The new iPod Nano is also one of the world’s smallest video cameras. We think it could be a game changer. As it turns out, it could also create a new kind of privacy problem. A fitness chain in Minnesota has banned the new Nano from locker rooms in an effort to protect members from the possibility of photos or videos being taken with it. …
Recall coach John Valdez, who coached Justin Spring at the Beijing Olympics?
Jon Valdez, a former gymnastics coach in Illinois, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of unauthorized videotaping. Valdez set up a camera to film a gymnast removing his clothes.
Valdez was captured on a camera positioning his video cam in an open locker in Kenney Gym. Valdez’s camera taped a male gymnast stripping and appearing nude in the locker room. The victim was unaware he was being filmed. This incident happened on September 25, 2008.
Valdez pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 months probation.
… installing new hand sanitation stations. All people are required to sanitise their hands prior to entering the building (front door station) and athletes are required to use the stations when they enter and exit the gym.
I also encourage all athletes to wash their hands WITH soap before entering the gym, at break, and after gymnastics. After all, you just put your hands on a beam where EVERYONE has placed their feet….
It may be that the media panic about this terrible infection has peaked.
Several USA Gymnastics disciplines are hosting regional and national events during the next few weeks, and questions have been raised regarding the staging those events. USA Gymnastics is monitoring the current state of the swine flu pandemic along with the rest of the country. At this time, we are not recommending the cancellation of any events. The decision to cancel or reschedule an event should be in accordance with directives issued by the appropriate government agencies.
We ask that everyone make prudent decisions regarding their participation in events. .Our athletes, coaches, event organizers and officials have been working hard to achieve excellence in our sport and participate in the season’s culminating events. If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, please consult your physician and refrain from attending an event. …
In the gym, most of the concrete is covered with carpet tiles.
Carpet is difficult to keep clean. I really don’t like carpet. The only advantage is that a stained carpet tile can easily be swapped out with a new one. Here’s the glue and trowel we use to affix new tiles.
Blogger Anne Phillips was one of those who made a special trip to the Texas State Capital to fight for a modified Bill that would exempt gymnastics and other skill-based programs (such as marital arts, soccer, etc.) from being classified as “Daycare Centers”.
THANKS Anne. And thanks to all those fighting for this cause.
From her report:
… about 50 members of the Texas gymnastics community showed up at the Capitol today in support of the cause. … When they FINALLY got to our bill, the Head Representative asked for everyone present regarding that bill to raise their hands, and all 50 of our hands shot up. Everyone else in the room, including the State Representatives, was astounded by the amount of people there in support of this bill. That was a proud moment for Texas Gymnastics.
Of those 50, we had almost 20 individuals who got up to testify and explain why it is important to support the Committee Substitute version of House Bill 1393. I was truly impressed with what everyone had to say. It was evident that everyone spoke from the heart and I believe they got through to the Representatives.?
The variety of speakers included 2004 and 2008 Olympic Head Coach Kevin Mazeika, Texas State Chairman Dianne Callison, GAT Educational Director Cheryl Jarrett and ITP Director Beth Gardner to name a few. …
A call to arms from the Gymnastics Association of Texas:
Gymnastics Association of Texas and Texas USAG support the COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE version of House Bill 1393, authored Representative Leibowitz. Further, we call on Senator Nelson to change Senate Bill 68 by adopting the language of the Committee Substitute version of House Bill 1393.
…
We call all GAT members, parents, and gymnastics enthusiasts to join us in Austin at the Capitol Rotunda at 11:30 AM, THIS Thursday, April 2, 2009to make history! THIS IS OUR CHANCE to RAISE OUR VOICES and BE HEARD to SAVE OUR SPORT!
We need phone calls – emails – letters to your STATE representatives. Time is short ask all your team parents and coaches, everyone we MUST unite!
The best article I’ve seen yet on a misguided new set of regulations that could force gym owners to move to another State.
Legislation Could be a Blow to Gymnastics, Martial Arts
Some argue the bill protects kids, others believe it’s all about money
One great quote from the article:
… Texas currently produces more Olympic athletes than any other state in the union, and children often spend 30 to 40 hours a week training, even home schooling to have enough time. Injuries occur, but are par for the course of such intense training.
“In the Senate hearing last Tuesday, it was testified that 35 children have died in the state of Texas in licensed childcare facilities,” Dudley said. “But in gymnastics, we didn’t lose a single one.” …
The Texas State government is trying to forcing sport clubs — martial arts studios and gymnastics clubs, for example — to meet the same strict standards as required by day care centers.
I assume it’s a tax cash grab.
GymNiceTic linked to the one interview I wanted to see – WOGA’s Yevgeny Marchenko.
A Facebook page was set up by Adam Benas to help mobilize people againstTexas Legislature Online Bill: SB 68.
Overzealous politicians are trying to “improve” gymnastics clubs by putting them under the same minimum standards required by day-care centers.
Stupid.
Senate Bill 68 overview:
If you have children who train 10 hours or more a week in your facility – you will be required to be child care licensed by the state of Texas. This licensing will require your facility to meet all the minimum standards set by child care licensing (most gyms will not be able to meet these requirements which will include bathroom sink/toilet ratios in compliance with child care standards, out door playground, Child Care certification of workers and director, sprinkler systems that not only meet building code but also meet child care standards and climbing structures with safety fall zones). Uneven bars would be considered a climbing structure and would not pass child care regulations. This bill passed the Senate Sub Committee unanimously yesterday. …
This was sent out by Diane Callison of Texas USA Gymnastics. This only affects our state, please read it as it has potential to HUGELY impact our sport of choice. Cliffnotes: a senator is getting a bill voted on soon that would require facilities where kids train more than 10 hours a week to be child care licensed. All the ways that would impact gyms, coaches, athletes, and parents are listed below …
Texas Senate and House Bills that will affect the Sport Of Gymnastics
Some of you are aware that we have proposed bills in the Texas Senate and House of Representatives that will affect our future in the sport of gymnastics.
All of these bills are posted on txusag.com and on the Texas legislative websites.
Senate Bill 68 overview: If you have children who train 10 hours or more a week in your facility – you will be required to be child care licensed by the state of Texas. This licensing will require your facility to meet all the minimum standards set by child care licensing (most gyms will not be able to meet these requirements which will include bathroom sink/toilet ratios in compliance with child care standards, out door playground, Child Care certification of workers and director, sprinkler systems that not only meet building code but also meet child care standards and climbing structures with safety fall zones). Uneven bars would be considered a climbing structure and would not pass child care regulations. This bill passed the Senate Sub Committee unanimously yesterday. …
Obviously this legislation is idiotic.
It reminds me of the time the Fire Inspector told us to put a fence around the foam pit so kids would not “fall in”.
If you are from Texas, click through to see what you can do to protest this insanity:
