Clarifications

I noticed working with the form on page 19 that in the Support Phase the deduction for "Poor Foot Form ^0.20" was not included. Should that deduction be applied in the Support Phase of this Vault?
Thank you for catching this typo. The deduction for "Poor foot form ...up to 0.20" should also be listed in the Support Phase. [9/5/11]

I received your clarification that both cast backhip circles would count if connected to cast squat on. A child does pullover, cast backhip circle, cast backhip circle, cast squat on dismount. Has she fulfilled the SR for the cast. This is Silver. Since you have to cast to do a backhip circle and it is considered one element, and the rules state that a move cannot count for more than one special requirement
Yes, I would go to the advantage of the gymnast and consider SR fulfilled. [11/18/11]

Regarding a silver or gold bar routine, with the following: Cast Back Hip circle, Cast Back hip circle, cast squat on. Since the cast squat on is written as one skill in the compulsory book, would this be considered a different exit allowing the second back hip circle to receive value part credit.
I agree that you can look at this dismount as one compulsory element. Using this logic, yes the second back hip circle is considered to have a different exit. Both back hip circles can count. [11/15/11]

Is a kip considered a circling skill?No, a kip is not a circling skill. In order to qualify as a circle, the skill must mast a 360 degree circle around the bar. [9/19/11]

Would you get credit for 2 circling elements if you did cast back hip circle + back hip circle without a cast in between? They would have different entry...one from a cast and one from back hip.
Yes, credit would be given for 2 circling elements if you did cast back hip circle + back hip circle without a cast in between? They would have different entry...one from a cast and one from back hip. [9/19/11]

Ok so if they do cast back hip circle then cast back hip circle underswing, would that be counted because one is connected to the underswing and one is not?Yes, both back hip circles will count as circling skills because they have a different exit.
1. Cast + Back Hip Circle + Cast
2. Cast + Back Hip Circle + Underswing [9/21/11]

In Silver, will you get credit for 2 circling elements if you do a back hip circle on low bar and then again on high bar? Are they different because they are on different bars?
In order to get credit for both back hip circles, there must be a different skill before or a different skill after the back hip circle. The performance on the LB or HB is not enough to make it different. [9/18/11]

Is the Level 4 bar dismount from the high bar an “A” and therefore meet Gold dismount SR?#1.101 in code. Gold uneven bars SR's 4. A Dismount from high bar - Level 5-6 OR “A” V P.
The Level 4 dismount will meet the requirement for Gold Bars Special Requirement. [9/11/11]

Under Bars Clarifications - pg 4 & 5 of the Xcel Rules it reads:"A cast back hip circle, cast is not an extra swing at Bronze, Silver & Gold." Was this intended to read: " A cast, back hip circle, cast - the 2nd cast is not considered an extra swing at Bronze, Silver, & Gold." ?
Either wording is fine. [9/11/11]

Gold Bars: The restrictions on page 15 read: "If a "B" or higher Giant, release, or dismount is performed, deduct 0.50 and no SR." Are all other "B" Value Parts allowed at the Gold Level?
Yes, "B" Value Parts are allowed except the "B" or higher Giant, release, or dismount. [9/11/11]

On page 4 SR #4 reads: "A Dismount from high bar - Level 5-6 OR "A" VP" Does this mean that they can choose ANY "A" dismount in the Code or does it have to be a Salto if chosen from the Code?
The requirement is correct as stated. Any "A" will work. [9/11/11]

Is a long hang pullover allowed on the low bar in prep op silver?
Yes, a long hang pullover is allowed at silver bars. [2/25/11]

Can compulosry dismounts be performed on either bar?
No, for Bronze, Silver or Gold a compulsory dismount must be performed exactly as it is written in the compulsory routine. [8/26/10]

What deductions do we use for Prep Silver UB counter swing tap swing - those listed for Level 6, Level 5 or do we just judge body position.
On page 2 of the Prep Optional Rules card, under general deduction, "Follow execution, technique and amplitude deductions from JO Code of Points unless otherwise clarified." This would apply to the counter swing tap swing. [12/6/10]

Would a Long Hang Pullover performed from a cast (like the Level 6 routine) count for a circling special requirement at the Silver and Gold levels if done on the High Bar?
I would count a Long Hang Pullover performed from a cast (like the Level 6 routine) count for a circling special requirement at the Silver and Gold levels if done on the High Bar.

Would the cast have to meet any requirements other than the one for the specific level? In other words, would one of those small casts followed by a Long Hang Pullover be sufficient to "count" the LHP as a circling skill? And, if at gold the cast was not sufficient enough to "count", would the LHP still "count"?
Even if the cast is one of those small casts (that does not meet the requirements for the Level) followed by a Long Hang Pullover I would count the LHP as a circling skill. [10/21/10]

Is a jump from low bar long hang pullover considered a 360 degree circling element as required for Silver bars?
A long hang pullover initiated from a jump on the low bar does not do a complete 360 degree circle. The long hang pullover will not meet the requirement. [10/7/10]

Can a candlestick on the Bronze beam count for an acro element.
A candlestick hold on Bronze beam will count as an acro skill. [11/7/11]

Cartwheel into a gainer back tuck dismount so one foot lands on beam, the other leg swings into dismount. That would just be one acro then they would have a backwalkover...I wanted to clarify this would meet the 2 acro skill requirement for Gold Level...
Yes, this would meet the requirement for Gold Beam of two acro elements starting and finishing on the beam. The two elements are: Cartwheel and Backwalkover. [9/21/11]

Can a headstand in the beam routine (starting and finishing on the beam) count as an acro element that attains vertical?
Yes, a headstand can count as a vertical acro movement if the body is extended from the crown of the head through the hips and toes. [9/11/11]

On the SR list for Bronze BB - requirement #2/page 6 reads: "One leap or jump (30 degrees if cross split jump)."
If the gymnast chose to perform a split leap instead of the split jump, would the 30 degree requirement apply to the leap also?
The 30 degree requirement applies to any leap or jump selected that has a split requirement. There are choices for a Bronze Gymnasts, ie straight jump, which do not require a split position. [9/11/11]

Are "B" non-flight acro elements (namely a front walkover) allowed at Gold? I don't see anything that says no "B" acro, but I just want to clarify.
The guidelines list what skills may be used. For Gold, "May use any Level 5-?6 elements for SR (except as noted for dismounts) and/or any “A” VP and/or any “B” dance VP. “ Therefore, no "B" acro are allowed. [9/8/11]

Handstand requirements for the Platinum Level:
Do I understand this correctly? At Platinum since all counting Value Parts must be in the JO Code, we would look for excellence in performance and apply deductions appropriate to the handstand that is chosen per the Code.
As stated in the Prep/Excel rules, Platinum handstands should be vertical for no deduction. If the handstand is less than vertical, no Special requirement is given and a deduction of up to -0.20 for failure to attain vertical. Failure to hold the Handstand for 2 seconds is an up to -0.20 deduction. Other deductions for execution for the J.O. Code of Points will apply. [9/6/11]

PREP Gold dismounts beam with Level 5 dismount. She has 4 other Special Requirements. Does she have a 10.00 SV?Even though the Gold beam routine has 4 Special Requirements she must have a dismount that meets the requirement to have a 10.00. The Level 5 dismount does not meet the requirement. There is a -0.30 for no dismount. The Start Value is a 9.70. [4/6/10]

When an Acro VP has a different exit - ie Cartwheel to stand vs Cartwheel to kneel - will those two skills be considered different for the purposes of fulfilling SR #1 on Gold and Platinum Balance Beam?
Information on counting of Value Parts can be found in the JO Code of Points and is specific to each event. On balance beam Acrobatic Elements that take-off or land on one or both legs are different. [12/6/10]


Recently, we had a heck of time figuring out where the beam time would be listed - and we finally found it under floor on another page. I think this should be put just below beam. Also, the 4 of 5 requirements listed are sideways in the box and we had a time finding it too.
Time limits for all events are listed together on page 3 of the Prep Optional Rules card. As you work more with the card, I feel it will become easier to reference the items(s) you are looking for. [12/6/10]

If a POG gymnast does: straight jump split jump(min 90) can this count for 2 SR?
SR= One leap or jump (90°split min) (in a series or isolated)
SR=One “B” dance VP (in a series or isolated)
On page 2 of the Prep Optional Rules card, under general rules & information, "a single element/ Value Part can only be used to fulfill one Special Requirement." [12/6/10]

When referring to the acro SR, 2 acro elements SAME or different....would the following skills fulfill this requirement since they both have different exits: backwalkover to the knee and later backwalkover to the feet?
Do two of the same elements HAVE to have different exits? What if the two back walkovers are connected in the middle?
In order to count an element or Value Part two times, there must be a different connection (i.e. preceded or followed by ad different element/Value Part.) Two back walkovers directly connected would count as two Value Parts.[10/21/10]
What if the two back walkovers are not connected in the middle?
If the two back walkovers are not connected, this would mean you have two of the same skill in identical connections. Only the first back walkover would get credit for a value part. [12/6/10]


Since a straight jump is a level 2 allowable dismount element, would it have to be performed the way it is written in the level 2 beam routine, ie from a sideward stand?
Would a cartwheel straight jump BACKWARDS off the end be allowed?
All dismounts must be performed as they are written in the compulsory. Therefore, if a Level 2 dismount element is used, it must be from a sideward stand. A cartwheel straight jump BACKWARDS off the end of the beam is not allowed. [10/21/10]


If a gymnast (GOLD) on BEAM does a front salto dismount she has meant the ACRO SR category requirement, correct?
There is two Special Requirement for Gold Beam that you may be referring to.
- "Two acro elements and/or "A" VPs (non-flight, same or different, attaining or passing through vertical) must start and finish on BB (in a series or isolated)" As you see, this SR can only be met with skills that start and finish on the beam
- The dismount Special Requirement is "Aerial or Salto dismount". A front salto dismount would satisfy this SR. [9/29/10]
The question refers to the requirement that you must choose at least one SR from the dance category and one SR from the acro category, would the front tuck dismount be considered in the acro category since it is a salto?
A front tuck dismount would satisfy the dismount special requirement. The front salto dismount will not satisfy the requirement for one acro special requirement starting and finishing on the beam. [10/7/10] [10/15/10]

Regarding the Gold Beam front tuck dismount...the most recent Optional Rules sheet (dated Sept. 11, 2010) posted states for Gold BB "1 acro category SR & 1 dance category SR min. Start and finish on BB." This is different than the August Optional Rules sheet so with this...will the front tuck dismount still fulfill the clarification under Gold Beam that "1 acro category SR and 1 dance category SR min Start & finish on beam" ?
The dismount will not satisfy the special requirement of acro starting and finishing on the beam. [10/15/10]

On BB – Level 3 can do a “Partial Handstand” and a Level 4 can do a “3/4 Handstand” – these are both Compulsory Elements with value. HOWEVER, if I am reading the Handstand Angle Chart correctly, only the Bronze Level can use these two CE to fulfill a Special Requirement. Silver must be within 20° of vertical to be awarded an Acro Special Requirement, but no hold. The Gold and Platinum must be at absolute vertical (no degree tolerance from Handstand even if it is held at 10° past vertical) to be awarded an Acro Special Requirement.
You are reading the card correctly. [10/7/10]

Could we clear up the wording of the Acro requirement on Gold/Platinum Balance Beam?
When they both get to the part that says "same or different" then confusion develops even though there is a statement on the forum that if a Value Part is used 2 times it must be in a different connection. Coaches argue that "same" means the same.

My suggestion for the rewording the Gold is:
"Two acro elements and/or "A" VPs (non-flight, attaining or passing through vertical) must start and finish on BB (in series or isolated) if the same, must be in different connection.

and Platinum:
"Two acro VPs (with or without flight, attaining or passing throught vertical) must start and finish on BB and if same, must be in different connection.

This would not change the program, but just make it clearer. Could this too be sent to SACs and SJDs to send out to their membership so that everyone is on the same page?
The wording you have suggested is a different way to say the rules currently in use. It is fine for you to use this wording if you like. [9/29/10]

Does an assemblé break the series for bronze and silver? i.e. run run leap step assemblé tuck jump
Reposting - Change - An assemblé does not break the dance passage for bronze and silver floor. i.e. run run leap step assemble tuck jump does count as a dance passage, [11/17/11]


Will a handstand forward roll fulfill the forward requirement for bronze and silver? Can it be done with bent or straight arms?
A handstand forward roll will fulfill the forward requirement for bronze and silver floor? It can be done with either bent or straight arms. [11/7/11]


Gold Floor Routine:
Round off back tuck
Front tuck
Dance pass with a leap connected to a wolf hop
Full turn
are all requirements met?
There are 4 Special Requirements present: # 2, 3, #4, #5. Yes, this meets the Special Requirements. [12/6/10]

Can a chasse (found in Level 2/3 comp floor) be used as one of the elements in a Dance Passage (ie chasse, run, run, split leap to the required degree) - at Bronze/Silver/Gold?
Yes, the chassé may be used in the dance passage for Bronze, Silver or Gold. [10/7/10]

If a gymnast has a balance err, bobble, double plie, in between 2 leaps on floor she still received SR for dance passage (it would be indirectly connected) correct? Is there such a thing as a "broken series" then??
Clarification on dance series can be found in the JO Code of Points on page 224. No pauses or stops are allowed within the dance passage. The items you list (balance errors, bobble, double plie) make me think these are stops that would break the dance passage. [9/29/10]

Did you mean to put "A" VP in the Gold Floor SR of a Dance Passage since the others all read just VP, expecially since the Gold level gymnast can use "B" dance?
The dance passage can be fulfilled by compulsory elements or Value Parts "A" or higher allowed for Gold. [9/29/10]

Since the Straight Jump is in the Level 3 Floor routine and the gymnasts can use any complusory element, can it be used in the Dance Passage at Silver and Gold? Those levels read "any Group 1 elements (which I was told refers to comp. elements) and/or VP"?
Yes, a straight jump on floor can be used in the dance passage for Bronze, Silver and Gold. [9/29/10]

The Prep Opt card reads, "1 acro series SR and 1 dance series SR minimum". This means they have to have at least one SR from Acro and one SR from dance. So do they have to do Dance Passage or full turn as one of their SR's?
The gymnast must do one of her 4 SR choices from the acro category and one of her 4 SR choices from the dance category. The Dance category can be fulfilled by any of the dance choices. [8/19/10]

Is there a deduction for Coach on the Floor Mat for Gold? Bronze and Silver list no deduction for this and it is listed as 0.50 for Platinum. What is it for Gold?
There is no deduction for coach on the floor exercise mat at Bronze, Silver or Gold. [8/3/10]

Silver Floor - Can a gymnast do round-off-rebound-backward roll as an acro series?
Yes, this can count as an acro series for Silver Floor. [7/7/10]

Silver - Can an athlete fo cartwheel, round-off and then front handspring step out cartwheel as two acro series?
Yes, the cartwheel can be counted both times since the connection is different. [7/7/10]

Are Event Specialists allowed at the Platinum Level?
There are no event specialists at the Regional Level at Xcel/Prep Opt. [9/8/11]

The requirements quoted are to move to Gold. Each State may also allow event specialties in their state. The Xcel rules on page 1 say: "If a gymnast should choose to compete in 2 or 3 events at Xcel then she must score 15.5 for two events and 23.25 for 3 events competing Level 5 .Coach must notify your State Chairman, which events and send gymnast’s scores before you can compete as a Xcel Gold. Gymnasts must scored above totals at Level 5 on the events they want to compete at Xcel Gold." So, are you saying that is incorrect and that event specialists are not allowed at any level? Or are they just allowed at the Gold Level?
The requirements quoted are to move to Gold. Each State may also allow event specialties in their state. [9/11/11]

When it is not specified whether or not the acro is to be backward or forward, may that be freely chosen or is backward "implied?"
When an acro requirement does not specifically state backward or forward, the requirement can be met with either backward or forward. [9/5/11]

Silver/Gold/Platinum Rule: “Level 1 Compulsory Elements (CE) will not count as elements/VP”
1. Does this really mean VP? If it does, that means that even if the Level 1 CE is in the JO Code of Points it cannot be used as a Special Requirement unless it also appears as a CE at another compulsory level. There are several in the Level 1 routine on Floor that are not found in the other Compulsory Levels – the forward and backward rolls.
2.The penalty for using a Level 1 CE as a Special Requirement would be:
a. 0.50 for No Special Requirement
b. If it happens to be the Bar or Beam Dismount it would also have a 0.30 deduction for “no dismount or unallowable dismount.”
c. You would NOT take .5 for using a restricted VP.
d. If the "Level 1 CE" did not have to be "counted" as a SR and was just done within the routine, no penalty would occur.
1. This is an either or statement. If something is listed in the JO Code of Points, it may be used as a VP (even if it is also a Level 1Compulsory Element). [10/7/10]
2. For Silver, Gold and Platinum your statement #2 is correct. [9/22/11]

If on Bars or Beam a “restricted” VP occurred on the dismount, then would you also take 0.30 for “no dismount or unallowable dismount” + .5 for using the “restricted” VP. Would you also take .50 for no Special Requirement if she did 4 other SR?
On Bars, a dismount is a required Special Requirement at all levels. There would be a deduction for a missing Special Requirement if a “restricted” VP occurs on the dismount. [9/22/11]
On Balance Beam a dismount is required on Bronze Beam. There would be a deduction for a missing Special Requirement if a “restricted” VP occurs on the dismount. Since the dismount is not a required Special Requirement on Silver, Gold and Platinum, there is no -0.50 if the Special Requirements are met. [10/7/10]

A -.5 plus Special Requirement” deduction on a Value Part (VP)-meaning skills found in the JO Code of Points. If I understand the Xcel/Prep Op form and Optional Rules correctly this deduction would apply ONLY when a gymnast did the following:
1. “B” or Higher VP at Bronze and Silver – except Split Jump on Beam and Straddle Jump on Floor
2. Giant, “B” Release/Dismount on Bars and “B” or higher Acro on BB/FX or “C” or Higher VP on UB/BB/FX at Gold – except Flyspring on Floor
3. “C” or Higher VP at Platinum – except the Level 7 Bar exceptions
Would you also take -.50 for No Special Requirement if she did 4 other Special Requirements?
Yes, this would be when a -.5 deduction would be taken. No deduction is taken if the required Special Requirements are satisfied. [9/22/11]

A handstand limber, kick over (level 4) would fulfill the acro element of "A" VP requirement for Bronze Floor.
A handstand limber, kick over (level 4) would fulfill the acro element of "A" VP requirement for Bronze Floor. [10/7/10]

Would straight jump , split jump fulfill the dance passage for bronze beam?
There is no dance passage requirement for bronze balance beam. [10/7/10]

Can a Switch Leap be used, as long as it does not attain a 135 degree split, to fulfill the leap requirement at any level on Balance Beam and on the Floor for Bronze/Silver/Gold levels?
The switch leg leap is not listed as an exception. I would not suggest a poor switch leg leap be put in a routine in the hopes it will be called a "split leap" if the first leg does not get to 45 degrees or the split is below 135 degrees. Excellence of execution is expected and thus the possibility of -.5 for an unallowable skill if done properly. [9/22/11]

If the gymnast is deficient in attaining the degree requirement for the Handstand and you do not award the Special Requirement, do you also take the .3 deduction for the angle requirement?
Yes, the angle requirement would apply to all attempted handstands, even if the Special Requirement is not awarded. [9/29/10]

If a compulsory element (not found in the Code) is used in the routine, but is not being used to fulfill a SR, does it have to be performed as written in the Compulsory Book? At the moment, I'm referring to the leg cut on Bars with and incorrect hand change. What would you do with that? Would you take any deduction other than execution deductions like loose/bent legs, etc.?
Unless an element is being used to fulfill a SR, it does not have to be performed as written in the Compulsory text. Your example of a leg cut on Bars with and a hand change that is not like in the compulsory text. I would take execution and amplitude deductions such as loose/bent legs, etc. but I would not take for the technique used to change the hand. [9/29/10]

This refers to Gold and Platinum Balance Beam and Gold Floor requirement choices:
Example: On BB - Gold - a gymnast does a Split Jump less than 135 degrees which fulfills the SR of "one leap or jump (90 degrees" THEN later in the routine she does a "B" Split Jump which would satisfy the SR of "one "B" dance VP (in series or isolated) - the argument is that they are different because one is a compulsory element and the other is a Value Part from the JO Code. THEREFORE can they both be counted and fulfill TWO SR?
Example: On BB - Gold - a gymnast does a Split Jump less than 135 degrees which fulfills the SR of "one leap or jump (90 degrees" Yes, this would fulfill the SR one leap or jump (90 degree split).
THEN later in the routine she does a "B" Split Jump which would satisfy the SR of "one "B" dance VP (in series or isolated) - the argument is that they are different because one is a compulsory element and the other is a Value Part from the JO Code. Remeber there must be a different connection to count a skill 2 times. THEREFORE can they both be counted and fulfill TWO SR? Yes, I would count this as a Dance "B" VP [9/29/10]

Platinum - Listed on the chart of new rules "B" VP required is listed with the Special Requirements. Then again it is listed under under Clarifications as a 0.30 deduction. Since the statement is listed in two places does it mean there is a 0.50 deduction under SR and a 0.30 under clarifications or is it a 0.30 deduction for each routine?
While the “B" VP required is listed with the Special Requirements, it is not actually an additional Special Requirement.
- If a “B” VP is used in any of the Special Requirements, there is no deduction.
- It is possible to fulfill all of the Special Requirements and not have a “B” VP. This would result in a -0.30 deduction for missing a “B” VP.
- If one Special Requirement is missing and there is no “B” VP in the routine deduct -0.50 for the SR and -0.30 for the VP.
[8/20/10]

With the new rules I have gymnasts that haven't competed yet but if they did they would be level 3 possible level 4. The bronze level seems a little easy but silver may be too hard with the vault and floor. What level gymnasts do tou think will be competing silver?
This Level is open to Level 1-5. [10/29/10]

The 2010-2011 regional Prep Op Rules say "No athlete may compete in 2 USAG State Meets in the same season." in the notes section on page 1. Does this mean a level 4 who competes in state meet December 2010 can not compete in Silver state meet March 2011?
As long as your state has a fall compulsory season and a spring PREP season and athletes can compete in Level 4 State in December (fall season) and as a Silver in March (spring season). This rule is to prevent Level 7 from competing in state meet and then competing also in PREP state meet in the same spring season.