Rhiannon Franck is a former national-rated NAWGJ women’s gymnastics judge with over 15 years of USAG judging experience and nine seasons judging NCAA gymnastics.
As many noted, scores at the 2024 Tennessee Collegiate Classic seemed impossibly high.
As the meet was not was not broadcasted or recorded, Rhiannon went online to find as many routines as possible.
Lindenwood was the only team that recorded and posted all of their routines, and there were no routines available from Kent State. The other team’s routines were cobbled together from social media posts by fans or the teams. Despite this, I’ve re-evaluated every routine I could find to try and make some sense out of this competition for us all. …
With a few exceptions, most of the overscores were overlooking details like knees, feet, leg separation, body posture on landing, etc. …
Worst case scenario, this very high scoring could later affect who qualifies for regionals.
MAYBE it’s time to make NCAA judging fair. … Fairer. 😀
The weakest link in the entire ecosystem of women’s college gymnastics is the lack of consistent, quality judging! All of the athletes, most coaches, and most schools do a fantastic job… they deserve better!
You can control air pressure to determine how hard or soft you want to land.
A more realistic competition landing would be higher pressure, but for training, you can lower the pressure to build confidence and skill levels. All is controlled from one unit.
Another bonus with this design is centralized landing.
Other air pits occasionally make you fall to the side. The foam topper makes for more stable landings.
Overall, air pits definitely outdo foam. Gym Pit is the next step forward improving’ safety and performance.
“As a coach, the idea of not having to do “pit day” ever again might have been all the convincing I needed! On top of the anticipated benefits of being cleaner and safer (level landing surface, adjustable firmness, and height) there were unexpected benefits as well. Efficiency during practice increased since kids can exit the pit quicker, less time spent fluffing the foam, levelling mats and restacking mats that tip and slide. With the flip of a switch, I can raise or lower the level of the entire pit to wherever I need it. One extra mat to land on or stand on for spotting!”
– Erin Rice, facility owner at SAGA and gymnastics coach.
Male FIG gymnasts must show control on landing. I’d say right now there is TOO MUCH emphasis on STICK in MAG FIG.
Obviously, FIG women have never been required to show control. Absolutely no control often results in a very small deduction for WAG.
I’m of mixed feelings on this question:
should FIG require a proper “landing”?
On the one hand, it would force coaches to include dismounts that are more fully mastered. A good thing. AND it would help separate the best of the best routines.
On the other hand, I fear more injuries on landing might result. Stepping or hopping out of a high impact landing is an excellent way to dissipate forces. Gymnasts trying to “SAVE” a competition landing could suffer more injuries.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 