NORTH SHORE YMCA WILDCATS GYMNASTICS TEAM

Transcription

1 NORTH SHORE YMCA WILDCATS GYMNASTICS TEAM Handbook for the Season This document provides valuable information regarding involvement with the North Shore YMCA Wildcats gymnastics team. Please read its contents thoroughly. Gymnasts and parents/guardians of the team are required to sign the contract found on the Method of Payment/Signature page upon registering for team

2 MISSION STATEMENT The Wildcats Gymnastics Team strives to provide quality instruction, individual attention, a safe environment, and program growth. This is achieved by providing innovative coaching techniques, supportive parental involvement, and integration of the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. We strive to reflect sportsmanship in our daily activities. Each child is given the opportunity to develop physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially through fun, safe, and productive activities. We provide an open line of communication with gymnasts and parents. GOALS To promote a fun, exciting, long term experience to each and every gymnast. To promote independence and self-discipline through challenging activities. To promote team spirit through cooperative team building techniques. To guide each gymnast in developing his or her own immediate, short-term, and long term goals. PHILOSOPHY Gymnastics helps children gain strength, flexibility, endurance, agility, coordination, balance, and speed. Gymnastics enables children to excel at many other sports and activities in life. Research has proven that strength training for children is highly beneficial and is one of the most important means available for long term health. Gymnastics encourages children to concentrate and to be focused. Each child s unique learning style and needs will be respected.

3 YMCA CORE VALUES CARING Demonstrate a sincere concern for others, for their needs and wellbeing. Related values: compassion, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness. HONESTY Tell the truth, demonstrate reliability and trustworthiness through actions that are in keeping with my stated positions and beliefs. Related values: integrity and fairness. RESPECT Treat others as I would want them to treat me, and value the worth of every person, including myself. Related values: acceptance, empathy, self-respect and tolerance. RESPONSIBILITY Do what is right - what I ought to do, be accountable for my choices of behavior and actions and my promises. Related values: commitment, courage, good health, service and citizenship.

4 AREAS OF FOCUS Ys offer the programs we do for a reason. Young people need safe and enriching environments to try new things, develop skills, meet new people and show what they're capable of. Achieving and maintaining health in spirit, mind and body makes for a richer life and giving back to neighbors and people in need is our responsibility as neighbors, colleagues and citizens. The Y defines our areas of focus--the programming you're part of everyday like this: Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That s why, through the Y, millions of youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. Healthy Living: Improving the nation s health and well-being in communities across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and wellbeing. With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, millions of youth, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and wellbeing for their spirit, mind and body. Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors

5 MEMBERSHIP AND TUITION YMCA Membership Every Wildcat gymnast must be a Y member. This can be a youth membership or part of a family membership. Membership applications and payments are handled directly with the front desk staff at the Y. Youth (age 0-13) Teen (age 14-18) Family $17/month $26/month various plans are available Gymnastics Team Annual Tuition Gymnastics tuition is an annual commitment paid over ten months from September to June. Once the full annual tuition is paid, there are no payments for the months of July and August. **New for Tuition is all inclusive. There will no longer be additional charges from the Y that occur throughout the year. All your costs, with the exception of leotards and personal gear, will be rolled into 10 equal payments spread over the course of 10 months. YMCA Annual tuition includes: Gymnast s spot on team, practices, coaching, etc. YMCA meet entry fees Participation fees (previously $200 per season for competitive gymnasts) Gymnastics banquet (gymnast s meal and banquet gift) Halloween and Holiday parties, celebrations, hospitality Team specific gym equipment YMCA meet entry fees Just think.no more worrying about missed meet registration deadlines! Gymnasts competing at levels 3-9, Xcel Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond are automatically enrolled in all YMCA meets through to Regionals. There is no need to register! YMCA gymnastics is a TEAM sport. The expectation is that competitive level gymnasts enrolled in the team program will compete at all YMCA meets on the schedule.

6 Gymnasts in our pre-competitive levels Mini Pre-Team, Pre-Team, Level 1, Level 2 and Xcel Bronze will automatically be enrolled in our two home meet exhibitions (The Turkey Tumble in November and the Shamrock Invitational in March.) **USAG membership and meet participation will still be offered to Levels 4-9, as a separate activity, not falling within the Y Gymnastics Tuition. Please check your for an announcement regarding the USAG parent meeting. Participation fees Parents will no longer pay separate Participation Fees in September and February. All expenses (except uniforms, grips, optionals music, individual s clothing and gear) are included in the annual tuition. This will maximize efficiency in a number of areas at the gym including practice planning, meet registration, coach staffing and all things that go into hosting a gymnastics meet. Families will benefit from easier budgeting and time management. Parents/guardians may pay using one of two methods: 1. In full at the beginning of the season in cash, by check or charge. 2. Through an automatic monthly bank or credit draft system.

7 The bank/credit card draft will be withdrawn on the 1st of each month. Original payment plan paperwork is submitted to the gymnastics office by September 1st. Once registration is completed, questions regarding your account should be directed to Jane Heck in the membership office. (978) , X1151 All balances from the previous season must be paid prior to registering for the new season. The YMCA membership office will, at their discretion, apply funds to previous balances to keep accounts current. Questions regarding this policy should be addressed to this facility s Director of Operations, Merri-Lynn Lathrop at (978) , X1202 LEAVE OF ABSENCE If your gymnast should elect to not participate on the team at any point, the tuition draft may be stopped the following billing cycle after written notification is received. Written notice must be received by the 15th of the previous month. Please send notice to Eva Shute at shutee@northshoreymca.org. If you decide to return to the team, a fee equal to 50% of the missed published* team tuition must be paid in order to re-join the team and activities. * Published team tuition is the full monthly cost before employee discounts, financial assistance discounts, etc. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

8 The North Shore YMCA welcomes everyone s involvement by providing financial assistance through two initiatives: The Membership for All program and the Access program. Applications are available at the front desk. Membership for All and Access programs apply to team tuition only. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to apply for assistance before the start of each season. For more information, please contact Diane Manzi at manzid@northshoreymca.org. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY On days when weather might impact our ability to hold practice, please visit the YMCA of the North Shore website ( the team website ( or the YMCA s Facebook page. UNIFORMS/REQUIRED EQUIPMENT *Prices are approximate Pre Team (Leotard): approximately $50 optional Levels 3-9 and all Xcel (Leotard): $200 Levels 3-9 (Warm-up Jacket and Pants): $180 Levels 4-9 (Dowel grips, can be purchased online): * $50 Levels 6-9 and Xcel Gold, Platinum and Diamond (Gymnasts in these levels perform their own unique floor routines. Upon moving to an Optional Level or Xcel Gold, Plat or Diamond, the gymnast should contact their coach or the director to sign up for their choreography. Routines are custom made for the individual and cost $250 per routine. Routine payments are made directly to the choreographer per his/her payment schedule. Floor music should be purchased online- must first be approved by the head coach) Levels 6-9 and Xcel Gold, Platinum and Diamond approx cost of music: $50-8/2017 Floor Express music now offers a package price of $75 for the long & short versions of a song. Shorter versions are required for Level 6 & Gold (Music should only be purchased after appropriate approval and specific length is explained) - Our team owns several pieces of previously purchased music. Alterations

9 may be made at an additional fee through approved sources. Trampoline and Tumbling attire * approximately $80 Artistic competition leotards change every two years. This is the second year of the two year cycle. Every competing level gymnast must own the current team leotard and set of warm ups. Competition warm ups were redesigned and purchased in They will remain the same for the next few years. Warm ups are not worn at Level 1 or 2, or Pre-team and Xcel Bronze levels. Pre-competitive leotards are optional for these gymnasts but are strongly encouraged for exhibition at our home meets. Pre-comp leotards are the same as the past few seasons. Competition leotards and warm ups are custom made and are ordered well before the competition season begins. To keep costs down, all items will be placed as one order in late summer. Individual orders will require their own shipping and handling charges and will be billed at a higher rate, based on manufacturer s schedule and quantity rates (approximately 25% more). PRACTICE AND COMPETITION GUIDELINES Please read the following section carefully. The guidelines included within: help to make practices and competitions safe ensure that all children are treated equally and without favoritism ensure that the YMCA and the Wildcats are represented positively by both parents and gymnasts teach the YMCA core values and good sportsmanship. Parents and gymnasts will be expected to follow these guidelines at all meets and practices. Gymnasts Practice Guidelines All gymnasts will behave in accordance with the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Gymnasts are expected to give 100% effort at every practice. Call or your coach when you will be late or absent from practice. If too much practice time is missed during the competition season, the coaches may not allow the gymnast to compete for safety reasons. Make every effort to be on time for warm up and stretch.

10 Wear proper attire to every practice: GIRLS--Leotards, stud earrings only, socks and running shoes. BOYS--athletic shorts or pants and T-shirt, socks and running shoes. If you are not in proper attire, you may not be allowed to practice that day. For safety reasons, all competing gymnasts must attend the majority of the practices the week before a meet. Eligibility to attend a competition will be at the discretion of the head coach. Long hair must be kept in a pony tail. Bring water, grips, pre-wrap and athletic tape to every practice. No chewing gum, food or drink is allowed past the wall. Coaches have the right to dismiss a gymnast from practice for any of the following reasons; injury without proper documentation, exhaustion, poor health/nutrition, excessive sunburn, or lack of mental focus. Gymnasts Competition Guidelines All gymnasts will behave in accordance with the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Gymnasts may compete in all events to which they are fully prepared. Safety is of utmost importance. The coach, at his or her discretion, may determine which events are not safe for the individual to compete. Please arrive 15 minutes early to all meets. Bring a water bottle, snack, tape, and grips. Upon entering the competition arena, gymnasts must be in full uniform (including warm ups) with hair done and all nail polish removed. CELL PHONE USE is not permitted in competitive area. Gymnasts will be vocally supportive and display team pride by showing sportsmanship to teammates and competitors. Gymnasts will remain in meet attire throughout the entire event including the award ceremony. Crying gymnasts will be asked to leave the competitive arena. Score keeping will be strongly discouraged by coaches. All team members are reminded that when traveling on trips, competing in meets, and attending other team-related functions, they are representing both themselves and the Wildcats team. Their behavior must reflect the high standards of the team. Coaches have the right to dismiss a gymnast from competition for any of the following reasons; injury without proper documentation, exhaustion, poor health/nutrition, excessive sunburn, or lack of mental focus. Parents Practice Guidelines Parents play a key role in the Wildcats Gymnastics Team. We welcome you to come and observe practice to see your child s hard work in action during our Peek Weeks. Peek Week is the 2 nd week of every month. However, there are guidelines that we must impose for safety and wellbeing of gymnasts.

11 All parents will behave in accordance with the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. If you wish to discuss your child s progress with their coach please do so briefly before or after practice. If you require a longer discussion, please arrange that meeting through the head coach rather than interrupt practice time. Please remain on the bleachers during Peek Weeks. Parents/siblings are not allowed on the gymnastics floor. Allow your child s coach to coach. Coaching or yelling from the sidelines will not be permitted. Distracting the gymnasts and coaches is potentially dangerous to gymnasts and coaches. Please ensure that your communication with the coaches is respectful. If you require additional information your child s coach cannot provide, please speak to the Mike Frontierro, the head coach. If you wish to take video or photos of your child during practice, please be sure to do so in a manner that is not distracting to gymnasts and coaches. Images should be of your child only to respect the privacy of others. Photo lighting and flash photography is not allowed during practice (or competitions) as it is a safety hazard for the athletes. Parents Competition Guidelines All parents will behave in accordance with the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. At no time should team parents or contact other coaches or directors of a gym hosting a meet. All communication should be directed through the gymnastics office. PARENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE COMPETITION AREA. Please do not distract or call to your child, interrupt the coaches, or talk to the meet director or judges. These are strict rules set and enforced by the YMCA and USAG. Breaking such rules comes with a penalty of a 1 point team deduction and removal of the gymnast and parent from the competition area. If you need to communicate something very important with your child during a meet, contact a meet worker to help you. For the safety of the gymnasts, flash photography is NEVER allowed during any gymnastics competition. Flash pictures may be taken during awards. Please remember: We attempt to teach the gymnasts proper motivation and improvement strategies. Winning isn t everything. Our goal is to have fun, show our best, and try to improve from past performances.

12 Violation of Guidelines For Gymnasts: The following actions may be taken for violation by a gymnast. The head coach has the right to remove any gymnasts from practice for poor behavior. Parents will be notified and gymnast will be asked to leave. Gymnast may be restricted from attending upcoming meets or events. Gymnast may be temporarily or permanently dismissed from the team. Violation of Guidelines For Parents: The following actions may be taken for violation by a parent. Dismissal from the gym or competitive arena Prohibition from attending future meets and/or practices Temporary or permanent dismissal of parent and child from the team Peek Weeks for the Season:

13 COMPETITION INFORMATION The Wildcats Gymnastics Team is unique in that it competes in YMCA and USA gymnastics. There are many differences between these two organizations. It is important to have a discussion with a member of the coaching staff to make informed decisions about participation in USAG meets and/or YMCA meets. General Competition Information The team will host and attend several meets each year. The season s meet schedule will give an overview of upcoming meets and their locations. All competitive level gymnasts are automatically registered for all YMCA Invitational Meets. Please inform the office in writing as soon as possible, if your gymnast is unable to a meet. All YMCA gymnasts participating in YMCA Championship meets (States and Regionals) must compete in at least 2 YMCA meets per season. (League rule as of August 2015)

14 *YMCA COMPETITIONS YMCA Gymnastics is a team sport. All registered participants are expected to attend all meets. Understandably, there will be instances when this is not possible. Please notify the office manager in writing as soon as you are able if your gymnast is unable to attend. Adjustments to the schedule and coaching staff may need to be made. There are no price adjustments for missed meets. League Championships: This is a YMCA competition for Eastern Mass and New Hampshire. Awards given at this meet are team trophies, individual trophies or plaques, and individual medals. Tri-State Championships: This is a YMCA competition for Mass., New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Gymnasts must qualify for this meet by competing in two YMCA meets in the season and by attaining a certain individual all around score at one meet prior to the Tri-State Championships. Awards given at this meet are team trophies, individual trophies or plaques, and individual medals. Some type of keepsake is usually offered. Regional Championships: This is a YMCA competition for teams in the Northeast Region. Gymnasts must qualify for this meet by competing in YMCA at least twice in the season and by attaining a certain individual all around score at two meets prior to Regional Championships. A gymnast s YMCA States score can be one of the two qualifying all around scores. Awards given at this meet are team trophies, individual trophies or plaques, and individual medals. Some type of keepsake usually included. There may be an admission fee for spectators at the Regional Championship, based on the hosting gym s cost to acquire the competition venue. Attendees should be prepared to pay the fee in cash for all members of their party. National Championships: This is a YMCA competition for levels 6-9 and Xcel Platinum and Xcel Diamond. Each gymnast must qualify once prior to Regionals. At this competition, gymnasts compete against teams from all across the nation. The competition will be held in Toledo, Ohio in June/July. Awards given at this meet are team awards for Level 8 and up, individual event medals and All American Awards for levels 8 and 9/10 Championship only. Individual event and all around medals are awarded within the session only for levels 6, 7 and Xcel Platinum and Diamond. There will be an informational meeting for parents interested in attending Nationals on or about mid-way through the season. The North Shore Wildcats Pre-team, Xcel Bronze, Level 1 and Level 2 gymnasts are invited to exhibition during our two home meets in November and March. The purpose is to expose gymnasts to the competitive experience and gain confidence in front of a judge and an audience. Dates and times will be ed to the parents when it becomes available.

15 **USAG COMPETITIONS Competing in USAG is not a requirement for compulsory or optional teams. Gymnasts who choose to participate must attend the meets for which they qualify. Level 4-9 and Xcel Gold, Platinum and Diamond gymnasts are invited to join the USAG team. The Wildcats will attend meets in which three or more gymnasts from the level have committed to attend. More information regarding participation in USAG program will be available soon YMCA Meet Schedule Schedule is subject to change Addresses and directions to away meets can be found on the team website. PLEASE Check the team website for the updated schedule.

16 PRIVATE COACHING Private and semi-private coaching is available! Your child can receive additional instruction from a coach. Please contact the coach directly ( addresses are listed on page 18) Rates for private coaching are: $20 per ½ hour $40 per hour LEVEL PLACEMENT Gymnasts will be placed on a level in which they have consistently demonstrated the ability to perform the majority of skills required for that level. Gymnasts should expect to repeat levels throughout their gymnastics careers. The sport of gymnastics is not similar to a school experience in which a student, moves up a level each year and repeating a grade is considered, staying back. A gymnast who repeats level 5 will continue to perfect her level 5 skills, gain confidence and strength, all while working level 6 skills. Rushing an athlete into a higher level at which they are not fully qualified results in frustration, mental blocks, lack of concentration and worst of all, injuries. Although it may not be obvious to the gymnast, coaches continually evaluate each gymnast s readiness to progress and obtain skills. It is important that the gymnasts and their families trust the system that is in place to keep them healthy and on track towards a successful long-term career in gymnastics. COMMUNICATION Good communication is vital to any organization. We have established multiple channels of communication. Website: If you have questions, your first sources of reliable information are this handbook and the team website. On the website, you will find news, team activities, cancellations, directions and information for upcoming meets, and lots, lots more! ( This is the most effective way to communicate information between the gymnastics office and gymnasts, parents, and coaches. Please check your inbox frequently. Be sure to add our addresses to your address book. This will ensure your provider will not reject communications. A listing of team staff and coaches is included in this handbook and on the website. If you change your address during the year, please contact us in writing with the new information. If you do not have access to the internet, please inquire at the office to discuss the best way to keep you informed of all news and events.

17 INJURY POLICY Gymnastics involves motion, rotation and height in a unique environment and such assumes a reasonable assumption of risk. Great care is taken to strengthen, train and prepare for the sport. However, in the event of injury, it is advised that the athlete seek the advice of a physician to properly diagnose the injury. Proper documentation is required to excuse from or adjust a gymnast s training. Likewise, the gymnast must provide documentation from the physician to return to practice and competition. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to inform the Gymnastics Director of any limitations the physician has imposed in order to prevent further injury. In addition, any verbal indication from the gymnast or parent/guardian regarding a possible injury must be taken seriously. This may result in removal from practice and/or meets for the safety of the gymnast. Rule of thumb: When in doubt, get it checked out! A note from the doctor is required whenever there is a suspected injury. After the initial doctor s visit, subsequent communication from the medical office is required in order to adjust the child s practice plan and competition eligibility. The need to temporarily suspend team tuition payments is rare and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Gymnasts with injuries to extremities can and should continue to participate in gymnastics training by following an adjusted practice plan. The practice plan will be specific to the gymnast based on orders and recommendations of the physician and/or physical therapist. In most cases, continued training in an adjusted form will help the gymnast physically, mentally and socially return to full participation. Full participation requires a clearance notice from the physician. VOLUNTEERING Participating in the success of the program is required of every Wildcat family!! All families are asked to volunteer at our home meets. Parents, guardians, siblings and grandparents volunteer their time and are very helpful! However, many of the positions do require the help of adults, so please volunteer at least once per home meet. Method of volunteering will be posted and ed to all families prior to home meets. We have several different opportunities to volunteer at home meets. More information will be available as the time draws near.

18 WILDCATS TEAM COACHES and STAFF Eva Shute Mike Frontierro GBY Gymnastics Director of Ops. Team Head Coach for All Levels, USAG Shari Marescalchi Gymnastics Coordinator Roberta Brown Compulsory Head Coach Courtney Hannable Compulsory Team Coach Julie Sciamanna Team Coach Dave Tilley Optionals Team Coach Patty Molloy Xcel Team Coach Mel Berube Optionals Team Coach Linda Richardson Xcel and Compulsory Coach Taylor Metta Pre-comp and Compulsory Team Coach Hailey Rennick Team Coach Steph Negrotti Team Coach Liana Eramo Compulsory and Optionals Coach Hannah Marescalchi Pre-competitive & Xcel Coach Cassie Clancy Pre-competitive and Compulsory Coach

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