USA Gymnastics 07-08 Calendar

TOPS Info on the HOPE Program - NEW 2007

TOPs (Talent Opportunity Program), is a talent search and educational program for female gymnasts ages 7-11 and their coaches.

Benefits of the TOPs Program

·          Identify talented gymnasts 7-11 years old.

·          Educational opportunities for coaches and athletes.

·          Assist coaches in the development of these athletes by enhanced access to the best gymnastics authorities available along with other training and performance opportunities.

·          Gives athletes goals for strength and flexibility.

Structure of TOPs Program

·          All athletes 7-11 years old participate in a State Testing in the physical abilities tests.  (please see next page for list of these tests)

·          Athlete’s scores from the State Testing are tabulated along with the rest of the States in the country.

·          7-8 Year Olds - Based on their State Testing score these athletes may qualify to diamond level.  Diamond level indicates they were in the top percentage of the country and one of their coaches has the opportunity to travel to the National TOP Training Camp in December.  Athletes 7-8 years old ONLY participate in State testing and ONLY do physical abilities testing.

·          9-11 Year Olds - Based on their State Testing score these athletes may qualify to National Testing in October.  At National Testing athletes will be required to test the physical abilities test again, along with Basic Gymnastics Skills Tests. (the list of these skills can be found at http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/tops/gymskills.pdf)

·          Based on their National Testing score athletes 9-11 years old may qualify to participate in the National TOPs Training camp in December held at National Team Training Center in Houston, Texas.

·          At the National TOPs Training Camp athletes and coaches will have the opportunity to work with the national staff.

Physical Abilities Tests

**please look on http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/tops/patests.pdf for detailed descriptions of each test**

1)      Pull-ups – Pull-ups are done in a tucked position with an 8” long 2x4 block of wood on gymnast’s thighs.   Maximum number an athlete can achieve is 20.

2)      Leg Lifts – Gymnast does as many as possible in a 30 second time limit.

3)      Rope Climb – Gymnast starts in a sitting position and climbs the rope in a pike.  Athletes 7-8 years old climb to a mark on the rope at 6 feet.  Athletes 9-11 years old climb to a mark on the rope at 12 feet.

4)      Vertical Jump – Athlete stands with dominant side to the wall and performs a vertical jump and touches the wall.

5)      Press Handstand – The gymnast starts in a straddle “L” position and straddles presses to handstand.  Once handstand is attained she then presses back down to the original position.  The maximum number a 7-8 year old athlete can achieve is 5 press handstands.  The maximum number a 9-11 year old athlete can achieve is 10 press handstands.  The athlete can performs these on a low beam, high beam, floor or paralettes.

6)      Handstand Hold – Maximum time for Handstand Hold for 7-9 year olds is 30 seconds. Maximum time for Handstand Hold for 10-11 year olds is 60 seconds.

7)      20 meter (65.5 ft) Dash – Athlete starts with one foot behind starting line and the other against a wall or immovable object.  Two attempts permitted.

8)      Active Shoulder Flexibility – The gymnast lies on her stomach on a mat with both arms overhead (forward).  The athlete grabs two manilla folders rolled together with both hands, thumbs touching.  Gymnast must keep her chin on the mat at all times lift arms into hyper flexion.  Maximum angle is 45 degrees.

9)      Forward Splits Left and Right – Two vaulting boards are placed together low end to low end. 

Basic Gymnastics Skills Test

(Performed at National Testing – 9-11 Years Old Only)

**please look on http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/tops/gymskills.pdf for detailed description of these tests.**

For more information on the TOPs Program visit http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/women/tops/tops.html