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NEWS

New numbers rules should benefit competitors

People considering entering IJA championships at the convention this summer should be aware of one major rule change. The numbers challenge is being revised to give competitors two minutes in which to make attempts at each level rather than the previous finite number of attempts allowed.

There are three numbers challenge categories: five or more clubs, seven or more balls and seven or more rings. During each competitor's two minute 'window,' he or she may make as many attempts as desired, and may have an additional minute to complete any attempt that begins before the clock runs out. In order to qualify for subsequent number levels, a competitor must make 2X catches, where X is the number of objects required at that level.

If no competitor qualifies for a subsequent number level, the winner will be the person who makes the greatest number of catches at the highest level attempted. The number of catches will be determined by three judges and will be reviewed on videotape only at a competitor's request. Competitors who make 2X catches may go on to the next number level and may not skip a number level. However, they may qualify at one level with more than the required number of objects. The order of competition will be determined by a hat draw.

There are no other major rule changes in championships, except that a 5kilometer joggling event will be held. All competitors must be IJA members and pay the designated entry fee. Only registrations postmarked between May 1 and June 15 will be accepted, unless an event has not reached its maximum registration by June 15. In that case, competitors may sign up until the day before the event with payment of a $3 late fee.

Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers in all stage events. Gold medals will be awarded to first place finishers in all numbers and joggling events, with certificates for second and third places. For the U.S. Nationals, $1000 will be awarded to the first place finisher, $300 to second place and $100 to third.

For the first time there will be monetary prizes for Teams as well - $500 for first, $150 for second and $50 for third.

Dates: U.S. Nationals qualifying, Wed. July 23, 9 a.m.; Juniors and Numbers Challenge, Wed. July 23, 7 p.m.; Joggling, Thurs. July 24, 10 a.m.; U.S. Nationals Finals and Teams, Fri., July 25, 8 p.m.

Jacobs to teach weekend club swinging workshop

For the first time the IJA is offering an intensive three day club swinging preconvention workshop. Allan Jacobs, 1983 US Nationals Champion, will give six hours of instruction per day at the convention site, San Jose State University, on July 19-21, the weekend preceding the convention. Registration is $75 for adults and $60 for those under age 15. Lodging and meals can be arranged at San Jose State.

Enrollment is limited, so get your reservation in soon. Contact Holly Greeley, W. Newton, MA.

New Hampshire regional rounds out spring schedule

The addition of the Durham, New Hampshire, event on May 10 completes the IJA's plans for coast-to-coast regional championships this spring.

The IJA's Eastern Regionals will be held in conjunction with the Third Almost Annual Live Free or Juggle Convention on the campus of the University of New Hampshire in Durham on May 10. The Western Regionals were to be held during the Isla Vista, Calif., festival April 4-6 and the Midwestern Regionals will be in Akron, Ohio, on Sunday, May 25.

Registration for the Midwestern and Eastern Regionals is still open. Winners of the three events will receive trophies and gain automatic qualification for the IJA's U.S. Nationals finals at the convention in San Jose this summer.

IJA Championships Director Holly Greeley said the regionals are an attempt by the organization to involve local juggling groups in IJA activities, and to provide a broader showcase for juggling talent than can be provided at the annual convention. Regionals judging will be done on the same basis as the U.S. Nationals at the summer convention.

To register for the Eastern Regional, contact either Holly Greeley, W. Newton, MA, or festival coordinator Andrew Schwartz, Portsmouth, NH. To register for the Midwestern Regional, contact Greeley or festival coordinator Kevin Delagrange, Akron, OH. .

Key West buskers plan street festival

The Key West, Florida, Cultural Preservation Society plans an international street performers festival for Jan. 13-16, 1987. Will Soto, a juggler who has long entertained crowds in the sunset ritual at Key West's Mallory Square, will direct the festival.

Festival organizers are preparing a program and street theatre directory. They ask that street artists send them pertinent material. You may also receive an application to participate in the festival. Write Richard Tocci, executive director, Key West CPL, Key West, FL.