1 F W Wake Forest All-Stars Parent Handbook 2015-2016
2 Dear Parents, Welcome to the 2015-2016 season of the Wake Forest All-Star cheerleading program! For more than 11 years under the direction of Shannon Young, the WFAS cheerleading program has been a well-established, reputable program known for its high standards. Shannon is recognized in the industry for running an excellent, extremely well organized program! For those new to All-Star cheerleading, Young s Gym was the first gym in Wake County to offer recreational gymnastics and All-Star cheerleading under the same roof in 1994. The cheerleading program name was changed to the Wake Forest All-Stars in 2003 when Shannon stepped in and decided to increase the competiveness of the teams. After ending the program and taking a break for a year, the decision was made by Shannon & Alan to bring WFAS back starting with the 2014-2015 season! With the return of the program, we have decided to also make a return to some of the core rules and principles that we employed after the first few years of the program. There will once again be tryout standards and athletes in the youth age division and up are not guaranteed to make a team. We will typically field only 4 teams each season and the program s main emphasis will be in the development of teams from levels 1 through 4. Any athlete in the youth age division (9 & Up as of Aug. 31, 2015) or higher will be required to have a standing back handspring and a round off back handspring! This helps us insure the minimum level of those teams each year as level 2 and increases the total skill quality of each team in those age divisions at the start of each season, thus increasing each team s chance of competing at higher levels in those age divisions. At WFAS, we believe in building the whole athlete. Our program does not place emphasis solely on physical strength and competitive achievement, but we also believe in developing the character and values of each of our athletes. We are a Christian family and we will have team prayers before practices and competitions. Opening practice with a word of prayer and giving the athletes and coaches a chance to open up about struggles and/or celebrations really puts the emphasis on team and family and leads to a positive feeling at the beginning of practice. We believe that life is hard enough and while we expect our teams to practice hard and be their best we also believe it is good for them to know they are loved and have someone they can talk to. We, as coaches, are ultimately role models that can have a positive influence on their lives while teaching them life lessons. Competitive cheerleading provides an excellent opportunity for participants to develop selfconfidence, leadership, effective time management and teamwork. We take a personal interest in each of our athletes and believe that our commitment to personalized attention allows each cheerleader to reach her full potential and achieve all of her goals both in the gym and in life. Every athlete is important to us. As a small All-Star gym with only 4-5 teams each season, WFAS will once again be able to instill a fun, family atmosphere to its program as in years past. We always took great pride in the loyalty created in our founding families years ago and are excited about the opportunity to earn that respect and loyalty from our new families in our program s rebirth. We look forward to an exciting WFAS cheerleading program for 2015-2016 season! Shannon & Alan Young
3 Wake Forest All-Stars Special Needs Team This year we are excited to offer a cheerleading program for exceptional children. The team will practice once a week and will travel to 3 or 4 events over the season. They will have 2 coaches and in addition to the coaches they will be accompanied on the floor by some volunteer athletes from our other teams. Their season will begin in August and run through March. They will receive a practice t-shirt as well as a competition uniform. If you have any questions regarding this team please e-mail Shannon Young at Shannon@youngsgym.com.
4 Team Information Wake Forest All-Stars During each season we will only have 4 teams. Those teams could consist of a Mini, Youth, Junior and Senior team. Depending on numbers, ages and skill level those teams may change each season. We will focus on levels 1-4 as we feel that is the skill level of the majority of all-star cheerleaders. We feel each athlete needs to make the necessary progressions through each level and not rush to be a level 5 athlete as quickly as they can. We are not opposed to having a level 5 team, however, World s is not in our plan in the near future. When putting teams together we do so in the following order: age, skill level, stunt position. If an athlete wishes to double team in most cases their age appropriate team will be their primary team. We will determine crossovers as needed based on skill level and stunt position. All athletes that wish to double team may NOT get to. Teams: Name Division Level Wolf Pups Mini TBA Red Wolves Youth TBA Black Wolves Junior TBA Gray Wolves Senior TBA TBA Special Needs ***Be advised that until after try-outs we will not decide what level each team will be.*** Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.
5 Schedule s Summer 2015 2016 Training Schedule Our Summer training and tuition schedule will run from June-August. Below you will find what your summer tuition will be, as well as the summer schedule. During summer practices each team will have one hour each week dedicated to tumble only. Summer Tuition: Mini: $110 Youth, Junior, Senior: $130 Team Tuesday Thursday Wolf Pups 4:30-6:00 4:30-6:00 Red Wolves 5:00-7:00 5:00-7:00 Black Wolves 6:00-8:00 6:00-8:00 Gray Wolves 7:00-9:00 7:00-9:00 Regular 2015 2016 Schedule Our regular schedule and tuition will run from September-April. Below you will find your schedule and tuition break down. Tuition: Mini: $125 (Tuition $110 & Tumble $15) Youth, Junior, Senior: $145 Tuition: $130 Tumble: $15 Team Tuesday Thursday Sunday Wolf Pups 4:30-6:00 4:30-6:00 4:00-5:00 Tumble Red Wolves 5:00-7:00 5:45-7:00 Tumble 3:30-5:30 Black Wolves 6:00-8:00 4:45-6:00 Tumble 1:30-3:30 Gray Wolves 7:00-9:00 7:00-9:00 5:00-6:15 Tumble Special Needs 1:15-2:45 The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.
6 Clinics & Choreo Summer 2015 Stunt Clinic Team Dates Time Wolf Pups June 18, 19 & 20 TBA Red Wolves June 18, 19 & 20 TBA Black Wolves June 18, 19 & 20 TBA Gray Wolves June 18, 19 & 20 TBA Summer 2015 Choreography Camp Choreography is MANDATORY for ALL WFAS team members! If an athlete has a conflict with choreography dates that cannot be resolved she will be placed as an alternate on that team! Team Dates Time Wolf Pups August 7-9 TBA Red Wolves July 24-26 TBA Black Wolves August 28-30 TBA Gray Wolves August 21-23 TBA Choreography camps are MANDATORY and last ALL weekend! Team bonding events will be planned for each team. While these weekends are very long and exhausting, there is much reward and satisfaction attained when learning and absorbing an entire routine in a weekend. This achievement, when combined with the fun team bonding, makes for an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all of the athletes and coaches involved. Set your goals high, and don t stop till you get there.
7 Cost Break Down 2015-2016 Cost Break Down 1. Try-Out/Registration Fee $35 for 1st child, Each addition child is $20 2. USASF athlete membership fee $30 (subject to increase for the 2015-2016 season) 3. Practice Wear $90 $60 (tank & short outfit) $30 (2 t-shirts) 4. Hair Bows (2) (practice/ competition) $45 5. Uniform $400 6. Warm Up $80 7. Stunt Clinic $65 (Mini) $75 (Youth-Senior) 8. Choreography/Music Fee $150 (Mini) $200 (all other teams) 9. Coaches Travel Fee $125 10. Make-up $40 11. Shoes $85 12. Team Parties (2) $40 ($20 for Christmas party & $20 for end of year banquet) 13. Monthly Tutition Mini $110/ $125 All other teams $130/$145 ($130 Tuition & $15 for tumble) 14. Competition Fees $645 (Crossover fees $525) Please note that transportation, lodging, and parent admission fees are not included in these amounts. Arrangements must be made and paid for by each individually, and separate from the Wake Forest All-Stars Program.
8 Competition Sched. 2015 2016 Competition Schedule Dates may change at the discretion of the competition company Competition Dates Price Cheersport Raleigh, NC November 22, 2015 $65 $65 crossover Universal Spirit All-Star States Greensboro, NC December 12, 2015 $65 $65 crossover Universal Spirit-Spirit of Hope Nationals Charlotte, NC January 16-17, 2016 $130 $130 crossover All-Star Challenge - Clash of the Titans Raleigh, NC January 30-31, 2016 $130 $80 crossover Encore-Cabarrus Arena Concord, NC February 6, 2016 $70 $40 crossover Universal Spirit The Grand Championship Charlotte, NC March 13, 2016 $65 $65 crossover The American Championships Myrtle Beach, SC April 16-17, 2016 $120 $80 crossover I am too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful, and to determined to be defeated
9 Payment Schedule May: Amount due at parent meeting in order to start practice. Registration fee/tryout fee $35 Practice wear $90 1/2 uniform $200 Stunt Clinic Mini ($65) Youth/Senior ($75) Shoes $85 June Tuition $110 (Mini) $130 (all other teams) 1/2 uniform $200 1/2 choreography $75 (Mini) $100 (all other teams) USASF fee $30 Hairbows $45 July Tuition $110 (Mini) $130 (all other teams) 1/2 choreography $75 (Mini) $100 (all other teams) Make-up $40 Warm Up $80 August 2015-2016 Fee Schedule: Tuition $110 (Mini) $130 (all other teams) Coaches travel fee $125 Competition fees $129 (crossover $105)
10 September Tuition $125 (Mini) $145 (all other teams) Competition fees $129 (crossover $105) Team Parties $40 October Tuition $125 (Mini) $145 (all other teams) Competition fees $129 (crossover $105) November Tuition $125 (Mini) $145 (all other teams) Competition fees $129 (crossover $105) December Tuition $125 (Mini) $145 (all other teams) Balance of competition fees $129 (crossover $105) January-April Tuition $125 (Mini) $145 (all other teams) Any unpaid fees
11 Payment Info. 2015-2016 Payment & Terms WFAS management reserves the right to remove any athlete or family from the WFAS program at any time for any reason that is deemed by management to be detrimental to the success of the program! A valid credit card is required to be kept on file. At the end of a month, any unsettled balances that have not been paid will be charged to the card on file unless other arrangements have been made and accepted by management! Monthly payments are auto-drafted on the 1st and 15th of each month! Athletes will NOT be permitted to participate in any extra gym activities, private lessons for example, until the balance is paid. At the end of the month, Athletes whose parents have outstanding balances on their accounts WILL be replaced with an alternate. If this situation occurs and in fairness to the alternate, after 1 week if the delinquent account is still outstanding, the alternate WILL become the permanent replacement. If it is a week prior to competition, the alternate WILL compete at the event! A $30 fee will be posted to any account to which a check is returned for any reason! If two checks are returned from the same account, NO future checks will be accepted for that account. Payments will need to be made with cash, debit or credit card! NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS will be given to any account for which an athlete quits during the season! All uncollected debts will be pursued through the Wake County Small Claims court system! Athletes that choose to quit during a season will NOT be allowed to tryout for the WFAS program the following year!
12 Card/Insurance agreement 2015-2016 Payment Information Name as it appears on the card: Billing address: Type of Card: Card Number: Exp. Date: Signature: Date: Cheerleader's Name: I have read and fully understand my financial commitment to The Wake Forest All Stars outlined in this packet. I understand that my commitment is for the 2015-2016 All Star competitive season. I understand that I am giving my credit card/debit card information, that information may be used if I do not meet payment deadlines to Wake Forest All Stars. I understand that I will forfeit any monies paid if I choose to leave a team or am asked to leave the program. I understand that I am entering into this program of my own free will. Parent Signature Date Financial Commitment For Office Use Only May Dep: Aug Nov Feb June Sep Dec March June Sep Dec March July Oct Jan April July Oct Jan Aug 1 st : Nov 1 st : Feb 1 st :
13 Athlete information 2015-2016 Athlete Information Cheerleader Name: Street Address: City: Zip Code: School: Grade: Birth Date: Home Phone Number: Medical Conditions/Allergies: Cheerleader Cell: E-Mail: Mom Name: Cell: Email: Dad Name: Cell: Email: List other information here (guardian name & #, work #'s etc): Emergency Contact & #, other than parent: Health Insurance Carrier: Policy #: Carriers Phone Number: Group #: Please use (*) by cell numbers you wish to receive team text messages on. Please Circle a size for each item. T-Shirt, Jacket, & Pants T-Shirt Youth S Youth M Youth L Youth XL Adult XS Adult S Adult M Adult L Warm Up Jacket Youth S Youth M Youth L Youth XL Adult XS Adult S Adult M Adult L Warm-Up Pants Youth S Youth M Youth L Youth XL Adult XS Adult S Adult M Adult L
14 Code of Conduct - If you ever have a problem, with anything, please do not hesitate to contact the gym, your coach, the All Star Director or the owner. We are here for YOU. -If you have any questions or concerns that need immediate attention please use the following chain of command: 1. Head Coach 2. All Star Director -There are NO CELL PHONES allowed in the gym at any time by an athlete. -Attendance at all practices is a must. If you are going to be absent you MUST contact the head coach or office manager before practice! DO NOT send notification with another parent or cheerleader! Excessive absences will result in removal from the team. -Participation in the All Star program take precedence over ALL other extracurricular activities, INCLUDING SCHOOL CHEER! -If an athlete is absent from competition without telling the all star director prior to that day, they will be removed from the program. -Please do not leave ANY personal items in the hallways, lobby, or on the competition floors. Any valuables should be left at home or with a parent. The gym is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items. -NO GOSSIP about any other teams (all star or school), NO GOSSIP about a child on your team or another team. NO GOSSIP about coaches and staff. It is much better to address a problem than to listen to idle gossip. -No profanity or abusive language. -We want our all stars to use the gym as often as possible, but no child should be dropped off at the gym unsupervised. -You must arrive at all practices, competitions or any scheduled event on time. Punctuality is a MUST! -All squad and routine decisions are left to the discretion of the coaches. -Please feel free to talk to your coach about anything; just remember to do it at the appropriate times. For Examples, approaching a coach in the middle of a practice would not be an appropriate time. -Never post any negative, derogatory or inappropriate comments on any websites or social media. If this happens the athlete will be removed from the program. -Every year we go through losses and additions of team members. The dismissal/addition of a team member is solely the coach's decision. -Practices may be changed or added at any time during the season.. -Only cheerleaders and coaches are allowed in the gym. 2015-2016 Parent Code of Conduct -No one is allowed to yell onto the floor or try to make contact through the parent viewing area window during practices or tumble classes. This is extremely distracting to all involved. -The coaches reserve the right to close practices at ANY time for ANY reason. In this event, the team mom will remain at practices. -It is the parent's responsibility to know what is going on with your squad. Check your emails and the website regularly. -Athletes should be able to handle school work and All Star practices. Homework is NOT and acceptable excuse for missing practice. Withholding a child from a practice or a competition should never be used as a form of punishment. -Parents, relatives, friends, and cheerleaders are never allowed to speak with competition officials for any reason. -Parents are never allowed to represent Wake Forest All Stars under any circumstances concerning accommodations, competitions, or any other situation. -There will be no arguing or questioning of the coaching staff's decisions at competitions. -If a problem arises between you and a team mate or another parent, the problem will be addressed with all parties involved at a meeting with your coach and the All Star director. -Your child must be present for mandatory practices. If your child is absent, for any reason, the week of a competition and/or a mandatory practice, they will be replaced in the routine, for that competition. Wake Forest Athletes, Families and Friends: Good Sportsmanship, Polite Manners and a Kind Disposition are Mandatory at ALL Competition and Practices. This Program Prides Itself on Setting A High Standard of Behavior. Please Help Us To Continue in This Endeavor!! By Signing below I, have read all the booklet and rules for the Wake Forest All Stars for the 2015-2016 Season. I, understand that by signing below I will agree to follow all of the rules set forth by the Wake Forest All Star staff, and if I do not follow the above rules I may be dismissed at anytime for my actions or any reason that the All Star Director and/or Owner see fit. Parents Signature: Date: Cheerleaders Signature: Date:
15 Wake Forest All-Stars WFAS Athlete Behavior Code 1. Social Media responsibility Any negative, inappropriate, vulgar or insensitive conduct on social media will result in dismissal from the team. 2. Profanity or abusive language will not be tolerated in the gym, at practice or at any function where the athlete is representing Wake Forest All-Stars. 3. Athletes are expected to have a positive attitude during practice and to respectfully address their coaches and teammates when there is a problem. 4. No cell phones allowed in the gym during practice. 5. Gossip about other teammates or other gyms will not be tolerated. 6. It is the athletes responsibility to balance their school work, social life and their commitment to Wake Forest All-Stars. 7. Good Sportsmanship, Polite Manners and a Kind Disposition are Mandatory at ALL competitions and practices. This program prides itself on setting a high standard of behavior. Please help us to continue in this endeavor!! 8. The WFAS all-star director reserves the right to change or add a rule at any time. WFAS Athlete Dress Code 1. It is the athletes responsibility to wear the appropriate clothes to each practice. Not having on the specified practice clothes may result in conditioning for the individual or the whole team. 2. Please wear soffe shorts over top of any spandex shorts during tumbling instruction. 3. Athletes MUST be wearing appropriate cheer shoes to be able to participate in practice. By Signing below I, have read all the athlete behavior and dress code for the Wake Forest All Stars for the 2015-2016 Season. I, understand that by signing below I will agree to follow all of the rules set forth by the Wake Forest All Star staff, and if I do not follow the above rules I may be dismissed at anytime for my actions or any reason that the All Star Director and/or Owner see fit. Parents Signature: Date: Cheerleaders Signature: Date: