I attended the precompetition meeting for J.O. Nationals in Long Beach. And there were no major issues to report.
Here are a few minor points that may be of interest.
Men’s Program Manager for USAG Dennis McIntyre asked coaches to treat Nationals as a “celebration“.
The weather, venue and organization all top notch. (Carpet rental alone costs $10,000.)
I’m very impressed.
• coaches are asked to give feedback on the draft 2013-2016 J.O. rules
• news that Cal was reinstated for NCAA is BIG news for USAG, as well
• big party Saturday night, a good chance to meet College coaches (recruiters) in person
• foreign athletes are welcome, but not eligible for awards
• specialists must scratch apparatus they don’t compete (record a 0.0)
• gymnasts must salute the correct judging panel (Jr or Sr)
• gymnasts must stand facing backwards to the Floor judges, and confirm athlete #
• coach dress requirements: collared shirt, no caps, etc.
• athlete dress requirement for awards were spelled out
• Medical supervised by Dr. David Kruse (former Cal gymnast)
USAG again is trying to push oft rejected Coach Certification, selling it this way:
“certification and documentation for the things you are already doing”
• watch for “USA Gymnastics University”
The USA is infamously the only major gymnastics nation that does not certify their coaches. What do they say when the judge in court asks for coaching ‘credentials’?
Results will not be updated LIVE, but will be posted on 2011jomen.com and later on MeetScoresOnline.com.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 