UPA Cheer 2017-2018 Informational packet 974 W 14420 S Suite #5 Bluffdale, UT 84065 801-870-2533 www.upacheer.com info@upacheer.com
Welcome to UPA UPA opened in 2005, starting with 10 athletes. We are blessed to now have over 175 All Star Team athletes and over 200 athletes total. We believe that every team is important, no matter the age or level. Over the years we have built a consistent program where each team is competitive in their division. Our teams are successful, both locally and nationally, winning numerous National Titles and receiving multiple bids to and competing at The Summit in 2015, 2016, & 2017 and at The Title in 2017.
We are happy to have you in our cheer family Our Mission Our mission is to teach all levels of cheerleading in a positive, fun, safe, and supportive environment. Our goal is to not only develop the best athletes and teams possible, but to also build leadership skills and confidence, teach responsibility and dedication, and to instill values that will last a lifetime. We believe and teach that passion is the force that drives one forward and creates commitment to this sport, to their team, themselves, and to any other aspect of life. Our athletes learn that they have the power to do whatever they set their minds to and also that they have the power to be a good example and influence at our gym and out in the world. We also believe that it is important for our athletes to take pride in themselves, their hard work, their team, and our gym. We teach our athletes to be poised under pressure and during difficult times. At UPA, we have our athletes strive for perfection and to enjoy the process while trying to achieve it. We also believe strongly in teamwork, not only on individual teams but also as the gym as a whole. You will notice at UPA our teams and athletes are very supportive of one another and every team is important. At competitions you will see our athletes and fans there to support and cheer each other on. We take pride in having the best fan section in Utah! We are very much a cheerleading family that is always there for one another. We look forward to having you and your athlete as a part of the UPA family and can t wait to begin what will be the best season yet!
UPA offers a stress-free, positive tryout environment. Each athlete is evaluated in a group setting and given much time to show their best. Tryout Checklist Registration Form Medical Release Form Annual Registration Fee Copy of Birth Certificate-New Athletes Athlete Checklist Girls: Hair pulled back No Jewelry Cheer shoes or athletic shoes Athletic clothes The tryout process in selecting teams is not easy. We take pride in being known for having all our teams be competitive and well represented, no matter if they are level 1 0r level 5. Our decisions are based on numerous factors, but our primary goals are to put your child on a team that will allow him or her to have the most success & to create strong teams that will produce successful results. Our goal for 2017-2018 is to build teams that are not only successful, winning teams locally and nationally, but teams that will earn bids to & be competitive at Summit and Worlds. With the goals in mind, we will build our teams based off of the MAXIMUM not the minimum skills at each level. This may mean you have some skills at the level above the level of the team in which you are placed on. This is how the best gyms in the industry form their teams and we are ready to be at that level and compete with the best in the industry.
How we build our teams Age See chart. Age determined as of August 31, 2017 Valid Role After age, we consider the athlete s ability to contribute to every category of the scoresheet strongly. Division Age Tiny Prep 3-6 Tiny 5-6 Mini 5-8 Youth 6-11 Junior 8-14 Senior 1-R5 11-18 Senior 5 (Worlds) 12-18 Open 5 14+ Stunts With Stunts, Tosses, and Pyramid, stunting makes up the majority of the scoresheet and thus it takes priority. With stunting in mind, we must also make sure each team has an adequate ratio of bases, backspots, and flyers. Tumbling After stunting, we consider tumbling. Each team needs 75% or more of the team members competing specialty tumbling with great technique. Result STRONG teams competing at the right levels, where teams can succeed, athletes feel valued and can flourish as individuals. Doing this also lowers the risk of injuries and mental blocks. We truly sit down and discuss each and every athlete of our program. It takes us hours, even days, to come to our final team placements. We value each athlete and take the process very seriously.
Level Charts The charts below and on the next page are a shortened version of the skills for each level. These charts are merely a guideline. Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level Restricted 5 Level 5 Standing Tumbling Backbend Kickover FWO BWO Cartwheel-BWO BWO-BWO BHS stepout-bwo-bhs Back extension roll-bhs BWO-BHS-BWO-BHS BHS-BHS-BHS BHS stepout turn-ro-bhs-tuck BHS-TT-BHS-BHS Standing Tuck BHS-BHS-Layout BHS-Tuck-BHS-Layout BHS-Whip-BHS-BHS-Layout BHS-BHS-Full Jumps to Standing Tuck Jumps to Tuck Standing Full BHS Full/Double BHS-BHS-Full/Double BHS-Whip-BHS-Full/Double Running Tumbling RO-BWO-BWO FWO-RO-BWO Cartwheel turn-fwo-ro-bwo RO-BHS stepout-step-ro-bhs-bhs FWO-RO-BHS-BHS FWO-RO-BHS-BHS-Tuck RO-BHS stepout turn-fwo-ro-bhs-tuck FF-step step-ro-bhs-bhs-tuck Arial-step-RO-BHS-Tuck RO-Whip-BHS-BHS-Layout FWO-RO-BHS-Whip-BHS-Layout FHS-FF stepout-ro-bhs-bhs-layout FF stepout-ro-bhs-layout RO-Arabian-step step-ro-bhs-full FF step out-ro-bhs-full RO-Whip-BHS-BHS-Full FHS-FF stepout-ro-bhs-full RO-Arabian-RO-BHS-Full/Double FWO-RO-BHS-Double FF stepout-ro-bhs-double RO-BHS-Whip-Full RO-Full-BHS-BHS-Full RO-BHS-Full-BHS-BHS-Full/Double RO-Full and a half stepout-ro-bhs- Full/Double
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level Restricted 5 Level 5 Jumps Triple/Quad Jump Combo Triple/Quad Jump Combo Jump Combo-Straight Jump-BHS Triple/Quad Jump Combo-BHS-BHS TT-BHS-TT-BHS-BHS Triple/Quad Jump Combo-BHS-Tuck Jump Combo-BHS-BHS-Layout Triple/Quad Jump Combo-Standing Tuck Jumps-BHS-Full Triple/Quad Jump Combo-Standing Tuck Jumps-BHS-Full/Double Stunts 1 Leg Thigh Stands Switch-up Thigh Stands Tic Toc Below Prep Two Leg Elevators-Cradle 1 Leg Elevator Prep Level Tic Toc 2 Leg Extension Half up to 1 Leg Elevator Half up to 2 Legs Extension Straight Ride Basket Toss Extended Cradles 1 Leg Extension-Cradle 2 Leg Extension-Full Down Half up Extended 1 Leg Full up 1/2 Leg Elevator 1 Trick Basket Toss 1 Leg Extension-Full Down Full up to 2 Leg Extension Switch-up to Extension High to Low Tic Toc Double Down from 2 Legs 2 Trick Basket Toss 1 Leg Extension-Double Down Full up to 1 Leg Extension Tic Toc ¼ Turn Switch up 3 Trick Basket Toss 1 Leg Extension-Double Down Full up to 1 Leg Extension Double up to Extension Body Position to Body Position Tic Toc Released Inversion from Prep level to Extended Body Position Switch up Full Turn What an athlete decides to throw does not determine their placement. These skills need to be perfected, consistent, & without a spotter. This ensures proper execution of skills, lessening the chance of injuries & mental blocks. This also helps teams score at the top of the technique sections of the scoresheet. Potential flyers will judged not only on their stunting skills but also on their flexibility. Team placement is never final. We can move an athlete to a higher or lower level depending on the athlete s performance.
Tuition Monthly Tuition Teams Tuition Tiny Team $90 Mini Level 1 $100 Non-traveling Team Mini Level 2 Youth Levels 1 & 2 Junior Levels 1 & 2 Senior Levels 1-2 $110 $115 Level 3 Teams $120 Level 4 Teams $130 Restricted 5 & Worlds Team Special Athletes $135 Free! Tuition is due by the 1st of each month and is late after the 8 th. A $15 late fee will be charged to your account if paid late. Tuition and fees are expected to be paid on time, NO EXCEPTIONS! UPA can t extend credit by allowing account to become past due or by ordering merchandise without prior payment. You are required to have a credit/debit authorization form on file. Tuition not paid by the 5 th is automatically charged to the card on file along with the late fee of $15. Tuition payments and fees can be paid by check or money order made payable to UPA, cash, or credit/debit card. A $30 fee will be applied to your account for all returned checks. Tuition is non-refundable. We reserve the right to remove anyone from the program for not upholding their financial obligations Fundraising We provide fundraiser opportunities for the athletes to help earn money for tuition and fees. Fundraisers are optional. It is up to you and your athlete to take advantage of these opportunities. Tuition Discounts Sibling Discount First athlete s tuition is billed at full price. Other athletes tuition is $10 off. No other discounts will be applied in combination with the Sibling Discount and the discount will be applied by descending tuition rates. Full Year Payments Discount Pay your tuition for the entire season, within the first 30 days of joining our program, and receive a 5% discount on the total tuition amount. No other discounts will be combined with the Full Year Payment Discount.
Annual Registration Fee Fees $30 one athlete $50 per family USASF Membership Fee $30 Choreography Camp $200 Music & Choreography Fee $100 Team Wear (2 pairs of shorts, 2 tanks, & a sports bra) $125 Total $485 Competition Fees Non Traveling Team- Only Local Comps $750 Local Comps + 1 Out of State $900 Local Comps +2 Out of State $1100 Fees Uniform Fees New Athletes Returning Athletes Uniform $400 As Needed Bow $35 Makeup $50 As Needed Total $485 $35 Categories: Includes ALL comp fees, choreography, camp, team wear, and music. *Uniform Fees not included Category 1: $1235 for all Local Competitions- Non-traveling Team Category 2: $1385 for all Local Competitions & 1 Out of State Competitions Category 3: $1585 for all Local Competitions & 2 Out of State Competitions *Cross Competitors will be chosen on an as needed basis. If an athlete is asked and chooses to do 2 teams, it is an additional $400-600 season. *Worlds & Summit Teams will be required to attend more competitions which will increase competition fees. We will have a meeting to go over this. *Warmups, Bags, and Shoes can be purchased separately. Payment Options: 1. Pre-pay total fees for the year or 2. Divide fees in 4 payments: Payment 1: Deposit of $150- June 1 Payment 2: August 1 Payment 3: September 1 Payment 4: October 1 Payment 5: November 1 Fees are non-refundable If your athlete leaves the program before April 30, 2017, you will forfeit all tuition payments and will be charged a Breaking Contract Fee of $250. This fee is to cover the cost and time of redoing stunt groups and rechoreographing the routine. All team fees must be paid in addition to the $250 Breaking Contract Fee. Uniforms & clothing must be paid in full prior to UPA placing the order. Replacement items can be purchased, at your cost. If you have a returning athlete, who has outgrown their uniform, or have a new athlete and are hoping to buy a used uniform, we will have uniform swap/used sale the week before new uniform fittings.
Performance & Competition Local UPA Showcase & Prep Classes 11/4/2017 JAMZ Twin Peaks 11/18/2017 UCA Salt Lake Regional 12/19/2017 South Towne Expo Center USA Cottonwood 1/13/2017 UCA Rocky Mountain Championship 1/20/2018 South Towne Expo Center USA Utah Open 1/27/2018 Sandy Utah Classic 2/3/2018 Bingham High School JAMZ Great Salt Lake Challenge 3/24/2018 Worlds & Summit Sendoff UPA National JAMZ National Championships - Except non-traveling WORLDS QUALIFIER February 18-19, 2018 The Orleans Las Vegas, NV Platinum Championships Nationals SUMMIT QUALIFIER February 23-24, 2018 Salt Palace Convention Center The American Celebration SUMMIT QUALIFIER March 16-17, 2018 Salt Palace Convention Center The American Showcase - Except non-traveling SUMMIT & WORLDS QUALIFIER April 6-8, 2018 Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim, CA WORLDS Qualifying Level 5 teams April 28 th - 30 th ESPN Wide World of Sports Orlando, Florida The Summit For the teams who qualify May 4 th -6 th ESPN Wide World of Sports Orlando, Florida
Practice Attendance Our competitive program is a FULL year commitment, beginning in May 2017 ending in April/May 2018. Practices are mandatory, immediately following tryouts, and athletes are expected to attend and be on time. You must be fully ready for practice when your practice time begins. If you miss a practice within the two weeks prior to a competition there will be a $40.00 fine. NO EXCEPTIONS! In order to hold their spot on the team, an athlete must be at practices during the summer. The summer time is when athletes gain skills and progress. Remember we can t progress in stunting without having full stunt groups. It is vital that athletes attend practice in the summer. However, we would like you to take your vacations during the summer and not during the competition season. You must notify Emily and get your vacation approved before taking your vacation. Choreography camp is mandatory. NO EXCEPTION! All Star Cheerleading is just like any other team sport, the team can t reach their full potential unless all members are present. In certain situations a coach may find it necessary to schedule an extra practice to better prepare a team for competition. These practices are also mandatory. To get a practice excused the coach must be notified beforehand and then approve of the athlete s absence. An unexcused absence may result in an athlete being moved to an alternate position or pulled from an upcoming competition. Please fill out the absent request form found at the gym or online before missing practice. Dress Code Athletes are expected to be dressed in practice wear and cheer shoes at practice. Their hair also needs to be pulled back and no jewelry can be worn. ALL athletes are expected to attend ALL competitions as a team. You DO NOT get to dictate competitions in which your child competes. You must schedule your events around the competition schedule. If you do miss a competition, there will be a $100 fine. It is extremely important that athletes arrive on time and fully ready. This means uniform on, makeup and hair done, wearing no-show socks and cheer shoes, no jewelry, no colored nail polish or long nails. Athletes need to come before or stay after they compete to watch and cheer on the other UPA teams. We consider our gym a family and supporting each other is important! Athletes are expected to be present and competition ready for the awards ceremonies. At UPA we have won awards and always get many compliments on our sportsmanship. We encourage all associated with UPA to continue in that tradition. Remember you are representing our gym on and off the mat! Irresponsible or inappropriate behavior may result in removal from our program. Your athlete can be taken out of a routine based on numerous reasons such as, but not limited to: attitude, attendance, and finances. If your athlete should be taken out you are still financially responsible for the competition. Out-of-State Competitions You are responsible for your athlete s transportation to out-of-state competitions. All athletes must arrive the afternoon/ evening before the competition. Because we will have practice on the Monday & Tuesday before the out-of-state competitions, no one is allowed to leave until the Wednesday before the competition. If there is a competition within a two week period of returning from an out-of-state competition, practice resumes Tuesday. Should you miss practice for any of these reasons, you will incur the $40 fee. Traveling is a bonding experience for our teams. Therefore, we require all athletes to participate in team events scheduled during out-of-state competitions. Remember these trips are first and foremost a trip for the competition and for the team. So be responsible with your time. We want to do our best, so we need your support in making sure your athlete s are well rested and focused. Competition Policies & Procedures Summit, The Title, Worlds If you get a bid to The Summit, The Title, or Worlds you will be required to attend or you will be required to ay the registration fees and a $200 fine to help cover the person that will be taking your place.
Parents Role We strongly believe that our success relies on the dedication not only from our athletes but also our parents. Parents play a vital role in a cheerleader s success at UPA. Remember your athlete already has us to coach them, and they need you to be their biggest fan, to be a positive support and give them encouragement. Communication Communication is key to any successful program. Therefore, we encourage your suggestions and welcome any questions that you may have. Excellence is achieved at UPA when the athletes, coaches, and parents work together. We try our best to keep you updated with the most current information. We will be sending out emails throughout the year with important information. Please make sure that we always have your current email address. It is your responsibility to check your email. We also update our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter regularly so make sure you follow us. If you have a problem or concern, please speak to Emily or Ashley; we cannot solve a concern if we don t know about it. You respect us enough to allow us to play a large role in your child s life, so please respect us enough and understand that we have your child s best interest at heart. Decisions that are made in regards to your child s training, level, and team are made in what we feel will best help your child be successful. Viewing Area All parents watching should remain in the Parents Lounge during practice. Refrain from coaching or distracting athletes or coaches. Your athlete should not be up in the lounge during their practice. If parents wish to bring younger siblings to watch, please make sure they are under your constant supervision and are not being excessively noisy or distracting. For the safety of everyone involved, please remain in the Parents Lounge and do NOT allow those not on the team to play anywhere on or beyond the Parents Lounge. Parents who are excessively gossiping, negative, derogatory, loud, overbearing, or distracting will be barred from the gym and/or have their athlete permanently removed from our program. UPA does reserve the right to close the Parents Lounge at any time if we see the need.
Dates to Remember Parades South Jordan Summerfest: June 3 rd Riverton Town Days: July 3 rd Bluffdale Old West Days: August 25 th Choreography & Team Camp August 7 th 11 th August 14 th 18 th Cowabunga Bay: Tentatively August 10 th Gym Closing and Holidays Memorial Day: May 29 th Independence Day/Summer Break: July 2 nd -9 th Pioneer Day: July 24 th Labor Day: September 4 th Halloween: October 31 st Thanksgiving: November 22 nd -26 th Winter Break: December 20 th -January 1 st
Gym Conduct for Anyone Entering UPA: No foul language No tumbling or horseplay in waiting areas Drugs and alcohol are NEVER allowed Disrespect towards coaches, athletes, or parents will result in suspension or dismissal from a team or class. This includes parents and guardians Arguments/confrontations are never allowed under any circumstances. If you have an issue, contact Emily. Negativity will not be tolerated. This includes making negative comments about others or other gyms while at our gym, school, competition, or on the internet. Doing so may result in suspension or dismissal from a team or class. If you would like to represent UPA, please purchase items from UPA. Any clothing that is not produced by UPA is a misrepresentation of the company. This includes but not limited to the use of our logo, gym name, and team names used on any apparel or promotional items for individuals, team gifts, and spirit treats and by law is punishable under trade dress infringement with a $500 fine. Additional Rules for All Spectators: For safety reasons, all spectators must wait in the waiting area. Under NO circumstance will parents or guardians be allowed to come onto the floor to talk to their child, a coach, or to watch practice. All siblings not participating in a class must be in the waiting area. If you need to take your athlete out of practice early, you must have discussed it with the Emily or Ashley ahead of time. Do not distract or coach your athlete from the waiting area. If you need to talk to a coach do so when they are not busy coaching. Do NOT approach a coach with a complaint. Please contact Emily or Ashley about a concern. We reserve the right to start holding closed practices and close the viewing area at anytime if we see the need. Spectators who are distracting or gossiping will be asked to leave the gym and their child may be suspended or dismissed from the UPA. Additional Rules for All Star Athletes Don t get on any equipment without permission and supervision from a coach. Gum is never allowed. Food or water are only allowed in the locker and waiting area. NO other drinks besides closed water bottles with ONLY WATER! Please place all items in a locker or cubby and clean up your own mess. (We are coaches not your maid.) For safety reasons, nails must be kept short, hair must be pulled back, and no jewelry can be worn, including piercings. Back talking and bad attitudes will not be accepted toward any coach or staff member. Talking back to parents or supporters at competitions or in the gym will not be tolerated. This includes parents from other programs. Proper practice wear must be worn on the correct days. This includes cheerleading shoes. If you fail to wear correct attire you may be asked to stay after practice to condition or work on additional skills. Practice starts right on time. If you are walking in the door, putting on shoes, or doing hair at the start time then you are still considered late. If you are late, you may be asked to stay after practice or condition. If an athlete has a habit of being late, missing practice, or missing a practice close to competition, the athlete may be moved to a different team, suspended, dismissed from the program or benched from practice or competition. Should you be benched from practice or competition you are still required to attend and meet your financial obligations. Mandatory practice begins immediately following tryouts. In order to miss practice, you must have turned in an Absent Request Form and received approval. Without doing so your absence is considered unexcused. If you have an unexcused absence within the two weeks prior to a competition there will be a $40.00 fine. NO EXCEPTIONS! Athletes are required to attend practices even when sick, UNLESS running a fever or throwing up. Athletes that attend when sick, without fever, are not required to participate at practice. But need to be there to watch any possible changes. A Doctor s note is always appreciated and helpful. (This includes dental and any other health related issue.) Members on our competitive team are not permitted to train within other gyms other than UPA. Team placement is NEVER final. We can move an athlete up to a higher level or down to a lower level depending on the athlete s performance and attitude. Violation of any policy may lead to an athlete being benched for practice/competition, suspension, or dismissal from the program. You are a representative of our gym at all times. Please always conduct yourself in a manner that would make us proud, whether you are at the gym, at school, at competitions, or on the internet (Facebook, Instagram, twitter, etc.). People around you will judge our gym based off of the interactions that they have with you, so make sure you give them only positive things to talk about.
I understand that by being a part of the UPA I agree to the following: I have read and understand the UPA 2017-2018 Informational Packet and agree to the policies found with in. I understand ALL Gym Conduct Rules, Spectator Rules, and Athlete Rules stated on previous page must be followed. I understand All Star Cheer is a FULL year commitment and practices, choreography camp, and competitions are mandatory. Missing practice may lead to an athlete being benched for a practice/competition, suspension, or dismissal from the program I understand that being current with tuition and fees are my responsibility. I understand all payment policies stated in Informational Packet must be followed. I understand UPA reserves the right to bench an athlete for practice/competition or remove anyone from the program for not upholding their financial obligations I understand UPA requires a 30 days written notice if leaving a team. Tuition within those 30 days and any outstanding balances must be paid. I understand, if after July 1, 2017 and before April 30, 2018, I choose to leave the program, I am financially obligated to pay the Breaking Contract fee of $250, in addition to all team fees. I understand if practice is missed within two weeks prior to competition there will be a $40 fine. NO EXCEPTIONS. I understand the UPA staff, determines an athletes level, team, and stunting position. UPA has the right to make changes if necessary. I understand negativity and behavioral issues by an athlete or parent could lead to the benching of an athlete from practice/competition, or suspension/dismissal from the UPA program. I understand all communications between UPA and me are intended for current UPA All Star Team members and are not meant to be shared. I understand I am a representative of our gym at all times. Please always conduct yourself in a manner that would make us proud, whether you are at the gym, at school, at competitions, or on the internet (Facebook, Instagram, twitter, etc.). I understand violation of any policy, listed here or in the UPA 2017-2018 Informational Packet, may lead to an athlete being benched for practice/competition, suspension, or dismissal from the program-forfeiting all money and fees collected. I understand UPA has the right to bench an athlete from practice/competition, to suspend or dismiss an athlete or parent from the program at any time. We, parent/guardian and athlete, have thoroughly read this contract and informational packet and fully understand the policies, rules, commitment, and expectations that consist of all star cheer and UPA. Please sign below that you have read and agree to the UPA policies and rules: Parent/Guardian Signature Date Athlete Signature Date
Thank you for being a part of the UPA Family We are so excited for this season Lets make it get great together