Technique Magazine - August/September 2009 by USA Gymnastics

EVENTS 2009 AUGUST 6-9 6-9 12 12-15 13-15 21-23 21-23

2010 MARCH

JO Compulsory Training camp (W) JO Coaches Optional skilis/spoHing (W) Annual Business Conference Visa Championships (M,W,R,TI,AG) Notional Congress and Trade Show Region 1 Congress CORE Workshop

Houston, TX Houston, TX Dallas, TX Dallas, TX Dallas, TX Santo Clara, CA Burlington, MA

SEPTEMBER 8-12 9-13 12 18-20 25-27 25-27 30-0cl. 4

1st World Championships Selection Camp (W) Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships Notional Gymnastics Day Region 5 Congress Final Selection Event (TI) Notional TOPs Testing (W) Final World ChampionshipsSelection Camp (W)

7-12 9-11 9-13 10 12-18 23-25 28-Nov.l

World Championships Training in Great Britain Region 2 Congress Notional Team Training Camp (AG) British Open Selection Event (AG) World Artistic Gymnastics Championships (M,W) Region 7 Congress JO level 9/ 10 Camp (W)

Houston, Texas Mie, Japan Everywhere Schaumburg, Il los Vegas, NV Houston, TX Houston, TX

Tyson American Cup (MIW)

7-8 9

Women's JO Notional Championships Notional Invitational Tournament

Worcester, MA

MAY Dallas, TX Dallas, TX

AUGUST 11-14 11 12-14

Visa Championships (M,W,R,TI and AG) Annual Business Conference Notional Congress and Trade Show

Hartford, CT Hartford, CT Hartford, CT

OCTOBER Great Britain SeaHle, WA Houston, Texas Houston, Texas london, ENG Virginia Beach, VA Houston, TX

NOVEMBER 4-8 5-9 7-15 14-22 27-29

Future Stars (M) Notional Coaches Workshop (M) Trampoline & Tumbling World Championships World Age-Group Competition (TI) British Open Tournament 路 Stake-an路Trent lAG)

2-6 6-10

Notional TOPs Team Camp (W) Notional TOPs BCamp (W)

Colorado Springs, CO Colorado Springs, CO SI.Petersburg, RUS St. Petersburg, RUS Great Britain

DECEMBER Houston, TX Houston, TX

R= Rhythmic W= Women AG =Acrobatic Gymnastics B=Business NOTE: Dates alltl events subject to

TECHNIQUE路 AUGUST 2009

or cancellation.

2008 world silver-medalists Michael Rodrigues and Kristin Allen of livermore, (alif./West (oast Training (enter, won the all-around title in World (up mixed pair at the 2009 Freedom (up in Saint Paul, Minn.

TR =Trampoline M=Men IT = TrampolinelTumbling

GG =Group Gymnastics

TU = Tumbling

AUGUST PUBLISHER

Steve Penny EDITOR

Luan Peszek GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Grant Glas

USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Choir: Peter Vidmar Vice-Choir: Paul Parillo Secretory: Gory Anderson Treasurer: Morris Jim Notional Membership -Women: Tom Koll Notional Membership -Women: Steve Rybocki Notionol Membership-Men: Yoichi Tomita Notionol Membership -Men: Russ Fystrom Notional Membership - Rhythmic: Brooke Bushnell-Toohey Notionol Membership -Trompoline &Tumbling: George Drew Notional Membership -Acrobatic Gymnastics: Dr. Joy Binder Advisory Council: Mike Burns Advisory Council: Ron Ferris Advisory Council: Mike Lorenzen Athlete Director -Women: Kim Zmeskol Athlete Director -Men: John Roethlisberger Athlete Director -Rhythmic: Jessico Howord Athlete Director · Trompoline & Tumbling: Korl Heger Athlete Director -Acrobatic Gymonstics: Michoel Rodrigues Public Sector: Fronk Morsholl Public Sector: Bitsy Kelley Public Sector: JimMorris Public Sector: Mory Lou Renon

2009 •

VOLUME

29 •

FEATURES 6

Rotation, Rotation, Rotation

10 Tyson Fitness Challenge - New Idea 12 Overcoming Psychological Blocking 34 American Sokol 2009 International Sport and Cultural Festival

DEPARTMENTS 2 Event Schedule 4 USA Gymnastics Message

20 National Congress Information

32 USA Gymnastics University 38 Member Services 42 What's New 44 Women's Program Update 46 Classifieds

CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: In order to ensure uninterrupted delivery of TECHNIQUE magazine, notice of change of address should be made eight weeks in advance. For fastest service, please enclose your present mailing label. Direct all subscription mail to TECHNIQUE Subscriptions, USA Gymnastics, 132 E. Washington SI., Suite 700, Indianapolis, IN 46204 . TECHNIQUE is published month~ except bimonthly in Sept/ Oct and Nov/Dec by USA Gymnastics, 132 E. Washington SI., Suite 700, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (phone: 317-2375050) or vis» online @www.usooJymnostKs.orgSubscription prices: U.S.-S25 per year; Cana a/Mexico-S48 per year; all other foreign countries-S60 per year. If available, back issue single copies S4 plus postage/handling. All reasonable care will be taken, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited material; enclose return postage. Copyright 2009 by USA Gymnastics and TECHNIQUE. All rights reserved. Printed by Sport Graphics, Indianapolis, IN. Member Services 1-800-345-4719 Unless expressly id.nlilied 10 Ibe ,onl,o,y, all o,'icles, s'o'"",,'s anti views prinled berein are all,ibuled so/.ly 10 Ibe aulbo, anti USA Gymnaslics exp,esses no opinion and assumes no responsi6iHty Ibereol.

wwwousaogymnastics .org AUGUST 2009 • TECHNIQUE

USA GYMNASTICS MESSAGE As President of USA Gymnastics, I hear stories on a daily basis about what is happening in the sport. Recently I received a heart-warming story about three sisters - triplets - that have benefitted from participation in the sport. It really hit home for me, since I have 4-year-old triplet daughters of my own who participate in gymnastics classes. The following story truly fits our slogan, Begin Here. Go Anywhere. I wanted to share it with you to reinforce the enormous impact you can have on children. Seven years aga, I gave birth ta triplet girls. I couldn 't be happier! However, they were born at 30 weeks, which is early, even for triplets. Of course there were many problems. Two of my daughters spent a month in the neonatal unit at the hospital, and my other daughter spent three months there, but they all finally made it home. They were released on oxygen and apnea monitors that they used for a year. In that year we endured brain surgery, heart surgery, eye surgery, and countless hours at physical, occupational, and developmental therapy just to name a few. We remained as positive as we could. Two of my daughters have been diagnosed with a mild cerebral palsy, both wearing leg braces for several years. One of my daughters still wears a brace at night to this day and has had surgery to lengthen her Achilles tendon as she grows due to problems resulting from her brain surgery. When the girls turned 3 years old, they were still in therapy. Fortunately, this is when I met Cindy Gregg (known as Mrs. Cindy to the girls), whose gym was in the same building as our therapy sessions. I signed the girls up for gymnastics classes and they have been with Lafayette Area Gymnastics Club in Lafayette, Ind. , and with Mrs. Cindy ever since. The girls even managed to join the team two years ago and are still competing! Yes, competing, something I never imagined they would ever do. Mrs Cindy and I have a bet that if my daughter Mia does a round off back-handspring I owe her a million dollars. We also have placed similar bets for climbing the rope, climbing the rope with no legs, etc. all of which I have lost. When we visit their doctors, they are simply amazed at the girls' progress! We are also involved in a triplet study at the hospital where they were born and results indicate that they are well beyond what anyone had ever hoped. I feel I owe much of their success to gymnastics. The stretching, and strengthening exercises that they perform have allowed them to surpass every goal I have ever set for them in my own mind. As parents we see our three girls that have acquired a confidence that they may otherwise have been denied becouse they could have been less fortunate than others physically. I can assure you that they would not be where they are today if not for gymnastics classes. We are truly blessed. I have encouraged everyone I have met in therapy to take a chance like we did. They will be happy with the outcome in every aspect of their child's development. Sincerely, Kristi and Joe Patton and Nina, Mia, and Sophia

I share the same feelings as the Patton's. Every day I have the joy of watching my three daughters grow with confidence in their physical skills. And whi le the furniture in our home has taken the brunt of most of th eir enthusiasm, in t he long run, I know it is a small price to pay for the great fitness foundation they are building. I look forward to seeing many of you in Dallas at the Visa Championships and National Congress, where we will celebrate the greatness of this sport. See you in the gym.

f4LP Steve Penny President/ CEO

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ROTATION, ROTATION, ROTATION Part 2- Rotational Strength ~ St.Vincent

~ Sports Performance

By Natasha Lothery Ringenberg St. Vincent Sports Performance - Indianapolis, Indiana n the previous Rotation, Rotation , Rotation article we discussed the importance of including rotational core exercises in the strength training of gymnasts. The sport of gymnastics involves quick and powerful bursts of movement in many planes, therefore strength training for gymnasts should include exercises in mUltiple planes. Coaches and trainers should heavily consider including core exercises that challenge the rotators of the trunk and hips, both in stability and strength. The primary type of exercises that were illustrated in Rotation , Rotation, Rotation part 1 were mostly rotational stability exercises. The importance of training muscular control and stability before training excessively in strength alone was noted in the previous article. It is of up-most importance to train an athlete that lacks an ideal amount of musculoskeletal control in the core (torso and hip muscles), with exercises that target rotational stability before rotational strength .

They should balance by keeping their right foot flat into the ground creating a 90-degree angle at the thigh and shin, the ball of their left foot placed firmly into the ground, and their torso in an upright position with their abdominals held tight. With their body perpendicular to the line of the cord or ca ~ le (the resistance is closest to the right side of their body), have them reach up high over their right shoulder and grasp the handles with both hands. Athletes need to keep their torso upwards while they pull the cord or cable downward, in front of their body, toward their left hip. While executing this exercise have athletes focus on keeping their arms straight throughout the whole movement, and moving the resistance with their core. Have the athlete pull downward, or contract, with a quick powerful effort while returning upward in a controlled manner. Repeat on the other side of the body with left knee up, right knee down, and pulling from the left shoulder, in front of the body, and towards the right hip.

ROTATIONAL STRENGTH By strengthening the gymnasts' rotational core muscles (internal obliques, external obliques, quadratus lumborum) we give their body a better chance to withstand all of the compressive, rotary and shearing forces that their bodies are subject to on a daily basis . Here are a few exercises to challenge the development of your athletes' rotary strength. 1. KNEELING DOWNWARD CHOPS. This exercise can be performed with an elastic cord, cable or pulley system (i.e. using a Keiser, Free Motion Pulley machine or free-weight pulley system). Have athletes get in a half kneeling position and kneel with their right knee up and their left knee down.

TECHNIQUE. AUGUST 2009

Exercise Description: In a half kneeling position, pull the cord across the body in a diagonal pattern towards the opposite hip. Keep arms straight, and posture upright. 3-5 sets of 5-10 repetitions.

2. KNEELING UPWARD CHOPS. Using the same apparatus as the above mentioned chops, set the cable or elastic cord to a lower position-almost touching the floor. The athlete will assume the same half-kneeling stance position again, however this time start with right knee down and left knee up. Have athletes balance their body again with the left foot flat on the ground creating a 90-degree angle between the thigh and shin, and pressing the ball of the right foot firmly into the ground. With the body perpendicular to the resistance (resistance is closest to the right hip side of the body), have them grasp the handle with both hands. While keeping arms in a locked position have them contract their abdominals while pulling across their body and in an upward position towards their left shoulder. Again the athlete contracts and pulls upward with power, and controls the speed of the resistance as they move back downward.

from one side of the body to the other. The athlete should focus on pulling from the core not the arms, with effort on the way out against the resistance and control on the way back in towards the machine.

Exercise Description: In a partial squat position, pull the cord across the body towards the opposite side. Keep arms straight, and posture upright. 3-5 sets of 5-10 repetitions.

Exercise Description: In a half kneeling position, pull the cord across the body in a diagonal pattern towards the opposite shoulder. Keep arms straight, and posture upright. 3-5 sets of 5-10 repetitions.

3. STANDING ROTATIONS. This exercise can also be performed with an elastic cord, cable or pulley system (i.e. using a Keiser, Free Motion Pulley machine or free-weight pulley system) tubing. Have the athlete stand perpendicular to the line of pull of the cord, cable, or pulley with a hip width stance, knees slightly bent, hips slightly shifted back, and with abdominals braced tight. The athlete should grasp the handle with both arms extended, and pull the cord, cable or pulley with straight arms,

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4. SIDE-LYING ROTATIONAL CRUNCH. Have the athlete lay on his/her side on a Glute/Ham machine, Roman chair, training table, bench, blocks, etc. The upper body of the athlete performing this exercise should be free, while legs are held fixed either by the machine, or a person holding the legs down (if done on a training table, bench, or large blocks, etc., it is best to have a person of similar or or greater body weight sit on the working athlete's legs to ensure that they will not fall. The athlete will then reach down toward the side of his/her body closest to the floor with the opposite arm, and then reverse this by contracting upwards toward the side of his/her body closest to the ceiling with the opposite side arm. The athlete should perform these with good body control, and focus on staying braced in his/her abdominals. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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AUGUST 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ TECHNIOUE

Exercise Description: In a side-lying position with legs fixed, rotate and reach both downward and upward leading with the opposite side arm. 3-5 sets of 5-10 repetitions.

5. ELEVATED ROTATIONAL SIT-UP. Similar to side-lying rotational crunch, the athlete needs to have his/her lower body in a fixed position. In a face up position lower the torso downward in a controlled manner, until the upper body is in a straight line with the lower body. At the bottom of the movement rotate the torso to the left and the right before flexing upward to the starting position. The athlete should focus on not allowing a lot of low back arching (lordosis) while at the bottom of the movement. If the coach or athlete notices an excessive amount of lordosis at a particular range of depth on the downward phase of the movement, have the athlete execute the rotations at a higher angle. It is very important to not cause any low back strain, or shift a high demand of work on the hip flexor muscles instead of the flexors of the torso.

Exercise Description: In a face up (supine) position with legs fixed, extend backward in a controlled manner, rotate from side to side then flex upward. 3-5 sets of 5-10 repetitions.

CONCLUSION Gymnasts put a lot of stress on their bodies during their training sessions and competitions. Taking the time to incorporate rotational exercises in both stability and strength is a wise investment in the health and performance of your athletes. Optimal core stability and strength are vital traits for these athletes to have in order to aid their bodies in the ability to execute movements, absorb possibly detrimental forces, and aid in preventing back pain. excessive amount of lordosis at a particular range of depth on the downward. 1\

TECHNIQUE路 AUGUST 2009

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A NEW IDEA FOR HOSTING TYSON FITNESS CHALLENGE AND NATIONAL GYMNASTICS DAY TNT Gymnastics and Fitness Complex in Jacksonville, Florida, is owned by Denise Brumsey and Devon Everett. They came up with a creative way to host the Tyson Fitness Challenge in their gym. Check out the way in which these owners organized the Tyson Fitness Challenge to meet their gym's needs! What is your gym doing for the Tyson Fitness Challenge or National Gymnastics Day? Tell us online at www.usa-gymnastics.org . Send your photos and story to Clubservices@usa-gymnastics.org

TECHNIQUE路 AU GUST 2009

FAMILY FIINESS eHAl1 ENGE AT 1NI GYMNASnCS & FIINESS COMPLEX BY DENISE BRUMSEY

NT Gymnastics & Fitness held an event on May 15 to kick off the Tyson Fitness Challenge. We invited all current customers to attend a free fitness night. We were thrilled with the turnout as we had 18 teams ranging in age and ability. An adult partnered up with a child they were related to, and all but one team included a parent with their child. The participants were divided into two divisions to allow for fair competition. Division 1 was my Level 4 and higher level boys and girls competitive team members with their adult partner; Division 2 was any recreational gymnast or Levels 2-3 competitive team gymnast with their adult partner. We all started out with a warmup, a little cardio and stretching. The best part was encouraging the children to help their parent stretch correctly ... boy was that fun for the kids! We announced the six stations each team would have to participate in so we could pick our winning fitness teams. The fitness stations were as follows: • V-Sit Valley: Hold a v-sit for as long as possible between two incline mats. • Hanging Around : Hold a horizontal hang position with chin to bar, however the competitive team had to hold chin to bar while in L hang.

• To The Toes and Beyond: Hanging pike stretch, reach as far as possible with legs straight. • Push Ups & Downs: Using panel mats, which come up to the challengers' elbow, do as many push-ups on and off the panel mat stack in 1 minute. • Obstacle Course: Everyone had the same obstacle course . • Pit Races: The adults only needed to "swim" across 1 time, however the children had to do 2 laps, and the competitive team had to do one lap on their back! Adults really broke a sweat on this station and we even had to rescue one tired mom! Everyone had a good time challenging each other in a safe environment. We awarded bonus points to any parent who could get a split flat . .. and there was actually one who did! We decided the winner by totaling the child and adult times, and then ranked each one . They received points based on how they finished in each category. We held a medal ceremony to announce our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finisher in each division. Afterwards, everyone headed to our reception area where we shared goodies brought in by each family. This event had great results in parenti child bonding, but also the parents gained appreciation for a fun way to get fit. Some of my most physically-fit parents couldn't believe how challenging these stations were! It was a success! X

AUGUST 2009 • TECHNIQUE

OVERCOMING

PSYCHOLOGICAL BLOCKING IN GYMNASTICS by David A. Feigley, Ph.D . - Rutgers University

Virtually 70% of high level gymnasts have experienced psychological blocking the inability to perform a skill previously performed with ease. Only a small percentage of these athletes experience blocking to the point that it disrupts their performance. Nonetheless, for those who do, the experience is devastating. Occasionally, a clear-cut starting point identifies the origin of the psychological blocking problem - a serious fall, a near catastrophe or a painful collision may precipitate the blocking. Perhaps, observing such events happening to another was the precipitating condition . More often, however, the cause is difficult to pinpoint . Our research shows that blocking has a number of predictable characteristics (Feigley, Robbins & Berger, 1989) : a) it generalizes backwards within a sequence of skills. For ex ample, blocking on the back somersault phase of the roundoff, back handspring, back som e rsault sequence quickly spreads to the back handspring and frequently to the round-off itself. b) it generalizes across skills . For example , a problem on the back saito on the beam quickly spreads to a back saito on the floor and / or to a back walkover on the beam or the floor. c) Athl etes susceptible to blocking have similar characteristics . They are: 1) very bright 2) fast le arners, at least in itially.

TECHNIQUE' AUGUST 2009

Their high intelligence and rapid rate of learning often results in their learning skills without learning intermediate steps . This characteristic has been noted as a possible cause or factor related to a cause in a study of trampolinists (Day, Thatcher, Greenlees & Woods (2006). The reactions of coaches also follows predictable patterns . At first, they are patient, providing encouragement and understanding to the gymnast . When that approach fails to solve the problem, they become impatient and irritable, often leading to confrontations as the coach "demands" the performance which both the coach and the athlete know is well within the athlete's physical capacity. After all, the definition of blocking is that the gymnast has already performed the skill successfully, often for long periods of time before the blocking occurred . Frequently, the coach will "bac k off," giving the gymnast several days or we e ks to "get away from the problem." When the problem still persists, the confrontational style begins again. Psychological blocking typically evolves through three major stages. At first, the problem is simply be ing unable to perform the skill. That inability may be a specific fear of injury or more commonly

it involves a vague unspecified fear. Sometimes, the cause appears to result from small biomechanical errors that are so small that they are not recognized by the gymnast or coach. These tiny errors do not prevent the execution of the skill in a practice setting such as a back handspring performed on a low, wide practice beam but become major debilitating factors when performed on the 4" wide high beam where the margin for error is much smaller and the hand placement on the beam changes the gymnast's base of physical support. The block is often accompanied by an inability to visualize the performance of the skill. The second phase, which usually develops weeks or months after the initia l blocking continues, involves emotionally conditioned negative affect, a form of classical conditioning. The anger, shame and guilt which arise from the inability to perform a skil l previously mastered becomes assoc iated with spec ifi c, naturally occurring cues associated with that skill; e.g., the balance beam itself elicits shame and avoidance because it is the site where repeated failures to perform have occurred when the gymnast blocks on a back handspring on the beam . The agitation experienced by the gymnast may come from 1) a loss of face before the coach, an authority figure; 2) embarrassment from the public failure before teammates and parents; and/or 3) from their own personal confusion about "I could do before; why not now?" Athletes suffering from this problem regularly

express a dislike of hav ing others watch them while they are struggling with the problem . The third phase develops after month or years of dealing with the same problem. The gymnasts begin to make negative attributions about their ability or their courage . Questions such as "What's wrong with me?" or "Why can't I do this, especia ll y when my teammates can?" begin to morph into statements about personal ability or self-worth. They gradually become "I'm not good enough" or " I'm a coward" or I'm a mess." Such negative attributions are much more difficult to eliminate after the gymnast has made such negative self-judgments over a prolonged period of time and the evidence of their failures is literally "right in front of them . " Frankly, we do not know what causes psychological blocking. The cause remains a mystery despite some educated guesses. What we do know is that blocking is more frequent than common ly thought and that it occurs in other sports such as springboard/tower d iving and trampolining. It's called the Lost Move Syndrome by trampolinists (Tenn, 1995a, 1995b) . We also know that it is easily compounded by the two additional problems described above: The classically conditioned negative emotional responses and the negative self appraisals. Collins, Morriss and Trower (1999) studied the recovery of elite level skill in javelin throwers . Th e sport they examined was quite different from

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gymnastics but the goal of the athletes to reco ver a previously lost skill was quite similar. They suggested three possible causes. First, an athlete might be actively inhibiting the skill because of fear of injury. That is an intuitively appealing answer for gymnasts but what little research is available suggests that fear of injury is not the primary cause (Day, Thatcher, Greenlees, & Woods, 2006). Using a semi-structure interv iew technique with 15 high-level trampolinists, Day et al. (2006) found repeated comments that fear of injury was not uppermost in the trampolinists' minds . One such illustrati ve comment was "I neve r thought I'd hurt myself. I was scared of the move, not what might happen afterwards (Page 161). " Second, the disruption might arise from the athlete's attempts to exert too much conscious control on what would normally be a highly automated task . The classic description of "paralysis by analysis" might be at least a partial causal explanation . A major shortcoming of this explanation is that gymnasts regularly complain that they cannot visualize the skill (Feigley, 2001; 1985). Overanalysis presumably requires the ability to picture or at least think about the mo ve ment skill. Third, Collins et al. (1999) suggested that the blocking might be related to the athletes' inability to access the motor program for the desired skill. While this cause is consistent with motor learning research, because it relies on internal, theoretical motor schema, it has little practical value for coach . The following suggested recommendations are a program, not a quick fix.

RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Help the gymnast develop

a sense of perspective -Blocking is a problem to be solved, not a character flaw nor a personal weakness. Others ha ve had this problem and successfully solved it. You are not the only one. Just as importantly, start with the assumption that the athlete is motivated to solve the problem . 2) Use "windows of opportunity." Windows of opportunities are ve ry brief chances for the gymnast to perform the blocked skill. For example, once the gymnast is properly warm-up and has had the opportunity to rehearse the appropriate lead up skills, the coach might say, "Okay, now that you've told me you are ready, we have 15 seconds to perform your back handspring once you've gotten up on the high beam . If you don't go within that time frame, step down off the beam and prepare once again before mounting the beam. We're only going to attempt this three times . If we haven't done it by then, we're finished and will have another opportunity to try it tomorrow. " The primary purpose is to give the athlete multiple opportunities for success without prolonging the amount of time the athlete is in a double-bind situation . A double-bind refers to the situation in which the gymnast is damned if she does and damned if she doesn't. If she attempts to perform the skill, her fear rises to intolerable levels. If she doesn't perform the skill, she is shamed in the eyes of her coach and in her own eyes as well. The brief opportunity to perform places the emphasis on "getting ready" rather than maintaining the athlete in a situation that is characterized by punishment, shame and frustration . "Getting ready" involves both getting

mentally set to perform the skill which the gymnast fears and rehearsing the prerequisite foundation skills. The brief periods of time (i .e., the opportunities) also help the coach and gymnast to avoid focusing on the frustrating nonperformance over long periods of time. It is also extremely important that the coach presents tomorrow as the next step without guilt, sarcasm or disappointment. 3) Avoid using guilt when moving on. Gymnasts are highly likely to feel shame and frustration even though their outward expressions may not reflect those feelings. The strong emotions that characterize these situations cloud the issue . If the gymnast is in the blocking situation for prolonged periods of time where the strong emotions are continually present, those emotions become linked to the circumstances, e.g., standing on the beam for a series of back handsprings . The gymnast learns via classical conditioning to link the anxiety with the specific circumstances associated with blocking (e.g., standing on the high beam). These conditioned emotional responses compound the problem rather than leading to a solution to the blocking. 4) Minimize the amount of emotion associated with the blocking. Be matter of fact in your communication and instruction with the gymnast - "You're not ready yet . Let's get ready." The frustration is shared by the gymnast, coach and parent because there seems to be no apparent cause of the psychological block . The block, however, is rarely, if ever, due to a lack of motivation on the part of the gymnast. Avoid additional emotional reactions during the instruction and provide steady but sincere encouragement.

5) Set a realistic time frame for the "cure" -Months, not weeks. If the problem has been

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identified early, the prognos is for recovery is likely to be shorter than if the problem has existed for six months. The phrase "a mile in, a mile out," reflects this perspective. 6) Design progressions with alternative successes/ conclusions. Design the training so that there is always a logical finish to the assignment regardless of whether blocking occurs . An unfortunate characteristic of blocking is that the gymnast stands motionless on the apparatus for long periods of time, locked in indecision. During these prolonged periods, emotions become conditioned, frustration and shame increase, the equipment is unavailable to teammates, public embarrassment grows, and the gymnast begins to question his or her ability. Having a logical finish allows the gymnast to move on and minimizes the prolonged periods of failure. For example, the assignment might be to make three attempts to do a back handspring sequence within 15 seconds after mounting the beam. If the attempts are not made within that 15-second period, the opportunity is finished. After three attempts that portion of the workout is over, even if the gymnast requests additional attempts to "do it." While at first, the gymnast may perceive such a finish as a relief, within a few days, those periods will begin to be seen as opportunities to be worked toward as opposed to an event to be dreaded. Unless they are prepared, they won't have the opportunity to master the skill, keep up with the others, or prepare for an upcoming competition. Examples of progressions with alternative successes are: J 50 attempts with a spot or 3 not necessarily consecutive attempts without a spot. J 25 attempts with a spot or 1 without a spot J 50 tries with a spot or 3 in a row without a spot. 7) Practice mentally imaging successful attempts.

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This imaging may no t be easy. Gymnasts may have difficulty picturing the skill in their mind (a strong charact eristi c of blocking); or they may cons istent ly see them selves performing errors as they execute the skill mentally. They can enhance the positive mental performance by watching others who can successfully do the skill (or a v ideotap e). If they can p e rform th e skill with a spot but balk when attempting it alone, have them a lternatel y perform the skill with a spot and then imm ed iately attempt to v isualize the skill attempting to duplicate the sensation experienced while actually doing the sk ill . Those sensations might be feeling the impact of landin g on the beam while performing a back handspring or smelling the chalk dust on the ir hands or feeling th e texture of the balance beam or the floor. In other words, link the physical sensations closely in time with th e attempts to visualize and increase the number of naturally occurring sensory cues t o in crease th e v ividness and va lidity of the mental image. Initial ly, give mental assignments which are easy; i.e., image at least three successful attempts. When the gymnast is successful, increase the difficulty of the assignment in reasonable, progressive steps, just as you would with physical performances; i.e., 10 successes regardless of the number of tries; then five in a row without a miss; then 10 in a row, etc.

8} Never mislead the athlete about whether you will or will not spot. A common belief is that if the coach pretends to spot, then w ithdraws their suppo rt, they will be able to convince the gymnast that the gymnast really did the skill without assistance. In fact, the gymnast already knows they can perform the skill. Fear and uncertainty are blocking their performance. To suddenly withdraw the spotting in the middle of the skill is more likely to increase unc erta in ty than to decrea se it. Further, the trust between the coach and gymnast is difficult to sustain if the coach is perceived as tricking the gymnast into performing without a spot. Finally, the goal is for the gymnast to overcome the fear through h is or he r own efforts. The perception of being "in control" of the risk is an important part of this success. 9} Let them know they are not alone. H ave gymnasts with the prob lem talk to one another. Let them realize that they are not alone; they are not the only one. This is espec ially effective if they have contact with an older, more experienced gymnast who has successfully overcome similar problems with blocking.

10} Do the "blocked skill" early in the workout to avoid destroying the entire workout . If the gymnast is successful, they have a great beginning for the training session. If they are not successful, the stressful situat ion is done for the day and they can enjoy and focus on other aspects of their workout rather than dreading what is still to come . 11} Permit the gymnast to attempt the skill "out of

TECHNIQUE' AUGUST 2009

the limelight ." For example, they may be encouraged to arrive at practice a few minutes early or to st ay for a few minutes after (before is better to avoid prolonging the anticipation throughout practice). Practice the skill away from teammates to minimize the embarrassment that accompanies public failures.

12} Encourage the gymnast to explore the skill while at play or in a safe setting such as with a spotting belt or on a mat on the trampoline where the additional spring makes the skill easier. This approach also removes the skill from the primary situation where the negative emotions have been conditioned over and over again. Performing a high leap ing back handspring, for example, may al low the gymna st to see v isual spots more easily. Thi s technique increases awareness even though it may be done so at the expense of biomechanical efficiency at least temporarily)

13} Permit the athlete to control the rate of progress through the progressions for the skill. This approach requires a co mmitment on the part of the gymnast to approach the skill rather than simply delaying or avoiding the skill. Knowing that I can decide when I move on in the progressions can reduce some of the external pressure on the gymnast. However, this approach requires a significant degree of maturity on the part of the gymnast. 14} Encourage the gymnast to develop an awareness of appropriate visual cues (known as visual spotting) during the performance of the skill. Frequently, young gymnasts learn the skill so quickly, that they rely primarily on kinesthetic cues rather than v isual cues. Initially, adding v isual cues can be ve ry distracting for a gymnast who has relied so lel y on kinesthetic awareness (not infrequ ent ly, younger gymnasts actually perform the skill with their eyes closed).

15} Analyze the skill for the possibility of subtle changes in the biomechanics of the skill that might occur because of developmental changes such as growth related to longer arms and legs, changes in center of gravity, reduced strength to weight ratios, etc. A common example : The hand placement while performing a back handspring on beam changes as the gymnast's hands in c rease in size as a result of growth. Initially, the hands can be placed sideby-side on the 1 O-centimeter wide beam. At older ages, th e hands may have to be placed in parallel to the length of the beam creating subtle changes in the alignment of the gymnast's shoulders and torso , especially with strong gymnasts who have limited shoulder fle xib ility. The same growth process may

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What to Expect? A three day educational event that provides a unique opportunity to attend more than 180 presentations, demonstrations, and educational seminars on a variety of topics within the sport-all in one location . With sessions taught by nationally recognized professionals from all areas of gymnastics, National Congress not only provides valuable information covering every discipline/ - Women's, Men's, Rhythmic, Acrobatics, Trampoline and Tumbling, and Group Gymnastics-but ./ also preschool/recreational education, sport science,

fitness and business management. Additional educational opportunities, such as Safety Certification, Preschool Fundamental Hands-On Training and judging exams are available at an additional fee. Participation at National Congress provides participants with 15 USA Gymnastics University credits and/or CPE credits for judges. Along with the educational experience, registrants also have an opportunity to visit the Trade Show Exhibit Hall, which includes more than 200 booths of products and information from more than 85 different vendors from the

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USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show and Visa Championships Schedule Wednesday, August 12 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m . 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m . 3:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m .-9:30 p.m .

Thursday, August 13 6:30 a.m.-7:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m .-5:30 p.m . 7:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m . 8:30 a.m .-4:30 p.m . 9:00 a.m .-11 :30 a.m. 11 :00 a.m .-1 :00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Friday, August 14 6:30 a.m.-7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.-5 :30 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-5:45 p.m . 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m . 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 11 :00 a.m.-1 :00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m . 3:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.-11 :00 p.m.

Saturday, August 15 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m . 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 11 :00 a.m .-1 :00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m . 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m .-9:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m .-1 0:00 p.m. 9:30 p.m .-12:30 a.m .

Sunday, August 16 8:00 a.m.-12:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 8:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m .

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Fitness Activities Congress Registration Opens Exhibit Hall Open Congress Sessions RSG, ACRO and T&T Competition Hall of Fame Luncheon & Induction Ceremony Acro Prelims & L8-1Finals Jr. T&T Finals/Sr. Double Mini & Synchro Finals Sr. Men's Competition - Day 2 Post Competition Fan Celebration

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*A complete list of activities, competitions and meetings will be printed in the Congress Information Guide, which you will receive upon check in. Schedule subject to change. Trampoline and Tumbling, Rhythmic and Acro events are free with Congress credential.

TECHNIQUE路 AUGU ST 2009

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 3, 2009 ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

PROGRAM

Dallas Ballroom A 123 Dallas Ballroom B & C Dallas Ballroom D1 Dallas Ballroom D2&3 San Antonio Ballroom A San Antonio Ballroom B State Room 1 State Room 2 State Room 3

Level 5 & 6 Compulsory Floor How to Apply the " Up to" Deductions Conditioning Circuit Shocks, Stops, Blocks Junior Olympic Program Updates for 2009 - 2010 year Customer Service Dilemmas Everyone Must Deal With. How to Handle Business in These Economic Times Tax Deductions Reducing Back Pain and Improving Alignment Taking Risk Management to the Next Level Gymnastics Claims History: Trends and Opportunities 2009 Future Stars Trampoline Routine Keeping Gymnastics in the Household Budget So You're Coachingrreaching Boys-A Survival Guide Abs and Core: Strength From Beginner to Elite Core Conditioning for ProBer Hollow Position and Strength

Laurie Reid & Linda Mulvihill Steve Rybacki Dr. Alison Arnold Tom Koll & Connie Maloney Jeff Metzger Jeff Lull a Sean Dever Kris Robinson M ichael Swain

W W SS W B B B SS RM

Joy Umenhofer Sandi Stevens-McGee Beth Gardner Gina Pongetti

State Room 4 Houston Ballroom A Houston Ballroom B Houston Ballroom C

ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

PROGRAM

Dallas Ballroom A 123 Dallas Ballroom B & C Dallas Ballroom D1 Dallas Ballroom D2&3 San Antonio Ballroom A San Antonio Ballroom B State Room 1 State Room 2 State Room 3 State Room 4 Houston Ballroom A Houston Ba llroom B Houston Ballroom C

Practice Judging Beam Level 7 & 8 Drills to Keep Compulsory Kids on the Beam Teaching Single Somersaults and Twisting Somersaults - Part I Developing Bar Circles Maximizing Enrollment The 2 Most Important Factors Developing Office Systems - Part 1 How to Manage Multiple Locations Growing Your Pro Shop Profits Hips: Proper Flexibility and Stability for Positioning, Dance, Tumout and Spine Health Strength Training: Key Components for Senior Athletes Preschool Core Stability Activities How to Keep Them in the Gym. Activities for Kids Who Will Not Go to Team Running a Preschool in Your Gym

Char Christensen Cheryl Jarrett Joy Umenhofer Dan W itenstein Jeff Metzger Frank Sahlein Dave Peterson Sallie Weaver Gina Pongetti Rustam Sharipov Linda Thorberg & Brant Lutska Tom Koll Priscilla Godi

W W M W B B B B SS M REC W REC

ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

PROGRAM

Practice Judging Beam Levels 9 & 10 2009 - 2012 New Compulsory Music Avoid Re-Injury During Recovery Collegiate Recruiting Problem Solving in the Office Benchmarking with the Best Program Manager in the Business Protect your Business against Fraud S Sure Ways to Get Sued When Working with Children and How to Prevent It Coaching Level 4 Acrobatics Compulsories Still Rings: D & E Dismounts Vaulting for Recreational Classes Correct Posture for Preschoolers Building Blocks: Developing Preschool Rhythmic Gymnastics Part 1

Marian Dykes Tom Koll Peter Pidcoe Mike Lorenzen Jeff Lu lla Frank Sahlein Lynn Ledford Michael Swain Selena Peco Aaron Floyd Linda Thorberg & Brant Lutska Kris Robinson Tracy Callahan Molnar

W W SS College B B B RM ACRO M REC REC REC

ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

PROGRAM

Practice Judging Floor Exercise Levels 7 & 8 Developing the Yurchenko Vault How Coaches Sabotage Their Success Women's Vault See the Big Picture Open Book Management Growing Your Business Hinge Theory: Back Pain in Relation to Hip and Shoulder Flexi bility Great Customer Service Hiring and Training Teenage Coaches Basic Acrobatics Gymn astics Part 1 Floor Ex: Developing D & E Roll Out Skills Cheer Tumbl ing 101 Organized Chaos: Preschool Class Management Building Blocks: Developing Preschool RhythmiC Gymnastics Part 2

Neela Nelson Brad Harris Wendy Bruce & David Benzel Bryon Hough & Marian Dykes Jeff Metzger Gina Pongetti Laura Mikszan Dr. Pam Evans Pam Meier & Nancy Davis Tom Meadows Chris Calvert & Jim Lord Beth Gardner Tracy Callahan Molnar

W W SS W B SS B B ACRO W CHEER REC REC

W= Women M= Men B= Business SS= Sport Science RM= Risk Management

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TECHNIQUE路 AUGUST 2009

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 3, 2009 ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

PROGRAM

Practice Judging Uneven Bars Levels 7 & 8 Basics on All Events: Are You Doing Them Right? Twisting Basics/Mechanics Vault Bridge: Building a bridge from handspring to? Confronting Unacceptable Behavior: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly! Controlling Technology Before It Controls You Industry Report Risk Management Enterprise Basic Acrobatics Gymnastics Part 2 Parallel Bars: Morisue I've Got Great Ideas, But now What? Creating a Preschol Lesson Plan. Successful Parent & Tot Classes Shoulders: Strength, Flexibility and Drills for Skills

Linda Thorberg Tammy Biggs Peter Pidcoe Tony Retrosi Jeff Metzger Tom Forster Frank Sahlein Pat O'Connor Pam Meier & Nancy Davis Vitaly Marinitch Beth Gardner Patti Komara Gina Pongetti

W W SS W B B B RM ACRO M REC REC SS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 4, 2009 ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

PROGRAM

Sexual Abuse USA Gymnastics Participant Welfare Policy Circuit Training for All Seasons Protecting the Lower Back Set Up your year - How to Begin Communication with Owner and Staff Stepping into Leadership Thinking about Selling? Shoulder Care for Injury Prevention Safe Falling Program Workshop Strength Training: Key Components for Junior Athletes Cooperative Games for Preschool and Recreational Classes Level 1-3 Drills for Tumbling Skills Spectacular Shows for All of Your Gymnasts

Kathy Kelly Mary Lee Tracy Dr. Larry Nassar Steve Rybacki Jeff Lulla Steve Greeley Frank Sahlein Kris Robinson Dr. Max Vercruyssen Yin Alvarez Linda Thorberg & Brant Lutska Tom Koll Dr. Pam Evans

All W SS W B B B B

ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

NAWGJ Judge's Open Meeting Flexibility - A Different Approach to an Old Problem Year in Review - USA's Outlook Raw Ambition Developing Office Systems - Part 2 Policies and Procedures Compensation Systems and Other Coaching Acrobatics Level S & 6 Starting a Fitness Program Successfully Incorporating Trampoline into Your Team Training Recreational Classes - Bar Basic Skills Increasing Your Daytime Income Tumblebugs Program

Carole Ide Tammy Biggs Martha Karolyi Chris Burdette Frank Sahlein Laura Mikszan Jeff Metzger Selena Peco Jeff Lulla Joy Umenhofer Bryan Hough Patti Komara Patti Conner

ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

FIG New Code for Coaches & Judges. You can Draw Outside the Lines Tumbling Basics - A Foundation to Build Upon Dance/Dance/Dance Beginning Complex Tumbling on Beam & Floor - How They Affect Each Other Business College - Acom Levell Business Foundation Course - Part 1 Dealing with Collections Staff Manuals Working With Special Needs Children High Performance Flexibility Pommel Horse: Circle and Routine Refinement 25 Tips for Your School-Age Program

Maria DeCristoforo Mihai Brestyan Antonia Markova Tammy Biggs Frank Sahlein Tom Forster Steve Greeley Vicki Smith Dr. Bill Sands Xiao Yuan Patti Komara Sandi Stevens-McGee Gary H. Smith

Rotations, Stations and Mat Combinations that Make the Most Out of Your Equipment

Twisting Concepts for Gymnastics and T & T

W= Women M= Men B= Business SS= Sport Science RM= Risk Management

TECHH I QUE. AUGUST 2009

TT M REC REC REC

W W W W B B B ACRO FIT

TT REC B REC

W W W W B B B REC SS M REC REC

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 4, 2009 ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

PROGRAM

Preparing for the Judges Test 2009 - 2013 - What's New Conditioning Shaping and Lead Ups for Compulsory Bars TOPS & HOPES Programs Tailor Made - Creating the Perfect Workout! Bussiness College - Acorn Levell Business Foundation Course and Exam - Part 2 Developing Online Registration Business Law 101 Risk Management - It's the Club's Responsibility Coaching Technique Implement Feedback Strategies for Leaming Taping Techniques for Coaches Special People in Our Gyms: Open Your Doors to Special Needs People Easy Warm-up Songs and Dances for Kids Women Collegiate Judging - Part 1

Connie Maloney John Geddert Gary Warren Chris Burdette Frank Sahlein Tom Forster Lynn Ledford Scott Himsel, Esq. Dr. Bill Sands Don Rackey Beth Gardner Linda Thorberg & Brant Lutska Carole Ide

W W W W B B B RM SS M REC REC College

ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

Dallas Ballroom A 123 Dallas Ballroom B & C Dallas Ballroom D1 Dallas Ballroom D2&3 San Anton io Ballroom A San Anton io Ballroom B State Room 1 State Room 2 State Room 3 State Room 4 Houston Ballroom A Houston Ballroom B Houston Ba llroom C

Preparing for the Judges test 2009 - 2013 - What's New Good Leaps and How to Get Them Nuts and Bolts Icing on the Cake. Why Some Clubs Make it Big Acorn Level 1 Business Foundation Course Exam How to Excel in Managing and Supervising People Developing a Budget Explaining the Waiver and Release Form Building a Training Plan - Practical Application Exercise Boys Program Management: Parent Communication & Education Round Table Discussion: Problem Solving Q & A Level 1 - 3 Balance Beam Drills & Skills Women Collegiate Judging - Part 2

Connie Maloney Tammy Biggs John Geddert Chris Burdette Frank Sahlein Steve Greeley Sean Dever Scott Himsel, Esq. Dr. Bill Sands Jeff Robinson Linda Thorberg & Brant Lutska Tom Koll Carole Ide

W W W W B B B RM SS M REC REC College

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 5, 2009 ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

PROGRAM

Practice Judging Bars for Levels 9 & 10 Overview of the 2009-2012 JO Code of Points Basic Strength & Power Are you an Elite Coach? What it Takes Don't Survive the Recession!. ..Flourish In It! Chearleaing Stunt Technique & Progressions Exit Strategy for Your Business College Recruiting 101 Tyson Fitness Challenge & The Children's Miracle Network Returning from Injury The Best of "Trade A Tip" Idea Fabulous Birthday Parties Improving the Timed Bounce: Drills to Bounce Higher

Carole Bunge Tom Koll & Cheryl Hamilton Dr. Bill Sands Steve Rybacki Steve Cook Chris Calvert & Jim Lord Frank Sahlein Tom Kovic Denise Brumsey & Sean Bl ay Robert Andrews Linda Thorberg & Brant Lutska Randy Parrish Robert Null

W W SS W B Cheer B College REC M REC REC

ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

PROGRAM

Dallas Ballroom A 123 Dallas Ballroom B & C Dallas Ballroom D1 Dallas Ballroom D2&3 San Antonio Ballroom A

Practice Judging Floor Exercise Levels 9 & 10 2009 - 2012 New Compulsory Music (repeat) Short Term Endurance Team Parents: Eliminate Problems Before They Begin Coaching and Team Building

W W SS W B

San Anton io Ballroom B State Room 1 State Room 2 State Room 3 State Room 4 Houston Ballroom A Houston Ballroom B Houston Ballroom C

Staff Meetings That keep Their Attention Developing Reporting Systems How to Start a Developmental T & T Team in Your Gym Developing a Fitness Program with Your Local Schools and Community Overcoming Fear & Pressure of a Big Meet

Audrey Schweyer Tom Koll Dr. Bill Sands Bryon Hough John Macready/ John Roethlisberger and Randy Parrish Steve Greeley Tom Forster Susan Jacobson Vicki Smith Robert Andrews Linda Thorberg & Brant Lutska Gina Pongetti Chris Calvert & Jim Lord

Behaviors: How to Teach Children with Different Temperaments and Learning Styles

Wrists: Injury Trends. How to Avoid Pain and Increase Strength/Flexibility Maximizing Cheer Scores

W = Women M= Men B= Business SS=

TECHNIQUE路 AUGUST 2009

Science RM= Risk Management

B B

n B MEN REC SS Cheer

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 5, 2009 TOPIC

SPEAKER

PROGRAM

Dallas Ballroom A 123 Dallas Ballroom B & C Dallas Ballroom D1 Dallas Ballroom D2&3 San A ntonio Ballroom A San Antonio Ballroom B State Room 1 State Room 2 State Room 3 State Room 4 Houston Ballroom A Houston Ballroom B Houston Ballroom C

Practice Judging Vault Flexibility - Key to High Scores The Secret Ankles and feet: Balance, Strength Prevention Ball Exercises from A - Z Business Law 102 Staying in Sync w ith Your Boss Youth Leadership: An Ethical Approach to Team Dynamics USA Gymnastics University Business College High Bar: Release Moves Cooperative Games for Preschool and Recreational Classes Keep Fitness and Fun in Every C lass

W W SS SS REC B B ALL B M REC REC

How To Build a W inning Team. Everything You Need to Know Other Than Technique

A udrey Schweyer Tammy Biggs Dr. Alison Arnold Gina Pongetti Vicki Smith Lynne Ledford Dave Peterson Tom Kovic Frank Sahlein & Carisa Laughon J.D. Reive Linda Thorberg & Brant Lutska Randy Parrish Suzanne Yoculan

ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

Dallas Ballroom A 123 Dallas Ballroom B & C Dall as Ballroom D 1 Dallas Ballroom D2&3 San Antonio Ballroom A San Antonio Ballroom B State Room 1 State Room 2 State Room 3 St ate Room 4 Houston Ballroom A Houston Ballroom B Houston Ballroom C

Identifying Bar Skills and Angles Drills for High Level Leaps & Combinations Self Recovery Yurchenko Vaulting: They Can Flip - What Now? Drills for Layouts Through Twisting Dealing with Impossible People Developing New Programs Reading Your Financial Statement Cheer Risk Management & Safety Certification Course - Additional Fee Organization and Management of College Recruiting Process Vault: Getting to a 7.0 Vault Mat Magic: How Many Ways Can You Use a Folding Panel. Mat? Condit ioning Games and Activit ies Developing Shou lder Strength and Stability

Myra Elfebein & Dan Witenstein Li nda Jo hnson D r. Bill Sands Tony Ret rosi Jeff Lulla Dave Peterson Sean Dever Chris Calvert & Jim Lord Tom Kovic Andrew Pi leggi Linda Thorberg & Brant Lutska Randy Parrish Da rrell Barnes

ROOM

TOPIC

SPEAKER

Dallas Ballroom A 123 Dallas Ballroom B & C Dallas Ballroom D 1 Dallas Ballroom D2&3 San Antonio Ballroom A San A ntonio Ballroom B State Room 1 State Room 2 State Room 3 State Room 4 Houston Ballroom A Houston Ballroom B Houston Ballroom C

Evaluating Beam Acro Connections Floor Exercise Dance Passage - How to Coach and Judge It. Solving the Mystery of Motivation Developmental Camp Curriculum BarslVault Marketing Your Program Managing Emotions Under Pressure Global Sports Development Program Cheer Risk Management & Safety Certification Course - Part 2 and Exam Fitness Programs for Local Sports Teams Leadership Skills in in Coaching

Myra Elfenbein & Brad Harris Tom Koll & Neela Nelson Wendy Bruce & Davidd Benzel Tom Forster & Neil Resnick Lynn Ledford Dave Peterson Crissy Perham Chris Ca lvert & Jim Lord Vicki Smith Kevin M azeika

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August 12-15

2008, Shawn Johnson, David Sender • 2006, ..._ Todd Tho

00, Elise Ray, Blaine Blaine Wilson • 1998, Kristen Maloney, Blain Kristy Powell, Blaine Wilson • 1996, Shannon 1995, Dominique Moceanu, John Roethlisber Dawes, Scott Keswick II 1993, Shannon Mil rger • 1992, Kim Zmeskal, John Roethlisbe hris Waller II 1990, Kim Zmeskal, John Roethl II

Jonathan Horton 2008 Olympic High Bar Silver Medalist

Artistic Gymnastics Events at American Airlines Center, August 12·15 Acrobatic and Rhythmic Gymnastics and Trampoline & Tumbling Events at Dallas Convention Center Arena, August 12·15

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.

Preschool Fundamentals: Hands on Training (HOT) August 8 Woodward Camp 134 Sports Camp Dr. Woodward, PA 16882 Course code: SH08082009PA 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. August 8 Boy Island Gymnastics 3775 Homedo Ave Oakland, CA 94601 Course code: HF08082009CA 3:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. August 16 Sheraton DallasHotel* 400 N. Olive St. Dallas, TX 75201 Course code: XX08162009TX 8:45 - 2:00 p.m. August 20 Region 1Congress Marriott Santo Claro 2700 Mission College Blvd. Santo Clara, CA 95054 Course code: XX08202009CA 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. August 21 Roswell Recreation Center 38 Hill St. Roswell, GA 30075 Course code: CC08212009GA 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

August 12

August 28 Bishop-George High Scholl 1Tingley lone Edison, NJ 08820 Course code: CF08282009NA 3:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

2009 Notional Congress 8, Trade Show Sheraton Dallas Hotel 400 N. Olive St. Dallas, TX 75201 Coursecode: XX08122009TX 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.

September 17

August 16

Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel 8, Convention Center 1551 Thoreau Dr. North Schaumburg, Il60173 Course code: BM091720091L 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. October 3 Rick's All American Gymnastics 226 Passaic Ave. Fairfield, NJ 07004 Course code: CFlO032009NJ 4:30 - 9:30 p.m.

2009 Notional Congress 8, Trade Show Sheraton Dallas Hotel 400 N. Olive St. Dallas, TX 75201 Coursecode:XX08162009TX 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

October 8 Region 2Congress Auburn Gymnastics 1601 Boundary Blvd. Auburn, WA 98001 Course code: XX1 0082009WA 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.

August 23 Region 1Congress Marriott Santo Clara 2700 Mission College Blvd. Santo Clara, CA 95054 Course code: XX08232009CA 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.

August 28 Bishop George Ahr High School 1Tingley lone Edison, NJ 08820 Course code: BL08282009NJ 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.

August 29

'COUf5e dates and times are subied to change and/or cancellation. 'Held in coniundion with USA Gymna5lia 2009 National Congress and Trade Show

Geronimo Gymnastics Academy 1505 North Wood Ave. Florence, Al35630 Course code: SM08292009Al 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

To register for a course, visit the USA Gymnastics website at www.usa-gymnastics.org . Register online or download the registration forms . **Save $5 by registering online!" Pre-registration is IMPORTANT to ensure your spot in the course . The registration deadline for mailed/faxed forms is two weeks prior to the course . Online registration must be completed at least one week prior. Late and onsite registration may be available and will incur an additional $25 fee . If you are interested in hosting a course at your gym, contact education@usa-gymnastics.org for more information .

TECHNIQUE

AUGUST 2009

RED ROSE GYMNASTICS & CHEER INVITATIONAL MARCH 12-14,2010 Located in the heart of Lancaster, Pennsylvania at the Marriott Hotel and New 50,000 s.f. Lancaster Convention Center. Minutes away from Amish Country, Park City Mall and the Lancaster Outlets. Great Awards - Custom medals, trophies and team awards! Host Gym - Accelerations Gymnastics Academy, LLC Location - Brand New Lancaster Convention Center, PA Host Hotel - Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square Levels - 4 through Open and USAIGC Equipment - New Spieth Anderson Format - Capitol Cup Deposit - $100 deposit required by November I, 2009

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII CONTACT: Greg Kucera at gakucera@yahoo.com (Gymnastics) Or Matthew Null at matthew.null@pennmanor.net (Cheer)

early 1,500 gymnasts from Europe, North, Central and South American, as well as the United States headed to Ft. Worth, Texas for the American Sokol 2009 International Sport and Cultural Festival, June 23-27 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The five-day multi-sport, fitness and cultural activities were designed to give the participants the flavor of attending a World Gymnaestrada. The ISCF included a variety of activities, from a number of group Gymnastics for All events, to artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, to basketball and golf. All participants were invited to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, a downtown parade and many social activities. USA Gymnastics invited the participation of the Pan American Gymnastics Union who sent performers and delegates from Brazil, Chile, Canada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, USA and Venezuela. The highlight for these countries was the spectacular PAGU Continental Evening. USA Gymnastics hosted numerous events during

TECHNIQUE路 AUGUST 2009

the Festival including the TeamGym National Championships for Levels 1-7 and an International Division, the annual National Gym Fest, the first ever Gymnastics for All Challenge, first ever Aesthetic Group Gymnastics competition, Festival Rhythmic group gymnastics, and the Festival Gala Showcase. Other countries that sent participating gymnasts included Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Suriname, Switzerland, and Uzbekistan. For more information on the ISCF and Gymnastics for All and to view photo galleries, please visit www. usa-gymnastics.org/group/pages/ X

FAN FEST August 15, 2009 lM ill;) .'J'4!'!'B'!') =3\\S Visa Fan Fest is FREE for all gymnastics fans and a fun activity for all ages! This event will be open to the general public. You NORTH HOUSTON STREET

....

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 Immediately following the Senior Men's Finals

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1S Immediately following the Senior Women's Finals

III always want the best for

OVERCOMING PSYCHOLOGICAL BLOCKING

all my gyms.

IN GYMNASTICS CONTINUED

FROM PAGE 16 change foot plac~ments in a serie s of back handsprings.

16) Design the gymnast's optional routines to eliminate the blocked skill. While such an approach is extreme and not always possible if the sk ill is a required element of compulsory routines, at the advanced levels the sport of gymnastics permits and even encourages individualized choreographing of routines . Since blocking sometimes "comes and goes," the gymnast can even perform a routine in which the blocked skill will be included or excluded at will without sacrificing the integrity of the composition of the gymnast's overall floor exercise, uneven bars or balance beam composition.

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REFERENCES

Collins, D ., Morriss, C, & Trower, J. (1999). Getting it back: A case study of skill recovery in an elite athlete . The Sports Psychologist, 13, 288-298 .

// : .. to ProSchool // software."

Day, M . C, Thatcher, J ., Greenlees, I., & Woods , B. (2006). The causes and psychological responses to lost move syndrome in national level trampolinists . Journal of Applied sport Psychology, 18, 151-166.

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Feigley, D . A. . (2001) . Po ster Pres en tation: A Therapeut ical Model for Coping with Fear in High -Risk Sports. American Psychological Association National Convention . San Francisco , August 27,2001. Feigley, D . A . (1989) . Coping with fear in high level gymnasti cs. U.S. Gymnastics TECHNIQUE: The Official Technical Publication of the United States Gymnastics Federation, 9, 4-9.

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Rita Brown, President Brown's Gymnastics ""Training Centers

"- '-. '-. ProSchool, '-. simply the best ''gym management software-period.

Feigley, D . A . (1985) . Unpublished technical report presented at the Wom en's Junior Elite National Gymnasti cs Training Camp for the United State Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs. Maryville, TN . Feigley, D . A., Robbins, L., & Berger, B. (1989). A model for therapeutic interventions for coping with fear in high risk sports, 7TH World Congress in Sports Psychology, International Society of Sport Psycho lo gy, Singapore, Republic of Singapore. Tenn , J. (1995a). Don't read this . Tramp oline News, 1, 38.

and visit us at www.aegroup.com

Manage it with class

Tenn, J . (1995b) . Lost Move Syndrome . Trampolin e News, 2, 28-29. 1(

2009 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon WHEN: WHERE: COST:

Friday, August 14,2009 11 :00 a.m.-1 :00 p.m. (cash bar opens at 10:45 a.m.) Sheraton Dallas Hotel, Dallas, Texas Individual $45;Table of 10 people $400 Individuals will be open seating, full tables will be reserved.

HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2009

Carly Patterson Athlete (Women) Mary Sanders Athlete (Rhythmic) John Macready Athlete (Men) Stephen McCain Athlete (Men) James S Yongue Athlete (Trampoline and Tumbling) Shenea Booth and Arthur Davis Athletes (Acrobatic) Fred Turoff Coach (Men) 1999 Gold Medal u.s.World Championship Men's Double Mini Trampoline Team of Mark Griffith, Karl Heger, Byron Smith and Ryan Weston (Trampoline and Tumbling)

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Patricia Wilson Henderson

Tickets to the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon will be on sale at the Registration Desk at Congress on a first-come, first-serve basis, until sold out. 1\

Online Courses: (Group Discounts available) * IProFirstA id" Certification Course * "ProCPR" Recertification Courses * "Safety Bas ics" for Gymnasti cs Instructors * Women's Level l , 2, 3 Recreational Cou rse * Women's Level 4 ,5,6 Skill s & Drills Course * Boys Levell Course (Lev 2 corni ng soon) * Spanish Women's Levell Course

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MEMBER SERVICES 2009-2010 New Season Reminders and Updates August 1 is the beginning of the 2009-2010 athletic season and is a very busy time for all USA Gymnastics members. Below are a few friendly reminders and new season updates on registering athletes, coaches,judges and rules to applying for sanctions. Remember to feel free to contact Member Services Department at 800-345-4719 or membership@usa-gymnastics.org for any other questions or concerns. . New for 2009, USA Gymnastics will not be mailing out membership forms or CDs that contain the membership forms. All membership forms are available on the USA

· New for 2009, Introductory Athletes will begin to receive membership cards in the mail. This is a new membership benefit to the Introductory Athlete. · New for 2009, those Professional, Jr. Professional, and Introductory coaches, that are in a pending status due to safety/ risk management requirements or background check screening, will begin to receive magazine subscriptions. No longer will magazines be withheld until a membership has been released in pending. • New for 2009, all pending memberships will now expire one year from the date that the membership was paid. Memberships will no longer be reset to the date the membership requirements have been completed. Example: If the membership was paid for in July, the expiration date is 7/ 31 / 2010. The membership will expire on 7/ 31/2010 regardless of whether it is in a pending status. · New for 2009, all new, renewing, expired Introductory Coaches 18 years and older are required to complete the NCSI background check screening. Please visit the USA Gymnastics website at http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/ membership/ pages/ background_overview.php for more info.

Balanced The Tumble Time insurance program offers the perfect balance of comp rehensive coverage and afford abi lity with quality service from knowledgeabl e sports insurance professionals. Coverage is avail ab le nationwide for gymnastics c lubs, c heerl eadin g gyms and presc hool or mobil e prog rams. Visit our website to submit an application for an insurance proposal.

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i · New for 2009, Introductory Coaches that are 16-17 years of age, will now be placed in the Jr. Introductory Coach membership. There will be no change to the actual membership requirements or benefits. Jr. Introductory Coaches will NOT be required to complete the background check screening.

• Athletes Level 4 and above are required to obtain an Athlete membership.

• Professional, Jr. Professional, or Introductory Coach members that are in a pending status do NOT receive membership cards or the ability to participate in USA Gymnastics sanctioned events.

• Meet Director must be a current Professional member at the time of the sanctioned event in order for the sanctioned event to be valid.

• Pending Professional, Jr. Professional, or Introductory Coaches, DO have the ability to register for USA Gymnastics University courses while in a pending status. • Clubs are required to keep a copy of completed athlete registration forms on file in their gym, regardless of whether the athlete membership was registered online, fax or mailed. Insurance benefits may not be paid out if forms cannot be supplied. You should plan to store for a minimum of seven years. Please consult attorney/ legal council to determine the proper length of time to save and store forms. • Destroy all unused, 2008-2009 registration forms. Those forms are invalid after August 1, and will not be accepted.

• Sanction request MUST be placed 30 days prior to the event to ensure that appropriate forms are sent in a timely manner.

• Sanction Report forms must be returned to USA Gymnastics within seven business days of the event. • Remember to supply the personal contact information on the individual membership records. Do not only enter in the club information. Often, clubs only supply the club email address, or address on new members. This often causes the individual to miss out on important updates on his/ her membership, and most importantly background check screening. • Remember to check your email each month to ensure you are receiving the Member Services "E-Newsletter"for the most up-to-date and current membership information. • USA Gymnastics online registration system is available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. 1\

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USA Gymnastics & 3rd Level Consulting: An Educational he Business College within USA Gymnastics University is expanding with the adoption of si x new online business education courses from 3rd Level Consulting. The six courses are from 3rd Level Consulting 's Business Foundation Course Series. These courses are specifically designed for Children's Activity Centers, including gymnastics clubs. These proven, progressive business education courses will give current and future Club Owners, Program Managers, Directors and other gymnastics professionals the necessary perspectives and tools to grow themselves and their business . The six courses will be offered as online courses through USA Gymnastics University and count as core requirements within the Business College Certification Program and as elective credits for all other colleges . The six courses are progressive in nature and include:

• "Acorn" - Levell Course: This introductory course provides a great foundation for training current or prospective Program Managers. • "Spark Plug" - Level 2 Course: This intermediate course continues to explore the seven major business systems and their important interaction. • Leadership Toolkit - Level 3 Course: This introductory leadership course is the first in a series of two leadership courses . • "Accelerator" - Level 4 Course: This course is the "next step " for experienced Program Directors, General Managers or Expansion Phase Owners. • Advanced "Diploma" - Level 5 Course: This advanced course is designed for very experienced Program Directors, General Managers or Owners who are seeking cutting-edge knowledge. • Advanced Leadership Toolkit - Level 6 Course: This is the second in a series of two levels of Leadership Training Courses.

HELP ALL STUDENTS EXPERIENCE SUCCESS Tools for teaching a "Personal Best" Philosophy To stay enrolled kids need to have fun, be successful and learn in a safe and progressive manner. Since 1991 we have provided hundreds of clubs and thousands of teachers the tools they need to help every child feel successful. • INSTRUCTOR VIDEOS - show how each skill is taught and create a STANDARD in your gym • CURRICULUM CARDS - track students progress and help structure classes by ability level • CURRICULUM POSTERS - for the kids to TAKE HOME to track their progress • STARS & CERTIFICATES - reward ACH IEVABLE GOALS building self-esteem and confidence

These courses are now available. For course outlines, more information and to register visit www2.usa-gymnastics.org/ education. As a special introductory promotion , the Acorn - Level 1 Course is being offered as a live course at National Congress and select Regional Congresses (Regions 4 and 6) . This course is free for congress attendees - so take advantage of a great opportunity to gain business knowledge and earn additional USA Gymnastics University Certification credits . Congress registrants - check your email and the Congress Guide for additional information about the course. X

Licensed to Gym Clubs Internationally Since 1991

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Jeff Lulla is Founder and President of the Fun & Fit Gymnastics Centers and was named USAG "Business Leader of the Year" in 2006. Since 1990, Jeff has as a National Safety Instructor, USAG University Instructor and co-authored the Kinder Accreditation for Teachers course, the heart of the new USAG online Preschool Course. Jeff speaks internationally and consults on the Fun and Fit PERSONAL BEST philosophy, business and teaching concepts to club owners and coaches.

Call or e-mail today for FREE SAMPLES & DVD SHOWING THE PROGRAM IN ACTION info@funandfit.com OR call (800) 800-3162

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YouTube. Facebook and Twitter Check out two new places to get gymnastics news, photos, videos 2417! The USA Gymnastics Youtube Channel can be found at : www.youtube.comlusagymnasticsorg

www.facebook.comlpages/USA-Gymnastics X

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Hosted in Cincinnati, BOOT CAMP is a life-changing, 4 1/2 day total immersion leadership, marketing and organizational workshop for GymClub Owners.

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INTERNATIONAL ELITE COMMITTEE July 1, 2009

National Team Training Center Chairman Coach Represe ntatives

Steve Rybacki Valeri Liukin Donna Strauss Mary Lee Tra cy Alternate Mihai Brestyan National Team Coordinator Martha Karo lyi Ath lete Representative Kim Zmeskal Vi ce President Program Kathy Ke lly

I. National Team Ranking The top 10 Seniors and the Top 10 Juniors in All-Around rank order from the resuLts of Visa Championships will be NationaL Team Members. The top 10 Seniors and the top 6 Juniors wilL be funded. Eight sLots remain open for NationaL Team. Four will be named immediateLy and will be funded. Four others may be added or will be availabLe for adding Later in the year. Motion Liukin Second Tracy PASSED II . Propo sa l The committee discussed the com petiti ve track for Elite Qualification and a proposal will be presented by the Chairman for further discussions with the Pre-National Committee. III. Selection Procedures The committee reviewed the se lection procedures for the 2010 World Championships and the Youth Olympic Games and made the following recommendation. Recommendation to accept the 2010 WorLd Championships seLection procedures as amended. Motion Strauss Second ZmeskaL-Burdette PASSED Recommendation to accept the 2010 Youth OLympic Games seLection procedures as amended. Motion ZmeskaL-Burdette Second Liukin PASSED IV. Club Championships IEC discussed proposal to renew the USA Gymnastics Club Championships and wo uld like input from the JO Committee. V. Athlete Funding Recommendation that CheLsea Davis, OLivia Courtney, ShayLa WorLey and Rebecca Bross continue to receive for JuLy & August 2009. Motion Mary Lee Tracy Second Dona Strauss PASSED

TECHNIQUE· AUGUST 2009

VI. FIG Code changes Recommendation to not use the new FIG floor Landing deductions until Visa Championships. The committee wants to keep a LeveL pLaying fieLd for the entire quaLification process to Visa Championships. Motion ZmeskaL-Burdette Second Mary Lee Tracy PASSED Pending approval

ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE July 1, 2009

National Team Training Center Nationa l Team Coordinator Chairman IEC Chairman NPEC Coaches Representation

Vi ce President Program Women's Program Director

Martha Karolyi Steve Ryba cki Gary Anderson (recused) Valeri Liukin Mary Lee Tracy Chris Burdett Ka thy Kelly Gary Warren

I. Committee discussed proposals for amendments to the Elite Compulsory Program . The new routines will be filmed and available through USA Gymnastics. II . The committee reviewed the changes that were made to the HOPES requirements. There were no further changes. Updates will be posted on the web-site. III. TOPS Progra m The committee discussed the skill portion of the TOPS program. Committee will be reviewing the skill based on the developmental needs of the athlete. The changes are: • Vault settings 9 and 10 year olds 115-125 cm 11 year olds 120-125cm • A one time retested wi ll be allowed on VAULT only for zero vau lts

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INSTRUCTOR/COACHES. Paragon Gymnastics of Norwood (Bergen (ounty), NJ is looking for instructors and coaches, PIT - FIT. Requirements: Positive attitude, responsible, reliable, love of children. Position available for competitive team coach level 6 ond up with flexible hours. Also preschool through intermediate instruction. (ompany sponsored certifications (Safety, (PR, First AID) Full benefits/paid vacolion & sick doys, company matched retirement plan. Will train. Salory commensurate with experience. NEW facility, stote· of·the·art, approx. 11 ,000 sq. It. located in the NY/ NJ Metropoliton areo, easily accellible from all major highways. (on tact 001: email: dot@ paragongym.com, 201·767·6921 ar fax resume ta 201 ·767·6693 or at 49 Walnut Street, Suite 4, Norwood, NJ 07648. www.paragongym.com

FOR SALE. Want a great opportunity to own your own gymnastics business, but don't have the capitol? Gymnastics business for Sale, lease or by Sub·contract (bring or develop your own team, recrealion, cheer etc.) located in Massa[huseHs, 20 miles south of Boston. Fully equipped building with turn·key set up with 12,500 sq. It. building with overhead spoHing belts, in·ground loose foam and resi·pits, fully equipped gym specifically designed and built for gymnastics. Beautifully landscaped in affluent area 20·year business with an impeccable reputation. Serious inquires only (508) 380·1021.

Assistant girls competitive /TOPS coach. large, multi·localion program seeking individual to allist with girls competitive teams levels 4 - 10. Program was established in 1973 and currently has over 1300 students Great career opportunity with excellent salary and benefits including vacation, health and retirement with potential to move into management or supervisory position. located near the University of Iowa, area offers multiple cultural, sports and educational opportunities. Ability to help with boys compelitive teams a plus. Position could be port time for anyone seeking to continue his or her education. Direct inquires and resume's to Jill Schlott at j.schlott@ mchsi.com.

Available now! The NEW GYMCERT Gymnastics training manuals (levels 1, 2, 3, & the NEW Skills & Drills for the (ompulsory (oach level's 4, 5 & 6) a must for training your staff; cut your lesson planning time significantly; use to coordinate dass progressions and skill training methods; and, best of all have a quick reference that is easy to use which indudes lesson Planning Forms and (lass Evalualion Forms by level. The GYM(ERT manuals provide concise instruction, deor illustrations, and several coaching, spoiling, and safety tips. Will your staff be ready for your fall students? Order direct by calling toll free: 1·866·591 ·8500 or online: www.GYMCERT.com.

FOR SALE GK RISK FREE PROGRAM: Get with the program! II's beHer than ever, with a terrific assortment of NEW styles and fabrics and incomparable sales potential. Plus, it's easier than ever to order, sell and return your RISK FREE garments. We offer customized packages lor your pro shop, meets ond summer compo You only pay for what you've sold and may return the rest, there is absolutely NO RISK! If you haven't tried us lately, it's time you started earning extra profits with our RISK FREE merchandise. (alll ·800·345·40B7 for more information on how you can get started today! Emoil: (Ustomerservice@gkelite.com

SCORE MASTER - Scorekeeping software interlaced to mony different I[or. boords: EliteS[ore, BetaBrites, TV's & Projectors. Download team rosters from the USAG website. Features indude: random draws, [reate rotations, assign #'s, the most comprehensive reporting and results can go directly to your website. Supports: womens/ mens, individual/teom, artistic/ rhythmic/trampoline, compulsory/ optional. Download a FREE demo at www.Score·Master.com.

TECHNIQUE· AUGUST 2009

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD RATES 1-100 word. = $100 101·200 word. = $200 TeduJijuewiJI au1omaIicoIIy be pIomd ooIne for :w dayi 01 no adcItionoI charge. The address is: www.u.o-.ymn •• tk ••org/d...lfied./ Your 30 days will begi1 on the next regular fIO'Iing dote. YOlK ex! ~

DEADLINES tSSUE

DEADLINE FOR AD AND PAYMENT

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SUBMIT Email your ael anel creelif carel infarmafion fo:

Ipeszek@uso·gymnastics.org Ormailfo:

EDUCATION

USA GymnastiCS, 132 E. Washington St., Ste. 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204 or fax to 317·237·5069. ' Hyou fox, plea.. indude youe "edit card number, exprration dcit. and signature. Please designate if your ad should appear in Technique magazine or USA Gymn.,ficr magazine. ADS SUBMtffiO WITHOUT PAYMENT WtLL NOT BE PUBLISHED. USA Gymnastics reserves the right to vary format. Technique is received by more thon 17,000 USA Gymnmlics professional mem ~U\ thoosonds of viewe~ wi! be exfX!Sed 10 yOUl ex! online. Advmtise your em~oyment aptlOllUnity, product, sefVice, or [ompelitioo here tor great resul~.

FOR INFORMATION on haw fo publsh a dassiIietJ ad in TecMque, go fo http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/pub/icafions/

Or call Luan Peszek of 317-829-5646.

. nal Travel systems Call Natlo next trip, to book your today nas ticS hether it'S a gym . w a vacation ""petition or co"' ~TS ~ getaway.\ 'M:!i

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USA Gymnastics 132 E. Washington SI., Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204

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