KY NAWGJ
September 2007
Okay…..I said the August newsletter would be the last one mailed, I lied. The website is up and running, and you can view the newsletters there, but because of some important updates, I decided to go ahead and complete one more newsletter mailing before we join the cyber world! If you haven’t seen the new website yet, please visit it at www.nawgjky.org . There are still things being completed for the site, but it is up and going, and very exciting and informative….be sure to check it frequently for important updates. As soon as we have the assignment part of the site completed, assignments for this season will be done using the website. You will receive an email from the site stating you have a pending assignment, at which time you will go to your password protected portion of the site, view the offered assignment, and either accept or decline the assignment. If you decline the assignment, you will be removed from the judge’s list for that meet, if you accept, the website will link you to the contract for that meet that you can print out or email to myself and the meet director. We are still working on this part of the site, so stay tuned for updates on setting up your assignment account. Much thanks goes out to Monica Kennedy for her hours of work on the site!
Attached to this newsletter are a few IMPORTANT updates for you to keep in your judging bags. First off I have attached the 2007-2008 USAG rules and policies MEET OFFICIAL section update. We should all be familiar with the information in this section. There is also a fee worksheet included in this section figured with the new rates we charge as of August 1, 2007. Secondly I have created sheets for the updated KY PREP OPT rules for each event for both the silver and gold divisions. In the last mailing I included a Prep Opt Update. That one should be discarded. The Prep Opt section in this mailing is the correct version for use this season in KENTUCKY. PLEASE KEEP THIS WITH YOU FOR USE AT ALL KY PREP OPT SESSIONS THIS SEASON! Next there is the most recent Kentucky Judges List, including some new judges who will be testing in October, and a few updated email addresses. I have also included a registration form for USAG Membership, for those who may need it, as well as a registration form for Safety Certification. Until USAG informs different, the extra charge for background checking will not be assessed, so if you are close to needing to renew your membership, you may want to consider going ahead and doing so, before the additional fee is assessed. Finally there is a schedule for the upcoming state clinic at Bardstown Gym. There is also the clinic in October at Carole’s house, and a level 10 study session for those wishing to test 10 (date and location TBA).
The new KY USAG board was recently announced with the following KY NAWGJ members included as voting members on the board: Monica Kennedy, Vicki Smith, Pat Brainer, Michael Crowe, Carole Liedtke, and Angela Haagen. The remaining members of the board are Lee Warner, Angie Tyler, and Andy Neafie, with Cap Caudill as the KY USAG CHAIR. Congrats to those new and returning members to the KY USAG Board.
Now for some recent events. There have been two meets already this season where NAWGJ judges participated as judges. Even though it is very early in the season, the gymnasts look promising already, with notable improvements in the understanding of the text of the routines across the board.
Pat and I also attended the USAG national Congress in San Jose, CA in August. The weather was great, we gained some great information to bring back to present to y’all at upcoming educational events. Pat updated her TA certification, and I was able to complete some important details with vendors for our judge’s cup. National Championships also were contested during our stay. There was some exciting gymnastics, most notably in the junior division were Rebecca Bross from WOGA (texas) who won the junior division, though the highlight of the meet I thought was Samantha Shapiro from Olympic (California). She was second in the junior division, and her beam was my favorite single routine of the entire competition…senior or junior. While Rebecca was consistent and exciting to watch, Samantha’s technique and execution were impeccable….on all four events. On the senior side, the newbies outshined the older gymnasts. Nastia Liukin had a total of 6 major breaks in 8 events, but still made the world championship team. Shayla Worley was stunning to watch, but maybe a little lacking in difficulty in some of her routines. Natasha Kelly and Jana Bieger competed fine, but failed to make the team. Alicia Sacrimone was sloppy in execution on her two best events, floor and vault, but was also named to the team for worlds…..no doubt since the selection committee knows her mistakes are not likely to happen again at the World Championships. Shawn Johnson won the event, never scoring below a 15.0 in eight routines (the only gymnast to do so). She was the most powerful and consistent….but the standout of the senior meet to me was Ivana Hong from GAGE (Missouri). Her routines were interesting and intricate…..and her execution and style were unbelieveable, especially when the current FIG rules all but totally remove artistry from the sport…..she was BEAUTIFUL to watch. Rounding out the team for Worlds were Samantha Peszek and Bridget Sloan…both Region 5 gymnasts from Indianapolis.
Speaking of World Champions, Svetlana Boginskaya (1989 World Champion for Russia) has confirmed and will be in attendance at our upcoming Judge’s Cup!! I am currently in negotiations with one more special guest, and will pass on info as soon as something is confirmed!
That’s it for another month, I look forward to seeing everyone at upcoming educational events in Kentucky and Region 5!!
Michael
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