NORTH EAST TEXAS ELITE GYMNASTICS, DANCE & CHEER (FLIP) 6500 Summerhill Rd., Suite 10 Texarkana, TX 75503

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1 NORTH EAST TEXAS ELITE GYMNASTICS, DANCE & CHEER (FLIP) 6500 Summerhill Rd., Suite 10 Texarkana, TX Dear Parent and Cheer Candidate: We are very excited about your interest in our All Star Cheerleading Program and would like to welcome you to CHEER FUSION. We pride ourselves on providing the absolute best program in the Ark La Tex. We are very proud of all our athletes and their accomplishments and we know that you will find our program to be just what you want for you athlete! The sport of All Star cheerleading has developed rapidly over the last 20 years. Stronger athletes began to recognize that All Star cheer provided them a way to focus more on teamwork and athleticism and less on pom poms and decorating lockers. Teams and athletes in All Star now focus on gymnastics, intricate stunts and athletic dance. Cheerleading is no longer just a school activity to cheer on the football team; it has become a competitive and demanding sport that now allows for top level athletes to earn college scholarships just like other sports! All Star teams are typically comprised of athletes with a variety of skills and abilities. They are well rounded athletes with some having particularly strong abilities in certain areas such as jump, stunt, and gymnastics. Together, the coaches create a competition routine performed by the group that has elements of tumbling, stunting, jumping, dance, and other skills set to music. The routines are typically 2.5 minutes in length. At competitions, the teams are divided by age and ability level. The routines are judged by their level of difficulty, precision, creativity, and entertainment value. All Star cheerleading requires hard work, dedication, determination, and team work. We want you to understand the commitment your family has to be willing to make in order to be a part of our program. This is a team sport, and we are only successful with 100% commitment from the participant and parent(s).

2 OUR GOAL CHEER FUSION is committed to the growth and development of every athlete in a positive and competitive team environment. We are focused on producing a strong ATHLETE while teaching TEAMWORK and self esteem. All Star cheerleading will build a student s character, dedication, determination, courage, integrity, and commitment. It will foster leadership, self confidence and a positive attitude and love of the sport. Each and every family is very important to us and our program. You will be a part of an All Star family that truly cares about its athletes and supports its members. We strive for better than perfect. CHEER FUSION will exceed your expectations in our program and staff. PLACEMENT Evaluations will determine what team your athlete will be on for the season. Please be assured that your athlete will be placed on a team that best represents his/her age and skill level. All athletes will be placed by age as of August 31, 2011, and skill level. Teams will be formed based on the talent and skills executed as well as number of athletes at the tryouts. The level of the teams will not be determined until all teams are established. Even after teams and levels are determined, they are still subject to change at the coaches discretion. Specific team placement is not final. Teams will still be evaluated after the tryout process to ensure each is built to succeed. The CHEER FUSION staff reserves the right to move athletes from one team to another due to skill level, team chemistry, dedication, attitude, etc. The CHEER FUSION staff reserves the right to add an athlete during the season if needed. Athletes added after the season starts must have equivalent skills. ATHLETES All star cheerleading is a very strenuous sport. Therefore, all of the athletes in our program are expected to be in top physical condition. This includes flexibility, strength and endurance. All team members are expected to take care of their bodies. This means absolutely NO DRUGS, NO ALCOHOL AND NO TOBACCO. This program is built on a high level of integrity and character. The standard of a CHEER FUSION athlete is exceptional and it is a privilege to be a part of this team. A CHEER FUSION athlete displays good sportsmanship, a positive attitude, and takes care of himself/herself and his/her fellow athletes. The use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco will NOT be tolerated and could result in dismissal from the program.

3 PARENTS Parents are not allowed on the floor at any time. Please do not make contact from the parent viewing area during practices or tumble classes. This is extremely distracting and could be potentially dangerous to all involved. The parent area is designed to be a positive atmosphere where parents can enjoy watching his/her athlete doing what they love. The coaches reserve the right to close practices at ANY time for ANY reason. Please remember your role as a parent in the CHEER FUSION program to be a positive influence on your athlete s experience. COMMUNICATION Periodically, we will send out updates. These updates will be sent via (please ensure you provide your address on the registration form) and/or a copy will be placed in your athlete s folder in the file cabinet located in the front foyer. Often, we have athletes that are not aware of practice changes or updates because the parent did NOT check e mail or the folder. We try our best to get information out as quickly as we receive it. IT IS VERY IMPOTANT THAT EACH TEAM PARENT CHECKS E MAIL AND THE ATHLETE FOLDERS ON A REGULAR BASIS. PRACTICE TIMES Practices will begin in May. Practices will consist of 2 hours per week. The tentative schedule is as follows: Senior Squad: May July Tuesday 7:00 9:00 / August March Sunday 3:30 5:30 Junior Squad: May July Tuesday 7:00 9:00 / August March Sunday 1:30 3:30 Youth Squad: Wednesday 6:30 8:30 pm Mini Squad: Wednesday 6:30 8:30 pm Tiny Squad: Tuesday 5:30 6:30 pm An additional tumbling class will be required of all athletes in the Mini Senior squads. After try outs, your athlete will be placed in an appropriate class for her skill level. Practice times and dates are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts and or emergency situations where the routine needs adjusting. There will be no food, drinks, or CELL PHONES allowed in the gym during practice.

4 COMPETITION PRACTICES Attendance is absolutely mandatory at the last two practices prior to a competition. Missing will result in being pulled from the routine for that competition. THIS WILL BE ADDRESSED AT THE COACHES DISCRETION. ATTENDANCE POLICY We understand that life happens and it will be impossible for every athlete to attend every practice as much as we would like for that to happen. Parents and athletes must understand that this is a pure team activity. If one member of the team is absent from practice, it plays a tremendous effect on the overall effectiveness of the practice. Therefore, it is very important for athletes to be at practice. The complete attendance policy is outlined in the Fusion Team Handbook. HOLIDAYS The gym will be closed on the following holidays: Memorial Day Weekend, July 4th Week, Labor Day Weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year s Day, and Easter Weekend. We do schedule workouts during the Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays as these dates fall right in the middle of our competition season. We will give several months advanced notice of practices during the holidays. SUMMER CHOREOGRAPHY CAMP Camp is designed to be an intensive training program for all cheerleaders. The athletes will work to build the shell of the routine which will lead them into competition season. Camp will focus on squad unity, team building, and personal goals. CAMP IS MANDATORY for all team members. Camp will be held at the NE Texas Elite Gym. *There will be no regular scheduled practices for any team during the week of camp. Summer Camp fee is included in your monthly tuition. COMPETITIONS Our competitions will be out of town. Parents are responsible for getting their athlete to and from competition. Coaches are only responsible for athletes during the warm up and on the performance floor. If you are unable to accompany your child to the competition, you are responsible for asking another parent to adopt your child for the day. In some cases, such as a National 2 day competition, it will be necessary to travel out of town and stay overnight. This is usually 3 to 5 times per year. The competitions will be in cities such as Dallas, Tyler, Houston, San Antonio, Hot Springs, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport.

5 During 2 day competitions, Cheer FUSION members are required to stay in close contact with Fusion staff. There are several reasons for this. We may have a part in the routine that needs to be fixed due to a team member that suddenly falls ill or has an injury. If this happens, we will need to be able to get to everyone easily. COMPETITION SCHEDULE Attached is the tentative competition schedule for the season. Due to venue changes or lack of team participants, an event may be cancelled. We will replace the competition with another one as close to the date as possible if this happens. ALL COMPETITIONS ARE MANDATORY. The competition season is from November through April and could extend into May if the team receives a bid to a BIG National Championship such as The Worlds or The Final Destination. COMPETITION REGISTRATION AND FORMS Competition fees are figured in as part of your monthly tuition. Each competition may have registration forms and/or waivers that must be completed by each athlete s family. Please complete these in a timely manner as we will not be allowed to compete if all forms are not complete and turned in prior to the competition. BIRTH CERTIFICATE Each team member is required to submit a copy of her birth certificate at the time of registration. If you were a member last season, the office has a copy on file. ATHLETE ATTIRE UNIFORMS Uniform costs are included in the tuition payment plan. We make every attempt to keep the uniform cost as low as possible while still maintaining a sharp, clean uniform that will appeal to the judges and provide acceptable coverage for our athletes. Practice Attire Athletes will be required to wear the appropriate practice attire at all practices. A Fusion practice top is included in the tuition payment plan. Additional items will be needed: For the girls A black sports bra (where appropriate), black cheer shorts, socks, shoes, and hair in high pony tail. Black boy cut lycra briefs may also be worn under the shorts if desired. For safety, no jewelry please. For the guys Black shorts with a draw string that is an appropriate size for your body, socks, and shoes. For safety, no jewelry please.

6 CHEER FUSION Financial Commitment Fusion Team Tuition We know that competitive cheer is expensive and we make every effort to keep costs as low as possible. We have devised an ALL INCLUSIVE payment plan. The prices listed below are everything that you will pay to NETEGDC for your child to participate on a single Cheer Fusion team. Optional individual competition fees and/or crossover fees may be incurred. o Fusion Team tuition includes: All Fusion practices One Tumbling Class per week (Coach will determine level of class) All competition fees for one team (individual and crossover not included) Complete uniform ensemble o Competition Uniform (Includes top, skirt w/briefs, shoes, & hair bow for girls and top, pants, & shoes for guys) o Shoes Girls Nfinity Phoenix Guys Nike Trainer 1 o Workout Attire Girls Racer Top or Guys T shirt (you may order a second top if desired) Car window decal personalized with your athletes name addition decals can be ordered for $12. o Tuition is due on the first of each month. A $10 late charge is added to all accounts that are not current by the 10th of each month. All Fusion families are required to have a credit/debit card on file. You may choose to have your tuition drafted at the beginning of each month. If you choose not to use the automatic draft system, your card on file will be charged on the 11 th of each month with the $10 late fee added. o Additional Optional Equipment Warm Ups price will vary based on the number of orders. Estimated price is $90. Competition Bag again prices may vary estimated price $ 30. CAMP/COMPETITIONS ALL CAMPS AND COMPETITIONS ARE MANDATORY o Choreography Camp THIS IS INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN. o Competition Fees ARE included in the monthly payment plan listed below. o There will be an additional entry fee for those athletes wishing to compete in any individual or small group events. Crossovers will also incur additional competition fees.

7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TEAM COMMITMENT o Upon committing to North East Texas CHEER FUSION, a down payment equal to the first and last month s tuition, plus the $35 registration fee if applicable, is due prior to the first practice. If the athlete forfeits their commitment to the team and leaves the team prior to National Championships or the final competition, they also forfeit the final month s payment. If the athlete stays through the entire commitment, their last month s payment will have already been paid. CHEER FUSION MONTHLY TUITION/FEES PLAN In order to provide the most stability and the least worry and frustration to the Fusion team members, parents, and coaches, the following payment plan was devised. This plan insures that all funds are paid well in advance of order dates for uniforms or competition fee due dates. This also gives families the ability to easily budget the Fusion fees without fear of large fees due at inopportune times of the year. PLEASE NOTE THAT AT THE TIME OF THIS PRINTING THAT ALL COMPETITONS AND UNIFORM PRICES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. SOME PRICES AND CONSEQUENTLY MONTHLY PAYMENTS MAY VARY. Tuition breakdown Girls Sr., Jr., Youth Boys Sr. Jr., Youth Girls Tiny & Mini Boys Tiny & Mini May 2011 / April 2012 $ $ $ $ June $ $ $ $ July $ $ $ $ August $ $ $ $ September $ $ $ $ October $ $ $ $ November $ $ $ $ December $ $ $ $ January $ $ $ $ February $ $ $ $ March $ $ $ $177.00

8 TENTATIVE COMPETITION SCHEDULE **6/13/2011 Uniform Sizing 4:30 7:00 pm. 12/10/2011 Jamfest Hot Springs 1/7/2012 America's Best Shreveport 1/21/2012 COA Hot Springs 2/11/2012 Jamfest Shreveport 3/3/2012 GLCC Little Rock 3/31 4/1/2012 Jamfest Nationals Hot Springs 4/14/2012 US Finals Baton Rouge April/May TBA BIDS will determine future competitions *Competitions are subject to change due to venue conflicts or lack of team participants. This is a tentative schedule.

9 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SPIRIT WEAR/SPIRIT ACCESSORIES/PARENT ATTIRE Parents will be able to order a CHEER FUSION shirt, and CHEER FUSION spirit accessories to bring and wear to the competitions to support their athletes. The order form is attached to the packet and will be delivered prior to the first competition. The CHEER FUSION shirts will be ordered only at the beginning of the season and will not be ordered again until the following year. The spirit accessories can be ordered periodically throughout the season. FUNDRAISING/SPONSORSHIPS We allow the athletes to ask for sponsorships to fund their expenses throughout the year. We want to support each and every athlete and do NOT want a child to miss being a part of the FUSION team because she is having financial difficulty. In past years, several families have been able to totally fund their tuition and expenses through sponsorships. Please consider taking part in the fundraisers offered. Costs that can be paid for through sponsorships and fundraisers include: Uniform make up, shoes, bows Camp Competition Fees Warm Ups/Bags Monthly Tuition Individual fundraisers are optional, but strongly encouraged, and will be scheduled throughout the year. There will be both individual and team fundraisers. Individual Fundraisers The amount of money raised will go directly to the athletes account. Individual fundraisers might include: Candle Sales, Candy Bar Sales, Beef Jerky Sales, Cookie Dough Sales, Raffles, and Sponsorships. Sponsorships can be a donation of any amount in support of the athlete. We have provided an amount that we feel will work in this area. However, any amount can be accepted. Attached is the form your athlete will use when collecting sponsors. All sponsors names will be listed on the back of the CHEER FUSION spirit shirts that we will wear to each competition with a thank you ad placed in the local newspaper. Please note If an athlete leaves the program for any reason, is dismissed or resigns, there will be no refund from sponsorships. Sponsorships will be accepted up to August 1st. The athlete must have her sponsor complete the attached form to turn in with their donations. PLEASE BE SURE TO MAKE COPIES OF THIS FORM so that you will have plenty when asking for sponsorships. There is no limit to the number of sponsorships an athlete can receive.

10 CHEER FUSION ALL STARS CHEER SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM CHEER FUSION is an All Star Competition Cheer Team at North East Texas Elite Gymnastics, in Texarkana, Texas. The team consists of competitive cheerleaders from the surrounding Texarkana area. Our competitive team is looking for community members and businesses that are willing to support the hard work of these athletes and are willing to make a financial contribution. o FUSION LEVEL $ 200 or more o BOLT LEVEL $ 150 o RED LEVEL $ 100 o BLACK LEVEL $ 75 o SILVER LEVEL $ 50 *Sponsor s name will appear on team t shirt worn at all competitions, will be added to our list of sponsors on our website and a thank you ad will be placed in a local newspaper. Sponsor s Name: Level: Address: Amount: Phone: Contact: Funds raised by (Athlete s Name): *Please attach a business card or write the name of the company as you would like it displayed on the shirt. Checks should be made payable to NE Texas Elite Gymnastics. Thank you for your support!

11 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How will I stay informed? In order to stay informed about upcoming events/and or changes to the schedule, you should: *Check your daily *Make phone calls to the gym or send Lloyd and e mail * *Check the athlete s File located in the Front Lobby each practice Are we required to practice during Holidays? We will send out s; and place a note in your athlete s box for scheduled practice during a holiday week. These are usually scheduled at least a month in advance. If we have a family vacation planned and it falls on a competition date, can my athlete miss the competition? Absolutely not There are no exceptions. Every athlete will attend all competitions. We feel we are giving plenty of advanced notice for all competitions listed in this packet. Are the competitions an all day event? Competitions can last from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. depending on the event. They are usually not this long, but have been in the past. National Championship competitions are 2 days including preliminaries and finals. When will we receive the information for a particular competition? At least one week in advance, the team will receive an e mail with directions and a tentative arrival time with a general schedule. Please be patient. Coaches often do not receive the final schedule until the Thurs/Fri before an event. This is another reason the e mail address and website are so important in the event of a last minute change. Will the team(s) practice during competitions? Yes. At every competition, the team(s) will meet and walk thru the routine at least one hour before our scheduled warm up time. At 2 day competitions, expect to practice the night after the preliminary competition. At this time, we will have our score sheets and will need to fix and add to the routine based on the judges recommendations. Is my athlete required to participate in fundraisers? Individual fundraisers and sponsorships are not a requirement. All Star cheerleading is expensive and so it is strongly encouraged.

12 When will the FUSION team parents meet? Group meetings will be scheduled on an as needed basis. Please feel free to ask any individual questions at any time. Is my athlete required to stay and watch the other team performances? This is requested but not required. If there are additional Fusion squads in the competition, your athlete may be required to be at the venue for their warm up time prior the other team s competition. They may also be at the venue after their competition while waiting for the awards ceremony. Athletes will have plenty of advance notice to ensure they arrive on time to cheer and support the other team and still have ample time for their own warm up. Spirit and support of other athletes, family, and friends help to raise the overall excitement of the routine which is a part of the overall score and helps the team competing perform at its best.

13 CHEER FUSION REGISTRATION FORM Last Name First Name Birth date Current Age Age on Aug 31, 2010 Address City State Zip Home Phone # Athlete s Cell Phone # Father s Name Mother s Name Father s Cell Phone # Mother s Cell Phone # E mail Addresses (*Must include for team notices) Emergency Contact Relation Phone Doctor Phone Medications Allergies/Conditions Hospital Preference Insurance Address Phone Name as it appears on the Credit/Debit card: Credit/Debit Card type: Card #: Expiration Date: CVV: Automatic draft: Yes No

14 INJURY WAIVER The undersigned requests that he/she be allowed to demonstrate their skill and ability during try outs for the North East Texas Fusion Competition All Star Squad. In consideration of being afforded such opportunity, the undersigned hereby assumes the risk of injury inherent in such activity and waives any claim for damages against the North East Texas Elite Gymnastic facility, Coaches, and personnel for any injuries that may be sustained by the undersigned during such demonstration. Participant: Date: Parent/Legal Guardian: Date: RELEASE OF INFORMATION In recognition of the media coverage of the North East Texas Cheer Fusion and applicants thereto, the undersigned grants the North East Texas Cheer Fusion and its licensees his/her permission and authority to use his/her name, voice, picture, and likeness in connection with any and all publications, media broadcasts, promotional photographs, promotional posters, commercial products, including but not limited to calendars, team pictures, T shirts, and any other commercial items. Participant: Date: Parent/Legal Guardian: Date: NORTH EAST TEXAS ATTENDANCE POLICY There will be an absentee/tardy policy in place. This policy begins July 17, 2011, and goes through April 31, 2012 or the last scheduled competition. The participant will be allowed 1 excused absences and 1 unexcused absence. There will be NO absences allowed two weeks prior to a competition and NO absences during our camp. Leaving practices prior to the scheduled ending time is greatly discouraged. There are no refunds or make ups for missed workouts or tumbling classes. PRACTICE TIMES Practices will begin in May. Practices will consist of 2 hours per week according to the practice schedule. An additional tumbling class will be required of all athletes. After evaluations, your athlete will be placed in an appropriate class for her skill level and will consist of one hour of tumbling per week. Practice times and dates are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts and or emergency situations where the routine needs adjusting. By signing below, I acknowledge that I understand the policies and guidelines included in the Fusion team handbook and I agree comply with all policies. Participant: Date: Parent/Legal Guardian: Date:

15 ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT As an athlete and member of the Cheer FUSION All Star team, I understand and will adhere to the following: 1. I understand it is a privilege to be a part of the Cheer FUSION team. I was chosen for this team based on the positive qualities that I can contribute to the program. 2. I promise to be respectful to my team mates and coaches at all times. If I am disrespectful, I may be dismissed from practice at the coaches discretion. Repeated incidents of disrespect could result in my permanent dismissal from the team. 3. I am held to a high standard of conduct and I will possess a positive attitude towards my team mates, coaches, and team parents. 4. I will respect my body and will not use drugs, tobacco, or alcohol at any time. 5. I will discipline myself to do my very best in practice so that I will reach my full athletic potential. This includes working towards individual goals and the goals of the team. 6. I will not gossip or speak about any team member in a negative manner. 7. I will not gossip about other area teams and I will positively represent Cheer FUSION during competitions by showing respect and sportsmanship to other competitive teams. 8. I will not make negative statements in practice or outside of practice such as, I am quitting the team or I quit. I understand this will be grounds for dismissal from the team. 9. I will display a positive attitude at all times during practice and competitions and I promise to represent Cheer FUSION with pride and respect. 10. I understand that I am expected to wear the required workout attire to each practice. 11. I promise to make an assertive effort to attend all scheduled practices so that my team is able to reach its full potential. Participant: Date:

16 PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT I understand parents are not allowed on the floor at any time unless asked to come on the floor by an NETEG staff member. I understand I cannot make contact from the parent viewing area during practices or tumbling classes as it is distractive to all parties involved. The parent area is designed to be a positive atmosphere where I can enjoy watching my athlete. I understand the coaches reserve the right to close practices at ANY time for ANY reason. My role as a parent in the CHEER FUSION program is to be a positive influence on my athlete s experience. I will display good sportsmanship, polite manners, and a kind disposition to all athletes, coaches, and members of this program. I will be a positive influence on my athlete and I will set an example for my athlete and other members of the team by taking pride in the program and setting a high standard of behavior. I will keep my financial account current so as not to jeopardize my athlete s place on the team. I have read and understand the athlete code of conduct and promise to ensure my athlete abides by the rules of the program. By signing below I agree to abide by the Parent Code of Conduct. Parent/Legal Guardian: Date:

17 VACATION FORM Athlete Name: Parent: Vacation Dates: ABSENCE NOTIFICATION FORM My athlete,, will be absent from practice on, for the following reason:. I understand that I must submit this form 1 week prior to missing a scheduled practice and the absence may or may not be approved at the coach s discretion. Parent Signature Date Date received Approved Not Approved Coach s Signature