2011-2012 USAIGC Rhythmic Program Rules & Code of Points

16 Pages·2012·2.17 MB·English

by  Paul Spadaro

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2011~2012
USAIGC Rhythmic Gymnastics
Program

Dear USAIGC Coaches and Gymnasts,

The pages below consist of the updated Guide to the USAIGC Rhythmic Gymnastics Program and
the latest Code of Points for the 2011-2012 competitive year. This COP is arranged into five sections
of body skills: pivots, leaps/jumps, flexibilities, balances, and acrobatic skills. Based on the FIG Code
of Points used internationally, these skills will assist you and your gymnasts in the composition of your
routines. Of course, as always, you may also use skills that exist outside of those listed within this
document. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We will be happy
to be of service.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Committee
Adrienne Coleman, Rhythmic Illusions, NJ~ Program Committee Director
Ed Weaver, Atlanta Gymnastics Center, GA~ Rhythmic Committee
Linda Weaver, Atlanta Gymnastics Center, GA~ Rhythmic Committee
Contact: [email protected]

USAIGC Rhythmic Gymnastics Program Philosophy
This program is designed to serve the needs of Rhythmic Gymnastics experts, professionals,
gymnasts, newcomers and enthusiasts with the following distinctions:
• Athletes are “evaluated,” not judged.
• USAIGC promotes long-term success and athlete self-esteem.
• Feedback is more immediate and constructive.
• Group competition and team exhibitions are strongly encouraged.
• Requirements are designed for ease of access to the program.

Competitive Structure
• Athletes compete at their appropriate ascending level as designated by the coach: Copper,
Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Premier
• Each athlete may enter up to three individual routines of her choice: rhythmic floor exercise
(freehands), rope, hoop, ball, clubs or ribbon
• Athletes may also perform with a duet/trio, small group (4-7), or large group (8-12)
• Athletes are evaluated for each individual routine they compete
• Each routine should be performed to appropriate music (no longer than 1 minute and 30
seconds long.) Music for Group/Duets/Trio routines can be up to 2 minutes and 30 seconds
long. Music from all styles, cultures, and genres are encouraged. The music can have vocals as
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long as there are no discernable lyrics, except in special cases. If questions arise, please send us
an email at [email protected].
• Groups are evaluated at the level designated by the coach, regardless of the skill level of the
individual athletes

Competitive Levels and Requirements
There are six levels in the rhythmic program, beginning with Copper and ending with Premier. There
are no age margins; if a gymnast can handle the majority of the skills recommended for that level, then
she should be placed in that particular level regardless of age.

Copper
75% to 100% A Skills (B Skills may be used in limited quantity if needed)
Copper is the Novice Beginner level in USAIGC. The gymnast is allowed to have 4 to 8 skills from
the “A” and a very limited quantity of “B” columns of the USAIGC Code of Points per routine. The
Copper level can include apparatus skills (rolling the apparatus, tossing the apparatus, etc.) as skills on
the judging sheets, in addition to the regular body skill categories. The Copper gymnasts can have
between 4 to 8 skills in their routines, and the judging will adjust the points per skill as needed. The
amount of skills per routine for Copper should be based on the ability of the gymnast. The Copper
routine should be performed to music lasting no more than 1 minute.

Bronze
50 % A Skills and 50% B Skills.
Bronze is the Beginner level in USAIGC. The gymnast is allowed to have up to 10 skills from the
“A” and “B” columns of the USAIGC Code of Points per routine. The Bronze level routine should
include: 1 leap/jump, 1 pivot, 1 flexibility, 1 balance, 1 acro skill, and up to 5 optional skills from
any of the above categories. The Body Skills Sheet includes space for two extra replacement skills
bringing the total to 12.* The Bronze Level athlete can have less than 10 skills as long as each body
category is covered. The judge will adjust the points per skill as needed if the athlete has less than 10
skills (for example, if a gymnast performs 7 skills, than each of her skills will be worth approximately
14 points each, instead of 10 points each). Skills can be performed in combination (for example, split
leap+stag leap+back scale).
The Bronze Level routine should be performed to music and last 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds.

Silver
75% B Skills and 25% C Skills.
Silver is the Advanced Beginner level in USAIGC. The gymnast is allowed to have 10 skills per
routine, evenly split between the “B” Columns and the “C” Columns of the USAIGC Code of Points.
The Silver level routine should include 10 skills: 1 leap/jump, 1 pivot, 1 flexibility, 1 balance, 1 acro
skill, and 5 optional skills from any of the above categories. Skills can be performed in combination
(for example, split leap+stag leap+back scale). The Body Skills Sheet includes space for two extra
skills, bringing the total to 12.*
Silver level routine should be performed to music and last 1 minute 15 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds.

Gold
50% C Skills, 25% D Skills, 25% athlete’s choice.
Gold is the Intermediate level in the USAIGC. The gymnast is allowed to have 10 skills from the
USAIGC Code of Points per routine: 50 percent from the “C” column, 25 percent from the “D”
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column, and 25 percent from a column of choice. The Gold level routine should include 10 skills: 1
leap/jump, 1 pivot, 1 flexibility, 1 balance, 1 acro skill, and 5 optional skills from any of the above
categories. There is space for 2 extra skills on the sheet. *
Skills can be performed in combination (for example, split leap+stag leap+back scale). The Gold level
routine should be performed to music and last 1 minute 15 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds.

Platinum
50% D Skills, 25% C Skills, and 25% E skills.
Platinum is the Advanced Intermediate level in the USAIGC. The gymnast is allowed to have 10
skills per routine: 50 percent from the “D” column, 25 percent from the “C” column, and 25 percent
from the “E” column of the USAIGC Code of Points. As with the other levels, there is space on the
sheet for 2 extra skills to replace lower scoring skills from the same body category.*
Skills can be performed in combination (for example, split leap+stag leap+back scale).

Premier
50% E to F Skills, 25% F skills and higher.
Premier is the highest USAIGC rhythmic level. The gymnast is allowed to have 10 skills per routine
from the Code of Points: 50 percent “E” to “F” skills, and 25 percent “F” skills and higher. At this
level, the gymnast is encouraged to make use of the more difficult skills of the Code of Points.* As
with the other levels, there is space on the sheet for 2 extra skills to replace lower scoring skills from
the same body category.*
Skills can be performed in combination (for example, split leap+stag leap+back scale).

How the Routines are Evaluated: the Judging Sheets
For every routine, a gymnast must fill out two important forms that can be downloaded from this
page. One is the Overall Impression sheet that evaluates the artistic, performance, and aesthetic value
of the routine, and the other is the Body Skills sheet, which evaluates the technical aspect.
On the Body Skills sheet, there are 10 spaces. The gymnast lists the ten skills (or however many she
has) that she wants evaluated, in the order of appearance in her routine.
For the Bronze through Premier levels, there are two extra spaces on the Body Skills Sheet. These
two extra skills are optional. They may be used to replace a lower scoring skill from the same body
category. For example, if a gymnast falls over during an arabesque balance and she has another
balance listed as an extra skill on her sheet (and she performs it well), then that extra skill can replace
her earlier mistake. They are NOT counted as additional skills; they are ONLY replacements for earlier
skills that were unsuccessfully performed. They may help raise a gymnast’s final score, and are
therefore useful, but NOT required.
When filling out the Body Skills Sheet, describe the skill itself as simply and clearly as possibly, in
order of where the skills appear in the routine (stag jump, arabesque turn, split leap, etc.) Use the basic
symbol for the skill group (leap , pivot , balance , flexibility , and acro A+) and a short
description of the skill. Please bring both sheets (filled out appropriately) to every competition so a
judge can clearly read the skills.

Routine Composition and Scoring
USAIGC Rhythmic rules are designed to be straightforward and understandable. The program is
intended to be accessible to all coaches and athletes, from those brand-new to the sport up to
experienced teams.
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All routines are scored out of 100. Fifty points of the score is Overall Impression, which evaluates
apparatus use, routine continuity, body expression, showmanship, apparatus variety, and apparatus
execution. The other fifty points belongs to the Body Skills. These are the skills that each individual
gymnast writes on her sheet.
One judge is in charge of Overall Impression, and the other evaluates the Body Skills. The two-
judge format helps keep competition costs down and simplifies the judging process for coaches,
gymnasts, and officials. It is also a great system for newer judges to observe, as it is not overwhelming.

Copper Level Routines
Unlike the higher levels, where apparatus skills are not written down, Copper level gymnasts can
include apparatus skills on their Body Skills sheet. Copper level gymnasts should include 1 jump or
leap, 1 pivot, 1 balance, and 1 flexibility as part of their 4 to 8 skills, however. For example, tossing the
hoop, rolling the ball, skipping through the hoop, etc., can be included along with the body skills like
split leaps or passé turns. Please email us at [email protected] for a demo Copper routine
if needed for additional explanation.
Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Premier Routines
Each routine must include 1 pivot, 1 jump or leap, 1 balance, 1 flexibility skill, 1 acro skill, and up
to 5 optional skills of the gymnast’s choice from the aforementioned categories. Acro skills may
include cartwheels, walkovers, forward and backward rolls, forearm handstands (elbow stands), tic-
tocs (walkovers using the elbow-to-wrist area), etc. If there is an Acro (or any body category) skill that
you have a question about or if you simply have a question about routine composition, please email us
at [email protected] for assistance.
Group Routines
Each routine must include a minimum of ten body skills, including 1 pivot, 1 jump or leap, 1
balance, 1 flexibility skill, 1 acro skill, and 5 optional skills of the gymnasts’ choice. In group, these
skills may be performed identically in unison (all gymnast performing passé turns, for example) or
divided (two gymnasts performing arabesque balances while two others are performing split leaps,
etc.) Please indicate this in the same box on the form.
The routine should include a variety of large and small tosses, formations, and traveling across the
carpet. Any combination of apparatus may be used. Groups can include: duets, trios, quartets, small
groups (5-8 gymnasts) and large groups (8-12 gymnasts). The USAIGC level of the group should be
chosen based on the difficulty of the skills in the routine, not on the individual athlete’s levels.
Gymnasts can compete both individually and in group during the same competition. Group can
compete in up to two routines in any USAIGC competition.

The Apparatus
In USAIGC rhythmic gymnastics, the gymnast may use any of the FIG-mandated rhythmic
apparatus: ball, rope, hoop, clubs, ribbon, and floor (also known as freehands, rhythmic floor exercise,
or RFX).
Each routine should include a variety of the following:
• small and large tosses
• passing over and through the apparatus
• creative handling of the apparatus (do not let apparatus remain static or ‘fixed’ in the
gymnast’s hand)
• rolls, boomerangs, echappés, and other releases, depending on the apparatus itself.

The actual apparatus skills do not need to be written down on the gymnast’s judging sheets, but
should be apparent in the viewing of the routine. The apparatus skills should become progressively
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harder as the gymnast travels upwards through the levels. For example, if a Premier gymnast is doing
difficult body elements but very basic apparatus handling, then she must work on more difficult
handling to suit her level. The judges will note on a gymnast’s skills sheets if the apparatus handling is
too simple for her level, and the score will be affected.

Awards and Placement
The USAIGC Rhythmic Gymnastics program uses an achievement-based award system. As routines
are scored out of 100 points, gymnasts who score within a particular margin receive a particular color
medal.
• 90- 100 points receives a Gold Medal
• 80-89 points receives a Silver Medal
• 70-79 points receives a Bronze Medal
• 69 and under receives a Participation Award

This system works well in ensuring that every gymnast receives recognition for her hard work, yet
still keeping a competitive atmosphere. All-Around scores and ranking can also be tallied at the meet
director’s discretion, giving each gymnast an additional medal.
Rhythmic Gymnastics Qualification
Individual rhythmic athletes can compete with three routines in any USAIGC Rhythmic
Competition. There are no qualifying scores or competitions currently needed to attend the USAIGC
Rhythmic National Championships. Rhythmic Groups can participate in up to two events at any
USAIGC competition. Rhythmic groups may enter the USAIGC National/International Championship
in up to two events. Gymnasts can compete in both group and individual events. We encourage all
clubs to come take part in the 2012 USAIGC National/International Championships in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, and to participate in local and state meets held by various rhythmic gymnastics
clubs.
Please keep in mind that all clubs need to join the USAIGC to participate in competitions. This is
partly because 1) insurance purposes, as each gymnast is covered under USAIGC insurance at an
event, 2) each competition must be USAIGC sanctioned if a club is to use the USAIGC name, 3) it
keeps the playing field fair, as it would be inequitable for some clubs to pay the USAIGC club fee
while others skip over this, and 4) the USAIGC National/International Championships requires a
USAIGC athlete number to compete. To make things fair for all teams, please be sure to join the
organization.
If you plan on hosting an event, please alert us as early as possible so we can notify other clubs
who may be interested in attending. This creates partnership among all the teams, which in rhythmic
can be widespread across many states. The more competitions that our athletes can attend, the better
they become in their gymnastics experience and the club also gets the most use out of their USAIGC
club membership.

2011~2012
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USAIGC Rhythmic Gymnastics
Code of Points

The following five body categories
are included in this Code of Points:

Balances
Flexibilities
Acro
Jumps/Leaps
Pivots

For appropriate skill requirements per USAIGC Level, please see pages 2-4. Please choose skills
that are appropriate for the gymnast’s level. These five body categories make up the skills of a
gymnast’s routine, in addition to the apparatus handling that is of course part of rhythmic gymnastics.
Each body category below lists the skills in ascending order, from “A” skills (the basic skills) up
through the most difficult (“J+” skills). When filling out the score sheets, please use the basic symbol
for each skill group (pivots , balances , etc.)
Do not use the more complicated individual FIG symbol that is assigned to each skill—keep it simple.

Special Note: if a gymnast exhibits a brand-new skill (either a body skill or an interesting
combination with the apparatus), this skill/series will be named after the athlete and included in
the USAIGC Rhythmic Code of Points. Please notify us with the particular element so that we can
include it. Encourage creativity!

Jumps and Leaps
“A” Skills

“B” Skills
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“C” Skills

“D” Skills
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“E” Skills

“F” Skills
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“G” Skills

“H” and “I” Skills
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Balances
“A” Skills

“B” Skills

“C” Skills

“D” Skills