USA Gymnastics Rules and Policies 2020

A. The State Administrative Committee (SAC) determines

1. If and when Pre-Sectional Qualifiers and/or Sectional competition will be conducted.

2. If State Meets at Level 1-3 will be conducted.

3. If sub-divisions within levels will be offered, such as first year competitors and veterans, or if a team competition will be conducted separately from the State individual competition.

4. The qualifying scores for Pre-sectional, Sectional and State meets.

5. If Individual Event Specialist Competition for Levels 6-10 will be conducted at State Championships.

6. The competitive schedule for State Meets and below.

a. It is recommended that a reasonable period of preparation be provided between seasons, especially between Compulsory and Optional Levels.

b. May conduct one annual State meet, or one Fall and one Spring State Meet at Levels 7 and below.

7. State Programs of the Year are determined annually by the SAC utilizing the following criteria:

a. Program exhibits excellence at multiple Junior Olympic levels with an emphasis at the highest level in the current year.

b. Displays good sportsmanship, team spirit and ethics.

c. Contributes to regional efforts (camps, clinics, congress, volunteer positions.

B. The Regional Administrative Committee determines:

1. If a Level 8 and below Regional Championships will be conducted.

2. The qualifying procedures, schedule and format of the Level 8 and below Regional Championships.

3. Regional Programs of the Year are determined annually by the RAC utilizing the following criteria:

a. Program exhibits excellence at multiple Junior Olympic levels with an emphasis at the highest level in the current year.

b. Displays good sportsmanship, team spirit and ethics.

c. Contributes to regional efforts (camps, clinics, congress, volunteer positions.

C. Local Meets

1. Local Meets are not under the organizational responsibilities of the State Administrative Committee; i.e., Meet Directors may set dates, entry fee and gate fee, may contract their officials (using the USA Gymnastics Contract) or by requesting the services of the State’s judging contractor, and may conduct Team competition.

• Includes dual/triangular meets between clubs, inter-squads, and invitationals.

2. May be used for:

a. mobility only, or

b. qualification to the Pre-Sectional Qualifier (if conducted), Sectional (if conducted) or State Championships, at the discretion of the State Administrative Committee.

3. May have only one club (team) competing to obtain a Sanction.

4. Must be judged by a minimum of two qualified judges per event.

a. Exception: One-judge panels are allowed at Compulsory levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

b. Any local meet that directly qualifies a Level 5 gymnast to a State meet MUST be judged by a two-judge panel.

c. At Level 1-3, any Professional or Junior Professional member or Introductory Coach Member (Levels 1-2 and Xcel only) is allowed to judge; however, the State Administrative Committee determines if any additional criteria will be used for state qualifying competitions and State Championships.

5. Results from local meets need to be mailed or e-mailed to the State Administrative Committee Chairman or designated state administrative committee representative and the meet director of the pre-sectional, sectional or state meet.

D. Pre-Sectional/Sectional Qualifiers

1. Pre-sectional meets are those meets, which are designated by the State Administrative Committee as the only meets which can be used to qualify gymnasts to either Sectionals (if held) or State Championships (if held).

2. For Sectional Meets, the State Committee, in conjunction with the Meet Director, will determine by draw the placement of teams within sessions.

3. Must have a minimum of two clubs competing to obtain a sanction.

4. May be used to qualify a specific number of gymnasts to the State Championships.

5. For compulsory competition, must be judged by a minimum of one qualified judge per event.

• Any Pre-Sectional or Sectional meet that directly qualifies a Level 5 gymnast to a State meet MUST be judged by a two-judge panel.

6. All optional levels must be judged by a minimum of two-judge panel per event.

7. Results from pre-sectional or sectional meets need to be mailed or e-mailed to the State Administrative Committee Chairman or the designated state administrative committee representative and the meet director of the sectional or state meet.

E. State Championships

1. Are under the total jurisdiction of the State Administrative Committee and State Administrative Committee Chairman.

• The format and number of athletes must be approved by the RJOCC and RTCC.

2. Must be conducted for Levels 4-10 and may be conducted for Levels 1- 3 (at the discretion of the SAC).

3. May be conducted in the fall and/or spring for Levels 1 – 7, at the discretion of the State Administrative Committee. Level 8–10 State meets must be conducted in the spring, according to the Regional and National schedule.

• For those levels that have a Regional competition, the respective State Meet must be scheduled a minimum of three weeks prior to the Regional meet. Any deviation to that guideline must be approved by the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman.

4. All Levels must be judged by a minimum of two qualified judges per event. The State Administrative Committee determines the number of judges per panel, selects the judges and Meet Referee, and may determine the event assignments. It is recommended by the Junior Olympic Committee that the State Administrative Committee Chairman ask the Meet Referee to make the event assignments.

5. A present Level 8, 9 or 10 gymnast who competed at the same level the previous year and competed in the previous year’s Regional Championships (and achieved a score equal to or greater than the current year’s respective State Meet qualifying score) may directly enter the current year’s State Meet at her respective Level.

6. Entry Fees and Deadlines

a. The Meet Director must utilize the USA Gymnastics Meet Reservation System for registration (not to accept payments) and utilize the pre-printed Coaches’ sign-in sheets during the competition.

b. The State entry fees may not exceed $75.00 for compulsory and $85.00 for optional levels unless approved by the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman. Entries must be postmarked a minimum of 14 days (or as per State Administrative Committee guidelines) prior to the first day of competition. A maximum fee of $50.00 per individual entry will be charged to individuals whose entry is received after the deadline or if entry is completed improperly. 

Entries must include:

1) Competitors and accepted petitioned athletes’ name(s), USA Gymnastics Athlete Member number, birth date, citizenship and age division.

2) The name(s) and USA Gymnastics Professional number, Safety Certification expiration, Background Check expiration, and U100 certification of all participating coaches.

3) ALL FEES PAID IN FULL.

4) An athlete is considered registered/entered in a competition only when her name is listed on the club’s entry form and the Meet Director has received valid payment.

5) Any athlete who has qualified to a State, Regional, East/West or National Championships will be allowed to participate, provided that they are capable of performing at least one event. In this case, they must present and touch each apparatus in order to receive a score of “zero” at the events in which they are unable to compete. The scores received by this individual may also contribute to the team score.

6) Entry fees for pre-sectional qualifiers, sectional meets and State meets are determined by the State Administrative Committee, with the approval of the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman.

7) State / Regional entry fee refunds are at the discretion of the State Administrative Committee Chair / Regional Administrative Committee Chair.

7. PETITIONS TO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (ALSO SEE GENERAL RULES FOR PETITIONS – CHAPTER 8, PAGE 80.)

a. NO petitions are allowed if the qualification to the State Meet is by a percent of a percent or a designated number of each age division and not by score.

b. If a gymnast is unable to compete at the Sectional or any local State-qualifying Meet (or cannot compete in the All Around at State Meet) due to injury or illness prior to or during the State Meet), her coach may petition the State Administrative Committee Chairman to allow the athlete to directly enter the State Championships, if the following requirements are met and documentation is included with the petition form:

1) A photocopy of the results of one sanctioned meet from the current season showing a score which is equal to or greater than the state qualifying score.

• If the gymnast competed at the same level in the previous season and qualified to the State meet or above, she may petition with the previous year scores from State or above meets.

2) Written request from the coach.

3) A Licensed Medical Professional’s written verification of the illness or injury and date of release for return to gymnastics activity.

c. If an athlete who is unable to compete at any Sectional or local State-qualifying meets in the current season (or cannot compete AA at such events) due to injury or illness and is also lacking scores from last year’s season due to injuries but has previously qualified to and competed in the State or above level competitions at the same level, an injury petition may be considered under special circumstances by the State Administrative Committee Chairman. If necessary, the Regional Technical Committee Chairman and the Regional Junior Olympic Committee Chairman will be consulted. The petition must include:

1) A copy of meet results from the previous State/Regional/National competition with scores, which are at least one point higher than the current State qualifying score.

2) A current video.

3) Written request from the coach or parent.

4) A Licensed Medical Professional’s written verification of the illness or injury and date of release for return to gymnastics activity.

d. Petition Deadlines: petitions to the State Meet must be received no later than the Wednesday after the last qualifying meet is held. Petitions must be sent to the State Administrative Committee Chairman by e-mail, Express Mail, or FAX.

1) The petitioner will be notified of the approval or denial of the petition by the State Administrative Committee Chairman no later than one week before the competition.

2) The State Administrative Committee Chairman will notify the Meet Director of the approval or denial of the petition no later than one week before the competition.

3) If a petition is accepted but the gymnast is unable to compete, the coach MUST notify the Meet Director and the State Administrative Committee Chairman.

8. Awards for state meets and above must be ordered from the national medal company by the State Administrative Committee Chairman (or designee). Awards should be ordered a minimum four (4) weeks before the competition.

9. Results from State Meets need to be mailed or e-mailed to the Regional Administrative, and Technical Committee Chairmen, Regional Meet Director, and the State Administrative Committee Chairman of the respective state within 72 hours.

10. The State Meet Director must send a Financial Report to the State Administrative Committee Chairman within 60 days of the completion of the meet.

F. Regional Championships

1. Are under the total jurisdiction of the Regional Administrative Committee.

a. The format and number of athletes must be approved by the Regional Junior Olympic Committee Chairman and Regional Technical Committee Chairman.

b. Entry fees for Junior Olympic Regional Championships are determined by the Regional Administrative Committee and must be approved by the National Administrative Committee Chairman.

c. The Regional entry fees may not exceed the National entry fee unless approved by the National Administrative Committee Chairman.

d. The Meet Director must utilize the USA Gymnastics Meet Reservation System for registration (not to accept payments) and utilize the pre-printed Coaches’ sign-in sheets during the competition.

2. Must be conducted for Level 9 and 10 and may be conducted for Level 8 and below (at the discretion of the Regional Administrative Committee).

a. Level 9 and 10 Regionals are conducted in April a minimum of three (3) weeks prior to Level 9 East/West and Level 10 Nationals. The date (or option of dates) is determined by the National Junior Olympic Committee. Any deviation from this guideline must be approved by the Junior Olympic Program Director.

b. The scheduling of Level 8 Regionals and below (if held) is at the discretion of the Regional Administrative Committee.

c. The Regional Administrative Committee determines if the Level 8, 9 and 10 Regional Championships will be conducted separately, or all held the same weekend.

3. Team competition by club team is not allowed at Regional Championships.

4. State team competition may be conducted as a separate competition (with a designated number of athletes qualifying by rank order) or as part of the individual competition in which each state designates which individual’s scores will count toward the State team score.

5. If a state has no qualifiers to Regionals, the gymnast with the highest AA from the State Championships (from any of the age divisions) will be invited to compete at the Regional meet, regardless of the score.

6. Must be judged by a minimum of two qualified judges per panel. The Regional Administrative Committee selects the judges and determines the number of judges per panel.

7. If the number of athletes in one age division requires that two sessions of competition be conducted, the Meet Director shall conduct a random draw by team to fill the sessions.

8. Regional Meet Directors must send regional meet information to the State Meet Director, with copies to the Regional Junior Olympic Committee Chairman, Regional Technical Committee Chairman and Regional Administrative Committee Chairman at least one week prior to the State Championship.

9. Entry forms and fees for Junior Olympic Regional meets must be filed and paid (with a club/company check) to the USA Gymnastics designated official at the qualifying meet, (unless there is an electronic entry system in place), who will forward them to the Meet Director of the next level meet. Entries for Regional meets must be submitted to the designated USA Gymnastics personnel at the respective State Championships. Each club must be prepared to pay for all their qualifiers with one company check per level.

10. Petitions to Regional Championships at Levels 8, 9 and 10 (Also See General Rules for Petitions Chapter 8, page 80)

a. There are NO petitions to Junior Olympic Level 8 Regional Championships if qualification is by a percentage or by specific number.

b. If a gymnast is unable to compete at the State Meet (or cannot compete in the All-Around at State Meet) due to injury or illness prior to or during the State Meet, her coach may petition the Regional Technical Committee Chairman (or Regional Technical Assistant, if so designated) to allow the athlete to directly enter the Regional Championships, if the following requirements are met and documentation is included with the petition form:

1) A photocopy of at least one pre-state, sanctioned meet results from the current season (at the level to which they are petitioning) showing a score at least one point (1.00) greater than the regional qualifying score OR

a) Level 8: If the gymnast competed in the previous year’s Junior Olympic Level 8 Regional Championships and her Optional AA score was at least one point (1.00) greater than the current Regional qualifying score, she may submit her last year’s Regional score as her pre-State meet score.

b) Level 9: A Level 9 gymnast may submit her previous year’s Regional or East/West score as her pre-State meet score if her Optional AA score was at least one point (1.00) greater than the current year’s Level 9 Regional qualifying score.

c) Level 10: A Level 10 gymnast may submit either her previous year’s Regional or National score as her preState meet score if her Optional AA score was at least one point (1.00) greater than the current year’s

Level 10 Regional qualifying score.

2) A Licensed Medical Professional’s written verification of the illness or injury and date of release for return to gymnastics activity.

3) Written request from the coach.

c . If an athlete who is unable to compete at the State Championships (or cannot compete AA at State Meet) due to injury or illness is also lacking scores from both the current and last year’s season due to injuries but has previously qualified to and competed in either Level 9/10 Regionals, Level 9 East/West, or Level 10 JO Nationals, an injury petition for the same level may be considered under special circumstances by the Regional Technical Committee Chairman and the Regional Junior Olympic Committee Chairman. If necessary, the State Administrative Committee Chairman and the National Chairmen (Junior Olympic Committee and Technical Committee) will be consulted. The petition must include:

1) A copy of the meet results must be included with the petition form. The scores from the previous Regional/National competition must be at least one point higher than the current Regional qualifying score.

2) A current video that is sent to both Regional officers.

3) A Licensed Medical Professional’s written verification of the illness or injury and date of release for return to gymnastics activity.

d. The Regional Technical Committee Chairman (or her appointee) will handle the petition, in consultation with the Regional Junior Olympic Committee Chairman and the State Administrative Committee Chairman. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Regional Technical Committee Chairman will make the decision.

e. Special Considerations for Petitions to Level 9 or 10 Regional Championships Any athlete currently competing Level 9 or 10 who has no Level 9 or 10 scores from the current season due to injury, but who had competed at or qualified to an Elite Challenge or Classic in the previous season, may petition to Level 9 or 10 Regionals. The injury petition will be considered under special circumstances by the Regional Technical Committee Chairman and Regional Junior Olympic Committee Chairman. If necessary, the State Administrative Committee Chairman, as well as the National Chairmen (Junior Olympic Committee and Technical Committee) may be consulted. The petition form must be accompanied by the following:

1) A copy of her Elite scores from the previous season.

2) A current video must be sent to the two Regional officers.

3) A Licensed Medical Professional’s written verification of the illness or injury and date of release for return to gymnastics activity.

f. Deadlines for Petitions to Regional Championships:

1) Coaches must notify their Regional Administrative Committee Chairman AND their Regional Technical Committee Chairman by FAX or e-mail NO LATER THAN the Monday following the State Championships of any athletes they intend to petition to their Regional meet.

2) The complete Injury/Illness petition form (found online at https://usagym.org/PDFs/Forms/Women/injury2015.pdf. The request in writing from the coach and official results are due the Monday following the State Championships by 5:00pm local time. All other required documents (physician’s note) are due the Wednesday following the State Championships by 5:00pm local time.

• Also send a copy to the State Administrative Committee Chairman.

3) The Entry form and fees must be sent directly to the Meet Director, specifically marked as “Petition pending”. If the petition is denied, the Regional Technical Committee Chairman will contact the Meet Director, who will refund the entry fee.

4) If the gymnast was injured at the State Championships, the entry fees and form should be given to the USA Gymnastics officer who is designated to collect Regional entries at the State meet. (Fees will be returned within three weeks if the petition is not accepted.)

5) The petitioner will be notified of the approval or denial of the petition by the Regional Technical Committee Chairman a minimum of one week prior to the Regional meet.

6) The Regional Technical Committee Chairman will notify the Meet Director of the approval or denial of the petition.

7) If a petition is accepted, but the gymnast is unable to compete, the coach must IMMEDIATELY notify both the Meet Director and the respective Regional Technical Committee Chairman.

11. Awards: The Regional Administrative Committee Chairman orders the awards for the Regional meets a minimum of 4 weeks prior to competition from the national medal company.

a. The USA Gymnastics National Office is financially responsible for the following Regional awards:

1) 1st – 3rd per age division for Junior Olympic Level 10

2) 1st – 3rd per age division for Junior Olympic Level 9

b. Since Regional competition for Level 8 and below is not required, the Regions are financially responsible for all
awards.

c. The Regional Administrative Committee will determine whether the Meet Director or the Regional Administrative Committee has the financial responsibility for the medals needed beyond the above listed medals.

12. Results of Regional Meets must be e-mailed within 72 hours to:

a. For Level 8 or below, if held: State Administrative Chairmen in that region, the Regional JO, Technical, and Administrative Chairman.

b. For Level 9: State Administrative Committee Chairmen in that region, the Regional JO, Technical and Administrative Committee Chairmen, the Meet Director of the respective Eastern or Western Championships and the Junior Olympic Program Director at the National office.

1) Level 9 Regional Meet Directors (or designated USA Gymnastics Regional officer) must e-mail the meet results to the Women’s Junior Olympic Program Director (National office) no later than 24 hours after the completion of the meet.

2) Also include a list of the qualifiers, plus two alternates to the East/West and/or Junior Olympic National Championships.

c. For Level 10: The State Administrative Committee Chairmen; in that region the Regional JO, Technical and Administrative Committee Chairmen, the JO National Meet Director and the Junior Olympic Program Director at the National office.

1) Level 10 Regional Meet Directors (or designated USA Gymnastics Regional officer) must e-mail the meet results to the Women’s Junior Olympic Program Director (National office) no later than 24 hours after the completion of the meet.

2) Also include a list of the qualifiers, plus two alternates to the East/West and/or Junior Olympic National Championships.

13. The Meet Director must send the Financial Report form within 45 days (or otherwise designated time) to the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman

G. Eastern/Western Championships – Level 9

1. General Regulations

a. Are under the jurisdiction of the USA Gymnastics National Office and the Junior Olympic Committee. The Meet Directors of the Level 9 Eastern and Western Championships shall contact the Junior Olympic Program Director for specific information on:

1) Schedule

2) The Draw, Squads, and Rotations

3) All technical matters of the meet

4) Financial responsibilities of local organizing committee and USA Gymnastics

b. Are conducted annually in late April/early May.

c. The assignment of judges is the responsibility of the National Technical Committee Chairman and the Junior Olympic Technical Director and is based on the recommendations of the eight Regional Administrative Committees.

d. Judged by four-judge panel per event, with no more than two judges from the same region on a panel.

• The Regional Administrative Committees will lend financial support to ensure that four (4) judges from each region will be assigned. Each Regional Administrative Committee will contribute $400.00 to the respective Eastern or Western Meet Director.

2. Qualification to Eastern/Western Championships

a. Eastern/Western age divisions will be determined separately. 16 age divisions for East and West.

b. The top seven (7) All-Around athletes in each of the 16 age divisions from each of the four regions will compete as Regional Team members, provided they scored a minimum of 34.00 AA at the Regional Championships.

• Note: Any gymnasts who tie for 7th place will attend East/West Championships and will be outfitted as the other competitors. The tie-breaking procedures will be used to determine which gymnast’s score will count for Regional team score and which will compete as an Individual. She will not be eligible to receive a Regional Team Award.

• In the event of a 3-way tie for 7th place All-Around in any age division, the tie breaking procedures will be applied to determine the rank order of the athletes. The 9th place athlete will NOT be eligible for East/West Championships unless there is space available in another region in that age division.

c. If any region is unable to field a team of seven gymnasts per age division, the open slots will be filled based upon the Regional Team results from the previous year.

1) If one spot needs to be filled, the 8 th place athlete from the region whose regional team won that respective division the previous year will fill the spot. All athletes from the 1st place region who might be involved in a tie for 8 th place will be used to fill the empty spots before any other region‘s athletes are assigned.

2) If more than one spot needs to be filled in an age division and there were no ties in the 1st place region, the next individual added is the 8 th place athlete from the region whose regional team placed second in the previous year.

3) Only athletes from the regions that placed 1st and 2nd in the specific age division the previous year may fill the incomplete squads.

4) If an athlete competes with another region, the Region becomes a designated All-Star team. The scores from the entire squad, regardless of region, will count towards the Regional All-Star team score. In the event of a tie for seventh place, the tie-breaking procedures will be applied to determine the rank order of the athletes and the eighth place athlete will NOT be eligible to receive an All-Star team award.

d. Foreign Athlete Eligibility – refer to Chapter 2, page 26.

e. There are NO PETITIONS to Eastern or Western Championships.

f. All competitors and first alternates will receive a tank leotard from their region to be worn in the competition. Each region will be designated by a specific color. The gymnasts will also receive a competition warm-up uniform from GK Elite Sportswear.

1) The first alternate and the next several athletes in rank order should be measured at Regionals in the event that more than one athlete in an age division is injured or ill and cannot compete at Eastern/Western Championships. The second and subsequent alternates do not receive apparel unless they move into the 1st alternate position prior to the week of the competition.

2) Apparel will be ordered for the first alternate (and any ties for 1st alternate) from each region in each age division. The apparel will be distributed to only those first alternates in attendance.

3) The apparel for alternates who do not attend will be used as replacements for any problem sizing for the competitors. If, following the competition, there are warm-up uniforms remaining, they will be sent to the alternates who did not attend either by the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman, Regional JO Committee Chairman, or by the National office. The distribution of the remaining competitive leotards supplied by the Region is at the discretion of the respective Regional Administrative Committee Chairman.

3. Entry Forms and Fees

a. Prior to the Regional Meets, the Meet Director of the Eastern and Western Championships must send meet information for all qualifiers and alternates to the four respective Regional Meet Directors. In addition, a copy of the meet information must be sent to the Junior Olympic Program Director.

b. Entry forms and fees for the Level 9 Eastern and Level 9 Western Championships are collected at the Regional Championships by the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman or the USA Gymnastics designated official, who forwards them by EXPRESS MAIL (unless there is an electronic entry system in place), along with the meet results to the Meet Director of the respective Eastern or Western Championships.

1) Clubs must be prepared to pay the entry fee (maximum of $135 per athlete) with one company check at the Regional meet.

2) Coaches ARE REQUIRED to register online through the USA Gymnastics Meet Reservation System. The number of Credentialed Coaches for East/West Championships and/or Junior Olympic National Championships allowed per club are as follows:

• 1-4 athletes participating – maximum of 3 credentialed coaches allowed on the field of play

• 5-9 athletes participating – maximum of 4 credentialed coaches allowed on the field of play

• 10+ athletes participating – contact the Women’s Junior Olympic Program Director for coach credentials

3) Upon approval of the Women’s Junior Olympic Program Director, additional credentials may be purchased for $100.00. Payment is due at the time of the request.

c. Results and the names of qualifiers must be sent by e-mail to the Junior Olympic Program Director at the USA Gymnastics National office.

d. Entry fees are not refundable with less than ten days notice prior to the meet.

1) If an athlete who is qualified to Level 9 East/West is unable to compete due to an injury/illness and is replaced by the alternate, the Meet Director will refund the injured/ill athlete’s entry fee.

2) If no replacement is made, there will be no refund.

4. Injury Replacements

a. If a qualifier is injured prior to the Eastern or Western Championships, the alternate gymnast from her region and age division will replace her. Replacements will be allowed up to the start of the competition on the first event for each flight; however, the alternate must take the position and squad of the injured athlete.

b. If the injury/illness occurs within 48 hours of the start of competition, the first alternate will be contacted. If she is not present at the meet and is unable to participate, the second alternate, if in attendance at the meet, may be called upon to replace the injured/ill athlete. If the second alternate is not present at the meet site, there will be no replacement.

c. Any gymnast who is qualified to enter the Eastern or Western Championships, but is unable to compete, is REQUIRED to IMMEDIATELY notify the Women’s Junior Olympic Program Director and their Regional Administrative or JO Committee Chairman. The Junior Olympic Program Director will then notify the alternate and the Junior Olympic Eastern or Western Meet Director.

• DO NOT CONTACT THE COACH OF THE ALTERNATE GYMNAST DIRECTLY!

5. Format for Level 9 Eastern and Western Championships

a. Individual Event, All-Around and Regional Team competition will be conducted for the sixteen age divisions, as designated. There will be twenty-eight gymnasts per age division, plus any ties for the last qualifying place.

b. Each session will have two age divisions, one in each flight. Each flight has four squads of seven (or eight if there is a tie), with each squad representing one of the four regions c. There are two acceptable formats for Level 9 Eastern or Western Championships competition: 

1) Non-traditional (Capitol Cup) with one warm-up and one competition gym:

a) The warm-up and competition gyms must have identical equipment. (A tumbling strip is acceptable in the warm-up gym, provided that it is a minimum of 60′ long and 8′ wide and is identical to the competitive Floor Exercise).

b) The first four squads (Flight 1) warm-up their first event in the warm-up gym, then move to the competition gym, while the second four squads (Flight 2) warm-up their first event. The two flights continue to alternate warm-ups and competition until all eight squads have completed all four events.

2) Modified non-traditional with two competitive gyms, side by side, each with a full set of equipment for all events.

a) The four squads in each flight are assigned to warm-up and compete in a specific gym. The first flight warms up their first event, then competes (no TOUCH WARM-UP required), While the 1st flight is competing, the other four squads (Flight 2) warm-up their first event. The two flights continue to alternate warm-ups and competition until all eight squads have competed in all four events.

b) Once all four squads in Flight 1 have finished competing their first event, the judges move to the other gym to judge Flight 2. The judges continue to alternate between gyms until both flights have competed in all four events.

3) Medical personnel must be present during ALL competition.

d. The Level 9 Eastern and Western Championships will be a four (4) day event, conducted on the same dates at different sites.

1) Thursday – Training Day – The facility must be available one day prior to the competition for training purposes and coaches’ meeting. A welcome banquet/party and a coaches’ meeting is conducted in the evening.

a) Structured workout will be assigned by region, with consideration for geographic location and time change.

b) The warm-up and competition gyms must have identical equipment. (A tumbling strip is acceptable in the warm-up gym provided that it is a minimum of 60′ and 8′ wide and is identical to the competitive Floor Exercise).

c) Medical personnel must be present for ALL training and competition.

2) Friday – Day One: First session: Competition for Junior 1 and 2; Second session: Competition for Junior 3 and 4; Third session: Competition for Junior 5 and 6

3) Saturday – Day Two – First session: Competition for Junior 7 and 8; Second session: Competition for Senior 1 and 2; Third session: Competition for Senior 3 and 4

4) Sunday – Day Three – First session: Competition for Senior 5 and 6; Second session: Competition for Senior 7 and 8

5) There are no Individual Event Finals competition.

6. Awards

a. The National Office orders the awards from the National Awards Supplier.

b. For each age division, the top eight (8) in the All-Around and Individual Events will be given awards.

• Ties are not broken; duplicate awards are presented.

c. Regional Team scores for each age group will be determined by the top four (4) scores per event.

• All members of the first and second place Regional Teams will receive a team award.

d. An overall Regional Team score will be determined by the following method:

• 1st place team 4 pts.

• 2nd place team 3 pts.

• 3rd place team 2 pts.

• 4th place team 1 pt.
The overall team champions will be announced following the last session on Sunday.

7. Results and Reports

a. Results including All-Around, Individual Event and Team scores/ranking will be sent to the Junior Olympic Program Director.

• The JOPD will distribute these results to the Women’s Program sub-committees by e-mail or by posting on the USA Gymnastics website.

b. The Meet Director must send the Financial Report form within 60 days (or otherwise designated time) to the USA Gymnastics Women’s Junior Olympic Program Director.

H. Junior Olympic National Championships – Level 10

1. General Regulations

a. Are under the jurisdiction of the USA Gymnastics National Office and the Junior Olympic Committee. The Meet Director of the Junior Olympic National Championships shall contact the Women’s Junior Olympic Program Director for specific information on:

1) Schedule

2) The Draw, Squads and Rotations

3) All technical matters of the meet

4) Financial responsibilities of local organizing committee and USA Gymnastics

b. Are conducted annually in early to mid-May.

c. Individual competition as well as regional team competition is conducted for the twelve age divisions at the Junior Olympic National Championships.

d. Judged by four-judge panels per event; four judges from each region (2 for Juniors and 2 for Seniors).

• The eight Regional Administrative Committees will lend financial support to assist with travel costs for judges. Each region will contribute $300 to the Meet Director.

2. Qualification to Junior Olympic Nationals

a. The top seven (7) All-Around gymnasts in each of the twelve age divisions from each of the eight regions will compete as Regional Team members at the Junior Olympic National Championships, provided that they achieve a minimum of 35.00 AA at the Regional meet.

1) Any gymnasts who tie for 7th place will attend the Junior Olympic National Championships and will be outfitted as the other competitors. The tie-breaking procedures will be used to determine which gymnast’s score will count for Regional team score and which will compete as an Individual.

2) If the next athlete eligible for an invitation to compete in Junior Olympic National Championships in a given age division places first on any event(s) at her Regional Championships and does not qualify to the Junior Olympic National Championships from her All-Around ranking, she is eligible to compete in JO Nationals on that/those event(s) only. She will be assigned in the squad with her region. Her score will NOT count toward the team score.

• In the case of a tie, the tie breaking procedures will be applied to determine the rank order of the athletes. The lower ranking athlete will be assigned to another region that has space available in that age division.

b. If any region is unable to field a team of seven gymnasts per age division, the open slots will be filled based on a percentage of eligible athletes in each region, in each age division.

c. If an athlete competes with another region, the Region becomes a designated All-Star team. The scores from the entire squad, regardless of region, WILL count towards the Regional All-Star team score. In the event of a tie for seventh place, the tie-breaking procedures will be applied to determine the rank order of the athletes and the eighth place athlete will not be eligible to receive an All-Star team award.

d. Foreign Athlete Eligibility – refer to Chapter 2, page 26.

e. There are NO PETITIONS to the Junior Olympic National Championships.

f. All competitors (including ties for 7th place) and first alternates will receive a competitive leotard, a scrunchie, and a warm-up uniform from GK Elite Sportswear. The region will also provide a tank leotard for training day.

1) The first alternate and the next several athletes in rank order should be measured at Regionals in the event that more than one athlete in an age division is injured or ill and cannot compete at JO National Championships. The second and subsequent alternates do not receive apparel unless they move into the 1st alternate position prior to the week of the competition.

2) Apparel will be ordered for the first alternate (and any ties for 1st alternate) from each region in each age division. The apparel will be distributed to only those first alternates in attendance.

3) The apparel for alternates who do not attend will be used as replacements for any problem sizing for the competitors. If, following the competition, there are warm-up uniforms remaining, they will be sent to the alternates who did not attend either by the Regional Administrative or JO Committee Chairman or by the National office. The distribution of the remaining training leotards supplied by the Region is at the discretion of the respective Regional Administrative Committee Chairman.

3. Entry Forms and Fees

a. Prior to the Regional Meets, the Meet Director of the Junior Olympic National Championships must send meet information for all qualifiers and alternates to the eight Regional Meet Directors. In addition, a copy of the meet information must be sent to the Junior Olympic Program Director and Regional Administrative Committee Chairmen.

b. Entry forms and fees for the Junior Olympic National Championships are collected at the Regional Championships by the Regional Administrative Committee Chairman or the USA Gymnastics designated official, who forwards them by EXPRESS MAIL (unless there is an electronic entry system in place), along with a hard copy of the meet results to the Meet Director of the Junior Olympic National Championships.

1) Clubs must be prepared to pay the entry fee (maximum of $135 per athlete) with one company check at the Regional meet.

2) Include the names of any 1st or 2nd alternates on the club entry form, but fees are not paid unless the athlete is called to replace a qualifier.

3) Coaches ARE REQUIRED to register online through the USA Gymnastics Meet Reservation System. The number of Credentialed Coaches for East/West Championships and/or Junior Olympic National Championships allowed per club are as follows:

• 1-4 athletes participating – maximum of 3 credentialed coaches allowed on the field of play

• 5-9 athletes participating – maximum of 4 credentialed coaches allowed on the field of play

• 10+ athletes participating – contact the Women’s Junior Olympic Program Director for coach credentials

4) Upon approval of the Women’s Junior Olympic Program Director, additional credentials may be purchased for $100.00. Payment is due at the time of the request.

c. Results and the names of qualifiers must be sent by e-mail to the Junior Olympic Program Director at the USA Gymnastics office.

4. Injury Replacements

a. If a qualifier is injured prior to the Junior Olympic National Championships, the alternate gymnast from her region and age division will replace her. Replacement will be allowed up to the start of the competition on the first event for each flight; however, the alternate must take the position and squad of the injured athlete.

b. If the injury/illness occurs within 48 hours of the start of competition, the first alternate will be contacted. If she is not present at the meet and is unable to participate, the second alternate, if in attendance at the meet, may be called upon to replace the injured/ill athlete. If the second alternate is not present at the meet site, there will be no replacement.

c. Any gymnast who is qualified to enter the Junior Olympic National Championships, but is unable to compete, is REQUIRED to IMMEDIATELY notify the Junior Olympic Program Director and their Regional Administrative or JO Committee Chairman. The Junior Olympic Program Director will then notify the alternate and the Junior Olympic National Meet Director.

• DO NOT CONTACT THE COACH OF THE ALTERNATE GYMNAST DIRECTLY!!

5. Format for Junior Olympic National Championships

a. There will be one combined Junior Olympic National Championships for the Junior and Senior age divisions, conducted concurrently at one site.

b. Competition will be conducted with two competition gyms (Junior and Senior) that include 2 sets of each apparatus.

1) There will be three sessions per day in each of the two gyms.

2) Each session will be a separate competition for one age division and includes eight (8) Regional teams, each consisting of seven (7) athletes.

3) The competition will be run in Modified Capitol Cup Format. Refer to the chart in Chapter 9, page 101. Flight One squads compete on one set of equipment; Flight Two squads compete on the other set of equipment. Timed warm-ups immediately precede competition on each event. No 30-second touch is required.

c. The Junior Olympic National Championships will be a three (3) day event.

1) Friday – Training Day – The facility must be available one day prior to the competition for training purposes. A welcome banquet/party is scheduled for Friday evening.

a) Structured workout will be assigned by region, with consideration for geographic location and time change.

b) Medical personnel must be present for ALL training and competition.

2) Saturday – Optional Competition for Junior A,B,C and Senior A,B,C.

3) Sunday – Optional Competition for Junior D,E,F and Senior D,E,F.

4) There are NO Individual Event Finals competition.

6. Awards (See Chapter Nine, Page 113)

a. The National Office orders the awards from the National Awards Supplier.

b. Top 10 All-Around and Individual Event winners for each of the twelve age divisions are determined by the Optional competition. No Individual Event Finals will be held.

• Ties are not broken; duplicate awards are presented.

c. Team Awards:

1) All members of the top three (3) winning teams in each age division will receive an award. Team scores are determined by adding the top four (4) scores on each event.

2) An overall Regional Team Champion will be determined based upon the rankings of the Regional Teams in each age division. Points will accumulate based upon the following team placement per age division: