1 2013-2014 CheerCats Information Dear CheerCats candidate and parent, Thank you for your interest in CheerCats squads! We are preparing for 2013-2014 season and anticipating a very exciting year. We look forward to meeting each of you during our tryouts. We want you to know that we are dedicated to giving each cheerleader the ultimate cheerleading experience. We want to help each student set and reach goals, learn the value of commitment, team work, and ultimately see their dream become a reality. Our staff is focused on building and training athletes to enhance their confidence, sportsmanship, and work ethic. We will do this by having a structured class environment that will focus on team elements and individual skills. We have prepared the following information to help each family understand the commitment level that we expect. Please take the time to thoroughly read over the packet in full. We want you to know what you are signing up for. Please take the time to discuss the following information with your child prior to tryouts. The coaching staff s mission is to offer the best technical training possible. Gymcats teaches kids to be exceptional cheerleaders, but most of all, Gymcats teaches kids to be exceptional people. Focusing on teamwork, integrity, and structured safe workouts. Gymcats team members learn how to encourage athletes while building their self confidence. Good luck to each of you and we will see you at tryouts! What to expect at our Tryouts Tryouts should be fun and candidates will have an opportunity to show us their best running tumbling pass, standing tumbling skills, and jumps. They will also perform the dance they learned at our clinics, show their ability to move to music, sharpness in motion technique, timing and showmanship. Each candidate should wear the tryout wear package. No jewelry and hair must be pulled back from face and if long enough put up in a ponytail. Smiles are a Must! Tryouts May 11 th 2:00-they will be closed to public viewing. You will be notified of your placement via phone or email. Competitive CheerCats teams begin May20th. If you have changed levels and have paid for term 5 your s will be prorated accordingly.
2 Welcome to the wonderful world of Cheer!!! Everyone that trys out will make one of our teams. Team placement on one of our teams is based upon several factors such as and not limited to: tumbling skills, stunting needs, age, jumps, dedication, etc. Team placement is never final. As we build our teams, our coaches may need to move athletes higher or lower depending on the performance of their skills and the needs of a team. We will not guarantee a position (flyer, base, or backspot) or spot in a formation. Our goal is to place athletes in the routine to make us as strong as possible. Team Placements are not finalized until we move closer to the etition season (end of Aug). We want to make sure the majority of the athletes have mastered the skills to be at the top of our game. Competitive Teams will be eting in 3-6 etitions in the season, depending on the team. We have 3 etitive teams. ~All Stars: Ages 10-18 No tumbling skill required (will ete locally). Practices Mon/Wed 4:00-5:15 and Friday 6:00-8:30 pm. ~Explosion: Ages 14 and under. Back Walk-over is required and Back handsprings Strongly Recommended (may travel) practices Tues/Thru 6:00-8:30 pm and Wed 6:30-8:30 pm. ~Fierce: Ages 10-18 Standing and running Back Handspring required. We strongly recommended: Standing series, Round- off Back Hand Spring Back Tuck (traveling team) Mon/Wed 6:30-8:30 pm and Friday 3:00 (for middle school students) 3:45-6:00 pm. Tumbling Skills are strongly recommended. All etitive team members can take tumbling for 50% off the term price. Performance Teams will have the opportunity to perform at several Gymcats events and be in a parade. ~Rock Star: Required running Round-off. A bridge down is strongly recommended. Practices are Tuesday and Thursday 6:00-7:30 pm. ~Super Stars: No tumbling skill required. Practices are Monday and Wednesday 5:15-6:30 pm. Tentative Schedule will be out in mid August.
3 Tuition, Expenses, Fees, and Payment due dates FIERCE AND EXPLOSION: $180/month- 7 hours a week Annual Registration-$50 Uniform- $ 186.00 (shoes and warm-up are not included) Practice wear- $56 Camp- $ 125.00 Music/Choreography: $50 Coaches Fees- $375 plus team service points Competition Fees-$580-$650 Travel s-each etition will have an entry and travel expenses. All travel s are the cheerleaders/parents responsibility. Tumbling classes are highly recommended. Gymcats is offering 50% off on tumbling classes to team members. WANT A DISCOUNT? Ask the front desk about early pay and auto pay monthly savings. FIERCE AND EXPLOSION June July Aug Sept Oct. Nov Dec Jan Annual reg $50 1 st part coach $125 *Practice wear $56 Chore/music $50 2 nd part coach $125 Camp Fee $125 3rd part coach $125 *Uniform $186 1th $145 2nd $145 3rd $145 4th $145 5th TBA ALL STARS: $140-5 hours a week Annual Registration - $50 Uniform - $ 186.00 (shoes and warm-up are not included) Practice wear- $56 Camp $125 Music/Choreography: $50 Coaches s $ 220 plus team service points Competition s - $330-$400 Tumbling classes are highly recommended. Gymcats is offering 50% off on tumbling classes to team members. WANT A DISCOUNT? Ask the front desk about early pay and auto pay monthly savings. Annual reg $50 ALL STARS June Part coaches $110 *Practice wear $56 Chore/music $50 July 2 nd part coach $110 Camp Fee $125 Aug 1th $110 *Uniform $186 Sept 2nd $110 Oct. 3rd $110 Nov 4 th part TBA
4 Tuition, Expenses, Fees, and Payment due dates con. RockStars Team: $315/term (8 weeks)** SuperStars Team: $291/term (8 weeks)** Annual Registration - $40 Uniform - $ 186.00 (shoes and warm-up are not included) Practice wear- $56 Music/Choreography: $25 Coaches s $ 60 ~WANT A DISCOUNT?~ Ask the front desk about early pay and auto pay monthly saving. RockStars and SuperStars Annual reg $40 June coaches $ 60 *Practice wear $56 July Chore/music $30 Aug *Uniform $186 *You may already have Uniform or Practice wear package ** Prices affective Term1 2013. If You dream it, You can do it!!!
5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tryout Form Please bring form to tryout on May 12, 2012 Students Name Age Birth Date Age on Aug 31, 2013 Grade for upcoming year Address City, State, Zip Phone Students Phone Parents Names Primary Email I do do not want my child to be considered for one of our traveling teams if she is eligible. Do you want to be a flyer? Yes No If yes, are you committed to taking extra classes to get the skills needed? Yes No Would you accept any position on any CheerCats Team? Yes No What would be your best contribution as a team member? Tryout FOR COACH USE ONLY CheerCats Try out 2013-14 Number Rally in Appearance Jump 1 Standing Tumbling Jump 2 Jump 3 Running Tumbling Dance Skills Showmanship Extra Skills Endurance level
6 2013-2014 CheerCats Rules and Regulations A. Rules and Regulations 1. No smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages or use of drugs. 2. Challenging the authority of the coach or person in charge, by a student or parent will be automatic dismissal from the team. 3. Abusive behavior, lying, stealing, foul language or any other negative form of behavior is grounds for dismissal. 4. Each member will follow all rules and guidelines given by the coach or person in charge. 5. Any negative behavior towards a CheerCats member or to another gym, via any medium (incl. internet) will result in dismissal from team. 6. No unauthorized tumbling or horseplay before or during class. 7. Respect each member s personal space. 8. No talking while a coach is speaking, continual infraction will result in a disciplinary action. 9. Come to class ready to work and listen to your coach. We will have a structured environment that will help our athletes excel as a team. While personal skills are important we are getting ready to ete as a team. So be ready to stunt, tumble, or dance when asked. 10. Show that you care for your team by adhering to the dress code. Come to workouts wearing black long tank and red shorts only. (t-shirts and brand name prints are not allowed) Please have hair pulled out of face with a cheer bow (any color). Failure to ly shows disrespect to your teammates and we all want to be the best member we can. 11. No sharp nails, no bulky hair clips, and no jewelry are allowed. 12. NEGATIVITY is not healthy for any team or individual. Do not bring (to practice) or spread any negativity about any team member on any media. Derogatory comments about our program or any other program may be asked to leave the event and may not be able to be part of the program. B. Leadership 1. Each member must be aware that no person has a right to be on CheerCats, it is a privilege. 2. Each member must be aware of the responsibilities required and the commitment he or she is making to the team. We are what YOU put into us. 3. Each member must be willing to cooperate with and be helpful to the coach or any person in charge. 4. Each member must realize the manner in which they conduct themselves while representing CheerCats. 5. Each member will be willing to work hard, take directions, and strive for excellence. C. Expectations 1. Members will set and maintain the highest examples of behavior. 2. Members will maintain the proper appearance with no extremes in apparel, hair, make-up, piercing or tattoos. Coach s decision is final. 3. Members will be on time and dressed appropriately with hair tied back with bow and proper apparel (red shorts, and black long tank). 4. Members will do everything in their power to achieve personal and squad goals. 5. Each member is responsible for finding out any missed information.
7 D. Attendance CheerCats success depends on attendance. All practices are mandatory after Aug. 12th. There are a few excused practices; they are illness with fever or vomiting. If another sport or work conflicts with practices, the cheerleader must choose which activity they will do; as they can not do both if there is a schedule conflict. If you have an event at school, you may get permission to miss workout from your coaches if done so at least 3 days in advance and you must have written documentation from your school advisor or teacher. 1. All practice sessions are mandatory after Aug. 12 th. 2. Members must be on time to practice. If an infraction has occurred disciplinary action will be taken. Continual tardiness may be grounds for dismissal. 3. If an absence must occur, an absence request must be e-mailed to the head coach hwhimple@yahoo.com at least 3 days in advance. 4. Two unexcused absences will warrant disciplinary action, a third will be grounds for dismissal. 5. Continuous failure to be productive at practice is grounds for disciplinary action or dismissal. 6. If you are sick or injured, you must still attend practice (only excused absences are fever or vomiting). You will not be required to participate. You will watch any changes that directly affect you. 7. Planned summer vacation. Please email me your summer vacation dates as soon as possible, so we can plan our workouts accordingly. 8. Each member will come to practice ready to work and is not permitted to leave the floor to check cell phones. Water breaks are to be taken inside the gym (not lobby) and only upon coach s permission. 9. 100% attendance two weeks before a etition is mandatory. You may be taken out of the etition. E. Competitions Members are required to attend all etitions. This means through the awards ceremony. Failure to do so may be grounds for dismissal. If parents are unable to stay for the whole etition, other arrangements must be made so that the member can stay. 1. Competition Rules *Attendance is mandatory at all etitions. *Competition s and coaches s are non-refundable. * Be on time. * Missing a etition without prior approval is grounds for dismissal. * Athletes will be dressed: ~Uniform top ~ skirt ~ black under garments~ Hair done as specified my each teams coach ~ white no show socks ~ etition shoes (clean up shoes if same as practice shoe) ~ Make up as specified by coach ~ do not bring bags back stage ~NO JEWELRY or colored nail polish (must be removed prior to arrival of event) * Parents are encouraged to wear CheerCats colors or gear to show support for our team. * Parents are encouraged to view all our teams on the floor to show our best support. Be a team player!!! *Parents are strongly encouraged to be kind to other parents and other teams. Remember the example you are setting for your child. Be your child s best remodel. * (For traveling teams only) CheerCats will block rooms for each out of town event. Each family is responsible for transportation to and from etitions as well as hotel accommodations. 2. After Competing * All athletes will stay with coach until dismissed. * Must be in full uniform (including hair and make-up) for awards ceremony. * Everyone attending the event needs to have a positive attitude for our children and the program will be asked to leave the event. F. Safety 1. Jeopardizing the safety of oneself or any other member is grounds for disciplinary action or dismissal. 2. There is absolutely no gum, candy, jewelry, or food allowed in the gym. 3. Proper apparel includes cheer shoes, athletic socks, tight fitting clothing that doesn t hamper performance, and hair pulled neatly back with a bow. No jewelry. 4. It is not safe to miss practice. Your athlete must work their muscles to keep stunts safe. Muscle memory from attending class and repeating skill will help keep skills safe.
8 G. Parental Obligations 1. Any negative behavior towards a CheerCats member, coach, parent, staff or to another gym, via any medium, will result in dismissal from the team. 2. Are to make sure your son or daughter is on time and attends all practices and events. Make sure your child has eaten an hour before workout and has the correct attire. Send your child ready to work hard. 3. Parents are to inform the coach if the student is to be late or absent from practice. Never send information through someone else. Information from 3 rd party does not count. Email me directly at hwhimple@yahoo.com. 4. Parents are to fulfill any financial obligations on time or risk expulsion from our team. 5. Parents are to encourage and support your student to be the best they can be. Your behavior can make or break the success of our team, so show your child how to be a responsible person by supporting all rules. 6. If parents are unable to stay for the whole etition, other arrangements must be made so that the member can stay for the whole etition. 7. Support the rules. Please understand that Cheerleading is a group sport. These rules are here to protect the strength of the team. We can not make a team if everyone has a me attitude. Please teach your child to understand that the rules are in place to make your team the best that it can be. 8. Parents are to support our coaches. Our coaches have the best intention for each team member. Parents need not question positions of stunt groups. If your child is moved in or from a stunt it is for the betterment of the team. We understand that your child may be upset, but know that your coaches are only trying to make our team the best. Keep in mind that everyone can not be the flyer on the team. 9. If you have questions, concerns, or liments, please discuss your topic with Heidi at an appropriate time. The only way we can fix a concern is to communicate, and your dback is greatly appreciated. You can email her at hwhimple@yahoo.com or you can set up a meeting time.
9 Child s Name(s): Parent s Signature: Date: Rules & Regulations Signature Page Section A # 5: I understand that I must treat my teammates like I would like to be treated and that CheerCats does not tolerate any negative actions or behavior towards any of my teammates coaches or parents on any medium including the internet. student s initials Section C # 2 & 3: I understand that I am representing the CheerCats team and will dress in the appropriate manner including proper attire and hair. student s initials Section D all # s: Attendance is very important to the whole squad. The success of the squad depends on everyone s attendance. I understand that it is imperative to attend all practice including if I am sick or injured and that the safety of the other cheerleaders can be romised if there are inconsistencies in attendance. In the event that I MUST miss practice, I will plan it ahead of time and make arrangements via email with the head coach. student s initials parent s initials. Section E: I understand that I am expected to attend all etitions and will do everything in my power to be at every etition. student s initials parent s initials. Section G # 1 & 5: I understand that I play a pivotal role in my child s cheering success and am instrumental in helping shape the attitude of my child and the entire team. I will do my best to encourage good sportsmanship and put sports in a proper perspective. parent s initials Section G # 3 & 4: I understand that I will make sure my child is on time and attends all practices and events, and that I will ensure that my child informs the coach of any potential misses. I also understand that I must fulfill all financial obligations, for my child to remain on the team. parent s initials
10 Competitive CheerCats team agreement 2013-2014 Welcome to CheerCats Competitive Team Program Introduction/General Information There is no doubt that joining our team is a significant commitment of time, effort and money. Is it worth it? Most parents say that other than family life, team involvement becomes the most significant event in their child s life. Besides the obvious physical benefits, those children who become involved in team rarely accept negative influences into their life. They learn self-discipline, how to work closely as a member of a team, how to handle themselves in a large variety of situations, and how to prioritize and manage their time. It also involves a huge commitment on you and your family. What am I signing up for? Please ask yourself if you are willing to put in the extra time it takes to be a member of a etitive cheerleading team. On top of our regular scheduled practices we may have additional practices prior to a etition that could conflict with social activities such as holiday parties, dates, religious/youth group activities and dances. Are you willing to miss those activities? Our staff has family and outside lives also and want time out of the gym, however if an extra practice is scheduled then it is for the benefit of the entire team. Please do not waste your coach s/ teammate s time by not attending regular / extra practices. I understand that 100% attendance is required to all regular & extra practices, and if I am unable to attend I must give at least 3 days notice to the head coach. Initial WE are what YOU put into US!!! In deciding to let your child participate in etitive cheerleading you must read and initial the following items. CheerCats etitive teams are a seasonal commitment. This agreement starts May 20th and ends April 30th. If your child decides to leave CheerCats during the season - there will be no refund for any credit left in your account. Pro-rations are not given for missed practices, vacations, illness, camps, family emergencies or injuries. Your tuition is paid monthly and there are 4 weeks during the year that are not paid for. Because you receive 4 weeks in addition to the 44 weeks you pay for there will be days we cancel practice for holidays or after etitions. There is no refund or credit given for these missed practices. I understand these facts of tuition. Initial Each child s account must be paid in full in order to participate in gym, etitions, or other events - this includes any s for siblings, etitions, regular gym tuition or any other balance owed. If you are unable to attend etitions because of unpaid account balances, you may be removed from the team. Initial Each parent and child has read the CheerCats rules and regulations and will adhere to the rules outlined in that manual. I understand that if any member of my family does not adhere to the rules outlined in that manual that my child may be removed from the team without a refund of s. Initial All members of my family understand the financial commitment associated with etitive cheerleading, have read the s, understand, and can afford the costs associated with my child s cheerleading. Initial I have read the information and realize these are yearly estimates only! We expect all of the cheerleaders on team to participate in all scheduled etitions. We would like to have all etitive cheerleaders on our auto-pay program, so that when s are due, they can automatically be taken care of. You will receive discounts on monthly tuition for being on auto-pay. **If you would like to have automatic payments made on etition entry s please give this information to the front desk. Because attending etitions is so important, we will have a 100% attendance policy to all etitions. If a schedule conflicts with another activity then you will not be allowed to remain on the team (head coach s discretion). Our team success depends on all members showing up to practice and attending all etitions. If you do have an issue with a particular etition that you can not get resolved, please come to the head coach only and discuss the options available to you and the team. I understand the policy regarding etition and practice attendance and will adhere to them to the best of my ability Initial
11 Coaches Fees Competitive cheerleading has additional costs involved with it that are associated exclusively with CheerCats teams- these are paid through coaches s. These costs include but are not limited to, coaches certifications, coaches session s, coaches missed work hours, travel expenses, team functions, and coaches entry s. I understand that I am joining the 13-14 season and that if my child drops out mid season I will not receive a refund of any coaches s. Initial Team Expenses ~All team members are charged for coaches s/points and choreography regardless of when you joined the team. ~ Uniforms will not be ordered until paid in full. ~The etition tentative schedule will be out mid August. The arrival times and performance times are sometimes given to the coach as close as three days before an event. It is your responsibility to check your emails for this information. ~You do not get to dictate which etitions your child will ete in. ~ It is not your right to ete it is a privilege. Your child may be removed from a etition for, but not limited to the following reasons: attendance, finances, sickness, injury or even attitude. If your child is removed from the etition you are still financially responsible for the etition. It is up to the coaches as to when your child will be put back into the routine. ~ Consider costs of traveling expenses in your decision to join the team. In the 2013-14 season we may be traveling to Anaheim, CA, Utah, or Phoenix, AZ. ~ All team member will travel (drive or fly) the day before a etition. We may have practice the night before etition, or the day of or on a two day the night after we first ete. Keep in mind that we are traveling to ete in a highly etitive sport. It is important that your child s activities while traveling allow plenty of rest. It is not fair to the team if your child is tired because they stayed up too late. Please make your travel arrangements so that you can stay till the end of the awards ceremony. Please try to attend our team bonding events while on our travels. I have read the rules and policies and the rest of the packet in its entirety. I have read and agree with the attendance expectations policy. I have read and agree that I will attend all etitions. I have read and understand the financial plan for the 2013-14 season The following must be returned to the front desk. As of June your child will not be allowed to participate in practice until this document is returned. I have read and understand how the etitive season, coaches s, and etition s for the 2013-14 season works. I understand that my child may be withheld from practice, etitions or performances if my coaches s, gym s including those of siblings, or any other balances are due on my account without a refund of any s. Child (ren) s Name(s): Parent s Signature: Date: