Technique - May 2012 - Vol. 32, #5

Treating OCD in Gymnasts

Core Stability Training Athlete Spotlight Chris Brooks

MAY 2012 – VOL. 32 – #5

EVENTS 2012

20

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Las Vegas, NV

21

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Sacramento, CA

MAY

22

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

22

National Gymnastics Day

Landover, MD/Boise, ID

23

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Seattle, WA

Colorado Springs, CO

27

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

West Valley City, UT

Portland, OR Various locations

3–6

Level 9 East/West Championships (W)

5

Men’s National Qualifier

7

USA Gymnastics Special Olympics Championships (M/W/R/GG)

28 – 30

National TOPs Testing (W)

7–13

JO National Championships (M)

Cincinnati, OH

29

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Colorado Springs, CO

10–12

JO National Championships (W)

Hampton, VA

30

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Denver, CO

11–13

Stars & Stripes Cup (TT)

13

JO National Invitational Tournament (W)

26

Secret U.S. Classic (W)

31–June 3

USA Gymnastics Open Championships (W)

Marietta, GA

Cleveland, OH Hampton, VA Chicago, IL Lake Buena Vista, FL

JUNE

Huntsville, TX

OCTOBER 4

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Oklahoma City, OK

5

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

San Antonio, TX

6

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Dallas, TX

7

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Lubbock, TX

Lake Buena Vista, FL

11

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Minneapolis, MN

Visa Championships (M/W)

St. Louis, MO

12

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Des Moines, IA

8–10

Region 4 Congress

St. Louis, MO

13

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Omaha, NE

26–28

USA Gymnastics Rhythmic & Trampoline Championships

San Jose, CA

14

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Chicago, IL

28–July1

U.S. Olympic Team Trials–Gymnastics (M/W)

San Jose, CA

18

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Kansas City, MO

28

Certifications for USA Gymnastics National Congress

San Jose, CA

19

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

St. Louis, MO

29–July1

USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show

San Jose, CA

20

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Memphis, TN

21

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Lafayette, LA

25

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Louisville, KY

6–12

JO National Championships/Invitational (R)

7–10

JULY 5–7

U.S. Elite Championships (TT)

Long Beach, CA

26

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Charlotte, NC

5–11

JO National Championships (TT)

Long Beach, CA

27

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Atlanta, GA

19–22

USA Gymnastics For All Nationals

Lake Buena Vista, FL

28

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Tampa, FL

21–25

Acrobatic National Championships

Detroit, MI

23–26

JO Optional Skills Camp (W)

27–Aug. 12 Olympic Games (M,W,R,T)

Huntsville, TX London, GBR

AUGUST

NOVEMBER 1

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Cincinnati, OH

2

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Indianapolis, IN

3

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Detroit, MI

8–11

TOPs Invitational Camp (W)

Huntsville, TX

4

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Columbus, OH

10–12

Region 6 Congress

Providence, RI

7–10

Level 9/10 Training Camp (W)

Huntsville, TX

10–12

Region 8 Congress

Nashville, TN

9

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

12 – 15

TOPs Invitational Camp (W)

Huntsville, TX

10

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

17–19

Region 7 Congress

Baltimore, MD

10–14

JO National Team Training Camp (W)

22-25

Women’s Level 300 JO Team Coaches Course (W300)

Huntsville, TX

11

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Boston, MA

24–26

Region 2 Congress

Everett, WA

15

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Washington, DC

26 – 29

Women’s Level 400 National Coaches Course (W400),

Huntsville, TX

16

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Pittsburgh, PA

17

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Hartford, CT

18

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Brooklyn, NY

SEPTEMBER 9

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Ontario, CA

13

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

San Diego, CA

14

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Glendale, AZ

14–16

Region 5 Congress

Indianapolis, IN

15

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Los Angeles, CA

16

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions

Anaheim, CA

NOTE: Dates and events subject to change or cancellation.

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Newark, NJ Huntsville, TX

2013 MARCH 2

AT&T American Cup

W = Women, R = Rhythmic, TR = Trampoline, M = Men, GG = Group Gymnastics, TU = Tumbling, AG = Acrobatic Gymnastics, B = Business, TT = Trampoline/Tumbling

Philadelphia, PA

TBD

TECHNIQUE



an official publication of USA Gymnastics University

M A Y 2 0 1 2 • V O L U M E 3 2 • #5

F E AT U R E S PUBLISHER

Steve Penny EDITOR

Luan Peszek GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jeannie Shaw

6 Capitellar Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) in Gymnasts 10

6

Core Stability Training

12 I Was a Gymnast, So Now I Can Coach, Right? Wrong!

14

W200 Development Coaches’ Tips

USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Peter Vidmar Vice-Chair: Paul Parilla Secretary: Gary Anderson Treasurer: Jim Morris National Membership – Women: Tom Koll National Membership – Women: Steve Rybacki National Membership – Men: Yoichi Tomita National Membership – Men: Russ Fystrom National Membership – Rhythmic: Brooke Bushnell-Toohey National Membership – Trampoline & Tumbling: George Drew National Membership – Acrobatic Gymnastics: Dr. Jay Binder Advisory Council: Mike Burns Advisory Council: Ron Ferris Advisory Council: Carole Ide Athlete Director – Women: Terin Humphrey Athlete Director – Men: John Roethlisberger Athlete Director – Rhythmic: Jessica Howard Athlete Director – Trampoline & Tumbling: Karl Heger Athlete Director – Acrobatic Gymanstics: Michael Rodrigues Public Sector: Frank Marshall Public Sector: Bitsy Kelley Public Sector: Jim Morris Public Sector: Mary Lou Retton

D E PA R T M E N T S 2 Event Schedule

4 Inside USA Gymnastics Message 20

University Live Course Schedule

20

What’s New

24

National Congress

28

National Congress Exhibitors List

32

Business Advisors’ Tips

36

Spotlight – National Gymnastics Day

40

Member Service Update

44

Athlete Focus

46

Classified Ads

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 St., Suite 700, Indianapolis, IN 46204 .

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TECHNIQUE is published monthly except bimonthly in Sept/ Oct and Nov/Dec by USA Gymnastics, 132 E. Washington St., Suite 700, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (phone: 317-237-5050) or visit online @ www.usagym.org Subscription prices: U.S.– $25 per year; Canada/Mexico–$48 per year; all other foreign countries–$60 per year. If available, back issue single copies $4 plus postage/handling. All reasonable care will be taken, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited material; enclose return postage. Copyright 2011 by USA Gymnastics and TECHNIQUE. A­ll rights reserved. Printed by Sport Graphics, Indianapolis, IN. Member Services 1-800-345-4719 Unless expressly identified to the contrary, all articles, statements and views printed herein are attributed solely to the author and USA Gymnastics expresses no opinion and assumes no responsibility thereof.

www.usagym.org COVER PHOTO: Chris Brooks by John Cheng 3 M AMRACYH 2 20 01 12 1 ••T TECE CHHNNI IQQUU EE 3

INSIDE INSIDE INSIDE H

ere we go – summer is just around the corner! There is plenty of gymnastics on the schedule and, of course, the USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show which takes place June 29–July 1 in San Jose, Calif., in conjunction with the U.S. Olympic Trials.

I look forward to this special week every four years as we name our Olympic Teams and bring together the USA Gymnastics family to celebrate our sport. It is always a special and exciting event.

The elite season for men and women kicks off in May with the men’s qualifier in Colorado Springs on May 5 and for the women, the Secret U.S. Classic in Chicago, May 26. Both qualify athletes for the Visa Championships and are important precursors to the upcoming selection meets. The Visa Championships are set for St. Louis, Mo., June 7–10 and will be the first step on the road to making the Olympic Team.

The USA Gymnastics Rhythmic and Trampoline Championships will take place June 26–28 in San Jose, Calif.

This meet will be the third and final event in the selection process for trampoline and determines the athletes who will make the Olympic Team. The Rhythmic Championships will showcase Julie Zetlin as she prepares to compete in the Olympic Games.

The U.S. Olympic Trials in San Jose will be the event of the quadrennium with all of our best athletes trying to earn one of just five spots on the Olympic Team. Given the run of success of our artistic athletes in recent years, the unfolding drama will be spectacular along with the performances.

National Congress and Trade Show registration is on track to be a highly attended event. We have an outstanding list of presenters with lectures from every discipline, as well as lectures covering recreation, business, judging and more. This event is filled with something for everyone! In addition to lectures, attendees can also register for the National Business Forum. A few slots still remain but it is filling up quickly.

I look forward to seeing everyone in San Jose this summer. Plan to be there.

Steve Penny President and CEO

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CAPITELLAR OSTEOCH (OCD) IN Hill Hastings II MD

Clinical Professor Orthopedic Surgery Indiana University, Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center Consultant USA Gymnastics

ANATOMY OF THE ELBOW

The elbow joint consists of 3 parts that provide for movement between the humerus, ulna, and radius. The end of the humerus has two joint surfaces: the trochlea that forms a hinge joint with the ulna, and the capitellum that provides for both flexion/extension FIGURE 1 and rotation of the radius (Figure 1).

The joint surfaces are covered with articular cartilage which is a smooth, almost frictionless surface that is tough enough to provide some shock absorption but also durable.

WHAT IS OSTEOCHONDROSIS DESSICANS (OCD)?

OCD affects the cartilage surface of the capitellum and the bone support just underneath. Usually there is collapse of FIGURE 2: MR ARTHROGRAM OF UNSTABLE OCD LESION

the underlying bony support that then leads to a crack or separation in the cartilage surface (Figure 2 – MR arthrogram of unstable OCD lesion). Over time the section of the cartilage surface involved may become detached, float around in the joint, and at times get caught between joint surfaces. In late cases it can damage the opposing joint surface of the radial head. OCD is common in adolescent baseball players and also in female gymnasts.

WHAT CAUSES OCD?

While the exact cause is not clear, in part, all cases involve repetitive trauma. The capitellum and radius support more than half of the forces across the elbow. While their elbows are still developing, Gymnasts repetitively stress their elbows with extremely high forces required to support their body weight. This affects both the smooth cartilage surface and also the underlying bone. Small fractures can occur in the capitellum leading to collapse and loss of blood supply to the affected bone. When the bone under the cartilage collapses it no longer supports the cartilage properly and predisposes to its fissuring or breakdown. The cartilage on the outside of the capitellum has been found to be softer than that more centrally located, potentially predisposing it to break down. During growth, blood does not cross the growth plate at the end of the humerus so it has to enter in the back and front of the capitellum. This leads to a “watershed” area between blood channels that has less predictable blood supply and perhaps impaired healing capacity. The basic predisposition towards developing OCD relates to the rate of repetitive trauma and damage to the joint and the rate and capacity to repair damage. No genetic predisposition has been found.

SYMPTOMS OF OCD

Most athletes do not recall a specific injury. The elbow may stiffen over time and lose the ability to fully straighten. Most patients will have soreness after training that improves with rest but recurs again with use. In advanced cases, the elbow may swell or lock up. This occurs when a partially or completely detached fragment gets stuck between joint surfaces.

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CHONDROSIS DISSECANS N GYMNASTS HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

There often is mild tenderness and subtle loss of elbow motion.

Stressing the elbow during motion may elicit a grinding or rough sensation. X-rays are essential and usually require special views (Radiocapitellar View). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive test to evaluate the cartilage surfaces and Computed Tomagraphy (CT) the most sensitive for underlying bone fragmentation. At times these studies are performed with dye injected into the elbow joint to help detect cracks in the cartilage surface. (Figure 2) I am currently evaluating injured gymnasts also with a special vascular MRI study (MR angiography) to evaluate the blood supply of the affected area. Since our studies have found OCD to affect both elbows 40% of the time, the opposite elbow, even when asymptomatic, should also be evaluated.

HOW IS IT TREATED? NON-SURGICAL Athletes should refrain from axial loading of the extremity, including bars, vault, and floor training. One-handed skills with the opposite arm are permitted when the other side is not affected. Conditioning, balance, and tumbling skills are encouraged. Since the condition is not inflammatory in origin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (ie. ibuprofen) are not usually helpful. Therapy is used when there is swelling or loss of motion.

There is some evidence that lesions in young athletes can heal when diagnosed early and protected; yet most studies have reported poor results with nonsurgical management. OCD cartilage lesions in baseball athletes often have some bone attached that can allow for the fragment to be fixed. I have found that lesions in gymnasts do not have significant bone attached. Reattachment is not possible. Furthermore, many lesions initially assessed to be stable by MRI have been found to be unstable when viewed carefully by arthroscopy.

When MRI suggests an intact normal cartilage surface and the underlying bone has not collapsed, non-operative treatment is advised. The arm is rested and MRIs repeated at 3 months and 6 months. If there are no progressive signs of healing, surgery is recommended.

SURGICAL Arthroscopic debridement and marrow stimulation – Arthro­ scopy involves looking into the elbow with a tiny camera (arthroscope) to evaluate all elbow compartments and the affected capitellar lesion. Experience in elbow arthroscopy is essential. A smaller arthroscope than typically used for the knee or shoulder is required and several viewing portals for complete visualization. Loose fragments are removed, inflamed tissue removed, and scar released to restore motion.

The capitellum is FIGURE 3: ARTHROSCOPY OF A LATE carefully visualized UNSTABLE OCD LESION and tested with a small probe for instability. If the cartilage surface is normal, drill holes under x-ray guidance are made through the back of the capitellum into the lesion to improve blood supply and healing. When unstable, the lesion is removed and the cartilage trimmed back to a stable margin (Figure 3).

Marrow stimulation or “micro fracture” is performed, which involves making small holes into the base of the defect to promote healing with “fibrocartilage” which is similar to but not identical to FIGURE 4 normal joint cartilage. Over time the underlying bone deformity remodels.

When the cartilage fragment has already detached, it often migrates to a different part of the elbow. It is arthroscopically removed.

Continued...

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...(OCD) IN GYMNASTS ...CONTINUED Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation (“OAT”) – When a large area is involved that extends to the outside margin of the capitellum, replacement may be indicated. One or more cylindrical plugs of bone and cartilage are taken from a nonweight bearing part of the knee and fixed into the injured area. This replaces both the involved bone and cartilage with one’s own tissue. It requires a six-month period of protection after surgery before returning to sport (Figure 4).

Closing Wedge Osteotomy of the Capitellum – A 10º wedge of bone is removed to shorten the capitellum and diminish forces across the joint. Its use has only been reported in baseball players.

REHABILITATION

Arthroscopic debridement and marrow stimulation has allowed most of our athletes to return to sport by 12 weeks. Only one patient has

required a subsequent osteochondral transplant. Most therapists are poorly equipped to fully prepare gymnasts for return to sport. We employ a gym-based progressive program developed by Dr. Larry Nassar. Athletes progress from basic strengthening exercises to closed chain weight bearing exercises to proprioceptive and balance training.

RESULTS OF SURGICAL MANAGEMENT

Unfortunately the majority of studies have been done on baseball athletes with older ages than we see in competitive gymnastics. Historically, return to sport has been deemed unlikely and ill advised. Few studies have exclusively evaluated gymnasts.

In review of gymnasts treated by this author at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center we have found that the majority of female gymnasts can successfully return to sport after treatment of their OCD. Results of Arthroscopic debridement and Marrow Stimulation at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center – 27 female gymnasts (age 9-16 years) with 34 operative elbows and 41 arthroscopic surgeries were evaluated 0.5 – 7

years (average 3.5 years) following arthroscopic treatment for OCD. Average age starting gymnastics was 4.4 years (range 2–7), years in sport 7.75 years (range 5–12), and age at symptom onset 11.8 years. 40% had both elbows involved, with the dominant elbow affected first in 40%.

Average lesion size was 10.6mm. MR arthrography was unreliable in detecting instability. All but two lesions at surgery showed a plane of cartilage instability and required debridement/micro fracture. The other two were initially stable, drilled and injected with platelet healing factors; yet later became unstable.

79% of gymnasts examined in long-term follow-up had returned to the same or higher level of gymnastics. 93% achieved excellent/good outcome scores. All regained full extension and diminished pain. No differences were seen in lesion size between athletes able or not able to return to sport, nor differences with respect to the age starting gymnastics or age of symptom onset (p > .05).

Athletes returning to sport showed a greater number of years in the sport (8.27 years) than those unable to return (6 years) (p = .01).

FUTURE INITIATIVES

Single-sport participation with year-round training, higher intensities at young ages, and longer competitive seasons have all contributed to increased injury rates in young athletes in many sports. Conditioning and training errors may also contribute.

To prevent similar injuries to young baseball players, guidelines for limiting pitch count have been instituted.

Guidelines have yet to be determined for gymnastics.

We still do not know what events are most likely to be contributing to OCD, or number of hours in daily training, or whether or not rotational guidelines for practice routines would help. We are investigating interest in the development of a gymnast registry that could lead to “smarter” injury prevention training programs. This will require the coordinated interest and participation of coaches, athletes, and physicians.

We continue to follow our athletes long-term through two institutional review board (IRB) approved studies to better understand the role of blood supply in OCD and the longterm effect of OCD on their elbows.

St. Vincent Hospital and St. Vincent Sports Performance in Indianapolis, Indiana are official service providers to USA Gymnastics Call 317-415-5747 or visit sportsperformance.stvincent.org

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M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 9

By: Jeff Richter CSCS, USAW

INTRODUCTION

One of the biggest areas of concern for me as a strength and conditioning coach is the lack of proper understanding that athletes and coaches have concerning core training.

There are many core exercises and training philosophies that have integrated their way into modern sports performance programming that are not biomechanically sound or sportspecific. Fortunately, many coaches, biomechanics and back specialists are part of a growing number of professionals who are creating strategic and intelligent solutions for how we can train the core most effectively.

WHAT IS THE CORE?

For many people, if I were to ask, “what is the core?” most people would point to the area known as the rectus abdominis. It is important to understand that the core is not restricted to this “six-pack” region. This rectus abdominis

tissue is responsible for flexing the trunk and because of our limited understanding of the comprehensive nature of the core we often only do exercises that involve focused contraction of this muscle. As a result, this muscle is often overused and has significant “shortness” issues because of the volume of crunches or sit-ups that are in athletes’

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programs. Unfortunately, too many sit-ups can promote bad posture position by reinforcing a kyphotic forward leaning spine. This is due to the fact that the rectus abdominis has attachments at the sternum and an opposite insertion at the pelvis. In addition to this negative consequence, too much core flexion training that forces the lumbar spine (low back) to undergo multiple flexion episodes can cause disc damage.

Research has begun to support the notion that the spine has a finite number of bending cycles and that exceeding the limit can quicken the onset of disc damage (herniation and prolapse). In particular, Axler and McGill found that a basic crunch variation elicited around 2,000 N of compression, which can leave the lumbar spine particularly vulnerable.

With the risks of excessive flexion training in mind, there needs to be a higher emphasis on other aspects of core training. Not only should we focus on other ways to train the core but flexion exercises that are used should include ones like the reverse crunch that limit lumbar flexion.

The restricted model of thinking in regards to core training (flexion only) shows a lack of appreciation for the fact that the core produces movement in multiple vectors. In reality, our body is allowed to perform a variety of movements through the core because of multiple myofascial meridians that exist. These “lines of pull” prove that our current models of anatomy are falling short due to our false idea that muscles are independent and separate from other muscles. In actuality, every “muscle” is part of a larger network of fascia that has distinct roles in allowing human movement.

From Thomas Myers book, Anatomy Trains, we see that the core falls into the lateral, spiral and superficial back lines of the body. Therefore, unlike traditional thought and theory, the core has an anterior region and posterior region that contribute to the functions of three different lines of pull. With the core falling into three different lines, it should be noted that these different lines allow the core to take on multiple roles of function.

One of the most important roles for the core is trunk stabilization accomplished through the anterior and posterior core working together. The anterior core consists of the rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques and transverse abdominis. The posterior core surrounding our lower back consists of the deep tissues known as the erector spinae which includes the iliocostalis, longissimus and spinalis. The muscle tissue in the anterior and posterior core work interdepentely as a team to allow overall trunk stability. Yes, the core is involved with flexion, extension and rotation, but the most important aspect

of the core that transfers over to sports performance is overall stability.

STABILITY TRAINING

Please check out the video we sent to USA Gymnastics for a practical strategy on how you can start introducing core stability training into your current schedule (www.usagym.org/healthknowledge).

We have beginner, intermediate and advanced progressions so you can begin to implement these at whatever stage of fitness you are currently in. In addition, I give thorough explanations in the video for how to perform these exercises. By putting these into your programming you can re-educate the body on the importance of overall stability of the core. When we perform movements such as running and jumping in which our limbs are in motion, the core is responsible for eliminating any unnecessary energy leaks. As a result, the more effectively the core can engage to stabilize the more efficient our movement is.

You will also notice that the plank series that we have on video for you involves some rotational movements but also some “anti” movements which contribute to core stability. For example, when you are in the prone plank you are trying to maintain a straight line from the shoulders down across the glutes. In order to accomplish this, you need to be in more of posterior pelvic tilt through squeezing the glutes together and maintaining a neutral spine position. Doing these actions in the plank position effectively limits excessive lumbar extension and thus you perform an “anti-extension” component while doing the prone plank.

In conclusion, incorporate core stability in your training to minimize the wasted movements that happen when we don’t have any core control. It should also be noted that the ability to stabilize our core and produce lower back endurance is effective at limiting lower back pain. With these valued benefits of core stability training, you can effectively increase your performance in gymnastics.

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W200 Development Coaches Course Blog || Add Entry

I was a Gymnast, so now I can Coach – Right? Wrong!

By Claudia Kretschmer,

USA Gymnastics University W200 Development Coaches Course: Hands-on Training (HOTD) National Instructor

I

was a gymnast, so that must mean that I can teach gymnastics!!!

I thought so, and my employer agreed. My first job coaching was for the local recreation department. One strip mat, one hour and 30 hyperactive children later, I was a full-fledged coach, and needless to say, learning lessons in spontaneous creativity. One realizes quickly that standing in one line and doing forward rolls simply won’t work!

A few years later, my husband and I opened our own gym. I expanded from a strip mat to “luxury.” We had a whole floor, one set of bars, one vault and two beams! My husband and I taught every class and started a team. We were hungry for knowledge.

We quickly signed up for National Congress and loved it, but we needed more hands-on experience. We needed to see quality coaching in action. We spent a lot of time going to visit other gyms, and we watched top level coaches and gymnasts. We would then go back to our gym and try the same methods these coaches used with their elites on our beginner recreational kids. That didn’t work so well, but we were motivated to have a “good” program so we learned a little trial and error…the hard way.

The explosion of the popularity of gymnastics has brought competition. There are new gyms popping up every day.

Competition has driven our sport to a whole new level, and now club owners and coaches must have knowledge and professionalism in order to be successful. USA Gymnastics University has met this need by developing a great course for beginning team coaches.

The new W200 Development Coaches Course: Hands-on Training (HOTD) was created for Level 1–4, pre-team and even recreational coaches. However, I found it extremely beneficial for all levels in my program.

Now club owners have the opportunity to train and certify their staff by national instructors. One of the determining factors for success in this sport is a continued desire for learning and expertise. The W200 as well as all the University courses are a large part of this equation.

What is the W200 Development Coaches Course: Hands-onTraining (HOTD) Course?

The program focuses on the beginning levels of the Junior Olympic Program. This is the most important stage in the full development of an athlete. Solid basics are vital to the physical longevity and skill proficiency of the athlete. It is so much easier to learn it right at the start rather than trying to fix it later.

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This is a fantastic way for you to not only improve the level of gymnastics in your program, but also the professionalism of your entire club. Each participant attending this course earns credit in the USA Gymnastics University as well as receives a certificate of course completion.

What is covered in the W200 Course?

The W200 Development Coaches’ Course: Hands-on Training (HOTD) is divided into 6 parts: •Vault •Bars •Beam •Floor Exercise •Spotting •Coaching 101 Event Training (Vault, Bars, Beam & Floor Exercise) will take you beyond the skills of the level 1–4 program. Instructors will learn a variety of drills, stations and conditioning for each of the Level 1–4 skills. It will give you a basic philosophy for each event and help you with the practicalities of teaching.

The Spotting Clinic covers basic spotting on all events. It is tailored to meet the needs of the participants, with real “hands on” spotting.

Coaching 101 will provide you with invaluable information that every instructor, coach, or club owner requires. Coaching 101 teaches you how to create lesson plans, and basic problem solving solutions. This portion is crucial for learning how to improve relations between employer and employee, parents, gymnasts and co-workers. Most of all, it helps you to become a professional at your profession!

Who should take this course?

Plain and simple, anyone and everyone who teaches gymnastics!

In my course, I’ve taught a full range of people, from pre-school instructors, cheer instructors, recreational instructors, pre-team coaches, to team coaches and elite coaches. Everyone has greatly enjoyed and benefited from this course – however it was designed with the Level 1-4, pre team and recreational coach in mind.

Why is this course different from other courses?

This course is up close and personal. It is typically held in a gym setting with live demonstrators. The course participants are able to see first-hand how to set up stations and drills. After completing this course you will have a better understanding of all areas of gymnastics.

A companion to this course is U200 Development Coaches Course: Sports Science. This is an online video course covering basic information on topics of Injury Prevention, Sports Psychology, Nutrition and Biomechanics taught by leaders in the industry such as Dr. Alison Arnold, Dr. Larry Nassar, Tom Forster and St. Vincent Network.

Tips from W200 National Instructors on Pg. 14

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USA Gymnastics University Wall

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Let’s meet a few of the W200 National Instructors as they share some teaching tips for the developmental athlete:

Basic Weight Support Drills • Hands and knees – knee scale • Sit on heels and lift to pike • Front support exercises – lift one arm and then the other. Lift one leg and then the other • Front support to rear support • Crab walks • Front support walks each direction • Bear walks • Tripod Comment • Share

Comment • Share

USA Gymnastics likes this!

Claudia Kretschmer

National Instructor for W200 Development Coaches Course: Hands-on Training (HOTD) Wall

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Brian Zook

National Instructor for W200 Development Coaches Course: Hands-on Training (HOTD)

www.usagymnasticsuniversity.org

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BALANCE BEAM – DEVELOPING A BEAM COMPLEX Dance needs to be a part of your complex every day for every level.

A dance complex needs to include footwork – toe point drills and forced arch work, kicks, leaps, jumps, and turns. Time spent in these areas will depend on the length of your beam rotation. At the beginning of each rotation, you should spend 10 percent of the time on footwork and kicks.

Include drills each day for leaps, jumps and turns.

Complex should also include drills for handstands. Work handstands in a variety of positions.

Most importantly, coaches need to “be hands-on” during their complex time. Give corrections! This is the most important time spent on balance beam.

WEIGHT SUPPORT DRILLS Weight support is key to learning all handstands and inverted work. This needs to be built into every level of your program.

We need to develop children’s awareness and strength in an inverted position.

At the pre-school level, weight support drills can be a fun part of warm-up and also included in your pre-school circuits.

Weight support can start very basic and progress with the level of the athlete.

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LEVEL 1-4 COACHING TIPS FOR VAULT The Run: Incorporate each vault rotation with running drills and conditioning for the run.

When possible, have the athletes execute the drills/conditioning in front of the mirror. This allows them to see for themselves if they are using good form and technique.

The Hurdle: Gymnasts need to know the difference between pushing from the board and rebounding from the board. Pushing is done with loose legs, bent knees and no extension from the feet. This is like trying to dribble a flat basketball. Rebounding is done with straight legs and extension through the feet. There are two ways to teach rebounding on and off a spring board. The gymnast should execute multiple rebounds to stretch jumps on a springboard while holding the hands of a spotter. The core must remain tight during each rebound. Another way would be to execute multiple rebounds with small arm circles, remaining in the center of the board to create overall body stability and arm coordination. ** In order to perform any level vault, the gymnast must have a strong, proper run and a tight hurdle and rebound from the board.

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Al Scharns

National Instructor for W200, Development Coaches Course: Hands-on Training (HOTD) Wall

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I give rewards (Gummy Fish) for the most improved, most determined (“fight”), best form, highest number total sets, highest single set, most consistent, etc. This allows you to build each and every child’s self-esteem, and at the same time teach him/her the importance of working hard and doing his/her best.

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ARRANGING VICTORY…All children need to feel special and successful. In developing selfesteem and confidence, I like to arrange victory for all gymnasts of all levels. Challenges, contests, games, and creative individual and team-focused workout plans may all lead to a positive and rewarding learning experience. Fostering a winning sprit will lead to a happy, healthy and responsible gymnast!

Here is an example of how I arrange victory…

In developing young pre-team gymnasts, I evaluate strength and flexibility weekly. As I record the results for chin ups (as an example),

Tony Retrossi

W200 Development Coaches Course: Hands-on Training (HOTD), R103 School Age: Hands-on Training (HOTSA) and U101 Safety and Risk Management National Instructor Wall

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It is important to remember to coach the AGE and not the LEVEL. Your BEST 7-year-old pre-team

www.usagymnasticsuniversity.org

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M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 1 7

www.usagymnasticsuniversity.org gymnast is still a 7-year-old. A 10-year-old level 10 is still a 10-year-old.

• Have a plan • Have your equipment set up at your events.

When my own children were younger I would volunteer to spend time in the library at their elementary school. A number of my team gymnasts were in the school. Watching them interact with other children their age at school and on the playground showed me their “real age”. Although they carry themselves like much older children and they emulate the behavior of the older girls on team, they are still 7 years old, and 7-year-olds need to be taught in a certain way.

7) YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL! The best coaches never stop learning.

Comment • Share USA Gymnastics likes this!

Tony Retrossi

W200 Development Coaches Course: Hands-on Training (HOTD), R103 School Age: Hands-on Training (HOTSA) and U101 Safety and Risk Management National Instructor

With that knowledge in hand, I became a much better teacher in the gym. I was delivering the technical information in a way that they could understand, offering a reward system that they felt was fair and holding some of them to a higher standard.

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As a developmental coach, you need to realize the impact you have on these children. THINK, what teacher (or coach) made the biggest difference, the biggest impression on you in your life...positive or negative? I can tell you which teacher led me to hating art class…FOREVER. I can tell you which coach led to my enjoyment and creativity in tumbling.

Claudia Kretschmer

National Instructor for W200 Development Coaches Course: Hands-on Training (HOTD) Wall

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Which do you want to be?

Some questions to ask yourself: When your gymnasts are older, what are they going to say about you? • What is the lasting impression you are leaving on your gymnasts?

• What will be your legacy?

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE PERCEIVED AS A COACH? 1) APPEARANCE - It matters! Look and dress like a professional gymnastics coach.

2) BODY LANGUAGE – Be aware of how you stand. Arms not crossed. No sitting. Be engaged with your athletes. What the parents see is what you portray.

To learn more about training of the developmental athlete, as well as gain additional teaching tips and ideas, register for live course W200 Development Coaches Course: Hands-on Training (HOTD) or log onto the online video course U200 Development Coaches Course: Sports Science.

3) ATTITUDE – show enthusiasm and stress constant learning. Lead by example.

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4) CONFIDENCE – Be confident that you are the professional.

5) CUSTOMER RELATIONS – You never have a second chance to make a first impression. Know that we are a service-based industry and YES they can take their business elsewhere! Think about how you like to be treated when you go to a store. Where do you like to do business?

6) BE PREPARED • Know your rotations 18

T E C H N I Q U E • M AY 2 0 1 2

NEW – W200 – DEVELOPMENT COACHES COURSE: HANDS-ON TRAINING (HOTD) May 6

Portsmouth, NH

July 15

Oak Lawn, IL

June 7

O’Fallon, MO

July 29

Simsbury, CT

June 10

Camarillo, CA

Aug 9

Franklin, TN

June 17

Mechanicsburg, PA

Aug. 18

Kalamazoo, MI

June 28

San Jose, CA

Aug. 19

Timonium, MD

Aug. 26

Columbia, SC

NATIONAL CONGRESS

M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 1 9

2012 LIVE COURSE SCHEDULE U101 - SAFETY CERTIFICATION (LIVE) June 7 St. Louis, MO June 9 Stroudsburg, PA June 28 San Jose, CA NATIONAL CONGRESS July 13 Centerville, OH Aug. 9 Nashville, TN Aug. 9 Providence, RI Aug. 16 Baltimore, MD Aug. 19 Kalamazoo, MI –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SCHEDULE

NEW – W200 – DEVELOPMENT COACHES COURSE: HANDS-ON TRAINING (HOTD) May 6 Portsmouth, NH June 7 O’Fallon, MO June 10 Camarillo, CA June 17 Mechanicsburg, PA June 28 San Jose, CA NATIONAL CONGRESS July 15 Oak Lawn, IL July 29 Simsbury, CT Aug 9 Franklin, TN

Aug. 18 Kalamazoo, MI Aug. 19 Timonium, MD Aug. 26 Columbia, SC ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– T200/T201 – TRAMPOLINE & TUMBLING DEVELOPMENT COACHES COURSE: LEVEL 1 AND HANDS-ON TRAINING June 28 San Jose, CA NATIONAL CONGRESS ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– R102 – PRESCHOOL FUNDAMENTALS: HANDSON TRAINING (HOTPS) May 12 Coventry, RI June 3 Newport, NC June 10 St. Louis, MO June 23 Simsbury, CT June 28 San Jose, CA NATIONAL CONGRESS July 13 Sioux Falls, SD July 14 Longwood, FL Aug. 9 Nashville, TN Aug. 12 Providence, RI

Aug. 19 Baltimore, MD Aug. 19 Kalamazoo, MI Aug. 26 Everett, WA Sept. 16 Indianapolis, IN ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– NEW – R103-SCHOOL AGE/RECREATIONAL: HANDS-ON TRAINING (HOTSA) July 14 Sioux Falls, SD July 15 Longwood, FL Aug. 26 Oak Lawn, IL ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– W300 – JUNIOR OLYMPIC TEAM COACHES COURSE Aug. 22-25 Huntsville, TX ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– NEW – Y200 – RHYTHMIC DEVELOPMENT COACHES COURSE June 28 San Jose, CA NATIONAL CONGRESS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

To register for a course, visit the USA Gymnastics website at www.usagymnasticsuniversity.org. | Register online or download the registration form. | **Save $5 by registering online!**

WHAT’S NEW NEW NEW

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The following Membership Statement has been adopted by the Board of Directors of USA Gymnastics: Membership in USA Gymnastics is a privilege granted by USA Gymnastics. That privilege can be withdrawn by USA Gymnastics at any time where a member’s conduct is determined to be inconsistent with the best interest of the sport of gymnastics and of the athletes we are servicing The following former members are permanently ineligible for membership within USA Gymnastics. Based on an amendment of Article 10.16 to the USA Gymnastics Bylaws, beginning January 1, 2012, any individual who is declared ineligible will have the USA Gymnastics’ Bylaw, rule, regulation or policy that was violated and resulted in his/her expulsion listed next to his/her name.

NAME STATE VIOLATION NAME STATE VIOLATION NAME STATE VIOLATION Julian Amaro Charles Theodore Bates James Bell Kristopher Berry Phillip Bishop Patrick Bogan Douglas Boger Joseph Bowers Shawn Bowlden Vince Brown Edward Trey Coniff James Craig III Thad Cypher Steven Elliott Anthony Engelke Matthew H. Erichsen Rick Feuerstein William Foster Joseph Fountain Roy Larry Gallagher Robert Allen “Bob”Garner Sean Gilham Timothy Glas Ricardo “Chico” Goddard *Nathaniel Goodale Marcelo Guimaraes Vernor Gumila Paul Hagan

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CA MN WA SC MI MD CA OH IL SC TX CO MI TX PA WA CA AL MD PA TN CA NE NY VT Bylaw 9.02 (a) (iii) TX IL MI

T E C H N I Q U E • M AY 2 0 1 2

Robert Dean Head Ted Hicks Michael Hinton Nicholas Hitchcock Robert Hoefer Frank Hohman, Jr. Milos Hroch Steven L. Infante Dana Koppendrayer Ronnie Lewis *Jung Min Lim William McCabe Robert Mollock John S. Moore Gregory Muller William Munsinger Jeena Nilson Paul O’Neill Patrick Okopinski Marian Penev William M. Permenter Don Peters Timothy Picquelle David Pyles Jeffrey Richards Rudy Rodriguez John H. Row

KY TN TN MI FL PA CA CT FL AR PA Bylaw 9.02 (a) (iii) GA OR WV ID MN UT CA WI NY FL CA CA AZ FL CA DE

*New Addition

Gabriel Salazar Mark Schiefelbein Robert Shawler Steve Shirley Steven Todd Siegel Blake Steven Starr Paul Summers Mark Swift Freddie Eugene Tafoya, Jr. Jay Thomas Jon Oliver Kenneth Thomas *Phillip Thompson Brent Trottier Jon Valdez Anthony Van Kirk Joel Velasquez David Paul Waage Chris Wagoner Jeremy Waldridge Russell Wallace Brooklyn Walters Steve Waples Donald Watts Mike West Jonathan White Lyf Christian Wildenberg Bill Witthar Joel Woodruff

TX TN CA MO CO UT OK FL CA LA VA NC Bylaw 9.02 (a) (iii) WA IL CA OR OR TX OR CT IN TX KY WA CA MN MO TX

M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 2 1

Beam complex poster

For the Compulsory Level Gymnast. A must for all Team Programs. Post the poster on the wall by the balance beam. Excellent example of the prescribed skills necessary in order to perform more effectively on the beam!

Item #1001

Price $12.00

Level 1 Manual

The Level 1 Gymnastics Coaching Manual covers all aspects of gymnastics at Level 1. Specifically it includes safety awareness information, coaching skills as they pertain to the Women’s Artistic Level 1, progression charts, lesson plans, accountability charts, skill evaluation forms, legal responsibilities, glossary of terms and much, much more!

Item #1002

Price 34.95

Level 2 Manual

The Level 2 Gymnastics Coaching Manual builds on and/or develops progressions from Level 1 skills, which are reviewed in detail in the Level 2 Manual. Specifically it includes safety awareness information, coaching skills as they pertain to the Women’s Artistic Level 2, progression charts, lesson plans, accountability charts, skill evaluation forms, legal responsibilities, glossary of terms and much, much more!

Item #1003

Price $34.95

Level 3 Manual

The Level 3 Manual covers all aspects of gymnastics at Level 3. The Level 3 manual will include combinations – putting together Level 1 and Level 2 skills by creating sequences and short routines. Included in the manual are spotting tips, safety tips, plus instructor charts and evaluation forms for charting students progress and lesson plans.

Item #1004

Price $34.95

Boy’s Level 1 Manual

The Boys Level 1 Gymnastics Coaching Manual covers all aspects of gymnastics at Level 1. Specifically it includes safety awareness information, coaching skills as they pertain to the Men’s Artistic Level 1, progression charts, lesson plans, accountability charts, skill evaluation forms, legal responsibilities, glossary of terms and much more!

Item #1005

Price $34.95

TO ORDER GO TO

http://usagym.sportgraphics.biz/ OR

22

T E C H N I Q U E • M AY 2 0 1 2

call 1-800-345-4719 and select option 1.

M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 2 2

M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 2 3

2012 speaker schedule online at usagymnasticsnationalcongress.org.

June 29 – July 1, 2012

San Jose Convention Center San Jose, California

2012 U.S. Olympic Trials – Gymnastics

THE BIGGEST AND THE BEST SO FAR! • • • • • • •

USA Gymnastics University Certification add-on courses held on Thursday, June 28 Congress lectures will take place Friday, June 29 through Sunday, July 1 Daily education tracks (will not conflict with the Olympic Trials competition) Designated hands-on spotting lectures Business Forum held Friday, June 29, 2012 from 8 a.m. –12 noon as an add-on National Trade Show hall sponsored by the United States Gymnastics Suppliers Association Presenters available online

REGISTER NOW!

• Register online at: usagymnasticsnationalcongress.org • Member Club tiered pricing is available. SAVE BIG! • Visit National Travel Systems at ntssportstravel.com for travel accommodations 24

T E C H N I Q U E • M AY 2 0 1 2

2012 National Congress and Olympic Trials Schedule 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 26

Rhythmic Jr. and Sr. All-Around Prelims and Event Finals

Convention Center

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Rhythmic Jr. and Sr. All-Around Finals Convention Center 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies and Kick-off Celebration City Hall/Arena Green/

Autumn Street (TBD based on athlete availability) 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Trampoline Prelims Convention Center

THURSDAY, JUNE 28

9:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 1:00

a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

– – – – –

1:00 5:00 5:30 6:30 7:00

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

Y200 Rhythmic Developmental Coaches Course (NEW COURSE!) T200/T201 T&T Developmental Coaches Course W200 Developmental Coaches Course R102 Preschool Fundamentals National Congress Registration

2:00 3:00 5:00 7:00

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

– – – –

5:00 8:00 7:00 9:00

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

Men’s Competition – Day 1 U101 Safety Certification Trade Show Hall Opens Trampoline Finals

7:00 7:30 8:00 8:00

a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m.

– 3:00 – 5:00 – 12:00 – 3:30

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

National Congress Registration Trade Show Hall Open Business Forum (add-on fee) National Congress Sessions

No Lecture Tracks, only educational certification add on course

FRIDAY, JUNE 29

Convention Convention Convention Convention

Center Center Center Center

Competition HP Pavilion Convention Center Convention Center Convention Center

Convention Convention Convention Convention

Center Center Center Center

Lunch break 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Women’s Competition – Day 1

7:30 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.

7:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

National Congress Registration Trade Show Hall Open National Congress Sessions

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

Competition HP Pavilion

Convention Center Convention Center Convention Center

Lunch break 11:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Men’s Competition – Final Day Education Resumes

7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

National Congress Registration Trade Show Hall Open National Congress Sessions

SUNDAY, JULY 1

Competition HP Pavilion Convention Center

Convention Center Convention Center Convention Center

Lunch Break 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Women’s Competition – Final Day

Competition HP Pavilion

Go to www.sanjose2012.com to get updated event information including ancillary events.

M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 2 5

M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 2 7

2012 National Trade Show Exhibitor List 360 Tumbling An Industry Plus Member

Beyond the Scores USA Gymnastics Industry Member

A-1 Awards, Inc. A proud sponsor of USA Gymnastics

Carolina Gym Supply An Industry Plus Member

1107 State St., Scranton, IA 51462 360tumbling@gmail.com Accelerate tumbling learning like never before with the NEW 360 Tumbling Disc!

Perfect for both cheerleading and gymnastics.

2500 N. Ritter Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46218 (800) 444-9569 | www.a-1awards.com Official USA Gymnastics award supplier. We specialize in offering the best medals, trophies, ribbons and plaques to this sport of gymnastics.

Alpha Factor An Industry Plus Member

333 East Seventh Ave., York, PA 17404 (800)-8ALPHA8 www.alphafactor.com | www.alphafactoraerials.com | www.alphafactoraerials.com The premier gymnastics apparel company combines the best fit with the finest fashions to produce truly unique garments.

American Athletic, Inc.

4001 SW Hidden Cove Ct., Lee’s Summit, MO 64082 (816) 682-3693 | www.beyondthescores.com Beyond the Scores is a sports automation platform for the athletes, coaches, clubs, families and fans involved in amateur athletics.

575 Dimmocks Mill Rd., Hillsborough, NC 27278 (877) 496-7885 | www.carolinagym.com Carolina Gym Supply matting and Janssen Fritsen gymnastics apparatus.

Destira, Inc. An Industry Plus Member

22641 Macfarlane Dr., Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (877) 741-1325 | www.destira.com Destira offers premium service for custom needs in competition and warm-up leotards, camps, recitals and exhibitions. Consignment, wholesale and commission programs available.

DGS 9.9’s – Deary’s Gymnastics Supply A proud sponsor of USA Gymnastics

A proud sponsor of USA Gymnastics

200 American Ave., Jefferson, IA 50129 (800) 247-3978 | www.americanathletic.com Since 1954, athletes have relied on AAI for all their equipment needs. AAI is the official equipment supplier and partner to USA Gymnastics.

17 Lucienne Ave., Danielson, CT 06239 (800) 932-3339 | www.gymsupply.com Gymnastics merchandise, equipment sales and service.

Equipment rental and financing, Installation available, new gym design services available, Protective padding and custom designs available.

Auburn Electronics Group

Dollamur Sport Surfaces An Industry Plus Member

A proud sponsor of USA Gymnastics

P.O. Box 395, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741 (916) 852-2900 | www.aegroup.com ProScore meet management, scoring software and electronic scoring systems. Pro School gym and Class management software.

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4709 S. Edgewood Terrace, Forth Worth, TX 76119 (800) 520-7647 | www.dollamur.com Dollamur is the country’s leading mat manufacturer and provides the highest quality products to ensure maximum safety and long lasting durability.

Dreamlight Activewear An Industry Plus Member

1620 Centerville Tnpk. Ste. 119, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 (757) 479-8700 | www.dreamlightusa.com Trend setting designs for gymnastics, which have dramatic style, dazzling elegance and superior comfort & fit.

Competitive wear, consignment, wholesale and meet packages available.

EZ Flex Sport Mats An Industry Plus Member

7450 White Hall St., Richland Hills, TX 76118 (877) 939-3539 | www.ezflexmats.com EZ Flex manufactures High Quality affordable carpet bonded foam for gymnastics and cheer. Original inventors of the Flexible carpet roll.

Flaghouse USA Gymnastics Industry Member

601 Flaghouse Dr., Hashbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 (800) 793-7900 | www.flaghouse.com Flaghouse promotes fun and fitness with a huge selection of products offered through our catalogs PErREC and Flying Start TM

Flip Fest Summer Gymnastics Camp

272 Lake Frankes Rd., Crossville, TN 38571 (931) 549-2753 | www.flipfest.com Flip Fest, located in Tennessee, is the only summer camp owned and operated by two Olympians, John Macready and John Roethlisberger.

THE ULTIMATE CAMP EXPERIENCE!

Flip N Fit USA Gymnastics Industry Member

1771 Burnet St., El Cajon, CA 92021 (888) 818-3547 | www.flipnfit.com Flip N Fit is a designer and manufacturer of quality gymnastics apparel. We offer affordable workout and competition leotards.

Garland Activewear An Industry Plus Member

11631 E. Columbia Park Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32258 877-GARLAND | www.garlandactivewear.com Garland Activewear specializes in custom design competition and workout leotards. We provide risk-free consignment programs for gyms, boosters and meets.

Geomotion Group USA Gymnastics Industry Member 10151 University Blvd. #514, Orlando, FL 32817 (407) 275-0510 | www.geomotiongroup..com GeoFitness products are movement based with a developmentally appropriate curriculum. It is easy to use and cost effect to increase fitness and academic achievement.

Gibson Athletics An Industry Plus Member

4995 Lima St., Denver, CO 80239 (303) 937-1012 | www.gibsonathletic.com Gibson Athletic is a leading manufacturer of gymnastics equipment. Providing quality and trust worthy equipment for over 35 years.

GK Elite Sportwear, L.P. A proud sponsor of USA Gymnastics 2136 N. 13th St., Reading, PA 19604 (800) 345-4087 | www.gkelite.com Stop by the GK booth for all your gymnastics apparel needs; including, fresh new designs from the Choice of Champions.

GMR Gymnastics Sales, Inc. An Industry Plus Member

6729 Marbut Rd., Lithonia, GA 30058 (770) 484-5902 | www.ten-o.com GMR has supplied innovative gymnastics equipment for 32 years. We design gyms as well as sell everything for gyms/ gymnasts.

Go For the Gold Leotards USA Gymnastics Industry Member

13361 Saddle Rd. Ste. 110, Ft. Meyers, FL 33913 (303) 838-1357 | www.goforthegoldleotards.com Custom tank, leotards, shirts, shorts and bags for your team or recreational program. Quality at affordable prices.

Goodson Enterprises Inc. USA Gymnastics Industry Member

P.O. Box 128, Shawnee, CO 80475 (303) 838-1357 | www.gymnastics.garygoodson.com We offer gymnastics “Visual Image” coaching dolls, gymnastics books, gymnastics CDs and DVDs, kineograms and technical research.

GTM Sportswear USA Gymnastics Industry Member

520 McCall Rd., Manhattan, KS 66502 (785) 410-6128 | www.gtmsportswear.com GTM Sportswear is your stop for low prices and high quality for all your warm up and practice apparel needs!

Gymnastics Tools USA Gymnastics Industry Member

224 Parkvista Cresent S.E., Calgary/Alberta Can. T2J 1Y6 (403) 256-7490 | www.gymnasticsgymtools.com GymnasticsGymntools.com is your gymnastics and teaching tool resources website. Products are professionally designed and illustrated to become a better teacher.

Hasty Awards USA Gymnastics Industry Member 1015 Enterprise St., Ohawa, KS 66067 (785) 242-5297 | www.hastyawards.com Awards- Trophies, medals and plaques.

iClassPro An Industry Plus Member

2107 Courthouse Ste 105, Longview, TX 75605 (903) 759-1579 | www.iclasspro.com Online class management and business software; online registration and manage your staff, students and business like a Pro!!! iClass Pro- Go Pro!

JKLM Designs An Industry Plus Member

1570 Wethersfield Dr. S., Allentown, PA 18104 (610) 391-9227 | jklmdesign@aol.com Custom designed and fitted gymnastics apparel. Competitive and workout leotards are available. Pro Shop information available upon request.

Juice Plus +

USA Gymnastics Industry Member

41488 Broquet Dr., Northview, MT 48167 (248) 880-8815 | www.sportsadvantagejuiceplus.com The most widely and thoroughly researched product in history. 22 different organic fruits and vegetables in a capsule or soft chewable gummie.

Jumptwist Music, Inc. USA Gymnastics Industry Member 11193 Sunset Ridge Circle, Boynton Beach, FL 33473 (877) 524-2184 | www.jumptwist.com All new floor music that is selling out fast! Stop by our booth for a free demo.

K&K Insurance USA Gymnastics Industry Member 1712 Magnavox Way, Ft. Wayne, IN 46801 (800) 648-6406 | www.kandkinsurance.com Sports, leisure and entertainment insurance.

Illusions Activewear USA Gymnastics Industry Member

Kulin-Sohn An Industry Plus Member

Infiniti Sportswear, LLC An Industry Plus Member

Look-it Activewear USA Gymnastics Industry Member

Inside Gymnastics Magazine An Industry Plus

Mancino Manufacturing Co. Inc.

1050 Crown Pointe Pkwy Ste. 1240, Atlanta, GA 30338 (770) 394-7160 | www.insidegymnastics.com Inside Gymnastics Magazine is the magazine for today’s gymnast, coach, industry member and fans of the sport.

4700 Wissahickon Ave., Box 109 Unit E Philadelphia, PA 19144 (800) 338-6287 | www.mancinomats.com Ensuring athletes safety with outstanding product quality since 1966. Skill custions, progressive skill builder shapes, equipment and wall padding.

138 Gilman Ave., Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 370-3954 | www.illusionsactivewear.com Illusions offers fun, fashion-forward quality leotards and activewear at competitive prices.

3100 Independence Pkwy. #323, Plano, TX 75075 (972) 758-1110 | www.infinitisportwear.com Infiniti offers custom competition apparel for women and men. Patterns are never discontinued. No upcharge for specialty fabrics. Consignment too!

Member

Jackrabbit Technologies An Industry Plus Member

P.O. Box 1357, Arlington Heights, IL 60006 (800) 640-6601 | www.gymnasticsinsurance.com Kulin-Sohn provides insurance for gymnasts and cheerleading facilities across the United States.

PO Box 1517, Roseburg, OR 97470 (541) 672-6037 | www.look-it.com Look-it manufactures premium quality leotards, biketards, and shorts for gymnastics, dance, and fitness. Lowest prices in the industry.

An Industry Plus Member

21333 Summerbrook Dr., Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 895-4034 | www.jackrabbitclass.com Web-based class management and accounts receivable software featuring online registration, parent portal, mass emails and automatic billing.

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M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 29

Metroplex Gymnastics USA Gymnastics Industry Member

205 E. Bethany, Allen, TX 75002 (214) 228-2352 | www.metroplexchallenge.com Meet Invitational; Metroplex Challenge

Markel Insurance Company An Industry Plus Member

4600 Cox Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060 (800) 900-1155 | www.markelgymnastics.com Markel Insurance Company provides customized insurance programs for gymnastics schools throughout the U.S.

Marsha’s Sportswear An Industry Plus Member

7010 Alder Dr., Houston, TX 77081 (713) 661-2727 | www.marshassportswear.com Sports APPAREL: T-shirts, hoodies, tanks, flannels, shorts, capris, team warm-ups, bags and scrapbook paper.

Motionwear, LLC An Industry Plus Member

1315 Sunday Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46217 (317) 780-0609 | www.motionwear.com Motionwear’s unique styles and fabrics offer trend setting fashion with a superior fit. Wholesale programs available.

National Travel Systems, LP USA Gymnastics Travel Partner

4314 S Loop 289 Ste. 300, Lubbuck, TX 79424 (800) 794-3181 | www.ntssportstravel.com Travel and Housing Management solutions provider, who will take the headache out of your event logistics planning.

Maxwell Medals USA Gymnastics Industry Member

Netlynx Sports USA Gymnastics Industry Member

Mixed Bag Designs USA Gymnastics Industry Member

Norberts Athletic Products, Inc.

1296 Business Park Dr. Traverse City, MI 49686 (800) 331-1383 | www.maxmedals.com Maxwell Medals & Awards is your complete supplier of medals, trophies, lapel pins, plaques, patches, ribbons and other awards since 1978.

6424 Whitaker Ave., Lake Balboa, CA 91406 (727) 642-8914 | www.mixedbagdesigns.com Unique Green Fundraiser, 50% profit, free shipping on primary orders, and free catalogs for each participant.

Unique eco-chic products, great price point and proven results.

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4113 Whitney St., Jonesville, WI 53546 (609) 756-0444 | www.netlynxsports.com Netlynx Sports is a complete event solution for gymnastics events. We arrange every aspect of your event from registration to results

An Industry Plus Member

P.O. Box 1890 - 000165, San Pedro, CA 90733 (800) 779-1904 | www.norberts.net Quality Mats and innovative gymnastics equipment featuring the new Power Board, vault, trampoline, mini mounting block and the Boulder Handspring Trainer.

Northwest Designs USA Gymnastics Industry Member 1 Lake Bellevue Dr. # 205, Bellevue, WA 89005 (800) 925-9327 | wwwnorthwestdesigns.com On-Site customized event apparel from start to finish.

Ozone USA Gymnastics Industry Member

10325 Yellow Pine Ln., Knoxville, TN 37932 (865)712-5890 | dsmall@ozoneleos.com Ozone features comfort fit tagless leotards. Friendly customer service and fast delivery on custom and in stock garments.

Paul Ziert & Associates, Inc. An Industry Plus Member

3214 Bart Conner Dr., Norman, OK 73072 (405) 634-5344 | www.internationalgymnast.com One stop shopping for grips, shoes, leotards, accessories and more! Plus, International Gymnast Magazine.

Pelle Activewear USA Gymnastics Industry Member

12432 Hwy. 99 A76, Everett, WA 98200 (888) 395-7432 | www.pelleactivewear.com Pelle Activewear offers gymnastics wear consignment and wholesale. Our colorful garments target the recreational kids who are responsible for most pro-shop sales.

Perfect Balance by Discount Dance Supply USA Gymnastics Industry Member

5065 E Hunter Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807 (714) 970-0462 | www.discountdance.com The Perfect Balance gymnastics leotard collection is low priced, great looking, fit perfectly and is made with outstanding quality.

Process Pink Payments, LLC

Snyder Insurance Services

One Westbrook Corporate Center Ste. 300, Westchester, IL 60154 (800) 815-4630 ext. 4337 | www.processpink.com Electronic payment processing for credit cards, debit cards, gift cards and e-checks. Compatible with most class management and A/R billing software.

8801 Renner Ave. Ste. 410, Lenexa, KS 66219 (913) 498-0200 | www.snyder1stop.com The #1 insurance provider for gymnastics facilities in the USA. The best quality for the best price.

An Industry Plus Member

Rebecca’s Mom Leotards An Industry Plus Member

7644 Bellaire Ave., N. Hollywood, CA 91605 (818) 982-3222 | www.leotard.com Leotards for workout, warm-up and competition; featuring holograms, foils, and crystal designs. Gymnastics apparel, pins, grip bags and gymnastics accessories.

SA Sports USA An Industry Plus Member

7879 Will Rogers Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76140 (817) 536-3366 | www.sasportonline.com Competition and training gymnastics equipment and mats.

Shannon Miller Lifestyle

4319 Salisbury Rd. Ste. 410, Jacksonville, FL 32216 (877) 344-8502 | www.shannonmillerlifestyle.com Olympic Gold Medalist, Shannon Miller, shares her series of fitness books and DVD’s for a balanced approach to a healthy lifestyle.

Snowflake Designs An Industry Plus Member

2893 Larkin Ave., Clovis, CA 93612 (559) 291-6234 | www.snowleotards.com We produce workout and competition leotards; plus warmup suits. Create custom garments gymnastics clothing and accessories.

USA Gymnastics Industry Member

Steel Images, Inc. An Industry Plus Member

7038 S. Potomac St., Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 790-0200 | www.stealimagesawards.com Trophy art, awards, gifts, plaques, medals and unique distinctive custom awards to enhance your event.

Trampolines Unlimited, Inc. An Industry Plus Member

349 Ash Ave. #44, Carpinteria, CA 93013 (800) 287-7017 | www.webounce.com We manufacturer trampolines (competition, above ground, in-ground, minis, double-minis and now Trampoline Parks) tumbling tracks, low impact vaulting boards and bungee pits.

Tumbl Trak An Industry Plus Member

P.O. Box 289, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804 (989) 773-4362 | www.tumbltrak.com We specialize in gymnastics, cheer and dance training equipment.

UCS, Inc. An Industry Plus Member

U.S.E.C.A. – United States Elite Coaches Association for Women USA Gymnastics Industry Member 10 Quail Point Place, Carmichael, CA 95608 (916) 487-3559 | www.gym.net/useca USECA is designed to benefit Levels 4 through Elite gymnasts leading to excellence at the international level.

Journal monthly, publications and DVDs for members.

US Glove Inc. An Industry Plus Member

P.O. Box 20564, Alby, NM 87154 (505) 856-7750 | www.usglove.com Gymnastics Hand Grips, Tiger Paw Wrist Supports, Wristbands, Chalk, Tape, Pre-Wrap, Grip Bags and Equipment

USA Competitions USA Gymnastics Industry Member

5722 S. Flamingo Rd. #120, Cooper City, FL 33330 (877) 341.9007 | www.usacompetitions.com USA Competitions is dedicated to providing first class competitive events. Based in Florida, USAC is affiliated with American Twisters Gymnastics.

USA Sports Production USA Gymnastics Industry Member P.O. Box 29185, Indianapolis, IN 46229 (317) 891-8260 | www.usasportsproduction.com Produces over 20 events annually for all disciplines of gymnastics, cheer and dance. All ages are welcome to participate. New flip for autism awareness competition series.

511 Hoffman Rd., Lincolnton, NC 28092 (704) 732-9922 | www.ucsspirit.com UCS Gymnastics equipment is known for its quality, revolutionary design and unparalleled safety.

M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 3 1

ADVERTISING IN THE GYMNASTICS INDUSTRY

By Jeff Lulla Fun & Fit Gymnastics

I

t is obvious to most of us that the nature and very concept of advertising has changed drastically over the last few years. While having a dominant ad in the Yellow Pages was an important decision only a few years ago, many of us no longer use Yellow Pages for advertising. And, with almost everyone today using a smartphone with internet capabilities, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, it can be confusing and time consuming keeping up with knowing what to do to get kids in our gyms.

With the help of my USA Gymnastics Business Advisory Ambassador colleagues, I want to put forward the following concepts, ideas and suggestions.

“UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITION” Before you ever

place an ad, write a blog, or tweet, you need to decide what it is you want to communicate. How do you want people to perceive your business? What is your business all about? And what makes your business unique and different from all others? In advertising, this is called your “Unique Selling Proposition.” It may be part of your mission statement, teaching philosophy or an aspect of your operation that people connect with. Examples include, “We build children from the inside,” “Where Every Child is a Winner,” “The Best Technical Gymnastics Training in the Valley,” or “Where Kids Love to Learn.” The idea is that you, the business owner or director, manages the image people have of your business by providing consistent messages in everything you do.

If you are not clear and consistent, or if you fail to clearly communicate what your business is all about, the only way people will know is from what others say about you. And people talk most often about things they are upset about, and less about what they like. (Note: when considering how you want to be perceived, it is suggested that you think first about the prospective client’s perspective.) “What’s In It For Me” is a phrase often used in advertising referring to the importance of the customer’s mindset. For example, if you are proud of winning Regional Championships, you might want to make that a part of your advertising. However, if the clients you are looking for are parents of preschool age children, your thinking might be flawed. Yes, you are proud of your team, but what the preschool parent is looking for may be something completely different.

“WORD OF MOUTH” remains the dominant force in our industry for acquiring new clients. With all of the cool technology out there today, your gymnastics business leaders believe that most new clients still hear about your gym from people telling 32

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them about your business.

All of the time we spend on Facebook, blogging, emailing and tweeting our messages, while important for communicating and fulfilling the expectations of young families who are internet connected, has yet to show direct correlation to increased enrollments for most of us.

Getting people talking is the key! And what makes people talk most about your business is exceeding their expectations with enthusiastic, energetic and knowledgeable staff. With that knowledge, hiring the right people and training them well is the most important investment you can make to grow your business.

As Frank Sahlein puts it, “Our two top sources of effective advertising investment are, hands down, a marketing system and professional development of our staff. I consider the dollars spent on professional development to be marketing of the highest order.

Marketing is only an “investment” as opposed to an “expense” if you have a system. Further, advertising without professional development is also merely an expense. They definitely go hand in hand.” Proper hiring and staff development might not look like marketing, but ultimately it is.

DISCOUNTS & SALES In recent years, everyone is looking for

a deal. The recession has devastated many families’ home values, saving accounts, and, in many cases, careers. Charging more for higher value (“More expensive but worth it”) will always be a factor in a buying decision. IF THEY CAN AFFORD IT people will still buy safer and more luxurious cars, send their kids to more expensive schools, and buy designer cloths. The problem is that, in recent years, far less people can afford it. Groupon and other online ‘deals’ business models have sprung up over the last few years. What we have learned is that most of the people looking for a deal will drop out when the deal is done. The overall perception of the value of your business may suffer if too many deals are offered. So, you want to be very careful when offering any tuition type of deal.

One suggestion to introduce new clients to your gym is to put birthday parties on sale with these deals. If you offer (new clients only) 50% off on a private party for 10 + kids, you will get lots of new clients in your doors to experience your facility and staff. In advertising, that is half the battle! Once they see how much fun the kids are having, and the parents see how clean and colorful

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M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 3 3

...

ADVERTISING IN THE GYMNASTICS INDUSTRY your facility is, you are much more likely to get them coming back for classes. You won’t make as much on the party, but if your goal is to grow your business, this tends to work well.

conversation. So, it is suggested that, whenever possible, a personal interaction is encouraged.

For other tips and marketing ideas from the business advisors

SOCIAL MEDIA AND BEING A “RELATIONSHIP go to the USA Gymnastics Member Club website or email BUSINESS” While most of us believe it is important and your questions to clubservices@usagym.org necessary to actively manage your Facebook and Twitter accounts, direct business growth from this investment in time and money is not easy to see. We believe that managing your business’ image and communicating with clients and prospects is necessary. Over time, as the mode of communication evolves, so will the expectations of clients.

But, we must never forget that we are a RELATIONSHIP BUSINESS. We are not selling items. We are teaching children who visit regularly and interact with us as a function of our service. And the better our relationship, the longer our clients remain clients. With a personal relationship, clients are more likely to come to us with their comments and issues, giving us the opportunity to solve their (and our) problems. Nothing can replace the value of a face-to-face

To see more responses to this question or to ask the business advisors your own question, simply email clubservices@usagym.org or go to the Member Club website and see the forum.

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National Gymnastics Day ready to Turn the World Upside Down

P

lan your National Gymnastics Day event on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, for 1 p.m. ET, and join USA Gymnastics as we “Turn the World Upside Down.”

Plan to get your community engaged by having everyone turn upside down, joining gymnasts, coaches and fans across the country as we celebrate the greatest sport in the world.

Last year, it was the handstand, and this year, anything goes.

Get coaches, friends, classmates and parents involved. Flip, roll, or cartwheel; back hip circle, handstand or flip into the pit. The possibilities are endless. Just take a picture and share it, along with how many participated, on the USA Gymnastics Facebook page.

Invite your local TV newscaster to your gym on National Gymnastics Day and show the world what it is like to do gymnastics at your gym.

Get your gym’s Facebook page set up and spread the word! Send this logo and link to all your friends.

Visit usagym.org/upsidedown for more information.

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M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 37

2012 – 2016 Men’s Junior Olympic Competition Program Workshops May 13-14, May 19-20, June 2-3 | Cincinnati, Los Angeles and Houston

T

he 2012–2016 Men’s Junior Olympic Competition Program Workshops will introduce the new programs and new routines for the 2012–2016 quadrennium at three different National Age Group Competition Program Workshops in the months of May and June. These Workshops will cover all aspects of the 2012–2016 Age Group Competition Program including compulsory routines, the new Technical Sequences and optional level rules. The 2012–2016 National Team Program -- including Future Stars, Junior National and Junior Elite aspects – and the 2013 FIG Code of Points update will also be covered in the Workshop. There will also be special presentations on other aspects of training and athlete development.

• May 13 – 14 Cincinnati, OH • May 19–20 Los Angeles, CA • June 2–3 Houston, TX

Presenters will include members of the Age Group Competition Committee, members of the Junior National Coaching Staff and guest presenters.

Cost: On-Site: $240* Workshop includes Age Group Competition Program CDROM and Video and all Workshop presentation materials. A $10 administration fee will be charged to any cancellations.

The first Competition Program Workshop will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio May 13 –14 and will begin at the conclusion of the 2012 Junior Olympic National Championships. Plan now to attend one of these important workshops and get a head start on the 2012–2016 Age Group Competition Program.

*NOTE: On-site registrants may have program materials shipped at a later date pending on-site availability. Additional copies of all materials will be available for purchase while supplies last. Program materials will be available for purchase from the USA Gymnastics Merchandising Department beginning June 11.

Event information can be found at website below.

The new Age Group Competition Program materials will only be available before June 11, 2012, through workshop registration. On June 11, the Age Group Competition Program manual will be available for order through USA Gymnastics at: http://usagym.sportgraphics.biz/

For more information go to: www.usagym.org/mensjoworkshops

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M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 3 9

MEMBER SERVICES UPDATE

USA GYMNASTICS UNIVERSITY & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

A

s many of you are already aware, USA Gymnastics University was restructured in August 2011. The university is comprised of four schools (business, recreational, competitive, and judging) with specific course work that can provide certification in each school.

Since its introduction, members have been active participants in the university through live and online educational courses.

In the 2013-14 competitive season, members will begin to see a larger integration of membership and education. USA Gymnastics encourages professional members to embrace education now in order to prepare for the transition.

There are three ways that members can start to prepare.

One is by pre-placement, second by completing course

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work, and third by completing the U100 Fundamentals of Gymnastics Instruction course.

WHAT IS PRE-PLACEMENT?

USA Gymnastics respects that many of our coaches have already achieved and continue to work at a very high level in the sport. The intent is not to require coaches at this level to start at the beginning of the educational process. PrePlacement provides experienced coaches the opportunity to place themselves into the university based on their gymnastics education and achievement.

Experienced coaches can obtain a pre-placement application form, by visiting usagymnasticsuniversity.org and clicking on the “About USA Gymnastics University” link.

M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 4 1

MEMBER SERVICES UPDATE

TITLE

USA GYMNASTICS UNIVERSITY & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP ...continued

WHAT IS UNIVERSITY COURSE WORK?

As stated previously, each of the schools is comprised of specific course work. The course work is comprised of both live and online educational opportunities. For a complete overview of what each school requires, visit usagymnasticsuniversity.org and select the school of your choice.

U100 FUNDAMENTAL OF GYMNASTICS INSTRUCTION-REQUIREMENT

All members (whether they have been pre-placed or not) are required to complete the U100-Fundamentals of Gymnastics Instruction course to enter the university.

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U100 is an online foundational course, and is offered complimentary to all current USA Gymnastics members.

Current members can access the course by logging on to the usagymnaticsuniversity.org and click U100: Fundamentals of Gymnastics Instruction link.

USA Gymnastics strongly encourages all professional members to use the information outlined above to begin preparing for the 2013/14 transition.

Please contact USA Gymnastics Member Services at 800.345.4719 or education@usagym.org with any assistance or questions.

M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 4 3

CHRISTOPHER BROOKS | | |

By Scott Bregman Fans entering a competition arena know when Chris Brooks is in the house. He’s the one screaming, cheering, and willing his teammates through every skill, pushing them to stick their dismounts and to keep fighting.

Brooks, a native of Houston, is the embodiment of the team spirit – a trait most likely honed during his days as a member of the University of Oklahoma gymnastics team. While in Norman, Brooks helped the Sooners to NCAA team titles in 2006 and 2008, before serving as team captain in 2009 as a senior.

Since graduating, Brooks, now 25, has moved back to his hometown of Houston to train at Cypress Gymnastics with coach Tom Meadows, alongside 2008 Olympic silver-medalist and Oklahoma teammate Jonathan Horton. He was a member of the 2010 World Championships team that placed fourth and served as the 2011 World team alternate.

In 2012, Brooks has already had an impressive year, finishing fifth in the all-around at the Winter Cup Challenge in Las Vegas. Then, serving as the U.S. team alternate at the 2012 AT&T American Cup, he went six-for-six as an exhibition performer in front of a boisterous crowd in New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

Two weeks later, Brooks had a breakout performance at the 2012 Kellogg’s Pacific Rim Championships in Everett, Wash., where he

won five medals, including four gold medals. Brooks won the team, all-around, still rings and horizontal bar gold medals. Perhaps most impressive of all, Brooks scored a 14.700 on the pommel horse, winning the silver medal with a much improved swing on what was once his weakest event.

As the year goes on, Brooks will use his dynamic gymnastics as he navigates the Road to London: Brooks performs four release moves (Yamawaki, Gienger, layout Tkatchev, and layout Tkachev-half) and an impressive double twisting double layout on the high bar and debuted a front handspring double front vault in Everett.

And if Brooks makes the five-man team that represents the United States in London, one thing is certain. The fans, and most especially his teammates, inside the North Greenwich Arena will know he’s there.

M A Y 2 0 1 2 • T EC H N I Q U E 4 5

CLASSIFIEDS

for sale • position available • seeking employment • education • consignment

POSITION AVAILABLE Rettig’s Gymnastics Training Center Inc. established 1992 is located in beautiful northwest New Jersey. We are seeking a FULL-TIME HEAD COACH for our USAG Womens program.

Applicants must be fun, energetic and team players. You must have strong spotting skills and the ability to coach at all levels of the Woman’s J.O. Program. Rettig’s Gymnastics is a well established program with a strong foundation of recreational gymnasts to compliment our U.S.A.G. Teams. Benefits include paid vacations, holidays, health insurance, USAG membership and certifications.

Performance based bonuses. Contact: Dave/Diane Rettig.

Web: www.rettigsgymnastics.com Email: djrettig@ cs.com. Phone: (973)267-5611 Fax: (973)267-7796.

Cape Cod Gymnastics in Yarmouthport, MA is looking for a GIRLS TEAM GYMNASTICS COACH to assist in coaching the levels 4-10. We are in a brand new facility and our programs have grown. This person should have experience in coaching competitive gymnastics, and should be reliable and passionate for the sport of gymnastics. This person should enjoy working as a team with other coaches to develop the best gymnast possible. If you love Cape Cod, then this is the place for you. We are only 1-hour outside of Boston and very close to the South Shore and beautiful Cape beaches. Fulltime is available. Great compensation packages available.

Please email: tumble@capecodgymnastics.com if you are interested in learning more.

Summit Gymnastics Academy, in Flagstaff, AZ is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, detail oriented BOY’S GYMNASTICS COACH. Applicant must have experience in both recreational and competitive gymnastics along with proficiency in spotting athletes. Must be confident in working with athletes of all ages, communicating with parents, and working effectively with the coaching team. Contact Kristi or Karen at 928-526-0644 or info@summitgymnasticsacademy.com.

Olympia Gymnastics of Myrtle Beach has an immediate opening for a RECREATIONAL & COMPULSORY COACH FOR BOYS & OR GIRLS. If you are an energetic, positive, fun, individual who loves working with children and enjoys the beach, we have a great opportunity for you. Ideal candidates will be a well organized, responsible, team player, who understands the value of good customer service. This is a part time position with potential for dynamic growth. Pay commensurate with experience. Reliable and serious applicants only. Send resume’ to office@olympiagymnasticsmb.com.

WOMEN’S HEAD TEAM COACH TAGS Gymnastics is hiring in Apple Valley, MN. Full-time position to oversee training team levels through Level 10. Applicants must have strong leadership skills, high integrity, proven success Levels 9 &10 and/or Elite level competitors, strong spotting abilities, competent lesson planning, excellent communication skills with gymnasts, parents & staff, and most importantly a high regard for our gymnast’s safety. Established in 1977 – two locations, 3000 students. Applicants will be kept confidential, forward resume & references. Contact Julia 612-845 0665, jttags@ mac.com, www.tagsgym.com.

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Jump Start Gym (www.jumpstartgym.com), located in Sandy Springs, GA (North Atlanta), is looking for COACHES. TEAM HEAD COACH needed for competitive team, developmental, compulsory level 3-6, optional, & admin. PARENT TOT, PRESCHOOL, REC, TUMBLING, SUMMER CAMP, PARTY, AND FRONT DESK POSITION as well. New facility, 12K sq ft, great area, established gym. Applicants need to have love of children, be positive, energetic, reliable, responsible, and motivated. FT/PT positions, salary depends on experience.

Send resumes to coachtodd@jumpstartgym.com.

INSTRUCTOR/COACHES Paragon Gymnastics of Norwood NJ (Bergen County), is looking for instructors and coaches, P/T – F/T. Requirements: Positive attitudes, responsible, reliable, and love of children. Position available for competitive team coach level 4 and up with flexible hours. Also preschool through intermediate instruction/cheerleading. Company sponsored certifications (safety, CPR, First Aid). Benefits available, paid vacations & sick days. Salary commensurate with experience.

NEW facility, state-of-the-art approx. 11,000sq ft. Located in the NY/NJ Metropolitan area, easily accessible from all major highways. Contact Dot: email: paragongymnastics@verizon. net, 201-767-6921 or fax to 201-767-6693 or at 49 Walnut Street, Suite 4, Norwood, NJ 07648. www.paragongym.com.

Regal Gymnastics Academy in beautiful Essex, Vermont is looking to hire a FULL-TIME WOMEN’S JO HEAD COACH. Requirements of the position include: previous team coach experience including national qualifiers at levels 9 and 10, strong communication and sports psychology skills, a genuine passion for training highly competitive gymnasts and strong spotting skills. Preferred age is 25-40. Regal Gymnastics, 7 years young and the most awarded gym in the State of Vermont, now has a brand new, state of the art facility minutes from gorgeous Lake Champlain and some of the best skiing in the northeast. We have a highly skilled coaching staff with a growing program of over 80 team athletes. We are now seeking a skilled, energetic leader to bring our team to the national level. Forward resume, references and salary requirements to: regalgymnastics@gmail.com.

FOR SALE GK RISK-FREE PROGRAM: Get with the program! It’s better 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 for your pro shop, meets and summer camp. 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. Call 1-800-3454087 for more information on how you can get started today!

Email: customerservice@gkelite.com.

SCORE MASTER – Scorekeeping software interfaced to many different score boards: EliteScore, BetaBrites, TV’s & Projectors. Download team rosters from the USAG website.

Features include: random draws, create rotations, assign #’s, the most comprehensive reporting and results can go directly to your website. Supports: womens/mens, individual/team, artistic/ rhythmic/trampoline, compulsory/optional. Download a FREE demo at www.Score-Master.com.

EDUCATION AVAILABLE NOW! THE NEW GYMCERT Gymnastics training manuals (Levels 1, 2, 3, & the NEW Skills & Drills for the Compulsory Coach Level’s 4, 5 & 6) a must for training your staff; cut your lesson planning time significantly; use to coordinate class progressions and skill training methods; and, best of all have a quick reference that is easy to use which includes Lesson Planning Forms and Class Evaluation Forms by level. The GYMCERT manuals provide concise instruction, clear illustrations, and several coaching, spotting, and safety tips. Will your staff be ready for your fall students? Order direct by calling 407-444-5669 EST or online at www.GymCert.com.

GYMNASTICS TRAINING BOOKS Gymnastics Drills and Conditioning, Handstand, Walkover/Back Handspring, Legs/ Ankles, Gymnastics Journal, Exercise Programs, E-Books, and more! Check out the Swing Set Fitness books, Fitness Journal, and Strength Training Journal too. Read reviews or buy these books, www.GymnasticsBooks.com. And be sure to check out our gifts and apparel at www.GymnasticsTees.com.

FOR INFORMATION on how to publish a classified ad in Technique, go to www.usagym.org/publications Or call Luan Peszek at 317-829-5646.

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

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