! MGA Storm Allstar Cheerleading 2017-2018 SeasonHandbook Quality care and service. Building happy, healthy kids. MGA MD - Gymnastics, Cheer & Tumbling 521 Commerce Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 www.youflip.com / youflip@gmail.com / 301-249-0808 Welcome to MGA Storm All Star Cheer Program!
Dear Parents, On behalf of the MGA Storm All Star organization we would like to thank you for your interest in competitive cheerleading. The goal of our program is to help each child reach their highest potential in a positive atmosphere and to be encouraging and supportive in the growth process. This is an intense sport that requires dedication from both the athlete and parents. It is imperative that the parents support their kids and coaches in every way. Every spot on our team is important, and together everyone achieves more. We are happy that you have decided to join us in our quest for greatness. Each athlete s personal dedication to the team will help the Storms rise to the top! We look forward to our upcoming season together! -MGA Storm Allstars Staff About US!!
MGA Storm was established to provide athletes with character building experiences in a safe environment for young people in the Upper Marlboro area. We have a staff of experienced, nurturing and dedicated coaches that put Kids First above all else. Our 11,000 sq ft facility has 2 spring floors, trampoline, tumble track, mats and more! Our goal is to promote self- esteem, leadership, self-discipline, promote physical activity and academic excellence through the provision of competitive athletics. We believe that if you have the determination and desire you can become a great athlete! There is no experience necessary and we firmly believe that if you are committed you can become an All-star cheerleader. Our services are not targeted to a specific group, gender, ethnic, social or religious group of people. We would like to take the time out to say thank you for considering MGA Storm. Mission Statement It is the mission of MGA Storm to provide a fun, safe and healthy cheer environment and a positive experience for our cheerleaders, parents, friends and staff. We feel encouraging
ourselves and customers to excellence will not only end in success, but it will teach everyone life lessons that can be used in the future. We hope that everyone that becomes a part of the Storm family strives to be the best while staying humble in our successes! All- Star Cheerleading Perhaps more than any other sport combines, athleticism, technical merit, dance, gymnastics and teamwork. It s an exciting energetic sporting experience that you will come to love like no other. Our all-stars will be competing in National, Regional, and local competitions. MGA Storm will work together to form teams with unity, sportsmanship, and extreme athleticism. MGA Storm coaches will promise to work towards achieving these goals and presenting you with the dynamics of being an ALL- STAR Cheerleader. You as a cheerleader must want this as much as we do, you must be willing to work hard and be totally dedicated to your team. Why All-Star Cheerleading? This program was created to challenge the cheerleader who wants to take cheerleading beyond the football field and onto the competition floor. It is an opportunity for cheerleaders to experience training as elite athletes, to allow them to set their own goals, and work towards achieving those goals both as an individual and as a team. Facility and Staff information: We are a USASF and USA Gymnastics Certified gym. Coaches: Abby-Program Director/Choreographer/Tumbling Specialist (443) 949-2754 Monique- Program Coordinator/Cheer Coach (202) 770-9449 Address: 521 Commerce Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 Email: youflip@gmail.com (for gym concerns practice, program, monthly fees) mdstormallstar@gmail.com (cheer competitions, fundraisers, events, booster payment concerns) Safety Safety is our number one priority. First Aid will be provided if necessary. We take tumbling and stunting very seriously. Cheerleaders will be instructed on safety
procedures at the start of the program. We expect all cheerleaders to pay attention at all times. Focus and concentration are necessary to ensure a safer environment in the gym. Goofing off and chit chat will not be tolerated during any cheer or tumble class. Parents are asked for the safety of their children to limit loud conversation in the gym during class. We also ask that you stay seated in appropriate areas. Small children should be watched by adults at all times and not allowed to run and scream throughout the facility. Sanitation Policy The sport of cheerleading involves skin to skin contact putting athlete at a higher than average risk for community-acquired infections. Cheerleading actually involves more direct skin-to-skin contact than almost any other sport. Due to this, the gym takes available precautions to mitigate the risk of transmission. We require that girls wash their hands and use hand sanitizer frequently. However, the majority of the transmission of microbes occurs with direct skin-to-skin contact. Therefore for the benefit of all participants the following procedures are instituted. Any and all open cuts on the body must be securely covered with a bandage that will last the duration of the practice. Please come with the open areas already covered. Hand sanitizer is provided at the gym and the cheerleaders should apply it at the beginning and end of practice. Any participants that gets cut at practice or opens up a wound must immediately stop, wash it out and bandage it up. Fingernails need to be kept short and should not be a danger to other athletes. If there is an incident where you are getting scratched by fingernails, you need to let the coach know. False nails are not allowed. Team Placement Information Tryouts will be held at the discretion of the coaches prior to the beginning of the season. Dates will be posted on the website or sent out via email.
Dress code for tryouts will consist of black bottom and blue or green tank top, cheer shoes or tennis shoes, and hair is to be pulled back away form the face. No jewelry is allowed. If you decide to take a year off, please rethink that. Some girls (or their parents) for whatever the reasons decide to take time off during the off the season and think they will return to the squad they were on or a higher level. This rarely happens. Taking time during the off season can mean you are not stretching, lifting, or tumbling two to three times a week. You lose a lot more than you realize. If your child has the minimal required level skill, we will find a place for them on a team (granted there are enough girls in that particular age range to form a squad). Younger girls who may not be mature enough for the attention required in a competition atmosphere may be invited to participate in our All Star Prep team. Some children may not be ready for the structure that is mandatory in this particular sport. Decisions made concerning these cheerleaders will involve the parents and coaches. Placement of children is by both skill and age. There may be cheerleaders on any given team that tumbles, fly, or base at a different level than the rest of their teammates. We try to match up the athletes by level as best as we can, but please remember that stunting, pyramids, jumps, dance motions, and age are huge factors as well. It is simply not feasible (or desirable) for every team to have up to 32 exactly matched athletes. Some will be stronger tumblers than others. Some will help us out with stunts more than others. Every cheerleader is on a particular team for a reason please trust the coaches. Projected Teams: We strive to have a team for every level at our facility, but the actual teams depend on tryouts. We will be following this general model for selection and formation of teams. First teams will be formed by skill level, Levels 1-5. Then according to age (Tiny, Mini, Youth, Junior, or Senior. Teams can also be separated according to team size (small 6-20 members- large 21-32 members). MGA Storm coaches reserve the right to move an individual if they fail to maintain skills or designated roles. If you do not agree with their placement please give it time, you will understand why in time. Explanation of Levels and Divisions Levels Standing Tumbling Running Tumbling Stunting
Level 1 Cartwheels Round-offs Rolls Back walkovers Front walkovers Level 2 Standing back hand spring Back walkover to back hand spring Level 3 Standing back hand spring series Toe touch back hand spring Back tucks Front tucks Level 4 Standing back tuck Back hand spring back tuck Level 5 Standing full One full or two to full/double and a specialty pass through to a full or double full Front walkover to round off Round-off back hand spring Round-off back hand spring series Round-off back hand spring tuck Round-off tuck Layout Specialty pass through to a layout Round-off back hand spring tuck Round-off tuck Layout Specialty pass through to a layout Below prep level for single legged stunts No tosses allowed Prep level for single legged stunts Extensions allowed Straight ride tosses (no tricks) Extended single legged stunts allowed Tosses with tricks allowed Extended liberty variations with a full down cradle Inversion to prep level stunt Full up extended stunt Double down from 2 legged stunt Kick single baskets Extended liberty variations with a full down cradle Inversion to prep level stunt Full up extended stunt Double down from 2 legged stunt Kick single baskets Tiny Novice Tiny Divisions 3 to 6 years 5 to 6 years
Mini Youth Junior Senior Senior Open 5 to 8 years 5 to 11 years 5 to 14 years 10-18 years 17 years and over The age of the competitor as of August 31, 2017 will be the age used for competition purposes throughout the 2017 2018 season for all divisions. Cross-overs It is very common in the all-star industry to have cheerleaders compete on more than one team. We will be asking some of our cheerleaders to cross over to help teams be more successful. Cross-overs will be determined by each athlete s particular set of skills and the demand for that skill on the additional squads. Cross-overs are chosen at the discretion of the coaches. Athletes who are elected to participate on more than one team must: 1. Be in good financial standing. 2. Be willing and able to fulfill a responsibilities required by each team. 3. Receive parent consent to participate on more than one team Coaching Every team will have a coaching team to make sure all teams are well balanced and successful. Each different coach offers a unique perspective & skills set vital to the instruction and performance of our students. All of our coaches are USAG & USASF certified and go through extensive training prior to being hired. MGA believes that a diverse team of coaches offers the best results for a well rounded, successful team. It is expected that all athletes will respect and adhere to all of the rules and policies set forth in the handbook and by their coaches. The coaching staff is excited to coach each team to a successful and meaningful year. All coaches are USASF, First- aid and CPR certified. Practices
Cheerleaders are expected to wear the required practice attire at all times. Approved practice wear must be purchased. Valuables should not be brought into the gym, please leave them at home. Participants are not permitted to bring their cell phones into the practice area. MGA is not responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen items. No long nails are permitted; the coach reserves the right to require nails be trimmed immediately. No color is allowed on nails during competition. Parents are not allowed on the gym floor for any reason. Parents are allowed to watch from the seating area. Please remember that all actions taken by the coaching staff are done with the athlete s interests in mind. MGA Storm hopes that you understand participation is a yearlong commitment, and you will help to instill the importance of dedication and commitment to your child. Practices will begin in May and the competitive season runs from August to May. If your child is dismissed from the squad or decides not to complete the competition season, funds paid up to that point will not be refunded (tuition, uniform, music fees, etc.). If a participant quits or is dismissed from a squad, they cannot return until the next competitive season. Attendance Attendance is the single most important factor in competitive cheerleading. It is very important to have team members at practice so that we can grow as a team. It hurts the team when a squad member is absent. MGA Storm should be your extra-curricular priority. If an athlete misses more than four (4) practices, they may be dismissed from the program. Excessive tardiness to practices and competitions will not be accepted. Be committed to the team and the program by being on time. Members should arrive at events dressed, taped, and ready to warm up with the team by the set time determined by the coach. If something occurs please notify coaching staff immediately. We know that things come up but when one decides to miss a practice they are putting themselves in jeopardy of being replaced in the routine. These are not meant to be punishments, but the success and progression of the team come first. In the case of an extreme injury, illness, extreme family emergency everything will be done to keep that child in his or her position. But if that illness or emergency situation happens during a time that will affect the success of the team, the child may be taken out or put into a position that will not affect the success of the team. In the case of an injury, for the child to remain in the
routine, they are expected to attend practices, competitions and events. This is for the benefit of the child and their feelings of belonging to the team. Fitness and conditioning Your child will be given a set of warm ups and stretches they do at practice. Please encourage them to stretch and exercise at home to minimize the risk of injury. Athletes are expected to be in top physical shape. This includes flexibility and conditioning. Fundraiser All-star cheerleading can be a costly sport and we understand many may struggle to meet the financial needs of the sport. Therefore we encourage parents and participants to fundraise. Fundraisers will be done to offset the cost of uniforms, coaches fees, clinics crossovers, and end of season banquet. This is a team sport and you are paying for a spot on a team. Aside from your gym fees, parents are expected to pay costs for uniforms, practice gear, choreography/camp fees, travel expenses, coaches fees and competition fees. Fundraisers will be held throughout the season to offset these costs. Fundraisers are considered mandatory as they benefit the team as a whole. If for some reason a parent does not participate in a fundraiser you will still be responsible for the minimum amount of money to be raised by each cheerleader. It is not fair for only some people to fundraise and have everyone benefit from it. Parent Organization We will be putting together a parent organization this season that will consist of team representatives, a team to handle social events and a team to coordinate fundraisers. We will also need parents who can help with parent involvement. (ie. T-shirts) if you are interested in participating please email mdstormallstar@gmail.com Team Representatives Though the coaches will be handling all the events for their all-star team, many parents will be asked to volunteer their time to make the year special and memorable for the cheerleaders. A team mom/dad will be assigned for each team. He/She will act as a liaison between coaches and parents and will also be responsible for communication with the team regarding fundraising, team bonding, planning event, and help at competition as needed. We greatly appreciate all who help in the success of MGA Storm and admire those that share an interest in their child s passion for all-star cheerleading. Approximate cost and Financial Information
Please see attached pricing chart and payment options for each level. Competition fees include registration for each team member and competition costs for the coaches. It does not include team member transportation, food, or any other costs associated with a competition. These other costs are the responsibility of the parent/cheerleader. All competition fees MUST be paid before the athlete can compete. All payments are due by the specified dates. A $15 late fee will be assessed if any of the fees are received 5 days after due date. We accept cash and checks and all major credit cards. Checks need to be made out to MGA All-star and have the child s full name, reason for payment. Returned checks are charged a $25 fee. Accounts that are more than one month overdue risk having the participant removed from the routine and not able to participate in practices, competitions, or team events until the account is up to date. This includes monthly tuition and fees. Any participant removed will be put back in the routine at the discretion of the coach. Extremely overdue accounts will be sent to collections and ultimately small claims court. There is a monthly tuition fee for all-stars that will not change despite the number of practices in a given month. It is an annually priced program broken into monthly payments. Please understand that we pay a monthly fee that will not change based on usage. Consider MGA Storm like a fitness gym, you pay a monthly fee despite the frequency of your workouts. Because of this, we try to make accommodations to have practices on different days should we miss regular practices due to unforeseen events or holidays. We may also add practice hours throughout the season as needed. The athlete is expected to be at all competitions and practices. If for any reason the athlete misses a competition, he/she is still responsible for paying the competition fee in addition to the re-choreography fee. COMPETITIONS
MGA Storm Allstars Athlete/Parent Responsibilities, Rules & Expectations make up done. NO EXCEPTIONS 2017-2018 Season Team members must arrive to competitions on time in the specified uniform, hair and Team members must sit with their teams at all times. All team members will remain with the team until they have competed. Once they have competed team members will be returned to their parents until awards ceremony. Team members must be in full competition uniform unless otherwise directed when at competitions. No jeans, shirts, pj, uggs etc may be worn with your uniform unless approved by our coaching staff. You DO NOT get to dictate competitions in which your child competes. You must schedule your events around the competition schedule. Your child can be taken out of a routine based on a number of factors such as but not limited to: attendance, attitude, finances, or injury. It will be at the coaches discretion when your child will be choreographed back into the routine. Remember when at a competition you are representing our business, your team, and your family. Irresponsible or inappropriate behavior may result in removal from our program Questions/Complaints/Concerns Please direct all questions/complaints/concerns to one of the coaches first then to the gym owners. The email for coaches is mdstormallstorm@gmail.com and the gym email is youflip@gmail.com Please do not discuss it with other parents or wait until it becomes a huge problem. Please understand that every situation is unique and different and we will make the best decision based on our policies and what is best for team, athletes and gym. Communication is the key! Thank you for taking the time to read this and understand our policies and procedures. We look forward to a happy and successful season.
General Rules & Policies Attend and arrive on time for all practices and performances. All practices & competitions are mandatory (Exception: Illness, Family Emergency or Graded School Function. Notification and/or Documentation via email, youflip@gmail.com, must be provided). Attend and participate in fundraisers and promotional activities. Wear team uniform to practice, competitions and team functions. No gum, no jewelry, trimmed nails, hair up. Practices may be added or changed at any time during the season, with sufficient notification given. The coaches reserve the right to close practices at ANY time for ANY reason. If you have any questions or concerns that need immediate attention please email: youflip@gmail.com Behavior & Conduct Have a good attitude and work hard during practice Only cheerleaders and coaches are allowed in the gym. Please do not disrupt or distract students during practice. All conversations in the parent viewing areas must be respectful and positive. Please be supportive of our team and no gossip. Always show respect for the coaches, fellow teammates, other athletes, parents, judges, officials and spectators. Parents, relatives, friends and cheerleaders are never allowed to speak with competition officials for any reason. No athlete or parent may post inappropriate messages on FACEBOOK, Instagram or any other website about another program or individual. The Storms logo is copyrighted. No one can reprint our logo on any apparel or other items. Anyone threatening to quit or pull their child from a squad will be dismissed from the program immediately. Financial Obligations Meet all financial obligations by established deadlines. Late payments will result in $15 late fee. Pay monthly tuition, uniform and competition fees in full until May 1, 2018, even if you decide to quit. Fundraisers are mandatory for each athlete. Fundraiser participation or donation is required for every fundraising event. If you choose to leave or are dismissed from MGA Storm Allstars for any of the above reasons, no refunds will be given and all financial obligations must be paid in full until May 1, 2018. Any payments not received in full will be sent to a collection agency and/or pursued through further legal action. An infraction on any of the terms listed above may result in suspension or dismissal from the team. All financial obligations must be fulfilled regardless of suspension or dismissal. By signing below, I/we have read, understand and agree to all of the above. I/we understand that this is a binding agreement to commit to MGA Storm Allstars from June 1, 2017 to May 1, 2018. All above rules, regulations & financials obligations will be enforced until May 1, 2018. Name of Parent: Signature: Date: Name of Athlete: Signature: Date:
MGA Storm Commitment Agreement 2017-2018 Season Athlete Expectations Attend and arrive all practices on time. Come to practices prepared in uniform, proper hair & all necessary items (water bottle, etc). Follow & complete all instructions given by coach. Learn all skills and routines required for competition level. Be respectful of all coaches, students, and spectators in MGA. Work hard and have a positive attitude in practice. Parent Expectations Bring student to practices, competitions & necessary events on time & pick up on time. Provide student with all necessary uniform items & accessories for participation. Make all monthly tuition payments to MGA on time. Make all competition related payments (membership fee, competitions, uniforms, etc) to Parent Booster Club on time Be respectful of coaches & staff members. Do not disrupt practice or contradict coach on training related instruction. Bring any questions, concerns or suggestions regarding training directly to coach or MGA staff member. Be aware of all schedules for competitions, events & practices. Coach Expectations Be prepared for practice. Begin on time & complete practice on time. Be knowledgeable of all skills, routines & rules for competitive levels. Have and keep all accreditations up to date. Be clear & positive in instructions to students.. Parent Booster Club Expectations Collect funds & send entries for competitions Collect funds & order uniforms Organize fundraising opportunities for members Organize team activities & promotions Promote MGA, competitive teams & future members in a reflection of what is best for all involved. Please note: Teams competitive level and age groups are determined by athlete registration and progress. Athletes placed in a certain level/age group at the beginning of the season may change upon athlete performance. If students can not achieve mandated skills for a team or exceed team skills, MGA staff does reserve the right to place them on a more suitable level/team. FINAL team age groups & levels will be made determined by 8/15/17. By signing below, I/we have read, understand and agree to all of the above. I/we understand that this is a binding agreement to commit to MGA Storm Allstars from June 1, 2017 to May 1, 2018. All above rules, regulations & financials obligations will be enforced until May 1, 2018 Name of Parent: Signature: Date: Name of Athlete: Signature: Date: Name of Coach: Signature: Date:
MGA Storm 2017-2018 Season Pricing, Fees, Due Dates Item Price Due Date Monthly Training Price: See MGA Cheer Pricing Chart Due monthly on 1st or 15th Practice Uniform: $85 (Shirt, Shorts, Pants) Due 6/15/2017 USASF Membership $40 Due 8/1/2017 Music & Choreography $100 Per Student (Level 2 & 3) Due 8/1/2017 $65 Per Student (Level 1) Competition Uniform: Price Due Date Top, Skirt, Bow, Make Up $400 Level 2 & 3 (NEW) $175 Level 1 (NEW) Due 7/15/17 (50% down) Due 8/15/17 (Balance) Returning girls: bow & make up $50 Returning Athletes Due 7/15/17 MGA Storm Fundraisers See Booster Info See Booster Info Cheer Clinics - 2 Clinics $175 (Estimated) Due dates TBD Competition Fees & Pricing Options: Please select one of the following options Allstar Level 1 Payments are due on 1st of each month starting 9/1/17. 1x payment $500 Initial 5x payment $130 Initial Allstar Level 2 Payments are due on 1st of each month starting 9/1/17. 1x payment $700 Initial 5x payment $170 Initial Allstar Level 3 Payments are due on 1st of each month starting 9/1/17. 1x payment $850 Initial 5x payment $200 Initial Date Competition Location Level 11/19/17 Cheer LTD Allentown, PA 2,3 12/09/17 Cheer for Charity Upper Marlboro, MD 1, 2, 3 01/06/18 NCA Upper Marlboro, MD 1, 2, 3 01/13-14-18 Beast of the East Atlantic City, NJ 3 02/3-4/18 American Masters Baltimore, MD 1, 2, 3 3/17-18/18 Battle at the Capitol Oxon Hill, MD 2, 3 4/14/18 The Showcase Upper Marlboro, MD 1, 2, 3 TBD End of Season Event TBD Pending Bid * The end of the season event (Summit, US Finals or The ONE) entry is dependent upon Bid received at competition.price & attendance will be subject to bid received. Additional cost may incur. By signing below, I have read, understand and agree to all of the above. I understand that this is a binding *Schedule agreement is tentative to commit to and MGA is Storm subject Allstars to change. for the 2017-2018 Season and I will be required to pay all of the above fees in full until May 1, 2018. If you choose to leave or are dismissed from Storm Allstars for any reason, no refunds will be given and all financial obligations must be paid in full until May 1, 2018. Any payments not received in full will be sent to a collection agency and/or pursued through further legal action. Name of Parent: Signature: Date: