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Monday, 27 July 2009 12:44

Code and Rules

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If you have a question or correction you would like added to the FAQ, please contact the webmaster using the "Contact" menu.

Q1: Where can I find the vault start value table for NCAA?

A1: You can find the women's vault table in the Code Modifications at the Judges' Association web site. This vault table is usually revised each Fall, but small changes are typical.

Q2: What rules do the NCAA women use? How do they differ from the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympics rules?

A2: The NCAA uses a modified version of the USA Gymnastics Development Program rules for Level 10. These differences and clarifications are explained in documents posted on the National Association of Women's Gymnastics Judges site. Rules can change on an annual basis. It is also important to note changes in rules and evaluations for the JO L10 program. The NCAA largely adopts these changes for each season. For example, changes in the way certain skills are evaluated or specific examples of compositional deductions may be clarified each season.

Q3: Where can I find out more about execution deductions and other less obvious deductions (for women)? Have these changed for this season?

A3: Summary articles of each code change are usually posted in the Features section prior to the start of the season.

Q4: When will the Women's rule updates be published?

A4: The rules are generally approved and published by the Coaches' Committee in the Fall. All changes usually mirror changes in the JO Program, so look to the USA Gymnastics website for early indications of possible changes.

Q5: What rules do the men use?

A5: The NCAA Men use a modified code based on the FIG Code of Points.  The open ended scoring system has been adopted.  A different set of modifications are used for GymACT teams.    

Q6: When did the NCAA adopt the new vault table?

A6: The men adopted the table in 2001-2002. The women adopted the new vaulting table in the 2002-2003 season.

Q7: Where can I find a copy of the FIG code?

A7: The FIG Code of Points print edition is available for purchase from the FIG and its member organizations, such as USA Gymnastics (online store). A PDF is available for download for free from the FIG website.  The USA Gymnastics Development Program Code is only available by order in Google eBook form from the USA Gymnastics web store.

Monday, 27 July 2009 12:46

Recruiting

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If you have a question or correction you would like added to the FAQ, please contact the webmaster using the "Contact" menu.

Q1: Where can I find information on recruiting?

A1: You can find out information by contacting the NCAA directly. Their web site, http://www.ncaa.org (not .com), has extensive information for prospective student athletes. You can obtain phone numbers, download information, order publications, and search their handbooks and regulations. It is the complete and official resource for this type of information. The main page for eligibility and recruiting is located here.  The Guide for the Prospective Student Athlete is an excellent place to start.  It can be found at this link

Q2: What is a National Letter Of Intent (NLI)?

A2: The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is administered by the Collegiate Commisioners Association, not the NCAA. It is described at their special web site. In "fans" terms, it is a formal acceptance of a scholarship offer, made under and bound by, standard rules and conditions.  You can find more information here

Q3: What is a "verbal commit"?

A3: In "fan's terms", this term is commonly refers to a verbal promise made by a prospective student athlete to an institution offering them a scholarship. This reportedly does not become binding until the National Letter of Intent is signed during the official signing period. Verbal commits are also sometimes called a "verbal" or an "oral commit".

Q4: When is the "signing period" for the 2023-2024 school years?

A4: The signing period for the 2023-2024 school year began on November 9th, 2022 and runs continuously through August 1st, 2023.  

Q5: How many scholarships athletes can each team offer?

A5: Division 1 women's team may have a total of 12 athletes in any given year receiving some form of athletics-related scholarship. This includes athletes receiving partial support.  Conferences may impose additional restrictions.  Some scholarship offers may not be for a full four years, but rather for a single year or for the first and last years.  

Men's teams are limited to 6.3 scholarship equivalents. For the men, this number represents a total budget that can be distributed to multiple athletes. It is measured in full scholarship (out of state) equivalents. Thus, 6.3 scholarships can stretch to 12 or more athletes. In addition, in-state athletes can be fully funded for far less than a full scholarship equivalent. The number available for award and the amount of the award varies by team and by year. 

Similarly, Division II teams and less than fully funded Division I women's teams can divide their scholarships. 

Q6: When does the recruiting period officially start?

A6: If you are a Prospective Student Athlete, please consult the NCAA Guide for the Prospective Student Athlete or the compliance office of your target college for more information and exact guidelines.  In a series of reforms, new steps were instituted to help reduce early recruiting.  For Women's gymnastics, this has shifted much of the contact until starting on June 15th between the Sophomore and Junior year, within incoming and outgoing telephone calls and electronic correspondence.  In-person contact and all types of visits start on August 1st of the prospect's Junior year.   See these guides for more information:  link

Q7:  What is a "Dead Period" or "Quiet Period"

A7:  A "Dead Period" or "Quiet Period" is a time frame when recruiting contact is otherwise suspending.  It includes the initial week of the National Letter of Intent signing period, the month of December, the time period of the NCAA finals, and the 1st half of June.  Please see these calendars for more information:  link

Q8: What athletic skills do college recruiters look for in their prospects?

A9: For the women, there are no clear generalizations that can be made with regard to recruiting. However, in terms of athletic ability, we frequently hear college coaches express similar criteria in terms of skills. Besides a certain skill level, attributes such as natural athletic ability, good execution, clean lines, and excellent fitness are also valued in varying combinations by recruiters. Although the weighting of criteria may differ, in general, college coaches tend to value gymnasts that can already demonstrate 10.0 start value routines that also meet the minimum criteria for composition in the NCAA. These routines must also be competed with good consistency, good execution, good form and amplitude.  The NCAA Code Modifications have significant differences from the Junior Olympic code, including a start value of 9.4 before bonus on uneven bars (UB), balance beam (BB) and floor exercise (FX). 

Here are a few examples of skills sought by teams in the Top 36 nationally:

On vault, the Yurchenko Layout 1/1 and 1/2 have become commonplace. 10.0 start value vaults with saltos are preferred by the top teams, thus the Yurchenko 2/1 and 1 1/2 (aka 3/2), Pike Front 1/2, layout Kasamatsu and Pike Omelianchik have become attractive to recruiters, as long as they are done well.

On UB, a major release such as a Gienger, Tkachev, Hindorff or Jaeger plus another C (connected) or D release is viewed favorably. A D or E dismount is also desired, with a bonus combination into a C dismount the minimum difficulty required to avoid a compositional deduction in the NCAA.

On BB, a solid bhs-layout flight series or comparable plus another D salto or E dance skill is required. Other skills should yield a 10.0 start value under the NCAA rules.  Leaps should be done with at least 180 degree split and good height.  Movements should be done confidently and consistency in hitting your series is important.

On FX, the athlete preferably should show at least at least one D value salto, plus a second pass with a combination of a C salto plus bonus. In addition, the last pass must contain at least C combination bonus.  The routine should also include another D value salto or dance skill if an E value tumbling skill is not performed. A consistently and cleanly performed E level salto is also viewed favorably by the top teams.  Dance should be expressive, leaps fully completed and done with good amplitude.

These criteria are only examples, and exceptional ability on a few events (especially uneven bars) can sometimes compensate for a weakness on a single event.

For men, the competition is even more competitive, due to the small number of programs and the scarcity of scholarship funds. Gymnasts receiving the most funds are at the top of the age group ranks.

Q9:  Where can I find contact information for college programs?

A9:  The Links section of this site has links to the official websites of each school.  Contact information is available at each site, usually in the Roster section, Coaches section or Staff Directory (under the General resources or main section of the website).  

Q10:  How can I tell how many scholarships are available at each school?

A10:  The only way to know for certain is to contact the coaching staff, if you are a prospective student athlete.  For fans, we provide a listing of scholarships based on an annual survey of coaches conducted each summer.  This is located in the "Recruits" section, under the "Commits" for a particular year.  Not every coaching staff participates.  We also have no way to conclusive know how many scholarships have been offered out, and how many have been already committed.  On our Commits page, you will see an estimate of the number of scholarships available, and our estimate of the number remaining.  We can only base this number on the commits we have published or other information we receive.   

For example, take an entry listing "3/1".  A bold 3 indicated 3 was the number of total scholarships in the response from the Coaches in the annual survey.  The italicized 1 is our estimate of the number of scholarships remaining, based on the two commits we know about.  However, in many cases, these may already be claimed.  In some cases, where there is no survey response, we estimate the number of scholarships available based on the current roster composition.   

Each season, after the Fall signing period, additional scholarships come available due to injuries, retirements, non-renewals, and transfers.  Prospective student-athletes who do not sign in the Fall should stay in contact with a wide range of schools.  In fact, some schools reserve a scholarship for Spring signings. 

Monday, 27 July 2009 12:49

Championships

Please read the policy statement and disclaimer before reading the answers on this page.

If you have a question or correction you would like added to the FAQ, please contact the webmaster using the "Contact" menu.

Q1: Where are regionals and nationals being held?

A1: The Women's national/regionals sites:

Women's Schedule:  2022-2026

Meet 2023 2024 2025 2026
Nationals Dallas-Fort Worth (TWU) Dallas-Fort Worth (TWU) Dallas-Fort Worth (TWU) Dallas-Fort Worth (TWU)
Regionals

Denver

UCLA

Oklahoma

Pitt

 

Michigan

Cal

Arkansas

Florida

Utah

Washington

Alabama

PSU

LSU

Oregon State

Kentucky

ASU

Men

 

2023:  PSU

2024:  Ohio State

2025:  Michigan

2026:  Illinois

 

Q2: How do Women's teams qualify for Nationals?

A2: The Top 36 teams ranked by their Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) will qualify to the Regionals. See Q4 below for an explanation of the RQS.  9 teams will be selected into each of the four Regionals.  The first day, the two lowest rated squads in the Regional will have a "play-in" dual meet to qualify to the Regional semi-final.  Two sessions of four teams will compete on the second day, with two advancing from each session.  Finally, at the Regional Final, the top two (of four) will advance.

The 8 teams will qualify to the National Semi-Finals.  Four teams will compete in each session, with two from each to advance to the "Four on the Floor" final. 

Q3: What is the Women's NQS?

A3: The Negional Qualifying Score (NQS) is determined from the total of a team's best three away meet scores plus top three home or away scores. The high score is thrown out and remaining five are averaged.

Q4: How are Conference meets treated in the RQS?

A4: The host team must count the Conference Meet as a home meet. For the rest, its an away meet.

Q5: How are the Women's teams seeded?

A5: The Women are seeded by criteria established by the NCAA Committee. 

Q6: How do individuals qualify to Women's Nationals?

A5: The women can qualify to Nationals as All-Arounders or Event Winners. The top AAers in each Regional, NOT on a qualifying team advance to Nationals. The top event placer not on an advancing team on each individual event will also qualify.

Monday, 27 July 2009 12:42

General

Please read the policy statement and disclaimer before reading the answers on this page.

If you have a question or correction you would like added to the FAQ, please contact the webmaster using the "Contact" menu.

Q1: Why was this site created?

A1: This site was originally created to promote the sport of gymnastics at the collegiate level in the United States and to address the lack of information related to the sport. It has evolved to be the primary online news and information resource for Collegiate Gymnastics in the US.

Q2: How is the information on the "Commits" section obtained and verified?

A2: The information on the list comes from public sources, through our news services, from the Web and from direct submissions to this site. Due to NCAA rules, we are unable to verify the information by contacting either the school or the athlete. The athlete, however, is free to contact us, issue a statement or otherwise publicize a decision. Thus, the source of the information frequently comes from these types of announcements, made through other media outlets, at their club, or directly by the athlete's family. However, because of the nature of these submissions, the information shall remain a "rumor" unless otherwise verified through a confirmed press release or written statement, or is reported directly from another source.

Q3: Who was "ISUFan"?

A3: ISUFan was Mari-Rae Sopper, a regular poster to the OOBNess Collegiate Gymnastics Forum. Mari-Rae lost her life on September 11th, 2001 when her flight was hijacked and redirected in an attack on America. Her family has set up a memorial web site for her. You can go there and read more about her remarkable life. Mari-Rae was a star gymnast in high school and at Iowa State. She was an outstanding coach and choreographer at several colleges and clubs, and was about to start her new job as Head Coach at the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB).

Q4: What are common skills competed by the female athletes?

A4: For an idea of skills competed by various gymnasts, please consult the site archives. However, in general, here are some common skills competed by the top 36 teams:

Vaults:

handspring pike front

handspring tuck front 1/2 and pike front 1/2;

Yurchenko layout, layout 1/2 and layout full;

Tsukahara layout 1/2, layout full and tuck 1 1/2 (or layout Kasamatsu)

Round-off 1/2 to front pike (Omelianchik)

Round-off 1/2 to front tuck or pike with a 1/2 twist;

The most common vault is a Yurchenko layout full.  With a change in the rules, we are now starting to see more Yurchenko layout/tuck 1 1/2 twists and even layout double twists.  The front pike 1/2, Omelianchik, and layout Kasamatsu are also growing in popularity

UB:

Circling skills include Stalders, free/clear hip, toe-on handstands. 

Giant swings front and back, blind changes, giant-full pirouettes, Healy turns and more rarely, elgrip/eagle giants

Single bar release:  Jaeger straddle and pike, Gienger, Tkachev, Markelov, Hindorff, Ray, Church, Ricna, Downie. 

Transition releases:   Shaposhnikova, Maloney, Van Leeuwen, Pak, overshoot to handstand, Bharwaj, Ezhova, straddle back to handstand

Dismounts include a giant full to double tuck/pike flyaway, double layout flyaway, full-in double flyaways, flyaway 1/2 twist to double tuck (Fontaine), double front, double front 1/2s, double twisting layout flyaway, front flyaway with 1 1/2 twists, and a toe-on pike front 1/2 dismount.

A typical routine might include a giant blind to pike Jaeger to immediate overshoot, and a double layout or full-twisting double tuck flyaway.  Another common routine might feature a Maloney to bail (overshoot) to handstand, and giant-full to double tuck dismount.

BB:

Acro: back handspring (bhs) to back layout; front aerial or kickover to bhs; side aerial to bhs; triple element series with bhs, roundoffs, back layouts in combination, bhs or back walkover to onodi.  Stand alone D/E acro skills include the front aerial, side aeriel, front tuck, kick over front tuck/pike, side somi, back layout, gainer layout, bhs full twist to swingdown, full twisting bhs, Onodi, Arabian.

Mounts include front tuck, flyspring, back layout, press handstand, jump to splits.  Most often, a simple, low risk mount is used.

Various leaps in combinations: 1/2, 3/4 and 1/1 jumps in Tuck, Wolf, Split and Straddle; switch sides; switch split, switch split 1/2, sheep jumps, ring leaps, switch ring

Dismounts include back layout double fulls and 1 1/2s, front layout fulls, gainer layout full from the side, gainer pike or tuck full off the end, front gainer full off the end, double backs/pikes.

A typical moderate difficulty level routine would include a bhs-layout series, a side aerial to beat jump, and a switch split-straddle jump 3/4 combo. It might end with a round-off to back layout 1 1/2 or gainer layout full dismount.

Floor:

Tumbling:  Double tuck, pike and layout; full-in double back in tuck and pike; Arabian double front; back layout 5/2 twists; back layout 3/1 twists; Rudi; front double full; double front

A typical routine would include a double pike, back layout 1 1/2 twists to front layout, and end with a double tuck.  A bonus combination or D dance skill is also required.  A minimum two pass routine might include a Rudi to stag and a back layout 1 1/2 to punch front layout, plus two tenths in dance bonus (including a D dance skill).  

 

Q1:  Why was this site created?
A1:  This site was originally created to promote the sport of gymnastics at the collegiate level in the United States and to address the lack of information related to the sport.  It has evolved to be the primary online news and information resource for Collegiate Gymnastics in the US.

Q2:  How is the information on the "Commits" section obtained and verified?
A2:  The information on the list comes from public sources, through our news services, from the Web and from direct submissions to this site.  Due to NCAA rules, we are unable to verify the information by contacting either the school or the athlete.  The athlete, however, is free to contact us, issue a statement or otherwise publicize a decision.  Thus, the source of the information frequently comes from these types of announcements, made through other media outlets, at their club, or directly by the athlete's family.  However, because of the nature of these submissions, the information shall remain a "rumor" unless otherwise verified through a confirmed press release or written statement, or  is reported directly from another source.

Q3:  Who was "ISUFan"?
A3:  ISUFan was Mari-Rae Sopper, a regular poster to the OOBNess Collegiate Gymnastics Forum.  Mari-Rae lost her life on September 11th, 2001 when her flight was hijacked and redirected in an attack on America.  Her family has set up a
memorial web site for her.  You can go there and read more about her remarkable life.  Mari-Rae was a star gymnast in high school and at Iowa State.  She was an outstanding coach and choreographer at several colleges and clubs, and was about to start her new job as Head Coach at the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB).

Q4:  What are common skills competed by the female athletes?
A4:  For an idea of skills competed by various gymnasts, please consult the site archives.  However, in general, here are some common skills competed by the top 36 teams:

Vault:  handspring tuck front; pike front; pike front 1/2; Yurchenko 1/2 layouts; Yurchenko layout and layout full; 1/2 on 1/2 off front tuck, pike and layout; round-off 1/2 to front tuck, pike; round-off 1/2 to front tuck and pike with a 1/2.  Typical vaults include a Yurchenko layout full and a handspring front pike.

UB:  Swinging skills include Stalder, giant blind, giant full, Healy, elgrip giants.  Releases include pike/straddle Jaeger, Gienger, Tkachev, Deltchev, Khorhina, Shoushunova, Overshoot 1/2 to Handstand, Shaposhnikova, Ray, Maloney, Pak and straddle back to handstand; Dismounts include double tuck/pike/layout flyaway, full-in double flyaways, double front, double front 1/2s, toe-on front 1/2.  A typical moderate difficulty level routine might include a giant full to Gienger to overshoot, and a double layout or double pike flyaway.

BB:  Acro:  back handspring to back layout; triple element series with bhs, roundoffs, back layouts in combinations; front tucks, side somi, gainer layout, bhs 1/4 dive to handstand.  Mounts include front tuck, back layout. Various leaps in combinations: 3/4 and 1/1 Jumps in Tuck, Wolf and Straddle; Switch Sides; Switch Splits; Straddle Jumps.  Dismounts include double fulls, front layout full, gainer layout full, double backs.  A typical moderate difficulty level routine would include a bhs-layout series, a front tuck salto, and a switch split-straddle-straddle jump combo.  It might end with a gainer layout full to the side or a front layout full off the end.

FX:  Double tuck, pike and layout; full-in double back;  Arabian double front back layout 2/1 twists, 5/2 twists, 3/1 twists; front layout, front layout full; Rudi; front layout 2/1 twists.  A typical moderate difficulty routine would include a double pike, front layout full twist immediate front tuck, and end with a Rudi (front layout 3/2 twist).

Monday, 27 July 2009 13:42

Records

Please read the policy statement and disclaimer before reading the answers on this page.

If you have a question or correction you would like added to the FAQ, please contact the webmaster using the "Contact" menu.

Since 1994, NCAA Championship records have been recorded during any session of either the NCAA regional or national championships. 

For a list of past women's winners, please see the NCAA Championships site.  The men's list is also available.  

For official NCAA Gymnastics Championships scoring records, please see this link.

Tuesday, 28 July 2009 14:38

2010-2011: Carpenter to WVU

Amanda Carpenter has reportedly committed to West Virginia, according to a site submission. Carpenter, a L10 at Prestige, placed 18th AA and 5th on UB at the 2009 Region VII L10 Regionals. She was the Region UB champion in 2008, placing 11th AA in the Jr. D division in Region VII. Link: Videos at YouTube.com
Tuesday, 28 July 2009 14:37

2010-2011: Case to Kent State

Marie Case, a L10 National Team member who trains at Lakette's, has reportedly committed to Kent State, according to a site submission. The 2009 L10 National Champ on FX at Senior B, she placed 4th AA and 9th(t) on the VT. She also placed 13th AA at the Region VII L10 Regionals in 2008. Link: Recruiting Website
Monday, 27 July 2009 15:40

Cover Girl Classic

The Cover Girl Classic (formerly known as the US Classic) was won by Olivia Courtney. Cassie Whitcomb won UB and Ivana Hong won BB. Recent L10 move-up Kayla Williams won both VT and FX. A variety of other recruitables and committed athletes competed. Link: Results
Wednesday, 05 August 2009 21:39

2010-2011: Carisella to Bama

Olivia Carisella has committed to Bama, according to a site submission. Carisella, a L10 at Elite (LA), finished 15th AA, 9th(t) FX and 10th(t) VT at the 2009 L10 Nationals (Senior D). She was also 30th AA at the 2008 L10 Nationals, Sr. B.
Wednesday, 05 August 2009 21:01

2010-2011: Cinfio to Boise State

Alessandra Cinfio has committed to Boise State, according to a site submission.  Cinfo is a L10 from IGI.  At the 2009 L10 Nationals, she placed 42nd AA in the Senior C division.  She was also 15th AA at the 2008 Region V L10 Regionals, Sr. B.  Link: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/acinfio10" target="_blank">YouTube.com Channel</a>
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