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About Gerald S. George, Ph.D.
Expertise
Questions specific to gymnastics biomechanics, technique, and training in all events. Questions specific to safety in gymnastics, cheerleading and acrosport.

Experience
I have been involved in gymnastics for over 50 years either as a competitor, coach, clinician or judge. I have conducted gymnastics clinics in the U.S., Canada, China, Australia and Europe. As Director of Education & Safety for the USAG (formerly USGF)from 1985 - 1990,I developed the first USAG National Gymnastics Safety Certification Program including serving as Editor and Project Director for the USGF Gymnastics Safety Manual.I also was a voting member of the F.I.G. General Gymnastics Committee from 1985-1989.

Publications
I am the author of "Biomechanics of Women's Gymnastics" (Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood-Cliffs, NJ) which was the best selling women's gymnastics textbook in the world for 3 consecutive years. I have published over 100 articles specific to gymnastics biomechanics and technique in a variety of publications including "The Gymnast Magazine", "USGF Technique Magazine", and the "JOPHER". I have just completed a new textbook entitled "Concepts of Women's Gymnastics" which will be available to the public in January 2010.

Education/Credentials
I received a B.S. from Louisiana State University with a major in Health & Physical Education. I received a M.S. from Springfield College (Massachusetts) with a major in Biomechanics. I recieved my Ph.D. from Louisiana State University with a major in Biomechanics and a minor in Psychology.

Awards and Honors
USAG Gymnasticss Hall of Fame Inductee; AACCA American Spirit Award for Cheerleading Safety; Patrick Rutherford Endowed Professorship; A.A.H.P.E.R.D. Presidential Citation Safety Award; United States Diving Safety Service Award; F.I.G. Outstanding Lecturer Award; United States Gymnastics Federation Honor Award; University of Louisiana Distinguished Professor Award; American Corrective Therapy Association Service Award; Recognition Award for Research in Sports Biomechanics; National Association of College Gymnastics Coaches Research Award; Hartley Price Honor Research Award; C.H. McCloy Research Award.

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Gymnastics - Safety standards

Expert: Gerald S. George, Ph.D. - 10/18/2009

Question
Are there specific USA safety standards for aerial gymnastics, like mat requirements? I know of a situation where 3 trapeze artists were 12 feet up with no safety & no mats (a slightly padded/gym floor only) & this doesn't seem right to me...any info appreciated, thanks!

Answer
Dear "mom",

There are specific mat standards and/or requirements for "artistic" gymnastics competitions, i.e., (Federation de International Gymnastics ) F.I.G. Mat Specifications and (United States of America Gymnastics, Inc.) U.S.A.G. Mat Specifications. Furthermore the U.S.A.G. promulgates specific safety recommendations regarding matting in their "Risk Management Handbook". You can "google" these organizations to obtain these specific mat standards and recommendations.

I am not sure what you mean by "aerial" gymnastics. If your question deals with acrosport, including trapeze work, that is somewhat outside my area of expertise. I am not sure whether these disciplines have specific matting standards.

However I am confident that, regardless of sport activity, matting is no "fail-safe" to serious, catastrophic injury or even death in the event a performer were to land on his/her head or neck from an aerial gymnastics maneuver.

I hope this helps!

Gerald S. George, Ph.D.

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