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Oklahoma USAG Competition Policies |
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General Rules
Zoo Review: The Zoo Review is an annual competition that is sponsored by the Oklahoma Judges Association. It is for compulsory gymnasts Levels 3-5, Xcel Gymnasts Bronze-Diamond and Level 7s. The judges volunteer their time and fees while the funds raised go towards continuing the judges’ education and sending a Level 7 team to the National Judges Cup. At the Zoo Review, The 6 athletes + 1 alternate with the highest all-around scores at the conclusion of the session will qualify to represent Team Oklahoma. Ties will be broken via the USAG rules and each athlete may only represent Team Oklahoma at this special competition one time. The host gym of the Zoo Review receives a $500 facility rental fee, door admission fees, concession sales, and any merchandise sales. All competition entry fees will be allocated to the Oklahoma Judges.
National Judges Cup: This annual competition is sponsored by the National Association of Judges and Oklahoma sends an Oklahoma delegation of level 7 gymnasts. The Judge's Association pays a stipend for each gymnast’s travel, entry fee, leotard, and warm-up. In order for a team of gymnasts to be entered in the competition, they must participate in the Zoo Review. Each athlete may only represent the Oklahoma State Team one time and any ties in qualification will be broken using USAG rules.
Drop Back Date: Oklahoma allows for a gymnast who has been competing at one level to try and compete at the next higher level. If the gymnast chooses to drop back down to her original level, she must do so by the drop back date. After the drop back date all gymnasts must only compete at the level they intend to compete at the Oklahoma State Championship. An athlete must achieve the mobility score to compete at a higher level, and is only allowed to drop back one level. The purpose of this is to allow gymnasts to try to compete at a more difficult level without penalty. The drop back date is the First Saturday of March.
Dress Code: The State Administrative Committee has adopted the USAG’s national policy of proper coaching attire for all sanctioned competitions held in Oklahoma. Proper coaching attire includes appropriate athletic shoes, athletic warm-ups or “docker-style” pants , athletic or tailored shorts that are a reasonable length, collared shirts, business casual shirts, and/or T-shirts with gym logo. Absolutely no hats, visors, jeans, shorts with tears or holes, short shorts, jean shorts, spaghetti straps tops, low cut tops, or midriff revealing shirts.
Meet Tax: Each host gym will pay a $1 meet tax per athlete at every Oklahoma USAG invitational. This fee is paid to the state by check within 7 days of the conclusion of the competition. Checks should be made payable to AGSEP and sent to Alpha Gymnastics at 3251 Marketplace Suite 120, Norman, OK 73072. If a host gym does not send their fee to the state, they will be denied entry to the State Championships. At each State competition, the meet tax will raise to be $5 per athlete: $3 will go to the State Administrative Committee and $2 will go to the Athlete Scholarship Fund. The funds raised will be used by the state to host the All-State banquet, hire clinicians for training, purchase awards, fund regional fees, regional gifts, etc.
Members on the Competition Floor: Coaches and Judges must be a registered USAG member to be on the floor at any sanctioned gymnastics meet. Only athletes who are competing during that session or were entered in the session. but are unable to compete may be on the competition floor. No other athletes, children, or adults may enter the competition area.
Hosting a Meet: Meet directors must send in a meet request to the State Judging Director, Jeana Ely, via Gymjas. A sanction and corresponding fee is to be sent to USA Gymnastics. A meet must be sanctioned to count as a qualifying meet to the Oklahoma State Championships. A judges finders’ fee of $3 per judge must be sent to the State Judging Director. After completion of the meet, please send the official meet results and a copy of the sanction to the State Tabulator, Dicki Ward (mimosa-usa@cox.net), within 24 hours. A copy of the sanction must also be sent to USA Gymnastics at sanctions@usagym.org within 72 hours.
Courtesy Guidelines for Entering Meets:
National Judges Cup: This annual competition is sponsored by the National Association of Judges and Oklahoma sends an Oklahoma delegation of level 7 gymnasts. The Judge's Association pays a stipend for each gymnast’s travel, entry fee, leotard, and warm-up. In order for a team of gymnasts to be entered in the competition, they must participate in the Zoo Review. Each athlete may only represent the Oklahoma State Team one time and any ties in qualification will be broken using USAG rules.
Drop Back Date: Oklahoma allows for a gymnast who has been competing at one level to try and compete at the next higher level. If the gymnast chooses to drop back down to her original level, she must do so by the drop back date. After the drop back date all gymnasts must only compete at the level they intend to compete at the Oklahoma State Championship. An athlete must achieve the mobility score to compete at a higher level, and is only allowed to drop back one level. The purpose of this is to allow gymnasts to try to compete at a more difficult level without penalty. The drop back date is the First Saturday of March.
Dress Code: The State Administrative Committee has adopted the USAG’s national policy of proper coaching attire for all sanctioned competitions held in Oklahoma. Proper coaching attire includes appropriate athletic shoes, athletic warm-ups or “docker-style” pants , athletic or tailored shorts that are a reasonable length, collared shirts, business casual shirts, and/or T-shirts with gym logo. Absolutely no hats, visors, jeans, shorts with tears or holes, short shorts, jean shorts, spaghetti straps tops, low cut tops, or midriff revealing shirts.
Meet Tax: Each host gym will pay a $1 meet tax per athlete at every Oklahoma USAG invitational. This fee is paid to the state by check within 7 days of the conclusion of the competition. Checks should be made payable to AGSEP and sent to Alpha Gymnastics at 3251 Marketplace Suite 120, Norman, OK 73072. If a host gym does not send their fee to the state, they will be denied entry to the State Championships. At each State competition, the meet tax will raise to be $5 per athlete: $3 will go to the State Administrative Committee and $2 will go to the Athlete Scholarship Fund. The funds raised will be used by the state to host the All-State banquet, hire clinicians for training, purchase awards, fund regional fees, regional gifts, etc.
Members on the Competition Floor: Coaches and Judges must be a registered USAG member to be on the floor at any sanctioned gymnastics meet. Only athletes who are competing during that session or were entered in the session. but are unable to compete may be on the competition floor. No other athletes, children, or adults may enter the competition area.
Hosting a Meet: Meet directors must send in a meet request to the State Judging Director, Jeana Ely, via Gymjas. A sanction and corresponding fee is to be sent to USA Gymnastics. A meet must be sanctioned to count as a qualifying meet to the Oklahoma State Championships. A judges finders’ fee of $3 per judge must be sent to the State Judging Director. After completion of the meet, please send the official meet results and a copy of the sanction to the State Tabulator, Dicki Ward (mimosa-usa@cox.net), within 24 hours. A copy of the sanction must also be sent to USA Gymnastics at sanctions@usagym.org within 72 hours.
Courtesy Guidelines for Entering Meets:
- Enter on or before the deadline.
- Pay for the number of gymnasts that you entered, not the number that competed.
- Give parents directions and competition information so they will not need to call the host gym.
- Include all information on the entry form including birthdates, levels, athlete numbers, etc.
State Championships
The Oklahoma State Championships are run by the State Administrative Committee with the help of host gyms. The State Administrative Committee is responsible for the payments of sanctions, judge’s fees/expenses, and awards. Judge's meals during the competition must be provided by the host team. All entry fees will be allocated to the State. The host gym receives all revenues from door admission fees, concession sales, and any merchandise sales.
To Host a State Meet: a gym must submit a bid form during the summer and be selected by the State Administrative Committee. The State Meet Bid Form is located under the Forms tab in the menu bar. For all state meets, the scoring system will be provided by Dicki Ward and paid for by the State.
State Meet Entry Fees: The meet fees are set yearly by the State Administrative Committee and are approved by the Regional Chairman. Those fees are listed under the State Meet Information tab which is found by clicking on News from the menu bar.
State Meet Team Fees: There will be a team fee of $50 per team per level for the State Championships. At least 3 athletes are needed for a team. Team fees should be paid to AGSEP by separate check sent to Alpha Gymnastics at 3251 Marketplace Suite 120, Norman, OK 73072.
State Meet Door Fees: The door fees for admittance to all State Competitions will be $15/adult and $10/kid per session for all spectators. Spectators can purchase a weekend pass for admittance into multiple sessions for $25/adult and $15/kid. The door fees are collected by the host gym.
Athletes Competing in the Incorrect Session at the State Meet: If an athlete competes in a different session than her age division she will be able to compete and receive scores, but will be unable to receive individual awards or have her scores count towards the team awards. The athlete will be able to qualify for the All-State banquet only by achieving the required All-Around score.
Switching Gyms: Any gymnast who switches gyms less than 2 weeks prior to the Oklahoma State Championships will be able to receive individual awards, but her scores will not be allowed to count towards the team score.
Judges: The judges for the State Championships are determined by the State Administrative Committee. For the Compulsory, XCEL, and Optional State meets, 2 or 4 judge panels will be selected depending on availability.
To Host a State Meet: a gym must submit a bid form during the summer and be selected by the State Administrative Committee. The State Meet Bid Form is located under the Forms tab in the menu bar. For all state meets, the scoring system will be provided by Dicki Ward and paid for by the State.
State Meet Entry Fees: The meet fees are set yearly by the State Administrative Committee and are approved by the Regional Chairman. Those fees are listed under the State Meet Information tab which is found by clicking on News from the menu bar.
- Any entry turned in after the due date will be assessed a $50 late fee per individual entry.
- At all State Meets, a meet tax will be add to each individual entry fee. This meet tax will be $5 per athlete with $3 allocated to the State Administrative Committee and $2 allocated to the Athlete Scholarship Fund. These funds will be used by the state to host the All-State banquet, hire clinicians for training, purchase state awards, fund regional fees, provide regional gifts, etc.
State Meet Team Fees: There will be a team fee of $50 per team per level for the State Championships. At least 3 athletes are needed for a team. Team fees should be paid to AGSEP by separate check sent to Alpha Gymnastics at 3251 Marketplace Suite 120, Norman, OK 73072.
State Meet Door Fees: The door fees for admittance to all State Competitions will be $15/adult and $10/kid per session for all spectators. Spectators can purchase a weekend pass for admittance into multiple sessions for $25/adult and $15/kid. The door fees are collected by the host gym.
Athletes Competing in the Incorrect Session at the State Meet: If an athlete competes in a different session than her age division she will be able to compete and receive scores, but will be unable to receive individual awards or have her scores count towards the team awards. The athlete will be able to qualify for the All-State banquet only by achieving the required All-Around score.
Switching Gyms: Any gymnast who switches gyms less than 2 weeks prior to the Oklahoma State Championships will be able to receive individual awards, but her scores will not be allowed to count towards the team score.
Judges: The judges for the State Championships are determined by the State Administrative Committee. For the Compulsory, XCEL, and Optional State meets, 2 or 4 judge panels will be selected depending on availability.
- No Judges assigned to the Optional State Meet are allowed inside a gym after the Monday before the Optional State Competition.
- No Judges assigned to the XCEL State Meet are allowed inside a gym after the Monday before the XCEL State Competition.
- No Judges assigned to the Compulsory State Meet are allowed inside a gym after the Monday before the Compulsory State Competition.
- Any Judge inside a gym after the specified date is considered affiliated for the remainder of the season.
State Championships Qualification
Qualifying Scores:
Individual Event Specialists (Optional Gymnasts Only):
Petitions: If a gymnast is unable to able to achieve the qualifying score for entry into the State Championship due to injury or illness, the gymnast can submit a petition to be admitted.
Last Minute Qualifiers: If a gymnast qualifies to the State Championship after the drop back date, her coach must notify the State Chairman and Score Tabulator via e-mail to usag-okstatechair@gmail.com and mimosa-usa@cox.net by the Monday following the meet. The gymnast will also be required to pay a late fee of $50 to enter the State Championship.
- Levels 3, 4, and 5 gymnasts qualify to the State Championships by scoring a 32.00 AA at any sanctioned meet.
- Level 6 gymnasts qualify to the State Championships by scoring a 33.00 AA at any sanctioned meet.
- Level 7, 8, 9, and 10 gymnasts qualify to the State Championships by scoring a 32.00 AA at any sanctioned meet.
- XCEL Bronze, Silver, and Gold gymnasts qualify to the State Championships by scoring a 33.00 AA at any sanctioned meet.
- XCEL Platinum and Diamond gymnasts qualify to the State Championships by scoring a 33.00 AA at any sanctioned meet.
- If an athlete achieves the qualifying score at an out of state competition, the athlete's gym is responsible for sending in the gymnast's qualifying scores to the State Tabulator by the Monday before the State Meet.
Individual Event Specialists (Optional Gymnasts Only):
- A gymnast may qualify to the State Championship as an Event Specialist.
- A gymnast must declare their intent to compete as an Individual Event Specialist at least 4 weeks prior to the Optional State Meet.
- To qualify, the gymnast must score a 9.10 on the event at any USAG sanctioned meet.
- The gymnast must declare her intent to be a specialist by the drop back date.
- The gymnast will still pay the full entry fee to the state meet.
Petitions: If a gymnast is unable to able to achieve the qualifying score for entry into the State Championship due to injury or illness, the gymnast can submit a petition to be admitted.
- For petitions to the Optional and Compulsory State Championships, please click here and review #7 on page 83.
- For petitions to the XCEL State Championships, please click here and review #7 on page 51-52.
Last Minute Qualifiers: If a gymnast qualifies to the State Championship after the drop back date, her coach must notify the State Chairman and Score Tabulator via e-mail to usag-okstatechair@gmail.com and mimosa-usa@cox.net by the Monday following the meet. The gymnast will also be required to pay a late fee of $50 to enter the State Championship.
Region 3 Championships Qualification
The Region 3 Championships is a competition that includes the best gymnasts from 7 states: Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Wyoming. The location of this competition changes each year and rotates between the 7 states. For levels 7, 8, XCEL Gold, Platinum and Diamond, the regional competition is the final meet of the season. For levels 9 and 10, the regional competition serves as a qualifying meet to the Western National Championships and the Developmental Program National Championships.
To Qualify to Regionals:
Event Specialists:
Petitions:
Each gym is responsible for entering their athletes into Regionals via Meet Reservations.
To Qualify to Regionals:
- Level 7 and 8 gymnasts must place in the top percentage of their age group announced at the State Championship.
- Level 9 and 10 gymnasts must score a 34.00 all-around at the State Championship. At the Regional competition, a level 9 or 10 gymnast can qualify to the Western National Championships or the Developmental Program National Championships by being in the top percentage of her age group.
- XCEL Gold, Platinum, and Diamond gymnasts must score a 34.00 all-around at the State Championship.
Event Specialists:
- Levels XCEL Gold, Platinum and Diamond must score a 9.0 or greater on the event at the State Championship.
- Levels 9 and 10 must score a 9.3 or greater on the event at the State Championship.
- Level 7 and 8 Event Specialists cannot qualify to Regionals.
- Level 9 and 10 Event Specialists cannot qualify to Western Nationals or the Developmental Program National Championship.
Petitions:
- For XCEL Gold, Platinum and Diamond petitions to regionals, please click here and review #10 on page 52-53.
- Level 7 and 8 gymnasts cannot petition to regionals.
- For level 9 and 10 petitions to regionals, please click here and review #10 on page 84-85.
Each gym is responsible for entering their athletes into Regionals via Meet Reservations.
All-State Banquet Awards
All State Banquet Qualification: To qualify to the Oklahoma All-State Banquet, a level 3-10 gymnast has to score a 37.00+ AA or receive a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place individual finish (ties included) at the Oklahoma State Championship. For XCEL gymnasts to qualify to the Oklahoma All-State Banquet, an athlete must achieve a 1st place individual event finish (ties included), a top 3 all-around finish (ties included), or a 37.50+ AA score at the Oklahoma State Championship.
Only USA Gymnastics members may qualify for the All-State Banquet. All level 7-10 Regional, Westerns and DP National qualifiers are included, but they must compete at State or Regionals in order to qualify as an All-State athlete. Oklahoma Elite level gymnasts are also included as All-State athletes. Each gymnast is responsible for buying her own banquet ticket.
Shannon Miller Award: The Shannon Miller Award is presented at the Oklahoma All-State Banquet. Two awards are presented each year, one to an athlete and one to an adult. The first award is presented to a gymnast who has brought recognition through her gymnastics to the state of Oklahoma. The second award is presented to the coach, judge, or other professional that brings service or recognition to enhance the quality of gymnastics to the State of Oklahoma. It is mandatory that the state give this award every year. Nominations must be made prior to the Oklahoma State Board Meeting. If a State Administrative Committee member has an athlete nominated for this award, that committee member will abstain from the vote.
Betty Roberts Heart Award: The Betty Roberts Heart Award is presented to an Oklahoma gymnast who has overcome a major life challenge in her personal life or in her family life. Despite major obstacles, this gymnast has shown great heart and courageously continues to shine in the sport of gymnastics being an inspiration to others. It is mandatory that the state give this award every year. Nominations must be made prior to the Oklahoma State Board Meeting. If a State Administrative Committee member has an athlete nominated for this award, that committee member will abstain from the vote.
Ken Hensley Spirit Award- The Ken Hensley Spirit Award is awarded to a well-rounded, high-school gymnast in the State of Oklahoma who has excelled in the classroom, in extra-curricular activities and in gymnastics. This young lady is a gymnast with leadership qualities who displays an exceptional attitude and strong work ethic in all she does. It is mandatory that the state give this award every year. Nominations must be made prior to the Oklahoma State Board Meeting. If a State Administrative Committee member has an athlete nominated for this award, that committee member will abstain from the vote.
Kathy Boeckman Golden Grips Award: This award is presented to an athlete, coach, and judge that displays a genuine love of the sport, a dedication to improvement, and kindness to all. The recipient of this award must show a caring nature towards fellow competitors and promote friendship through sport. It is mandatory that the state give this award every year. Nominations must be made prior to the Oklahoma State Board Meeting. If a State Administrative Committee member has an athlete nominated for this award, that committee member will abstain from the vote.
Mimosa Sports Scholarship: The Mimosa Sports Scholarship is presented to the gymnast(s) who show(s) outstanding gymnastics and extracurricular achievements. To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must compete for an Oklahoma gymnastics club and have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA. Three $500 scholarships will be awarded, one to a compulsory gymnast, one to an XCEL gymnast, and one to an optional gymnast. Educational scholarships can be used for tuition, books, and fees at any accredited college, trade or technical school. The recipient(s) of this award will be selected through an application process and committee selection. The deadline for application is June 1st of each year. All awards will be presented at the All-State banquet in August. This scholarship is funded through the Meet Tax on invitationals and State Championship meets. Two dollars of each athlete's State Championship Meet Tax will be allocated to this scholarship fund, and the State will make a donation to the fund after collecting all of the meet tax from Invitationals.
Oklahoma Program of the Year: The Oklahoma Program of the Year is determined through a point system at the Oklahoma Compulsory, Optional, and XCEL State Team Competitions. The points are allocated as follows:
Levels 3-10: 1st Place = 5 points, 2nd Place = 4 points, 3rd Place = 3 points, 4th Place = 2 points, 5th Place = 1 point
All XCEL Levels: 1st Place = 3 points, 2nd Place = 2 points, 3rd Place = 1 point
The winner will be recognized on the Oklahoma USAG website and at the Oklahoma All-State Banquet in August.
Only USA Gymnastics members may qualify for the All-State Banquet. All level 7-10 Regional, Westerns and DP National qualifiers are included, but they must compete at State or Regionals in order to qualify as an All-State athlete. Oklahoma Elite level gymnasts are also included as All-State athletes. Each gymnast is responsible for buying her own banquet ticket.
Shannon Miller Award: The Shannon Miller Award is presented at the Oklahoma All-State Banquet. Two awards are presented each year, one to an athlete and one to an adult. The first award is presented to a gymnast who has brought recognition through her gymnastics to the state of Oklahoma. The second award is presented to the coach, judge, or other professional that brings service or recognition to enhance the quality of gymnastics to the State of Oklahoma. It is mandatory that the state give this award every year. Nominations must be made prior to the Oklahoma State Board Meeting. If a State Administrative Committee member has an athlete nominated for this award, that committee member will abstain from the vote.
Betty Roberts Heart Award: The Betty Roberts Heart Award is presented to an Oklahoma gymnast who has overcome a major life challenge in her personal life or in her family life. Despite major obstacles, this gymnast has shown great heart and courageously continues to shine in the sport of gymnastics being an inspiration to others. It is mandatory that the state give this award every year. Nominations must be made prior to the Oklahoma State Board Meeting. If a State Administrative Committee member has an athlete nominated for this award, that committee member will abstain from the vote.
Ken Hensley Spirit Award- The Ken Hensley Spirit Award is awarded to a well-rounded, high-school gymnast in the State of Oklahoma who has excelled in the classroom, in extra-curricular activities and in gymnastics. This young lady is a gymnast with leadership qualities who displays an exceptional attitude and strong work ethic in all she does. It is mandatory that the state give this award every year. Nominations must be made prior to the Oklahoma State Board Meeting. If a State Administrative Committee member has an athlete nominated for this award, that committee member will abstain from the vote.
Kathy Boeckman Golden Grips Award: This award is presented to an athlete, coach, and judge that displays a genuine love of the sport, a dedication to improvement, and kindness to all. The recipient of this award must show a caring nature towards fellow competitors and promote friendship through sport. It is mandatory that the state give this award every year. Nominations must be made prior to the Oklahoma State Board Meeting. If a State Administrative Committee member has an athlete nominated for this award, that committee member will abstain from the vote.
Mimosa Sports Scholarship: The Mimosa Sports Scholarship is presented to the gymnast(s) who show(s) outstanding gymnastics and extracurricular achievements. To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must compete for an Oklahoma gymnastics club and have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA. Three $500 scholarships will be awarded, one to a compulsory gymnast, one to an XCEL gymnast, and one to an optional gymnast. Educational scholarships can be used for tuition, books, and fees at any accredited college, trade or technical school. The recipient(s) of this award will be selected through an application process and committee selection. The deadline for application is June 1st of each year. All awards will be presented at the All-State banquet in August. This scholarship is funded through the Meet Tax on invitationals and State Championship meets. Two dollars of each athlete's State Championship Meet Tax will be allocated to this scholarship fund, and the State will make a donation to the fund after collecting all of the meet tax from Invitationals.
Oklahoma Program of the Year: The Oklahoma Program of the Year is determined through a point system at the Oklahoma Compulsory, Optional, and XCEL State Team Competitions. The points are allocated as follows:
Levels 3-10: 1st Place = 5 points, 2nd Place = 4 points, 3rd Place = 3 points, 4th Place = 2 points, 5th Place = 1 point
All XCEL Levels: 1st Place = 3 points, 2nd Place = 2 points, 3rd Place = 1 point
The winner will be recognized on the Oklahoma USAG website and at the Oklahoma All-State Banquet in August.
Age Group Award Requirements for State Championships and Zoo Review
Zoo Review:
Level 3 thru 5 Compulsory State Championships:
Levels XCEL, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 Optional State Championships:
- Age groups and awards will be determined by the State Judging Board.
- Contact Jeana Ely at jeanae@okstate.edu with questions.
Level 3 thru 5 Compulsory State Championships:
- Official USAG State Medals are given for each event and all around
- 50% + 1 of the participants are presented with awards from each age group
- No age group larger than 15 children
- Minimum of 3 places per age group
- All-Around awards given to every participant
- Banners for the top 50% + 1 teams at each level
Levels XCEL, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 Optional State Championships:
- Official USAG State Medals are given for each event and all around
- 50% + 1 of the participants are presented with awards from each age group
- No age group larger than 15 children
- Minimum of 3 places per age group
- All-Around awards given to every participant
- Banners for the top 50% + 1 teams at each level for levels XCEL, 6, 7, and 8
- Banners for all teams at levels 9 and 10
