FLIPS GYMNASTICS. Team Handbook

Transcription

1 FLIPS GYMNASTICS Team Handbook Updated 4/15/18 GENERAL PHILOSOPHY Our competitive teams receive a strong physical, ethical and moral foundation along with valuable qualities that will carry over to life after gymnastics. Our mission is to make every team gymnast the very best gymnast they can be. Our gymnasts have: Self discipline & self motivation Time Management skills to balance school and gym Respect for safety, coaches, teammates, officials Dedication to stay focused on their goals Leadership qualities Nutritional expectations Teamwork, friendship and fun! Gymnastics excellence means becoming the best you can be. This requires setting long and short-term goals and realizing the time and efforts it will take to reach these goals. COMPETITIVE PROGRAM OVERVIEW Level 3-6: In this compulsory program the gymnasts perform the same routines as one another. They will develop basic skills, flexibility and strength. Level 3 gymnasts will compete in a few in-house Flips meets. Level 4-6 will compete in 6-8 meets in the state and one travel meet out of state. They can qualify to the State Meet by earning a qualification score. The season runs from September to December for Level 4, and December-March for Level 6. Level 7-10: Once gymnasts master all skills and scores for Level 6, they move into optional gymnastics where they have routines individual to them but follow USAG skill requirements. Time commitment increases. Season runs from December-May depending on the level and how far they qualify. Level 7 can qualify to State, Level 8 can qualify to Regionals should they make the Super 8 team, Level 9/10 to Regionals (7 state region: MN, WI, IA, NE, MO, ND, SD) and Level 9 to Westerns, and Level 10 to Nationals. ELITE: This program has 4 levels. TOPS (ages 7-10) HOPES (ages 10-13), Junior Elite (ages 11-15), Senior Elite (ages 16+). This is for the gymnast who shows above average skill level at a very young age. This program requires extended training hours, and early release from school. Gymnasts are chosen for this program as invitational only. TIME COMMITMENT Competitive gymnastics is a year round commitment. We practice between 9-20 hours per week depending on level. Because of this, occasional personal sacrifices must be made. This is not to say that gymnastics will consume your life. We encourage 2 weeks of family vacations per year, in addition to any days we give the girls off. We realize that family and academics are priority. Gymnastics at Flips is a 4 event, All Around sport. We do not train for event specialty. On occasion, and at our discretion, we may compete an athlete as a specialist due to injury or special circumstance.

2 ATTENDANCE POLICY Gymnasts are expected to attend all practices. We understand there may be occasional conflicts (school events, homework, family events/vacations, sickness). The occasional absence is understandable. When a gymnast misses practice they fall behind and may be unable to reach their competitive goals. Ultimately, we encourage our gymnasts to learn to budget their time when activities arise. If you are going to be late or absent to practice leave a message for the coach. At Level 7-10, please text Lori. LOCKERS & CLEANING Level 4-10 gymnasts share a locker. Gymnasts are asked to keep their lockers and that area clean. No stickers or adhesives are allowed on the lockers (they may use magnets). Nothing should be hung on the outside of the lockers. Padlocks are not allowed. No food is allowed in lockers overnight. No sitting on railings in bleacher area. Lockers should be cleaned monthly and all items must be stored in the lockers or cubbies. Any improper use of the locker area will result in the locker privileges being revoked. Gymnast must remove shoes before walking into the gym. Flips reserve the right to check lockers at any time. TEAM FEES Monthly tuition: varies per level. There is no discount given for team tuition because it is already at a discounted hourly rate. It is required that every family has a credit card on file with our office. We auto-charge your account for tuition on the 1 st of the month. You may pay ahead with cash or check and load your account. We will deduct from your account balance before charging anything to your CC on file. It is your responsibility to keep you card on file accurate through the parent portal. Other team related fees will be charged to your account CC on file(uniforms, banquet, etc.). Monthly tuition is based on 48 weeks of training per year. Monthly tuition covers coaches pay for team practices, gymnast insurance and use of gym space. Late tuition is not an option. If tuition is late, your daughter may not practice again until it is paid in full with a $25 late fee. No exceptions. Yearly team fee: paid in April. This fee is non-refundable. This fee covers team management expenses; USAG/MN memberships (covers national administrative costs and accidental insurance at meets) for athletes & coaches, coaches meet travel and training expenses. Meet Fees: Range from $100-$150 per meet. FGC assists with these fees for Level 4-10 Team Uniform: Ranges from $300-$600 depending on the level and lasts 2 years. Travel: Parents are responsible for all costs associated for their gymnasts travel to and from meets. FGC assists with fees for team staff travel. Routines and Music: Level 7-10 Choreography is $250, music varies $50-$100 MEET ENTRY Gymnasts are required to attend all meets on the schedule. If for some reason you cannot attend due to an important life event (family wedding, etc) you MUST communicate this immediately after the schedule is handed out so we do not enter your daughter in the meet. Meet fees are non-refundable.

3 TEAM UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT Team members wear the Flips uniform at meets from the start of the meet through awards. It includes a warm up, leotard, and gym bag. Uniforms are purchased every 2 years. Every Level 7-10 gymnast should also have the following in their locker every day: 2 pairs of broken in grips and wristbands, tiger paws, thera-bands, wrist/ankle weights and a copy of your floor music on your phone. COMPETITIONS Meets are held at public facilities on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and sometimes the gymnasts will have to miss school. We should know each meet schedule within two weeks of the meet. Gymnasts must attend all meets unless excused by the head coach. Meets begin the night prior with a good nights sleep. Requirements: Gymnasts must remain with the team at all times. Parents should not contact their daughter during the meet for any reason. Gymnast not showing sportsmanship like conduct will be excused from the meet. Hair must be pulled into a tight bun or ponytail. Arrive to the meet floor area 15 minutes prior to stretch time. Late arrival will not be allowed to compete. TRAVEL MEETS Level 6-10 will travel to 1-4 out of state meets per year. Some meets are Team Travel (see that section) and some travel with parents. For parent travel, you are responsible for all arrangements including flights, hotel, meals, etc. The coach will provide information regarding location, days and times and host hotels. We require that all Flips families stay at the same hotel for meets. We ask that the parents and gymnasts attend other session of the meets to establish team camaraderie. ADVANCEMENT THROUGH LEVELS The staff uses the following criteria to determine a gymnast moving to the next level: skill level, mental preparedness, success at the current level, gymnasts desire, attendance and work ethic. Gymnasts must also score a in at least 2 meets to be eligible to move up. We believe to be successful at the next level, the gymnast must have a solid foundation at the previous level and we feel scoring a proves that foundation. WORKOUT SCHEDULE Gymnast workouts include flexibility, strength, and event rotations. Gymnasts should arrive on time, but 15 minutes prior to practice is preferred if possible. If a gymnast needs anything taped our staff must do so prior to practice. We expect the gymnasts to attend the entire length of practice. We understand in Level 3-8 gymnasts may compete in another sport. In Level 9-10 gymnastics should not take a back seat to any other activities except studies. We reserve the right to cancel practice as we deem necessary for rest and recovery. Your payment schedule is based on 48 weeks per year. SAFETY & INJURIES These are part of any high level sport. Our team staff is USAG Safety, USOC Safe Sport and CPR and First Aid certified. We have created the safest facility possible and coach in a safe and progressive manner.

4 However, injuries can occur at any time when you involve speed, motion and height. If your gymnast becomes injured, the coaching staff must be kept informed on the rehab process, and we may ask to be put in contact with the physician. Gymnasts are required to continue attending all practices in full throughout an injury. It is necessary to do so to maintain strength, flexibility and work on the mental side of gymnastics. Doing so will allow them to return to event training immediately after the injury is healed. We will keep the gymnast busy training for the entirety of the workout. There are always exceptions based on the severity of the injury, but that must be discussed with the coaching staff prior to missing any practice time. Monthly tuition will not be reduced because of an injury if the gymnast plans to remain on team after the injury is healed. Most injuries will simply require some ice. If this is the case, the gymnast will ice the area and either continue practice, or work on conditioning or flex. If the injury requires a parent to take their daughter to the doctor, or emergency care, the parent will be called immediately. We will call the paramedics depending on the severity of the injury. Coaches will process an injury report and follow up with parents. If a gymnast is injured at a meet, parents will be asked onto the meet floor if necessary. COMMUNICATIONS We have an open communication policy so if any concerns or questions arise, please contact your team coach or manager. The head coach will hold one formal conference with parents per year. Other meetings can be arranged upon request. If your daughter has an issue with a certain coach, you must speak with that coach directly to resolve the issue. It is a great life lesson to teach your daughter to confront the person she is having struggles with. If you have already spoken with the coach and feel there was no resolve, you may then ask the team manager to step in to assist. Please follow a 24 hour rule to give yourself time to think through the concern before contacting a coach. Team managers will send weekly s with team information. This is our main source of communication. The coaching staff will also be in the lobby the first few minutes after practice to visit with parents. We are all here to help so please communicate. BEING A COMPETITIVE GYMNAST Congratulations! To make the Flips team you have already worked hard to develop your gymnastics skills. Sometimes practice will be frustrating if you are struggling to learn a new skill. Be patient with yourself and ask coaches for help. It takes many failures and a lot of time to be a great gymnast. We do a lot of conditioning and flexibility because these are essential in order to learn new skills. You are a member of a team and your teammates are also there to help you. Encourage them and be happy for their success. Be cooperative with your coaches and respect the facility, equipment and class students. Be enthusiastic and positive at every practice! Gymnasts Responsibilities: Attend practices regularly, on time and work hard Dress in leotard with hair pulled back tight Listen carefully to your coach and ask questions Be polite, respectful and well mannered to everyone at Flips and at competitions Display good sportsmanship and stay positive

5 Set realistic short and long term goals Accept constructive criticism and corrections. They will help you! Be mentally courageous. You may be scared at times, but believe in yourself Continuously work to maintain excellent flexibility and strength Dream big, smile and have fun! Nutritional Guidelines: Team members should maintain good nutritional habits to keep their bodies fueled for workouts and competitions. A meet is more emotionally than physically draining, so foods that settle well are appropriate. Gymnasts can bring a small healthy snack to practice each day and refuel when necessary. Incorporate a healthy eating lifestyle daily. Eat foods that are fresh and healthy. Gymnasts need protein, grains, vegetables, milk, fruit and healthy fats. If the girls want a sugary drink or treat, that s ok once a day. Before/During practice: a combo snack of protein and carbs is best. Carbs provide quick energy and protein provides lasting energy. Examples: Cheese & fruit, pretzels and peanut butter, cottage cheese & hard-boiled egg After practice: a huge meal isn t necessary. Enjoy a light meal with protein to rebuild muscles and carbs to get though your homework. Before a meet: Nothing too heavy, and pack a snack for during the meet when hunger strikes. We don t do a lot of physical activity at a meet compared to practice, but nerves and excitement eat up a lot of energy. Discipline Procedure: The best environment for learning is a disciplined one, and gymnasts must follow the Flips rules. Coaching staff will discuss appropriate behavior. If a problem occurs our procedure is: First, the coach will discuss the issue with the gymnast and ask that they not repeat it. 2nd offense the gymnast may need to sit out from practice. Parents will be notified. If a discipline problem persists, a conference with the gymnast, parents and head coach will follow. A solution that is suitable for all will be reached. If there is another occurrence the gymnast will be removed form the team. Communicating Injuries: It is extremely important that the gymnasts communicate injuries to coaches. It may be hard, but the only one who knows exactly what you can tolerate is you. Please use the following steps if you have a pain or injury: Tell the coach immediately if you have pain (don t wait until you are in tears). The coach may ask if you are able to work through your pain. You need to be honest about what you can tolerate. Gymnastics, as with any sport, requires an athlete to work through small amounts of discomfort. However, you must work through the pain only if you are able to maintain 100% effort. After working through the pain, you are now experiencing worsened pain that doesn t allow you to perform at 100%, you must stop the activity and tell the coach. This is when the injury poses a safety issue. The coach will have you ice or work on an alternate activity that is not hindered by the pain. Social Media: Gymnasts are not allowed to be friends with any Flips staff on any social media platforms. As a member of the Flips Team you are responsible for having age appropriate content on your social media pages.

6 PARENT OBLIGATIONS First and foremost, decide whether or not this is the program for your daughter. Can she handle the accelerated pace and training hours? Can she handle the discipline, commitment and conditioning? Is gymnastics what she wants to do with all her heart? Can you trust a large portion of your daughter s growth and development to our staff? Can you afford it financially? Team Travel/Host Hotel Team families are expected to stay at the chosen host hotel during the competition. After competition is complete, you are welcome to transfer to another hotel to continue your vacation. Part of the benefits of travel meets is to bond with both gymnast and other families. I understand you might find cheaper rates for a hotel if you are just looking for 1-2 rooms. Please remember, I am reserving rooms for 50+ families at times and it is more difficult to find such rates for a large group. Financial Commitment You will be the bank for tuition and fees, uniforms, travel, doctors, meets, floor routines and music, memberships and more. You must be willing and able to take on these expenses. Coach/Gymnast/Parent Triangle The parent has a difficult job because they have the least amount of control in performance. At the same time the parent feels a much higher sense of personal attachment to the performance. They ride a rollercoaster of emotions feeling the success and failures of their daughter and often take it personally. Many times the stress this can cause makes a parent lose sight of their role on the team and attempt to work beyond their limits. This can cause stress for the coach and gymnast, and reduces the effectiveness of the three-part team. What do we mean by parents going beyond their roles? Most common is the parent will coach their child at home, tries to be involved in skill decision making, feels they should have input as to which group their child should be in or gives instruction at a meet. Once your child walks onto the competition floor, they are our responsibility. We will not allow interference with our coaching. If you have a concern, please speak with the coach after a 24-hour waiting period. We are professionals that have trained and continue to train to do our job. If you do not feel that we are qualified you have the ultimate control of removing your child from our program. Please trust that we are always making the best decision for your daughter at all times. Signs that a parent needs to reevaluate their actions: Observing every practice Learning technique and deductions and applying it to the gymnast Comparing your daughter to another gymnast Verbally bad mouthing the gym, it s coaches or facilities Become the essential link in the training triangle of coach/gymnast/parent. Your trust in the coaching staff is paramount. Gymnasts need encouragement at plateaus in their skill development. At times when no progress is being made, or seems that way, a supportive hug after practice sure feels good. Encouragement is great, but refrain form pressuring a

7 child to attempt skills beyond their current physical limits. Please trust that we have your daughter s best interest in mind, and support the coaching staff during rough times. Learn about your daughter s progress periodically. A good time for a brief how s she doing is after practice. Advise coaches on any outside stressors that may be affecting her performance in the gym. If problems ever arise, communicate with the coaching staff. We would much rather bring the issue to the surface rather than hear about it through the gossip grapevine. All decisions about competing will be made by the coaching staff. Skill selection, training techniques, gymnast levels and all other similar matters are the responsibility of the coach, NOT the parent. Meet Behavior We rely on you to create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere prior to, during and after a competition. Please do not coach your daughter (point your toes, stick it). An encouraging good luck is perfect. Once warm ups have started, you will not communicate with your athlete until the meet is over. The coach will not allow her to leave the group, so please do not try to wave her over or get her attention. We need the gymnasts to focus on the task at hand, not looking to the stands. Please do not put your athlete in this situation. Try not to make sense of the judging and scoring. Under NO circumstance are you allowed to speak with a judge. You are a representative of Flips and are expected to behave in a responsible manner during competition and awards. Your number one job is to be your athlete s biggest fan, during good meets and bad. Remember that attainment of personal victory was preceded by many failures. Every bad practice/meet is as important as the good ones. They are all steps towards a final goal. Flips Team Travel Guidelines Travel to meets and clinics can be a fun and rewarding part of your team experience. Team travel helps team responsibility, independence, sportsmanship and teamwork. These are excellent life lessons that enhance the gymnastics experience. Team travel is an extremely common practice in both gymnastics and sports in general. First and foremost, the safety and protection of the athletes is always of the utmost importance during team travel. The Flips coaching staff are required to follow rigorous rules and expectations to keep the athletes safe at all times. When Flips designates a meet Team Travel this means the athletes travel as a team with the coaching staff. They will travel to and from the meet together by airplane, bus or car. They athlete s will stay in a room with 2-3 other athletes. They are with the coaches and teammates for the duration of the trip. Parents are always welcome to attend the meet and may stay in the same hotel as the team. (Flips will not create a block of room for parents ~ this is completely the responsibility of the parents). There will be a small amount of time during the weekend that parents can visit with their daughters. I know for many parents, especially of the young ones, there may be some hesitation with the thought of having your daughter off in the world without you. I can understand this

8 hesitation, and hope this document provides you with all the necessary information to make you feel more at ease. With Team Travel, athletes must travel with the team for the entire trip, no exceptions. They cannot do some portions with the team and some with parents; it is all or nothing. We can make certain exceptions for special circumstance or school event. Please understand if your request is denied the decision was made after much consideration and with the safety and best interest of the entire team in mind. Dealing with the various numbers of special requests that could arise would create a managerial nightmare for the staff. This would be far too interruptive trying to keep track of who is coming and going and will interfere with the safety of everyone when there are such variables involved. If a parent chooses not to have their daughter team travel, it is understandable. However, you are forfeiting that meet for your daughter. Exception: Athlete s age 9 and under are the exception to the Team Travel rule. They are NOT required (but are welcome to) travel with the team and are allowed to travel with parents and still attend the meet. Once an athlete is 10 years old they must travel with the team or forfeit the meet. If your daughter is 9 or under, please inform the coach as to whether or not your daughter will be traveling with the team. General Guidelines for Team Travel Flips staff has sole responsibility for the travel plans and itinerary at every meet. We will meet with the athlete s each day to go over any changes. We run on a tight schedule and don t make accommodations for parents at meals and activities. Please do not ask for exceptions. There may be certain activities and meals we can invite parents to join in if the schedule allows and we will notify you of this on the itinerary. Notify staff if your daughter needs medication. The staff will dispense the meds at the authorized time with parent s permission. Rooming lists are made with a number of facts in mind and will not be changed. It is beneficial for the gymnasts to room with teammates who maybe aren t their best friends. Some girls may have different sleeping habits and behaviors than your daughter. We will help teach them proper behavior and tips that will allow them to be successful roommates. If there is ever an issue within a room during the team travel, the gymnasts should inform the coaches immediately. Gymnasts should contact coaches immediately in a medical emergency. Itineraries are sent to parents prior to the Team Travel. It is your responsibility to make sure your daughter has a copy with her or on her phone. Safety First and Always Safety is the most important aspect of Team Travel. Flips coaches are all safety certified, USOC Safe Sport Certified and extensive background checks have been performed on every team coach. To ensure the protection of the athletes, here are guidelines the Flips staff and parents must follow: No male coaches are EVER allowed in the athlete rooms and are NEVER allowed to be alone with an athlete. Female staff in two s are allowed to do room checks at any time to be sure the rooms are safe and every gymnast is present. No athletes are ever allowed in the staff rooms.

9 Parents are NEVER allowed in gymnast rooms for any reason. No exceptions. This is to protect the privacy, security and safety of the other gymnasts in that room. Coach Chaperones Flips coaching staff will serve as the chaperones for Team Travel. There will be a lead female chaperone and she must approve all parent contact. The other staff members will be assigned a level that they are in charge of (example: Bart is assigned the Level 9 group. He is responsible for knowing where each and every gymnast is at for that level when at the meet, restaurants, etc.) If there is a situation where Bart is not allowed as a male to handle a situation, the female coach will take control. Athlete Responsibility and Rules Athletes are to follow all travel rules at all times and failure to do so will result in loss of team travel for the remainder of the season, and they will be pulled from the meet. This is a once and done policy. Athletes should be knowledgeable of the following; parents please enforce prior to travel: Money: If it was not collected ahead of time, please bring $30-$40 per day for meals in small bills. You are responsible for your own money. Know how to count change, and how to tip. Bring money for souvenirs. Flips is not responsible for lost/stolen money. Cell Phones: Phones are allowed but cannot be used during meals, team meetings, competitions or after lights out. If you need to reach your daughter during these times, please contact the coaching staff and we will put you through to her. Gymnasts are NOT allowed to look at inappropriate websites; all cell phone use requires a PG rating during the trip. Certain apps, movies, music etc. that may be allowed in your home may not be allowed during tram travel. There will be some very young gymnasts traveling with us and we need to keep content appropriate for everyone. We want everyone to feel safe and in a comfort zone and a strict PG rating should cover this. A phone will be confiscated and not returned until the end of the trip if any cell phone rules are broken. Parents will be notified if this happens so they can call staff to contact their daughter. Gymnasts should call their parents at least once per day during the trip. Bedtime: Obey curfew be in your room, IN BED and lights out. This is not a slumber party, you are here to compete and will do better with a good nights sleep. A rooming list will be given to the athletes once we are on the bus/plane. Behavior & Buddies: o You MUST stay in groups of 2+ at all times and you will be assigned buddies. Never go anywhere alone ever! o Know your itinerary and be on time. NEVER leave your room after curfew. o Flips chaperones must know where you are at all times. You are not allowed to go with your parents without the staff knowing. o Be aware of your safety and that of your fellow teammates. o Be considerate of other hotel guests and refrain from being loud or distracting. o Treat people with proper respect and use manners at all times. Leaving a hotel room messy is disrespectful to your roommates. No negative words or attitudes toward teammates. o Dress properly; follow team apparel guidelines on the itinerary.

10 o Movies are NOT to be ordered in the room without staff permission. No movies above PG are to be viewed on your devices. o No complaining about room assignment. Every gymnast is your teammate and you should be friendly with everyone. You can take this opportunity to learn about someone new. o No signs or names can be placed on the hotel room doors. This is for your safety. Parent Travel Guidelines You must attend team travel at your own expense. Flips staff will make all travel arrangements for athletes and staff only. Please respect this is a team travel meet and you are not allowed to take your daughter anywhere without the approval from the LEAD CHAPERONE. Have your daughter to the bus/airport, etc on time. We will NOT wait for late arrivals. Do not be late to pick your daughter up at the end of the trip. Itineraries will indicate meeting times and places. Money needed for meals will vary for each meet. You will be informed of what money they need before the trip. Gymnasts may wish to bring additional money for souvenirs. You will be responsible for all fees associated with Team Travel: o Flights, hotel, bus & driver, rental cars for the group, meals, etc. The head coach will give you a meet budget ahead of time for all costs. o A portion of the money may be collected ahead of time, and some will be brought to the meet. Please remember to let the staff make decision for your daughter during Team Travel. We have a strict process and have a lot of athletes to manage. When we are trying to move large groups it can be cumbersome and we cannot be thrown off the plan. The bottom line is you should try to remain invisible to your daughter while we are in the transportation process. Itinerary and Coaches Responsibilities Parents will be provided an itinerary prior to the trip that includes flight/driving schedule, hotel, meet schedule, travel schedule, and chaperone phone numbers. Flips staff will serve as drivers to transport athletes. Staff are required to monitor and require proper conduct from the athletes. Staff will set curfew and light out times and monitor them closely. Team meetings and events will only be conducted when two coaches are present and one must be female. Staff will follow extensive safety and Safe Sport guidelines at all times for the safety and well being of the athletes. Staff will go over all safety procedures/expectations with the athletes prior to the trip.

11 FLIPS TEAM COMMITMENT FORM I have read and understand the team handbook and the responsibilities within for parent/gymnast/coach. I feel that this sport and the Flips program will provide great benefits for my daughter. I make a commitment to fulfill my roles and to support the Flips program and coaching staff with my words and actions. If I have a concern I will contact the appropriate coach to resolve the problem in a mature and responsible manner. If at any time I feel this is no longer the best program for my daughter, I will contact the head coach and understand they will help me find a program that better suits my needs. I also understand that if my words or actions are not supportive of the team and coaches, my daughter will be removed from the program. Parent Signature: Date: I have read the team rules and expectations. I understand these rules and make a commitment to follow them. I will be a good teammate and support my team while working hard to reach my goals. I will be respectful to the coaches and ask for help when I need it. I also make a commitment to compete for the team for the upcoming season. Gymnast Signature: Date: Consent to Team Travel / Medication Form My daughter, has permission to travel with the Flips Team Staff to competitions during the - competitive season. I give the staff permission to make necessary medical decisions regarding my daughter s health if necessary when traveling with the Flips team. Insurance Carrier: Policy/ Group #: Staff is allowed to administer the following medications to my daughter if necessary during team travel or regular practices (please initial by each medication): Motrin and/or Tylenol Cough drops or cough medicine Tums, Pepto or similar stomach ache medication Other (please list): Prescription Medications/instructions: In an emergency, I can be reached at: Mom Dad: Parent Name: Parent Signature: Date: Please print and sign each year and return to the head team coach by June 1 st.