To: State Association Executive Directors
From: Robert Kanaby/Becky Oakes
Subject: Landing Mat
Date: September 13, 2005
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It has just come to our attention that schools MUST NOT use an 8' wide landing mat between the bars. The following statement is from dvf Sports. Please notify your schools that if they have done this, they must stop immediately.
Dvf SPORTS
Equipment Services
"8' Wide Mat Under the Apparatus"
In spite of our repeated warnings that 'this practice should be stopped immediately,' some schools still use an 8' wide competition landing mat between the uprights of the apparatus (uneven parallel bars). The spacing between the uprights is only 7'6". When an 8' wide mat is placed between the bases, the UPRIGHTS ARE NO LONGER PERPENDICULAR. This improper geometry can cause the BASES OF THE APPARATUS TO SLIP. An 8' wide mat MAY CAUSE THE UNIT TO COLLAPSE, and the consequences could obviously be CATASTOPHIC."
It has come to our attention that USA Gymnastics has modified the height specifications for the vault table for Junior Olympic Competition which is generally the same level as high school gymnastics programs. Therefore, the NFHS Gymnastics Rules Committee agreed that the NFHS rules should be consistent as a risk management measure. The new height specifications for the vault table are 115-135cm. All states with individuals at the Rule Interpreters' Meeting should already have this information, but we wanted to make certain all states had it.
If you have any questions, you may contact Susan True, NFHS gymnastics Consultant. 816.741.3641 or strue@nfhs.org.