2009 Level 7 State Team Challenge

WHAT IS THE LEVEL 7 STATE TEAM CHALLENGE? This competition was created especially for the National Judges Cup and has become one of the premiere sessions of the competition. Level 7 gymnasts in teams of six (6) members representing their respective state compete for the title of Level 7 State Team Challenge Champion. Up to twenty (20) states have been represented at past National Judges Cups and this number continues to grow. Selection of state teams are done in various ways from state judges cups to designated qualifying competitions to one club being selected. Each state is different, but there are Level 7 State Teams that are supported and backed with partial or full financial assistance by the State Judging Director in the respective states. For more information on how to qualify or form your own Level 7 State Team contact your State Judging Director for assistance.

• 1.  General Information

The official and prestigious Level 7 State Team Challenge will be held in conjunction with the 19th annual National Judges Cup Gymnastics Championships in Kissimmee, FL on Saturday, January 3, 2009. Each state through the State Judging Director is responsible for setting their own qualification procedures for their represented team. Fifteen states were represented in last year's event. The Texas State Team was dethroned this past year by Team SoCal after dominating this team competition for the previous six years. Congratulations to the SoCal Level 7 State Team!

• 2.  Participants and Registration Fees

Any USA Gymnastics registered Level 7 athlete member is eligible to participate on a Level 7 State Team as long as they meet the qualification procedure set forth by their state. Each state is responsible for setting their own qualification procedures for their state team. Contact your State Judging Director for more information on the qualification procedures for your state. If there is not one in place teams may form their own state team. Teams consist of six (6) team members. All six compete with the top five (5) scores counting towards the final team total.

• 3.  Competition Date and Time

• 4.  Competition Format

The 2009 Level 7 State Team Challenge will be conducted in a modified traditional format. The number of sessions will be determined based on the total number of state teams entered.

• 5.  Awards

ALL team members will be eligible for individual placement awards based on the recommended age groups of USA Gymnastics. All team members will receive an all-around medal and be recognized on the awards stand. Team awards will be awarded to 1st to 6th place teams. Each team member will receive an award for their team placement. Team rankings will be determined by the total of the top five (5) scores from each event.

For any questions regarding the 2009 National Judges Cup Championships contact Linda Barclay, Competition Director at lbarclay@judgescup.com or by calling 317.891.8260.