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Volume 7, issue 2

9 and 10 for the SJD Meeting.  I am working with two hotels but have not signed a contract as of today.  The hotel with the best rate does not have space for the NGB to meet on Thursday and Friday (the room is too small).  I can secure another hotel but the rooms are $199 plus tax because of it’s location on the Riverwalk.  I know some states have an abundant treasury but all states do not.  I need to hear from the RJD’s as to their recommendation as to location versus value.  Hopefully, this will be resolved soon.

I am also attaching a summary of a conversation held between Connie Maloney, Pat Panichas and myself while we were in Indy.  This is in regard to carpooling and we can cover this in more detail at our meeting. I wanted to forward it to you now.  Please remember that it is always up to the judge to determine who she may safely carpool with. Connie will put it on the USAG website also.  For insurance reasons, the choice must always be the up to the individual.  We can suggest who can travel together but beware of mandates that may put you or your assigners in jeopardy.

I trust everyone is having a good judging season and will forward further updates as they develop.  For those of you affected by severe weather and cancellations our sympathies to you all.  I hope the western states get some good weather soon.

Best Regards,

Carole Ide

on Sunday evening.  One of the arrangements that made it work so well was the proximity (the bridge connecting the hotel and arena) to the meet site.  Judges could come and go without having to arrange rides.

Many were talking about 2008 in San Diego.  Right now the venue planned is smaller than where we were, we will have a difficult time running three gyms at the same time but Patty and Linda will brainstorm and come up with the best arrangement I am sure.  It will still be fine.

UNIFORM NEWS: The fit line for the uniform arrived and judges were given the opportunity to try on the new pieces.  I have contacted HPI and we are working on getting the information for ordering online.   I am hopeful that we can link the company from NAWGJ.org to HPI and that the judges can order directly.  The quality seems much better but the sizing is a bit different.  The skirt runs a little larger.  We have 2 styles of pants to choose from- flex fit and flat front.  The jacket is cut less boxy. And this is the only piece we received any negative feedback from   I actually wore the new skirt with my old jacket at the meet on Sunday evening- they blend fine (considering my jacket has been dry cleaned many, many times and is 2 years old).  This all takes time, especially when we are volunteers and are judging every weekend too.
We are working on the ordering piece and I will notify you as soon as ordering is possible.

Fees:  Robin Smith and her committee have a proposal for fee increase.  I am trying  to schedule a conference call with the NGB in early  February so we can proceed on a proposal to USAG.I am just waiting to hear from NGB members so we can proceed.

YEARLY MEETING- We are planning our meeting for San Antonio, June 7 and 8 for the National Governing Board and June

Dear SJD's,

NATIONAL JUDGES CUP: First of all, I wish to thank all of you for your contributions to the National Judges Cup. Whether it was with your time and expertise or your state’s support of this event by sending your judges it was greatly appreciated!  One of the “perks” of this position is getting to meet our members and without this event it would be extremely difficult.  Another very special perk is receiving all the emails from those who participated, letting us know how much they enjoyed the meet, meeting new judges and how the want to come to San Diego next year (get ready to double your budgeted amount- they will be asking, I’m sure!).

We had 1300 competitors and the meet went so well!  I think it was one of the most  smoothest running meets we have had in recently.  Finally, Texas stood on the award stand, dethroning  Nor-Cal in the State Team Competition.  There were 17 teams in the Level 7 State Team Competition (where were the other 33?- we need 50). We did have some exquisite athletes in the meet- very artistic young gymnasts.

We had more RJD’s present than ever.    Region V especially supported us (with the exception of the host state which was very minimal). Both Connie Maloney and Judy Kemp were actively judging and lent their personal support. They supplied pins for all the judges and also some snack bags.   It is sad for the judges in IND that missed such a great opportunity of camaraderie and also the opportunity to practice judge higher levels.

The state of Ohio had the most judges volunteer- 19 and we could not have made it without them.  Kentucky and California had the second most and some states sent 3+ judges.   We needed everybody we had the last session