2005

MEN’S COLLEGIATE

CHAMPIONSHIPS MANUAL

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USA GYMNASTICS MEN’S COLLEGIATE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (REVISED NOVEMBER, 2004)

Men’s Collegiate Gymnastics Committee (MCGC) The USA Gymnastics Men’s Collegiate National Championships are under the control, direction and supervision of the USA Gymnastics Men’s Collegiate Gymnastics Committee (MCGC), subject to such requirements, standards and conditions as may be prescribed by the NCAA and/or USA Gymnastics. Current members of the Men’s Collegiate Gymnastics Committee are:

Ivan Merritt, Chairperson United States Air Force Academy 2170 Field House Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840 Office: (719) 333-9266 Home: (719) 481-4905 Fax: (719) 333-2599 E-mail: ivan.merritt@usafa.af.mil

Gary Bruening, Secretary Men’s Gymnastics Coach University of Vermont Patrick Gym Burlington, VT 05405-0117 Office: (802) 656-7691 Home: (802) 899-4710 Fax: (802) 656-0949 E-mail: gbruenin@zoo.uvm.edu

Steve Posner Men’s Gymnastics Coach 263 Alden St. Springfield College Springfield, MA 01109 Office: (413) 748-3357 Home: (413) 732-0705 Fax: (413) 748-3855 E-Mail: Sposner@Spfldcol.edu

Mircea Badalescu 3622 Constellation Rd Lompoc, CA 93436 Office: (805) 893-2440 Home: (805) 733-0508 Cell: (805) 448-5358 E-mail: Badules@aol.com

Steve Douglass Athlete Representative 171 Merrimac Trail #9 Williamsburg, VA 23185 Home: (570) 362-3529 E-mail: sjdoug@wm.edu

Sam Moore Athlete Representative 616 S. Hardy # 232 Tempe, AZ 85281 Home: (480) 968-8566 E-mail: sams_business@hotmail.com

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Mission Statement

The mission of the USA Gymnastics Men’s Collegiate Championships is to promote the stability and growth of men’s gymnastics through a prestigious National Championship that encourages grassroots participation while aspiring for competitive excellence.

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Management Matters of Championship policy and the dates and sites of the Championships are subject to approval by USA Gymnastics and the Men’s Collegiate Gymnastics Committee (MCGC) USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships are intended to provide National Championship competition among the best eligible student athletes and teams and shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of USA Gymnastics and the Men’s Collegiate Gymnastics Committee. The Men’s Collegiate Gymnastics Committee shall appoint a Games Committee to actively supervise the conduct of the Championships. The Games Committee shall include: the Director of Athletics of the host institution, or a designated representative; the Meet Director; the Director of Judges; the Chairman of the MCGC or his designee; the Senior Director of the Men’s Program of USA Gymnastics (who serves as the chair); and any other person deemed necessary by the MCGC. Responsibilities of the Games Committee 1. Assure the inspection and measurement of all equipment and mats prior to the “official”

training and competition. 2. Provide for the registration of all athletes and coaches prior to any training or practice in the

host facilities. 3. Collect all “Institutional” and “Athlete” Eligibility Forms prior to competition. 4. Conduct a random ordered seeded draw for the individual event finals. 5. Deal with any duplicate awards during the awards ceremony including determining which

athlete would receive the existing award and which would receive a duplicate at a later time. This should include recording the necessary mailing information of the affected athletes and transmitting that information to USA Gymnastics.

6. Handle any problems that arise regarding any aspect of the competition and which would not be dealt with by the judges and/or the Director of Judges.

The Senior Director of the Men’s Program of USA Gymnastics, or his designee, shall be the final authority in acting on protests and/or inquiries concerning the conduct of the Championships. Dates and Sites The men’s competition of the 2005 USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships is scheduled for Friday April 15 (team, all around and event prelims), and Saturday April 16 (event finals). The competition host/location is Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. USA Gymnastics will annually determine, with the approval of the USA Gymnastics Men’s Collegiate Committee, the sites for the USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships. By March 1, national bid information will be sent by the USA Gymnastics office to all institutions for their consideration for the following year. Bid forms will include proposed budget, facility and equipment requirements and other accommodations. The proposed bids returned by interested institutions will be reviewed by the MCGC. The committee shall apply the following measures as priorities in determining sites: (1) quality and availability of the facility and other necessary accommodations, (2) revenue potential, (3) geographic location, (4) availability of officials, and (5) experience of the host(s). The Collegiate National Championship date will be determined each year for the following year at the Collegiate National Championships.

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Officials For the Collegiate National Championships, the USA Gymnastics office will request the appropriate NGJA Regional Judging Director to select twelve (12) NATIONALLY CERTIFIED officials with one being designated as Director of Judges. An attempt will be made to select officials from within as close a geographical proximity to the institution as possible. When feasible, representation from other regions will be sought. No present coaching staff member, employee or full time student affiliated with any of the qualified institutions, parent or relative of a participating gymnast or coach may officiate the national competition. The Director of Judges must measure all equipment prior to the beginning of the timed warm-ups to ensure all apparatus and mats meet the specifications. Additionally, the Director of Judges attendance at the coach’s meeting is mandatory. The USA Gymnastics office must convey the above requirements of Officials to the NGJA Regional Judging Director. Officials for the Collegiate National Championships will be paid according to USA Gymnastics guidelines. The USA Gymnastics National Collegiate Championships and all meets used to qualify for the Collegiate Championships will be conducted according to the current International Gymnastics Federation Men’s Code of Points, the current NGJA Interpretations, and the current NCAA modifications and exceptions to the FIG Code of Points. The use of pre-competition judges information forms are highly encouraged and should be submitted during the first on-site Championships coach’s meeting. Championship Structure The Collegiate Championships will consist of twelve (12) teams and, possibly, additional qualified individuals. There are two separate team and all-around championships, which are conducted concurrently. One is for the VARSITY TEAMS and the other is for the COLLEGIATE TEAMS. Team and all-around competition will be conducted concurrently on the same day of the Championship weekend. The top eight (8) individuals in each event (plus ties) will compete for the individual Championships on Saturday of the Championship weekend. There will be a maximum of two participants from each team eligible to qualify for finals on each individual event. Times of the events will be recommended by the host institution and ultimately decided upon by the MCGC in cooperation with USA Gymnastics. Qualification Procedures And Eligibility Criteria ANY INSTITUTION ATTEMPTING TO QUALIFY FOR THE USA GYMNASTICS COLLEGIATE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS MUST FOLLOW ALL NCAA RULES AND REGULATIONS AS SPECIFIED IN THE CURRENT NCAA MANUAL. ANY INSTITUTION ATTEMPTING TO QUALIFY FOR THE VARSITY TEAM CATEGORY MUST BE AN NCAA DIVISION I, II, OR III, FOUR YEAR DEGREE GRANTING INSTITUTION WHOSE GYMNASTICS PROGRAM IS A VARSITY SPORT. THE INSTITUTION MAY PROVIDE UP TO TWO FULL OUT-OF-STATE ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP EQUIVALANCIES.

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AN INSTITUTION ATTEMPTING TO QUALIFY FOR THE COLLEGIATE TEAM CATEGORY MUST BE A TWO OR FOUR YEAR DEGREE GRANTING INSTITUTION WHOSE GYMNASTICS PROGRAM IS NOT A VARSITY SPORT AND WHOSE INSTITUTION DOES NOT HAVE A VARSITY MEN’S GYMNASTICS PROGRAM. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING PARTICIPATION ELIGIBILITY INCLUDE: 1) ATHLETES MUST BE AN ENROLLED COLLEGE STUDENT AND 2) ATHLETES MUST MEET THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL’S SPORT CLUB “REQUIREMENT FOR PARTICIPATION.” In order to qualify for the Collegiate National Championships, each institution must comply with the following criteria appropriate for either the VARSITY or the COLLEGIATE teams. Violation of these criteria renders an institution ineligible for the Collegiate Championships:

1. Each institution must notify the Chairperson of the USA Gymnastics Men’s Collegiate Gymnastics Committee (MCGC) by Tuesday February 1, 2005, as to your teams’ intent to participate in the Championships. An affirmative response to participation in the Collegiate Championships does not mean you will necessarily receive a team bid, but requires you to accept a team bid if offered. Failure to notify the President of your teams’ intent to participate disqualifies your institution from participation.

2. Regular Season Score Sheets - All teams (varsity and club) must utilize “GymInfo,” the official CGA computer statistical website for reporting scores. The Internet address is http://www.troester.com/gym. Meet scores must be entered within 24 hours after each competition.

3. The last acceptable qualification date shall be Thursday March 31, 2005. 4. Certification of Eligibility Form - All individuals of NCAA varsity team institutions

must be certified eligible to compete as per NCAA Eligibility Guidelines and be made available upon request.

Basis for Qualification 1. Varsity Teams – Varsity Team qualification shall be based on the five-score average as

established by the Collegiate Gymnastics Association (CGA) computer statistical system. Six varsity teams will qualify based on the following criteria:

There will be three (3) categories of teams. Category A - Those varsity teams that possess no Athletic Scholarship equivalencies.

Category B - Those varsity teams that possess greater than zero and less than or equal to one full out-of-state Athletic Scholarship equivalency.

Category C - Those varsity teams that possess greater than one and less than or equal to two full out-of-state Athletic Scholarship equivalencies (including Military Academies.) Qualification procedure is as follows:

1) The two (2) teams with the highest CGA team average, regardless of category, qualify. 2) The next two (2) highest scoring teams from Category A or B qualify. 3) The next two (2) highest scoring teams from Category A qualify. 4) If any slots are unfilled after #1, #2, and #3, the remaining slots are awarded to the

next highest scoring teams, regardless of category. 2. COLLEGIATE TEAMS - The top six Collegiate Teams, based on three-score season average

(using the CGA computer statistical system), shall qualify as determined by the USA Gymnastics Senior Director of the Men’s Program. A minimum qualifying score of 160.00 (four scores per event) must be attained. If all six Collegiate Team positions are not filled, the

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MCGC may round out the field with Collegiate or Varsity teams as appropriate for the Championships.

3. ALL-AROUND - The top twelve (12) varsity team all-around gymnasts will qualify to the Championships based on the official CGA/NCAA regional qualifying statistics. The top eighteen (18) collegiate team all-around gymnasts will qualify to the Collegiate Championships based on the average of the top three scores received during the regular season (as reported by the CGA computer statistical system). These twelve or eighteen individuals may or may not be members of qualified teams but will NOT be in addition to those qualified with teams.

4. INDIVIDUAL EVENT QUALIFIERS - The top twelve (12) varsity team individual gymnasts will qualify to the Championships based on the official CGA/NCAA regional qualifying statistics. The top eighteen (18) collegiate team individuals on each of the six Olympic events will qualify to the Championships based on the average of the top three scores on any event received during the regular season with at least two away scores. These twelve varsity and eighteen collegiate individuals may or may not be members of qualified teams but will NOT be in addition to those qualified with teams.

5. OTHERS - Any Varsity Team or Collegiate Team which has not qualified as a team nor has qualified any individuals, may send Specialist(s) based on the following criteria:

Varsity Team Institutions Category A Teams - may send up to three (3) gymnasts. Category B Teams - may send up to two (2) gymnasts. Category C Teams - may send one (1) gymnast. Collegiate Team Institutions May send up to two (2) gymnasts. 6. Host Team - The host team (if applicable) will be considered as an automatic qualifier to the

Championships should they not qualify as per procedure #1 or #2. NOTE: If a gymnast who is a member of a qualified team is qualified for an event or the all-around, and is not in the competitive team lineup for the Championships on that (those) event(s), he may compete as a seventh, eighth, etc., man on that event, as long as the team does not exceed the twelve (12) man team limit. His score will not count towards the team score. Championship Notification Procedure Team and individual competitors of VARSITY TEAM institutions will be notified by the Secretary of the MCGC of qualification to the Collegiate National Championships no later than Friday April 1, 2005. Team and individual competitors of COLLEGIATE TEAM institutions will be notified similarly by the Collegiate Club Representative. An institution offered an invitation to participate in the Collegiate National Championships must confirm the invitation no later than noon, Tuesday April 5, 2005. In the event a team or individual competitor that qualifies for the Collegiate National Championships cannot compete, alternates, by rank, will be notified through the Monday prior to competition. After that date, no replacements will be made.

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Criteria for Qualification Scores Scores from competitions conducted between September 7, 2004 and March 31, 2005 may be used for qualification purposes. The types of competitions that may be used for VARSITY TEAM qualification purposes are as follows: (1) dual meets: only those against varsity intercollegiate teams of four year, degree granting institutions; (2) triangular, quadrangular or other invitational meets: only those in which at least two of the competing teams are varsity intercollegiate teams of four year, degree granting institutions; (3) conference championships. All-around meets and any non-collegiate sanctioned meets (private club meets) may not be used for qualification purposes. Collegiate Teams - In addition to the above guidelines, collegiate teams may utilize inter-collegiate club competitions. Meets used for qualification purposes must be conducted according to the following criteria (if participating coaches change any of these criteria, even by mutual agreement, the meet may not be used):

1. A minimum of two (2) nationally certified judges per event must be used. No present coaching staff member or parent of a gymnast may judge a meet involving the institution in which he or she has such an affiliation. Meets to be used for qualification may be judged by an employee of or a full-time student at a participating institution if all coaches agree in writing to the host institution at least 10 days prior to the competition.

2. A maximum of six (6) gymnasts per team may compete on each event. 3. A maximum of twelve (12) gymnasts may be used for the team score. 4. Scoring must be as follows:

a. The average is computed by averaging the two judges’ scores (when two judges are used) or dropping the highest and lowest scores and averaging the middle two scores (when four judges are used).

b. The event score is computed by adding the four highest scores in each event for each team, with the final score being the total of the six event scores.

c. The all-around score is the total of the individual competitor’s averages on the six events.

Ties in Qualifying Score In case of ties for the last berth into the National competition, the team or individual competitor with the highest AWAY qualifying score will qualify. The Conference Championship may count as an away score for the conference host institution. If a tie still exists, the team or individual competitor with the highest average qualifying score based on three, then four meets, etc., until the tie is broken, will qualify. If a full 12-team field is not present, all individual competitors tied for the last berth will qualify.

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Schedule and Format of the Collegiate National Championships 1. Team and all-around competition - Team, all-around and individual event qualifiers will

compete in one session with six events running simultaneously. No meet start time shall be scheduled prior to 12:00 PM local time. a. Teams, all-around and individual event qualifiers will be drawn randomly for their starting

event (see rotation setup below). An attempt should be made to keep all-around and individual event qualifiers from the same team in the same competitive group. This is to afford the coach the opportunity to be with each of his athletes as they compete.

b. There will be twelve (12) teams, each drawn to one of the six Olympic events or one of six byes. The byes will occur after each event. In case there are less than twelve teams, the MCGC has the ability to add teams to round out the field prior to determining the draw.

c. There will be timed warm-ups consisting of 10 minute rotations prior to the competition. Based on the number of teams in the competition, warm-up and competition rotations will follow the appropriate rotation schedule listed on pages 9 – 12.

ONCE COMPETITION BEGINS, THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER WARM-UP ON THE COMPETITION EQUIPMENT. d. The teams will progress in Olympic order through the events and the byes. e. Within each group, the team will compete first, followed by all-around, and then individual

event qualifiers. If there are two or more all-around or individual event qualifiers in any group, those with the higher average qualifying scores will compete last.

f. Pre-competition Judges Information forms are encouraged as inquiries will not be permitted.

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Warm Up and Competition Rotations

Warm Up Order--6 Teams Competing Rotation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Team: Time:

A PH R V PB HB FE B R V PB HB FE PH C V PB HB FE PH R D PB HB FE PH R V E HB FE PH R V PB F FE PH R V PB HB

Competition Order--FE, PH, R, V, PB, HB A starts on FE B starts on PH C starts on R D starts on V E starts on PB F starts on HB

Warm Up Order--7 Teams Competing Rotation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Team: Time:

A PH R V PB Bye HB FE B R V PB Bye HB FE PH C V PB Bye HB FE PH R D PB Bye HB FE PH R V E Bye HB FE PH R V PB F HB FE PH R V PB Bye G FE PH R V PB Bye HB

Competition Order—FE, PH, R, V, PB, Bye, HB A starts on FE B starts on PH C starts on R D starts on V E starts on PB F starts on Bye G starts on HB

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Warm Up Schedule--8 Teams Competing Rotation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Team: Time:

A Bye 1 R V PB Bye 2 HB FE PH

B R V PB Bye

2 HB FE PH Bye 1

C V PB Bye

2 HB FE PH Bye 1 R D PB Bye 2 HB FE PH Bye 1 R V E Bye 2 HB FE PH Bye 1 R V PB

F HB FE PH Bye

1 R V PB Bye 2

G FE PH Bye

1 R V PB Bye 2 HB H PH Bye 1 R V PB Bye 2 HB FE

Competition Order---FE, PH, Bye 1, R, V, PB, Bye 2, HB A starts on FE E starts on V B starts on PH F starts on PB

C starts on Bye 1 G starts on Bye 2

D starts on R H starts on HB

Warm Up Order--9 Teams Competing Rotation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Team: Time:

A Bye 1 R V Bye

2 PB HB Bye 3 FE PH

B R V Bye

2 PB HB Bye 3 FE PH Bye 1 C V Bye 2 PB HB Bye 3 FE PH Bye 1 R

D Bye 2 PB HB Bye

3 FE PH Bye 1 R V

E PB HB Bye

3 FE PH Bye 1 R V Bye 2 F HB Bye 3 FE PH Bye 1 R V Bye 2 PB

G Bye 3 FE PH Bye

1 R V Bye 2 PB HB

H FE PH Bye

1 R V Bye 2 PB HB Bye 3 I PH Bye 1 R V Bye 2 PB HB Bye 3 FE

Competition Order--FE, PH, Bye 1, R, V, Bye 2, PB, HB, Bye 3 A starts on FE F starts on Bye 2 B starts on PH G starts on PB

C starts on Bye 1 H starts on HB

D starts on R I starts on Bye 3 E starts on V

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Warm Up Order--10 Teams Competing Rotation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Team: Time: A PH Bye 2 R Bye 3 V PB Bye 4 HB Bye 1 FE B Bye 2 R Bye 3 V PB Bye 4 HB Bye 1 FE PH C R Bye 3 V PB Bye 4 HB Bye 1 FE PH Bye 2 D Bye 3 V PB Bye 4 HB Bye 1 FE PH Bye 2 R E V PB Bye 4 HB Bye 1 FE PH Bye 2 R Bye 3 F PB Bye 4 HB Bye 1 FE PH Bye 2 R Bye 3 V G Bye 4 HB Bye 1 FE PH Bye 2 R Bye 3 V PB H HB Bye 1 FE PH Bye 2 R Bye 3 V PB Bye 4 I Bye 1 FE PH Bye 2 R Bye 3 V PB Bye 4 HB J FE PH Bye 2 R Bye 3 V PB Bye 4 HB Bye 1 Competition Order--Bye 1, FE, PH, Bye 2, R, Bye 3, V, PB, Bye 4, HB A starts on Bye 1 F starts on Bye 3 B starts on FE G starts on V C starts on PH H starts on PB D starts on Bye 2 I starts on Bye 4 E starts on R J starts on HB

Warm Up Order--11 Teams Competing Rotation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Team: Time: A Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V PB Bye 5 HB Bye 1 FE B PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V PB Bye 5 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 C Bye 3 R Bye 4 V PB Bye 5 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH D R Bye 4 V PB Bye 5 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 E Bye 4 V PB Bye 5 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R F V PB Bye 5 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 G PB Bye 5 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V H Bye 5 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V PB I HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V PB Bye 5 J Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V PB Bye 5 HB K FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V PB Bye 5 HB Bye 1 Competition Order--Bye 1, FE, Bye 2, PH, Bye 3, R, Bye 4, V, PB, Bye 5, HB A starts on Bye 1 F starts on R

B starts on FE G starts on Bye 4

C starts on Bye 2 H starts on V D starts on PH I starts on PB

E starts on Bye 3 J starts on Bye 5

K starts on HB

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Warm Up Order--12 Teams Competing Rotation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Team: Time:

A Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V Bye 5 PB Bye 6 HB Bye 1 FE B PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V Bye 5 PB Bye 6 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 C Bye 3 R Bye 4 V Bye 5 PB Bye 6 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH D R Bye 4 V Bye 5 HB Bye 6 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 E Bye 4 V Bye 5 PB Bye 6 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R F V Bye 5 PB Bye 6 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 G Bye 5 PB Bye 6 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V H PB Bye 6 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V Bye 5 I Bye 6 HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V Bye 5 PB J HB Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V Bye 5 PB Bye 6 K Bye 1 FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V Bye 5 PB Bye 6 HB L FE Bye 2 PH Bye 3 R Bye 4 V Bye 5 PB Bye 6 HB Bye 1

Competition Order--Bye 1, FE, Bye 2, PH, Bye 3, R, Bye 4, V, Bye 5, PB, Bye 6, HB A starts on Bye 1 G starts on Bye 4 B starts on FE H starts on V C starts on Bye 2 I starts on Bye 5 D starts on PH J starts on PB E starts on Bye 3 K starts on Bye 6 F starts on R L starts on HB

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2. Individual Event Finals - a. Eight (8) individuals in each event from the Team/All-Around competition will advance to

the Individual Event Finals. The top six (6) individuals in each event will qualify to finals (two men per team per event limit). The 7th and 8th positions are reserved. One position will be awarded to the highest scoring gymnast from Category A, varsity team, if no Category A gymnast places in the top six (6). The other position will be awarded to the highest scoring gymnast from a collegiate team if no collegiate gymnast places in the top six (6).

If just one position is utilized, the remaining position will be awarded to the regular 7th

highest scoring gymnast. If both positions are not utilized (i.e., a gymnast from both Category A team and collegiate team place in the top six) then the 7th and 8th positions will be awarded to the regular highest scoring gymnasts.

b. Any school fielding a full team for the competition is guaranteed one competitor in the entire event finals. For any full team that does not have one qualifier, that team’s coach will be asked to name one gymnast to perform in the event finals, with the proviso that no more than two additional performers will be added to any one event final. Should more than one school be in this situation, the coaches will be asked in the order of higher team finish. These added performers will perform first in any event final in which they appear. In case two additions to an event occur, the gymnast with the lower preliminary score will perform first.

c. For each event, no more than two gymnasts from any one team may be finalists or alternates. Alternates to the finals will be named if there are just eight (8) finalists. Alternates are required to warm up for event finals. Alternates will compete in the same spot as the withdrawing gymnast (direct substitution).

d. Ties that exceed the “two gymnast rule” will be broken using the Regional Qualifying Score for Varsity Teams and the three-score average for the Collegiate Teams. Ties resulting in more than eight (8) finalists will be allowed as long as the “two gymnast rule” is satisfied.

e. Competitive placement for finals will be conducted by the Games Committee at the conclusion of the team/all-around competition. The top four (4) scores will compete last in a random order. The bottom four (4) preliminary scores will go first in a random order.

f. It is strongly encouraged that all scratches to event finals be announced at the morning coaches meeting prior to event finals. Scratches and subsequent substitutions (as per rule 2a in the “Individual Event Finals” section) will be allowed up to 1½ hours prior to the start of event finals. After which, only the named alternates will be substituted.

g. Warm-ups will begin at least two hours prior to the competition and conclude 15 minutes before the competition. Men’s vaulting warm-up will be coordinated with the Women’s vaulting warm-up. Once competition begins, there will be no further warm-up on the competition equipment.

h. The individual Men’s event finals competition is coordinated with Women’s event finals. The combined Men’s/Women’s event finals format can be found in the appropriate Women’s section of the manual.

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Awards 1. TEAM - A Team trophy or plaque will be awarded to the first, second, and third place teams in

each of the two categories, i.e., VARSITY and COLLEGIATE. All awards should be engraved with the name of the event, e.g., 2005 USA GYMNASTICS COLLEGIATE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. In addition, the team awards should be engraved: MEN’S VARSITY TEAM CHAMPION OR MEN’S COLLEGIATE TEAM CHAMPION; MEN’S VARSITY SECOND PLACE TEAM OR MEN’S COLLEGIATE SECOND PLACE TEAM; MEN’S VARSITY THIRD PLACE TEAM OR MEN’S COLLEGIATE THIRD PLACE TEAM. Further, a small replica of that award will be presented to each member of the team and the coach (13 in all). No ties will be broken, therefore, should a tie occur, duplicate awards will be sent to the necessary team(s).

2. ALL-AROUND - The top six finishers in the all-around, in each category, i.e., VARSITY and COLLEGIATE, will receive medals. In addition, all six in each category will receive an All-American Certificate provided by the Collegiate Gymnastics Association (CGA). No ties will be broken, therefore, duplicate awards may be necessary.

NOTE: TEAM AND ALL-AROUND AWARDS WILL BE MADE IMMEDIATELY

FOLLOWING THE TEAM AND ALL-AROUND COMPETITION. 3. INDIVIDUAL EVENTS - The INDIVIDUAL EVENTS FINALS will be conducted for the top

eight individuals on each of the Olympic events from among ALL the athletes in both categories, i.e., there will not be two categories of awards. The top six (6) finishers on each of the six Olympic events will receive medals. The top six (6) finishers will be declared All-American on that event. The athletes will receive an All-American certificate provided by the Collegiate Gymnastics Association (CGA). No ties will be broken, therefore, duplicate awards may be necessary.

NOTE: ALL INDIVIDUAL EVENT AWARDS WILL BE MADE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING

THE INDIVIDUAL EVENT FINALS. 4. SENIOR ATHLETE AWARD - The top senior all-around competitor in both the VARSITY and

COLLEGIATE categories will be awarded the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award (“Collegiate Senior” is defined as being in his fourth or last year as a competitor - whichever comes first. If the gymnast still has another year of eligibility, he will not be eligible the following year.) At this time, all four-year seniors competing in the Collegiate Championships will be recognized and presented with a certificate. To be considered, it is necessary to complete the necessary form found in the back of this handbook. This form must be received by Gary Bruening, University of Vermont, no later than Tuesday March 1, 2005.

5. SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD - All juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 at the end of the first semester of the academic year in which the award is being presented will receive a scholar athlete certificate. To be considered, it is necessary to complete the appropriate form in the back of this handbook. The form must be received by Gary Bruening, University of Vermont, no later than Tuesday March 1, 2005.

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NOTE: ALL AWARDS AT THIS EVENT MUST BE THE SAME FOR ALL GROUPS WHICH

PARTICIPATE, I.E., NOT ONLY MUST THE TYPES OF AWARDS, E.G., SCHOLAR ATHLETE, COACH OF THE YEAR, ETC., BE THE SAME FOR THE VARSITY, COLLEGIATE, MEN, WOMEN, ETC., BUT THE ACTUAL AWARDS, I.E., TROPHIES, PLAQUES, ENGRAVING, ETC., MUST BE THE SAME FOR ALL GROUPS. SINCE THE USA GYMNASTICS OFFICE PURCHASES THESE AWARDS, THERE MUST BE COORDINATION BETWEEN THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S COUNTERPARTS IN THE OFFICE.

6. USA GYMNASTICS COLLEGIATE COACH OF THE YEAR - The coach of the year award

will be voted on by the coaches of the participating institutions. Each institution is allowed one vote for their respective category. A Coach of the Year award will be presented in both categories (Varsity and Collegiate). NOTE: Varsity Coaches will vote for the Varsity category and Collegiate Coaches will vote for the Collegiate category.

Equipment It is encouraged that USA Gymnastics will make arrangements with one of the major gymnastics equipment manufacturers to provide the competitive equipment that meets the “recommended equipment specifications” as listed on page 25 of this manual. All equipment must conform to USA Gymnastics specifications as outlined in the current USA Gymnastics Men’s Rules and Policies. Copies may be obtained from the USA Gymnastics website at www.usa-gymnastics.org. No personal apparatus may be used or will be allowed on the floor during the Collegiate National Championships. This includes vaulting boards. Line-up/Entry and Official Traveling Party A line-up/entry form and official traveling party form is included in the back of this manual. All institutions qualifying for the Collegiate Championships must complete and return this form to the Meet Director via fax or overnight mail immediately upon qualification. The line-up may be changed prior to the competition but is requested in advance for media and administrative purposes. Lodging The host institution shall designate a headquarters hotel for the competition and will reserve a block of rooms to accommodate all participants and other personnel. It also shall notify the participating institution of the designated hotel and advise them that it is their responsibility to either cancel or confirm their own reservations. If an institution chooses to stay somewhere other than the headquarters hotel, it must notify the Meet Director of the alternate property in case it is necessary to reach the institution during the competition.

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Meetings The first of two coach’s business meetings will be held on Friday morning prior to the warm-up period for the team competition. A general information meeting for all head coaches of competing teams will be held prior to the competition to review meet procedures. A second coach’s business meeting will be held on Saturday morning and will be followed by a combined business meeting of MEN’S AND WOMEN’S COACHES. The general information meeting will include information on the provisions that prescribe conditions under which a student-athlete or representative of an institution may be disqualified from further participation in the Collegiate Championships for reasons of misconduct. Practice and Warm-up Practice facilities will be made available to the competing teams and individuals by the host institution. The specific time schedule for practice sessions will be sent by the host institution to all participants prior to the event. It is not expected that teams or individuals would arrive more than two days before the competition. If an exception exists, the teams or individuals would be expected to notify the host institution well in advance. The host institution would be expected to accommodate those arriving early as best as possible or notify them if it is not possible.

1. Day prior to team competition - Official training will be scheduled on the meet apparatus in two rotations of 2 ½ hours each. All qualified men’s teams and individuals will be assigned a training time by the MCGC. If possible, an additional practice area should be made available with no time controls. A mandatory meeting with all coaches and athletes will occur at the midpoint of the training session.

2. Day of team competition - If possible, a practice area should be made available up to the time of the competition. It would be ideal, but not essential, that the practice area have the same equipment as the competition hall. Official warm-up for the competition will be conducted in one session on the meet apparatus in the competition arena and will consist of a minimum general open warm-up period of ninety minutes and a timed warm-up period of 10-minute rotations.

Publicity and Program Material It shall be the duty of each institution entering participants to see that complete information and pictures are sent to the host institution. The sports information director of the host institution shall provide his or her counterparts at the competing institutions with a list of the news outlets to which publicity materials are to be directed in order to inform sports information directors as to how they may assist in the promotion of the meet. Substitutions In the team competition, changes in the line-up will be permitted until each event has begun as long as no more than 12 competitors represent the team. If a line-up change occurs in an event after that event has begun, a .3 point deduction in the final team score will be taken by the head judge of the event in which the infraction occurred. If more than 12 competitors represent the team, team disqualification occurs. Scratches are not considered line-up changes. Uniforms All competitors in the USA Gymnastics Men’s National Collegiate Championships must wear exclusively the official uniform of their institution during the actual competition, warm-up sessions prior to actual competition and during awards ceremonies.

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Misconduct Policy Misconduct is any act of dishonesty, unsportsmanlike conduct, unprofessional behavior or breach of law occurring incident to, en route, from, or at the locale of the competition or practice that discredits the event or sport. Athletes will NOT use alcohol or drugs at any time, respect the property of others (including arena and hotel property), show respect for all team members, spectators, and officials, and engage in no forms of verbal, physical or sexual harassment or abuse. All athletes, coaches, and officials will act in a way to bring respect and honor to the event, USA Gymnastics, and their respective institutions. Penalties for misconduct include:

1. Public or private reprimand 2. Disqualification from further participation in the USA Gymnastics Collegiate

Championships 3. Banishment from subsequent USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships 4. Financial restitution, if applicable

All hotel reservations MUST be accompanied by a room list including the name of the head coach or designated chaperone. Excess noise and other violations of hotel policy may result in a warning followed by eviction from the hotel for repeat offenders. Alcohol will NOT be permitted at anytime during the event. Immediate eviction and disqualification from the USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships will result.

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COMMITTEE DUTIES

The National Chairperson shall:

1. Correspond with committee members and the Senior Director of the Men’s Program of USA Gymnastics for constant evaluation of present policies and to obtain suggestions and recommendations for policy changes. This includes communicating all problems as they arise and requesting responses from committee members.

2. Correspond and communicate with the National Championship Meet Director and the Senior Director of the Men’s Program of USA Gymnastics to verify plans for the Championships. This includes ensuring that the recommendations from the previous year have been given consideration and have been incorporated when appropriate.

3. Solicit items for the agenda for the national meeting and, any other meetings, from all coaches and administrators who are actually or potentially involved in the Championship event.

4. Call, plan and conduct a minimum of one annual meeting of the USA Gymnastics Men’s Collegiate Committee at the national Gymnastics Championships prior to the general meeting.

5. Arrange for the secretary to be present at the official business meeting of the National Championships and supervise the writing of the minutes. The minutes of the meeting are to be mailed to all coaches and administrators who are actually or potentially involved in the Championships event as soon as possible but within three weeks of the meeting. The minutes are to be approved by the Coaches Association prior to the beginning of the following year’s National Championship meeting.

6. Act as an advisor at the preliminary coaches meeting conducted by the Championship Meet Director and/or Assistant Director.

7. Revise the men’s portion of the Championship Competition Manual each year and coordinate with the chairperson of the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Committee to assure consistency regarding all policies and procedures.

The National Secretary shall:

1. Assist the National Chairperson, whenever possible, in dispersing information to all member coaches and administrators.

2. In cooperation with the National Collegiate Club Representative, provide information regarding the “Scholar Athlete” and “Senior Athlete” awards to all member coaches prior to February 1, and solicit the return of the forms by March 1. Upon receiving the information, the secretary will arrange the necessary certificates for presentation at the National Championship event.

3. In cooperation with the National Chairperson, coordinate with Steve Troester, CGA statistician, and notify all member coaches of the qualification of their athletes to the National Championship event. This will include soliciting commitments from the affected institutions and following through with alternates if necessary.

4. Take accurate minutes at all meetings, verify the accuracy of the minutes with the national Chairperson, and provide all member coaches and administrators with a copy of the minutes as soon as possible but within three weeks of each meeting.

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5. Be present at the awards ceremonies to assure that the Senior Director of the USA

Gymnastics Men’s Program has the names and addresses of any athletes who should receive duplicate awards.

The National Meet Director shall:

1. Assist in arranging adequate lodging and eating facilities for the participating member athletes, coaches and administrators.

2. Mail all Championship information, including entry forms, to all member coaches and administrators, the National Chairperson and the Senior Director of the USA Gymnastics Men’s Program as early as possible.

3. Coordinate with the Senior Director of the USA Gymnastics Men’s Program, the National Chairperson and the MCGC on matters related to meet organization and procedures.

4. Be responsible for providing meet results, statistics, etc., to all member coaches and administrations, the National Chairperson, the Senior Director of the USA Gymnastics Men’s Program, all possible media services and, especially, the USA Gymnastics’ media service.

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2005 USAG COLLEGIATE NATIONAL GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Participating Team Travel Information

Visiting Team: Head Coach: Teams may list up to 15 athletes as members of their official traveling party, however, only 12 athletes will be allowed on the floor during competition. Non-participants listed in a team’s official travel party must have a specific affiliation with the team. A maximum of FIVE non-participants may be listed, including the coaching staff, a trainer, and an administrator. Individual participants should list their travel party as follows: One competitor: No more than two non-participants Two competitors from the same institution: No more than two non-participants Three or more competitors from the same institution: No more than five non-participants Non-participants Gymnasts (Maximum of 15) 1. 1. TITLE 2. 2. 3. TITLE 4. 3. 5. TITLE 6. 4. 7. TITLE 8. 5. 9. TITLE 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

TRAVEL ITINERARY Expected date of arrival: Departure: Arrival Time, Airline and Flight #: Local Lodging: Local Ground Transportation: # of Vehicles: Contact person in charge of travel arrangements: Office phone: Home Phone: This form must be received by Friday April 8, 2005 Fax to Ivan Merritt, U.S. Air Force Academy at 719/333-2599

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SENIOR ATHLETE AWARD

ANY ATHLETE WHO HAS BEEN A FOUR YEAR MEMBER OF A

COLLEGIATE GYMNASTICS TEAM IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS AWARD. NAME OF NOMINEE’S FROM YOUR TEAM: MAJOR: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. INSTITUTION: COACH’S SIGNATURE: PHONE: Must be submitted by MARCH 1. RETURN TO: GARY BRUENING UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT PATRICK GYM BURLINGTON, VT 05405 FAX: 802/656-0949

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SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD

Name of nominee (must be a varsity participant): Institution and location: Year of attendance in school (circle one): Junior Senior Athlete must have been in attendance at the nominating institution a minimum of one full term of attendance. Cumulative grade point average: Must be accompanied by an official grade document Major field(s) of study: Minor field(s) of study: Academic honors received: Gymnast’s Signature Date Registrar Date or His/Her Official Representative Present this form and transcript by MARCH 1. RETURN TO: GARY BRUENING UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT PATRICK GYM BURLINGTON, VT 05405 FAX: 802/656-0949

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USA GYMNASTICS COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

COACH OF THE YEAR Institutions participating in the 2005 USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships may vote for the coach of the year award. A Coach of the Year award will be presented in both Varsity and Collegiate categories. Each institution is allowed one vote for their respective category – varsity coaches will vote for the Varsity category and collegiate club coaches will vote for the Collegiate category. 2005 Men’s Varsity Team Coach of the Year

NOMINATION: INSTITUTION:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 Men’s Collegiate Team Coach of the Year

NOMINATION: INSTITUTION:

Must be submitted on site at the 2005 USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships to:

Ivan Merritt, Chairperson Men’s Collegiate Gymnastics Committee

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USA GYMNASTICS COLLEGIATE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS CHECKLIST

MEN’S: All head coaches and assistant coaches who will be on the

competition floor are required to obtain a USA Gymnastics Professional Membership and USA Gymnastics Safety Certification prior to the Collegiate Championships. No coaching personnel will be permitted on the floor without these. Call USAG Member Services at 800/345-4719, for information.

Notification to the committee chairperson, Ivan Merritt, of intent to

participate by February 1. Nominations for Senior Athlete and Scholar Athlete awards must be sent to

Gary Bruening, University of Vermont, no later than March 1. Meet scores entered into “Gymscore,” the CGA computer statistical

website, within 24 hours of each meet. The last acceptable qualifying date is March 31.

Notification of qualification to the Collegiate Championships will be made

no later than April 1. Acceptance of invitation is due by April 5. Line-up/entry and Official Traveling Party form sent via fax or overnight mail

to Ivan Merrit immediately following qualifying notification. Return USA Gymnastics Athlete Registration forms to the attention of

Senior Director, Men’s Program immediately following qualification notification.

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Recommended Equipment Specifications

If you are planning to host a USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championship, the following information should help you in determining the men’s equipment needs. First, you should go to the following web site: www.ngja.org. Once at this site, go to the NCAA Rules and Modifications section (this choice is generally found in the left hand column of the site). Once you open this document up, you should look up “Apparatus and Mats” as it will give you the official requirements and specifications on the men’s equipment needed. Below is a recommended equipment list for the USA Gymnastics Collegiate Championships: Floor System 432350 Stratum Floor Deck 1 432891 Border System 1 416245 Elite carpet 1 416718 Foam Rolls 7 Pommel Horse & Mats 407098 PHF-305-L Pommel Horse 1 416166 16x16 PH Competition Mat 1 Ring Tower & Mats 407580 Reflex Elite Ring Tower 1 407341 Ring Tower Adapter 1 407013 Ring Hook 1 416622 FIG 4x8, 20 cm, Firm V2 mat 1 416639 FIG 8x1-1/2 cm, Firm, V2 mat 1 416663 SC 5x10, 8” mat 1 416078 SC 8x15, 4” throw mat 1 Vault & Mats 407520 Vault Table 1 407228 Stratum Coil Board 2 416049 Padded Runway System 1 416623 FIG 4x8, 20 cm, Firm, V2 mat 1 416639 FIG 8x1-1/2 cm, Firm, V2 mat 1 416663 SC 5x10, 8” mat 1 416078 SC 8x15, 4” throw mat 1 416047 Yellow Vaulting Marker 1 416107 Vaulting Approach Mat 1 407239 Vaulting Safety Zone 1 Parallel Bars & Mats 407550 PB 400 Parallel Bars 1 407228 Stratum Coil Board 1 416641 PB Competition Mat 1 416668 7x10, 4” throw mats 2 Horizontal Bar & Mats 407489 HB 480 1 407342 HB Adapter 1 416622 FIG 4x8, 20 cm, Firm V2 mat 3 416639 FIG 8x1-1/2 cm, Firm, V2 mat 2 416663 SC 5x10, 8” mat 2 416078 SC 8x15, 4” throw mat 2 Miscellaneous 418002 3 Digit score flashers 6