USAG Rule Changes for 2007-8

 

All  rule changes go in effect as of August 1, 2007.

 

Note: These are the rule changes that apply to Maryland clubs. Because Maryland does not compete Levels 1-3, they are not included in this listing

    

I have linked below the results of the Committee Meetings that determined rule changes for the 2007-2008 season. Please read through this and know the changes so there is no confusion when we start competing.

 

http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/2007/W-JointJoTCMay07.pdf

 

Some of the highlights are below. I omitted some of the minor details, clarifications, and stuff that doesn't apply to us. However, you probably want to read through it just to familiarize yourself. There are some clarifications in terms of body positions (especially on compulsory bars) that you should familiarize yourself with. Something I may consider as minor may be major to some of you.

 

1.  At all Level 7 and above compeitions, the Start Values are required to be flashed or written on the competitors cards.

 

2.  Level 7 Warm up time is changed to 1.5 minutes per gymnast.

 

3.  If an athlete is injured prior to a qualifying meet, but is capable of competing in one, two, or three events, she may compete in the qualifying meet without jeopardizing her right to petition. In other words, a 9 or 10 who can not compete all around at states due to injury may compete in up to 3 events and still petition into Regionals. You can not petition in if it is a placement qualifier.

 

4.  New vault values -

   Yurchenko on - 1/2 twist off = 8.7 at Level 9/10, 9.1 at Level 8

The remaining vault value changes are for Level 9/10 only. Level 8 stays the same  

Handspring = 8.6

Handspring - 1/2 off = 8.7

Yamashita = 8.6

Yamashita - 1/2 off = 8.7

1/4 or 1/2 on - 3/4 or 1/2 off = 8.7

1/4 or 1/2 on - repulsion off = 6.8

Handspring - 1/1 off = 9.0

Yamashita - 1/1 off = 9.0

1/4 or 1/2 on - 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 off = 8.9

1/1 on - handspring/yamashita off = 9.0

1/1 on - 1/2 off = 9.3

 

5. The discussion regarding changing Level 7 vault resutled in no changes being made at this time.

 

6.  There are some clarifications regarding Level 5 and 6 body positions on bars, specifically with regards to the hollow body positions.

 

7.  Bar element changes -

Comaneci dismount with extra 1/2 = D

Clear hip handstand on LB with 1/2 turn in flight to hang on HB (Khorkina) = E

Back stalder on LB with flight and 1/2 turn to hang on HB = E

Pike sole circle backward through handstand with flight and 1/2 turn to hang on HB = E

 

8.  Clarification for bars - if a gymnast does a squat on, falls backward but stays on the bar and continues with a glide kip, this is not a fall. Take any applicable deductions (bent arms, bent legs, touch the floor, etc)

 

9.  After a fall, the routine resumes when the gymnast performs an element that is listed in the code. If a gymnast falls from the bar, re-mounts with a glide kip, and then stops in front support to climb up to the high bar, this is .1 for an uncharecteristic element plus .1 for lack of continuity.

 

10.  Level 7 bars - Replace Special Requirement of one bar change to performs one A level cast (21-45 degrees)

 

11.  Beam value changes -

Double back dismount = E

Back salto w/ 1/2 twist = B

Back layout stepout or gainer back layout stepout = D. This allows for .1 in bonus at Level 10. However, the skill will be considered a C in terms of connection bonus. (Note: This is a major change! Level 8s are not allowed to do Layouts now or it is a 2.0 point penalty. The Regional 7 people did fight to get 8s to continue to be allowed to do layouts, but they were, unfortunately, defeated)

 

12. Allow Special requirement credit for any E flight skill connected to an A acro element.

 

13. Clarification regarding connecting flight series elements that are going in opposite directions that was sent out during the season (such as backwalkover to roundoff).

 

14.  Level 7s are now allowed to do a switch leg leap and receive B credit

 

15.  If after a fall during the exercise, a gymnast performs a skill on the mat to warm-up prior to remounting, a deduction for additional warm-up will be applied without warning.

 

16.  Compulsory Beam times increased by 5 seconds (Level 4 is now :55, Level 5 is now 1:10, Level 6 is now 1:15)

 

17.  Clarification for Level 7 floor that two forward elements must be forward. Side aerials/saltos do not count.

 

Also, as a reminder, all yurchenko vaults must use a manufactured Roundoff entry mat instead of the sting this season.

 

Other notes from the meetings -

 

The new Region 7 Elite Committee Chairman is Dena Walker.

Note to coaches with potential college recruits - coaches are no longer allowed to text message recruits.

Reminder that the upright of the vault table must be padded.

If a gymnast arrives late for her competition due to circumstances out of her control (traffic, weather) every effort should be made to allow her to compete. She should be provided with a warm-up that does not interfere with the flow of the on-going event.Provided that she has arrived for her designated session/age group, her scores will be valid for individual and team rankings.

If an athlete qualifies to Easterns on the Regional team, but is unable to compete on 4 events due to injury, the 1st alternate will be placed on the team, and the injured athlete will compete as an individual.

 

Regional dates for 2007-8:

Level 8 - May 3-4 at Maverick Gymnastics in Charleston, WV

Level 9 - April 11-13 at Parkettes in Allentown, PA

Level 10 - April 26-27 at World Class in Newport News, VA

 

The Maryland State Board will be meeting on June 30 to go over any potential changes for next season in our state.