ALL-STAR CHEER TEAM HANDBOOK 2017-2018 Season Diamond Athletics, LLC 706-C Long Run Road McKeesport PA 15132 412-872-4774 Info@diamondathleticspgh.com
WELCOME TO DIAMOND ATHLETICS Thank you for your interest in Diamond Athletics! Being part of an All-Star Cheer team is a great experience and at Diamond Athletics we help our athletes build selfconfidence, self-discipline, and everlasting friendships! Our mission is to create a positive environment that will enrich the lives of our athletes by teaching the value of hard work, commitment, & teamwork while providing the fundamental building blocks to be successful and confident in all aspects of life. This handbook will cover the general guidelines for the season and includes forms required for the 2017-2018 Cheer Season. All handbook rules apply to participation at the gym and at all other venues. This includes competitions, clinics, and any other activity attended by the Diamond Athletics Cheerleaders. We look forward to a fun, positive, and rewarding season. Thank you in advance for your dedication in allowing this to be a successful program for everyone involved. We ask that you and your athlete review this packet and read EVERY PAGE. Please note there will be several forms for you to review, sign, and return to Diamond Athletics. Below is a checklist of items that should be returned upon your review of this packet: CHECKLIST OF FORMS TO BE RETURNED Copy of Birth Certificate Registration Form Credit Card Authorization Form Athlete Code of Conduct Acknowledgement of Info Packet Parent Code of Conduct Medical Info & Treatment Form Medical Waiver Form All forms should be returned with your first month of tuition, registration fee, and USASF fee.
PROGRAM FEES 12 Monthly payments which include the following: Prep Team: 1 day of tumbling and 1 day of cheer Level 1-4: 1 day of tumbling and 2 days of cheer Level 4 & Level 5 training: 1 day of tumbling and 3 days of cheer The fees are as follows: Prep Team: $80.00 per month Level 1-4: $100.00 per month Level 4 & Level 5 training: $110.00 per month *There will be a $10.00 discount for one sibling. If 2 or more siblings the discount will be $15.00. FUNDRAISERS There will be fundraisers to help with your cheer expenses. Typically, we will have one fundraiser each month. In addition, there will be 2 mandatory fundraisers during the season. If you have any fundraising suggestions, please see someone in the office. The profit received from fundraisers will first be applied toward all of the athlete s miscellaneous expenses. Once those are paid in full, you can then use your profits to pay for your tuition. If you are removed or quit the cheer team, the money IN YOUR ACCOUNT IS NON REFUNDABLE. PAYMENT OPTIONS We accept the following forms of payment: Checks or money orders (made payable to Diamond Athletics) Cash Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit cards To pay via your bank's Bill Pay system or to send payments by mail, send payments to: Diamond Athletics 706-C Long Run Road McKeesport PA 15132
Account number will be your child's first and last name. If we receive a returned check, there will be an insufficient fund fee of $35.00 applied to your account for each occurrence. This fee will be in addition to your monthly fee. Once we receive five returned checks for your account, you will be required to make all payments in cash. HOLIDAY BREAKS Diamond Athletics is a 12-month program. We will begin meeting and practicing in May 2017 and continue through the end of April 2018. Athletes are expected to attend all 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. We practice 3 hours during the week and approximately 3 hours on the weekend. We expect top priority and 100% commitment and attendance. We are able to keep extra practices to a minimal because our practices are productive and mandatory. Therefore, the following dates are available for holidays and vacations/travel throughout the 2017-2018 year. May 27-29 (Memorial Day Weekend) July 1-4 (Fourth of July) August 6-13 (Summer break) September 1-4 (Labor Day Weekend) November 22-26 (Thanksgiving) December 24-January 1 (Winter Break) April 1-2 (Easter) Blackout (3 Day) Choreography camps are mandatory throughout the summer. Those dates will be confirmed once the teams have been selected. ABSENCE POLICY Athletes are allowed up to 4 absences for family vacations during the month of May- August. Additional absences will jeopardize an athlete s placement on their respective team(s). Beginning September, the only excused absences will be those for school functions that result in a grade, illnesses requiring doctor excuses and family emergencies. Part-time jobs, dances, concerts, banquets, long distance driving, family reunions, weddings, recitals, school/church socials, and any other non-related school activities are
unexcused. Absences are NOT allowed the weekend and week prior to any competition. An unexcused absence may result in the athlete being pulled from an upcoming performance or pulled from the team permanently at the discretion of the coach. An Absence Request Form must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the absence. DO NOT email this form. Please bring it to the gym and give to the staff in the office. These forms are for absences including school cheerleading, gymnastics, choir, band, and all other school sports. Your school activities are planned well in advance. Please submit your request in advance. A completed form does not automatically excuse the absence. Absences must be approved. We will verify with the school administration and the teaching staff if we think that someone is being dishonest. Be prepared to show documentation from a teacher or instructor. You will be removed immediately if the request is falsified. You will be notified once your absence is approved. TEAM PRACTICE RULES All practices are CLOSED. We ask that there is not be any unauthorized people in the GYM area. There is a parent room designated if you choose to stay at the gym during practice. There is to be NO JEWELRY worn at practices, which includes all earrings, belly button rings, 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 should be turned OFF and left outside of the gym area. There is to be NO GUM whatsoever at practices or competitions. There is to be NO excessively long fingernails. There is to be NO videotaping of practices. Practice clothing will be available to order but is not mandatory. We ask that all athletes wear black shirts/sports bra and black shorts to every practice. Hair should be pulled back in a ponytail for all practices. Please do not wear your cheer shoes outside of the gym. Diamond Athletics will not be responsible for lost, misplaced or damaged clothing. TEAM MOMS AND COMMUNICATION Each team will have a team mom that will be responsible for getting information to parents. This person will also be designated to assist teams at competitions. Once this person is designated, you will be notified. If you are interested in being a team mom, please see a Diamond Athletics staff member. Most of the gym information will be on our Diamond Athletics Facebook private group page. Please be sure you request to be a member of this group so you do not miss any important information. We will also post information to our website and at times will send out group emails.
SOCIAL MEDIA All routines/choreography including music, dances, stunts, transitions, and tumbling should be highly protected and shall not be shown or discussed with others. Diamond Athletics choreography should never be copied or taught to anyone without consent from MarKeia Martin. This also includes any and all portions of music selections and editing. NO VIDEOS of routines, choreography or tryout material should be uploaded to any online site including but not limited to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. DIAMOND ATHLETICS LOGO The name Diamond Athletics and associated team names are the sole property of MarKeia Martin. You many not use the gym name, logo, or associated team names to create or distribute any merchandise without written approval from the owner, MarKeia Martin. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION Private Lessons are available for a fee or $25.00 per half hour. They must be scheduled with a coach directly and must be prepaid. Your tuition must be paid up-todate prior to scheduling a private lesson. Individuals must meet the level requirements in order to compete. Anyone with mental blocks for tumbling will be sent home if they are not putting forth effort to learn the skill. Further action will be taken at the coach s discretion. Tuition does not pay for the right to perform. Mandatory tumbling will be assigned as needed. Students can be moved to an alternate position if they do not maintain the skill requirements. Proper Technique is everything!! We believe in perfection before progression. We will not allow students to learn advanced tumbling skills before perfecting their basics. Parents and students should be patient for the success of your athlete and the Diamond Athletics program. Only perfected skills will be choreographed in Diamond Athletics routine. Parents are not allowed to spot their children on Diamond Athletics property. Absolutely NO unsupervised tumbling! An instructor must be present at all times. Diamond Athletics reserves the right to change a division and/or level of any team at any time throughout the year.
CONTACT INFORMATON Diamond Athletics 706-C Long Run Road McKeesport PA 15132 412-872-4774 Email: Info@diamondathleticspgh.com Website: www.diamondathleticspgh.com Instagram: diamondathleticspgh Twitter: @diamondathpgh Facebook: Diamond Athletics
PAYMENT SCHEDULE DATE ITEM TEAM AMOUNT 06/23/2017 Uniform 07/17/2017 Competition Fees 07/23/2017 Music 07/31/2017 Bow Level 1 $100.00 Levels 2-4 $225.00 Level 1 $120.00 Levels 2-3 $170.00 Level 4 $210.00 Level 1 $50.00 1 Team $80.00 2 Teams $110.00 Levels 1-3 $30.00 Level 4 $40.00 08/20/2017 Uniform Level 1 $100.00 Levels 2-4 $110.00 Hairpiece All $30.00 08/27/2017 Shoes 09/10/2017 Competition Fees Level 1 $60.00 Levels 2-4 $110.00 Level 1 $120.00 Levels 2 3 $170.00 Level 4 $210.00 09/24/2017 Makeup All $50.00 10/15/2017 Uniform Levels 2 4 $100.00 USASF All $30.00 11/12/2017 Competition Fees Level 1 $120.00 Levels 2 3 $170.00 Level 4 $210.00
2017-2018 COMPETITION SCHEDULE DATE LOCATION TEAMS ATTENDING BID AVAILABLE Oct/Nov 2017 Cheermania Norwin High School 251 McMahon Drive Irwin PA 15642 All Teams No Bids 12/02/2017 Lights! Camera! Action! Erie Bayfront Convention Center 1 Sassafras Pier Erie PA 16507 All Teams The One Finals 1/06-07/2018 Cheerlebrity Cleveland Convention Ctr. 300 Lakeside Avenue E. Cleveland OH 44113 Level 4 Only D2 Summit 1/21/2018 Erie Winter Beach Blast Erie Bayfront Convention Ctr. 1 Sassafras Pier Erie PA 16507 All Teams The One Finals 2/03-04/2018 Athletic Championships Greater Columbus Convention Center 400 N. High Street Columbus OH 43215 Level 4 Only D2 Summit 2/10/2018 JamBash Pittsburgh David L. Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh PA 15222 Levels 2 & 3? 2/25/2018 The Red Hot Cheer and Dance Competition Slippery Rock University 1 Morrow Way Slippery Rock PA 16057 All Teams The One Finals
2017-2018 COMPETITION SCHEDULE DATE LOCATION TEAMS ATTENDING BID AVAILABLE 3/31/2018 Oh! How Sweet it is! Cheer & Dance Spectacular David Lawrence Convention Ctr. 1000 Fort Duqesne Blvd Pittsburgh PA 15222 All Teams The One Finals 4/8/201 Lake Erie Nationals Erie Insurance Arena 809 French Street Erie, PA 16501 All Teams None 5/05-06/2018 5/11-13/2018 The One Finals The Gaylord Palms Resort 6000 W Osceola Pkwy Kissimmee, FL 34746 The D2 Summit Walt Disney World Resort Orlando FL 32830 Any team receiving a FULL PAID BID If Level 4 received a FULL PAID BID
2017-2018 REGISTRATION FORM Athlete s Name Age (as of Aug. 31, 2017) DOB (mm/dd/yy) Address City State Zip Shirt Size Jacket Size Primary Contact Phone # If calls are necessary, we will call the primary contact phone number first. Primary Contact E-mail Address The primary e-mail address will be part of our E-mail Update List. Team updates will be sent to this email. Parent/Legal Guardian Contact Information Circle e-mail below to add to the E-mail Update List. The work phone number below is only for emergencies. Name Relationship Parent/Guardian Cell Phone Parent/Guardian Home Phone E-mail Emergency contacts if parents/legal guardians cannot be reached. Emergency contact name Relationship to student Phone I affirm that the above information is correct. Parent/Legal Guardian (Signature) Date
2017-2018 CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION Diamond Athletics athletes must submit this form upon registration. If their monthly tuition is not paid by the 5 th of the month by check, cash, etc., then the below credit card will be charged on the 6 th of the month. PLEASE PRINT Name of Athlete Name on Credit Card E-mail of Credit Card Holder: Type of Card (check one) MasterCard Visa Discover Credit Card Number Zip Code Expiration Date Security Code (3 digits) The holder of the above referenced credit card MUST sign and complete the below paragraph: I authorize Diamond Athletics to charge the monthly tuition for the above named athlete to the above referenced credit card on the 6th day of each month from May 2017 through April 2018, ONLY IF the tuition is not paid by another method by the 5 th day of the month. Diamond Athletics will e-mail me if tuition charges are placed on my credit card. Credit Card Holder Signature Date.
ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT Diamond Athletics athletes will be held to a high standard of moral character. Our goal is to surround ourselves with positive athletes who strive to reach the goals of both the team and their personal goals. Parents should review the following obligations with your athlete explaining each one. Both parent and athlete should sign at the bottom of the page agreeing to uphold each standard. 1. I understand that this is a full season, up to one year, commitment and that a team is depending on me to fulfill my responsibilities as a team member. I will not give up, quit,or threaten to quit during my team membership. 2. I will come to practice with a positive attitude and work hard to achieve personal goals and help my team to reach the team goals in which my coaches have set. I realize that a positive attitude is contagious and I will do my best to influence my teammates in a positive manner. 3. I will not use profanity at practices or competitions. 4. I will demonstrate good sportsmanship to teammates, parents, coaches, judges, cheer companies, staff and rival teams. This includes no bad-mouthing, spreading rumors, foul language, inappropriate actions, and speaking poorly of my Diamond Athletics program. 5. I will not misuse the internet, social media sites, or emails in relation to Diamond Athletics. This includes, but is not limited to, coaches, staff, and teammates. 6. I will keep my cell phone turned off and leave it outside the practice gym during Diamond Athletics practices. 7. I will not bring any food, gum, candy, or soda into the gym area. I will leave all of this outside of the gym. I can bring water and Gatorade into the designated kitchen area. 8. I will always show respect for the coaches, fellow teammates, other Diamond Athletics athletes, parents, judges, officials and spectators. Disrespectful behavior will result in dismissal. 9. I will strive to be in top physical condition and work my hardest during conditioning drills so that I can get the most out of every practice. 10. I will come to practice on time and be responsible for my team s times and days so that I am a dedicated teammate and show accountability to my parents for this privilege. 11. I understand that all squad and routine decisions are left to the discretion of the coaches. 12. I will learn and obey the team and gym rules set forth by coaches. 13. I will wear proper attire to practices as recommended by Diamond Athletics. I will wear no jewelry and will wear my hair pulled back and have athletic length nails. 14. I will come to competition day with my hair, make-up, uniform and warm-up ready for competition according to gym specifications. I realize that failing to uphold these standards may lead to dismissal from my team(s). Athlete signature Date Parent Signature Date
PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT As a parent of a Diamond Athletics athlete, you play an important role in your child s success in our program. It is a good reminder to parents to observe a Code of Conduct so that we are mutually on the same page, uniting for a common goal of our children. Diamond Athletics desires to not only have a great athletes, but great families who care about upholding our high standards. Parents should read through the following obligation and sign at the bottom agreeing to uphold each standard. 1. I understand that this is a full season commitment, up to one year; and that a team is depending on my child to fulfill responsibilities as a team member. I promise to keep my child committed for the duration of the season. 2. I will teach my child to be respectful at all times and if my child is involved in a matter of disrespect towards any member or staff at Diamond Athletics, I will resolve this problem with my child immediately. 3. I will demonstrate good sportsmanship to my child s teammates, other parents, coaches, judges, cheer company s staff, and rival teams. 4. I will not misuse the accessibility of communicating through email to my Diamond coaches and will address issues with care and respect. 5. I will trust my child s coaches and their decisions. I will allow the Diamond coaches to exercise their coaching skills and not intervene with practices. This includes only having my child train with their Diamond Athletics instructors and at the Diamond Athletics gym. 6. I will prepare to get my child to practice on time and stay for its entirety. In the event that my child is late, I realize that my child will have to warm up and stretch properly as his/her teammates did, but this may require my child to do it alone. 7. I will send my child to competition day ready to go according to gym specifications, such as proper uniform and shoes, hair, makeup, and bow. 8. I understand that the coaches reserve the right to suspend my child s participation indefinitely in practice or competition as a disciplinary action if rules and codes of conduct are broken. 9. I realize that cheer companies that host competitions also have codes of conduct that include parent actions, and poor sportsmanship by parents can cause deductions or disqualifications of my child s team. I will demonstrate good sportsmanship as a Diamond Athletics parent. 10. If I have a concern about my child s coaches or team member, I will contact MarKeia Martin to resolve the issue. I agree that this conversation will take place in private and will not take place in front of, or within hearing range of, any students or parent. 11. I understand that the parent viewing area at our facility is available for parents to watch their child s practice. While at the facility or competition venue, I will not use inappropriate language, and I will not speak negatively about my child s teammates, parents, the program, facility, staff, or other cheer programs. While at the facility, I agree that I will not correct or coach my child s teammates or my child regarding cheer performances. I will only make positive comments. I understand that I will be asked to not come into the parent viewing area if I make negative remarks. 12. I understand that I must sign a Credit Card Authorization form in order for my child to participate in the program. I will keep the credit card information updated. If not, I understand my child can be dropped from the program due to a delinquent account. 13. I understand that my monthly tuition must be up-to-date before I schedule a private lesson with any of the coaches at Diamond Athletics. 14. I will not allow my child to quit cheerleading at Diamond Athletics because the team lost a competition. I understand that every team wins some competitions and loses some competitions. Whatever the outcome of any competition, I agree to continually support my child, the team and the coaches. I understand that overcoming obstacles will make my child, and my child s team, stronger in the future. I will support the team during the whole season. 15. I agree that I will not use the Diamond Athletics name or any variation of the name in my email address. I also understand that if I am caught sending inappropriate messages through email or on social media, it will result in the immediate removal of my child from the Diamond Athletics program. 16. I understand that I have 30 days from the date of the signed contract to terminate this agreement. After 30 days, if I choose to leave (voluntarily or involuntarily) under any circumstances I will be charged an early termination fee of $500.00 and any additional fees associated with the athlete s team. There will be no refunds for money that has already been paid. I have read and understand my role as a parent and will value and uphold my end of the commitment. Parent Signature Date
MEDICAL WAIVER Athlete s Name: Parent/Guardian Names: Address: City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Work Phone: Other Phone: I, the undersigned Parent/Guardian do herby give consent for my son/daughter to participate in the training and activities provided by the Diamond Athletics program. I am fully aware of the nature of the activities involved and the possibility of injuries and/or death which may arise from such activities. In case of illness, injury and or death that may arise directly or indirectly as a result of participation and/or travel to or from the activity or training (i.e. clinic, camp, out of town activities or events), I do herby grant my permission to the Diamond Athletics program to seek immediate treatment for my child should he/she be injured. I hereby release the Diamond Athletics program, including its officers, shareholders, agents, coaches and employees from any liability to the above named participant, or any person claiming through him/her, arising from injury to the person or property of the above named participant. This release includes any claims of negligence, and it is intended to be as broad as permissible under Pennsylvania law. In the event of any activities that are locally or nationally televised, I give the Diamond Athletics program the right and permission to film, photograph, or videotape my son/daughter for any reproductions associated or in any way connected with said televised events, in particular, for use in any promotional purpose. I also give the Diamond Athletics program permission to use my child s photo and name on Diamond Athletics website, social media pages, and in local news publications. Parent/Guardian Signature Date
MEDICAL INFORMATION & TREATMENT CONSENT FORM If an emergency occurs while my child is at a Diamond Athletics sponsored practice, performance, competition, or trip, I grant my permission to Diamond Athletics and its employees to take whatever action is necessary if I cannot be reached immediately. If I or my designated emergency contact person cannot be reached, I authorize Diamond Athletics and/or it employees to give consent for my child to receive medical treatment. If you do not grant permission or authorize consent for medical treatment for your child, what procedure should be followed? Family Physician Phone Insurance Company Policy Number Medical Information (please circle) Diabetes yes no Convulsion Disorder yes no Allergic to insect stings yes no Heart Condition yes no Asthma yes no Allergic to medication yes no Please list any medication taken daily and any other relevant medical information: Parent Signature Date
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INFORMATION PACKET I, the parent/guardian of, acknowledge I received a copy of the 2017-2018 Information Packet. I understand and agree to abide by the rules, regulations and policies set forth in the Information Packet. (initial) I further acknowledge, understand and agree, that if at any time during the season, my child decides to quit, is injured, or is removed from the team, there will be NO REFUNDS for any amounts paid including tuition, uniform, coaches fees, competition fees, or registration fees. (initial) I acknowledge, understand and agree that the payment of tuition, expenses and other fees does not guarantee the right for my child to perform and that my child must meet the skill requirements. (initial) Parent/Guardian Signature Date