~Back~ ABC'S OF GYMNASTICS: Skills are valued by how difficult they are. "A" is the easiest skill and then we work our way upward. Common "A" skills are cartwheels, kips, and back hand springs. "A's" have a value of .2 in a routine. "B's" are valued .4,"C's" are .6 , "D's" are .8, etc. TYPES OF COMPETITION: Compulsory competition is when all the girls or boys do the same routine and score points by performing the skills with the highest degree of perfection. The highest score is a 10.0. Optional competition is when the gymnasts choose individual skills to fulfill requirements on the different events. The value of the routine depends on the skills chosen, how well the routine is structured and how well it is performed. Different levels have different requirements. LEVELS: Girls start at Level 4 and move to Level 10. Boys start at Class VII and Move to Class I. GOVERNING ORGANIZATIONS: Organizations conduct competition for its members. A club may compete in one or more organizations, according to its program & philosophy.       USA Gymnastics: This is the largest, most comprehensive organization in gymnastics. Colleges, YWCAs, high schools, recreation programs, private clubs, SOKOLS, etc. all are part of the USA Gymnastics program. The National championship of the Age-Group program is called the Junior Olympic National Championships. USAG modify the elite code of points for the Age-Group program, host training clinics, sponsor meets, and certify coaches.       USAIGC: United Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs. An organization specifically meeting the needs of the private club industry. They do not use a compulsory system of competition but use the Special Talent Evaluation Program (STEP) (physical ability and skills) for developmental gymnasts. Gymnasts may compete in local, regional or national competition through the USAIGC program. The USAIGC also hosts clinics and sponsors coaching certification.       National High School Federation: Ninth grade and older girls may participate in this program. Local, State and National competitions are held.       TRI-STATE Gymnastics Association: Tri-States consists of local gymnastics schools organized to channel competitions, organize clinics, train judges and generally promote gymnastics in the Tri-State area. The Northstars were a founding member of the organization in the 1970s. Tri-State hosts local qualifying meets and a team championship at all levels. TYPES of MEETS Invitational Meets: Invitationals are competitions sponsored by teams or booster organizations throughout the country. Each competition has its own format. We choose these meets to fill in our competitive schedule and try to pick meets that will be fun, educational and rewarding for our athletes and parents. Qualifying Meets: Gymnasts attend qualifying meets to earn scores which advance them to the next level of competition. Meets start at the local level and then proceed to Sectionals, States, Regionals and Nationals. Qualifying can be by scores, percentage or placement. Qualifying scores: For each specific level the State or National office sets qualifying scores and procedures for athletes. Our responsibility is to see that our gymnasts are entered at a level that will provide success in competition. ~Back~ Phone: 412-487-5999 - Fax: 412-487-7333 - Email: ejewart@jewarts.com or gymnastics@jewarts.com Gym Address: 2468 Wildwood Road, Wildwood, PA 15091 - Mailing Address: 111 Oakhaven Drive, Wexford, PA 15090 We are located just outside North Park on the Yellow Belt