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This is the home for information regarding Region 1 Rhythmic Gymnastics.
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JO Compulsory Championships Deadline 4/21/08

Just a reminder that registration forms and payment for the 2008 Junior Olympic Compulsory Championships is due May 1, 2008! All-star & Coach warm-up orders and payments are also due at this time! If you have any questions regarding registration or warm-up orders, please let me know and I would be happy to help!

Also, if you haven't already done so, please distribute the Program Ad Form to all your gymnasts attending the event. Ad forms and payment are due by May 1 as well! We look forward to having you join us for an exciting weekend of rhythmic gymnastics competition this June! We have a wonderful and rewarding event planned for all the girls! Best wishes to everyone attending JO Optional Championships this weekend!

Anna Loescher, Integrity Rhythmics

Program Update 4/21/08

The USA had an amazing weekend internationally! Below are the impressive achievements:

• Slovenia World Cup: Julie Zetlin and Rachel Marmer had very strong performances, finishing 17th and 23rd respectively! (Andrea Buzas US judge)
• Kalamata: Lisa Wang finished 7th AA and earned a SILVER medal in clubs Finals! Ava Gehringer finished 17th AA. The Group finished 6th AA and qualified in both event Finals! They finished 5th in Ropes! Way to go! (Catherine Yakhimovich US judge)
• Baltic Hoop, Riga: Rebecca Wallenstein finished 12th AA and made Hoop Finals! (Nadine Davies US judge)
• Baver Cup club competition, Prague: Michelle Millstein placed 3rd AA and earned a SILVER in ball finals! Sarah Kudishevich finished 9thAA and also qualified into finals. Congratulations athletes, coaches and judges for your hard work!

Reminder for JO Optional Championships: Level 7 and 8 D/A forms (5 copies each) are due mailed into the National Office by Monday, April 21st.

Online Registration: Go to the rhythmic homepage for registration information for JO Optional, National Qualifier, JO Compulsory and Future Star Tests.

National Congress: As a reminder, this year's National Congress will be held in Philadelphia June 19-21. Rhythmic will have 3 sessions, tentatively all on Saturday, June 21. Register for National Congress online.

Rhythmic Pre-School Programs: (Tracey Callahan Molnar)
JO Program Adjustments for New Cycle: (Nadine Davies)
Direction of the New FIG Code 2009-2012: (Elena Savenkova)

The Hall of Fame luncheon: Sunday, June 22 11:30-1:30 in Philadelphia and, like last year, TWO RHYTHMIC people are being inducted: Jessica Davis (96 Olympian) and Wendy Hilliard (Contributor). Email me directly if you will be in Philadelphia and would like to attend the HOF lunch at the Rhythmic table.

Training Camps: The following dates are confirmed at the OTC in Lake Placid, NY for this year:

• National Team Camp: August 17-24 (Jr + Sr National Teams named at Visa Championships)
• Youth Elite Squad Camp: August 25-31 (By invitation, sent mid-June)
• Future Stars Camp: September 24-29 (By results of upcoming FS tests; invitations sent mid-June)

See you soon, Caroline Hunt
USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Program Director
317. 829. 5629-office, 317. 490. 4262-cell

Los Angeles Rhythmic Summer camp 4/21/08

Please check the flyer and dates on Events page.

Photos from Levels 4-6 Regionals 4/21/08

Please check the photos at http://yeagerphotos.smugmug.com/

Professional Memberships 4/20/08

As the Junior Olympic Optional Championships, National Qualifier, Junior Olympic Compulsory Championships & Classic and Visa Championships quickly approach, I wanted to take a moment to remind all Professional Members that you must hold a current Professional Membership with USA Gymnastics in order to be on the floor with your athlete(s) or receive any credentialing. Pending Professionals/Inactive Professionals will not be permitted on the competition/warm up carpets. Absolutely NO exceptions! If for any reason you question your Professional status with USA Gymnastics, please contact Member Services at 800-345-4719.

Stephanie Parrish, USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Program Coordinator
317.829.5662- office, 317.237.5069- fax

2009 San Diego Rhythmic Meet Announcement 4/20/08

Please check the announcement and dates on Events page.

San Diego Rhythmic Summer camp 4/10/08

Please check the flyer and dates on Events page.

JO Compulsory Championships Info 4/07/08

Congratulations to all who participated at the Region 1 level 4-6 Championships this weekend. Please check the registration information for the J.O. Compulsory Championships Region 1 Teams and All Star Qualifiers. Please note that the registration deadline for this event is May 1. Send 1 registration form and payment per club. Registration and payments will need to be mailed (no on line registration). I sent in all the uniform orders that were taken at our event this weekend. Warm ups ordered will be available at the event. Any All Stars or all star coaches who did not order directly with me will be allowed to order warm ups with their registration by May 1. Future Stars testing will be held Thursday June 5 and registration forms and information will available at the USA web site. All questions about Future Stars testing should be directed to USA Gymnastics. My best to you all in your continuing competitive season. Please note that all questions regarding the J.O. Compulsory Championships event should be directed to the event host.

Respectfully, Jody Hurlburt, Region 1 Director

American Rhythmic Academy Summer camps 4/07/08

Please check the flyer and dates on Events page.

Region 1 Championship Levels 4-6 4/07/08

Results are available on the Events page.

Region 1 Board meetings 4/04/08

We will host our final Region 1 Board meeting Friday, April 4, 8:00 p.m. at: Residence Inn® by Marriott® Westlake Village, 30950 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village, California 91362. Phone: 1-818-707-4411. All Region 1 Pro members are invited to attend.

Levels 4-6 All Stars 4/3/08

At the Region 1 level 4-6 Championships this weekend the top 10 level 4, 5 & 6 athletes regardless of age division will be designated our Region 1 J.O. Compulsory teams and will be sized to receive a warm up suit courtesy of Elite GK.

All Star participation at J.O Compulsory Championships - (athletes must achieve a qualifying score at State or Regional meet):

• Level 4: 19.50 AA
• Levels 5/6: 24.50 AA

All registration for the Complusory championship event will be taken online with meetmaker.com at the end of April beginning of May. The J.O. Compulsory Championships will be held June 6-8 in Columbus, Ohio. Tentative event schedule:

• Fri. 6/6 - Level 4
• Sat. & Sun. 6/7-8 - Levels 5 & 6

J.O. Team qualifiers, All Stars, and Coaches will be fit for warm ups immediately following team awards (level 4 on Saturday and 5 & 6 on Sunday). Coaches who would like to purchase a jacket or warm up suit must be sized during this time and credit card payment must be completed on the order form. Qualified All Stars who wish to purchase a warm up must turn in an order form and pay $58 to Region 1 at the time of sizing (cash or check only). No special alterations will be available for All star warm ups so I suggest that you have your athletes try the warm ups on to determine which size to order. J.O. Teams, All Star qualifiers, and coaches will receive their warm ups at the J.O. Compulsory event. My best to all participants at this weekends Region 1 Level 4-6 Championships.

Respectfully, Jody Hurlburt
USAG Rhythmic Region 1 Director

Levels 7-9 All Stars warm up 4/3/08

Parents who wish to purchase a warm up suit for their qualifying athlete will need to call Suzi Ditullio (978-897-8184) by Monday 4/7 4:00 p.m. west coast time and pay by credit card ($58). Logo will include "All Star." The following Region 1 athletes are eligible to purchase the warm up suit:

• Level 7 - Jacqueline Buckley (Monarchs), Tatyana Miatchina (Ninos), Nikita Bess (LA School of Gymnastics)
• Level 8 - Rita Makrushina (Rhythmic Academy of Marin), Alison Sarreal (LA School of Gymnastics), Veronica Baban (Starlite Rhythmics), Sonya Nisevich (Starlite Rhythmics)
• Level 9 - Aria Rodi (Emerald City Rhythmics), Danielle Johnson (LA School of Gymnastics), Vanessa Hansard (California Rhythms), Megan Kincaid (California Rhythms), Sherry Echano (California Rhythms), Kylie McKown (Twisters)

Respectfully, Jody Hurlburt
USAG Rhythmic Region 1 Director

Summer Workshops in Florida 3/31/08

Please check flyers for levels 3-6, levels 7-10 and registration form. We have room for only 35 gymnasts and their coaches!!! Some gymnasts have alredy signed up. We hope to see you...

Mila Marinova Harty, Stan Picus

Region 1 Championship Levels 4-6 3/31/08

Updated schedule and list of competitors are available on the Events page. Coaches, please check to make sure all the athletes are listed correctly. If anyone is missing or any information needs to be changed, please contact the meet host.

Awards policy 3/24/08

Awards policy for the Region 1, Level 4-6 Championships is available on the Events page.

7&8 All Star Scores (change) 2008 3/24/08

I have just received an official communication dropping the level 7&8 Junior Olympic Optional Championships All Star scores. Please join me in congratulating the following Region 1 All Stars who have qualified to participate in the Junior Olympic Optional Championships individual competition:

• Level 7 All Star qualifying score - 36.00. Region 1 qualifiers: Jacqueline Buckley (Monarchs), Tatyana Miatchina (Ninos), Nikita Bess (LA School of Gymnastics)
• Level 8 All Star qualifing score - 38.00. Region 1 qualifiers: Rita Makrushina (Rhythmic Academy of Marin), Alison Sarreal (LA School of Gymnastics), Veronica Baban (Starlite Rhythmics), accepted by injury petition Sonya Nisevich (Starlite Rhythmics)

See the USA website for more information about the event schedule or for athletes who wish to register.

All Star Warm-ups: Level 7, 8, 9's Cost :$58 ( includes embroidery & shipping) payable to USRGCA. Payment can be made at the JO meet by check at the time of pickup. CCard payments will also be accepted by phone: Suzi DiTullio (978-897-8184). Logo will include "All Star."

At Regionals I was able to size all of the attending level 9 All Stars and will send the sizing I have to Suzi Ditullio. Please note: the warm ups will not be automatically paid for with registration. Anyone who wishes to order the All Star Warm up needs to contact Suzi DiTullio ASAP with your order. Level 7 & 8 All Stars have the choice of the following sizes: Youth 8, Youth 10, Youth 12, Youth 14 Junior 2, Junior 6, Junior 10, You will need to have an inseam measurement (crotch to floor) as they will custom hem the length of the pants. My best to you all in your continued training and competition opportunities!

Respectfully, Jody Hurlburt
USAG Rhythmic Region 1 Director

Congratulations 3/19/08

My sincere congratulations to all participants that attended the level 7-10 Region 1 Championships held March 15-16, in Newark, CA. I ask that you all take the time to appreciate the hours of training and dedication that were put in by all of our Region 1 athletes. We need to consider them all winners for their participation and dedication to this beautiful sport. I ask that you take the time to thank all the efforts of our USAG Rhythmic Professional Members Coaches, Judges, and Meet Directors, as without their effort our athletes would have no guidance. And finally and importantly, I ask that you recognize and thank our 7-10 Region 1 Championship event host Starlite Parents Club who did a fabulous job of organizing and running this team selection event.

Our Region 1 Teams include:

• Level 9 Junior Team - Megan Lalor (SOC), Maria Recinto (TWS), Aliya Protto (HAG), MaCall Manor (EUR)
• Level 9 Senior Team - Katherine Davis (RAM), Anastasia Afonicheva (LAL), Margarita Osmushkina (CAR)
• Level 8 Team - Jennifer Rokhman (SOC), Monica Rokhman (SOC), Zoe Gwizdak (CYC), Ashley Ittner (STR), Leora Feldman (CAR), Saydee Dickinson (NIN), Annika Seilnacht (STR), Sarah Scarnechia (CAR)
• Level 7 Team - Andrea Gao (SOC), Michelle Klets (ALR), Monica Khechumian (CAS), Chantelle Ahl (HAG), Iris Lang (SOC), Elliana Progrebinsky (STR), Bella Elbaum (CAR), Rachel Krugliak (HAG)

Our Region 1 Optional Teams will next compete at the Junior Olympic Optional Championships which will be held April 24-27, in Deerfield, IL hosted by North Shore Rhythmics. Tentative event schedule and event registration are available.

Announced at our Region 1 Championship event were our Region 1 Athlete and Coach of the year recipients, congratulations to:

• Level 9 Athlete of the Year - Megan Lalor, Level 9 Coach of the Year - Iordanka Kovatchka
• Level 8 Athlete of the Year - Jennifer Rokhman, Level 8 Coach of the Year - Iordanka Kovatchka
• Level 7 Athlete of the Year - Andria Gao, Level 7 Coach of the Year - Iordanka Kovatchka

Best of luck to our continuing teams, coaches, and officials. We are proud to have you represent Region 1.

Respectfully, Jody Hurlburt
USAG Rhythmic Region 1 Director

Region 1 Championship Levels 7-10 Results 3/18/08

Are available on the Events page.

Board Meeting 3/13/08

Please check the agenda for our Region 1 Board meeting that will be held Friday March 14, 8:00 p.m. at the host hotel for our Region 1, 7-10 Championships. Thank you to everyone who sent discussion and agenda items for this meeting. Please note this meeting will be a preliminary meeting for update and discussion. Our Region 1 financial report, proposals and voting by the board will be held at a second meeting held in conjunction with our Region 1, 4-6 Championships, April 4th, 8:30 p.m. at the host hotel for the event. The final two Region 1 Championship Competitions will allow us to work together to improve the professional image of our competitive sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics. I remind you that all issues that arise at these final events need to be resolved in a calm and clear professional manner. There will be no direct communication with the panel of officials at these events. All problems or inquiries are to be presented to the meet director or myself. Your assistance in improving our image to the public at large would be greatly appreciated. I will be out of my office 3/13-17 and not returning phone messages or emails.

Respectfully, Jody Hurlburt
USAG Rhythmic Region 1 Director

Program Updates 3/12/08

National Update:

For JO Compulsory Champs (must achieve qualifying score at State or Regional meet):

• Level 4: 19.50 AA. A tentative schedule - Friday 6/6
• Levels 5/6: 24.50 AA. A tentative schedule - Saturday and Sunday 6/7-6/8

For JO Optional Champs (must achieve qualifying score at Regionals):

• Level 7: 41.95 AA
• Level 8: 42.50 AA

All registration/hotel information will be available on Monday, March 17 at www.usa-gymnastics.org/rhythmic

Future Stars Update:

The Future Stars skills will be the same as last year except the 50 (or >100) ³fast skips through the rope² has been eliminated from the Conditioning portion! You can find the Tested Skills under Future Stars news skills at the website: www.usa-gymnastics.org/rhythmic

International Update:

Moscow Junior Tournament: Tyler Rosemond finished 13th and Rebecca Sereda finished 16th out of 35: Tyler was 4th in Ribbon, 0.1 from the bronze medal!!!

Grand Prix: Lisa Wang finished 19th AA; Ava Gehringer finished 6th in the senior tournament. US gymnasts just completed a training camp in Russia¹s Olympic School following the competition (Katherine Scarnechia, Polina Kozitsky, Rebecca Sereda, Jazzy Kerber, Shelby Kisiel and JoAnna Arnold).

Schmiden Tournament (Germany): Anastasia Torba finished 14th AA and made 2 event finals!! (She was unable to compete in finals due to illness).

Coaches¹ Cup: This weekend is the international club competition Coaches¹ Cup in Syracuse, NY; many US national team members will compete! Good luck to ALL participants!

Up next: Julie Zelin competes in Kiev World Cup and Thias Grand Prix; Gabriella Magid in Kiev Jr. Tournament. Lisa, Rachel, Ava, Marlee, Tyler, Anastasia and Viktoriya attend the Pacific Rim Selection camp where the Pacific Rim team and No Limits Tournament Junior competitor will be named.

Hall of Fame: 2 members of the rhythmic community will be inducted into the Hall of Fame -Athlete, Jessica Davis (96 Olympian) and Contributor, Wendy Hilliard. Congratulations! This is very exciting for our sport, and hope that those of you attending the National Congress will support their achievements at the HOF lunch, June 22nd in Philadelphia. As a note, the nomination form and Hall of Fame criteria can be found in Technique magazine.

In Memoriam: Wendy Hilliard has written a tribute to Zina Mironov, National Team coach in the 70s and 80s and a significant contributor to the sport of rhythmic gymnastics in the USA. Zina passed away last summer; Zina¹s sister, Roza Litva, has also been a National and World-level judge, coach, and club owner and continues to judge nationally.

Promotion: Recently, top members of the US Tennis team shot commercial photos posing as athletes from other sports. Female tennis star, Maria Sharapova, requested to pose as a rhythmic gymnast! Olympic coach Alla Svirsky oversaw the shoot in LA. Check the website soon to see the photos!

Caroline Hunt, USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Program Director
317. 829. 5629-office 317. 490. 4262-cell

Region 1 Championship Levels 7-10 Schedule (Updated) 3/11/08

Updated schedule for the Region 1 Level 7-10 Championships is available on the Events page. Please note that the schedule may change and be updated as we are receiving daily scratches. Please check for any revised or updated schedule that you will receive in your coaches/judges packets, and also be prepared for any advancements or delays.

NorCal States L4 and L5-10 Results 3/07/08

Are available on the Events page.

Region 1 Championship Levels 4-6 Info 3/06/08

Region 1 Board has set the level 4 qualification score for Region 1, 4-6 Championships at 14.00 from an all around score at NorCal or SoCal. The host organization has agreed to take late entries for level 4 with the following guidelines:

• You may reserve level 4 late entry by emailing monarchsrhythmic@yahoo.com by March 10th with athlete name, USA #, team, qaulification score
• Mail entry fee of $90 ($65 and a late fee of $25) postmarked by March 12th.

Regarding the invitational being host on Sunday after the conclusion of the 4-6 Regional Championships:

• We are accepting late entries (without late fee) for the invitational portion of our event, levels 3, 7 and 8 only.
• In order to accommodate level 7s & 8s who wish to complete their Regional Championships prior to registering for our meet, we are pushing our invitational deadline out. Registration and payment MUST be postmarked by March 18th. Beyond that date, no late entries will be accepted.
• As a courtesy, we ask that you email monarchsrhythmic@yahoo.com as soon as possible so that we may hold your spot until your entry arrives.
• Please note: this extended deadline applies only to levels 3, 7 & 8.

Finally, as we have not yet confirmed the schedule for this event and would like to facilitate your travel plans please read the General Schedule outline on the Events page.

Best of luck to all participating in our final Region 1 Championship events.

Region 1 Championship Levels 7-10 Schedule (Preliminary) 3/05/08

Preliminary schedule for the Region 1 Level 7-10 Championships is available on the Events page. Please note that this schedule is subject to change. The level/gym group assignments will be posted soon.

Reminders about the Facilities:

• Shoes: Only tennis or soft-soled shoes will be allowed on the gymnasium floor.
• Smoking: Absolutely prohibited. There is no smoking anywhere on the high school grounds. This includes the outside areas and the parking lot. Violators will be subject to a fine if the smoke detectors are triggered.
• Warm-up and Main Floor: Please ask parents and siblings to stau off main floor and warm-up area. If they need to do their child's hair/make-up, please have them do so on the bleachers.
• No flash photography
• Food and Beverage: There will be limited concession services available. Only bottled water will be permitted in the warm-up area.

Thank you for your cooperation, Starlite Rhythmic Parent Club

Rhythmic Education Fund 3/05/08

Congratulations to our Region 1 Rhythmic Education Fund Scholarship recipients for 2007, Kirsten Hurlburt, Alexandra Licona, and Thea Torgerson. See the announcement below. If you know of any currently competing athletes that will graduate from high school in spring 2008 please forward this information to them. I will ask the Rhythmic Education Fund Board to re post all scholarship application information and guidelines on the Region 1 Web site and will forward the updated application process to you when I receive it. In the meantime please help get the word out to any Region 1 athletes who may qualify. Again, we should all be proud to have three of the six awarded scholarships in 2007 be to Region 1 athletes. I hope you will all continue to support our Region 1 annual donation to this fund.

Respectfully, Jody Hurlburt
USAG Rhythmic Region 1 Director

It's that time of the year when applications to the Rhythmic Education Fund are being considered. In order to provide scholarships, the Fund is dependent on donations. Last season they were slow coming in and it was difficult to know how much we would have in the fund to award. With much appreciation for all of your donations coming from USRGCA plus Regions 1, 2, 4, and 6, we did end up with enough to award 6 scholarships, 4 at $1000 each and 2 at $500 each. The (4) $1000 scholarships went to:

• Kirsten Hurlburt, Reg. 1, Redwood Rhythmics, Arcata, CA, Oregon State University
• Alexandra Licona, Reg. 1, Hollywood Academy, Culver City, CA, University of Southern California
• Kate Samaraev, Reg. 2, Evergreen Rhythmics, Normandy Park, WA, University of Washington
• Marina Poluektova, Reg. 3, Elite Rhythmics, Downers Grove, IL, University of Chicago

The (2) $500 scholarships went to:

• Marina Moskalenko, Reg. 4, Aviator, Brooklyn, NY, Barnard College
• Thea Torgersen, Reg. 1, Global Rhyth. Academy, Point Arena, CA, Univ. of California, Merced

Hopefully you will consider donating this year. Quite often proceeds from competitions have been donated. Last year, Region 1 sold programs at Westerns and donated the proceeds from the sales. USRGCA has been donating large amounts each year from the "Classics" competition. I know this is late in the season, but maybe you can pass the information on to the members of your regions in case there are some competitions where some portion of the profit could be donated.

Send DONATIONS and APPLICATIONS to: REF/Judy Whelan, 732 Sunshine Dr., Los Altos, CA 94024

The DEADLINE for APPLICATIONS: May 31, 2008. A High School Transcript must accompany the application.

Thank you, Rhythmic Education Fund Board
Suzanne Brady, Desiree de Liser, Carla Garrett, Suzuyo Irla, Judy Whelan

Region 1 board meeting 3/04/08

It is time to prepare for our annual Region 1 Board meeting. The meeting will be held at the R1 Championships host hotel Friday March 14, at 8:00 p.m. in the general meeting room. This meeting is open to all professional members, you will be asked to sign in with your professional member number at the door. I have begun compiling a R1 financial report, R&P proposals, and issues for discussion. At this time, I would like to ask for proposals for changes or additions to our Rhythmic Rules and Policies. As regional director, I ask that you come to this meeting prepared to offer constructive ideas and suggestions for resolving issues. If you have any unresolved issues that you would like to bring to the attention of our administrative board please email your proposals in by March 8th so we can prepare the agenda for the meeting. Coaches and judges, please check the directories we will have present at the meeting to make sure your contact information is current. During the year if you have any changes, I suggest you send them to me so I can keep an updated copy throughout the season.

Respectfully, Jody Hurlburt
USAG Rhythmic Region 1 Director

Picture of the Day 3/03/08

You will enjoy seeing Tom Theobald¹s Picture of the Day which features US 1988 Olympian Diane Simpson-Bundy. For our current national teams, Diane really helped put the USA on the international map and is a very important part of our sport¹s history in this countryŠ

National Events 3/01/08

The bids have been awarded! FS tests have been arranged at 3 major events for greatest convenience and maximum participation. The FS camp will be in late summer /early Fall in Lake Placid at the OTC. More information regarding each event will become available soon and will be posted on the website; thank you for your patience:

• Future Stars Test: Monday, April 24 6-8 pm (date/time changed from April 28th 9am-12pm)
  Junior Olympic Optional Championships: April 24-27 (confirmed), Deerfield, IL (North Shore Rhythmics)
• Future Stars Test: Friday, May 2 4-7pm
  National Qualifier: May 3-4, New York City (Aviator Sports)
• Future Stars Test: Thursday, June 5th 4-7pm
  Junior Olympic Compulsory Championships: June 6-8, Columbus, OH (Integrity)

The following are also USAG event dates:

• VISA Championships: May 22-25, Houston, TX
• National Congress/Artistic Olympic Trials: June 19-22, Philadelphia, PA

Important information - Recap of significant info from RPC:

• From the Regional Championships, the top 4 L9 junior and top 4 L9 seniors will make your level 9 TEAM. However, ALL level 9s can participate in the Level 9 Championship at JO Optional Championships. For Levels 7 and 8: any gymnast not named to the Regional Team, but achieving a certain score at their Regional Championships, may enter the competition as an All-Star. This score will be set, per the regulations, 14 days prior to the first Regional Championships.
• From JO Optional Championships the top 20 Level 9 Juniors in rank order qualify to the National Qualifier; the top 15 seniors in rank order qualify to the NQ (per RPC January minutes). All Level 10s also compete in the Qualifier.
• From the National Qualifier, the top 25 juniors in rank order and top 20 seniors will qualify to Visa Championships. *This is new and JUST approved. Formerly it was only 20 Jrs/20 Srs (per RPC February minutes)
• JO Leotards have been eliminated in order to outfit ALL regional teams from Levels 4-9 in WARM-UPS: Levels 4-6 10/ team; Levels 7-8, 8/team; Level 9, (top 4 JRS and top 4 SRS in rank order from Regional Championships).

Caroline Hunt, USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Program Director
317. 829. 5629-office 317. 490. 4262-cell

JO Optional Champs 2/28/08

Both the J.O. Compulsory and Optional Championships now have hosts listed on the USAG site. In preparation for the Junior Olympic Optional Championships, it becomes clear that---very excitingly!---we will have so many gymnasts that we will need an extra day for the event in order to accommodate the athletes and judges fairly. This will be a great extravaganza! We are inviting members of 2016 Chicago Olympic bid committee to see our 2016 hopefuls in action! Therefore, we secured Thursday to begin competition and to host the Future Stars test (instead of Monday, April 28th). Below is a tentative JO Optional Championship schedule FYI: looking forward to seeing you there! Good luck at Regionals!

• Thursday: 1:30pm - Level 8 (2 events), 6-8pm - Future Stars Testing
• Friday: AM - Level 7 (2 events), Early PM - Opening Ceremonies (All L7 and L8), PM - Level 8 (2 events), PM - Level 8 Awards, PM - DJ Dance Party (Competitors & Future Stars) and "Meet and Greet" at the Westin
• Saturday: AM - Level 7 (2 events), Early PM - L7 Awards, Early PM - Opening Ceremonies L9, PM - L9 JRs (2 events)
• Sunday: AM - L9 SR (4 events), Early PM - L9 SR Awards, PM - L9 JRs (2 events), PM - L9 JR Awards

Caroline Hunt, USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Program Director
317. 829. 5629-office 317. 490. 4262-cell

CYC Results 2/28/08

Are available on the Events page.

Marmer earns Bronze Medal 2/28/08

The USA kicked off the international season at the Madiera Tournament with Rachel Marmer finishing 4th AA, making all event finals and just 0.2 from AA bronze. Rachel brought home a BRONZE MEDAL in the rope event! She finished 4th, 5th and 5th in the other events respectively. Congratulations to the whole US team Rachel, Ivanka and Nadine for their hard work and laudable achievements! Let¹s keep those medals coming in.

Best of luck to US competitors competing in Moscow this coming weekend: Juniors Tyler Rosemond and Rebecca Sereda; Seniors Lisa Wang and Ava GehringerŠ Good luck in your forthcoming REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS!

Caroline Hunt, USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Program Director
317. 829. 5629-office 317. 490. 4262-cell

SoCal State Results 2/26/08

Are available on the Events page.

Regional Championship (L7-10)Update and Important Reminders 2/25/08

List of gymnasts is available on the Events page.

Feb 28: Host hotel booking deadline (after this date, any reservation will be at their standard room rate)
March 3: Ads for the program due
March 5: TV/AV forms due (5 copies)

• Please note  that we now requiring 5 copies of each event.
• No forms will be accepted at  the meet.
• A $25 per gymnast fee will be assessed if forms are postmarked after March 5th, 2008, or the proper amount of copies is not sent.
• NO EXCEPTIONS.

Dallas Cup Information 2/18/08

Is available on the Events page.

Latest News 2/11/08

• Colorado Information: Stephanie has completed and posted all information online including Rotations and other pertinent information. http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/rhythmic/
• LA Lights: Level 10 junior and senior results and photos are now posted online; thank you to LASG for a beautiful event! http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/rhythmic/
• Capitol Challenge, Boston Cup, Coaches¹ Cup: Congratulations to Rhythmflex for their international invitational, Capitol Challenge, last weekend; look forward to more winter international club events in Boston (Feb 22) and Syracuse (March 15).
• Clarification: The APPARATUS ROTATION FOR THE JO PROGRAM IS UPDATED ONLINE; the "7-16-2007" schedule in Updated JO Handbook posted online is CORRECT. The version printed in the most recent Technique is not correct.
• Updated R and P: I apologize greatly. For months I had erroneously thought the updated version was posted. It will be updated tomorrow and sincere apologies for such a delay.
• Camp photos: You can check out the work of the Jr. NT and Youth Elite Squad at their recent training camp outside of LA prior to the LA Tournament. http://share.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b35f8bc6053a&sid=0AZtGLli2bsmLCJA
• FIG Newsletter: Many of you may have seen the newest November 2007 FIG RG newsletter. http://www.fig-gymnastics.com/index2.jsp?menu=disrg
• New website: USAG will be launching a complete makeover to the website next week; check out the improved rhythmic page with better organized info coming soon!

(Remember to wish NT senior Delaney Lonergan and NT coach Olga Kutuzova a happy birthday in CO!)
See you in Colorado, Caroline Hunt, USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Program Director
317. 829. 5629-office 317. 490. 4262-cell

SoCal State Schedule 2/08/08

Is available on the Events page.

Gymnast Lily Kobabe on Nickelodeon 2/06/08

Level 7 gymnast Lily (Lilyana) Kobabe from Monarchs will be featured doing rhythmic on The Nickelodeon channel this weekend on the ICarly show. It airs 8:00 p.m. Pacific, February 9th. Lily will be working with her ball. They will be using the piece on ICarly.com as well after that date, if anyone misses it. Great exposure for rhythmic!

NorCal Level 4 Championship Reminder 1/31/08

We want to remind you that deadline date for Norcal Level 4 Entree is February 1, 2008. Late fees will be collected for any late entries. Entry form is available on the Events page. We look forward seeng you on March 1, 2008 in San Francisco.

Florida State Rhythmic Challenge 1/28/08

Invitation to the Florida State Rhythmic Challenge is available on the Events page.

CYC Invitational Schedule 1/26/08

CYC Invitational schedule is available on the Events page.

Regional Championship Information (7 - 10) Registration Reminder 1/25/08

Thank you to those who have already registered for the meet. Just a reminder to those who haven't yet, the deadline is quickly approaching. A $25 per gymnast late fee will be applied to entries not post marked by February 2. Important Dates:

• Feb 2 Registration deadline
• Feb 28 Host hotel booking deadline
• March 3 Ads for the program due
• March 5 TV/AV forms due (4 copies)
• March 15 - 16 Meet

Level 9 qualification to national, J.O. Date 1/23/08

Please read the following minutes from the Rhythmic Program Committee conference call addressing the level 9 qualification to national, J.O. Date.

LA Lights Update 1/18/08

Please check the Events page for the postcard with information about a Meet and Greet with rhythmic and artistic gymnastics stars on the Thursday before the competition.

Level 4-6 Region 1 Championships Update 1/15/08

Please check the Events page for updated files with correct fees for Levels 4-6.

San Diego Invitational Results 1/14/07

San Diego Invitational results are available on the Events page.

Colorado Update 1/11/08

There are 3 remaining spots in the Level 7 competition in the CO invitational (due to cancellations). If you are interested, Stephanie will accept the first 3 people to fill these spots. Please be prepared to provide her with the athlete's number and payment method; USOC forms can be found at the rhythmic homepage under Colorado and will be required for participation. Call 317. 829. 5662 or e-mail sparrish@usa-gymnastics.org.

Additionally, there are still remaining spots in the Level 9/10 Senior event. If you would like to register late for this, please also inform Stephanie. ALL registrations will close this Friday, January 11th so that we can create rotations, etc.

Level 4-6 Region 1 Championships 1/11/08

Please check the Events page for information about Level 4-6 Region 1 Championships. Entry deadline is to be postmarked no later then February 20, 2008.

YouTube commercial 1/09/08

There is now a YouTube version of the commercial featuring the lovely and talented gold-medal-winning team of Lisa Wang, Aline Bakchajian and Brennan Stacker, shot in Brazil and shown in the Netherlands. It is amazing!

RTC Addendum 12/17/07

The RTC received many questions regarding the changes to the apparatus maximum but not the floor maximums in the JO rules. They considered this and made the following addendum, which will be reflected in the minutes on-line. This addendum was approved by the RPC today.

Level 7:
Floor Max Diff = 5.00 (10 body difficulties max value E level)
Max Art = 3.00 (2.0 basic 1.00 music)
Execution = 10.00
Calculation: (A+D)/2 + Execution Total = 14.00

Level 8:
Floor Max Diff = 7.20 (12 body difficulties max value F level)
Max Art = 3.00 (2.0 basic 1.00 music)
Execution = 10.00
Calculation: (A+D)/2 + Execution Total = 15.10

San Diego Invitational Updated Schedule 12/17/07

SD Invitational updated schedule is available on the Events page.

Dear coaches, please take care of your gymnasts' USAG registrations ASAP to avoid any confrontations at the meet. Many of participants are still not registered. Thank you for your cooperation.

Monarchs Invitational Results 12/14/07

Results are posted on the Events page.

Region 1 Levels 7-10, Group Championships 12/10/07

Please find the details of the 7 - 10 Regional Championships on the Events page. Looking forward to seeing all of you in Newark

Important Dates:

• Feb 2 Registration deadline
• Feb 28 Host hotel booking deadline
• March 3 Ads for the program due
• March 5 TV/AV forms due (4 copies)
• March 15 - 16 Meet.

NorCal Championships 12/10/07

Information is available on the Events page.

Program Update/Information 12/10/07

Colorado Reservations. Colorado Invitational participants can begin booking their hotel rooms through National Travel Systems using the following options:

• Reserving online at www.ntssportstravel.com
• Calling toll free group department at 888-603-8747
• E-mailing group department at sportsinfo@nationaltravelsystems.com.

Spots are still available for 9/10 Senior only. All participants who registered on-line for other divisions or who were contacted by me regarding the waiting list were accepted by the deadline

Future Stars. Thanks to all the gymnasts and coaches who joined Brooke Toohey, Mila Harty, and Stan Picus for another great Future Stars camp at the OTC in Lake Placid! The camp, which was 1 day longer this year than in previous years, was the first time for many coaches and athletes at the LP OTC and a great learning experience! Photos from the camp can be viewed online. 75 rhythmic gymnasts participated in our 4 developmental camps in LP this Fall -- Thank you to ALL participants and staff!

Lisa Wins Bronze Medal. Lisa Wang competed in the Spoleto Cup over the weekend in Italy and finished 5th AA! Kanaeva (RUS), Gurbanova (AZE), Yuskevich (BLR), Zancaro (ITA), WANG, Chiara (ITA), Siderova (BUL), Zanyeb (AZE), etc. Lisa qualified for all 4 event finals and earned the bronze in Hoop, sharing the podium with Kanaeva and Gurbanova: Congratulations!

2008 Bids. All interested clubs should submit their bids for the 2008 JO Optional Championships (3-day event) and/or National Qualifier (2-day event) to me by January 15, 2008. An updated calendar of events is posted on our webpage!

Stephanie Parrish begins today in her new position as Rhythmic Program Coordinator; she will have the same direct line as Tonya did, 317. 829. 5662. Email: sparrish@usa-gymnastics.org.

Group Championships went in VA this weekend!

Paris Competittion. Jr. National Team member Tyler Rosemond will compete in a club competition in Paris in mid-December. Good luck! The top 4 juniors from the Visa Championships were all given international assignments. Tyler¹s event will be the last of these (Marlee: Slovenia/ Viktoriya and Reba: Belgium/ Tyler: Paris)

Rythmik Quebec Invitational Cup 2008 12/10/07

Information about competition in Canada in January is available on the Events page. Please contact me if you are interested in participating; any international participation must go through USAG.

SoCal Championships 12/10/07

Southern California Championships information is available on the Events page. Please remember that it is a USAG requirement now for all coaches attending State meet to wear their club's warm-ups or polo shirts and athletic shoes. If your club can't provide you with the warm up, it is OK to wear appropriate athletic clothes for SoCal meet. Athletic shoes are mandatory for our facility. We have new floors and our facility officials enforce the rule. Thank you for your cooperation.

Latest News 12/10/07

We completed a very good RPC meeting in Philadelphia over the weekend. We are trying to look at all the programs and committees inside our rhythmic program to see what can be strengthened and altered to make ourselves more productive, efficient, and successful. We are on the right track. RPC, RTC, JO, and IEC minutes should be approved and posted next Monday.

We held our RPC meeting in conjunction with the USAG Board of Directors meeting. Rhythmic Athlete Representative, Jessica Howard, was commended by the leaders of USAG for her recent work on Board committees. Thank you, Jessica!

Junior Olympic Program: We will have 2 JO Championships this year: JO Compulsory Championships (Levels 4,5,6) and JO Optional Championships (Levels 7, 8, 9). More information on these can be found in the RPC minutes, which I hope to be posted next Monday and in future communications...

Belgium results: GREAT NEWS! ³Hope² competitor Rebecca Sereda (JO Champion, Future Star, and new member of the Elite Squad) finished 5th all-around out of 42 Hopes and won 2 BRONZE MEDALS in the hoop and ball events. Great job, Rebecca, and congrats to the USA!

Juniors: Our 3 NT Juniors competed amongst 74 European juniors: Viktoriya finished 19th, Gabriella finished 29th (almost in ball finals), and Reba finished 35th. *To note: there were 11 Bulgarian juniors in the rotation!

Seniors: Tamara made rope finals, where she finished 5th!! Great job. This was her first international event. The US team finished 7th just behind RUS, UKR, BLR, BUL, AZE, ITA, and host BEL. Thank you to our judge, Andrea Buzas, who judged each day until 1am!

Commercial: Teammates from the 2005 US World team Lisa Wang, Brennan Stacker, and Aline Bakchajian were contracted to shoot a commercial in Brazil this week (they will use their ball skills) for mineral water. The commercial will be shown in the Netherlands!

New Rhythmic Program Coordinator (new title): I am so happy to announce that Stephanie Parrish filled Tonya¹s position beginning November 30. Stephanie currently works at USAG in Member Services and will be a great additional to our program. I hope you will welcome her and show patience as she steps in. Stephanie will join us at the Group Championships!

Monarchs Invitational 12/4/07

Final schedule is posted on the Events page.

Friendship Invitational 12/4/07

Forms are posted on the Events page.

JO handbook online 12/4/07

Updated Junior Olympic handbook is now available on the USA web site to download. Changes (like the 2008 Level 4 apparatus) are highlighted in yellow.

A note for all coaches attending the Group Championships: Appropriate, professional sports attire (club or national team warm ups, etc.) and athletic shoes are required!

Bid Awards 11/20/07

Thank you for your patience with our Region 1 organizational process. This year we received multiple bids for a number of championship events. Thank you to all the programs who submitted a bid request. The following bids have been approved and accepted for our 07-08 Region 1 Championship season:

• Feb. 23-24 SoCal State all levels, host San Diego Rhythms, contact Sofia Minevich, sdrhythmic@yahoo.com, 858-945-4114
• March 1 NorCal State Level 4, host Nino's Rhythmic Club, contact Nino Mgalobely, nrclub@yahoo.com, 415-595-5354
• March 2 NorCal State levels 5-10, host Rhythmic Academy of Marin, contact Natalia Makrushina, rhythmicacademyofmarin@yahoo.com, 415-621-2534
• March 15-16 Region 1 level 7-10/group Championships, host Starlite Parents Club, contact Janet Dere, janetdere@yahoo.com, 510-461-0649
• April 5-6 Region 1 levels 4-6/group Championships, host Monarchs Gymnastics, contact Marina Kuhkta, monarchsrhythmic@yahoo.com, 818-889-3634

Please be advised that the following qualifications must be met in order to qualify athletes to a championships event:

• Levels 4-9 must have a current USA athlete number and compete all-around at a USA sanctioned event to qualify to enter their respective state event.
• SoCal participants must compete at SoCal State to qualify to attend Region 1 Championships
• NorCal pariticipants must compete at NorCal State to qualify to attend Region 1 Championships

Special Note: Participants may not use a score from a State competition out of their respective area to qualify to Regionals. Level 4 athletes will qualify by score to Region 1 Championships. The qualifying score will be set and announced prior to SoCal State. The qualifying score may be lowered after both State events at the discretion of the Region 1 Board in order to increase the number of qualifying level 4 athletes to Region 1 4-6 Championships.

Please contact the individuals listed above with event questions.

San Diego Invitational Reminder 11/12/07

If your club is going to attend San Diego Invitational meet on January 12-13, please remember that the deadline for your entries is next Thursday, November 15. After this date please include $25.00 late fee per participant and we will let you know if your entry is accepted due to the big response and number of participants. We still have spaces in all levels, but they are filling fast. Please remember to have your background checked if your membership expires soon. It takes about 4 weeks for the process to be completed and you will not be able to renew your membership without this. We can't let anybody to go to the competitions floor or warm up area without current membership. There is still plenty of time for you to do it and we ask for your cooperation in this matter. We are looking forward to see all of you in San Diego in 2 months.

JO Changes 11/5/07

The following changes have been approved by the RPC. The RPC will be meeting in mid-November and all committee minutes, including the competitive schedule and formats for the upcoming season, will be posted immediately following. Thanks for your patience!

APPROVED:

• Level 3/4 Program Hoop Requirements:
  - Minimum one (1) body skill from each Body Group (leap, pivot, balance, flexibility)
  - Maximum two (2) body skills from any one body group
• Level 7/8 Program Change:
  - Level 7 Artistry: Max CAP 5.00 Difficulty: 10 up to E body difficulties (5.00 max).
  - Level 8 Artistry: Max CAP 6.00 Difficulty: 12 up to F body difficulties (7.20 max).

Latest USAG News 11/5/07

Tonya Spencer is no longer working at USAG. Please read all information I send in upcoming weeks very carefully! It will be very busy, but I will do my best. Your patience is appreciated. The job opening is posted online at the USAG homepage; if you, or anyone you know, is interested, please encourage them to apply.

• The Level 10 training camp concludes today in Lake Placid and has gone extraordinarily well! 13 Level 10s participated, including 3 senior National Team members.
• The US delegation to the Happy Cup in Belgium departs soon: good luck!
• Registration is now available ON-LINE for the Colorado Invitational; go to the rhythmic homepage and follow the links.
• The LA Lights Invitational, January 25-27, is heating up. The federation has worked with LASG to invite the top World contenders, and we are starting to receive responses. Hope to see many of you in LA for this exciting chance to see the World¹s best!

Colorado Invitational on-line registration 11/5/07

For the first time, the registration for the Colorado Invitational is on-line! Please go to the rhythmic homepage at the USAG website and follow the links. You will be asked for your username (your Club NUMBER) and password. If you do not know this, please call MEMBER SERVICES (they open at 12:30 pm today). You will follow from there. The maximum numbers have been set (as usual), so you will be alerted if your registration was not confirmed. You are then on the ³waiting list² because the numbers are full. I anticipate that, with the way technology moves, as soon as this message is received, registrations will begin, so please act accordingly!

San Diego Invitational Reminder 11/5/07

Please remember that Thursday, November 15 is a deadline for San Diego Invitational entries. After November 15 we will charge $25.00 late fee per athlete if there are still spaces available. It is going to be 2 days meet this year and we'll not be able to accept more participants that we can comfortably fit. Thank you for your cooperation. We are looking forward to see you in San Diego.

Sofia Minevich, Program Director
San Diego Rhythms, Inc.
sdrhythmic@yahoo.com
Tel: (858)945-4114 Fax: (858)350-1351

Southern CA levels 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 courses 10/24/07

Please check the Judges page for information.

Monarchs Invitational 10/15/07

Please check the Events page for information.

Rhythmic Symposium 10/15/07

Click for a recommendation form concerning the 2008 Rhythmic Symposium held in conjunction with the Rhythmic Invitational and Challenge. If you are interested in attending this event, this is your chance to give feedback regarding the topics covered and presenters. Please return to USA Gymnastics by Friday, October 19th. Forms should be faxed to 317 237 5069, Attn: Tonya Spencer.

Bid requests for Region 1 10/12/07

• NorCal and SoCal State - February 2-3, 9-10, or 23-24.
• Region 1 level 4-6 Championships - April 5-6, other weekends in April may be available, however, until we have the East/West National qualifier scheduled (it is tentatively scheduled for May 3/4), there could be potential conflict with other dates.

• Rhythmic Invitational/Challenge(Colorado Springs) - Feb. 16-17
• Pacific Alliance (San Jose) - March 27-29
• Visa Championships Houston Texas - May 22-24

Please remember, in order to submit a Championship bid for a Region 1 event, you must have successfully hosted a USAG sanctioned invitational. A completed financial report and athlete rebate payable to Region 1 must have been submitted to me. Bid requests must include a letter from your intended facility site manager stating that the facility is available to the host for use upon acceptance of the bid process. The deadline for the first review of bids by the Region 1 board will be Friday October 31. At that time all bids will be reviewed and any confirmed bids will be announced. Bids can be e-mailed to me or snail mailed to: Region 1, P.O. Box 4945, Arcata, CA 95518. Please feel free to contact me with questions once you have determined that you have a facility available. Your support in organizing these events would be appreciated by myself and all our Region 1 members.

Northern California judging course and south CA update 10/08/07

Please check the Judges page for information.

JO Group National Championships and Mountaineer Invitational 10/05/07

First, we would like to thank everyone who volunteered to host the 2007 Group Championships. After much consideration we have determined that the Group Championships will be held December 8-9 in Wytheville, VA with Princeton Gymnastics as the local host. A variety of locations were considered for this event. After looking at the numbers, Wytheville was the most affordable for the largest number of participants.

The Invitational competition will start immediately after the JO Group Championships. Those who are interested in Group as well as individual competition will have the opportunity and convenience of competing during the same weekend. This will, in no doubt, save money in travel expences. Also individual athletes can see first hand what Group competition is all about. Entry fees are due by October 22nd, after this date there will be a $25 additional late fee. D + A form are due by Dec. 1. We have a limited amount of time because of Group Champioships. Entries will be entered on first come, first serve basis.

The facilities offered by Wythville Recreation Center are excellent. Spectator admission fee will include a day pass to the facility whith: Lap swimming pool, therapy pool (heated), play pool with tube slide (bring your own towels), 33' rock climbing wall (tennis shoes recquired), racquetball courts, walking track and weight and fitness facility.

Host hotel will be the Ramada Inn, 276-228-6000, $47.00/night plus tax. Mention Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitational. This a clean outdoor corridor hotel with free continental breakfast and restaurant. It is approx. .3 miles from competition site. Other hotels (not including other 2 hotels reserved for JO Nationals): Best Western, 276-228-7300; Comfort Inn, 276-228-4488; Days Inn, 276-228-5500; La Quinta, 276-228-7400; Sleep Inn, 276-625-0667; Country Inn and Suites, 800-456-4000 (new hotel, schedule to open on Dec. 1, 2007). Contact info: Kristina Sklioutovskaya 304-431-2530, email: princetongym@suddenlink.net

New invitational meets are scheduled 9/25/07

Please check the Events page for information about San Diego, CYC and Boston Cup meets.

Rhythmic Group Championships 9/25/07

We have been in negotiations to hold the Rhythmic Group Championships as part of the K games in Orlando, Fl. This was to be a multi-sport event and a great venue for us to compete in. The organizers of this event have now elected to cancel it. We still plan to host the Group Championships but due to this development we are pushing the weekend of the competition to December 8 & 9

If anyone would be interested in hosting the Group Championships in conjunction with USA Gymnastics. Please contact Caroline or myself by next Friday, September 29 with the name of your host facility. The facility would need to have appropriate ceiling height as well as be large enough to hold two carpets, one for warm up and one for competition along with approximately 200 spectators.

Lake Placid schedule update 9/04/07

Due to an overbooking situation with the beds at the training center in Lake Placid we have had to adjust some of our fall camp dates. Camp dates are now as follows:

• Jr. National Team -- Arrive 10/7, Depart 10/14
• Youth Elite Squad -- Arrive 10/15, Depart 10/21
• Level 10 -- Arrive 11/1, Depart 11/6
• Future Stars -- Arrive 11/27, Depart 12/2

More information regarding the camps will be posted soon.

Talent Progression Program update 8/14/07

I hope you had a chance to read to the community letter I sent earlier in the week detailing the talent progression program we are utilizing starting this October; per that program, I am pleased to inform you of the following:

• The 2007 Future Stars team is being posted online
• The Youth Elite Squad invitations are being mailed home: they will arrive early next week.
• The Jr. National Team Camp and Level 10 Camp information will be sent out immediately following Visa Championships.

Caroline Hunt
USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Program Director
317. 829. 5629 -office, 317. 490. 4262 -cell

Championships: Coach Attire 8/09/07

We would like to request that all coaches at Visa Championships observe the following dress code during both days of competitions: National Team or Club Warm up OR National Team or Club polo shirt AND athletic shoes. The purpose of this is not to limit your wardrobe! In order for our program to increase sponsorship and/or position ourselves for TV coverage, we must present this athletically professional image of our sport. I REALLY want to work for TV coverage in the future, so let's begin now!

Caroline Hunt
USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Program Director
317. 829. 5629 -office, 317. 490. 4262 -cell

Based on the requested dress code for the USA Rhythmic Visa Championships and recent discussion at the Junior Olympic Program Committee (JOPC) Meeting, I recommend that all Region 1 coaches planning to be on the competitive floor the upcoming 2007-08 season be prepared to dress in a similar manner at all championship events beginning with California NorCal and SoCal State. When addressing uniforms for your athletes this Fall please consider including an order for appropriate coaches attire. A team/club warm up suit or a team/club polo shirt and athletic shoes will be required at all championship events. There is currently a proposal submitted by the JOPC to add to our Rules and Policies (for next season) a financial penalty for inappropriate coaches attire at championship events. In the interest of getting this message out in a timely manner and presenting an athletic professional appearance, I advise you to be prepared for this to be implemented.

Respectfully,
Jody Hurlburt, USAG Rhythmic Region 1 Director

Announcements 8/08/07

It is with great honor that the US rhythmic program returns from the Pan American Games with the 2007 Pan American Champion, Lisa Wang! This is a tremendous achievement for Lisa after many years of dedication and for everyone who has been contributing their positive energy and efforts for the improvement of the USA! Likewise, Julie Zetlin delivered a fantastic performance in the AA final and finished 4th, giving Mexican veteran (and World Cup finalist) Cynthia Valdez a run for her money to the last moment and so close to the podium in only her second year as a senior. GREAT JOB, GIRLS! Thank you to coach Natasha Klimouk and Olga K, who could not be there physically but were there in spirit, and judges Elena Savenkova and Andrea Buzas for their hard work all week.

The best moment, however, came in the event finals when Lisa won the GOLD and Julie the SILVER in ribbon sharing the podium together and watching 2 US flags raised during our national anthem. Lisa also earned a silver in rope and clubs. Congratulations everyone -- athletes, coaches, judges, contributors -- who came together this year to support the country first and foremost! I appreciate all the text messages and calls for support on behalf of the USA. Let's keep it up!! I will be posting PHOTOS from the event ASAP on the website so keep checking!

Thank you to our dedicated physical trainer, Beth Darling (former Pan American rhythmic competitor herself) for all her help to Lisa and Julie in Brazil. Beth will be at Championships for all of us and will join our World Team in Greece in December. The World Team will be named following Championships; they will all join up in Croatia for a 10 day training camp preceding Worlds.

Up Next:

• We expect to name the Future Stars Team by the end of the week; thanks for your patience.
• The Group heads to the Tel Aviv World Cup next weekend. e wished they could have been in Brazil because we know they're working hard!
• Sasha Licona, Krista Johnson, Larissa Nikitina and Svetlana Scherba had to Thailand for the World University Games. Good luck!!
• US Visa Championships: Congratulations to all qualified! PLEASE CONTINUE TO SIGN UP FOR THE HALL OF FAME LUNCH!
• For reasons of safety and schedule, the US juniors will not compete in the Jr. Pan Am Championship in Venezuela in October instead juniors 1-3 (or 4), will be assigned to European events this fall. These assignments will be made immediately following Championships by the Athlete Selection Committee. Additionally, we are planning a Jr. National Team training Camp in Lake Placid October 22-28 and hoping to invite an international guest following the Future Stars camps.

By approval of the IEC and the RPC, the following assignment was added and approved to the competitive schedule in addition to Deventer, which had an immediate deadline:

• Slovenia World Cup (Aug 25): Lisa Wang
• Slovenia Junior Tournament: Marlee Shape (based on Challenge results)
• Judge: Andrea Buzas
• Deventer Grand Prix and Tournament (Sept 2): Lisa Wang, Julie Zetlin. Group Judge: Elena Savenkova
• Aeon Club Championship, Japan (Oct 6): This tournament is for a single club with 2 seniors and 1 junior; we have been advised that we must closely observe the stated rules requesting one single club. The club assigned will be based on the results of the most recent National event. The deadline was yesterday; therefore, by the results of Challenge, North Shore Rhythmics is invited to send Lisa, Ava, and Marlee. Because this is a club event, the club covers all costs. In the case they cannot attend, Hollywood Academy would be the alternate and Isadora Rhythmics the 2nd alternate. The judge is assigned by the FIG pool; thus, Nadine Davies may be assigned.

Program Announcement 8/07/07

Dear Rhythmic Community, I am proud to announce a new developmental program that we are introducing this year to build upon the success of Future Stars and to invigorate our efforts to develop our young talent in order to be even more competitive at the international level in the future. The more we work together, utilizing all of our deep coaching and judging expertise for the benefit of the country, the better we can be. Check a document outlining this new program, which explains how it fits in structurally to our current system of competitive progression. I will be reviewing the contents of this document at my Congresssession next week at Championships (8:30 am Friday) and look forward to your participation and your questions at that time. Thanks for EVERYONE'S amazing work so far this season!

LA Lights 2008 7/27/07

For the latest information about the America's Premier Rhythmic Gymnastics Event, please visit http://www.lalights2008.com/.

New Apparatus Schedule 7/17/07

The adjustments to the apparatus schedule were approved by the RPC. Please make sure, in the future, that you only follow information that has been officially sent or posted. Thanks for your patience; I know you all have been waiting for this since JO Championships. As a note, the FIG rhythmic apparatus schedule for '09-'12 is now up on the rhythmic page at the FIG website:www.fig-gymnastics.com (Check out the group 3x2!).

Future Stars/Eastern update 7/12/07

Congratulations on a wonderful Future Stars/Eastern event! I hope to be posting photos from the Future Stars test, Meet Œn Greet/ pool party, and Gala very soon on the website so keep checking! It was very exciting to have so many former US Olympic/ World/ and National Team athletes in attendance including: Diane Simpson-Bundy (¹88 judge), Mary Sanders (¹04 judge), Lindsay Powell (judge), Brooke Toohey (judge), Michelle Larson (judge), Shayna Javornicky (coach), Kristin Kaye (student/gymnast!), Mila Marinova (coach), Becky Turner (¹96 Group), Marissa Pierce (student), Lera Kharina (coach/student), Brenann Stacker (student), and Jennifer Hinslea (coach)! There were also several additional former rhythmic athletes still active in our community. Thank you to all!

I had intended to send out notes from the clinic with Madam Abruzzini prior to the competition and apologize that I was unable to do so. We believe these will be helpful for both coaches and judges especially as we continue with the Championships qualification process. These notes are NOT to be published in any way; they are for personal use as they are my own personal notes taken during our clinic. They have been reviewed by our active international judges. A special thank you to Andrea Buzas for her extensive assistance. Later in the week Nadine Davies, Eastern meet referee, will send out a notice with clarifications based on her observations this past weekend to help in preparing for Westerns.

Once again, CONGRATULATIONS to Alexandra Licona and Krista Johnson who qualified at Eastern to represent the USA at the World University Games in Thailand during the same time as the Visa Championships! Sasha is an enrolled student at UCLA and Krista is also a member of the National Group at the University of Colorado. It is a demanding task to excel both academically and athletically at the same time and a laudable accomplishment! Former National Team coach Larissa Nikitina will be the coach and Svetlana Scherba will be the judge.

Good luck to Lisa and Julie at the Pan American Games in Brazil: the delegation leaves next Sunday! If you would like to send them a note of good luck, please do so: Lisa lisichki88@yahoo.com and Julie fashionguru90@aol.com. Good luck in California!

JOPC coaches rep 6/28/07

Please note USA Gymnastics is currently holding election for the Junior Olympic Program Committee Coaches Representative. Ballots have been sent to all Region 1 Pro members and the postmarked voting deadline has been extended to July 6. Only current Professional members are eligible to vote. Please take the time to vote by fax or e-mail. Be advised that Ivanka Kirov is a Region 1 member and is on the voting ballot. Your vote support could allow Ivanka to continue to represent you on this valuable committee.

Future Stars Testing 6/27/07

Don't forget the 2007 Future Stars Testings are fast approaching. Anyone interested in testing should send their entry along with 35.00 payment to USA Gymnastics. Entry forms can be found on the Future Stars page off of the Rhythmic Home Page at www.usa-gymnastics.org/rhythmic/futurestars/news.html.

JO Championships results 6/14/07

Please check the Events page for individual and team results.

Rhythmic on Martha Stewart 6/5/07 Three rising stars in the sport of rhythmic gymnastics, 2-time Junior Olympic Champion Rebecca Sereda and teammates Viktoriya Saytkina and Gabriella Magid, who train at Isadora Rhythmics in New York, recently performed on the Martha Stewart Show. Ms. Stewart developed an appreciation for the sport on a recent trip to Russia where (as we know) the sport is hugely popular; her show highlighted various aspects of her trip. The rhythmic program is delighted to have been included and thankful that Ms. Stewart was able to gain an appreciation for rhythmic gymnastics to share with the rest of the country. The show will air on July 19! Check local listings for times. Photo credit: Anders Krusberg/The Martha Stewart Show. Caroline Hunt USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Program Director 317. 829. 5629 -office, 317. 490. 4262 -cell

Junior Pan American Championship information 6/4/07

The Junior Pan American Championship will be held in Venezuela in August (22-26) immediately following our Visa Championships. This date and place is different from the original information given.

The Rhythmic Program Committee has approved the following selection: The top 3 juniors* from the 2007 Visa Championships will comprise the individual team; the Junior National Group will perform at Championships in preparation for this competition. The entire delegation - individual and group gymnasts, coaches, and judges, will depart directly from San Jose to Venezuela and will return to the US on August 27th. Please plan accordingly.

*Juniors must be at least 13 years of age in order to participate in the Junior Pan American Championships. If a gymnast qualifies in the top 3 but does not meet this age requirement, the next ranked gymnast will fill her place (this situation did happen last year and this procedure was followed).

Visa Championship's format is changed 6/4/07

After much consideration by all rhythmic committees, the Rhythmic Program Committee has approved the following change to the format of the Visa Championships which will take effect this August 2007 in San Jose.

Day 1 - Thursday, August 16
All-around preliminary and event finals: All gymnasts compete 4 events. The top 12 all-around JRs and top 12 all-around SRs will advance to Saturday All-around Finals. The National Teams will be named by combining the all-around totals from both Day 1 and Day 2. In addition, the individual event champions will be named after Day 1 of competition.

Day 2 - Saturday, August 18
All-around finals: The top 12 JRs and 12 SRs from Day 1 will compete all 4 events. As noted above, the all-around totals from both days 1 and 2 will be added to determine the JR and SR National Teams.

Reminder: The Hall of Fame luncheon will be on Friday at 11am. Out of 7 inductees, 2 this year are rhythmic Olympians: Gymnast Valerie Zimring-Schneiderman and Coach Irina Vdovets. Please support our sport's history and attend! We will have rhythmic tables reserved.

Reminder: The National Judging Course for rhythmic will be held in conjunction with the National Congress/Visa Championships Wednesday and Friday. Spread the word and start studying!

JO Championships Attire 6/1/07

Level 4-5, 9 Championships & Classics Results 5/31/07

Thank you for attending the 2007 Championships. Please check the Events page for the individual events, AA and Regional Team scores summary.

Dear Coaches & Judges, if you have not submitted your coaches fee ($35), please forward to USRGCA @ po box 454, Stow MA 01775. Your contribution supports the Rhythmic Education Scholarship Fund.

I wish you all good luck at the Level 6-8 Championships. Have a wonderful summer!

Level 9 Championships schedule update 5/24/07

Please check the Events page for the revised schedule.

2007 REF Scholarship information update 5/24/07

The mailing address was incorrectly posted for the Rhythmic Education Fund scholarship applications. Please note the deadline has been extended to May 31. If you know of anyone who sent their application to the wrong address, it will need to be resent to the address listed below. If you are eligable and forgot to apply you now have an extended time to send in your application.

The unbiased selection from all eligible candidates is made by random draw. The Rhythmic Education Award was established to acknowledge and reward the tremendous amount of dedication and sacrifice of the athletes participating in the very unique and beautiful Olympic sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics. The Rhythmic Education Fund, a private, unaffiliated organization, administers the award which is currently dependent on the funding and support of private contributions. In the past, the greatly appreciated donations have been made by the US Rhythmic gymnastics Coaches Association (USRGCA), Regions 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, as well as private rhythmic clubs and competitions.

Last year we awarded 5 gymnasts, in 2004 & 2005 we awarded 4, in 2003 we awarded 2, and in 2002 one gymnast received our very first award. The Fund is currently accepting donations to make this year's Scholarships possible.

The correct mailing address for applications as well as donations:
Rhythmic Education Fund/Judy Whelan
732 Sunshine Dr. Los Altos, CA 94024

The Rhythmic Education Board:
Judy Whelan jwhelan75@earthlink.net
Desiree de Liser ddeliser@yahoo.com
Suzanne Brady whimagency@sbcglobal.net
Carla Garrett carla@cesqd.org
Suzuyo Irla suzuyoi@hotmail.com

Judges National Course 5/21/07

Level 4-5 Championships & Classics Update 5/21/07

Please check the Events page for the revised schedule. It involved especially Sunday. Level 5 D's has been added. Also the age group is determined by "how old the gymnast will be during 2007".

• Child A(6-8): 2001, 2000, 1999
• Child B(9): 1998
• Child C(10): 1997
• Child D(11): 1996
• Please notice that Level 9 JR A's are 12-13 years old and level 9 JR B's are 14-15 years old.

Rhythmic Highlights 5/14/07

Our athletes continue to have a successful spring season! Click here for highlights and updates; please share with your clubs, gymnasts and parents! I look forward to seeing many of you soon.

***Future Stars information available on the USAG website***

Region 1 Level 7-10 Championships Results 5/8/07

Please check the Events page for the event results.

Application Guidelines for the 2007 REF Scholarship 5/3/07

Eligible Athletes must be:

• A graduating high school senior
• Be currently competing
• Have maintained an overall Grade Point Average of 3.0 (must include with application, their H.S. Transcript
• Have applied to an institution of higher learning (the awards are sent directly to the school)
• Have been in the rhythmic program for at least 5 years

Deadline for submitting applications May 15, 2007.

Please review documents with this information:

• REF Application Guidelines
• REF Applicaton Recommendation
• Application 103
• Application 203
• Application 303
• Application 403

Region 1 Board Meeting 5/3/07

Please be advised the Annual Region 1 Board meeting has been changed to Executive Suite #1260 at the Radisson Hotel, 6161 W. Centinela Ave, Culver City 90230 . The meeting will begin tomorrow Friday 5/4 at 8:00 p.m. we will specifically follow the agenda. At the end of the meeting there will be a limited time for open discussion. This meeting is for Region 1 Professional members only. There will be a sign in sheet at the door and I have the current print out of USA Pro members if there are any questions. Please review a copy of the meeting agenda.

Region 1 Level 7-10 Championships 5/2/07

Please check the Events page for the event schedule. Please be advised that this schedule does not take into consideration any delays and be prepared for the possibility of the event running late. Check at the event site on Saturday for any possible changes to the Sunday schedule.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tanya at LASG for hosting this event. Without her cooperation we would not have had a bid for this most important event. The event is being hosted at a small venue and this has created some difficulties. I ask that you work with us to create a safe competitive space and a positive event. You are asked to comply with all host requests regarding photography. Your attitude will effect the performance of our competitors so I ask that you deal with any difficulties as professionals. Coaches are reminded that your parents are your responsibility. Questions from parents need to be directed to coaches and resolved. We are working with a schedule that has no room for delays so please understand the importance of promptness and cooperation.

One last issue, there seems to be a new trend of throwing gifts to athletes on the competitive floor when they finish a routine, you are asked to hand any gifts to the athletes when they have left the floor area. I am asking for your cooperation in making this a positive event for all participants. Please help us to make the most of this important event.

Sixth Annual San Diego Invitational 4/30/07

Please check the Events page for the information about the Sixth Annual San Diego Invitational in 2008.

Region 1 Level 7-10 Championships update 4/27/07

When the schedule will be approved by the Region 1 Board and Meet Referee, it will be posted on the Region 1 Web site and broadcast to the members. We are working to finalize the schedule and will do our best to get it to you as soon as possible.

In an attempt to address the photography situation for Region 1 Championships, I have asked Tanya at LASG to send me the following clarification for your review.

Jody

The venue is VERY small and we have VERY little room available. For the safety of the athletes and officials, the last thing we need is to have parents take up large amounts of room setting up massive camera equipment, standing up for photos and the risk of close-up flash photography. Parents are welcome to take photos in our studio room (upstairs) and outside the competition auditorium. Greg Aiken, the official Event photographer, WILL take COMPLIMENTARY photos of the awards ceremony that will be available on his web-site approx. 4-6 business days after the event. We will also provide FREE photos for the rhythmicregion1 web-site. Bottom line, NO photos or videos.

American Academy's Summer Camps 4/27/07

Please check the Events page for details.

Region 1 Level 7-10 Championships 4/26/07

Please check the Events page for the photo order form.

Levels 4-5 Championships & Classics 4/26/07

Please check the Events page for revised invitation, entry forms, and directions.

Region 1 Levels 4-6 Championships & Invitational results 4/24/07

Please check the Events page for posted results.

FIG Newsletter #29 is available 4/20/07

Levels 4-5 Championships & Classics airport info 4/20/07

The airport information for 4/5 championships, classics, 9 championships, to help you work out a budget for potential travel is: Manchester, NH or Logan Intl, Boston MA.

Region 1 Level 7-10 Championships update 4/20/07

Please check the Events page for the final list of competitors for your immediate review. In addition, please advise your parents, athletes, family and friends of the following information on the upcoming event:

• Entry Ticket - $15.00 Adult / Child - $10.00 (3 years & under). Arm bands will be checked in/out for each day
• No Flash photography or videography will be allowed. You may purchase the official Region 1 Championship Video available online at www.lagymnastics.com . Ticket Doors and Video/Photo will be STRICTLY enforced by event security! We encourage all participants to be fully aware of the policies to avoid ejection from the facility.
• Program Cost: $15.00 - This includes the finalized schedule, athlete rotation, video order form, officials list and pertinent information relating to event function.
• Region 1 Coaches Meeting - Friday, May 4, 2007. Host Hotel - Radisson , Culver City - 6161 W. Centinela Ave, Culver City, CA 90230. Time: 8:00pm - SHARP!
• Poster Awards - Please submit your team posters at the Coaches Meeting on Friday, May 4, 2007 at 8:00pm to receive eligibility for a $100.00 prize award! These posters will also be used for march-out and awards!
• Host Hotel - If you are traveling from the north or south - WE STRONGLY advise that you stay at the host hotel! They will provide FREE airport transportation and FREE transportation to the event site in Beverly Hills .
• We realize with the recent changes to forms, we have extended the deadline to Friday, April 27, 2007. Please be sure to have 4 copies per athlete POSTMARKED by this date! A $25.00 processing fee will be implemented for EACH athlete if not received by this date - NO EXCEPTIONS! Forms may NOT be submitted at the coaches meeting!
• Photos/Video - You can purchase official Studio Photos from the LA Lights Photographer {Greg Aiken} and videos can be purchased from Roger Sherman. Order forms are available online at www.lagymnastics.com

Level 9 Championships update 4/20/07

As the deadline for entry for the level 9 championships is May 1, I have received clarification that any Region 1 members who wish to register but that qualify by scoring a 34 at Region 1 Championships will be given a full refund upon request. I do encourage you to all attend as this will be the only level 9 championship where they will receive national ranking awards. However if there is a financial burden to do so you may opt to take the alternate qualifying method. Best of health to you in the remaining season.

Future Star testing update 4/16/07

Please check the flyer containing the dates and locations for this year's Future Star testings. Check the USA Gymnastics and Future Stars Website in the coming month for additional information. Last year's skill's list will be used for the 2007 testings as well.

Regional Chairs, Please distribute this flyer to the attending coaches of your regional championships as well.

Region 1 Levels 4-6 Championships & Invitational update 4/16/07

Please check the Events page for final schedule. Also be advised that the qualifying score for level 4 Classics has been lowered to 18.50.

Monarch Invitational results 4/13/07

Please check the Events page for posted results.

CYC Friendship Invitational results 4/12/07

Please check the Events page for posted results.

Levels 4-5 Championships & Classics Guidelines 4/10/07

Please check the Events page for the Level 4 & 5 Championships & Classics qualifying guidelines. I have asked you to begin discussion with your parents of potential team qualifiers. I would also like to bring to your attention another suggestion. If you have a number of girls with the potential for qualification for any of our teams 4-6 please discuss with parents that they can also attend Classics if they reach the qualifying score and do not qualify to attend with our team. Coaches will be responsible to submit their registration for Classics. The advantage to the team is with the attendance of multiple team members the cost to support a coaches attendance will be more manageable and supported.

Other clarifications:

• Level 4 championship team, top 10 level 4's by AA score -- no age group
• Level 5 championship team, top 10 level 5's by AA score -- no age group
• Break all ties -- by highest event score
• A warm-up suit will be given to all Regional Team members -- FREE
• We will not have leotards.
• Be advised there may be a missprint in the sizing packet. We will size team athletes at the event once they have qualified and turned in their registration for and paid their competition entry fee.
• Classics will still be hosted in conjunction with this event.

Please share this information with your parents in order to help them be prepared to make qualifying commitments.

Levels 4-5 Championships update 4/7/07

Please check the Events page for Levels 4-5 packet.

Level 9 Championships update 4/6/07

Previously we had announced that all Level 9's must attend the Level 9 Championship in order to compete at East and West. Due to the short notice, it will be understood that a few gymnasts will not be able to attend, though we encourage everyone who is able to attend to do so. If a Level 9 gymnast does not attend the Level 9 Championship, they will qualify to Eastern/Western Qualifier based on the qualification criteria from last season. The criteria is noted below. For Level 9 gymnasts attending both their Regional Championships and the Level 9 Championships in Lowell MA, the qualification criteria are to attend and compete All Around in both competitions. We hope to see everyone in Lowell MA and appreciate the continued support through the development of Rhythmic Gymnastics in the United States.

• Level 9 athletes may qualify to the Eastern/Western competitions from Regional Championships.
• The qualifying score will be 34.00 AA.
• An athlete must attend her own Regional Championships, but may qualify from any Regional Championships.
• The minimum total number of athletes to Eastern/Western will be 45 juniors and 40 seniors. If this number is not met by athletes achieving the qualifying score, we will go down by rank order to achieve the minimum number of qualified athletes.

Please check the Events page for Level 9 packet.

Region 1 Levels 4-6 Championships & Invitational update 4/3/07

Please check the Events page for list of participants by levels and gym. Please make sure all your athletes are registered with the USAG. I don't know how could it happen, but some of the participants are still not listed as registered. It is likely a bug in the system, but I don't have other way to check it besides the USAG web site. We have the following announcements:

• James Glader will be the meet official photographer
• 2 copies of TV/AV Forms must be