Gymnastics Team Season HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 Gymnastics Team Season HANDBOOK

2 Team Handbook Outline I. Welcome to the team (page 3) A. Introduction B. About Us C. Team Philosophy II. Competitive Gymnastics Overview (page 4) A. What is USA Gymnastics? B. Types of Gymnastics We Offer III. Team Policies (page 5) A. Commitment B. Tardiness/Leaving Early C. Missed Practice D. Injuries/Safety Precautions E. Cancelled Workouts F. Summer Training G. Expectations and Consequences H. Level Mobility I. Private Lessons J. Child Protection K. Health/Safety IV. What to Expect at Competitions (page 10) A. Meet Seasons B. Meet Information C. Athlete Expectations D. Parent Expectations V. Responsibilities and Standards (page 12) A. Booster Organization B. Parents C. MGA Coaches D. Athlete VI. MGA Head Coaching Staff (page 14) VII.Parent/Gymnast Contract (page 15) 2 of 14

3 Welcome to the team! Congratulations on being a part of the MGA Gymnastics Team! Competitive gymnastics gives children a variety of both physical and mental benefits that will stick with them for the rest of their lives. MGA Gymnastics is passionate about providing a positive and rewarding experience to all its members. We are dedicated to helping children accomplish their hopes and dreams of being the best they can be in this sport, and in life. Gymnastics is a sport that takes commitment from the athlete as well as the parent. We want to thank all parents for allowing us to train and guide your child in their journey to reaching their full potential as an athlete. This parent handbook is designed for new, as well as returning team members. It outlines the expectations of the athlete, the coaches, and the parents. If, after reading this manual, you have any questions about any aspect of the program, please ask. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Once again, welcome to MGA Gymnastics Team! We are happy to have you as part of our team. About us MGA is a third-generation family owned and operated sports training facility. We have specialized in the sport of gymnastics for over 50 years, shaping the minds and bodies of tens of thousands of athletes from beginning recreational levels to Elite Competitive level for both boys and girls. We use the snowball of knowledge and experience that has accumulated over the last five decades to create an environment that athletes can reach their full potential physically, mentally, and psychologically. Team and Competition Philosophy At MGA, our main goal is to help every child on our team to reach their full potential. We believe that athletes flourish the most when they are consistently challenged to be better, and rising to the occasion. We have family values, which means that we have high expectations for our athletes, but stay constructive, treat each child with the same amount of caring and respect, and believe that the journey along the way is just as important as the destination. 3 of 14

4 COMPETITIVE GYMNASTICS OVERVIEW Competitive Gymnastics is a sport which is growing in numbers every year. The women s gymnastics athletes compete in four events consisting of Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor Exercise. The men s gymnastics athletes compete in six events consisting of Floor, Pommel Horse, Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars and Horizontal Bar. What is USA Gymnastics? USA Gymnastics (USAG) is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in the United States. All athletes are required to become USAG members in order to compete. USA Gymnastics sets the rules and policies for competition for the sport of gymnastics. Levels 1 through Elite are required to have the athlete membership. More information is available in the MGA Booster Handbook. Types of Gymnastics We Offer Girls Junior Olympic Program The Junior Olympic (JO) Program consists of ten levels. Levels 1-5 are considered Compulsory (all gymnasts at a given level compete the same routine across the country) and levels 6-10 are considered Optional (gymnast s routines are created and choreographed individually by the team coach). Athletes compete at their designated level and age groups. All athletes must have the required skills for the level they are wishing to compete, as well as a score and a coach s approval. Girls Xcel Program The Xcel Program consists of 5 levels. The Levels are Bronze (Beginning), Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond (Advanced). All levels are considered Optional levels, skills and difficulty are required, yet students with coaches will choreograph routines. All athletes must have the required skills for the level they are wishing to compete, as well as a score and a coach s approval. Boys Junior Olympic Program The Junior Olympic (JO) Program consists of ten levels. Levels 1-7 are considered Compulsory (all gymnasts at a given level compete the same routine across the country) and levels 8-10 are considered Optional (gymnast s routines are created individually by the team coach). Athletes compete at their designated level and age groups. All athletes must have the required skills for the level they are wishing to compete, as well as a score and a coach s approval. 4 of 14

5 Commitment TEAM POLICIES Comes from the gymnast, the parents, and the coach Is required for one full season for every gymnast (April 1, March 31, 2018) Tardiness/Leaving Early We do understand that sometimes it is necessary to arrive late or to leave early, but please do not make it a habit. If you know that you need to arrive late or leave early, please or text the coaching staff in advance. Missed Practice Keep to an absolute minimum Notify your coach if you will not be able to attend practice Chronic tardiness or lateness, will result in a parent meeting Missed Practice the Week Leading Up to a Competition: - Must be made-up with a one-hour private lesson with a team coach before the competition - Private lessons are subject to coaches' availability. Additional charges apply. - If 2 or more practices are missed the week prior, the gymnast will not be allowed to compete. - If practice is missed with no private lesson, the gymnast will not be allowed to compete. - There are no refunds of any competition-related fees from MGA or MGA Booster Organization. Injuries/Safety Precautions Gymnastics is a sport with inherent risks, so it is important to know what to do in the event of an injury. MGA team coaches are trained professionals. In the event that your child becomes injured in practice or at a competition, the child s coach will need to assess the extent of the injury, and if need be, may bring other coaches and/or trainers over for consultation. For your safety and the safety of all athletes on the floor, please refrain from coming out into the gym area, unless you are given the okay by the coach or owner. Please refrain from yelling out to your child, while they are in practice. If you absolutely need to get your child s attention immediately, please ask the person at the front desk, and they will go out on to the floor, and speak with the coach. If you are not present, you will be notified either at the end of practice if the injury is minor, or immediately via emergency contact info, depending on the severity of the injury. Cancelled Workouts Normally scheduled practices may be cancelled or changed due to: Holidays - Halloween Night, October 31st - Thanksgiving, November 23rd - 26th - Christmas and New Year, December 24th - Jan 1st - Easter, April 14th - 17th - Independence Day, July 2nd - 9th Inclement Weather, Competitions, or Other Extenuating Circumstances Competitions Other extenuating circumstances. In these cases, we may or may not make-up any missed practices. Practice schedule changes are ed out in advance, and posted on the MGA Booster Organization Facebook page. 5 of 14

6 Additional Workouts At times, there may be additional practice scheduled by coaches, at no charge. However, if you come to any additional practice hours, you must have a coaches' approval first. Any extra practice without the consent of a coach will be billed to your account. Summer Training Summer Practices Are crucial for the development of a gymnast Athletes advance their skill difficulty, flexibility, and strength Please keep missed practices to an absolute minimum, and notify the child s coach when you will need to miss practice. MGA Summer Gymnastics Team Camp Team camp will be the weeks of June 19th-23rd and June 26th-30th, Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm Advanced and fundamental skill techniques are broken down and trained on each event Advanced flexibility and conditioning is taught Xcel and JO Girls levels 1-4 are required to attend at least ONE week of team camp JO Girls Levels 5 and up are required to attend BOTH (2) weeks of team camp Expectations and Consequences Expulsion From The Gym (1 Strike) There will be no refunds of any fees if you are removed from the gym for these offenses. 1. Attendance at another gym for practice or private lesson. 2. Recruiting other kids from other teams at competitions. 3. Refusal to participate in volunteer hours 4. Creating conflict between kids or parents. Expulsion From The Gym (2 Strikes) There will be no refunds of any fees if you are removed from the gym for these offenses. 1. Parent interference during practices or competitions. 2. Altercations with coaches, students or parents. 3. Bullying on social media by either parents or children. 4. Contradicting a coach over practices or skills. 5. Non attendance at all competitions. 6. Non-payment of all competitions fees and practice fees. 7. Failure to participate in team functions. 8. Gossiping about other kids or parents Parent Volunteering Ideas (10 Hours Minimum) 1. Hanging banner 2. Building shelves for trophies 3. Setting up for functions 4. Making team gifts for competitions 5. Buying flowers for the girls 6. Supplying snacks at competitions 6 of 14

7 7. Hosting get-togethers 8. Organizing team building activities 9. Recognizing kids birthdays 10. Helping with banquets 11. Holiday parties 12. Fundraising 13. Volunteering to make banners for competitions 14. Arranging parades or community events 15. Flyers to schools and at functions 16. Getting sponsors or business banners 17. Charity work or community work 18. Helping keep the gym clean 19. Volunteering at home meets MGA Team Spirit 1. Wearing practice leotard on Saturday s 2. Parents wearing MGA shirts at all competitions 3. Parents sitting together and cheering during competitions 4. Cheering for all athletes and offering encouragement to all 5. Taking videos and pictures and posting on Gym Facebook and Booster Facebook 6. Writing articles for Facebook, websites, or newspapers Level Mobility Below are guidelines for gymnasts to become eligible to move-up to the next level. To move up and compete at the next level, a gymnast must: 1. Obtain the minimum MGA All-Around score at their level, or compete 2 full seasons at that level AND obtain the minimum USAG required all-around score. 2. Be able to perform the skills required for the next level 3. Have their coach s recommendation Please note: Coaches have the ultimate say in a child moving up. Coaches have the right to move children up at any time, at their own discretion if they deem it necessary. When a child is ready to move-up, a meeting is scheduled with the parent to go over details. GIRLS JO LEVELS: Level 1: To move up: Min. Score: 35.0 Min. Age: 4 Max. Age: 5 Students must be able to perform the following elements required to compete Level 2: BARS: 1) pullover 2) leg cuts forward and back 3) back hip circle 4) front mill 5) underswing dismount BEAM: 1) squat mount 2) lever to needle, lever out 3) relevé turn 4) cartwheel to handstand dismount FLOOR: 1) handstand 2) roundoff 3) back roll to pike stand 4) bridge kick over 5) split leap VAULT: 1) handstand flat back Level 2: To move up: Min. Score: 36.0 Min. Age: 5 Max. Age: 6 Students must be able to perform the following elements required to compete Level 3: BARS: 1) front hip circle 2) single leg shoot through BEAM: 1) handstand to vertical 2) split leap 120º 3) heel snap turn 4) cartwheel to hand. 1/4 dismount FLOOR: 1) handstand roll 2) handstand bridge kick-over 3) back extension roll 4) RO back handspring VAULT: 1) No new skills required. 7 of 14

8 Level 3: To move up: Min. Score: 36.0 Min. Age: 6 Max. Age: 7 Students must be able to perform the following elements required to compete Level 4: BARS: 1) kips (low and high bar) 2) squat on jump to high bar 3) underwing on HB 4) 1/2 turn dismount BEAM: 1) cartwheel 2) handstand (1 sec.) 3) split jump 4) cartwheel hand. 3/4 turn dismount (1 sec.) FLOOR: 1) front handspring 2) back roll extension to vert. 3) back walkover 4) RO 2 back handsprings VAULT: 1) front handspring over vault table onto competition mat Level 4: To move up: Min. Score: 36.0 Min. Age: 7 Max. Age: 12 Students must be able to perform the following elements required to compete Level 5: BARS: 1) free hip shoot 2) baby giant 3) flyaway (back tuck off HB) BEAM: 1) back walkover 2) split leap 180º 3) cross handstand (2 sec.) 4) full turn FLOOR: 1) front walkover front handspring 2) front tuck 3) back tuck VAULT: 1) No new skills required. Level 5: To move up: Min. Score: 31.0 Min. Age: 7 Students must be able to perform the following elements required to compete Level 6: BARS: 1) cast to 45º 2) free hip shoot to 45º on high bar 2) flyaway from free hip shoot BEAM: 1) back handspring 2) salto dismount FLOOR: No new skills required. VAULT: No new skills required. Level 6: To move up: Min. Score: 31.0 Min. Age: 7 Students must be able to perform the following elements required to compete Level 7: BARS: 1) cast handstand 2) free hip shoot handstand 2) giant 3) layout flyaway from giant BEAM: 1) back handspring or walkover to back handspring 2) B-level dance element FLOOR: 1) front handspring front tuck 2) back layout 3) B-level dance element VAULT: No new skills required. Level 7: To move up: Min. Score: 36.0 Min. Age: 8 Students must be able to perform the following elements required to compete Level 8: BARS: 1) cast handstand 1/2 pirouette and/or 2) B-level bar change element BEAM: 1) back handspring to back handspring 2) back handspring to salto dismount FLOOR: 1) tumbling pass with 2 saltos 2) Back full VAULT: Tucked or piked Yurchenko or Tsukahara Level 8: To move up: Min. Score: 34.0 Min. Age: 8 Students must be able to perform the following elements required to compete Level 9: BARS: 1) C-level LA 2) B-level flight element (release move) 3) C-level flight element BEAM: 1) C-level element 2) skill connection bonus of 0.3 FLOOR: 1) double full 2) skill connection bonus of 0.3 VAULT: A vault with at 9.8 start value or higher Level 9: To move up: Min. Score: 36.0 Min. Age: 8 Students must be able to perform the following elements required to compete Level 10: BARS: 1) C-level turning element 2) C-level dismount 3) 0.5 difficulty or connection bonus BEAM: 1) 2 connected flight elements (one of C-value) 2) C-level dismount 3) 0.5 dif. or con. bonus FLOOR: 1) C-level salto in last tumbling pass 2) additional C-level skill 3) 0.5 difficulty or con. bonus VAULT: A vault with at 9.8 or higher start value Level 10: To move up: Min. Score: 36.0 Min. Age: 9 Students are moved up to Elite level upon coaches recommendation only. 8 of 14

9 GIRLS XCEL LEVELS: Athletes are placed and moved-up at coaches discretion, but must score a minimum of a 31.0 all-around score at a USAG competition in order to become eligible to move up. JO BOYS LEVELS: Athletes are placed and moved-up at coaches discretion Private Lessons One-on-one instruction, scheduled with an individual coach Are encouraged for extra help on skills and routines May not be scheduled outside of MGA facility May not be scheduled with a non-mga coach, without expressed consent from MGA head coach Child Protection Please come in to pick up your child from practice (do not have them meet you outside). Notify MGA staff if someone other than the parents will be taking a child home. Children will be instructed to stay in the gym until they are picked up (not walking around CPS) Health/Safety You must notify MGA staff if your child has any health issues that may affect their performance Notify MGA staff if there are any other issues going on with the gymnast that might affect them physically or mentally It is strongly advised that all athletes have a physical examination by their primary care physician at least once every 12 month If your child has a fever or is vomiting, they are not permitted to practice If your child has any contagious disease, illness, (i.e. ringworm, lice, pneumonia), your child is not permitted to practice, and will be sent home. Please make sure any open wounds are properly covered and bandaged before entering practice. You may be asked for a doctor's release before returning to practice after a major injury. 9 of 14

10 WHAT TO EXPECT AT COMPETITIONS Meet Seasons All meets are required for all competitive levels and programs. An additional move-up meet may be scheduled outside of the typical competitive season JO Levels 1-5 (Compulsory) Compete September to December JO Level 6-10 (Optionals) Compete November to March Xcel Program Compete November to March Boys Program Compete November to April Meet Information Meet locations, days, and times, are sent out as soon as possible by the Parent Booster Organization (see MGA Parent Booster Organization Handbook). Athlete Expectations Be at the competition and ready for open stretch 30 minutes early. Remain in the stands until called onto the competition floor by your coach. Gymnast should be well-groomed. Girls must have their hair pulled up and groomed neatly. Hair should not touch your leotard or tank. Make-up should be limited and all fingernails and toenails free of colored nail polish. No jewelry of any kind is allowed. Gymnast should arrive in approved competition uniform. Gymnast should bring their gym bag with grips, a healthy snack, and water. Excessive crying, disrespect, or poor sportsmanship during a competition is not tolerated. The coach reserves the right to scratch the athlete in one or more events if this occurs. All skills are required to be performed in warm ups to be allowed to compete on that event. If the athlete does not perform a skill safely, then they will be scratched from that event. Cheer on and encourage your teammates. Watch your teammates when they are competing. During awards, you must be dressed in the team warm-up, with jacket zipped up. Take pride in your performance and awards, and also congratulate others. No showboating. Remember that you are there representing yourself, as well as the whole MGA team. 10 of 14

11 Parent Expectations: Make sure your child is on time to the meets (30 min. before stretch) in the correct attire and properly groomed. Do not communicate with your child when they are out on the competition floor once stretch out has begun. Remain for the entire awards ceremony, even if your level and age group is complete. Under no circumstance is a parent ever to approach a judge or meet official before, during, or after the meet. Do not not approach coaches at a competition once stretch-out has started, unless there is an emergency. Flash photography is not allowed during warm-ups and competition. Cheer on team MGA throughout the competition (show team spirit). Never speak poorly of another gymnast from any team. Never participate in any type of recruiting behavior. Remember that you are there to support your child, as well as the whole MGA team. 11 of 14

12 RESPONSIBILITIES AND STANDARDS Booster Organization The MGA Booster Organization is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote all competitive athletes of MGA. The Organization is comprised of elected members who work closely with MGA coaching staff to give every child the best experience possible. However, this organization is not a branch of MGA Gymnastics, and is its own legal entity. See the MGA Booster Handbook for more information. Responsibilities include: 1. Team Uniforms (designs, sizing, ordering, and receiving) 2. Scheduling of Competitions (sending rosters and payments) 3. Collection of Fees from parents: Competition Fees Uniform Fees 4. Communication to parents Practice changes, meet schedules, pictures, and other important information is disseminated via: - MGA Booster Organization Facebook Fundraising (organization, execution, and financials) Parents Responsibilities include: 1. Code of Conduct Be respectful of all athletes, parents, and staff while at MGA and at competitions. Do not use crude of foul language while at MGA or at competitions. Do not participate in gossip or rumors. Do not be disrespectful to athletes, parents or staff on social media. 2. Communication Grievances - Bring your own concerns (not the concerns of others) to your coach in person, or via or text. - Present concerns in a constructive manner - Grievances must be communicated before or after practice/competition, not during. Departures - Come to your coach ahead of time if your departure is due to a personal disagreement or concern. - Commitments to the team are made for one full season. If you choose to leave before the end of your agreement, you will still be responsible for all competition related fees until the end of the season. 3. Support: Your Child - Offer encouragement to them - Talk to them about their goals. Your Coach - Let them be the coach during practice and competition (do not coach your child) - Reinforce what coaches ask of gymnasts (consequences, homework activities, etc.) - Do not talk negatively about your coach to your child 12 of 14

13 MGA Coaches 1. Code of Conduct Will be respectful of all coaches, athletes, parents, and other coaches. Will not use crude of foul language while at MGA or at competitions. Will arrive on-time and prepared for practices and competitions. Will speak, act, and look professional at practices and competitions. 2. Training of the Gymnast Will keep up-to-date with latest USAG rules for your child s level Will keep short, medium, and long-term goals for each gymnast Will provide each gymnast with a safe, productive environment 3. Communication Will be available either in person, via text, or to address parents questions or concerns Will communicate with parents any necessary information about injuries, or other issues in practice Athlete 1. Code of Conduct Be respectful of all coaches, athletes, parents, and staff Do not use crude of foul language while at MGA or at competitions Do not leave practice without the coaches permission 2. Coming Prepared Come to practice in proper attire and properly groomed. 3. Uniform Standards for Girls All athletes must be in proper uniform before being allowed to enter practice. MGA level leotards must be worn on designated days Hair must be up in a bun if hair is shoulder length or longer. Hair must be pulled away from face. Athletic shorts are required. No jewelry may be worn, with the exception of stud earrings. No gum is allowed out on the floor. Gymnasts should bring a gym bag or grip bag containing: - Water bottle - Healthy Snack - Grips/Wrist Bands - Tape/Pre-Wrap - Extra Hair Ties 4. Uniform Standards for Boys All athletes must be in proper uniform before being allowed to enter practice. MGA level tanks must be worn on designated days Long hair must be pulled away from face. Athletic shorts must be worn. No jewelry may be worn, with the exception of stud earrings. No gum is allowed out on the floor. Gymnasts should bring a gym bag or grip bag containing: - Water bottle - Healthy Snack - Grips/Wrist Bands - Tape/Pre-Wrap 13 of 14

14 MGA HEAD COACHING STAFF Girls JO Level 1 Coach Drake Coach Melissa Coach Lauren Coach Emma Girls JO Levels 2-5 Coach Lena Coach Hayley Girls JO Levels 6-10 and Elite Coach Lee Coach Kellen Girls Xcel (all levels) Coach Mark Boys JO (all levels) Coach Josh Competitive Gymnastics Program Director Coach Kellen (240) gymadventure@gmail.com Attn. Coach Kellen 14 of 14