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General
On optional bars, would a bail (shootover) from high bar to low bar fulfill the LA turn requirement? Also, would this skill fulfill all the following requirements at the same time; LA turn Release Bar change Last updated: November 17th, 2004 11:36:18 AM
Yes the bail (shootover) will fulfill Special Requirments as follows: a Bar Change, a Flight Element minimum B and an element with an LA turn of 180 degrees or more.
What is the source for the recent information that if during a conference for out of range scores where the judges cannot come to a consesus, the panel judge must come in line? Thank you, Last updated: November 7th, 2003 09:51:32 AM
This is not new information. The guidelines are on page 13, (13)(c) of the third edition of the Technical Handbookk
Must practice judging be completed the same calendar year as testing? For example, may I practice judge a Level 9 meet in December 2003 in partial fulfillment of the requirements for testing Level 9 in January 2004? Or must I wait until January 2004 for practice judging to count? Last updated: November 7th, 2003 09:49:22 AM
Practice judging listed on the 2003 active status card can count for your January 2004 test.
Hi As a rookie judge, (only a few years) I'm wondering about practice judging, when and how often must one practice before taking a test; also, where in the technical handbook/usag web site can I find this particular info! Last updated: November 7th, 2003 09:44:43 AM
A judge must have a current active status card on file in order to test. This is in Chapter 1 of the Technical Handbook. The guidelines for the active status card are on the back of the card. Part 3 of the active status reques a judge to practive judge 2 times at the level they are testing for or higher in order to test.
Is there a reference text that describes (illustrates) advanced skills? Last updated: September 11th, 2003 01:09:31 PM
The value of skills can be found in the FIG Code of Points. Skills are rated based on difficulty from A, B, C, D, E AND Supe E. You can purchase a Code of Points from USA Gymnastics Merchandising. The USA Gymnastics web site is www.usa-gymnastics.org
Where can I find the most up to date judges' compensation chart? Last updated: September 11th, 2003 01:07:18 PM
Compensation guidelines for officials at USA Gymnastics meets for women can be found in the Rules and Policies. The current information is at http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/rules-and-policies/part5-officials.pdf on pages 9 & 10.
On floor what is the deduction if the gymnast receives signal, steps out onto floor, music starts and she begins and stops and then music is replayed and she does a routine? Last updated: December 12th, 2002 01:14:54 PM
ALthough this situation is not addressed any place I can find, I checked with several people on the Women's Technical Committee. We think they should deduct 0.30 for any "extra elements" performed (if she did the assemble ½ and Back walkover before stopping, then repeated them, then deduct 0.6.) This is a VERY unusual occurance. Proabably the best thing is to make sure that the "music players" know to check with the CJ before restarting the music. Do you think the athlete didn't hear the very beginning and was off the music or something like that? Very interesting!
Where can you get a list of what a,b,etc. elements are in gymnastics and what are the vault groupings.Beginning with level 7. Last updated: November 27th, 2002 01:21:23 PM
The value parts can be found in the FIG Code of Points. You can purchase this from USA Gymnastics (www.usa-gymnastics.org). You can find a valut chart for Level 9 & 10 at www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/2002/w-jovaultchart02.pdf and a vault chart for Level 7, 8 and Prep Opt at www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/2002/w-jo78vaults.pdf
Is the .2 deduction for coach telling the gymnast what skill to do next (mainly compulsory) one that can be taken more than once? Say the gymnast on floor stops and looks confused and the coach tells her "turn left and do the leap pass" and then later in the routine she stops again and the coach says "end with the candlestick;" would these two instances be .2 + .2 for a 0.4 deduction? Last updated: November 8th, 2002 09:50:00 AM
The deduction for signals or verbal cues by the coach to their own gymnasts who has forgotten her exercise is a 0.20 deduction. This is applied without a warning. I would only take this deduction once within an exercise. Therefore if the coach gives ques throughout the exercise I would take a total of 0.20 from the average score by the Chief Judge. (See page 14 of the Technical Handbook)
For practice judging, the meet is supposed to have 32 gymnasts - 4 squads of 8. If there is at least one squad of 8 at the necessary level, is it okay to just follow that squad around? Last updated: October 31st, 2002 08:08:46 AM
If is fine to follow the same squad around. This would be necessary if only one squad has enough gymnasts.
When to we start judging after a fall? Last updated: September 9th, 2002 04:37:08 PM
If there is a fall in a compulsory routine, judging would start at the point of interuption. In an optional routine, judging would start as soon as the gymnast remounts the equipment and resumes her routine. (9/9/02)
Since gymnasts can touch in any order now, how would we do bump touch on beam? Would the coaches in that rotation need to get together and give the CJ the touch order? Last updated: September 9th, 2002 04:28:12 PM
The 2002-2003 Rules & Policies Book page 41, 4(d) indicates "If the one-touch warm-up on Beam is staggered with warm-up between competitive routines, the one touch warm-up must be in competitive order." (9/9/02)
Vault
In the competitive season 2002-2003, can a level 9 do a Yurchenko Vault. Last updated: November 8th, 2002 10:01:56 AM
The following Round-off entry vaults for Level 9 athletes, effective August 1, 2002: From Group 4: vaults (Flic-flac on) with twists only (no saltos) or RO, flic-flac on -salto off without twist #4.201 - RO, FF on - Back tuck #4.304 - RO, FF on - Back pike #4.305 - RO, FF on - Back layout #4.312 - RO, FF on - 1/1 twist off #4.313 - RO, FF on - 1½ twist off #4.412 - RO, FF on - 2/1 twist off From Group 5: vaults (RO, flic-flac with ½ turn on) with twists off (no saltos allowed) #5.201 - RO, FF ½ on - 1/1 twist off #5.202 - RO, FF ½ on - 1½ twist off #5.307 - RO, FF 1/1 on - 1/1 twist off #S5.420 - RO, FF ½ on - 2/1 twist off Reminder: There is no deduction for coach standing between board and vault table for Round-off entry vaults. (9/9/02)
Where can I find a copy of the L-8 Vault Chart? I want to know if a L-8 can do a 1/2-2/1 vault, and if she can, what is the value? Last updated: October 31st, 2002 08:11:40 AM
The Level 7 & 8 Vault table can be found at http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/technicalinfo.html The Level 9 & 10 Vault table can be found at http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/2002/w-jovaultchart02.pdf
In what Levels (AAU & USA) are vaults averaged and when is it the better of the two? Last updated: October 31st, 2002 08:07:48 AM
In USA gymnastics competition, vaults are never averaged at the Junior Olympic level. In all complusory and optional USAG Junior Olympic competitions the gymnast receives the better score of the two attempts. At the Elite level the rules of competition are announced prior to the competition and can require the two vaults be averaged to determine the final score.
TABLE VAULT: WHAT IS THE DEDUCTION IF A GYMNAST HITS HER HEAD ON THE BACKSIDE OF THE VAULT TABLE WHEN PERFORMING A PIKE TSUK? Last updated: September 9th, 2002 04:30:39 PM
At this time there is no official deduction covering this. At this time I would take up to 0.20 if the gymnast touches/hits her head on an optional vault. Please watch the USA Gymnastics web site for any update on this. (9/9/02)
Bars
Level 7 - gymnast mounts with glide kip, no value cast, clear hip circle, glide kip, no value cast, clear hip circle, glide kip squat up. Will the two clear hip circles count for the 360 circle elements even tho they are in the same sequence? In other words, do we look awarding elements at Level 7 in a different way than we do at Level 8, 9, and 10 (no value if they are in the exact same sequence)? Thanks! Last updated: December 16th, 2003 07:09:50 AM
Level 7 does not look at the same requirements for counting elements as Levels 8, 9 and 10. For Level 7 an element can be performed in the exact same connection and count. An element can be performed three times and count for requirments. In your example, both clear hips can be counted.
If a gymnast performs a Tkatchev and then swings forward, counterswing into straddle-back to handstand,is bonus awarded or is that considered an extra swing? Last updated: December 16th, 2003 07:07:40 AM
For gymnast in the Junior Olympic Level 9 and 10 program this is considered connected and would receive additive value. This is not an extra swing.
If a level 8 does a squat on and falls then climbs up to the high bar, is this a bar change? Last updated: September 12th, 2003 01:10:01 PM
I would follow the priniciple stated in the Technical Handbook on page 81, II. A. 2. I think this is so similar that I would count a fall on the LB and continuation on the HB as a bar change.
LEVEL 7 BARS: WHAT HAPPENS IF THE GYMNAST DOES THE FOLLOWING: SHE ATTEMPTS TO PERFORM A CLEAR HIP HST. BUT SHE FALLS ON THE "WRONG" SIDE OF THE BAR AND THE ANGLE BEFORE SHE FALLS IS 45 DEGREES, DOES SHE RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE 3/6/7 REQUIREMENT? Last updated: September 12th, 2003 01:09:19 PM
This is very much a judgement question. Based on your description, I would think the fall occured before the gymnast circles over the top. I I do not feel I saw enough of the circle completed to award a value part at an optional level, I do not feel that the 3/6/7 requirement is met.
I know the uprise to clear hip has been awarded one C value but if the gymnasts needs it, can we award it two B elements, which is really is? Thanks! Last updated: September 11th, 2003 12:56:40 PM
The Clarification of "C" element #3.304 - Uprise backward to clear hip cirlce to handstand on HB was on page 38 of Technique, July 2002. The is element is one "C" element. If, when performing this element, the clear hip circle does not attain the handstand phase (within 10 degreees of vertical), the skill is evaluated as two "B" elements (back uprise to clear support and clear hip circle.) Note: If this element is performed at LEvel 7, it is considered tow "B's", regardless of whether or not the clear hip circle attained the handstand position.
Is it necessary for a gymnast to wear grips on the bars? (I have a level 6 daughter who could never get used to the grips, and does fine without them, so far) Also, what is the true purpose of grips? Last updated: September 11th, 2003 12:46:30 PM
This is a question you should ask your daughters coach. The coach will be in the best position to know your daughter's situation.
A couple of Optional Bar questions: The gymnast does a back giant 1/2 in handstand and then rolls (like the old Higgins) in the opposite direction as her body descends between the bars. Is this all one C (giant full pirouette in different direction) or two C elements back to back? Also, if a gymnast performs a giant hop in handstand followed by a 1/2 turn, is this again all one element or is it two C elements? Thanks! Last updated: January 8th, 2003 01:33:42 PM
The rule of thumb is that the pirouette connects to the skill that preceeds it. Therefore: - a back giant 1/2 in handstand and then rolls (like the old Higgins) in the opposite direction as her body descends between the bars is all one C (giant full pirouette in different direction) - a giant hop in handstand followed by a 1/2 turn, is this again all one element is all one C element
Could you provide some clarification on the up to .2 deduction for releases up to the level of competition? At a recent intersquad meet, the gymnast had E pirouettes and an E dismount, but her only two releases were the B hecht over the LB mount and the D overshoot 1/2 to hand. I deducted .1 for having a relatively weak 2nd release and caught a lot of flak from the coach. Any guidance on this would be greatly appreciated! Last updated: January 8th, 2003 01:17:14 PM
Based on the example I would take .05.
WHAT IS THE DEDUCTION, LEVEL 5, IF THE GYMNAST PERFORMS A "STOOP" ON IN LIEU OF A "SQUAT"ON? Last updated: December 12th, 2002 01:12:59 PM
Deduct 0.20
In counting bar elements at Level 7, is a long hang pullover an A element? Last updated: November 27th, 2002 01:18:01 PM
Level 7 no longer has any requirement for number of elements. Therefore you do not need to count elements for any reason.
complusory question: level 4 bars, what is the deduction for a gymnast omitting the "flank cut" (skill before cast, back hip circle, dismount)? the complusory book shows that this is an "element" but it has no value assigned to it. Last updated: September 9th, 2002 04:20:51 PM
I would deduct .3 for omitting the 1/2 turn to front support. (9/9/02)
Does the cast before element 3.301 (the popular "toe shoot" to HB) require a cast angle or is it exempt as is the squat on LB, jump to HB? Last updated:
Only the cast to squat on, jump to HB (or the cast to squat/stoop on, sole circle around bar) jump to HB is exempt from the required casting angles. All other elements that begin with a toe-on (toe-shoot, piked sole circle to HS, etc.) should begin in a HS position.
Beam
In a Level 6 beam routine, has the cartwheel been taken out? If so, how long has this been in effect and/or, is it an option with a different start value? Last updated: November 17th, 2004 11:38:47 AM
The cartwheel in the LEvel 6 beam routine was taken out several years ago. It is not an option -- therefore it should not be perfromed. All comulsory routines start at 10.0 with deductions as outline in the Compulsory TExt.
Level 8 what is the deduction for leaving out flight series on beam. Last updated: November 17th, 2004 11:33:44 AM
A Level 8 has a Special Requirement of an acro series with minimum of 1 flight element (not the mount, hold or dismount). Leaving this Special Requirement out is a -0.20 deduction.
Does the gainer dismount off the end of the beam have to be from a forward run in order to get the B value or can the gymnast be turned backwards and do the salto off the end of the beam that way and get the same value? Last updated: November 7th, 2003 10:06:10 AM
Just standing at the end of the beam does not make it a gainer off of the end of the beam. In order to be a gainer back salto from the end of the beam the gymnast must take off forward and perform a backward salto rotating back toward the end of the beam. Even if the gymnast is positioned near the end of the beam, if the gymnast takes of sidewards this would be considered a gainer off the side.
If you put a sting mat ON the beam during a gymnasts routine for her to perform a back handspring, would the deduction simply be .30 for incorrect matting? Last updated: November 7th, 2003 10:01:22 AM
Yes, deduct 0.30
These Questions apply to a Level 9 athlete What is the value of a Gainer 1/1 Tucked off the side of the beam? Last updated: September 12th, 2003 01:23:39 PM
Gainer tuck 1/1 off of the side is a "B."
Can level 7's do a stag leap on beam as long as it ends in an extended front leg to horizontal? Last updated: September 12th, 2003 01:20:25 PM
I referred to the Technical Handbook on page 34 for this question. This guide indicates that "...the forward leg must be extended. If the foward leg finished in a stag position, it will NOT fulfill this requirement." Therefore, if the gymnast does a stag on the take-off but then extends the front leg the requirement is fulfilled.
level 7: can a gymnast remount the beam after her dismount (does not salute) and complete a special requirement if she happens to leave one out of her routine? if so, what would be the deduction? Last updated: September 11th, 2003 01:15:47 PM
If the gymnast dismounts and the judge feels that the routine is complete, the gymnasts should not be given credit for skills performed after the dismount. Only the chief judge must see the salute. It is very possible that the panel judges may look down as soon as the dimount is complete. (9/9/02)
Can you receive 0.1 connection bonus for Back Handspring Back Tuck on Beam? Last updated:
This connection is an acro series of B + C. This does not qualify for any for any additive value. (No bonus.)
Floor
On a two-judge panel: Judge 1 has a 9.45 with a 10.0 SV and Judge 2 has a 9.2 wtih a 9.8 SV. An inquiry comes in, and Judge 2 realizes that he/she missed the connection. If Judge 2 brings up his/her score, it will give the gymnast a 9.425 and (hypothetically) 1st place over a gymnast who has already performed. My question - if a judge misses a bonus connection of, say, .2 must his/her score be brought up .2 regardless? Is it possible for Judge 2 to bring up the SV to 10.0 but only raise his/her score to be in range? Would the coach in this instance have a legitimate beef and demand Judge 2 give a score reflective of the +.2 he/she missed? Thanks! Last updated: November 7th, 2003 10:00:03 AM
I feel that each injuiry should be answered based on the merit of that situation. The performance of another gymnast should not be considered. If a judge missed a connection, the .2 should be added to the gymnast's score from that judge. If the connection is worth .2 the adjustment to that judge's score would be .2.
What should the gymnast do if during her music starts and then stops as she is doing her routine? Last updated: November 7th, 2003 09:56:03 AM
The guidelines for music failure are in the third edition of the Technical Handbook on page 132, III(B). The decision to continue the routine or stop and repeat would be up to the gymnast. This situation should be discussed in theory between a coach and gymnast in practice. This will enable the gymnat to make a wise decision if her music stops during a meet.
LEVEL 7: WHAT IS THE DEDUCTION IF A GYMNAST PERFORMS A RO, WHIP, LAYOUT FOR HER SPECIAL REQUIREMENT OF RO,FF,LAYOUT? Last updated: September 11th, 2003 01:17:32 PM
0.50 + 0.80 Omission of flic-flac plus value of the requirement.
In a compulsory routine - the gymnast has completed the routine (music has ended) but she omitted a skill. The coach yells out to her to do the skill. The gymnast quickly performs the skill - this all happens before she salutes. Would you award credit for the skill and deduct for text (direction/placement of skill - something) plus deduct for the coach giving verbal cues? - or no credit awarded for skills done after the music has ended, even if she peforms the skill before she salutes? Last updated: September 11th, 2003 01:16:35 PM
If the gymnast dismounts and the judge feels that the routine is complete, the gymnasts should not be given credit for skills performed after the dismount. Only the chief judge must see the salute. It is very possible that the panel judges may look down as soon as the dimount is complete.
In Level 8, can the gymnast have all backward tumbling passes or must at least one be a forward pass? Last updated: September 11th, 2003 01:13:09 PM
Specific composition deductions on floor exercise can be found in the Technical Handbook on page 146. There is a deduction for overuse of forward/sideward or backward saltos of 0.05-0.10. This does apply to Level 8, 9,, and 10.
LEVEL 7 FLOOR: WHAT IS THE DEDUCTION, IF ANY, FOR THE FOLLOWING: GYMNAST COMPLETES HER 1 1/2 TURN ON HER RIGHT FOOT, AT THE COMPLETION OF THE TURN SHE THEN SLIDES HER LEFT FOOT BACKWARDS TO A SPLIT. Last updated: January 8th, 2003 01:12:56 PM
Although the Level 7 requirements are specific that the 1 1/2 turn must be done as an isolated skill the Technical Handbook on page 38 4(a) indicates that the 1 1/2 may be connected to a non-value part element. Since a split is not listed in the code of points as having a value, this should follow that principle and therefore be ok. I would not deduct .5.
If a routine has double layout, front layout-front layout, and double pike, do you take a deduction for all BA saltos? Or, is a front layout not really a BA salto, since it only has one BA rotation, just as all single saltos do, whether they are BA or LA? Last updated: November 8th, 2002 09:54:22 AM
Although this routine does have a variety of saltos, I might consider a 0.05 deduction for all BA saltos under one sided use of elements.
While judging floor at a recent meet a gymnast began before I raised my hand. She started because the music started - really not her fault. I took the .5 deduction, but was this warranted since the gymnast began when the music started, something out of her control? Thanks Last updated: October 31st, 2002 08:05:30 AM
Yes, I would have the gymnast stop and re-start her routine when she is signaled. I would deduct 0.5 for starting without a signal. Traditionally the music is started because the athlete has entered the floor exercise mat and is in a position to start. I would suggest the gymnast wait outside of the floor exercise mat until the judge signals them to start.
There have been some questions regarding the acro special requirement for Level 7 Beam. Part of the acro requirement is a series with a minimum of 2 “A” or “B” elements with or without flight. One of the elements must pass through an inverted vertical position while in support on the hands (handstand). It also states that roll elements may be included in the series provided that the other element passes through a handstand position. The series in question is a kick up to handstand, then step back down to immediate backward roll (either stepping down onto one foot or onto two feet to initiate the roll). Will this fufill the requirement? Last updated:
The confusion lies in the words “passes through a handstand position”, as some people interpreted that to mean a kick-up to handstand and step-down would not fulfill a “passing through vertical” element. Both Cheryl Hamilton and Tom Koll agree regarding this specific connection. The original intent when we changed Level 7 to an optional level was to keep the difficulty requirements similar to what was expected in the old Level 7 compulsory routine. That was why we allowed them to continue to use a handstand in the series, whereas the other levels may not. We will try to clarify this at the May committee meetings by changing “passes through vertical” to “achieves vertical” or something similar as the intent was to consider the handstand as an element that goes through (to) vertical. Therefore, provided that the connection from the step down from the handstand into the backward roll is continuous, this would be a legitimate connection for Level 7 gymnasts.