About USA Gymnastics
USA Gymnastics is the sole national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in the United States. This designation comes from the U.S. Olympic Committee, and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). USA Gymnastics sets the rules and policies that govern gymnastics in the United States. USA Gymnastics has many responsibilities, including selecting and training the U.S. Gymnastics Teams for Olympic Games and World Championships; promoting and developing gymnastics on a grassroots and national level; and serving as a resource center for member clubs, fans and gymnasts throughout the United States. The organization has programs in men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling and acrobatic gymnastics.
The 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization was established in Tucson, Ariz., in 1963. The first Board of Directors began the time-consuming task of creating a viable national program for gymnastics in the United States. During the mid-1960s the United States had scarcely 7,000 athletes competing a limited schedule. The only major international events for gymnasts were the Olympic Games and the Pan American Games. Due to the hard work of U.S. gymnastics pioneers, such as Frank Bare, George Gulack, Dean McCoy, Gene Wettstone and Arthur Gander, the U.S. Gymnastics Federation, now doing business as USA Gymnastics, gained membership into the FIG in 1970, opening the door to numerous opportunities for U.S. gymnasts. In the last 30-plus years, the sport has grown by leaps and bounds. Most recently, USA Gymnastics welcomed acrobatic gymnastics as its newest discipline in 2002.
Today, more than 110,000 athletes and professionals are members of USA Gymnastics. USA Gymnastics has more than 90,000 athletes registered in competitive programs, as well as more than 20,000 professional, instructor and club members. Throughout the year, USA Gymnastics provides educational opportunities for coaches and judges, as well as gym club owners and administrators, through regional Congresses, the National Congress and Trade Show and USA Gymnastics University. Approximately 3,500 competitions and events throughout the USA are sanctioned annually. USA Gymnastics is headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., and has expanded very quickly in its 30-plus years. The original staff of three has now grown to more than 40 employees, handling member services, competition programs, marketing, communications, events, finance and administration.
USA Gymnastics
Our role in the Olympic family
The International Olympic Committee was created by the Congress of Paris on June 23, 1894, and was entrusted with the control and development of the Modern Olympic Games. The IOC is the final authority on all questions concerning the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement.
The Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) is recognized by the IOC and is responsible for the governance of the sport of gymnastics on the international level. The FIG establishes the rules on eligibility that each country with a national gymnastics federation must follow. Nearly 130 countries are members of the FIG.
USA Gymnastics became officially recognized by the FIG in October 1970. The following representatives of USA Gymnastics currently serve on FIG committees: Ron Froehlich, auditor; Bob Colarossi, Executive Committee member; Tonya Case, vice president of the Acrobatic Gymnastics Technical Committee; and John Roethlisberger, member of the Athletes’ Commission.
The U.S. Olympic Committee, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., since 1978, is comprised of 78 member organizations, including USA Gymnastics. The USOC is recognized by the IOC and is responsible for the U.S. Olympic Team and Pan American Games Team. It is the guardian of the U.S. Olympic Movement.
Gymnastics and its athletes
USA Gymnastics has a variety of programs for all ages and skill levels from grassroots to advanced. USA Gymnastics strives to provide a positive learning experience for those interested in the sport
of gymnastics.
At the grassroots level of gymnastics, USA Gymnastics plays a significant role. Gymnasts at this level take classes at a local USA Gymnastics member club, YMCA or YWCA, parks and recreation facility or in physical education class in school. Gymnastics is an extraordinary sport that develops flexibility, strength, grace, discipline, control, coordination, goal orientation, confidence, creativity, leadership, a healthy body and positive self-esteem. Through hard work and dedication, gymnasts can improve their abilities and possibly even represent the United States in major competitions. Athletes’ goals and objectives vary when participating in the sport of gymnastics. Different goals for gymnasts include participating in a weekly gymnastics class for fun and recreation, performing in exhibitions, competing for a high school team, competing in a Junior Olympic program, earning a college scholarship, or even making a World Championships team. More than 3,500 sanctioned meets a year are conducted with gymnasts grouped on the basis of age and ability.
In addition to junior and senior national teams, the men’s, women’s, rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling programs each have a Junior Olympic and elite development program. All the programs benefit from developmental training programs conducted by
USA Gymnastics.
