Nationals 2014 will be hosted by the NAIGC in Chattanooga, Tennessee,
Thursday, April 3rd through Saturday April 5th.
The event will be held at the The Chattanooga Convention Center.
1100 Carter St.
Chattanooga, TN 37401
(800) 962-5213
Individuals will call the hotel direct at (423)266-7331 and ask for 2014 NAIGC Nationals at time of reservation. ** All reservations need to be made by 03/12/2014**
Days Inn Rivergate
901 Carter Street
Chattanooga,TN 37402
Chattanooga Transportation Information:
General Transportation
For general information about how to get around Chattanooga click here.
Airport The closest airport is the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport – CHA, which is about a 15 minutes drive from the hotel and convention center. The best way to get from the airport to the hotel and convention center is by taxi. It will cost about $20-$30 for a group of 4 people.
$25 from airport/hotel for car or van, additional passengers no extra cost.
For information about taxis and rental cars in Chattanooga click here.
Downtown Shuttle
There is a free Downtown Shuttle Service that provides transportation to most areas within downtown Chattanooga area. A map of the shuttle routes is available here.
Bicycles You can rent a bike through Bike Chattanooga for just $20 while you're in town. It’s a great transportation option if your team doesn't have a car, or if you just want to explore!
Parking Information
Self-parking will be available in the parking garage attached to the host hotel, the Chattanooga Downtown Marriott, for $10.00 plus tax per day. Valet is available for $14.00 plus tax per day. Both options include 24 hour in/out privileges.
Competition Fees and Requirements:
Payment By Check
For those who cannot pay online and require payment of any of these fees by check, please download this check submission form, which contains instructions on payment via check.
Club membership is required to compete in NAIGC sponsored meets (Nationals for this season) and to participate in other NAIGC activities (i.e., clinics/camps). The club membership fee can be paid online by any authorized club representative. All NAIGC member clubs this year will receive a free NAIGC Banner bearing the club's name. The proceeds go to help fund and support the organization.
Individual membership is required from each individual to compete in NAIGC sponsored meets (Nationals for this season) and to participate in other NAIGC activities (i.e., clinics/camps). Individual membership is open to athletes, coaches and anyone wishing to support the NAIGC organization. We also offer a $15 coaches membership for team coaches and non-competing gymnasts that will allow those individuals floor access. Please note that only the full membership will include the membership gift. All of these proceeds go to help fund and support the organization. The membership fees are separate from Nationals meet fees.
Each participant must have their own username and password. Members who participated at Nationals in prior years should use their old username and password. To reset a forgotten password or to set up a new username and password, go to NAIGC Membership Online. For additional username or password help, email info@naigc.net. Members from previous years do not need to make changes online, but still need to pay annual fees.
All full members will receive a free pair of NAIGC sweatpants.
3. Nationals individual fees:
Nationals 2014 fees include individual registration fees, and team fees if competing as a team. These fees are in addition to the NAIGC membership fees (described above). Each club must pay an individual fee for each individual competitor, as well as a team fee for each team that is entered into the team competition.
The individual competitor fee includes a t-shirt automatically.
$75 for early bird registration paid / postmarked by February 1, 2014.
$85 for regular registration paid / postmarked between February 1 and March 1, 2014.
$110 for late registration paid / postmarked after March 1, 2014.
** If you do not pay by March 20, you are not guaranteed entry into the competition.
4. Nationals team fees:
Entering a group from your club into the team competition is not required, but it is necessary to be eligible for team finals. Each team can have at most 8 people compete on each event, but a club can enter multiple teams. (If confused about team fees, click here for examples.)
$100 paid / postmarked by March 1, 2014.
$125 paid / postmarked after March 1, 2014.
** If you do not pay by Mar 20, you are not guaranteed entry into the competition.
5. Banquet tickets:
Tickets can be purchased for athletes, coaches, parents, friends, etc. The award ceremony will be held at the banquet.
$25 per person paid / bought prior to Nationals.
$30 per person paid / bought in-person at Nationals.
6. Signed waivers: Due Mar 20.
The Nationals 2014 waiver is required from each individual competitor, coach, and volunteer.
You must have a NAIGC username and password to access the waiver. Each individual must sign the electronic waiver themselves. After you sign the waiver, this part of your registration will be marked as completed. The waiver link will be available as nationals approaches.
Rules and Qualification:
The following policy outlines the rules and division structure that will be used and enforced for all NAIGC National Championship competitions.
For Nationals 2014 in Chattanooga, both the Men's and Women's competition will have a Competitive Division. In addition, there will be an Open Division for Women's competition only.
Rules/Regulations Overview:
For both men's and women's competition there may be an Open Division in addition to the Competitive Division. The Open session(s) will be implemented at the discretion of the NAIGC based off of registration and financial feasibility. In the event that the NAIGC cancels the Open Division, all Open registrants will be automatically registered into the Competitive Division.
All women's sessions will be conducted in capital cup style.
All men's sessions will be conducted in warm up-compete style.
Each team may have up to eight individuals compete on each event.
In preliminary sessions, women's team scores are determined by summing the four highest scores on each event.
Men's team scores are determined by summing the three highest scores on each event.
Cross-gender competition will be allowed, but each individual can compete for only one gender.
Division Structure Assumptions:
Registration fees (individual and team) will be the same for both divisions.
Including men and women, Open and Competitive, the maximum total number of sessions is 12 sessions. Within one gender and one division, there can be no more than 6 sessions (for judging consistency). In the event that registration exceeds either of these constraints, spots will be determined on a "first come, first served" basis.
Judging rules will be the same for both divisions.
There will be individual and team awards for both divisions.
Overall Structure: A club can enter one or more teams in each division. Each individual gymnast (whether part of a club or competing as an individual) can select to compete in one, and only one division, either Competitive or Open.
Competitive: The general structure for advancement to finals and awards is outlined in Section 11.
Open: The Open Division will only have preliminary sessions and no finals session.
Equipment: All sessions in a specific division will compete on the same set of equipment. Equipment assignments to divisions will be made based on registration and determined in the best interest of the NAIGC (i.e., sharing equipment amongst genders and divisions when possible).
Judging:
General:
Women will be judged using FIG JO skill values and level 9 requirements. Ds and Es will not be limited. Level 9 and 10 bonus is used to the advantage of the gymnast. Ds and Es will be given additive value of .1 and .2 respectively and recognized in connection value. Complete women's rules can be found at https://naigc.org/womens-rules/
Men will be judged using FIG JO skill values and Level 9 requirements with some exceptions. Complete men's rules can be found at https://naigc.org/mens-rules/
Additional note: Yurchenko-style vaults will be allowed for both men and women. A safety collar and hand placement mat will be provided.
Competitive: The Competitive Division will have 2-judge panels and all Competitive sessions will be judged by the same panels.
Open: The Open Division will have 1-judge panels and all Open sessions will be judged by the same panels.
Mercy Rule: If a club does not have at least one gymnast from each gender competition qualify into finals (event, all around, or team finals), the club may choose one member from each gender competition to participate in finals on one event of their choice. If a club has multiple teams per gender competition, they may choose to pay additional team fees to ensure that additional teams (i.e. team B) can also have one person qualify for the Mercy Rule.
Competitive: Mercy rule competitors who competed in the Competitive Division will be judged during finals competition but will not be eligible for an award.
Open: Mercy rule competitors who competed in the Open Division will not be judged or be eligible for an award, but can do an exhibition routine.
Scoring and Awards:
Competitive: Awards (team and individual) will be determined based on scores during the finals session. The awards for the Competitive Division will be distributed at the banquet Saturday evening. Only scores from individuals registered in the Competitive Division will count towards Competitive Division individual and team awards. See section 11.h. for specific rules regarding Competitive Division awards.
Open: Awards (team and individual) will be determined based on combining scores from all preliminary Open Division sessions. The awards for the Open Division will be distributed after march-in at Finals. Only scores from individuals registered in the Open Division will count towards Open Division individual and team awards.
Team awards will be given to the top three women's teams and top three men's teams (if Open Division is offered for that gendered competition).
All-around awards will be given to the top ten women's all-around scores and top ten men's all-around scores (if Open Division is offered for that gendered competition).
Event awards will be given to the top ten individuals on each women's event and the top ten individuals on each men's event (if Open Division is offered for that gendered competition).
Ties:
Any ties for scores in the team, all-around, or individual event competitions will be recorded as a tie. There is no tiebreaker.
During the award ceremony, tying individuals will be recognized as tying for the place they earned; however there will be only one award purchased in advance for each place. One of the tying pair is expected to volunteer to receive a duplicate award in the mail after the event. The volunteer may also choose to keep the next lower place award (when available).
Open vs. Competitive Division Summary: The main differences between the Open division and the Competitive division are outlined below:
Open Division
Competitive Division
Preliminary sessions only
Awards will be determined based on the combined scores of all preliminary sessions
Awards will be distributed after march-in at finals on Saturday morning
Cannot receive awards in the Competitive division
1 judge panels for each event
Mercy rule competitors will not be judged, but may perform an exhibition routine during Competitive division finals
Preliminary and finals sessions (as in past years)
Awards will be determined based on scores received during finals (as in past years)
Awards will be distributed at banquet (as in past years) on Saturday evening
Cannot receive awards in the Open division
2 judge panels for each event
Mercy rule competitors may compete a routine during Competitive division finals and will be judged, but are not eligible to receive any awards
Competitive Division Advancement and Awards: The following outlines the rules governing the Competitive Division competition for both men's and women's competition
Assumptions:
The Competitive Division at Nationals will have multiple preliminary sessions, and one finals session.
The finals session will consist of combined team finals, all-around finals, and event finals.
To be eligible for the team finals, the team must have paid the team fee and registered by the appropriate deadline.
Teams from the NAIGC Alumni Club may advance to finals and receive team awards; however, NAIGC Alumni teams will not affect finals advancement for other teams, or the distribution of awards to other teams.
Women's Team Finals Qualification:
The one highest-scoring team from each of the women's preliminary sessions will automatically qualify for the women's team finals.
In addition, women's teams placing in the top eight among all sessions combined will qualify.
Each qualifying team will be allowed to select five competitors on each event to compete in the finals session, with the top four scores counting toward the team score.
To be eligible as a team member in team finals, an individual must have participated for that team in the preliminary competition.
Men's Team Finals Qualification:
The one highest-scoring team from each of the men's preliminary sessions will automatically qualify for the men's team finals.
In addition, men's teams placing in the top six among all sessions combined will qualify for team finals.
Each qualifying team will be allowed to select four competitors on each event to compete in the finals session, with the top three scores counting toward the team score.
To be eligible as a team member in team finals, an individual must have participated for that team in the preliminary competition.
Women's All-Around Finals Qualification:
The two highest-scoring all-around competitors from each session will automatically qualify for women's all-around finals.
In addition, all-around competitors placing in the top 20 from among all sessions combined will qualify.
Men's All-Around Finals Qualification:
The three highest-scoring all-around competitors from each session will automatically qualify for men's all-around finals.
In addition, all-around competitors placing in the top 15 from among all sessions combined will qualify.
Women's Event Finals Qualification:
For each event, the two highest-scoring individuals from each session will automatically qualify for women's event finals in that event.
In addition, event competitors placing in the top 20 from among all sessions combined will qualify.
Men's Event Finals Qualification:
For each event, the three highest-scoring individuals from each session will automatically qualify for men's event finals in that event.
In addition, event competitors placing in the top 15 from among all sessions combined will qualify.
Awards:
Team awards will be given to the top three women's teams and the top three men's teams from the team finals.
All-around awards will be given to the top ten women's all-around scores and the top ten men's all-around scores from the all-around finals, among those who are participating in all-around finals.
To be eligible for an all-around award, an individual must have qualified for all-around finals during the preliminary competition. Individuals participating in the team finals who did not qualify for all-around finals in the preliminary competition are not eligible for an award in the all-around competition.
Event awards will be given to the top ten individuals on each event, among those who are participating in the event finals.
To be eligible for an event award, an individual must have qualified for individual event finals on that event. Team finals participants and all-around finals participants who did not qualify for event finals during the preliminary competition on a given event are not eligible for an award on that event.
Adjustments for Registration: The NAIGC Board of Directors reserves the right to change any numbers highlighted in blue without creating a new version of this policy. All changes will be announced before competition begins and posted on www.naigc.net/nationals2014.php.
This policy may be amended by the NAIGC Board of Directors as needed.
Wednesday
Equipment
Set-Up
12:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Open Workout and Team Packet Pickup
8:00 pm- 11:00 pm
Thursday
Women's
Competitive
Session 1: 8:00 am Open Stretch 8:20 am Timed Warm-ups 8:40 am Competition
Session 2: 11:30 am Open Stretch 11:50 am Timed Warm-ups 12:10 pm Competition
* All clubs should send one or more representatives to the NAIGC Annual Meeting. Typical agenda items include: director elections, nationals feedback, rule changes, future Nationals announcements.
** The march in prior to finals is for all teams participating in Nationals, not just the finals qualifiers.
All women's sessions will be conducted in capital cup style.
All men's sessions will be conducted in warmup-compete style.
Session Assignments
Current session assignments are displayed in the following tables.
The tables can be sorted in various ways by clicking on the ^ symbol next to a column header.
You can also use the filters to view only a specific session or only a specific gender.
Session Assignments for Nationals 2014 Competitive Division
What to do in Chattanooga? Our top 10 picks for members.
1. Ruby Falls – A 65-foot-high underground waterfall inside Lookout Mountain. And Ruby Falls Zipstream - An aerial obstacle course with ladders, nets, bridges, walkways, tunnels, and of course, zip lines!
8. Battles for Chattanooga – A Civil War museum and interactive 3D map of Civil War battles fought in Chattanooga.
Where? 7 miles from convention center. Via lookout mountain scenic highway.
Cost? $8. Or $5.50/person with groups of 15 or more.
9. Chattanooga Choo Choo – Home to restaurants, retail shops, rose gardens, and a model railroad museum.
Where? 1 mile from convention center.
Cost? Free. Dining and shopping options.
10. The Incline Railway – Ride a trolley car up one of the world’s steepest passenger railways.
Where? 3 miles from convention center to St. Elmo Station (the bottom)
Cost? $15 round trip
Stores and Supplies:
Grocery:
Enzo’s Market: 1501 Long St. Chattanooga, TN. 0.7 miles from Convention Center.
Buehler’s Food Market: 429 Market St. Chattanooga, TN. 1 mile from Convention Center.
Whole Foods: 301 Manufacturers Rd. Chattanooga, TN. 1.5 miles from Convention Center.
Pharmacy / Medical:
Rite Aid: 3401 S. Broad St. Chattanooga, TN. 2 miles from Convention Center.
CVS: 1 Cameron Hill Cir. Chattanooga, TN. 1 mile from Convention Center.
Walgreens: 110 N. Market St. Chattanooga, TN. 1.5 miles from Convention Center.
Open 24-hours
Gas:
Downtown Amoco Service Center: 1725 S. Market St. Chattanooga, TN. 1 mile from Convention Center.
Mr. Zip Inc of Tenn: 305 Frazier Ave. Chattanooga, TN. 1.5 miles from Convention Center.
Racetrac Petroleum Inc. 2720 Rossville Blvd. Chattanooga, TN. 3 miles from Convention Center.
Nationals Checklist:
A printable checklist for nationals can be found at this link, which details a list of things you need to do to be set up for nationals. For any other information, check the FAQ below.
Nationals FAQ:
Do I have to compete all-around at Nationals?
No, you may compete on as many or as few events as you would like.
Is there both men’s and women’s competition at Nationals?
Yes, there are men’s and women’s, team and individual competitions at Nationals.
If I am alum can I still compete for my club team and count towards their team score?
Each club has their own rules of membership often based on the rules at their College or University. If you are eligible member of your club, you are welcome to compete. If you are not eligible for membership through another club, you may compete on the Alumni club.
How many people are allowed to count towards one team score?
Each team can only have 8 competitors maximum per event. You may have as many people as you would like registered as part of one team, as long as no more than 8 members compete on any event.If more than 8 people want to compete on an event, then you may choose to have multiple teams (i.e., A and B teams). A single person can only compete on an A team or a B team, not both.
Can the overall number of people on a team roster be more than 8 as long as there are not more than 8 competitors on each event?
Yes (see answer above).
What are the differences between the Open and Competitive Divisions?
Open Division
Competitive Division
Preliminary sessions only
Awards will be determined based on the combined scores of all preliminary sessions
Awards will be distributed after march-in at finals on Saturday morning
Cannot receive awards in the Competitive division
1 judge panels for each event
Mercy rule competitors will not be judged, but may perform an exhibition routine during Competitive division finals
Preliminary and finals sessions (as in past years)
Awards will be determined based on scores received during finals (as in past years)
Awards will be distributed at banquet (as in past years) on Saturday evening
Cannot receive awards in the Open division
2 judge panels for each event
Mercy rule competitors may compete a routine during Competitive division finals and will be judged, but are not eligible to receive any awards
How do teams and individuals qualify for finals?
Women's Team Finals Qualification
The one highest-scoring team from each of the women's “Competitive Division†preliminary sessions will qualify for the women's team finals.
In addition, women's “Competitive Division†teams placing in the top 8 among all sessions combined will qualify.
Each qualifying team will be allowed to select five competitors on each event to compete in the finals session, with the top four scores counting toward the team score.
To be eligible as a team member in team finals, an individual must have participated for that team in the preliminary “Competitive Division†competition.
Men's Team Finals Qualification
The one highest-scoring team from each of the men's preliminary sessions will qualify for the men's team finals.
In addition, men's teams placing in the top 6 among all sessions combined will qualify.
Each qualifying team will be allowed to select four competitors on each event to compete in the finals session, with the top three scores counting toward the team score.
To be eligible as a team member in team finals, an individual must have participated for that team in the preliminary competition.
Women's All-Around Finals Qualification
The three highest-scoring all-around competitors from each “Competitive Division†session will qualify for women's all-around finals.
In addition, all-around competitors placing in the top 20 from among all “Competitive Division†sessions combined will qualify.
Men's All-Around Finals Qualification
The four highest-scoring all-around competitors from each session will qualify for men's all-around finals.
In addition, all-around competitors placing in the top 15 from among all sessions combined will qualify.
Women's Event Finals Qualification
For each event, the three highest-scoring individuals from each “Competitive Division†session will qualify for women's event finals in that event.
In addition, event “Competitive Division†competitors placing in the top 20 from among all sessions combined will qualify.
Men's Event Finals Qualification
For each event, the four highest-scoring individuals from each session will qualify for men's event finals in that event.
In addition, event competitors placing in the top 15 from among all sessions combined will qualify.
What is the mercy rule?
The Mercy Rule states that if a club does not have at least one gymnast of each gender qualify into finals (event, all around, or team finals), the club may choose a member of each gender that did not qualify to enter into event finals competition on an event of their choice. Each club may have one male and one female qualify for the Mercy Rule. If a club has multiple teams per gender, they may choose to pay additional team fees to ensure that additional teams (i.e. team B) can have one person qualify for the Mercy Rule. The Mercy Rule is intended to ensure that all clubs can have at least one competitor in finals.
Can I make a session request for prelims?
Yes, if you would like to request a specific session for Nationals 2014 please email nationals@naigc.org.It is not guaranteed that you will be placed in the session you requested, but it is highly likely if we receive the request prior to March 1st.
When will we know what session we are competing in?
We cannot make the schedule until we have received all (or most) registrations, which means the session schedule will be available the second or third week of March.
Can we switch sessions after they have been assigned?
If you need to switch sessions once you have been assigned, you can email nationals@naigc.org and request to be switched.Requests are not guaranteed and it is much easier to meet these requests if they are submitted prior to the schedule being made.
How do I make hotel reservations using the group rate?
To book rooms using the hotel block, call the Marriott Chattanooga at the Convention Center at (423) 756-0002 and identify yourself as members of NAIGC. You can also
book online here.
The hotel says the group hotel block is full? Where should I have my team stay?
As Nationals gets closer, an overflow hotel will become available if needed.Please check here for up to date information
about an overflow hotel.
Does the NAIGC provide transportation to and from the airport?
No, NAIGC does not provide transportation to and from the airport. Please check the Nationals 2014
page for up to date information on public transit options from the airport to the hotel.
What is there to do at night during Nationals?
Many teams find Nationals a good time to both bond with their teammates and meet gymnasts from other schools at the host hotel after competition has ended for the day. There are
also a lot of restaurants and local attractions in the area. On Saturday evening, there is an Awards Banquet and dance that all participants attend. Please check the Nationals 2014 page for up to date information on local restaurants and attractions close to the host hotel and competition
venue.
What is the refund policy for Nationals fees? What if someone is injured and can no longer compete?
If you need to be refunded for any Nationals associated fees paid, please contact the nationals@naigc.org.Membership fees go to support the
organization and non-refundable. Paying members will receive their membership gift regardless of whether they attend Nationals.
Are spectators allowed to come to Nationals? Is there an entrance fee?
Yes!Spectators are both allowed and encouraged.There is no entrance fee to come and watch the meet, but donations are always welcome.
What type of equipment will be at the event?
All equipment at Nationals will be AAI.
What is the competition format? Is it capital cup? How long do we get for timed warm-up? Do we get a touch?
All women's sessions will be conducted in capital cup style. Women competitors will have 2 minutes per gymnast per event for warm-up and no touch will be allotted if warming
up and competing on the same equipment. If gymnast warm up and compete on different equipment a 30 second touch will be allotted to each gymnast. All men's sessions will be conducted
in warm-up/compete format.
What judging rules are used at Nationals?
Women will be judged using JO skill values and level 9 requirements. D's and E's will not be limited. Level 9 and 10 bonus is used to the advantage of the gymnast. D's and E's
will be given additive value of .1 and .2 respectively and recognized in connection value.Men will be judged using 2013 FIG Code of Points and JO Level 9 rules for all events except
on vault; on vault, men will be judged using the 2013 Code of Points and Level 10 rules with a modified vault bonus table.NAIGC will not, however, be adopting any of the JO skill
restrictions (e.g., prohibition on roll-out skills on floor, limitations on Li Ning, Guczochy, and Honma-type skills on rings, etc.) and will instead follow the 2013 FID Code of Points
on those skills.Additional note: Yurchenko-style vaults will be allowed for both men and women. A safety collar and hand placement mat will be provided.
I forgot my username and password, how do I login to my account?
Please do not create duplicate profilesi: for username and / or password help, simply email info@naicg.net. There is also a feature on the
website to retrieve your password automatically via email.
How do I register my team for Nationals on the website?
In order to register your team for Nationals on the website, your club's admin needs to go to meet
registration page and click on the Register button next to Nationals. From here you can Manage Individuals (register members from your roster for nationals) and Manage
Teams (designate members who are now registered for Nationals to specific teams). This is also where you can designate members t-shirt size, order extra t-shirts, order banquet
tickets, and designate who will be competing on which event. (See Nationals Checklist for more details).
Can you pay for nationals online? Can you pay with a check?
Yes, you can pay for Nationals either online or with a check. Paying online if preferred and can be done through the meet registration page. If you prefer to pay with a check, please complete the Nationals check submission form and mail
it to the NAIGC with your check. The form and current mailing address can be found on the Nationals
2014 page.
How do I know if I have done everything I need to fully register and pay for Nationals?
In order to see how much you owe for Nationals and if you have fully registered and paid click on the "Display Summary" button at the bottom of themeet registration page. Any item not completed or paid will be in red and/or marked "Not Received". If you
have questions about anything relating to Nationals fees or payments please email the nationals@naigc.org.
Can we bring our coach to Nationals?
Yes, but only paying members are allowed on the competition floor. In order to become a member of NAIGC, your coach simply has to create a profile on the NAIGC website and designate themselves as a member of your club. The coach membership fee is $15 and
can be paid from their or your club admins membership page.
