The decision is up to you, but only the best wear black and blue!

Glen Burnie 170 Penrod Court, Suites C & D Glen Burnie, MD 21061 (410) 766-8729 Waldorf 109 Post Office Road Waldorf, MD 20601 (301) 396-4934 www.marylandtwisters.com The decision is up to you, but only the best wear black and blue!

Introduction Handbook Overview The purpose of the 2014-2015 Athlete & Parent Handbook is to outline the code of conduct for all members of the Maryland Twisters. Within the handbook, you will find information on expectations and requirements for you and your family for the 2014-2015 season. Failure to comply with the provided information will result in the consequences outlined in this handbook, including fines, suspension, and expulsion from the program. Please read through our handbook in its entirety and let us know if you have any questions. Once you and your family have reviewed the information, please sign the accompanying paperowrk and return to us on your designated tryout date. Be sure to use the 2014-2015 Athlete & Parent Handbook as a resource to you and your family as questions come up throughout the season. Any policy questions can be directed to Shamia Jenkins at jenkins.shamia@gmail.com. A Message From Our Staff Welcome to Our Program Welcome to the Maryland Twisters! As we enter into our 15th season, we now have over 25 competitive cheerleading teams for athletes ages 5 and up. As one of the nation s premier all-star cheerleading programs, we have won hundreds of State and National titles, 4 World Champion gold medals, and 2 USASF Nfinity Cup Awards. A few highlights from our previous season include: Earned 2 Bronze medals at the 2014 Cheerleading Worlds Crowned 2014 Small Junior Coed 5 Summit Champions Won 3 National titles at the 2014 US Finals Won 4 National titles at the 2014 JamFest Super Nationals Won 12 National titles at the 2014 Battle at the Capitol Nationals Participated in the JamFest Majors and Champions League events Featured in the 2014 Champions League movie Our mission is to emphasize the importance of appropriate training and safety in our sport, including conditioning, technique, and gradual skill progression. We also focus on promoting sportsmanship, respect for our peers, and having fun. Although our goal is to make each team competitive, we really want our Twister athletes to learn lifelong lessons in friendship, teamwork, time management, and community service. Each Twister athlete is required to help raise scholarship money for our two special needs teams, participate in our annual Toys for Tots drive, and raise money for our annual 5K race. We pride ourselves in promoting the importance of balancing your education with your commitment to our sport. Our senior graduates have received scholarships to cheer for several top colleges and universities, including: Univeristy of Maryland, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, University of Louisville, University of Central Florida, University of South Carolina, and University of Alabama. Additionally, our program provides academic scholarships to several of our graduating seniors who exemplify the values and dedication of a Maryland Twister. We would like to welcome all new athletes to our program, we promise it will be a life-changing experience! We would like to thank our returning members for continuing to be a part of our family! Sincerely, Maryland Twisters

Training Facilities Where We Train Glen Burnie, MD Our flagship location, we opened the doors to our current Glen Burnie facility in Summer 2003. Easily accessible from Baltimore and Washington, this location houses over 15 teams and offers private sessions, classes, and summer camps. Waldorf, MD Maryland Twisters kicked off the 2012 season by merging with Maryland Superstarz, a prominent all-star program in the southern Maryland area. The Waldorf location became the first satellite facility for the program, which houses 10 cheer teams, private lessons, summer camps, and classes. Directions Directions From North: 1. Take I 95 S 2. Take the exit onto I-695E toward Glen Burnie 3. Take exit 3B toward MD-2 S/Ritchie Hwy/ Glen Burnie 4. Merge onto MD-2 S/Ritchie Hwy 5. Turn right onto MD-3 BUS S 6. Turn right onto 8th Ave NW 7. Take the 1st right onto Penrod Court From South: 1. Take MD 295 N 2. Take the exit onto MD-100 E toward Glen Burnie 3. Take the I-97 exit toward Annapolis/Baltimore 4. Take exit 13B on the left to merge onto I-97 N toward Glen Burnie/Baltimore 5. Take exit 15A to merge onto MD-176 E/ Dorsey Rd toward Glen Burnie 6. Continue onto 8th Ave NW 7. Turn left onto Grayburn Dr 8. Turn left onto Penrod Court From North: 1. Take the I-95 S/I-495 S/Beltway ramp to Richmond VA/Andrews AFB 2. Merge onto I-495 S/I-95 S 3. Take exit 7A-7B for MD-5/Branch Ave toward Silver Hill/Waldorf 4. Take exit 7A on the left to merge ontomd-5 S/Branch Ave toward Waldorf 5. Continue to follow MD-5 Continue onto US-301 S 6. Turn left onto Leonardtown Rd 7. Turn right onto Post Office Rd From South: 1. Take the I-95N 2. Take exit 7A from I 95 N to merge onto MD 5 S/Branch Ave 3. Follow MD- to Post Office Road 4. Merrge onto MD 5 S/Mattawoman Beantown Rd 5. Turn right Laonardtown Rd 6. Turn left onto Leonardtown Rd 7. Turn right onto Post Office Rd

Athlete Code of Conduct How to Act like a Twister As a program, we pride ourselves on not only our talent, but on the class and dignity of its members. The Athlete Code of Conduct was established as a set of conventional principles and expectations for all Maryland Twisters to follow. All members of our program are bound to the policies described below: Behavior Show respect for the coaches, fellow teammates, other Twisters athletes, parents, judges, officials and spectators. Disrespectful behavior will result in dismissal. Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during and after competitions. Treat all athletes and coaches with respect from opposing teams. Be modest when successful and be gracious in defeat. Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. Team reps may collect report cards each marking period. Abstain from using drugs, tobacco, alcohol & abusive language. This behavior will result in immediate dismissal from the Twisters program. No excuses or exceptions. Practice During practice your opinion does not count. All squad and routine decisions are left to the discretion of the coaches. Practices may be changed or added at any time during the season with proper notice. Respect the privilege of the use of our facility. If you are running late to practice, you must call and inform your coach and the office No food, gum, candy, or sodas are permitted in the gym area. Only water & Gatorade are allowed. Formal practice attire will be worn to all designated practices. Please do not tumble in loose-fitting t-shirts or shorts. This is a safety hazard to our instructors and yourself during spotting. Competition Every year we go through losses and additions of team members. The dismissal/addition of a team member is solely the coach s decision. You are required to attend all competitions. Missing a competition will result in dismissal. The Twisters schedule is your first priority. The Twisters will not work around an athlete s high school sports schedule (soccer, high school cheerleading, track, etc.). An absence for these events is unexcused. (exceptions handled on individual bases). Travel events are for athletes, staff & family only. No boyfriends will be allowed to accompany athletes to overnight events. Social Media No one is allowed to have a message board screen name in direct association with the Twisters name. (EX: F51MOM, TwisterLove, CellsGirl) If you currently have our name in any portion of your email address or message board ID it must be changed immediately. Proprietary Information & Copyrights The Twisters logo and team names are copyrighted. No one can reprint our logo or team names on any apparel or other items for apparel distribution or sale. All items will be sold through our Pro Shop. No soliciting. The sale or distribution of any outside products is not allowed at our facility without permission from Tara Cain. Parent Code of Conduct How to Act like a Twister Parent/Family Member As a Twister parent, you are bound to the same level of expectations as your athlete. You represent our program and your child, and your behavior should not be a distraction to either. Parents are expected to adhere to the following guidelines: Behavior Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all athletes, coaches, fans, and judges during all practices and competitions. Place the well being of your child and their teams before your personal desire to win. Advocate a sports environment for your child that is free of drugs, tobacco, alcohol & abusive language, and refrain from their use during practices or competitions. Encourage your child to play by the rules and respect the other teammates, athletes, coaches, judges, officials & other parents. Anyone threatening to quit or pull their child from a squad will be dismissed from the program immediately. All parents must treat all staff with respect, including the team representative. Should a parent promote unsportsmanlike behavior, he or she will be asked to leave the Twisters program immediately. We will not tolerate pettiness, gossiping, or cliques that attempt to slander the Maryland Twisters name. Parents displaying improper behavior will be dismissed form the program immediately and will not be allowed to return the following year. No parent may ever reprimand or discipline someone else s child. We will handle any disciplinary problems privately and professionally. If you have any questions or concerns that need immediate attention please use the following chain of command 1. Team Rep, 2 Team Coach, 3. Team Level Leader 4. Head Cheer/Tumble Coach, 5. Owner/President.. No athlete or parent may post inappropriate messages on a social media platform (Facebook, Twitter, Fierce Boards, etc.) about another program or individual. No Twisters team videos are allowed to be posted on YouTube or any other website without permission.

Cont. Parent Code of Conduct Practice The gym viewing areas are a privilege. Please respect our athletes and staff and refrain from negative remarks in the viewing areas. A coach has a right to dismiss your athlete from the Twisters program for any of the following reasons: inappropriate behavior, too many absences, a pattern of lateness, not showing up for a competition, or for delinquent tuition payments. Practices may be changed or added at any time during the season. No one is allowed to yell onto the floor or try to make contact through the viewing area window during practices or tumble classes. This is extremely distracting to all involved. Only cheerleaders and coaches are allowed in the gym. The coaches reserve the right to close practices at any time for any reason. In this event, the team rep will remain at practices. It is the parents responsibility to know what is going on with your squad. Check your emails and the website regularly. Parents, relatives, friends, etc. are not allowed to approach a coach with disrespectful comments at a competition and or at/before or after practice. It will result in dismissal from the program. If you have an issue with the coach, please send an email or call the office to schedule a private meeting with them. No videotaping at our gym. Competition Our staff will have sole communication with the competition companies. Parents are not permitted to contact our vendors directly. Please see your team rep if you have any questions. Social Media No athlete or parent may post inappropriate messages on a social media platform (Facebook, Twitter, Fierce Boards, etc.) about another program or individual. No Twisters team videos are allowed to be posted on YouTube or any other website without permission. Proprietary Information & Copyrights The Twisters logo and team names are copyrighted. No one can reprint our logo or team names on any apparel or other items for apparel distribution or sale. All items will be sold through our Pro Shop. No soliciting. The sale or distribution of any outside products is not allowed at our facility without permission from Tara Cain. Attendance policy How to Show Your Commitment to Our Program Absences will be reviewed on an individual basis. Anything beyond 3 unexcused absences is highly frowned upon and may be grounds for dismissal from the program. A master absence log will be kept throughout the year for record of all absences and the nature of the absence. All summer absences due to family visitation rights must be made known immediately. Excused absences include, but not limited to: Death in family School related function that reflects a grade A contagious illness with a doctor s note Unexcused absences include, but not limited to: Jobs Sickness, cramps Social events (dances, birthday parties, concerts, banquets, family reunions, weddings, etc.) School projects, homework, or tests High school sports practices or events Traffic or long distance drive* *If you are driving two hours to try-outs, you will be driving two hours to practice at least twice a week. Traffic in our area is always a problem, please take that into consideration and plan accordingly. Please submit all planned vacations and absences in writing to your Team Reps at the beginning of the season. You may not be absent during mandatory camps and events. Crossover Policy How We Handle Crossover Fees/Finances Any athlete who crosses over to another team will be REQUIRED to pay the crossover fees. You will not be charged extra monthly tuition, but must pay the crossover fee that Twisters is charged by the competition company. The fees will be billed during the competition month to the athletes account. Please note coaches cannot make exceptions to the crossover fees.

Travel Team Expectations How to Represent Our Program at Out-of-State Events To be a part of our travel teams is a privilege that comes with several responsibilities. When traveling for a competition or event (camp, clinics), you will represent the Maryland Twisters brand with the utmost respect and class. All athletes on travel teams must adhere to the following guidelines: All athletes must stay with a parent, guardian or designated chaperone. Parents will provide airfare reservations for their athlete. Airfare itinerary must be collected by the team rep prior to departure. All athletes will follow curfew set by their coaches. Any athlete caught in the hallways after curfew will result in suspension from the team. No Boyfriends or Girlfriends allowed! Competing and socializing with your teammates is the priority. If caught breaking this rule, you could be subject to dismissal from your team. The use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol & abusive language is prohibited. This behavior will result in immediate dismissal from the Twisters program. No excuses or exceptions. All athletes and parents will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times to our staff, parents, judges, officials, spectators, and opposing teams/parents. All parents are expected to sit together in support of all Twister teams. All athletes are expected to arrive at away competitions by 6 p.m. on Friday, NO EXCEPTIONS. All travel teams may be required to travel out of state. All athletes are responsible for travel accommodations, airfare, and other travel expenses are in addition to the monthly payment schedule. Unless otherwise notified, all teams whose normal practice is held on Thursday night will be having practice before National and travel competitions. Teams may also have extra practices held Friday night. Be sure to consider this before making travel arrangements. All athletes who travel with a team MUST have a chaperone with them. Team Representatives How We Communicate with Our Teams Each team has a Team Representative that serves as a volunteer liaison between the gym owner, coaches and the parents. This person is responsible for sending out emails from management and coaching staff, collecting absences in writing for coaches, distributing and collecting competition liability forms, coordinating coach s gifts for holidays. Team Representatives are not employees and are not the voice of the coaches. They are volunteer positions assigned to help with communications and paperwork only. Team Representative information will be given after team assignments Level Requirements How We Evaluate Our Athletes We pride ourselves on our ability to create talented teams that are true to their skill level. Our teams are built based on score sheet requirements for each USASF level. Please read through this section to gain some insight on the skill requirements for levels 1-5. Your athlete will be assigned to a team based on their true skill level. Whatever skills your athlete has at tryouts will be the level they are assigned to. For example, if you have one skill in level 5 and 3 skills in level 4, you will be put at level 4. Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Tumbling Jumps Stunts Motions/Dance one N/A cartwheel, round three different jumps leg stunts at thigh level or two leg stunts at shoulder off, and forward roll level standing back handspring and a round off back handspring standing back handspring series (2 or more) and a round off back tuck, round off back handspring tuck standing back tuck, a back handspring tuck, and either a layout or a specialty pass through to a layout standing full, one back handspring to full or two back handspring to full/double, and a specialty pass through to a full or double full technical mastery of jumps (pointed toes, landing with feet together) including a double (whip) jump combination technical mastery of jumps including a triple (whip) jump combination with a least a level toe touch, toe touch back handspring technical mastery of jumps including a triple (whip) jump combination with an above level toe touch; toe touch back handspring tuck technical mastery of jumps including a triple (whip) jump combination with a back tuck, variety and an above level toe touch prep level liberty variations and extensions extended liberty variations, awesome full down cradle, inversion to sponge level, full up to prep level extended liberty variations with a full down cradle, inversion to prep level stunt, full up to extended stunt, double down from 2 legged stunt, and kick single baskets extended liberty variations including an overstretch with double down dismounts, full up to extended liberty variation, and kick double baskets an average understanding of motion technique (sharpness/arm placement) an above average understanding of motion technique and counts an excellent understanding of motion technique and counts a superb understanding of motion technique and counts

Choreography When We Create Our Routines Choreography dates will be set in August and September for each individual team. We will provide dates via email by July. Each athlete must be present to maximize benefit of each choreography session. All routines/choreography including dances, stunts, and transitions should be highly protected. Maryland Twisters choreography should never be copied or taught to anyone without consent of Tara Cain. This also includes any and all portions of music selections and editing. No videos of routines/choreography should ever be uploaded to any online site such as YouTube or Facebook. Violation of this rule or the theft of music is grounds for immediate dismissal. Uniforms & Practice Wear What We Wear Athletes will purchase their GK Elite uniforms through Maryland Twisters. Date and time for Uniform Fittings in Glen Burnie and Waldorf will be scheduled for mid-summer 2014. A uniform deposit of $150.00 will be due at the time of fitting as well as the full payment of practice wear. The uniform cost for Level 1 thru 4 will be approximately $300-385. The cost for Level 5 teams will be approximately $300-$485.00. Additionally, Worlds teams may be required to purchase a second day uniform. Mandatory Practice attire will also be required for each athlete. One of these outfits will be issued gym-wide, the second will be your choice of three different options that will be availabele for purchase in the Proshop. Skills Camps - Mandatory When We Train In-House Camp (Levels 1-4) A Mandatory Twister "In House" Camp for all athletes will be held in August. The total cost will be $125 per athlete due by August 1st, 2014. Mini/Tiny Stunt Camp is 1 day and the total cost will be $55.00. Ocean City Camp (Levels 5) The Level 5 Twisters teams will attend a mandatory summer camp with other programs from July 27-29. The camp will be held in Ocean City, MD and is a separate expense for the athlete. Hotel information and cost to be decided. More information to follow. We will be needing chaperones. Competitions When We Perform The competition schedule will be available to all athletes in September. Competitions may vary for teams and gym locations. In an effort to encourage competitiveness, we have expanded our travel to regional competitions. We will be attending competitions in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey metropolitan areas in order to provide our athletes with the opportunity to compete against adequate teams. Your first competition fee will be due on June 1st and the balance will be due by November 1st.

Financial Policy & Information How We Handle Your Payments All tuition payments are due on the 1st of each month. Any payments made after the 6th (Waldorf) or the 10th (Glen Burnie) will result in a $25 ($35 in Waldorf) late fee automatically charged to your account. All other Twister fees (USASF, Music/Choreography, Competition Fees/Travel Fees, Booster Fee, Camp Fee) are to be paid on the due date listed in additional team information handbook that will be handed out the first week of practice. Any payments made after the due date will result in a late fee of $25 automatically charged to your account. Note: Statements are available per request from Karla Hill at Karla4Twisters@verizon.net. More detailed payment information/options to be given out at first parent meeting in June. Failure to meet the deadline for payments, and lack of reasonable & fair communication regarding payment will result in your child s loss of services (sitting out of practice) and/or dismissal from the program. Please note, coaches reserve the right to replace the athlete if this happens. Also if your account is delinquent, Twisters reserves the right to: Withhold services, i.e. private lessons, classes, etc. Withhold uniforms, practice wear, warm-up, etc. Withhold pro-shop in-house purchases & preorder purchases Withhold travel accommodations payments made through Maryland Twisters Any funds paid towards the above will be forfeited and applied to the athletes past due account. Phones calls and emails for delinquent/past due letters are a courtesy. A payment schedule is supplied at the beginning of the season and it is your responsibility to make your Twister payments on time and in full. Returned checks must be reimburse to the Twisters immediately along with a $35 return check fee. Two or more returned checks to an account will result in a cash only, money order or credit card (with processing fee) payment requirement. All payments are NON-REFUNDABLE. Additional Payment Information Maryland Twisters is not responsible for reimbursing travel expenses to team members/or individuals in the unforeseen cancelling of events or athletes loss of skills. Please note all competitions are subject to change and all monies are NON-REFUNDABLE. If a competition is cancelled by Maryland Twisters they will make the decision to replace with a comparable event if able to and adjust fees accordingly. Gym Closures When Practices are Canceled Memorial Day Closed Friday, May 23rd-Monday, May 26 Independence Day Closed Monday, June 30-Sunday, July 6. Reopen on Monday, July 7 Labor Day Closed Friday, August 29-Monday, September 1. Reopen on Tuesday, September 2 Thanksgiving Closed Wednesday, November 26-Saturday, November 29. Reopen on Sunday, November 30 Christmas & New Years Closed Wednesday, December 24-Thursday, January 1. Reopen on Friday, January 2 Easter & Passover- Closed Saturday, April 4-Sunday April, 5. Reopen on Monday, April 6 Jewish Holidays Excused absences provided you notify coaches Please note that some teams practices and privates will still occur during gym closures. Special Needs Fundraising How We Support Our Special Needs Program All Twisters teams will fundraise for our special needs teams. This is mandatory. Fundraisers vary, more information will come during the season. Athletes will have the opportunity to volunteer as an assistant for Stormchasers and/or Eye of the Storm. Volunteering for this position can count towards service-learning hours which are required in most high-schools. We highly suggest this opportunity for anyone that can make the commitment. Any questions concerning volunteering with the special needs teams should be directed to Sharon Myrick - smyrick813@msn.com. Next Steps What You Need to Do Once you have read through the handbook, please be sure to complete the Try-Out/ Registration packet on our website. At try-outs, you will need to complete and return the following forms: Code of Ethics Handbook Acknowledgement Tryout Evaluation Form Liability/Waiver Form Please refer to the Try-Out Registration pack for any additional items that you will need (fees, birth certificates, pictures). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! Thank you and welcome to Maryland Twisters!