Welcome to Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance! (HOT) Thank you for your interest in the HOT Cheer & Dance program. As we prepare for our 20th season as HOT, we are anticipating a very exciting and successful year. The Heart of Texas Mission is to provide our students with a safe and fun environment where they can develop their full potential as an athlete, while learning valuable lessons that will last a lifetime. Our goals are as follows: Care more for the individual athlete than a national reputation; Value and honor all athletes equally no matter their age or skill level; Mentor and coach our athletes with high expectations in a loving manner; Foster a love of cheerleading through safe, consistent progression and positive instruction; Help our athletes understand their own personal value resulting in high self-esteem; Develop high character leaders who model commitment and teamwork; and provide opportunities for lifelong friendships and memories. At Heart of Texas, we use the sport of cheerleading to mold our athletes into high character adults who will make a difference in our world. We have prepared the following information to help each family understand the commitment level that is expected from HOT Cheer & Dance. Please take the time to read over the packet in full, and fill out all necessary forms. For our returning members, take note of some of the changes in the policies and procedures. Once again thank you for considering being a part of HOT Cheer & Dance. We hope that you find this packet informative and helpful in answering any of the questions you may have about all-star cheerleading and dance. We look forward to working with your children. Sincerely, Cindy Herbst Owner of HOT Cheer & Dance
All Forms must be competed and turned in Copy of Birth Certificate (if not on file) Parent Code of Conduct Payment Contract Agreement Credit Auth. or ACH Form Athlete Code of Conduct REFERRAL PROGRAM: It is a great honor to know that you believe in our program enough to recommend it to someone else. As our way of thanking you for your referral, HOT is offering a $50 tuition discount for each referral. The best part of the referral program is that there is no limit to the number of referrals you bring. This will result in more opportunities for you to save money! ** Referrals are per new family not per member.
Financial Obligations All-star competitive cheerleading and dance requires a financial commitment, and it is very important that you read and understand all obligations. We want to do our best to make this activity as affordable as possible. Expenses are outlined below for you. PROGRAM COSTS Heart of Texas is a 4-month program. We will begin meeting and practicing in Sept. 2017 and continue through the end of April 2018. TUITION EXPENSES Amount Due Date All-Inclusive Monthly Tuition $135.00 1st of Each Month Optional Tumbling $45 ADDITIONAL EXPENSES Practice clothes/uniform $60 at sign up USASF Membership $35 Feb 1st PAYMENT POLICY I understand I am required to keep a current credit card on file with Heart of Texas, and that I am required to complete a credit card authorization form. If my credit card on file expires or I wish to place a different credit card on file it is my responsibility to do so before the 6th day of the month. All charges at HOT are billed on or about the 1st day of each month and become due immediately. Customers have until the 5th day of each month to pay the balance due on their account via cash, check, etc. All credit card charges will be charged a 3% convenience fee. All amounts remaining due on the 6th day of the month will be charged to the credit card on file for the account. Any accounts with a balance due after the 6th day of the month will automatically be charged a $25.00 late fee, and the student(s) associated with the account may be withheld from participating in activities at HOT. This includes accounts in which the credit card transaction on their account is declined for any reason. I understand any check/money order returned unpaid for any reason will incur a $25.00 return fee and a $25.00 late fee. COMPETITIONS
Competitions will most likely begin in January and end in April. NOTE: HOT reserves the right to pull a team from a competition. In that case a makeup competition will be scheduled. We will attend some competitions that may require a 2 night stay in a hotel. All athletes will be expected to arrive on time and leave when released by the competition schedule set for each team by Heart of Texas. Please understand that competitions may take the whole day so do not plan other activities on a competition day. HOT may travel out of state this season; however, we will not travel further than can be driven in a day. FUND RAISING: There will be many fund raisers throughout the year to offset the cost of travel fees. You are not required to participate. It is possible to pay for the whole season through fundraising! HOT will try to do fund raisers that we feel will be successful, and we will discuss fund raising ideas at our first parent/team meeting. Practice and Attendance Policy
TEAM PRACTICE STANDARDS: All practices are CLOSED to everyone with the exception of 1 practice per month. We will designate which practice is open after the schedules are made. NO JEWELRY is to be worn at practices, which includes all earrings, belly button rings, nose rings, eyebrow jewelry, and necklaces. This is not simply for appearance sake, but for the safety to the one wearing the jewelry and for those either flying or basing who might be injured as a result. All CELL PHONES shall be turned in to the team coach and will be returned after practice. There is to be NO GUM whatsoever at practices or competitions. There is to be NO excessively long fingernails. Shoes must be worn. Hair must be out of face with bow. Practice clothing must be worn as scheduled. Lost, misplaced or damaged clothing will be replaced at your expense. Anyone late or dressed incorrectly will be held accountable. All athletes will be required to be on time and on the floor ready for practice at the scheduled practice time. The coaching staff will ensure all items mentioned here are enforced. Our program is designed to teach these athletes discipline, responsibility, and accountability along with their development as a cheerleader. Remember, designated practices are closed to parents and siblings/friends. This includes routine changes and choreography sessions, and when practices run long (this will happen frequently). If you have a child in team practices and a sibling in tumbling you are not allowed to be in the practice areas for any reason. It is counter-productive to our practices effectiveness. Please do not make it uncomfortable for our staff to enforce these standards. The last thing we want to do is tell a parent they have to leave.
PRACTICE ETIQUETTE: The viewing room is NOT a place for gossip, doubting the coaches abilities, or coaching your child. All of these create a negative atmosphere and is not acceptable. If you have a concern about YOUR child, please notify one of the coaches through one of the lines of communication. Please remember that the all-stars are not the only ones in the gym during practice times. There are prospective all stars and class parents in the viewing room as well. We would like the atmosphere in the viewing room to be positive for everyone. Remember that you as a parent reflect HOT at all times. We want to make this experience as fun and positive as possible for all athletes and parents involved. Squad members will not be allowed to go into the viewing room during practice. Practice interruptions will also not be tolerated. Practices may be changed and/or added throughout the season at any time. You will be notified of any changes through e-mail. Team practices are used to teach stunts, pyramids, improve team tumbling, team jumps, choreography and dances. Team practices = Team time. Please understand that we are building championship teams. If any team member disrespects their team, coaches, or facility by continuous late arrivals, lack of desire, and commitment, the HOT staff reserves the right to implement disciplinary action. PRACTICE WEAR: Each team member will order one practice outfit and is required to wear the correct practice outfit to each practice.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: All athletes will be held accountable for their attendance on a case to case basis. Athletes are expected to attend all practices and competitions as a team. We realize many children and young adults are involved in a variety of activities; however, we cannot make exceptions for schedule conflicts. Please take a look at the available dates below to schedule any vacations within this time period. 1. All practices, events, exhibitions, competitions, and any functions of HOT Cheer & Dance are mandatory for attendance. 2. Competitions are held on Saturdays, Sundays and sometimes Fridays and Mondays between October and April. Any athlete with a regularly scheduled Saturday or Sunday activity that cannot be missed should reconsider trying out for HOT Cheer & Dance. 3. National season is during the months of January-April. There will be NO absences allowed during these months. 4. The following are excused absences from HOT Cheer & Dance activities: * Family emergency or death in the family. *School functions that result in a grade. There must be a school contact person and phone number on your absence request form to verify your absence. 5. The following are examples of unexcused absences: * Birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, family celebrations, etc. * Other child related activities including but not limited to: track, basketball, soccer, tee ball, softball, piano, band, dance, etc. If a conflict with outside sports and activities arise, the athlete must choose before the season begins. * Work or work related functions 6. An unexcused absence may result in the member being pulled from an upcoming performance or competition at the discretion of the coaching staff and owners. If the problem persists, we may also elect to suspend the athlete to an alternate position or remove the athlete from the HOT Cheer & Dance program. An Absence request form must be submitted to the coach at least two weeks prior to the absence. This form must be handed directly to a HOT head coach. Any form left in a payment box or on the front desk will be considered invalid. These forms are located on the website or in the front office. Absence request forms must be signed by both a parent and the athlete.
THERE ARE NO EXCUSED ABSENCES FROM A COMPETITION. Every team member is expected to attend every competition. Any athlete that misses a competition may be removed from the program. In rare instances some teams may be required to compete on a Friday afternoon/evening for a National Competition which may require some missed school time. SICK POLICY You must attend practice when sick. You will not be required to participate; however, you must be present. An athlete will jeopardize their position if this rule is not followed. In addition, you must provide a doctor s note with detailed information regarding the illness, treatment and length of recovery. This includes dental, medical, and any other health related issue that would prohibit an athlete from participating. INJURIES In the event that an athlete is injured at home or during other extracurricular activities, we ask that you please notify us as soon as possible. Please do not leave messages of this nature on our message service. You should call the gym and get the necessary information to the coaches. We will make changes with choreography prior to practicing. We will re-choreograph routines based on the person s injury and length of recovery. Once the individual has fully recovered, he or she may or may not be choreographed back into the routine. The coaches have complete discretion in replacing such individuals for the remainder of the season. All injured athletes must continue to pay monthly tuition. We understand that there are circumstances that may be unavoidable, but keep in mind that this is a TEAM sport that is unlike any other because there are no back-ups or second string. Attendance at practice is essential to the success of the squads. Every team member has a specified function, and one absence could disrupt the effectiveness of practice. GYM LOGO USE: The program name and HOT logo are in process of becoming a federally protected copyright. Therefore, permission is needed from Cindy Herbst before selling any product or service that incorporates, uses, or displays our logo. All sales of HOT merchandise must go through Heart of Texas Cheer and Dance L.L.C. MULTIMEDIA AND SOCIAL NETWORKING: We are aware of the increasing popularity of online multimedia sites and social networking sites (such as, but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.).
Athletes, Parents, and Friends are not allowed to share or post any HOT music, choreography, routines, stunts, etc. on any of these sites without permission from Cindy. As well, because these multimedia and social networking sites are open to the public, we expect all athletes and parents to behave in a manner that represents HOT well. Any disrespectful comments about the program, between athletes and/or parents, or bad-mouthing of any other program will result in removal from the program. TEAM REPS AND COMMUNICATION: Most communication is set forth in monthly notes, calendars and emails. Each team will have a designated Lead Coach, Asst. Coach and a Team Representative responsible for relaying information to the parents and the Heart of Texas staff. Any questions or team related problems should first be addressed with the Lead Coach and Team Rep prior to contacting Aaron or Cindy. Team REPS will also be assisting the teams at competitions and working closely with the staff. PHILANTHROPY: All 2016-2017 teams will be required to complete a philanthropy project as a team. The team will be responsible for identifying and choosing a project that works best for them. We believe this is a very important team bonding. GYM PRIDE: In order for us to grow stronger every year as a family and a program, we ask that our athletes take pride in where they cheer, and show the world who HOT is by wearing HOT gear in public and at school. We will have contests throughout the year for parents and family members involving who can show the most HOT Pride at a competition. Who will be the most creative family member out there?
Heart of Texas Cheer and Dance 8081 Robinson Industrial Park Dr. Waco, Tx. 76706 (254)666-7470 cindy.herbst@heartoftexascheer.com Half Year All Star Prep Team Payment Contract Agreement 2018 Student Name: Date of Birth: Home Address: City: Zip: Billing Email: Home Phone: Mother s Name: Work: Cell: Father s Name: Work: Cell: Emergency Contact: Phone: Terms of Agreement Please READ carefully and initial in the spaces provided For the 2018 competitive season, Heart of Texas has a fixed cost of 4 monthly tuition installments of $135. Based on the starting date of Jan. 2018 ending April 2018. I acknowledge that, under the terms of this Agreement, the above named student will be charge all tuition and will be payable on the 1 st of the month, unless other arrangements have been made Medical Release and Policy Acknowledgment I, the parent or legal guardian of the above named student hereafter referred to as student, do hereby permit the student, to participate in tumbling, cheerleading or any other physical activities while a student at Heart of Texas Cheerleading LLC. Hereafter referred to as HOT. By granting permission for student to participate at HOT, I assume full responsibility for student s personal safety and release HOT, its directors and employees from any and all liabilities that may arise due to any injury including death to student by reason of student s participation at HOT or in which HOT is participating elsewhere. I understand there is personal risk involved in any activity that involves motion, height, or rotation and that these activities can result in serious injury, disability, or death. I declare student has been seen by a physician and is cleared to participate in physical activities such as tumbling, jumping and cheerleading. I authorize HOT to use photographs, video, and/or other likenesses of student for use in HOT promotional materials or sales and waive any rights of compensation or ownership thereto. By signing this form, you agree to the above stated terms and acknowledge your financial commitment to Heart of Texas Signature: Date: Parents Drivers License #: DOB: If you were referred by a current HOT member/coach, please give them credit here. Name:
MANDATORY Credit Card Authorization Form Card Holder Information Name of Student: Name on Card: Card Billing Address: City: State: Zip: Payment Authorization Card Type: Visa Master Card Card Number: Expiration Date: Card Identification Number (3 digits on back): I/We hereby authorize Heart of Texas LLC. to charge this credit card on a monthly basis for the amount due on our account. My/Our credit card will be charged by the 5th day of each month for the amount due. If necessary, HOT may initiate credit adjustments for any charges made in error. HOT also may charge my card for periodic miscellaneous charges at my request. This authorization is to remain in full force and effect until HOT has received written notification from me (or either of us) of termination of this service in such time and such a manner as to afford HOT a reasonable opportunity to act upon it. Written notice may be provided either to the address or email above. Signature: Date: ACH Debit Authorization Authorization Agreement for Direct Payments I (we) hereby authorize Heart of Texas to initiate debit entries to my (our) CHECKING ACCOUNT or SAVINGS ACCOUNT (select one) indicated below at the depository financial institution named below, and to debit the same to such account. I (we) acknowledge that the origination of ACH transactions to my (our) account must comply with the provisions of US law. Depository Name: Routing Number (9 digits): Account Number: This authorization is to remain in full force and effect until Heart of Texas has received written notification for me of its termination in such time and in such manner as to afford Heart of Texas and your bank a reasonable opportunity to act on it. Signature: Date:
Parent Code of Conduct Acknowledgement 2017-2018 I understand that all athletes are required to attend all practices and to wear the appropriate practice attire. If habitual absences occur: athletes may be removed without notice and no refund will be provided. PLEASE NOTE that if any athlete misses practices the week prior to a performance or competition it is at the discretion of HOT and its coaches whether or not they perform. I understand the all athletes must attend all schedule competitions. I understand the only EXCUSED ABSENCES are school function for a grade, death in the family or contagious illness. Anyone threatening to quit or pull their child from a squad may be dismissed from the program immediately. I will not be involved in any matter of disrespect towards any members of the Heart of Texas staff, parents or students. I understand the coaches reserve the right to suspend any athlete s or parent s participation in activities at Heart of Texas or at Heart of Texas functions as disciplinary action. I understand the importance of punctuality and will arrive at all scheduled events on time. I will not participate in negative gossip or communications that adversely affect Heart of Texas. This includes but is not limited to Face Book, Twitter, Chat Rooms or other Websites. I will not post any Heart of Texas music, choreography, routines, stunts, etc. on any website. I will not hold or threaten to hold my child from practice or competition as a form of punishment. I understand that I must notify your coach in advance if your child will be arriving late or leaving early from practices. I understand if me child is injured or and not contagious, they are required to attend practice, but not participate I will conduct myself with respect and integrity, displaying positive sportsmanship at all times. I understand all athletes at Heart of Texas are expected to arrive at practices and competitions on time with a positive attitude and give their best effort in every endeavor. I will not use inappropriate language. I understand it is sometimes necessary for athletes to be moved from one team to another. I understand that the parent viewing area should be a positive atmosphere, and I may be prohibited from using the parent viewing area if I cannot maintain a positive attitude while there. I understand that my monthly billing statement is emailed to me as a courtesy. Whether I receive it or not, I am still obligated to make my payments on time. If my billing email address changes, it is my responsibility to notify the Heart of Texas front office. I understand this is a 4 MONTH commitment I am making. I will honor my commitment.
I understand that if I quit or I am removed from the program, I will not be entitled to a refund of any kind. This includes all monies paid to Heart of Texas including prepaid expenses. Cheerleaders, parents, relatives and friends are never allowed to contact competition companies or their officials for any reason. Contact HOT if you have questions or comments relating to competition companies or their officials. I have read pages 1 through 10 of the 2018 Half Year All-Star Prep Packet and will abide by its contents. I understand and agree to this Code of Conduct throughout the 2018 season: Parent Signature: Date:
Athlete Code of Conduct Acknowledgement 2017-2018 Half Year HOT All-Star Code of Conduct 2018 (Please initial each) I will not be involved in any matter of disrespect towards any members of the Heart of Texas staff, parents or students. I understand that I am required to wear the appropriate practice attire to every practice. I understand the coaches reserve the right to suspend any athlete s participation in activities at Heart of Texas or at Heart of Texas functions as disciplinary action. I understand the importance of punctuality and will arrive at all scheduled events on time. I will not participate in negative gossip or communications that adversely affect Heart of Texas. This includes but is not limited to Face Book, Twitter, Chat Rooms or other Websites. I will not post any Heart of Texas music, choreography, routines, stunts, etc. on any website. I will maintain and/or improve the skills I performed at tryouts through hard work and dedication. I will conduct myself with respect and integrity, displaying positive sportsmanship at all times. I understand all athletes at Heart of Texas are expected to arrive at practices and competitions on time with a positive attitude and give their best effort in every endeavor. I will not use inappropriate language. I understand it is sometimes necessary for athletes to be moved from one team to another. I understand this is a 4 MONTH commitment I am making. I will honor my commitment. I understand that if I quit or I am removed from the program, I will not be entitled to a refund of any kind. This includes all monies paid to Heart of Texas including prepaid expenses. I understand and agree to this Code of Conduct throughout the 2018 season: Athlete Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date: