By Mrs. Egle ABRUZZINI, President of Technical Committee of Rhythmic Gymnastics Urbino (ITA) / Moutier (SUI)

The LETTER from the RHYTHMIC N 20 Mai 2005 By Mrs. Egle ABRUZZINI, President of Technical Committee of Rhythmic Gymnastics Urbino (ITA) / Moutier (SUI) 20.05.2005 INTRODUCTION 1. First Based on the analysis of the first 2005 tournaments, the FIG/RG/TC is able to provide the following comments: a) The characterization of the exercises, highly emphasized by the Code, is not sufficient. i. The first mistake occurs in the choice of music (music for an exercise with the Ball in the Flexibility/Waves body movement group, with good amplitude in the shape and positions well fixed, cannot have the same type of music as an exercise with the Rope or the Ribbon in the Jumps/Leaps or Pivots body movement groups, which are dynamically very different). ii. In Artistry, there is a predominant use of elements and difficulties from the groups of non compulsory body movements. iii. The TC will be more rigorous with the penalties for the choice of music, which too often is just «background music». The Committee will also be more severe with the body movements groups in Artistry, by relying on the Code s more specific definition of the penalty for the overuse of a group of non compulsory boy movements.» b) The spread between the judges scores is too wide, due especially to obvious chauvinism towards the gymnasts from the judges of the same country, or even worse, chauvinism in disfavor of gymnasts competing against gymnasts of the judges countries. i. In this respect, the TC is planning to introduce as of 2006, norms of tolerance for the differences between the judges scores. ii. Furthermore, all tournaments will be checked through an evaluation of the judges performance in relation to the final score or through videos, when available. Judges found to have made mistakes will be penalized as required by the judges regulations. 2. Incorrect Information on the Official Forms The Difficulty forms and especially the Artistry forms do not always reflect reality. If a gymnast does not perform an artistic element or a difficulty in its entirety or performs an element totally different from what is described on the form, there will be a penalty for the incorrect form (0.50), as specified by the Code. Starting with the current Olympic cycle, forms showing symbols not included in the Code or in the catalog of symbols will also be penalized (0.50). On the other hand, if the exercise is accidentally interrupted for a long time (serious execution fault), the gymnast will obviously be unable to perform the element or elements shown on the form. In this case, there is no penalty for incorrect form (even if the gymnast does not perform one of the 6 difficulties from the compulsory group). Difficulty Form: Slow Turns We should remember that the norm under Note 3 on pages 68 and 91 must be applied to DIFFFICULTY. It means that only one out of the three successive difficulty elements can be shown with a slow turn on the Difficulty form, regardless of the group affiliation of the difficulty with slow turn (flexibility or balance). The judge must check the form to verify that after each difficulty with slow turn, there are at least two difficulties without slow turn. Among the 18 difficulties described on a form, only a maximum of 6 can be with slow turn. Penalty: 0.50 for incorrect Form D. Form A for Groups: So that an element of collaboration is clearly apparent, the duration of the element should logically be distinct and evident. We strongly invite the coaches to read once again, and carefully, the note in Appendix IV concerning Collaboration. We still see too often on the form, two or three successive collaborations, which in reality represent one single element of collaboration (preparation for the collaborative element, collaboration per se, and end of the 1

collaboration). This does not eliminate the possibility of performing 2 or more elements of collaboration one after the other, but clearly distinct from one another. As stated in the Code, all penalties for incorrect forms are given by the Assistant Judge, when signalized, if necessary, by the concerned panel of judges. 3. Procedures for Evaluating Originalities during Tournaments During tournaments, the value of an originality, which has not yet been approved officially (see page 49, paragraph 1.6 and page 25, paragraph 2.5) should not appear on the Form D and/or A. Tournaments procedure is as follows: During the tournament, the nation must inform the neutral judge or Chair of judges (juge responsable) that original elements or difficulties will be performed. During the tournament, the originality is provisionally approved or rejected. The Commission (TC/FIG Pool) has the authority to make the final decision during the World Championships. The approved originalities will subsequently be published. 4. Errata in the Code and Clarifications Page 39, Paragraph 4.1.5, 4th bullet: Asymmetric movements belong to a separate technical group, which has its own symbol. Correction: 4.1.5. Handling: «Thrusts», swings, circles with the arms «Thrusts», swings, circles with the apparatus Figure eights 4.1.6. Asymmetric movements The same change should be made in the Catalog of Symbols ( Apparatus symbols valid for difficulties ), where the symbol for Asymmetric movements. should be added Page 41, No. 16: Element A. Text to be corrected as follows : «Passing the club or clubs below the leg or legs Same correction has to be made in the Symbol Catalog (Clubs). Page 77, Paragraph 8.1.2: Text to be corrected to read, Any pivot on a flat foot for the entire or a major part of the rotation. Page 87, in the title of Paragraph 6, correct the second symbol representing the ex unit difficulty # 50 (G). The correct symbol is. Page 91, Paragraph 9.2.4. Correct the value of the following criterion (the value in the FR/GER version is correct): + 0.20 + Total wave starting from the floor Page 52, Paragraph 6.1.4. Errata only in the FR/Spanish version of the Code, Correct the sentence in Spanish: «La serie de saltos comprende 3 saltos iguales sucesivos como máximo, ejecutados sin o con un paso intermedio (2 apoyos)». Finally, we remind you that the symbols for small/medium throws:,,,etc., as well as some of the symbols for Mastery ; ; ;, are only found in the Catalog of Symbols. 2

CLARIFICATIONS CONCERNING THE CODE OF POINT 2005 1. GENERALITIÉS The apparatus «Clubs» is composed of 2 clubs. This designation also applies to authorized replacement apparatus (nothing new compared with the past 20 years of the Code s existence!) Individuals (1 apparatus) : Two replacement clubs around the floor; clubs may be set around the floor freely, separately or together Groups (2 apparatus): Same criteria. For example: 1 replacement hoop + 2 replacement clubs, separate or together 2. DIFFICULTIES 1. Technical Movements (Balances / Flexibility) page 66: 7.1.6. The rotations of the apparatus around the hand follow the norms for small movements (in the Code, «generally performed by the wrists) and count as one movement, provided that there is a series of rotations (three at the minimum). Consequently, a rotation around another part of the body is not considered as a small movement ; therefore, one single rotation is enough to count as one technical movement 7.1.10. Mills performed with the clubs count as two movements. By analogy, we can determine that «Mills» performed with the folded rope, wrists close together, and composed at the minimum of one series of small circles (as for the clubs) count as two movements. Mills performed with the open rope, wrists apart (2 large circles at the minimum) count as two movements. 7.1.12 The Code reads, «During the difficulties with «slow turn», it is sufficient to have the apparatus in motion during the whole duration of the balance, regardless of the number and the amplitude in the movements of the apparatus. The apparatus in motion signifies (nothing new!) that: the apparatus is held by the hand and is in constant motion, or the apparatus is held in an unstable balance on the hand or on another part of the body, or the apparatus is freely in motion (roll on the floor/throw) in coordination with the whole duration of the balance (roll/throw at the beginning of the slow turn and catch at the end). 2. Technical Movements for the PIVOTS Fouettés The pivots «fouettés» (whether isolated or in combination) follow the norms of all other pivots. The following technical faults often occur in the performance of «fouettés and lower or cancel the value of the pivot: As for any pivot, the rotation must be performed on the toes (heel well raised) and not on the «ball of the foot (heel close to the floor). See Code p. 77, Paragraph 8.1.1. If the gymnast is unable to perform all the specified degrees of the rotation ( incomplete rotation, see p. 78, Paragraph 8.1.3), the level of the isolated fouetté, or of each component of the combination of fouettés (with identical shape), decreases in relation to the number of rotations completed. If there is an interruption of the rotation during a fouetté or a combination of fouettés for example, gymnast is hopping or using heel support, the Difficulty judge must no longer take into account the rotations or pivots fouettés performed after the technical fault. Because the combination of fouettés represents one single difficulty, it cannot be interrupted or broken down into several difficulties (Paragraph 8.1.7). Example : The form indicates the following pivots «fouettés : 1 st double + 2 nd triple + 3 rd single. The first pivot is performed correctly. Then the gymnast uses heel support on the floor (or hops) during the 2 nd rotation of the triple pivot and manages to complete the third rotation; the third pivot is correct. The D judge must only count the value of the first pivot (double) + the value of the first 3

rotation of the triple pivot and eliminate the remainder of the combination, because the combination was interrupted after the 2 nd incomplete fouetté. «Cossack» Pivots The D judges must pay attention to the following three technical aspects: The initial impulse with the help of the hands on the floor is valid, but the degrees of the rotations must be counted from the moment the hands leave the floor. The «Cossack» position is valid, even if the gymnast is sitting on her support heel; however, this position must be well raised from the floor as in any other pivot. At the end the pivot, the gymnast may terminate on the knee of her support leg, but this passing must be controlled and distinct. The pivot will receive no value, if the passing to the knee is poorly performed (loss of balance with support or fall). Pivots with support leg bending progressively See, for example, p.80, Pivots #6 (C, E, G). By definition, the support leg passing from the stretched to the bent position must always be done progressively. Therefore, a disjointed execution of the two positions one high up and the other way down does not fit the technique of these pivots but rather the one of two successive pivots! Pivots with back bend of the trunk Page 79, 8.2.3. Criterion : «+ 0,20, back bend of the trunk with leg in «arabesque» ( head touching the leg) or sideways or in «attitude».the contact with the head is only required for the leg in arabesque. Pivots, Balances, Flexibility «with ring» Often the symbols for difficulties with ring WITHOUT help are in reality similar to the same difficulties WITH help of the hand or of another part of the body or of the apparatus. We should remember that in these cases, the difficulties are difficulties with ring WITH help and therefore, the difficulty described on the form as being WITHOUT help has no value (0.00). Ex Unit Pivots # 53 (G) and (H), page 87 We should remember that in these pivots, the free leg at the horizontal must move directly to the position high up without passing below the horizontal: direct passing without impulse. These difficulties, when performed with an incorrect technique, will not be acknowledged nor counted (0.00). 3. Techniques and shapes of JUMPS/LEAPS First : Identify the main action We have noticed that for the shapes of jumps/leaps composed of two or three criteria, such as for example, the following : «+ Back bend of the trunk + with ring + leg high up, more than 180, gymnasts show on the forms three or four symbols of different variations of a jump/leap, but in fact, perform the jump or leap each time with the same imprecise and ambiguous shape. To avoid repeating the same shapes, the gymnast must emphasize the main action of the body in each of the criteria that compose the selected jump/leap (as specified in the Code and already explained during the previous cycle). Examples : The main action is in the leg back, which must be well bent with the foot in contact with the head. CONCLUSION : The trunk should not be bent, nor should the head be bent back or at least not too much, so that this jump will not be confused with the following split leap: 4

The main action is in the trunk with the head touching the leg stretched back. CONCLUSION: The leg must be fully stretched in the back and not half bent, so that differentiation can be made with the following split leap: The main action is in the leg back, which must be bent and wide opened towards the foot held very high above the head. CONCLUSION: The trunk should not be specially bent nor should the head be bent backwards, to avoid doing the following split leap: Etc. Second : Fix one single shape Jumps/leaps that combine more than one main action must be performed in such a way that the unique pattern of the shape is fixed and well defined during the flight, instead of creating, as it is often the case, two patterns of two different shapes instead of a single one. The jump/leap difficulty announced on the form will not be acknowledged nor counted, if this difficulty is performed with this incorrect technique (0.00 pt). For example, the following is shown on the form : B, but the gymnast performs the following two shapes during the flight: ascent phase and descent phase. In this case, the judge will never see the pattern of the difficulty that was illustrated on the form : The same comments can be made for the jeté with a turn : stag leap + ring or stag leap + back bend, etc. Jumps/leaps with rotation of the trunk Jumps/leaps with rotation of the whole trunk are usually performed distinctly. On the other hand, in the case of leaps in the fouetté, entrelacé, or split leaps categories, the rotation of the trunk is often not well executed, because the gymnasts immediately begin the rotation with the trunk turned sideways. The 180 rotation of the trunk is therefore incomplete (less than 180 ). The Code clearly specifies that all jump/leap difficulties with ½ or 1 turn rotation have no value (0.00 pt), if the rotation is not complete (see Note 3, page 54). 4. Technique for FLEXIBILITY Circle -- «Ronde» Most gymnast start the «Circle» with the free leg sideways, then leading the leg back. This movement is insufficient, because it does not meet the Code s requirement. By definition, the Circle requires moving directly between 2 opposite directions. Logically, only two kinds of moves are valid: from front splits to back splits and vice versa. If a difficulty with a Cercle announced on the form is performed with the incorrect technique, this difficulty will not be acknowledged nor counted (0.00) Same reminder for Pivots with a Circle (see Ex Unit Pivot #54, page 88). Shape to be fixed before the «slow turn» The Code clearly specifies that the «slow turn» can only begin after the position of the difficulty has been fixed. Any difficulty with slow turn announced on the form but not performed according to this norm, will not be acknowledged nor counted (0.00). Obviously, the same applies to Balances!. Difficulties # 21 (E) and (G), page 95 The definition of the Table must be completed by adding: with the trunk lower than the horizontal. The corresponding symbol should be replaced by the following new symbol: Difficulties in Paragraph 1.2.5. With back bend of the trunk, with one technical movement, or with «slow turn» 5

As indicated in the title of the Paragraph in the Flexibility table (page 96), any difficulty performed without slow turn (or without rotation) must be coordinated with a technical movement during the stop in the fixed position (see Paragraph 9.1.4, page 89). Difficulty #22 (F) page 96 ( F) To be valid, this well known difficulty must be well fixed in each of the two positions illustrated in the table. The back bend (2 nd position) can be WITH or WITHOUT the help of the hand This difficulty can also be performed in three positions : starting from the same initial position, arrive on the other foot without lifting the initial support leg ; the intermediary position with back bend must be well fixed leg held with both feet on the floor, to finally return to the final position of difficulty 22 F leg still held. In this case, all three positions must be well fixed and always performed with help. The level of this difficulty is still F (0.60), but a new symbol must be used: The value may be increased (+ 0.20) if after the two or three positions of #22 (F), the gymnast returns to the initial position of back splits with help. According to the basic criteria, this difficulty becomes 22 (H) with the following symbol: Difficulties #30 (B, D, E, G), page 98 To avoid having different evaluations of the positions involving «lying on the stomach» or «on the chest», the descriptions of these difficulties must be modified; the judges must only verify that there is: «Start on the floor «prono», back bend of the trunk with Legs on the floor (30B), or Legs high up iwth help (30D) or Legs high up without help (30E), or from 30B to 30E without interruption (30G) Note : Shoulders should never stay in contact with the floor Backward Illusions Because the backward illusion is performed by several gymnasts, the TC has decided to approve the following variation : Add to the Flexibility table page 97, Paragraph 1.3, difficulties #27-bis? (B, D, and F values). Definition : «Backward illusion with back bend, trunk passing through the horizontal».. Symbols : 4. ARTISTRY Overuse of a group of non compulsory body movements. Page 21, Paragraph 2.1.3.2. No body movement group, aside from the compulsory body movement group specific to the apparatus, can be predominant in the composition (overuse of a group of non compulsory body movements). In other words, percentage wise, no Non Compulsory Body Movement Group (NCG) indicated on Form A may represent more than 50% of the Compulsory Body Movement Group. In addition of the 0.50 penalty for overuse, the CAPs of Mastery/apparatus with difficulty of a NCG not included in the norm, will not be evaluated - by analogy with the Difficulty (page 49, 1.4. (4). CAPs coordinated with a body movement element are not concerned by this penalty. Example, Ball: On Form A : 6 CAP with (A) + 5 CAP (A) + 2 CAP (A) of + 1 CAP (A). In this case, no NCG can be represented on the form by more than 3 CAP with difficulty. Consequently, the 4 th and 6

5 th CAP with (A) of are not within the norm and are not evaluated. In addition, the judges deduct 0.50 from the basic composition (for overuse). «Partial Passing» Passing through the apparatus» can be a full passing (the whole body passing through) or a partial passing (a minimum of two segments of the body passing through; one segment could be an arm, a leg, or headtrunk). Sequence of rhythmic steps In order to avoid any confusion and to better identify the «sequence of rhythmic steps (more than three) with typical handling of the apparatus, the symbol that appears in the Catalog must be replace by the following new symbol: The typical handling of the apparatus is not just limited to the group of Handlings, but is available to all the technical movements of each apparatus. The sequence of rhythmic steps may be combined with other uses of the apparatus (CAP). For example: - Sequence coordinated with a handling of the apparatus without the use of the hand(s) (0.10 + 0.10), or - Sequence coordinated with a series of rotations of the hoop around the body (0.10 + 0.10). Etc. «Handling without the hands» ( ) During a handling without the use of the hands (any technical movement), the apparatus must have an autonomous technical movement, which can be initiated by: The impulse given by another part of the body The initial impulse given by the hand(s), but a complete autonomous movement must be accomplished by the apparatus (without the hands). Simply holding or catching the apparatus without the use of the hands does not mean handling without the hands ; a holding of the apparatus without the hands should normally be followed by an autonomous movement of the apparatus. The only exception to his norm is the apparatus held in an unstable balance (on one part of the body), which still qualifies as a technical movement/handling without the hands. Handling : «Sails» with the Rope «Sails» are not circles with the rope open and held at both ends by the hands. Instead they are figure eights performed by the open rope, both extremities held by the hands. Sails may alternatively be performed on the frontal, dorsal or sagittal planes, from left to right, forward or backwards. Active bounces/passive bounces (push back) of the Ball In order to avoid any confusion between actives bounces (CAP #6) and passive bounces (ball pushed back) (CAP #7), which both have the same symbol, the symbol that already exists for the Rebound (Kick back) of the stick of the Ribbon (Ribbon, CAP# 10 ) must be used for the CAP #7 of the Ball: It is also necessary to undescore that the rebound (push back) of the ball in CAP #7 is always performed with one part of the body, aside from the hands and the arms.! Combinations of Apparatus CAP + Apparatus CAP Usually, the CAPs listed for the use of the apparatus can be combined with one another (or with the criteria in the introduction to the Apparatus Chapter See APPENDIX IV, note on p.131). The principle to observe indicates that CAPs or criteria should not be superposed, which means that the value of a CAP/criterion cannot be given twice. Example, Ball : «Series of rhythmic bounces», of which one bounce within the series is performed without the hands. The coach must chose to write ( ) or ( ) = 0,10, but cannot make it one single CAP of 0.20. 7

Dynamic Elements Page 24, Paragraph 2.4.3. We will remember that the catch is valid only if it occurs during or immediately at the end of the 1st, 2 nd, 3rd, or more elements without difficulty, all with rotations (and with passing once on the floor). However, Note No. 2 which follows this paragraph, makes it possible for one or more elements (all with rotation) to be difficulties (an A must be added and 0.10 pt for additional value). Consequently, if the catch occurs after the last element (or difficulty) with a rotation/walkover/cartwheel or during a difficulty not within the rotation elements specified by the dynamic combination with or without difficulty, the element has no value, because the catch is considered as separate from the element unit. Example, on Form A: Throw during a jump/leap difficulty, walkover/cartwheel and immediate catch at the end of the walkover/cartwheel outside the visual field ( ) ( ) (0,10) + (0,10+0,10) = 0,30 Example, on Form A : Throw during a jump/leap difficulty, walkover/cartwheel, and catch immediately at the end of the walkover/cartwheel, outside the visual field: ( A) ( ) (0,10+ 0,10) + (0,10+0,10) = 0,40 Example, on Form A : Throw during a jump/leap difficulty, cartwheel/walkover, and catch during a second jump/leap difficulty ( A) ( A ). The intermediary rotation does not count, because it is not connected to the catch of the apparatus. Therefore the value is: (0.10 + 0.10) for the throw and (0.10+0.10) for the catch. The value of the catch can be increased by adding criteria for Mastery (Paragraph 2.4.3, Note 3). The value of the throw can also be increased with the criteria for Mastery (general norms for throws), but this would not be considered as part of the dynamic element. Example : :( A) ( ) = 0.40 (Mastery throw) + 0.30 (2 dynamic elements/catch 2 clubs) + 0.30 (catch as for 1 apparatus) = 1,00 p. The gymnast who describes the above example on the form but ends up performing only one dynamic element (passing once on the floor) will receive a 0.10 deduction for the missing dynamic element ; the remainder of the exercise is still valid = 0.90 pt. Note : On the other hand, if a dynamic combination «WITH difficulties, all with rotation, without passing on the floor» (three or more) is not fully performed (one or two difficulties instead of three), the series, which is a unit at the minimum of three difficulties, is eliminated. Possible Mastery in the throw or the catch would remain valid. Mastery/CAPs well performed To be valid, the elements of Mastery and of use of the apparatus (CAP) must be performed without any technical faults in the handling of the apparatus. In a combination of elements, judge A only eliminates the elements poorly executed. However, in regard to throws and catches with Mastery, we should be aware of two situations where faults could occur: Example : :On the form : ( + ) = 0.20 +0.10 The gymnast loses her apparatus (no contact) ; the throw is also cancelled. Judge A : 0.00 + 0.00. The gymnast catches the apparatus incorrectly (contact with the apparatus). The throw is still valid. Judge A : 0.20 + 0.00. New elements for CAPs of the Ball Effective as of the World Championships in October 2005 8

To give more importance to the body movement group characteristic of the Ball, the TC has decided to add 2 new elements to the list : Large roll during a body movement element from the Flexibility/Waves group: 0.10 Large roll during a body movement difficulty from the Flexibility/Waves group : 0.20 Acrobatic Elements Page 22, Paragraph 2.1.5.2. The variations of the «walkovers/cartwheels» mentioned in this paragraph are considered as different acrobatic elements. Page 91, Paragraph 8.2.2. The following criterion can be added to the difficulties of the Flexibility/Waves group with all the modes characteristic of the walkover/cartwheel (See Page 22, Paragraphs 2.1.5.2). + 0,20 Avec renversement However, a same type of difficulty with walkover or cartwheel will be valid with this criterion only once. Changing the type of walkover/cartwheel does not change the overall difficulty (it is a repetition). 5. GROUPS Collaborations Note at the end of p. 117, The above elements of collaboration are valid provided that all the gymnasts participate in them..., concerns the entire paragraph 2.4. This condition makes the collaboration of sub-groups possible (for example, 3 gymnasts collaborate with one another and the other two with each other). The general principle of GROUPS the easiest element determines the general level must be applied to any element of collaboration by sub-groups. The 0.30 and 0.40 values at the end of the Note to Paragraph 2.4 (page 117) are valid for all collaborations with risky moves, with the exception of collaborations with Multiple Exchanges. Values of Exchanges : 0,30 without risk (without throws or with throws within the visual field) 0,40 with risk for 1 or 2 gymnasts 0,50 with risk for 3 or more than 3 gymnasts. Collaborations with risks in Paragraph 2.4.3 The descriptions of collaborations starting with the words Throw, jump/leap must be modified to read: Throw before or during a jump/leap The description of «Throw, passing through with a jump or leap» must also be modified to read : «Throw before or during the passing through with a jump or leap» Exchanges: Catch on the floor According to the general principle of the Code, which states that the value of the same element cannot be counted twice, the catch on the floor during an exchange counts only once towards Difficulty and cannot be presented or evaluated again in Artistry. 9

Exchanges of two clubs The loss of one club during the exchange of 2 clubs follows the general rule for difficulties with two clubs which means that The exchange does not count, if both clubs are lost The exchange is valid, if only one club is lost With my best regards. Egle Abruzzini President of the RG-TC 10