In December 2009 Doug Hills and the FIG reached agreement for Doug to develop judge’s educational software for world wide use. The software encompasses the six FIG disciplines in seven languages -- Men’s, Women’s, Rhythmic, Trampoline, Acro-Sport and Aerobic-Sport. The base programs are in English. Additional Language modules will be in French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. The new programs will look a lot like Gymnastic Gold's existing educational software. The changes coming include much more high quality video from the FIG IRCOS archives. “The structure of the software now lends itself more intuitively to the judge's role in either D-jury or E-jury work", according to Mr. Hills. New video segments for rules are also now part of the program. Much of this work is now complete and available in the current version. For those unfamiliar with Gymnastics Gold, it is visual training software that lets users review and apply the rules of scoring each event. It is delivered in blocks of information, so that each judge can build skills in (or brush up on detailed knowledge) at each event or the general rules. "This software is also an aid for any coach who wants to help their athletes maximize their scores based upon the specific strengths each gymnast brings to each event”, says Hills. The new hyperlink feature is particularly helpful. Gymnastics Gold offers video, graphics, and table information on Code requirements. The software is designed to facilitate learning from the junior level judges and coaches up to the highest level of judging for the FIG. Screen savers and virtual flashcard allow judges to test themselves and reinforce their knowledge. Hyperlinks tie the code to specific graphic and video examples of each skill. The videos demonstrate a wide range of performance levels. Deductions at different levels are shown in detail. Doug and his team of developers are working for completion of the Men’s and Women’s programs before June 2010. Trampoline, Acro-Sport, Rhythmic and Aerobic-Sport will follow in 2010 and early 2011. Like the current Gymnastics Gold program, these new programs will offer free updates via the internet. Official FIG updates will become part of the program within 30 days after publication. Doug has been a judge and coach for over 40 years. He was a competitor and coach at San Jose State University. He is the president of the Oregon Judges Association. He has judged competitions in Asia, Europe, North and South America. More information can be found about Gymnastics Gold at http://sportstraining.tripod.com/ | 