August 27, 2004 -- Every year USA Gymnastics, the national gymnastics body, holds a conference for gymnastics professionals to get together, share ideas and learn about new standards set by USA Gymnastics. Also every year several regional gymnastics bodies hold regional gymnastics conferences of their own. There are some at the national level who argue that the regional conferences draw attendance away from the national conference. My personal experience differs.
It was my attendance at the regional level that spurred my interest in the national gymnastics congress. Like many gymnastics coaches (even many club owners for that matter) I was on a limited budget and attending a national conference every year was simply out of the question. The regional congress was the perfect answer for my situation. It was always in a location I could drive to, and I didn't even have to miss work if my schedule would not allow it. After attending the regional congress for a few years I was lucky enough to have the national gymnastics congress held in the city I lived in. What an opportunity for information. Ever since that time I have made it a point to attend the national congress when ever possible.
Attending at the regional level allows many gymnastics professionals, who otherwise would not have it, access to safety certification, new judging rules and updated compulsory information. I know that ideally everyone should get the same exact information presented to them by one of the officials who set the standard, however, it is much better for coaches and club owners to get some information rather than none at all. I hope that all of the gymnastics professionals out there will continue to support the dissemination and sharing of gymnastics information on both the regional and national levels. I'll see you there! -Matthew Miscisin
September 9, 2004 -- This year at Region 1 conference was uniquely important to me. It was the first opportunity for me to share The Big Book of Gymnastics Games with a real crowd. The reception was more than I could have hoped for. I was honored by the compliments the book received and happy that other coaches shared the excitement that I have for making learning fun! We had over three hundred fifty visitors to our booth and everyone had fun playing the Spin & Win game. Thank you everyone (conference organizers as well as attendees) for making this year's congress the best ever for Gymnasticsman.
p.s.
I was able to take home some photos. Click here to view.
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