1.  No More Major Injuries

Although it seems an invevitable part of the sport, we're hoping we've seen the last of the major season and career-ending injuries for this season.  Best wishes for a successful recovery to all of the injured athletes. 

2. Increasing Parity

The rising skill level, high level coaching and hard work put in by many teams is creating a new set of names in contention for spots at Nationals.  This year, a traditional powerhouse may once again sit home during the April finals.  In their place, a new team may return to the National stage.

3.  Fewer "Stock" Uneven Bar Routines

A stock routine is one that meets all the major requirements to score a 10.0 but lacks originality, variety in skill choice, amplitude or exceptional artistry.  Over the years, the skill level of the women has risen to the point where many athletes are capable of the skills required for a 10.0 routine.  However, we're now at the point where the vast plurality of the Top 25 teams have UB routines that feature a major release (Tkachev, Gienger, Jaeger) and second D release (overshoot to handstand, Pak salto), and an "E" dismount (double layout, full-in, double front).  Frequently, we'll also see a giant-full or giant-blind thrown in combination.  But, in general, the routines have been so fine-tuned to avoid deductions, any other connecting skills and combinations that might provide variety and interest have been removed. 

The NCAA code does provide for a compositional deduction for variety in connections, lack of dynamics and overuse of elements (e.g. cast to handstand) but these rules are sometimes irregularly enforced.  As a result, despite the millions of possible combinations of moves, we are often left with identical routines from gymnasts.  Kudos to the gymnasts that are adding stalders, toe-on giant-full to handstands, el-grip giants and other interesting skills to their routines.     

4.  Fewer "Stock" Balance Beam Routines

As the competition for the final spots at Nationals has increased, the pressure to avoid falls and get 9.75+ scores has increased.  With that pressure has come a tendancy to scale back BB routines to the base minimum compositional requirements.  We're seeing far too many routines with the following construction:  back handspring to layout series; D salto (front tuck, front aerial, side somi, side aerial); switch leap connected a C or D leap for bonus.  Granted, it is much tougher on BB than on UB for athletes to earn their full 0.5 in bonus, and therefore there is more variety on beam.  But certain leaps are now becoming "standard" or almost "compulsory" in the routines:  switch split, switch side, straddle jump with anywhere from 1/4 up to full turn, and the sheep jump.  Fan-pleasing skills like the triple series on BB and unusual dance/acro moves and flight combos have largely gone by the wayside.  On BB, although there are leap shape and progressive distribution (difficulty spread throughout the routine) deductions, these requirements are usually quite easily met in a stock routine.  There is also an artistry deduction on the event, but what we're talking about here is more about the variety and originality in composition that is starting to be absent from too many routines.  It is not necessarily a plea for more difficulty; novel low-to-the-beam work and unusual, less difficult skills are always a relief to see. 

5.  Continued Progress in Scoring Consistency

Last year, the judges association and coaches worked to continue to improve the consistency of scoring across the country.  This is always a controversial topic, and in many cases a task that is open to outside criticism.  Thanks to all the efforts put forth by the dedicated judges and coaches involved in this effort.

6.  Balancing Artistry and Difficulty on Floor

The continued push for higher levels of tumbling difficulty may unfortunately lead to rise in serious injuries, especially during the relatively long NCAA season.  We read time and time again complaints from fans of the ubiquitous Double Pike mount.  However, these same fans (both expert and "regular") are equally excited by innovative, fun and/or well-executed choreography.  Whatever the style or choice of music, excellence in dance combined with variety in tumbling is always a winning combination.   

7.  Any Vault Other than "You Know What"

Yes, the Yurchenko layout full and Yurchenko layout 1/2 are the unofficial compulsary vaults of the NCAA. 

8.  More Online Meet Broadcasts

This past preseason brought a full complement of online videos from teams across the country.  Last year, fans from across the country were able to follow teams competing each weekend by watching the meets online.  We're hoping that free or low cost video continues to be available for fans, in addition to traditional broadcast outlets.  This type of exposure means more publicity for teams, more fans, and as a side benefit, more transparency in scoring consistency. 

9.  NCAA Athletes on the Elite National Team

Last year, we saw the Men's final AA standings at the VISA Championships filled with the names of current and former NCAAers.  The NCAA men's program remains vital to the future international success of the US Men's program.  And, we saw the return of an active NCAA gymnast to the women's squad, and a number of international athletes represent their countries during the summer and fall. 

10.  A Successful Return for the Cal Program

Here's wishing the Cal program is successful in their fundraising program and that the administration accepts their business plan from the five sports teams that were cut last summer.  

Best wishes in 2011 to all the competitors, coaches, families and fans.  What are you looking forward to seeing?  Registered users can comment below.