State Chairman - Kevin Muenz c/o Flippers (w) 972-276-9000 (h) 972-203-0716  (F) 972-276-9000 (c) 214-457-6429    5129 Peninsula Way #103  Garland, Tx  75043

State Committee (see address listing)

Tim Erwin c/o HGC (w) 713-772-3200 (h) 281-491-6481

Bill Foster c/o Cypress (w) 281-469-4599 (h) 281-320-0273

Gil Elsass c/o Crenshaws (w) 512-453-5551 (h) 512-454-1546 (f) 512-452-7875

Games Committee (See Address Listing)

Scott Crouse c/o Lone Star Gymnastics

Sims Scholarship Committee (See Address Listing)

Brian Kiser - President c/o HGC

Kevin Muenz - State Chairman

Tim Erwin c/o HGC

Sean Sims - Family Representative

Bill Foster c/o Cypress Academy

Mark Sherman - Judges Rep

 TEXAS STATE USA Gymnastics COMPETITION AGE GROUPS

 Qualifying Procedure to State: To qualify, a gymnast must compete in one sanctioned meet within the age group and Level during the year.

Level 6-10 and Elite USA Gymnastics Regionals

(These are the new 2005 figures)

Region 3 Level 7 Developmental Team - This group is made up of the top twelve 10-11 Level 7's modified Optional.

Region 3 Level 6 Developmental Team - This group is made up of the top twelve 10-11 Level 6's modified Optional.

Level 9 & 10 Nationals (These are 2005 Figures)

The USAG will supply a copy of the National Men's Program Rules and Policies with every Professional Membership. It is the responsibility of every coach to become registered and obtain a copy of this booklet. Each Fall, the State Chairman will supply a copy of the Texas State Rules and Policies to every professional member. The Texas State Rules & Policies is not intended to replace the National Men's Program Rules & Policies, but in some cases will over rule the National R & P. Region III also has a Men's Rules and Policies. This also will be mailed to all USAG professional members each Fall. Keep your address current with the USAG, the State Chairman and the Regional Chairman. If you do not receive a copy of the Texas R & P by late Fall, contact your State Chairman.

USAG NATIONAL CHAIRMAN & OFFICE

Men's Chairman - Ron Galimore Junior Program Director - Dennis McIntyre

USAG National Office 201 S Capital, Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46225 General Offices (317) 237-5050 Membership Service (800) 345-4719

Kevin Muenz 3501 Bahamas Drive Mesquite, Texas 75150 (wk.) 972-276-9000 ( 2-4p.m.) (hm.) 972-681-8686 (Fax-Unsecured) 972-276-9000

REGION 3 CHAIRMAN - (Tex., La., Ark., Kan., Okla. & Mo.)

Gil Elsass - c/o Crenshaw Athletic Club 5000 Fairview Drive Austin, Texas 78731 (wk.) 512-453-5551 (mornings) (hm.) 512-454-1546 (fax) 512-452-7875

TEXAS STATE COMMITTEE

Tim Erwin (HGC) (w) 713-772-3200 (h) 713-721-8714

Bill Foster (Cypress) (w) 281-469-4599 (h) 281-320-0273

Gil Elsass (Crenshaws) (see above)

TEXAS RULES & GAMES COMMITTEE (Kevin Muenz - Chairman)

Scott Crouse - North

Jim McKinney Route 1 Box 48-B Baird, Texas 79504 (w) 915-691-1000 (h) 915-854-2494

Each year the State Chairman will select a weekend, ideally during the Summer, to hold the Texas Annual Coaches Business Meeting. Announcement of the date and site must be made at or before both Texas State Meets. ALL Business will be conducted. Including:

1) Calendar meet sign-up

2) Voting on positions whose term has come to an end. These include the State Chairman, State Bookkeeper and Sim’s Scholarship Committee Members.

3) Any changes to the Texas State Rules and Policies.

4) Accept Bids and vote on State Meet site and date.

5) Annual Bookkeepers report. (State of the State)

6) Any new Business.

Attendance to this annual meeting must reach 30% of the represented clubs from the past state meets. Without the quorum of 30%, no voting should take place. The meeting may include other special activities which may include Safety Certification, clinics or coaches gathering.

State Chairman are elected every second ODD year. Nominations are made at or before the Texas Annual Coaches Business Meeting (TACBM). The election, by secret ballot, takes place at the TACBM. Provisions must be made to provide a checklist to see that each USAG club only exercises one vote. A representative who is a USAG Men's Professional Member from each Boys USAG club and Boys High School Gymnastic Team Program may vote.

1) Professional member of the USAG Men's Program.

2) Resides in the state of Texas.

Chairman Duties

Communication is the most important duty of the State Chairman.

1) Maintain a updated list of all gymnasts and clubs in state. Forward to Region/Nat. Office

2) Maintain an open line of communication with National & Regional Office.

3) Conduct & coordinate the USAG State Meet.

4) Conduct the annual State Clinic (In Texas this is at GAT)

5) Decide state matters in conjunction with the Regional Director.

6) Be responsible for promotion and public relations for USAG within Texas.

7) Each state may appoint a state assistant. (In Texas this is the State Committee)

8) Must attend the Regional Championships.

9) Pass on Regional & National information to USAG Texas Professional members.

10) Approve and disapprove petitions to the Regional Championships.

11) Maintain an open line of communication with the local judging association.

12) Organize and conduct the State Testing Program (ODP)

13) Open and maintain a state USAG bank account.

14) Open and maintain the Sim’s Scholarship Fund.

15) Handle all of the State account and finances with the help of the State Bookkeeper.

16) Attend all State Chairman Meetings and the National Congress.

(State Director’s Duties Continued)

17) To work with the State Bookkeeper to maintain good books and reports.

18) Is directed by the Texas State Coaches to have an outline of the Regional Director’s meeting available at the Level 5-E State Meet for their discussion.

19) Will choose a secretary to keep minutes a each of the meetings.

Requirements

1) Professional member of the USAG Men's Program.

2) Resides in the state of Texas.

3) Nominations are made after the voting for State Chairman. Vote by secret ballot.

4) Term runs 2 years with elections at the TACBM on odd years.

State Bookkeeper's Duties

1) Balance the checkbook and send up-dated balance to State Chairman.

2) Cross reference deposits with sanctioned events and reports.

3) Prepare a detailed report to be submitted at the TACBM.

4) Prepare a folder for the entire year including the following:

a) All bank statements.

b) All receipts for all written checks.

c) The year end report.

State Chairman Duties as they relate to the State Bookkeeper

1) When depositing money into the state account, the chairman should label the deposit slip with the name of the sanctioned event from which the money was received.

2) Send the following reports to the Bookkeeper on a monthly basis:

a) Monthly Bank Statements.

b) Xerox copy of check ledger

c) Copies of sanctioned meet report forms.

d) USAG List of all Texas sanctioned events.

e) All receipts from paid out checks.

Through the job of Bookkeeper, it is the State Chairman job to provide a yearly financial report of the State's Income at the TACBM. for any reason, the report is not made at the Summer meeting, it must be included in the report sent out prior to GAT.

STATE COMMITTEE (Assistance group for State Chairman)

The State Chairman has the ability to create a State Committee. The committee should represent different regions of the State.

State Committee Duties

1) Maintaining good communications with other clubs in their respective areas.

2) Regularly communicate with the State Chairman.

RULES & GUIDELINES COMMITTEE (Assistance group for State Committee)

This committee will review and make recommendations for the possible changes in rules and policies for the upcoming competition year. The group will report directly to the State Committee.

All coaches MUST be registered as a Men's Professional Member of the USAG to be on the floor of any USAG Sanctioned event. Membership is also required to vote on issues pertaining to USAG Texas Men's Gymnastics.

All gymnasts MUST be registered with the USAG to be on the floor of any sanctioned event.

ALL coaches will be required to hold a current USAG Safety Certificate to be registered as a Professional Member.

It is highly recommended that each coach in the state of Texas is also a member of the Men’s Gymnastic Coaching Association. This group will help to keep each group current on mailings from the national office as well as notifying coaches of important National issues.

To host a competition in Texas, the Meet Director or Event Representative of a USAG Sanctioned Event must fill out two copies of the Texas Meet Announcement Form (see appendix). This form is due at or before the TACBM. In addition to the meet announcement form, the Meet Director or Event Representative must list a date on the Texas Event Calendar. A copy of the Texas Meet Announcement Form will be posted along side the Texas Meet Calendar at the TACBM. The calendar is then complied and mailed to all state professional members with the Texas R & P. ONLY sanctioned events are allowed to be placed on this listing.

Follow these simple guidelines for running an effective meet:

1) Decide on a meet site and date.

2) Sign up for a weekend at the TACBM and get it on the calendar.

3) Contact the appropriate NGJA Rep. for judging assignments. (See appendix)

4) Secure a Sanction from USAG. (Avoid late fees, secure one month in advance.)

5) Mail out Information in a timely fashion. (5-8 weeks early)

6) Limit your sessions and be professional.

7) Mail meet results to State Chairman within 24 hours.

8) Send in appropriate sanction copies to officials within 24 hours.

9) Send $1 meet tax & $1 Sim’s Scholarship fee (total $2 per gymnast) to the State Director. This must be done within 21 days or a $5 per day penalty will be assessed.

Sanctions are now received from the USAG National Office. Forms are found in the Men's Program Rules & Policies or may be obtained from the National Office.  The Sanction will allow the Event to be covered with a liability policy provided by the USAG. The policy is only in effect IF EVERYONE INCLUDING COACHES ARE REGISTERED WITH THE USAG.

Local Sanctioned Meets - State Chairman Local Sanction Qualifying Meets - State Chairman State Meets - State Chairman, Regional Chairman & Regional Meet Host

MAXIMUM ENTRY FEES

1) General Invitational - (Discretion of Meet Director)

2) State Meet - Level 4,5 - $ 50.00 Level 6-E $50.00

3) Regionals - $75 (Region III is $65 maximum at this time)

4) Nationals - $125

ENTRY TO J.O. NATIONALS

Texas pays 1/2 of the entry fee to Nationals and Region III will pay the other half. (Maximum $37.50) (If money is available)

A boys age & group for each competition is determined on September 1st. He remains in that age group for the entire year. A gymnast may move up one year in age as of September 1 only to move up levels.  He must then compete by all the rules for the upper age group and competitive level. Once the beginning level of qualifying begins, a gymnast must stay in the same age group. i.e. Once State Meet has been reached, a gymnast may not change age groups or Leveles to go to Regionals. No one under the age of six may compete in a USAG sanctioned event.

A foreign athlete may compete in J.O. State, Regionals and Nationals.   He will receive duplicate awards. They are not eligible for Regional or National Team membership. 

It is generally accepted that Top 3 in each Event in each age Group will make up a team. These guidelines may be altered if notice is given in writing.

COACHES ATTIRE (This is a change in 1999)

To be on the floor at the State Championships, coaches must be wearing the following:

1) Closed toe shoes (No sandels)

2) Slacks, warmup bottoms, or hemmed shorts (no denim)

3) No hats

4) Collared Shirt, team t-shirt or the current meet t-shirt.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS

The Men's Program Rules & Policies should be consulted for all equipment specifications.

The host of all USAG Sanctioned meets is required to pay a meet tax of $1 per gymnast. A check made out to "Texas State Chairman" must be enclosed with the meet results. (Mailed within 24 Hours) - See also Sim's Scholarship Contribution.

The host of all USAG Sanctioned meets is also required to pay a fee of $1 per gymnast for the Sim’s Scholarship Fund. A check made out to "Sims Scholarship Fund" must be mailed within 14 days to avoid a $50  late fee. The only exception is the Level 6,7 State Meet which will donate a flat $2000 to the Sims Scholarship Fund.

The host of all USAG Sanctioned meets is also required to pay a fee of $1 per gymnast for the National Scholarship Foundation Fund. A check made out to "National Scholarship Foundation" must be mailed along with the Sanction Report form to the National Office.

BOYS USAG COMPULSORIES

It is the responsibility of each coach to obtain the most current copies of the working compulsories. Compulsory routines are changed every four years in conjunction with the Olympics. Work generally begins one and 1/2 years prior to the date the changes will take effect. It is important the national office receive information from members who have ideas to make our program more productive.

Each year coaches should check with their High School students within their team to see if anyone would be eligible for this academic award. Please refer to the Men's National Rules and Policies for more details. Due date for applications is April 1.

Any coach who is a USAG Professional member is qualified for this national award if they have given service to the USAG for EXACT periods of 5,10 or 15 years. Service should be connected in some way with USA Gymnastics. Possible selections should be forwarded to the Regional Director.

Like any business, the gymnastic community has a chain of command. The chain starts with the gymnast and his parents and ends with the Men's Program Director. It is very important that coaches capture their spot in this chain and become a liaison between their parents and the directors and judges further up the chain. All too often, coaches are bowing out and allowing parents to take their griefs and problems directly to the top. As coaches, we must accept out professionalism and become a mouth piece for the parents and gymnasts in their time of need. AT NO TIME should a parent ever directly approach a judge with a problem! Please help make our sport more professional.

The Texas Annual Coaches Business Meeting (TACBM) will be the only voting event of the season. Each club should be represented at this function.

VOTING AT THE TEXAS ANNUAL COACHES BUSINESS MEETING

When requested, vote may be done by secret ballot and all who vote, must be a Men's USAG Professional Member. Procedure for voting for State Chairman/ Bookkeeper/Sim’s Committee Members/ Meets & Dates/ Events and State Policies are as follows:

One Vote per Men’s USAG Club

or One Vote per Men’s High School Gymnastic Program

If a member is active in more than one area, they still only receive one vote.

The Regional Future Stars Meet/Testing will be held in October. The age groups which may attend the event are 9, 10, 11 & 12 year. Each participant will perform on the six olympic events plus two strength and one flexibility event. The exact routines and requirements are available through the USAGymnastics National Office. Those boys who achieve a specified score at the testing will be allowed to attend the National Future Stars Meet/Testing. This event will be held in November.

The top 25 gymnasts in rank order at the National Future Stars Meet/Testing will be designated as the USAG Junior Developmental Team. A camp from this group will take place the following summer for the top 25 gymnasts and their coaches. Check the USAG Rules and Policies for more details.

Each year the state will try and hold a State Clinic for those boys in the younger age groups who are working towards the Future Stars Program. The clinic may be held in several parts of the state.

TEXAS STATE MEET BIDS

1) Two copies of the Texas State Meet Bid Form must be submitted at or before the Texas Annual Coaches Business Meeting.

2) Voting will be at the TACBM. Those not attending may vote by proxy.

3) All bids must be posted for coach’s inspection prior to voting.

4) Each team should be prepared to present their bid to the general meeting.

There will be no limit on the number of State Meets in a row a club may host. However, the same club may not host both State Meets on the same year.

Level 5-E State Meet should be held 2-4 weeks prior to Regionals. Both State Meets must cover at least a two day period.

Each year the State Chairman will select a weekend (usually in the Summer) to hold the Texas Annual Coaches Business Meeting. Announcement of the date and site must be made at or before both Texas State Meets. ALL Business will be conducted. (See breakdown of those items on a previous page.) Attendance to this annual meeting must reach 30% of the represented clubs from the past state meets. Without the quorum of 30%, no voting should take place. The meeting may include other special activities such as; Safety Certification, clinics or coaches gathering. The TACBM will use Robert’s Rules of Order.

BIDDING FOR THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

1) Bids will be submitted in writing prior to the Texas Annual Coaches Business Coaches Meeting. Bids must be on the Official State Meet Bid Form. (See attached)

2) Vote will be taken at the TACBM. (1 vote per club - See Voting at TACBM)

3) Gyms wanting to host either events must be equipped to handle all requirements.

4) Dates for the events are voted on at the TACBM. Changes in the date may be made by the state director if there are scheduling conflicts.

5) Meet directors should follow the enclosed outline for running the State Meet.

ITEMS SPECIFIC TO COACHES & GYMNASTS

1) A Gymnast may not compete in both State Championships.

2) The last possible date to set a qualifying meet for the State Championships will be three full weekends before competition.

3) A Gymnast is not restricted to an age group or Level until he reaches the first level of qualifying. i.e. A gymnast must be in at least one qualifying meet in the age group and Level which he will compete at State. Once State is reached, there is no changing. Coaches are requested not to be moving gymnasts throughout the season.

4) The top 3 in each age group from Texas will automatically qualify to Regionals.

5) There are no petitions to either of the State Meets.

6) All gymnasts are required to be in full uniform to receive State Awards.

7) Gymnasts may not be on the warm-up or competition floor "bare chested."

8) Coaches should always be dressed "Professionally."

9) If there are less than four (4) gymnasts in an age group, the meet State Meet Director has the right to combine the age group with the age group below.

10) Entries to Regionals must be turned into the State Director at the State Meet. All of the combined entries are one-day mailed to the Regional Meet Director.

11) Attire for competition

Level 4 - Any Shorts and Any T- shirt or Jersey. No Whites or formal warm-up

Level 5 - Competitive Shorts & Jersey. Whites & warm-up optional

 

ENTRY INFORMATION

1) State Chairman must receive and approve information 3 months prior to the State Meet.

2) Information must be MAILED 6 weeks prior to the State Meet.(Tx USAG Mailing List)

3) The Texas State Official Entry Form MUST be used. (see attached)

4) Changes on the meet format must be mailed or called 2 weeks in advance.

5) All entry fees must comply with USAG guidelines.

6) Note: Entry Deadline (Generally about 2 weeks prior) Late entries MUST be sent to the State Chairman. If approved , a $10 late fee per gymnast will be charged.

MEET FORMAT

1) The competition will become a three day event in 1998. (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)

2) Each session should not exceed 100 gymnasts. (72 is recommended)

3) Competition format will be Warmup/ Compete (with one touch for Level 4 & 5).

4) Minimum 1 judge per event. (Judges should have judged minimum 4 USAG J.O. meets during the year.)

5) Judges are chosen as a joint effort between the State Chairman and State Judging Director.

6) One gym is recommended. Deviations should be approved by the State Chairman.

7) Minimum 1 piece of equipment per event.

8) Ample safety and landing mats must be available for dismounts.

9) Six events at once with awards immediately following.

10) Scores should be flashed after each routine.

11) A proven, reliable computer scoring program is required. A copy of the meet result disk can be given to the State Director after the meet.

SPECTATORS

1) There should be minimum four times the seating available as there are gymnasts in any one session. (i.e. 72 gymnasts in session 1, seating for at least 288 spectators)

2) Maximum $3.00 per session, $5.00 all day for adults. Children's discounts available.

AWARDS

1) The quality of the awards at the State meet should be consistent throughout all age groups. ALL AWARDS MUST BE PURCAHSED FROM A-1 Awards.

2) Texas USAG Achievement Certificates are required for all participants at the Level 6 & 7 level. Get these from the State Chairman.

3) The National R&P and/or Texas R&P guidelines on awards should be checked for VERY specific rules. Follow these guidelines strictly.

4) Team awards are based on top 3 scores from a team on each event.

3) Team awards should be given in each age group where there are at least three full teams. 4) At lease 50% of all teams should receive team awards.

5) If team fees are charged. Any excess, after the purchase of awards, must be sent to the State Account.

6) Level 6 athletes will have levels of achievement. 5 Gold, 5 Silver & 10 Bronze in each event. All Around will still be by place. Ties will be given in the Bronze level.

7) Level 7 athletes will not have any event awards. All Around will be awarded and every Level 7 will receive a participation trophy.

8) Level 6 All Around awards will be given to the top 30% with a maximum in any age groups being 40 places awarded.

MISCELLANEOUS

1) Meet Results from the State Meets must be handed to the State Chairman along with the sanction at the conclusion of the competition. Meet results for the Level 5-E State Meet are then sent to the Regional Chairman within 24 hours.

2) Entry form for Regionals must be available at the Level 5-E State Meet.

3) Texas State Meet Tax - $1 from each athlete must be sent to the State Chairman within 24 hours. Checks should be made out to "Texas State Chairman." Any refunded entries are not subject to the tax.

4) Sims Scholarship Fund Level 5-E State - $1 from each athlete must be sent to the State Chairman within 24 hours. Checks should be made out to "Sims Scholarship Fund." Any refunded entries are not subject to the tax.

5) Sims Scholarship Fund Level 6&7 State - A flat $2000 must be sent to the State Chairman within 24 hours. Checks should be made out to "Sims Scholarship Fund."

6) The Meet Director must fill in the Official State Meet Report Form and return it with the meet fees and any excess on the team fees.

7) If there is any change in either location, accommodations, or director of the State Meet, the State Chairman must be notified. He may choose to hold elections for a new meet.

(This is a change in 1999)

A. Fees by duration of meet. (There is a 10 minute grace period for the first two time increments)

Sessions are POSTED start time until the last judge has finished.

$10 per 1/4 hour over3.25 hours.

B. Meal and Travel Per Diem (None if meals are provided by the host.)

Breakfast $7.00

Lunch $10.00

Dinner $13.00

Judges shall receive reimbursement at $.32/mile door to door. Any passengers should receive $6 per hour. The total reimbursement shall not exceed the cost of the round trip airline ticket to the same locale.

If a judge has more than 1.5 hours of down time (between sessions), $10 per hour hafter the initial 1.5 hours.

E. Lodging

If an official must stay overnight prior to, during or following a competition, lodging and meals should be provided.

The above standards are established as guidelines. A local judging association has the right to set it’s own fee schedule in consultation with the appropriate USAG State or Regional Chairman.

G. Judging assignments are processed by the following

Mark Sherman 5607 Merrimac Dallas, Tx 75206 (h) 214-827-0155

Pat Fallin 1919 Castle Gate Circle San Marcos, Tx (h) 512-392-9656