changes in Jr Olympic rules USA

From Judge Judy Schalk via email:

” So What’s New in Optionals?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judy Schalk is editor of JustGymnastics.com and author of a series of gymnastics judging books.