Team Placement Packet

2017-2018 DESERT STORM ELITE Team Placement Packet 14575 N 83rd Pl. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (P) 480.391.0164 (F) 480.391.0165 Desertstormelite @desertstormelite_official twitter.com/dse_cheer www.desertstormelite.com

Welcome to Desert Storm Elite! Desert Storm, Arizona s original leader, is one of the largest All Star, Prep, High School & Middle School training gyms in the state! We hold more State, Regional, National, International, and WORLD TITLES than anyone else in Arizona! Our size means that we have more opportunities for your cheerleader(s) and a team for every age and ability. We host team s level 1-6 and an incredible Special Needs Team. Although we are a large gym, it still has that home away from home feeling. Our main goal is to create an environment where athletes learn the values of commitment, teamwork, and time management, character traits that will stick with them throughout their lifetime. About Our Gym Desert Storm has been around since 2002, and recently established our very own facility that occupies 15,000+ square feet, and is the only cheer gym in Arizona with three cheer floors! In addition to our multiple All-Star cheerleading teams, we also house multiple Half-Year Prep teams, High School and Middle Schools Programs, tumbling classes, partner stunting classes, stretch classes, camps/clinics and more! We welcome you and trust that your time spent with our program will be both enjoyable and memorable. Our facility and staff are committed to providing the best opportunities for your children where they can learn and compete in the most positive of environments. Through involvement in our program, we expect our cheerleaders to make GREAT EFFORTS, to have FUN and to EXCEL in this incredible sport. Desert Storm is dedicated to helping your child reach the highest level of their abilities.

Join Us For Team Placements! Thank you for your interest in joining Desert Storm! We are excited for you to see our gym, meet our coaches and talk with team parent ambassadors. DSE will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, April 1 st from 1:30-3:30pm and Sunday, April 23 rd from 1:30-3:30pm. Evaluations, although closed for public viewing, take place in a positive, fun, team environment and participants will be grouped with similar aged peers. Our objective is to make cheerleaders feel empowered to perform at their best and give them the opportunity to display their talents so they can be placed on an appropriate team where their skill level is met. It is recommended that a parent checks in their athlete to assure paperwork is filled out correctly. Team Placements will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Please see the schedule below for your athlete s appropriate age/skill level. Athletes attending level 5 team placements should attend both days of evaluations. Date Time Level Tuesday, May 9 th 5:00 8:00pm Level 5 Wednesday, May 10 th 5:00 8:00pm Level 3 & 4 Thursday, May 11 th 5:00 8:00pm Level 5 Friday, May 12 th 5:00 8:00pm Level 1 & 2 Team Placement Checklist: Due the day of Team Evaluations Copy of Birth Certificate (if new to Storm) Completed Team Placement Evaluation Form (attach a 2x3 photo to form) Tryout fee: Early Bird (April 1-26):$40, after April 26: $50; Ages 19+: $20 (cash, card or check made out to Desert Storm Elite) Signed Parent-Student Handbook Agreement Private Evaluation Private evaluations are available upon request. A $75 fee will be required at the time of the tryout in addition to the required paperwork. Private evaluations can be scheduled by calling the gym at 480-391-0164, in addition to registering for the Private Team Placement class through our website. Private evaluations can be scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, between 3:00-4:30pm and only AFTER team placements have concluded. Each evaluation will take approximately 30 minutes. Make-up Team Placements Were you away at Summit and missed our Team Placements? No problem, register for our make-up team placements on May 20 th from 1:00 3:30pm and we will get you placed on a level appropriate team!

What to Wear Please wear an all-black sports bra or tank and spankies, with hair in a high pony-tail (or pulled back out of the face for shorter hair) and a bow. For new cheerleaders, please be sure to wear closed toed shoes. How to Register Desert Storm uses an online portal to manage all class registration as well as to sign all legal liability and financial commitments and billing information. To enroll in team placements, follow the simple steps below: 1. All new and returning customers - Go to www.desertstormelite.com 2. Click on the link on right hand side for the Team Placement tumbling level for your child. See below for tumbling level descriptions. 3. This link will take you into the portal. 4. Returning customers be sure you have your password to login to your account. Choose the blue link at the top (already a customer) and follow directions. Once you login, the class will automatically pop up to enroll in. 5. New customers without an online account simply fill out the information requested and after accepting policies, the class will automatically pop up to enroll in. 6. You will receive an email confirmation of your enrollment. 7. Credit cards will be charged nightly. Tumbling Level Descriptions It is very important that your cheerleader attends the proper Team Placement Evaluation Date. Athletes must be able to perform the following Level Skills UNASSISTED by any coach spotting at each evaluation. Attending a specific level evaluation does not mean participant s will automatically be assigned to that level team. Level 1-2: Level 3-4: Level 5: Beginning (or no experience) through running round-off back handspring Running round-off back handspring tucks through layouts Running round-off back handspring full Team Placement Notification The parent or legal guardian listed on the Team Placement Evaluation form will be notified via email throughout the week by the team coach with their new team placement. Practice times and days will be given at that time.

Program Costs Monthly Tuition All members are required to pay an Annual Registration Fee of $62, which covers the entire cheerleading season, from May 2017 April 2018. A monthly tuition is paid on the first of each month, for each athlete. Tiny Teams: $1332 (divided into 12 payments of $111/month) practice 3x per week / 3 hours per week. Mini Team $1740 (divided into 12 payments of $145/month) practice 4x per week / 4 hours per week. ALL other All Star Teams Youth, Junior and Senior Teams: $2400 (divided into 12 payments of $200/month) practice 3x per week / 5.5 hours per week In addition to regular Team Practices Desert Storm will be offering Team Tumbling on Saturdays for our full year All Star Teams this season. We will be focusing on technique and fundamentals at no extra cost to you. It is not mandatory, but highly encouraged for your athletes to attend. During the 2017-2018 Cheer Season, Desert Storm is offering sibling brothers enrolled in the All Star program FREE TUITION (valued up to $2400). That s not all, a sibling sister enrolled in the All Star program receives 20% off tuition and a third sister enrolled in the All Star program receives 50% off tuition. Competition Package Fees An estimate for next year s competition fees (based on last year s competition fees). Competition package fees are based on the number of competitions the teams attend: Youth 1-4, Junior 1-4 and Senior 1-3 = 6-8 local events + 2 National events (out of town); Junior 5, Senior 4 and Senior 5 Restricted = 6-8 local events + 3-4 National events (out of town); Senior World s teams = 6-8 local events, 4-5 National events (out of town) + Worlds in Orlando. All teams except World s teams have the potential to attend the Summit competition in Orlando. USASF Registration fee: $30 (applies to every athlete) Youth 1-4 + Junior 1-4: $300 per month x 4 months = $1,200 Junior 5, Senior 4 + Senior 5 Restricted: $300 per month x 5 months = $1,500 Senior 1-3: $300 per month x 4 months = $1,200 Worlds Teams: $400 per month x 4 months + $225 per month x 1 month = $1,825 Travel Expenses Travel expenses for out of state competitions are not covered in the Competition Package Fees and are the responsibility of each family. The gym will provide hotel blocks when available. Worlds and Summit Travel Expenses The competition package fees do not cover additional costs/fees for trips to Worlds or Summit in Orlando, Florida. These fees are the responsibility of each family. An estimated cost for hotel and travel (based on 4-5 days) is $1,500-$2,000 per person.

Other Fees (based on last season) Choreography + Music: $290 Practice Clothes: $230 (includes 2 practice outfits + practice bow) Specialized Team Practice Gear: $62 (includes team sports bra, tank/t-shirt + bow) Competition Uniform + Bow: $510 **Cheer shoes: $85 order online at www.desertstormelite.com under the Forms flyers and downloads tab *Warm-up Pants + Jacket: $245 *DS Backpack: $85 (*) items are optional for returning members who have previously purchased them. All new members are required to purchase these items. (**) items are required, but not necessary to go through DSE. Information in this Team Placement Packet are for informational purposes only, and is not meant to be construed as an offer or contractual obligation.

Fundraising + Saving Opportunities Desert Storm Booster Club Desert Storm Booster Club is a non-profit corporation and shall operate exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code. Our goal is to build and maintain an organization, in cooperation with those in charge of the Cheerleaders, to help promote the activities and further the goals of all the Cheerleaders at C & P Cheer, LLC d/b/a Desert Storm Elite. Desert Storm Booster Club will support fundraising activities to assist in funding: local, national and international competition and travel fees for All Star Cheerleading Teams; scholarships for low income families; scholarships for exceptionally talented athletes; special needs cheerleading program costs; and team competition apparel. For more information, please contact Karen Twibell at 602.705.1595, karen@desertstormboosters.org or visit the website at http://www.desertstormboosters.org/ Thunderation Thunderation Booster Club is an Educational Institution Supporting Organization in Scottsdale. In 2002, it received its exempt organization status from the IRS. Parents are able to work various events ranging from sporting events to concerts to raise money towards their athletes account. This program is designed to help families be able to financially afford extracurricular activities. For more information, please contact Memory Hill at 480.365.8207 or memoryhill22@cox.net Referrals 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 to our Scottsdale gym, Desert Storm Elite is offering a $300.00 tuition discount for each *qualifying referral, and the best part about our Referral Program is that there is no limit to the number of referrals you can make! Here s how it works: for each qualifying All Star referral, you will receive a single discount of $300 off your tuition starting from the end of the season and working backwards. So the more referrals you bring, the more opportunities you have to save money. Please contact our accountant, Sandi, if you have any questions accountant@desertstormelite.com ***The 2017-2018 referral form is towards the end of the packet***

FAQ s WHEN DOES THE PROGRAM START AND END? The cheer season at Desert Storm begins in May and doesn t end until the following April. WHAT IF I CANT MAKE TEAM PLACEMENTS? If you are unable to attend our scheduled team placements, you can call the front desk, 480.394.0164, and schedule a Private Tryout with one of our coaches. Be sure to register online under 2017-18 Season Private Tryout. The fee is $75. IS THERE PRACTICE OVER THE SUMMER BREAK? Yes all of our teams practice over the summer, so they can perfect existing tumbling skills, gain new ones, and work on advancing their stunting abilities. WHEN IS THE GYM CLOSED? - Memorial Weekend, May 27-29, 2017 - Independence Day, July 1-9, 2017 - Labor Day Weekend, September 1-4, 2017 - Halloween, October 31, 2017 - Thanksgiving Break, November 22-26, 2017 - Holiday Break, December 21, 2017 - January 3, 2018 (tentative) - Easter Break, March 30 - April 1, 2018 OTHER IMPORTANT DATES (exact dates are TBD) - Choreography, end of July/beginning August - Mandatory Skills Camp/Clinic, end of May - Team Pictures, TBD - Desert Storm Showcase, early November - End of Year Awards Banquet, end of April 2018 WHAT IF I AM GOING TO MISS A PRACTICE? HOW DO I LET THE COACHES KNOW? Towards the end of this packet, you will find a Summer Vacation Survey. Please fill it out with any dates you know you are going to be missing practice, and we will keep it in your team s binder. It s also helpful as the season progresses, to continue with communication and/or reminders via email, text, or phone call.

Meet Our Coaches Eric Kathy Matthew Ashley S. Kellie Leon Tifanee Blair Jeremy Naeem Ashley G. Andrew Lindsey Breanna *Not pictured, Sean, Ashley S., Abbye, Hank, Robert, Piercen

Testimonials Our first season at Storm was more than we could have ever hoped for. Under the guidance and constant encouragement of Coach Matt, we watched our athlete grow in tumbling, technique, performance and leadership skills. Coach Matt s expectations were high but they were always balanced with realistic goals that kept the girls working together to better themselves as a team. Amanda Bowser, Jr. 3 parent Cheerleading is a temporary activity in my daughter s life, but the lessons she is learning will be with her forever. I am so blessed to have her in a program that is teaching her not just how to be an amazing athlete, but helping her learn to be an amazing person! Vicki Doyle, Sr. 4 parent Over the last 2 years Desert Storm has become our second home and I couldn't be happier! DS is a positive, encouraging environment that produces amazing athletes, and helps develop strong, independent, determined, confident individuals. My daughter not only respects Eric and the entire coaching staff, but she fully trusts their decisions and expectations of her, as a parent that's all I can ask for!! It is truly an incredible environment and I'm grateful my daughter has the opportunity to be part of such a well-known, well respected, classy family! - Molly Carrasco, Jr. 3 parent Tumbling Coach Naeem has a very special place in Olivia s heart. His tender talks and coaching is beyond superior. Naeem is the best tumbling coach Arizona has to offer. Rachel Dede, Jr. 3 parent We chose Storm because the competitive history ranks highest in the state, couple that with the true family atmosphere that our cheerleader is thriving in and we consider ourselves blessed to be a part of something so special. Laura Ruhl, Jr. 3 parent My son and daughter have grown in both skill and self-esteem as a result of the positive and professional coaching they ve received at Desert Storm Elite. In addition to the extensive awards earned on the mat, Storm provides a safe and positive atmosphere were the athletes can grow as both cheerleaders and individuals. We are thankful for both the athleticism and the character instilled in our children through the leadership team at Storm. - Melissa Geiselhofer, Sr. 5c parent

Competition Schedule (Based on the 2016-17 season) Date Competition Location Teams Sun. Nov. 13 Storm Showcase Local #1 Desert Storm Gym All All-Star teams & Lightning Sun. Dec. 4 USA Local #2 Gila River Arena All All-Star teams & Lightning Sat. Dec. 10 JAMZ Local #3 Phx. Conv. Center All All-Star teams & Lightning Sat Sun Dec. 17-18 American Grand Las Vegas The Mirage Sr. 4, Sr. 5 Restricted, Sr. 5 Coed, IOAG 5 Sat Sun Jan. 14-15 WSF Local #4 Arizona Veterans Mem. All-Star Teams: Both Days Lightning: Saturday only Coliseum Sat. Jan. 28 GSSA Local #5 Phx. Conv. Center Sat Sun Feb. 4-5 Spirit Sports Palm Springs, CA Palm Springs Conv. Ctr. Sat Sun JAMZ Las Vegas Feb. 18-19 The Orleans Arena Sun. March 5 USA Local #6 Gr. Canyon Univ. Sat Sun WSA New Orleans, LA March 11-12 National Event Sat Sun USA Nationals Anaheim, CA March 18-19 Anaheim Conv. Center Sun. April 2 Cheersport Local #7 AZ Expo. & State Fair grounds Sat Sun American Anaheim, CA Apr. 8-9 Showcase Anaheim Conv. Center All All-Star teams Prep teams & Lightning All All-Star teams & Lightning Sr. 4, Sr. 5 Restricted, Sr. 5 Coed, IOAG 5 All All-Star teams Prep teams & Lightning Sr. 5 Coed, IOAG 5 Tentative Teams TBA Save the date All All-Star teams Prep teams & Lightning All Star teams Level 1-3 No Level 4-5 Teams Sat. April 22 JAMZ Local #8 Wells Fargo Arena All All-Star teams & Lightning Apr. 27 May 1 Worlds Orlando, FL TBA May 4 May 8 Summit Orlando, FL TBA

2017-18 All Star Cheerleader Summer Vacation Survey This form is to be used ONLY for summer vacations NOT fall/spring breaks! Cheerleaders should not be missing practice during fall/spring breaks. Vacation Surveys must be turned in to the front desk at least 2 weeks prior to absence. Coaches are able to create more efficient practices if they are aware of who will and will not be attending. Thanks for your support! Athlete Name: Team: Parent Name: Parent Cell #: Scheduled vacation dates: For office use only: Recorded: Coaches Initials:

2017 2018 Desert Storm Elite Cheer Referral Form Desert Storm Elite s All Star and ½ Year Team 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 to our Scottsdale gym, Desert Storm Elite is offering a $300.00 tuition discount for each *qualifying referral, and the best part about our Referral Program is that there is no limit to the number of referrals you can make! Here s how it works: for each qualifying All Star referral, you will receive a single discount of $300 off your tuition starting from the end of the season and working backwards. So the more referrals you bring, the more opportunities you have to save money. (The following teams have different referral amounts: $70.00 for Lightning, $95 for Prep Teams, $100 for Mini s and Tiny s). Example: 1 referral = April 2018 (no tuition charge), March 2018 tuition =$100. 2 referrals = April 2018 (no tuition charge), March 2018 (no tuition charge), February 2018 (no tuition charge). 3 referrals =April 2018 (no tuition charge), March 2018 (no tuition charge), February 2018 (no tuition charge), January 2018 (no tuition charge) December 2017 =$100 The following guidelines define *qualifying referrals: qualifying month = month credit is awarded The New Member cannot be a current or previous member of Desert Storm Elite (this includes class and competitive team members). Both the Referring Member and New Member must be an active competitive team member during the qualifying month. Both the Referring Member and New Member must be current with all Desert Storm Elite financial obligations during the qualifying month. Both the Referring Member and New Member must sign the Desert Storm Elite Competitive Team Referral Program form. The Referring Member must submit the below completed form and the New Member must join prior to November 1, 2017. The New Member can participate in only one referral program agreement however the New Member can refer other New Members. The New Member cannot be a sibling of an existing member. Desert Storm Elite Competitive Team Referral Program Form Referred By Name: (the name of the person that recommended Desert Storm Elite) New Member Name: Referral Date: (Referred By Signature/Date) (New Member Signature/Date) Parents must sign for Referring Members and New Members under 18 years. By signing this referral form both the New Member and Referred By parties agree to take part in Desert Storm Elite s Referral Program and the terms & conditions described above. Both parties understand that all terms and conditions must be met.