GYMNASTICS PETITION

To: USA Gymnastics Oregon and Host Gym, Oregon Gymnastics Academy
Re: 2009 Oregon State Gymnastics Optional Meet

Background (Preamble):
1. For the past two compulsory state meets in Oregon, a special Level 4 session has been included which has forced the Level 6 gymnasts to compete on Sunday. Gymnasts that were not able to attend the Level 6 state meet because of religious or other reasons are now not able to compete as a Level 7 at the 2009 State Optional Meet because it once again falls on a Sunday.
2. Oregon State Public schools have Spring Break the week of March 23rd-27th. They will be returning to school on March 30th. Holding a meet on a Sunday when gymnasts, coaches, and parents have to travel (sometimes up to 5-6 hours) to return to school the next day is difficult for the students and families.
3. Students do not have school on Friday, March 27th, therefore, this would be an appropriate day to hold a meet.
4. Some gymnasts have religious beliefs to “keep the Sabbath Day Holy” and they believe that this includes not participating in activities that prevent them from worshipping on Sunday.

Petition:
We the undersigned ask that the dates for the 2009 Oregon State Gymnastics Optional Meet be changed to prevent the meet falling on a Sunday. Since all of the Oregon Public Schools have Spring Break the week of the State Meet, we propose that the Sunday sessions that are currently scheduled for March 29th be switched to Friday, March 27th.