Virginia All Stars Optional Program

We have given PREP OPT a new name in Virginia – it will be called the “VIRGINIA ALL STARS OPTIONAL PROGRAM”.  Our goal is to provide an alternative optional program to all of our Level 4-8 JO gymnasts, High School gymnasts and recreational gymnasts.

Feedback is appreciated and can be directed to VAUSAG State Administrative Chairman, Steve Garman at vausag@aol.com.

2012-2013 VAOP Requirement & Guidelines - UPDATED 11/9/12

 

VIRGINIA ALL STARS OPTIONAL PROGRAM

I.  VAOP follows the USAG Prep Optional participation guidelines to provide  an alternative Optional competitive program to serve any or all of the following athletes:

  1. Those who have competed in the USA Gymnastics Jr. Olympic Program and have qualified to Level 7 or 8 but need a more basic introduction to optional competition.
  2. Those who have competed in the USA Gymnastics Jr. Olympic Program at the Compulsory level and would like to experience a basic optional program during their “off” season.
  3. Athletes who have either “retired” from the Jr. Olympic Program or do not wish to train or compete at Level 7 or 8.
  4. Those who have never been involved in the USA Gymnastics Jr. Olympic Program and are involved with programs/organizations that have not traditionally used the USA Gymnastics Jr. Olympic Program.

II.  GENERAL REGULATIONS FROM USAG RULES AND POLICIES FOR PREP OPTIONAL PARTICIPATION:

  1. Athletes must be registered USA Gymnastics Athlete or Introductory Athlete members
  2. In order to coach on the floor of a USAG-sanctioned PREP Optional competition, a Professional, Jr. Professional, or Introductory Coach membership is required.
  3. Since this program is an alternative program that is outside of the Jr. Olympic Development Program structure, there is NO OPPORTUNITY FOR MOBILITY into or within the Jr. Olympic Levels.
    1. If a gymnast has never competed in the USA Gymnastics Jr. Olympic Program (Levels 1-10) but wishes to compete in the P.R.E.P. Optional Program, she must register as an Introductory Athlete Member. If at a later time in the same competitive year she wishes to move to Level 4 or 5, she must upgrade her membership by submitting a regular Athlete Membership application and pay the difference in price. If a gymnast already has a regular athlete membership, she does not have to change or purchase a new membership for PREP Optional.
    2. If a USA Gymnastics Level 5 or 6 gymnast chooses to compete in the P.R.E.P. Optional Program, she must still meet the mobility requirements to advance from Level 5 to Level 6, or Level 6 to Level 7.
    3. P.R.E.P. Optional competitions must follow the current Women’s Rules and Policies in regards to the Equipment Specifications, using the compulsory competition specifications as a minimum standard.
    4. P.R.E.P. Optional competitions must be judged by USA Gymnastics officials certified at a minimum of a Level 5 rating. If Compulsory rated officials are assigned, it is recommended that they be assigned to judge with an Optional (Level 7/8 or above) rated official
      1. Local meets may be judged by a one-judge panel, provided that they have a minimum of a Level 7/8 rating.
      2. If a one-judge panel is used, it must be indicated on the officials’ contract.
    5. The rules, regulations and format used by a specific state and/or region must be published and/or posted on the internet, especially for invitational competitions that may involve participants from multiple states.

III.  Per guidelines set by USAG R&P, the VA USAG State Administrative Committee has determined the following aspects of VAOP:

  1. ELIGIBILITY/ENTRY REGULATIONS
  2. QUALIFYING PROCEDURES
  3. FORMAT, SUB-DIVISIONS, AND/OR AGE DIVISIONS
  4. DIFFICULTY – VALUE AND REQUIREMENTS
  5. MAXIMUM START VALUE
  6. EVENT REQUIREMENTS & RESTRICTIONS
  7. TIMING OF BEAM AND FLOOR ROUTINES
  8. ALLOWABLE VAULTS AND START VALUES