24-27

23-27

27-Ju~2

9-11

16-18

17

MAY Men's JO National Championships

Women's JO National Championships

Volkov Cup (AG)

National Invitational Tournament

World Championship Training Camp (AG)

JUNE Acrobatic Gymnastics World Team Trials

National Elite Qualifer (AG)

U_S. Elite Challenge (TT)

Chicago Cup/ Rhythmic JO Nationals

Trampoline and Tumbling JO Nationals

JULY Acro Gymnastics World Age Group Competition

Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships

Rhythmic National Qualifier

23-25 National Elite Qualifer (AG)

W = Women R = Rhythmic AG = Acrobatic Gymnastics B = Business

ChaOOston, WY/ Des /hines, IA

Knoxville, TN

Dallas, TX

SI. Petersburg, Russia

Dallas, TX

Huntsville, TX

Huntsville, TX

Kissimmee, FL

Virginia Beach, VA

Chicago, IL

Virginia Beach, VA

Wrodaw, Poland

Wrodaw, Poland

TBD

Kissimmee, Fl

4

5

10-16

10-13

13-26

8-16

14-30

Trampoline World Championships (TT)

International Age Group Championships (TT)

2011

FEBRUARY Nastia Liukin Cup (W)

Tyson American Cup (M/W)

JULY World Gymnaestrada (GG)

AUGUST Visa Championships

SEPTEMBER Rhythmic World Championships

OCTOBER World Artistic Championships (M/W)

Pan American Games (M/W/R/TR)

TR = Trampoline M = Men GG = Group Gymnastics n = Trampoline;iumbling

NOTE: Dates and events subject to change or cancellation.

2 TECHNIQUE. fEBRUAR Y 2010

Metz, France

Metz, France

TBD

TBD

Lausanne, SUI

TBD

Lille, France

Tokyo, Japan

Guadalajara, Mexico

TU = Tumbling

PUBLISHER

Steve Penny

EDITOR

Luan Peszek

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Grant Glas

USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Choir: Peler Vidmar Vice-Choir: Paul Parillo Secretory: Gory Anderson Treasurer: Morris Jim Notionol Membership -Women: Tom Koll Notional Membership -Women: Steve Rybacki Notional Membership -Men: Yoichi Tomito Notional Membership -Men: Russ Fyslrom Notional Membership - Rhythmic: Brooke Bushnell-Toohey National Membership -Trampoline & Tumbling: George Drew Nationol Membership -Acrobatic Gymnastics: Of- Joy Binder Advisory Council: Mike Burns Advisory Council: Ron Ferris Advisory Council: Mike Lorenzen Athlete Director -Women: Kim Zmeskol Athlete Diredor -Men: John Roethlisberger Athlete Director - Rhythmic: Jessica Howard Athlete Director -Trompoline & Tumbling: Karl Heger Athlete Director -Acrobatic Gymanslics: Michael Rodrigues Public Sector: Fronk Marsholl Public Sector: Bitsy Kelley Public Sector: Jim Morris Public Sector: Mory Lau ReHan

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TECHNIQUE is published monthly except bimonthly in Sept/ Oct and Nov/Dec by USA GymnastiCS, 132 E. Washington SI., Suite 700, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (phone: 317-237· 5050) or visit online @ www.usa-gymnastKs.arg Subscription prices: U.S.-525 per year; Canada/Mexico-548 per year; all other foreign countries-560 per year. If available, back issue single copies 54 plus postage/handling. All reasonable core will be taken, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited material; enclose return postage. Copyright 2010 by USA Gymnastics and TECHNIQUE. All rights reserved. Printed by Sport Graphics, Indianapolis, IN. Member Services l-BOO-345-4719

U./ess ,xp,essly itl •• ,ili.tI 10 Ih. co.',o'y, .11 .,'icles, s'.'I11".'s .ntI.iews pri.,ed h.rei • • re oll,ibuled so/.ly 10 Ih • • ulhor o.J USA Gym,oslics express.s .0 .pi.i ••• ntI.ssum.s no resp •• sibilily Iber.o/.

FEBRUARY 2010· VOLUME 30· #2

FEATURES 6 Posture For Take-offs and Landings

10 Twisting Basics: Uneven Parallel Bars

18 Managing Wrist Pain in Gymnastics

28 USA Gymnastics Names Mazeika as Men's National Team Coordinator

DEPARTMENTS 2 Event Schedule

4 USA Gymnastics Message

24 Member Services

28 Biz Tips

34 USA Gymnastics University

36 Tyson Fitness Challenge

38 Acro Program Update

40 What's New

46 Classifieds

COVER PHOTO OF KAYLA WILLIAMS BY JOHN CHENG

www.usa-gymnastics.org

FEBRUARY 2010 • TECHNIQUE 3

USA GYMNASTICS MESSAGE I February brings with it some interesting news - a new partner and the departure of an icon in the gymnastics industry. It is also the big month for our cousins - the winter sports that will be featured at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Just recently, USA Gymnastics and Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced that the Supergirl brand, based on the DC Comics' character, will be the title sponsor of the 2010 Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup. Recognized as a symbol of strength, leadership and female empowerment, the Supergirl S-shield uniquely embodies the intelligence, independence, and creativity of women. This is an ideal partnership for the event, which features the next generation of stars for our sport at the elite and collegiate level.

The Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup gives athletes a unique and up-close look at what lies ahead at the elite level. These athletes will interact with the best gymnasts in the world and compete on the same podium and apparatus as the Tyson American Cup participants.

It is wonderful to have a company like Warner Bros. Consumer Products and the Supergirl brand support the sport of women's gymnastics. They were inspired by Nastia's integrity, commitment to giving back, sportsmanship and leadership, and believe gymnastics connects with the Supergirl brand's support of today's action sports girl.

We are really looking forward to the inaugural Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup. Already gymnasts have been chosen from a few invitationals in the Nastia Liukin Cup Series.

We also recently learned that Sallie Weaver will be retiring from GK/ Elite Sportswear, a company she has owned and managed for 29 years. For many years, Sallie and GK Elite Sportswear have been an important partner to USA Gymnastics, providing the highest quality of team apparel to the national team (through the adidas partnership) and the Junior Olympic program. Her commitment to the athlete is at the forefront of her business and her drive for perfection can only be characterized as a 10.0. Sallie will remain a partner in the GK/ Elite business but is leaving the day-to-day operations in the capable hands of a restructured management team.

USA Gymnastics would like to thank Sallie for everything she has done for our athletes and the industry. We are confident in the team of individuals that will continue her great work and commitment to excellence. We will miss her smile and energy, but trust that her heart and soul will remain close to the sport.

Finally, February is an Olympic month and the eyes of the world will be on Vancouver, B.C. , host city for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Even though gymnastics is not a winter sport, this event still provides a unique opportunity to celebrate sport. Think about the great examples many of these athletes provide for young gymnasts of all levels. Support Team USA and follow the Olympics. Full coverage will be available on NBC Sports, MSNBC.com and NBCOlympics.com, with news and analysis available on Universal Sports. Think of how many of these athletes were positively impacted by some involvement and/ or exposure to gymnastics! Stay warm!

See you in the Gym,

Steve Penny President & CEO

4 TECHNIQUE· fEBRU AR Y 20 10

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POSTURE FOR TAKE-OFFS AND lANDINGS lY Y ~RKOT , lASTlCS KtGIC N 7 Cb ,IR , : AND BREVET JUDGE

Have you heard yourself saying , "Get your chest up for that take-off", or "Keep your chest up when you land" more than once? More than a million times? Have you noticed that

your athletes, along with half of the population of the gymnastics world, lean way over to start their (insert one or more):

Standing back handsprings Standing back tucks Punch fronts Jumps of almost any variety Leaps Etc. I'm one of the many frustrated people who try over

and over to correct this posture, and I've tried to figure out why it is such a universal error. I've come up with some possibilities, and though I'm sure there are many more, I'd like to address just a few. To understand what's happening, look at the picture #1 and #2.

Notice that in each picture the center of gravity (approximately the belly button) is over the feet . In picture #1, balance is maintained by keeping the hips over the heels, the chest over the core and, the head over the chest. As you can see in #2, a shift in one part of the body requires a shift in another to keep the balance working . If the athlete pushes her hips backward, she must lean her chest forward to stay in balance.

A. Let's talk about someone who is first learning a back handspring . We all know that the weight must be shifting backward while jumping for a back handspring, but a child who is nervous or unsure will not want to lean back and be off-balance as they are initiating the jump for this brand new skill! Therefore, while almost every coach in the world is telling this gymnast to "sit," shift the weight backward and jump, self-preservation, a very powerful motivator, is telling the gymnast to save her life by leaning forward to stay in balance. I think this lean forward can become the "comfort zone" as a take-off position, and is then carried forward to jumps and leaps.

To try to fix the posture for back handsprings, going back to basics and working with athletes to keep that weight shifting back by pushing the hips and core back, is one way to deal with the problem . As athletes grow in both maturity and skill level, it is easier to have them focus on the part or parts of the body that initiate movement to make the skill work; and to have them pay attention to their "placement" (alignment) while practicing their basics. Emphasizing the shape (vertical chest) going into a back handspring and correcting the weight shift will also help.

6 TECHNIQUE· FEBRUAR Y 2010

B. Trying to correct jumps and leaps is a different issue . Working the plie (bent knees) position and movement both before and after the skill can require several methods of attack. One of the first things I ask athletes to try is, instead of lifting th e chest up, to push the knees forward . Moving the knees forward will help put the hips over the feet, thus allowing the chest to rise without effort. Look at the pictures below to see the difference in where the knees are in each picture . In #1, they are much more forward than in #2 . Having the athlete focus on the knees and where they should be during the take-off and landing of jumps, can help keep the torso in its proper position .

One of the more common mistakes in leaps (switch leaps, split leaps, etc., is a forward lean in the upper body. (see picture #3)

Often this can be corrected by having the athletes do the following: 1. Jump as high as they can, with an arm swing, staying in place (#4). Usually this takes a few tries, as they really don't believe you want them to jump as high as they can. You can see from picture #4 that this athlete leans forward, even on her attempts to jump straight in the air. 2. Figure out how to travel that jump forward about two to three feet without leaning the chest forward at all. The challenge will catch their attention, and they usually rise to the occasion, figuring out that the hip push is what powers that forward motion. In picture #5, you can see that the athlete is just starting to figure out how to keep her chest more vertical by concentrating on her hips. 3. Repeat that forward jump a few times so that the athlete is comfortable with the hips initiating the forward motion.

4. Have the athlete do a leap, or leaps, concentrating on the same hip action, keeping the shoulders in a vertical position .

C. But what about the kids who just can't get or keep their chests up in the take-off position? Have you checked the stretch in their Achilles tendon?

There are some athletes who are physically unable to push the knees very far forward without the heels coming off the floor, due to tight

"Achilles" in the calf and down to the ankles. Look at picture #6 to see the difference in the two athletes' ankle flexibility. Stretching and strengthening the calves in a lengthened position can be an area skipped over during workouts.

Some common and easy exercises/ stretches to help in this area are: 1. Lean forward against a wall or stable surface, keeping th e

back leg very straight and the heel on the ground . With the toes pointing straight forward and the hips square, push the hips forward until the calf muscle is stretching. Do the same with a bent knee, as that stretches the other major flexor in the leg. Of course, this must be done on both legs.

Notice that in #7, this athlete has very tight ankles, and is unable to push her hips forward. She is compensating for that tightness by creating a hip angle. The athlete in #8 is able to keep her hip line more open.

fE8RUARY 2010 • TECHNIQUE 7

In #9, she is trying to bend her back knee, and cannot, due to her very tight calves. The athlete in #10 shows a good amount of flexibility.

2. Hang the heels off a step, and let the calves stretch with the weight of the body. Again, make sure the toes are in a parallel position, pointing straight ahead, and the torso is straight, without an arch in the lower back. Notice the difference in the flexibi lity in figures 11 & 12!

3. Sitting in a pike position on the floor, flex the feet so that the heels lift off the floor, the knees straighten, and the toes and balls of the feet are pulled back as far as possible . Some athletes can barely make the foot/leg angle 90°, which means they have a hard time standing vertical with their heels down! One way to help relax the muscles in the soles of the feet (another way to help allow for a greater range of motion in the ankles,) is to lean forward, placing the hands over the tops of the toes, pulling the toes backward towards the knees, and massaging the soles of the feet with the fingers . If the athlete is very tight in that area, this can be a painful experience. (#13)

4. Sit in a pike as above, and use a bungee to pull the feet back into a flexed position, stretching the Achilles and calves. (#14)

8 TECHNIQUE· fEBRUAR Y 2010

5. Sit on the floor with knees bent, feet flat and hands around the shins. Flex the feet, pulling the toes back as far as they can go, then put the feet back flat on the floor. Repeat this several times, in a relatively quick manner. Do often.

D. Sometimes when landing, an athlete will not let her knees bend forward. This can be her body's method of self-protection; her body telling her she's not strong enough to land that way. The landing mats, pits, spring floors, and other training tools used today to protect the athletes' bodies from overuse have also allowed our athletes to avoid learning the proper landing action. A correct landing uses the knees and ankles, with the core in an upright and straight, or very slightly hollowed position . During landings the body has to absorb the extra weight of the falling body somewhere. When the correct action does not happen, the force of the landing often ends up being absorbed in the hips with an arched lower back. Working the proper landing position will save some lower back pain, but requires strong knees and ankles through a larger range of motion than is used for tumbling . Punch take-offs, for example, are done on an almost straight leg and extended foot, and most athletes are fairly strong with the legs in that position. But often those same athletes cannot do a controlled demi or grande pi ie ' because the strength required to work through that more flexed position is not one they have developed. Strengthening the legs, knees, ankles and core through this larger range of motion will allow them to perform safer landings.

(Side note: "plie, " is both a verb and a noun. An athlete can be "in plie, " meaning she is standing with her knees bent, or she can be "plie ' -ing, " meaning she is performing the action of bending her knees. Many times an athlete performs her landings "in plie, " instead of bending her knees as she is landing. Th e loud noise a gymnast makes upon landing on beam, for example, is most likely from landing with her knees already bent and held tight in that position.)

Plie 's (the movement kind) done correctly are a wonderful way of strengthening the legs, hips and feet. A conscious, slow bending and straightening of the leg, done with both parallel and turned out feet, is probably the most effective exercise to work these muscles, and can be done with minimum fuss. Faster plie 's and releve's, done with the emphasis on proper placement through the core, are one of the easiest ways to reinforce the correct alignment for jump take-offs and landings.

Good luck with your athletes, and helping them take pressure off their lower backs by reinforcing proper posture for landings and take-offs. Start when they're young, and reinforce often! Another benefit? Higher leaps and jumps, higher punch fronts, and higher standing back tucks! ~

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this is probably easiest to th ink about by standing on two feet and imagining a back flip from your shoulders perspective . Both shoulders would move backwards at the same rate. If your right shoulder were to move backwards faster than your left, then the flip would also include a long axis twist to the right .

I often have the gymnast learn this concept in reverse; if dropping the right arm initiates a right twist when you start with both arms up,

then raising the left one should do the same thing if you start with both arms down. It does. So, if you have the gymnast perform a layout and instruct her to raise her left arm just before floor contact . The result will be a right twist (typically % or %). Once they understand the mechanics, you can progress their kinesthetic awareness and have them begin to initiate the twist by dropping the right arm after leaving the bar. To continue to full twists, you simply instruct them to follow the dropping right arm with the left, but have the left arm cross midline. This again continues to bias the asymmetry in the body and increases the twisting speed .

One potential problem to consider is the gymnasts desire to add more speed to the skill. Some gymnasts will naturally try to increase their angular (flipping) velocity (and thus their angular momentum) prior to release by closing their shoulder angle . Typically termed "pulling in" , it can frequently be seen in novice gymnasts learning a tuck saito dismount or in more seasoned gymnasts when first learning twisting dismounts. The non-bar initiated twisting technique is often employed to minimize the potential for pulling into the bar since the gymnast leaves with a more open shoulder angle and drops the arm after bar release . To avoid over rotated landings during twisting dismounts, the gymnast should be instructed to avoid closing their shoulder and hip angle as the second arm comes in . This will reduce the potential of the gymnast missing their feet on landing.

SUMMARY One important con Gept all gymnastics skills have in common is that once the body is airborne, it only has the energy it left the apparatus with . The typical bar progression for twisting includes advancing saltos from tuck to pike to layout and over rotating layouts to ensure that the gymnast will have enough energy

16 TECHNIQUE' fEBRUAR Y 2010

to give some to the twist and still complete the flip . During skill development, a coach may provide the additional energy in the form of a spot. This may assist the gymnast in understanding the kinesthetics of the skill while still in the learning phase. Spotting compliments the drills.

Progression is key; a gymnast should not attempt an advanced saito until they have mastered the base skill (e .g. first learn a controlled or slightly over rotated tuck or pike saito p rior to attempting a layout) . This issue becomes more poignant when progressing to multiple flips and twists. A twisting double saito dismount should never be attempted until the gymnast is proficient with the base skill. -When the gymnast is ready, then teaching the twist progression in the later phase of the flip may reduce the potential for the gymnast to pull-in to the bar.

The twist can be initiated after bar release by creating a left-right body asymmetry. On a backwards flipping skill , dropping the arm on the side of the desired twist transfers energy from the flipping axis to the twisting axis. A double back can progress to a double back %-out using this technique . Dropping the arm sooner produces a %-in double front which can then be progressed to a %-in %-out (or full twisting double back). Once the gymnast is competent, then the twist can be placed in different phases of the flip. Care should be taken when attempting to place the full twist in the first flip rotation (full- in) since it often increases the potential for the gymnast to pull-in on the bar prior to release.

IMPORTANT POINTS • Twisting occurs from left-right imbalances. • Stretching during kips and swings stores energy in the bars that can be used by the gymnast. • Head position is extremely important during twisting . • Visual cues should be used to promote good body alignment and twist timing .1(

References: George, G. S. Biomechanics of women's gymnastics. Eng lewood Cliffs, N .J.: Prentice-Hall, 1980. Stroup F, Bushnell DL. Rotation, t ranslation, and t rajectory in diving. Res Q.

1969 Dec; 40(4):8 12-7. Ng NK, Biomechanics of late twist initiation. ISBS Conference Proceed ings Archive, International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sport. 1985. Pidcoe PE, McPherson DV (2009) Twisting basics I: Floor exercise. Technique, Apri l 2009: 6-9. Yeadon MR. The biomechanics of twisting somersau lts. Part I: Rigid body motions. J Sports Sci. 1993 Jun;11 (3) :187-98. Yeadon MR. The biomechanics of twisting somersau lts. Part II : Contact twist. J Sports Sci. 1993 Jun;1 1 (3): 199-208. Yeadon MR. The biomechanics of twisting somersau lts. Part III : Aerial twist. J Sports Sci. 1993 Jun; 11 (3):209-18. Yeadon MR. The biomechanics of twisting somersaults. Part IV: Partit ioning performances using the tilt angle. J Sports Sci. 1993 Jun;11 (3): 21 9-25. Yeadon M R. The b iomechanics of the human in flight. Am J Sports Med . 1997 Jul-Aug; 25(4):575-80.

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MANAGING WRIST PAIN IN GYMNASTICS

By John Locke, LAT, MS

The wrist is a frequently injured site for

gymnasts. It can be an acute (sudden onset) or chronic (pain over a longer period of time)

injury in nature. Acute injuries include wrist sprains, strains and fractures. These injuries should be managed by immediate first aid. If there is a loss of motion or strength the athlete should be referred to a medical professional for further evaluation. The chronic injuries occur due to repetitive stress to the musculoskeletal system and joints. As the volume to training and level of skill increases, the incidence of chronic wrist injuries can increase.

The dorsal (back) aspect of the wrist is one of the most commonly injured areas in gymnastics (Fig. 1). As the 'grip' muscles develop (wrist and finger flexors), the wrist joint will have a tendency to lose flexibility in extension and hyperextension. The loads placed on the wrist and fingers in extension during practice and competition can irritate the joint and decrease the gymnast's ability to perform skills. Injuries like 'dorsal wrist impingement' and 'distal radial stress fractures' are the most common problems with overuse and excessive loads to the gymnast's wrist.

Prevention is the number one component to young gymnasts to prepare their upper extremities for the forces that will be placed on them during activity. Stretching the 'grip' muscles is vital to the functionality and resiliency of the joint (Figure 2). This will provide the joint the flexibility needed when the wrist goes into extension. The wrist joint will have a better proprioceptive response to the increased motion.

Another way to prevent wrist pain is to improve wrist mobility. This can be done by manually gliding the wrist (distal end being pressed posterior) into extension as the palm of the hand is flat on a table or solid surface (Figure 3). This movement replicates the mobility required at the wrist to perform gymnastics skills.

St. Villeellt Hospital alld St. Villemt Sports Perfonnance in Indiallapolis, Ind., are official service providers to USA GYlIJnastics. Call 317415-5747 or visit http:! / spomperjonnal/ce.stvincent.org

18 TECHNIQUE. FEBRUARY 2010

Strength, range of motion, flexibility, and bracing can all be important components of prevention, protection and treatment for the gymnast. Strengthening the wrist extensors (fig 4) will help to maintain wrist extension. Strength of the wrist flexors, extensors and rotators must to be developed due to the excess amount of gripping and rotating the athlete must perform in a gymnastics routine. Strength and flexibility go hand in hand as the wrist must actively move through flexion and extension effortlessly, pain-free and with a great amount of stability. Protection from abnormal stresses is another important aspect in the treatment of wrist injuries. Wrist bracing and/or taping can be helpful in protecting the joint from excessive movement and stress during gymnastics activities.

In conclusion, a gymnast will have the opportunity to be more successful if his/her wrists are capable of performing all necessary movements within the activities of their daily practice and competition routines. This can be achieved with preventative measures such as strengthening, stretching and maintaining proper mobility in the wrist joint. 1\

I

To see a video of the exercises described in this article in the Train Like a Champion series go to:

www.usa-gymnas'ics.org/champion

FEBRUARY 2010 • TECHHIQUE 19

USA Gymnastics names Mazeika as Men's National

Team Coordinator

SA Gymnastics has named that two-time Olympic head

coach Kevin Mazeika of Houston as the men's National Team Coordinator. Mazeika was the head coach for the men's team at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.

20 r EC H N IOU E • FEB R U A R Y 2010

"Kevin has demonstrated that he can lead our gymnasts through the demands of training and competition to the medals podium," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "He has the respect and confidence of the athletes and their coaches, and we believe his experience will be invaluable in reaching our potential as we prepare for London and beyond ."

As men's national team coordinator, Mazeika is responsible for overall management and supervision of the technical aspects of the Men's National Team Program for both the junior and senior elite programs.

"I am both honored and excited to accept the national team coordinator position," said Mazeika. "The men's team has won the silver and bronze medals the last two Olympics, and our goal is to return to the podium. We have a tremendous group of talented athletes and coaches with the work ethic and determination to build on the momentum from 2004 and 2008. Most of all, we have the intangible strength that has been the bedrock of the men's team, U.S. spirit. I am looking forward to working with everyone over the next three years on our journey to London."

Through his international coaching assignments, Mazeika has already demonstrated his ability to work closely and effectively with the athletes and their coaches to build a successful team approach. While serving as head coach, the U.S. Men's Team has recorded some of the USA's most successful performances in recent history. For the first time in history, the U.S. men won team medals in back-to-back Olympic Games. In 2008, the U.S. men followed up the 2004 Olympic silver team medal with the team bronze, representing the U.S. men's best Olympic team finishes since they won the team gold medal in 1984. 2004 was the men's first team medal in a non­boycotted Olympics since 1932. Mazeika also was the head coach for the 2007, 2003 and 2001 World Championships Teams. The U.S. Men's Team earned the team silver medal at both the 2001 and 2003 World Championships. Prior to 2001, the men had not won a world team medal since 1979. In 2007, the U.S. men finished fourth at the World Championships, staging a major comeback from the team's 13th place finish in 2006.

FEBRUARY 2010 • TECHNIQUE 21

Most recently, Mazeika was the men's program manager at the Houston Gymnastics Academy and owner of Mazeika's Elite Gymnastics. Among the athletes he has coached are 2008 Olympian Raj Bhavsar, who also was a 2004 U.S. Olympic Team alternate and a member of the 2001 and 2003 silver-medal World Championships Teams; Sean Golden, a member of the 2005 and 2007 World Championships Teams; Sean Townsend, 2001 parallel bars world champion and a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team and the 2001 silver-medal World Championships Team; and Todd Thornton , a member of the 2005 World Championships Team .

Mazeika, a native of Houston, began coaching men's gymnastics in 1984 and has served on the National Team Coach ing Staff since 1988. Over the past nine years, he has coached at more than 35 international competitions and has been head or assistant coach at 15 international team events.

We talked to Mazeika about his new role and his goals for the future.

USA Gymnastics: What are you most looking forward to as Men's National Team Coordinator?

Mazeika: What I am looking forward to the most is working with all the coaches and athletes on a year-round basis. I look forward to working with the coaches and helping their athletes be the absolute best that they can be. When each athlete is performing at his best, the collective Team is that much better.

USA Gymnastics: With your extensive gymnastics background, what are your impressions of the men's national team?

Mazeika: We have an extremely talented and motivated group of athletes. We have great depth and t remendous potential. We have a good mix of strong veterans and aggressive young talent coming up. During the first part of th is cycle they are getting to know each other, and they are already beginning to solidify as a Team.

22 TECH N IOU E • FEB R U A R Y 2010

"Our greatest strength is, and always has been, our Team spirit. It's an intangible strength that is the foundation of our Team." - Kevin Mazeika

USA Gymnastics: Are there things you want to change right away or will everything stay the same?

Mazeika: 'If it's not broken, don't try and fix it" comes to mind! Ron Brant did an outstanding job as our National Team Coordinator for the past nine years. The U.S. Men's Program has been very successful and is in great shape. So things will stay the same for the most part. I will just be tweaking a few things here and there.

USA Gymnastics: What strengths do the USA men have? What are the weaknesses that you hope to improve?

Mazeika: Our greatest strength is, and always has been, our Team spirit. It's an intangible strength that is the foundation of our Team. It helps us stick together; stay focused on our goals and mission ; and overcome any obstacles. Gymnastically, we are consistently strong on floor and high bar. Our challenge is still pommel horse. We have already been addressing this issue for some t ime now, and we are starting to see steady improvement. We still have work to do, but we are on the right track.

USA Gymnastics: How often will you see the men's team and have train ing camps?

Mazeika: I will see the men's team at all major domestic and international events. Our Senior Team has a training camp about every six weeks and the Jun ior Team comes together three times a year.

USA Gymnastics: What is your goal for the U.S. men at the 2010 World Championships and beyond?

Mazeika: Our goal for 2010 will be to increase our st art values as much as possible without giving up too much in execution , and to mainta in our current world ranking . The subsequent years will be dedicated to consistent and never-ending improvement to move up on the medals podium until we are standing on top! 1\

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MEMBER SERVICES

FOREIGN SANCTIONING -WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Each year USA Gymnastics processes 75-100 foreign sanctions. Foreign sanctions are events held by U.S. clubs that involve participation of athletes, coaches and judges from foreign countries.

Hosting an event with a foreign sanction is a great opportunity for your club and its athletes to receive a unique competitive experience. However, the process of submitting for a foreign sanction can often seem complex or confusing for a meet director who has never hosted such an event in the past.

Below is an overview of the foreign sanctioning process. By reviewing the information below, you can ensure a smooth completion of your next foreign sanction request.

First Step-Submit the Request

• The first step is to submit a foreign sanction request form. Forms are available on the USA Gymnastics website at www. usa-gymnastics.org, click on Member Services, and then Sanction. You cannot submit a foreign sanction online and

the form must be mailed or faxed to the National Office

• A foreign sanction request must be received at least 120 days prior to the date of the event. Failure to follow the stated time requirements may result in additional fees or, under some circumstances, denial of the sanction.

• The cost of a foreign sanction is $300, regardless of how many countries have been invited to participate in your event. However, if you have additional countries to add after the sanction has been submitted, there is an additional $25 fee for each country added.

• A foreign sanction requires a meet director with a current Professional membership. However, unlike a domestic sanction, you may have multiple disciplines under one foreign sanction. For example, if you are having both women and men disciplines competing you only need to submit the one sanction.

• Once a foreign sanction request has been received, the National Office must then notify each of the countries' gymnastics federations participating. Once contacted, USA Gymnastics must allow 11 days for those countries to respond. The participating countries have the right to deny a country from participating in the foreign­sanctioned event. The National Office CANNOT release a sanction until the 11 days have concluded.

• After 11 days, the sanction will then be released and the report forms sent to the meet director.

Second Step-Athletes, Coaches and Judges Once a foreign sanction request has been granted, the Foreign Athletes, Coaches and Judges may then be processed.

• A form for foreign athletes, coaches and judges must be completed by each country that wishes to participate. Forms are available on the USA Gymnastics website at www.usa-gymnastics.org.click on Member Services, and then Sanction. You cannot submit a form for foreign athletes, coaches or judges online. It must be mailed or faxed to the National Office.

• The cost is $25/athlete, coach and judge. Requests must be submitted at least 45 days in advance. Forms received less than 45 days in advance will result in additional fees.

• Failure to use the proper form will result in a delay in processing. All payments are due at the time of form submission.

• Please note: USA Gymnastics cannot process any foreign athlete/coach/judge form unless a foreign sanction request has been submitted and approved.

• Once the forms have been processed, the athlete names and member numbers will be emailed to the meet director.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is an Invitational considered a foreign sanction? A: No, an invitational is an event type. However, if you wish to have foreign participants involved in your competition, you must submit a foreign sanction.

Q: Can an Introductory Coach be the meet director for a foreign sanctioned event? A: No, the meet director MUST be a current Professional member in good standing.

Q: Can I change my domestic sanction to a foreign sanction? A: Yes, simply fax a foreign sanction request form to the national office with an explanation to change your domestic sanction to a foreign sanction. Along with the form you will also submit the additional fees. Please also note, the time requirement is the same, therefore, if it is less than 120 days before the meet, there will be additional fees applied.

By following the steps and procedures you will ensure a smooth foreign sanctioning process. For more information please visit the USA Gymnastics website, www.usa-gymnastics.org.click on Member Services, and then click on Sanction.

You may also contact the Member Services Department at 800-345-4719 or membership@usa-gymnastics.org. "

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SAVE TI-IE DATE! 46th ANNUAL USA GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CONGRESS and TRADE SHOW

I-Ield in conjunction with 2010 Visa Championships August 11 -14,2010 I-Iartford, Conn.

Who should attend? All USA Gymnastics Pro­fessional, Instructor, and Introductory Coach Members. Coaches, judges and instructors of all levels. Recreational and preschool teach­ers, business managers, administrators, club owners, high school and college coaches.

What is offered? Three days of education with more than 170 sessions. Lectures given by recognized top individuals in the field. Sessions are provided on coaching, judging, business, preschool, recreational, sports sci­ence, fitness, and cheerleading. The opportu­nity to learn from leading experts from all six disciplines, Women's, Men's, Rhythmic, Acro­batic, Group Gymnastics and Trampoline and Tumbling. Along with the sessions, the Trade Show Exhibit Hall will feature 200 booths of products and information from more than 90 different Industry Member vendors. Special events, such as the USGSA Mega Raffle will take place in the exhibit hall daily.

Congress attendees will also have the oppor­tunity to take advantage of the GO Hartford program. The GO Hartford program is be­ing developed so that your time in the city will be well spent. As a benefit of your Con­gress Registration you will be able to enjoy discounts on entertainment, food and drink during National Congress and the Visa Cham-

26 rECHNIQUE· FEBRUARY 2010

pionships. A listing of the participating busi­nesses will be available prior to the event. Your Congress credential or Visa Championships ticket is all you need to enjoy this program!

Pre-Congress: August 11 • Business Conference • Certification Courses

Congress: August 12- 14, 2010

Where: Connecticut Convention Center, Hart­ford Conn. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. Five ses­sions offered per day.

Registration: Please visit www.usa-gymnas­tics.org for more information Special discounted group registration for Member Clubs. Special Early Bird Pricing available through May 15.

HotellTravel Reservations: National Travel Systems: 888-603-8747 Email: sportsinfo@nationaltravelsystems.com Website: www.ntssportstravel.com

Visa Championships: August 11- 14, 2010 Men's and Women's Artistic events at the XL Center -Rhythmic, Acrobatic Gymnastics and Trampoline & Tumbling venue information will be available at a later date. 1\

August 12-14, 2010 • Connecticut Convention Center - /-/artford, CT

~~" USA Gymnastics

t~J ~ational Congress ~'I<:: __ I ~Traae Snow ~artford'2010

EARLY BIRD INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION FORM I-Ield in conjunction with the 2070 Visa Championships VISA

PLEASE SELECT ALL TfiAT APPLY.

Paymenl in full is required at time af registrotion. Minimum age for all Congress attendees is 75.

Professional, Jr. Professional, Instructor, Foreign Instructor and Athlete Members (age 15+)

o $199 Early Bird Congress Registration

o $505 Early Bird Congress Registration and Gold Al l-Session ticket package

o $381 Early Bird Congress Registration and Silver All-Session ticket package

o $305 Early Bird Congress Registration and Bronze All-Session ticket package

Introductory Coach Pricing

o $229 Early Bird Congress Registration

o $535 Early Bird Congress Registration and Gold All -Session ticket package

o $411 Early Bird Congress Registration and Silver All-Session ticket package

Early Bird Congress Costs (must be postmarked by May 15

to receive early bird d iscount)

Individual registration fee includes: 1. Credential for entrance to Congress sessions, Aug

12-14. Credential available at check-in Aug 11. 2. One ticket to the Congress Dance Party on Sat., Aug

14. Must be 18, to attend. Additional tickets for spouse/ guest are $35 each, available at on-site registration.

Registration & attendance earns 15 individual USA Gymnastics University credits.

4. Trade show admission.

o $335 Early Bird Congress Registration and Bronze All -Session ticket package

Additional 2010 Visa Championships All-Session Ticket Packages Please indicate total # of packages. All-Session ticke ts are NON-REFUNDABLE

Special ticket pricing for Congress Attendees.

Ticket details - all ticket packages include $7 fa ci lity fee

• GOLD: $306 - lower level sides {first 5 rows} • SILVI:::R: $182 - lower level sides {low rows}

• BRONZI:::: $106 - side seating {mid to high rows}

o Visa Championships Gold All-Session t icket package x $306 Special lickel role for All Sessions is for purchase for Congress allendees.

o Visa Championships Silver All-Session ticket package x $182

o Visa Championships Bronze All-Session ticket package x $106

Prices reflect a discounl of up 10 40% off public prices. Tickels will be mailed 10

address on regislration form approximalely 4 weeks prior 10 evenl. AII·session lick· els are NON·REFUNDABLE Email: lickels@usa·gymnaslics.org wilh any queslions.

Visit www.USAGymnasticsNationaICongress.org for registration and complete details regarding National Congress schedules, activities and policies.

MAILING IN~ORMATION Name __________ _____________ USA Gymnastics Membership No. ___ _

Ema il Address _ ____________________ Date of Birth ________ _

Mailing Address, _____________________ Telephone _________ _

City __________________ _ State ____ _ Zip ______________ _

Club Name ______________________________________________ _ Club # ____________ _

PAYMENT INFORMATION

o Visa 0 Other ___________ Card # _____________________________ Exp. Date ____ _

Signature ______________________________ _____ _ _

Print Cardholder Name _______________________________ _

I:::mail Address for cred it card receipt _____ _ _ ___________________ _

Return completed form and payment to: USA Gymnastics, 132 E. Washington St. Ste. 700,

Indianapolis, IN 4620 4 or by fax: 317.692.5212 Attention: Member Services

PAYMENT TOTALS Make checks payable to USA Gymnastics

Registration {package} total: $ __________ __

Additional ticket package tota l: $. _______ _

Ticket Shipping and I-landling f=ee: $5.00

TOTAL PAYMI:::NT $ ______ _

authorized/enclosed

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f=or Your fiotel and "NTS SUBSTITUTION POLICY: To transfer registration to another pe rson, the Office Use Only

Travel Needs, Contact

~ new Congress attendee must also have a USA Gymnastics Congress-el igible membership. After July 15, $30 fee per substitu tion. Postmarked

NATIONAL TRAVEL SYSTEMS 'i. I ~ CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellations must be in wri ti ng. Before Ju ly Payment sportsinfo@nationaltravelsystem.com ~. 'g

.... 0 ~ 15, refund of regi stration fee less $30 service fee per person cancelling. Afte r

Or call 1.888.603.8747 or 806794.3135 '¢q'1'rave\ ",->; July 16, refund is 50% of registration fee per person cancelling. Check/Reg #----.1 __

www.ntssportstravel.com NO Rt:f=UNDS Af=Tt:R AUG. 30. Submit all substitut ion and cancellation reguests IN WRITING to USA G¥mnastics. Auth - - Date - - --

FEBRUARY 2010 • rECHNIQUE 27

Leadership: The Subtle Things Are the Big Things

Jeff Metzger President, GymClub Owners Boot Camp President, Kids Rrst Sports Center

Managers manage things, systems; Directors direct people; and Leaders inspire others to

accompl ish goals, small goals and, in the bigger picture, grand goals such as a company mission or vision. Managing, Directing and Leading are three separate skills and, comparatively speaking, Managing and Directing are easy relative to Leading. Leading takes effort, practice and courage and my experience tells me that most people are not wi lling to pay the dues to become a Leader. (Please interpret that as a challenge rather than a judgment!)

For decades at Kids First Sports Center, we have considered ourselves students of Leadership above all other business skills and functions . Yet, despite our dedication to Leadership, I sometimes still feel like a newborn babe. However, recently, I had an aha moment surrounding a Leadership flaw that I have long been aware but unable to adequate ly art iculate. This insight wormed its way into my mind while considering a current Employee for a DL (Department Leader) position in our company. For some time I had sensed that this person possessed a quality that, left unchecked, wou ld cause her to strugg le in a Leadership role. My Eu reka moment came when I identified that quality wh ich allowed me to subsequently verba lize my feelings to the candidate and here.

My discovery: To lead others you cannot be 'one of them' nor can you be 'above them.' (I have not yet reconciled the paradoxical implication that therefore you must either 'beneath them' or you do not exist at all!)

Here is what happened: Previously, while acting in a temporary leadership role, this female candidate was witness to another employee (ma le) lament how a clien t had not treated him wel l. (To be accurate, the employee's lament cou ld not be character ized as destructive, it was, in this case, merely unproductive.) Upon hearing the lament the candidate innocently sympathized with the employee's feelings and BAM, the damage was done! By sympathizing, the candidate became 'one of them: and by becoming 'one of them' she specifically could not serve as their (his) leader. Once this type of damage is done, is it permanent? Theoretically, no. Yet practically speaking, probably, yes . My experience is, the person who is firm ly ingrained in this behavior typically has an emotional need to be accepted that supersedes their ab ility to lead.

I want to stress how easy it is to inadvertently sympathize with others when doing so is unproductive. In many cases, mere silence can serve as sympathy.

Here is the doom loop: I am a human being and hard-wired with a need to be liked and accepted. In order to be liked

and accepted by you I will sympathize with your unproductive thoughts or words . As a result, you accept me as one of the gang and I'm encouraging you to look to me in the future for sympathy. Later, when I attempt to make a leadership-like decision, because I am one of the gang and am specifically not viewed as a leader, I get push-back. Feeling ostracized, I try harder to be accepted . I become even more impotent as a leader.

Leaders MUST recogn ize these rea li ties:

Reality #1: Wanting to be accepted and be one of the gang is a natural part of being human.

Reality #2: A person cannot be one of the gang yet also be viewed as a Leader.

Reality #3: The person who cannot reconcile the paradox of Realities 1 & 2 and still remain a caring person shou ld not accept a leadership role.

The BIG question: Is it OK to be friends with employees? ANSWER: Yes, but only if you understand what true friendship means. Buddies sympathize but true friends tell friends when their thinking is unproductive. Just like good leaders do.

Make it a great month! Jeff Metzger

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K ayla Williams, 16, of Hun­tington, W. Va ., won the vault world gold medal at the 2009 World Champion­ships at The 02 Arena in

London, Great Britain. Kayla trains at Gym Nest Inc. in Huntington, W.v., and is coached by Bozhidar Russev and Hrabrina Spencer.

Although competing in both her first World Championships and inter­national event, Williams looked like a veteran when she took the floor. Her first vault, a Rudi, was followed with a Yurchenko double full. Her vault score, which is an average of the two, was 15 .087, and 0 .582 ahead of silver­medalist Ariella Kaeslin of Switzerland.

We asked Kayla to tell us, now that time has passed, how she feels to have won the world title on vault. She said, "It's the most amazing feeling in the world! I remember experiencing every emotion possible during vault finals, but now looking back and just knowing that all the hard work paid off and that I went out there and did the best I could is all I· can ask for."

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Williams won the U.S. Junior Olympic all­around, vault and floor exercise titles; moved up to elite status; qualified for the Visa Cham­pionships; won the U.S . vault title; made her first national team; was selected for her first international assignment, the World Cham­pionships; and won the world vault title . The West Virginian is the first U.S. woman to win a world title in the same year she won the Junior Olympics .

She said , "For a while after the World Championships there were lots of interviews and phone calls, but after everything settled down I was able to refocus and get ready for th is season."

When asked if anything has changed since the World Championships, Kayla said, "I think a little bit of everything in my life has changed . Now I walk around and people are noticing me or want pictures with me, which is weird because before Worlds I never really talked about gymnastics so I didn't think any­one really knew what was happening." X

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Portions of the proceeds from the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup go to the Nastia Liukin Fund, in partnership with the National Gymnastics Foundation

February 13 Markellnsuronce Offices 4600 Cox Rd. Glen Allen, VA 23060 Course code: SH0213201 OVA 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

March 14 HeolthQuest of Hunterdon 31ORT31 North Flemington, NJ 08822 Course code: PF0214201 ONJ 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

USA GYMNASTICS UNIVERSITY LIVE COURSE SCHEDULES

Live course schedules are updated weekly on our website wwwousa-gymnasticsoorg

please see the website for the most current schedule.

February 21 Shields Gymnastics 17 Minneokoning Flemmington, NJ 08822 Course code: PF02212010NJ 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

August 11 (in conjunction with Notional Congress) Hartford Marriott Downtown 200 Columbus Blvd Hartford, cr 06103 (oursecode:XX08112010cr TIme TBD

'Course dotes and times are subject to change and/or cancellation.

Santo Cruz Gymnastics Center 2750 B Soquel Santo Cruz, CA 95062 Course code: MT03072010CA 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Autust 11 (in conjunction with Notional Congress) Hartford Marriott Downtown 200 Columbus B~d Hartford, cr 06103 Course code: XX081120 1 ocr TIme TBD

SAFETV/RISK MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION COURSE

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Coverage is not available in all areas. See coverage map at stores for details. 3G not available in all areas. ©2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. Service provided by AT&T Mobility. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo, and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

2010 NATIONAL GYMNASTICS DAY AND

TYSON FITNESS CI-IALLENGE

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

National Gymnastics Day 2010 is Sat., Sept. 18, and will culminate with the Tyson Fitness Challenge to raise money for Children 's Miracle Network.

The Tyson Fitness Challenge, the eight-session program, will kick off at the Tyson American Cup in March and continues through September 18, 2010, which is National Gymnastics Day.

The past 5 years of the Tyson Fitness Challenge have been a great success, but we want to make it even better this year. Based on feedback from our clubs, we have expanded the Tyson Fitness Challenge to provide you with even more ben­efits and ideas!

• The online giving web site is available earlier

• The Tyson Fitness Challenge website will also have earlier access

36 TECHHIQUE. fEB RUARY 1010

• New cardio games

• Nutrition handouts which highlight por­tion size and better healthy food options as well as quick and simple recipes from USA Gymnastics athletes.

• New exercise content provided by St. Vin-cent's Sports Performance Consultants:

Station exercises and specific weakness preven­tion exercises demonstrated by 2008 Olympic silver-medalists Samantha Peszek and Bridget Sloan , who is also the 2009 World all-around champion . These will be available online for the clubs once they have signed up.

Each month, additional program details will be broadcast emailed to the clubs and professional members, and we will post the Tyson Fitness Challenge as a stand-alone class or part of your

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spring, summer, camps, team workouts or fall classes,

Through your participation in the Tyson Fitness Challenge in addition to your choice to raise money for Children's' Miracle Network, you will keep 100% of funds raised in your local Children's Miracle Network hospital. Fundraising and fit­ness go hand in hand! By incorporating the Tyson Fitness Challenge into your schedule, you are helping get today's youth off the couch and more physically active. In addition, by encouraging kids to fundraise for Children's Miracle Network, you are helping to engage them in your community! X

To sign up online go to www.TysonFitnessChallenge.com If you are a Member Club and sign up for the Tyson Fitness Challenge online, we will mail you a free packet in the mail with a poster, administrators guide and pro­motional materials. Non-member clubs and professional members may register online to view the content.

Questions? Contact Club Services at clubservices@usa-gymnastics.org or 317-829-5654 or 5624

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ATHLETE SELECTION COMMITIEE NATIONAL TEAM OPEN SLOT SELECTION DECEMBER 18, 2009

1. Roll Call: Kari Duncan - National Technical Director Ivaylo Katsov - National Elite Committee Chairman Michael Rodrigues - National Athlete Representative Selena Peco - National J .O. Committee Chairman (non-voting) Tom Housley - Acro Gymnastics Program Director (non-voting)

2. NationaL Team Open SLot SeLection The AthLete SeLection Committee recommends the following pair-groups to the Junior OLympic NationaL Team:

Level 8 Women's Pair: Haley Guillot, Jennifer Landry (FLIP)

*Selena Peco, due to affiliation, did not participate in discussion.

Level 9 Women's Pair: Beth Landeche, Nicole Barrilleaux (CCG)

-' Level 9 Mixed Pair: Hannah Vires, Christopher Ball (XTR)

Level 9 Women's Group: Cassandra Lim , Alyssa Gardner, Katie Slater (WCTC)

Level 9 Women's Group: Janelle Setina, Kristen Sanchez, Devin Jones (USAAA)

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Wild Card (3) - Level 9 Women's Group: Shana Sullivan, Kristen Sanchez, Janelle Setina (C-Coast)

Level 10 Women's Group: Anna Grafov, Melisa Noriega, Carissa Marcelle (EAGC)

The AthLete SeLection Committee recommends the following pair-groups to the Junior NationaL Team 11-16:

Junior 11-16 Women 's Pair: Hannah Seiger, Belinda Watson (1st Class)

Junior 11-16 Men's Pair: Aaron Trofman, Alexander Ruth (EAGC)

Junior 11-16 Women's Group: Kelli Weidmaier, Halie Kimmel Mariah Wilkin (RSAC)

Junior 11-16 Women's Group : Ginger Burrows, Erica Prestipino, Mackenzie Meyer (XTR)

Junior 11-16 Women's Group: Daphne Kirschner, Kerrie Prestipino, Rachel Cole (XTR)

Alternate (1): Olivia Bunton, Abigail Warden , Kyli Pruitt (MAATT)

*Ivaylo Katsov, due to affiliation, absented from voting and did not participate in discussion

The AthLete SeLection Committee recommends the following pair-groups to the Junior NationaL Team 12-19:

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Junior 12-19 Women's Pai r: Valerie Bryant, Hayley Lemmons (BGC)

Junior 12-19 Women's Group: Chelcea Riegel, MacKenzie Porter, Kri ssy Weidmaier (RSAC)

Alternate (1): Junior 12-19 Women's Group : Brooke Handy, Chloe Wait, Brooke Mummaw (AE)

The AthLete SeLection Committee recommends the following pair-groups to the Senior NationaL Team:

Senior Men's Pair: Axl Osborne, Dylan Inserra (WOGA)

Senior Women's Group: Jillian Giblin, Liselle Kitchens, Hannah Busha (WCTC)

Senior Women's Group: Savannah Shields, Megan Muehlberger, Mallory Henthorn (AE)

Motion: IvayLo Katsov Second: MichaeL Rodrigues Passed:

*The above athletes will be added to the respective National Teams for the 2009-2010 season.

Meeting Adjourned - 7:49pm December 18, 2009

Approved by the Aero Program Committee, 12/ 18/ 2009 Approved by USA Gymnastics President, 12/ 22/ 2009

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MEMMEL AND LUDVIGSON MAKE APPEARANCE AT ST. JUDE BENE~IT MEET 2008 Olympic Team Silver Medalist and 2005 World Cham­pion Chellsie Memmel and 2009 World Championships Tum­bling Bronze Medalist Kalon Ludvigson both attended the St . Jude Benefit Gymnastics and Tumbling Meet in Peoria, III . The competition helps raise money for sick children.

SLOAN, PESZEK JOIN TI-IE I-IARLEM GLOBETROTTERS SI-IOW IN INDIANAPOLIS Olympic team silver-medalists Samantha Peszek and Bridget Sloan, the 2009 World all-around champion, participated in the Harlem Globetrotters show, Jan . 18, at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis . Peszek and Sloan played for the Generals team .

SI-IAWN JOI-INSON CARRIES TORCI-I AT TI-IE VAN­COUVER 2010 WINTER OLYMPIC TORCI-I RELAY 2008 Olympic balance beam gold-medalist Shawn Johnson celebrated her 18th birthday as one of the Torchbearers in the 2010 Vancouver Torch Relay. Selected by Olympic sponsor Coca-Cola to carry the Olympic Flame, Johnson helped move the torch through Calgary, Canada, on its way to Vancouver where it will light the cauldron to mark the start of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games .

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VIDEO TRAINING SYSTEM INSTALLED AT WOMEN'S NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER

A state-of-the-art video training system was installed at the U.S. Women's National Training Center at the Kar­olyi Ranch in Huntsville, Texas. The technology provides a training aid

that will allow coaches and gymnasts to review performances immediately following their rou­tine or skills. The video training system will make its debut during the national team camp in late January.

"This is a great addition to the Women's Na­tional Training Center," said Steve Penny, presi-

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VIDEO TRAINING SYSTEM INSTALLED AT WOMEN'S NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER

view their performances immediately following their routine or skill . Coaches may review any performance in real time, slow or frame-by-frame motion . Training sessions may be saved for later review.

Steve Rybacki of the International Elite Com­mittee and Kathy Kelly, USA Gymnastics vice president of program, worked with the U.S. Olympic Committee to bring the project to real­ity. Jim Walker of Excalibur Gymnastics and Gary Warren, USA Gymnastics' women's program di­rector - athlete development, handled the actual installation. 1\

SALLIE WEAVER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF

GK ELITE, RETIRING AFTER 29 YEARS.

Sallie Weaver, president and CEO of GK Elite, will retire on February 12, 2010, after 29

years of service. Weaver and GK Elite began their relationship with USA Gymnastics in 1984 with the J.O. pro­gram and has outfitted Grassroots and U.S. National Teams as far back as 1989. We would like to thank Sallie for her 20+ years of dedication to our sport and wish her the best in all her future endeavors.

To see Sallie Weaver's letter to the gymnastics community go to www.usa-gymnastics.org 1\

•

CLASSIFIEDS for sa le' pos i t i on availab le' seeking employment· education' consignment

POSITION AVAILABLE

TEAM COACH WANTED, LEVElS 4-10_ We are a well established gymnastics training center located in East Longmeadow, MA. We are looking for a team coach that is a team player who can help run our competitive team program. Our current team is successful, strong and growing. Recognize new opportunities within programs and make recommendations. Work with management and staff in creating a positive environment for facility. Qualifications: Strong spotting ability. Knowledge & understanding of the USAG JO Program. 1-2 years experience as a Team Coach. Excellent verbal communication skills. Self-motivated with a strong work ethic. Salary & benefits based on experience. Pioneer Gymnastics, Inc., Danielle McKinnon, 45 Maple St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Phone and Fax: 413-525-1291 www.pioneergymnastics.com/

RECREATIONAL AND COMPULSORY COACH NEEDED. Olympic Dreams Gymnastics in Beaumont, TX is seeking coaches for USA Gymnastics Levels 1-4. We have a very serious competitive team with a private school in our facility allowing optional gymnasts to train 30-35 hours per week year round. We are looking for a coach who can properly train our entry level gymnasts to prepare them to move up to the next level and possible make it to our competitive team. We are seeking knowledgeable coaches who will be fun but not sacrifice attention to detail. We are located right off the freeway in the middle of town approximately 5 miles away from Lamar University. Please contact Tyler Troutman at (409)673-9458 or email tyler@olympicdreamsgymnastics.com for more information.

ESTABLISHED GYMNASTICS FACILITY, located on Long Island, N.Y., is seeking a high energy, positive person with strong Level 9 & 10 coaching capability. Will pay well for the right person. Please fax resume to (516)935-1278 or E-mail us at rdmjI3@verizon.net

COMPETITIVE COACH FOR LEVEL S and Up Desired. Gymnastics school in the Atlanta suburbs area is hiring an experienced coach to work with competitive teams. Our school has been established for eight years and growing strongly. Coach should be a great role model and supportive for young

46 TECHNIQUE· FEB RUARY 2010

gymnasts. Please email if interested at pgymnastics@bellsouth.net!

OUR GROWING STATE COLLEGE, PA, gym is looking for a class instructor/ girls compulsory coach to add to our highly motivated staff. Previous class teaching and team coaching experience is required. Knowledge of USA Gymnastics Level 4-6 routines are a plus. Evening and Saturday hours and some weekend travel. Applicants must desire to work in a professional atmosphere, be a team player and be available to start no later than May 1, 2010. Interested candidates should email resume to Amy at amy@ nittanygym.com or fax resume to 814-238-0306.

HEAD COACH OF TEAM, LEVELS 4-10. We are a well established gymnastics school located in East Longmeadow, MA. Our mission is to build healthy minds and bodies in our community. We are looking for a team player who can manage and run our competitive girls gymnastics team. Our current team is successful, strong and growing rapidly. We consistently send gymnasts to states, regionals and nationals. Recognize new opportunities within programs and make recommendations. Work with the owner and staff in creating a positive environment for team as well as an ever growing and successful program. Formulate lesson plans and skill development programs. Responsible for the training and development of Levels 4-10. Strong spotting ability particulary for Levels 9 & 10. Knowledge and understanding of the USAG JO Program. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: 2-3 years experience as an assistant or head coach of Team preferred. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments Simultaneously. Excellent verbal communication skills. Must be able to work with a team of coaches. Self -motivated with a strong work ethic. Pay based on experience. We offer health insurance & vacations. Contact: Pioneer Gymnastics, Inc. Danielle McKinnon. 45 Maple Street. East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Phone and Fax: 413-525-1291. URL: http://www.pioneergymnastics.com/

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HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

RATES 1-100 word. = $ 1 00 101-200 word. = $200 Yoor ad ~ TecI!nqIe wi! ou1omo!iroIIy be pIJad oo&ne for 30 doys at no odcIiioId ~. The addItss is: www.usa-gymna.tks.org!das.ilied.! Your 30 doys will begin 00 !he next "9IJ1m- posIing date.

DEADLINES ISSUE DEADLINE FOR AD

AND PAYMENT January .. . .............. Oed 0 February. . .............. Jon. IO Marth....... . ............. Feb. 10 April . .. .................................... Mar.lO May . . ......................•............ Apr. 10

i~~;c::::::::: : : : : : ::::::: : :::::::::::::::::. ~ ~ NOTE: If tIM J Oth fa/I. on a weekend or holiday, tIM preceding worlc day is considered the d.odJine.

SUBMIT Email your ad and credit card information to: Ipeszek@usa·gymnastics.org Or mail to: USA Gymnaslics, 132 E. Washington St., Ste. 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204 or fox to 317-237·5069. ' If you lax, pleas. include your uedit card IIUI1Iber, expiration dcit. and signal"'" Please designate il your ad .h",ld appear in Technique magDIine or USA Gymnl15lirs magDline. ADS SUBMITTED WllllOUT PAYMENT WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED. USA Gymn""ics reserves lhe righll. varylarmot.

Jernnique is r",ived by m.Ie thoo 17,000 USA Gymoostirs plOlessionol membe~ plus thou5CJmis 01 Ii""" will be exjlO5ed 10 yotK ad ootme. Advertile 1001 emJloymenl opportunity, jl!oOOct, !ef'lice, or competition here Of greal re\lJts. 1lue5ti0n5? (all won Pm,k 01 31 7-829·5646.

FOR INFORMATION on how to publsh a cIossified ad in Technique, go to http://www.usa-gymn<lstics.org/publications/

Or call Luan Peszek at 317-829-5646.

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