Bismarck Gymnastics Academy Competitive Team Handbook. (Updated 10/17/2017) Bismarck, ND Phone: (701)

Transcription

1 Bismarck Gymnastics Academy Competitive Team Handbook (Updated 10/17/2017) Bismarck, ND Phone: (701)

2 BGA mission statement To provide a progressive gymnastics training program which enhances the strength, agility, flexibility, balance, coordination, and self-esteem of the participants BGA Training Philosophy *Self-Discipline *Knowing what has to be done to achieve a goal *Self-Motivation *Working hard because you want to *Time Management *Getting more done in less time *Respect for: Teammates, Judges, Coaches, and Yourself *Sportsmanship *Playing by the rules, winning, and losing *Dedication *Staying focused on goals *Leadership *Setting a good example *Teamwork & Cooperation *Supporting teammates through a positive attitude *Proper Nutrition & Physical Fitness *Foundations of a healthy lifestyle Time Commitment Competitive gymnastics is a year-round commitment. Because of this, occasional, personal sacrifices will sometimes have to be made. This is not to say that gymnastics must consume your life style, or that family vacations are not allowed. Actually, they are encouraged. Our coaching staff realizes that family and academics must be priorities. Ultimately, we hope that our athletes learn to budget their time when other activities arise. If the gymnast is going to be late or absent, please call the gym, send a note, or and leave a message for the coach before practice. Private Lessons *New private lesson policy to come (no lessons offered at this time) Private Lessons are designed to improve on, or learn specific skills. They are available if a gymnast would like additional gym time to help catch up on or improve specific skills. A coach will recommend a lesson if the situation arises. COMPETITIVE PROGRAM EXPLAINED 2

3 BGA Girls Competitive Program operates following guidelines set forth by USA Gymnastics, the national governing body of the sport of gymnastics in the United States. Team Selection Placement into the Competitive Program is recommended by the coaching staff. Criteria for advancement into the Training Team or Team Programs consists of maturity, strength and coordination. Typically, children excelling through the recreational programs will be recommended to move to the Training Team/Team by the coaching staff. Level Advancement *mobility charts specific to each level* Level advancement is determined by the potential success in the next level. While it is impossible to know how a gymnast will perform, specific benchmarks must be demonstrated for advancement. Factors such as performance at the previous level, physical preparedness, focus, age, dedication and maturity influence the coaches decision on level placement. Groups Training groups are set to match gymnasts with similar ability levels together. Groups are split based on skill level, maturity, work ethic, and are set by the coaching staff to benefit the entire team. Team groupings are not indicative of any future level placement, and only serve to make the learning process more efficient. Training Team Program The Training Team Program (Levels 1-2) is a series of accelerated recreational classes. The target age group is 3-8 years, and children must demonstrate a high level of maturity and ability. While the main focus is to have fun while exploring the limits of body control and movement, the Training Team Program demands a high level of discipline. Children who demonstrate that they are ready mentally and physically will progress into the Team Program. USAG Compulsory Program Compulsory level (Levels 3-5) skills and routines are set by USAG and are designed to build upon the foundation of skills and techniques learned in the developmental program as well as prepare the athletes for success in optional level competition. These routines are the same for every gymnast across the country. The compulsory athletes train between 9 and 12 hours a week and compete primarily within North Dakota. The compulsory season culminates at the ND State Championship Meet. 3

4 USAG Optional Program After successfully progressing through the Compulsory Program, gymnasts and their coaches select skills and set routines to fulfill requirements set by USAG. The Optional levels (Levels 6-10) are different from Compulsory in that every routine is unique, and skills are selected based on individual strengths. The optional athletes practice between 12 and 16 hours a week and compete primarily within North Dakota and Region IV with 1-2 competitive opportunities outside the intermediate area ( Travel Meets ). The optional athlete s season culminates at Region IV Championships (Level 6,7,8), or Western/National Championships (Level 9,10). TOPs Program *pending* The Talented Opportunity Program is a talent and educational program for female gymnasts ages During the months of June and July gymnasts are evaluated on abilities at the state or national level. Evaluation criteria consists of "Physical Ability" and "Skills" testing. TOPs is a selection process to find the best young gymnasts in the nation and is often a step toward competing in the Elite Program. Workout Overview Workouts consist of a flexibility and strength period, as well as individual event rotations ranging in length from 30 minutes to one hour. The rotation and training schedule is predetermined by the coaching staff. We understand a gymnast may compete in another sport, and we support it, while making sure the athlete and parents realize missing valuable practice time may not allow the gymnast to progress at the same rate as her teammates. To attain a high competitive level, gymnastics cannot take a "back seat" to any other activity. Consistent attendance is required to stay on team, regardless of extra activities. We do reserve the right to cancel practices as we deem necessary. Please remember that the practice calendar and your payment schedule are based on a 48-week year. BGA FEES AND POLICIES Tuition is billed monthly BGA bills on a 48-week year tuition policy which accounts for gym closures. There will be no prorating of tuition. If you have extenuating circumstances, please talk to the Competitive Manager/Head Coach. Tuition will be billed to your online Parent Portal on the 15th of the previous month and due on the 1st of the practice month. You may choose to have payments taken out on the 1 st automatically If you choose to make your payments manually you need to alert the Competitive Manager/Head Coach. 4

5 A late fee of $25 will be assessed to any accounts not paid in full by the 9th of the month. Any balances over 90 days will result in suspension of membership until paid in full. Once the month begins, no refunds will be issued with the exception of discontinuing participation in the program or extended injury stopping ability to attend practice. A doctor's note will be required. If able to attend and continue with conditioning/strengthening and team bonding, no refund will be given. Those participating in other sports must report their practice schedule to the head competitive coach as soon as it becomes available. Parent Commitment 1. Make sure gymnast attends all regularly scheduled workouts, meets, and special functions. 2. Communicate with the coaches regarding any problems. 3. Check the bulletin board and regularly to stay current with team activities. Make sure we have a valid address and that you are set up to receive s from us through iclass Pro. 4. Membership in the Booster Club (to be started in this year) is highly recommended. Please attend the scheduled Booster Club Meetings. Notice will be posted in the gym and ed to you. 5. Know your role in the Gymnast/Coach/Gymnast Triangle. The Most Important Job in the World: Parenting Your Athlete is a great resource. In this hour-long DVD, USAG National Team Sports Psychologist, Alison Arnold (Ph. D) discusses the do's and don'ts of parenting your young athlete. This can be found at BGA TEAM RULES Training Attire 1. The only acceptable attire during practice is a leotard a. Skin tight shorts may be worn 2. No jewelry, except for small, stud earrings 3. Hair must be put up and secure a. Extra hair bands are recommended as they often break during training Training Attendance 1. The gymnasts are expected to attend all practices; however, the coaching staff understands that there can be conflicts with practice times (school events, schoolwork, conferences, special events, family events, family vacations, and sickness). When a gymnast misses too many practices they fall behind and lose 5

6 track of their competitive goals. It is also detrimental to the rest of the team, as it slows the progress of the gymnast's group. 2. Gymnasts are expected to arrive on time and stay for the entire duration of the practice a. Gymnasts should arrive to the gym minutes earlier than the scheduled start time of practice. By the start time, all gymnasts should be upstairs in their designated waiting area and ready to train. b. Tardiness or leaving early on occasion is not a problem, but should not be habitual c. Practice ends when the coach dismisses the group d. If a gymnast must be late or leave early, notice should be given 3. Gymnasts must train at their assigned times, unless prior permission is given a. Gymnasts will not be allowed to train with another group without notice and approval 4. If a gymnast is ill and/or contagious, she should stay home and recover a. A gymnast will not be allowed to train if she appears ill b. Illness and "feeling bad" are different things and training through a bad day is essential to learning to deal with mental adversity 5. Gymnasts are expected to show respect to their coaches, all additional gym staff, and team members at all times a. A negative attitude is detrimental to the entire team and will not be tolerated i. This expectation grows larger as gymnasts mature b. Older gymnasts are expected to set a good example for younger gymnasts 6. Gymnasts are expected to want to improve. This includes an understanding that not every aspect of gymnastics training is meant to be fun a. While we try to make practice as interesting as possible, some aspects of the sport are very strenuous and sometimes uncomfortable (e.g. Conditioning & Flexibility) 7. Gymnasts are required to show a level of discipline while training a. Gymnasts are expected to focus on performing to the best of their ability at all times. Socializing during training is not acceptable, as it breaks focus and makes for an unsafe training environment. Lockers Every Level 3-10 athlete will be assigned a locker in which to place her belongings while at practice. Most athletes will be assigned to share a cubby with a teammate. Athletes are encouraged to be mindful of their belongings and the space the items occupy in and around the area. Please keep this shared space tidy and be respectful of your neighbor s belongings. BGA is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Please leave valuables at home! Recommended items to leave in cubby: deodorant, water bottle, hair ties/bands, practice attire. 6

7 Cell Phones/Personal Electronics All athletes are required to place their cell phones or other personal electronics in their cubby at the beginning of each workout in an effort to prevent unnecessary phone calls/texting during practice hours. Phones will not be allowed out onto the gym floor during practice time except when permitted by a coach (for necessary communication with a parent, appropriate video recording of skills, etc.). If a parent requires to contact their athlete during practice hours, they must call the office to leave a message for their athlete (or athlete s coach) or to speak to their athlete in an emergency situation. Snacks/Hydration Athletes need to practice proper nutrition. Please send healthy nourishing snacks for your gymnast to eat after school, before practice, or during snack break. Any team practicing longer than 3 hours will be given a short snack break mid-workout in order to adequately refuel their bodies. Every athlete should come with a water bottle. No liquids other than water will be allowed on the practice floor. Injuries In the event of an accident at practice, a BGA Competitive Program staff member will assess and evaluate the severity of the injury and contact the parents immediately if the coach feels further medical attention is necessary. If the gymnast has a non-emergent ache or pain at practice, the gymnast must notify their coach of the issue immediately. The athlete will then be offered the option to take a short break to rest before resuming activity. Injured athletes are encouraged to attend workouts as regularly scheduled despite the injury (unless otherwise directed by a Physician). The staff will come up with a modified training plan to meet the individual s needs. Rules for Parents 1. Parents are not allowed on the gym floor for any reason without permission a. The viewing area is upstairs, where parents can monitor the training session. This is the only acceptable viewing area. 2. Parents are strictly prohibited from coaching on the side. a. Skills are taught a specific way for future progressions, any 3 rd party coaching is likely to jeopardize the learning process 3. Parents are prohibited from pulling their child out of practice to speak with or discipline them (excluding emergencies) a. This is similar to coaching from the side, and only serves to derail the learning process. 4. Parents are prohibited from trying to meet with the coaching staff during training sessions. a. If a parent needs to let a coach know something, please inform the Front Office or the head coach directly prior to the practice. 7

8 b. Parents must set meetings with the coaching staff to be updated on their child's progress, or any concern they may have. This can be done by ing the competitive manager at Scheduled conferences will be scheduled one to two times each year. c. If a complaint situation arises, a meeting should be scheduled with the head coach right away. 6. Parents are expected to attend all meetings/read all s/check gym website and stay informed on gym matters Competition Rules/Basic Meet Guidelines 1. Gymnasts are to remain with the team at all times 2. Parents are not allowed to contact the gymnast during warm-up or competition 3. Gymnasts expressing a negative attitude or have bad behavior before or during the competition will be removed from the meet 4. Gymnasts are required to remain in full uniform for the awards 5. Hair must be pulled back tightly away from face and not interfere with gymnast s movement. Fly-away hairs should be sprayed back and ponytails should be looped or in a bun 6. Absolutely no color nail polish, jewelry or fake tattoos 7. Absolutely no flash photography 8. Gymnast must arrive at the competition site 15 minutes prior to general stretch time 9. Gymnasts are not allowed to have food on the floor (USAG rule). Water only! *Please remember that the meet actually begins the night before with a good night's sleep Meet and Travel Information Final meet information may not be available until the week of the meet. The head coach will distribute all meet information as soon as it becomes available. Information will be ed and, in some cases, a hard copy of information may be sent home with athletes. The office will not have the information until we send it out to families. Please do not call other gyms asking for the schedules-schedules are sent to attending clubs and it is the responsibility of individual programs to distribute information to athletes and parents. *Parents are responsible for arranging travel and lodging for their gymnast TEAM PARENT GUIDELINES Discipline Procedure Whether in the school classroom or in the gym the best environment for learning is a disciplined one. Discipline in this context means that students follow the rules. If a discipline problem occurs the procedure is as follows: 1. The coach who noticed the problem will discuss the problem with the gymnast, and the gymnast may be given a verbal reprimand or an alternative assignment. 8

9 2. Upon a second offense the parents are called and will be made aware of the situation. The gymnast may be asked to leave practice. 3. Finally, if discipline problems persist, a conference with the gymnast, the parent, the head coach, and the coach most directly involved with the problem is held. A solution that is suitable for all should be reached. 4. If the problem continues to persist, commitment to the team program may be reevaluated and the gymnast may be indefinitely dismissed from the team program. Team Communication We have an open communications policy on our team with gymnasts, parents and coaches. If any concerns or questions should arise, feel free to call or the head coach or schedule an appointment. We do require a 24 hour cool off period before meeting regarding complaints. We also agree to return any calls or s within 48 hours of being received (during regular business hours). BGA holds 1-2 formal conferences with each gymnast and her parents per year. Other meetings can be arranged upon request. COMPETITION INFORMATION Gymnastics meets are typically held at gymnastics centers and public facilities, and are usually held on weekends. The season is usually composed of 6-8 Qualifier meets, leading up to the State Championships. The season s meet schedule will be given to all competitive team families prior to competition season beginning. For most levels, the qualifying score to be eligible to compete at the State Championship is AA score. Levels 8-10 have a state qualifying score of and are eligible to qualify to Regional/ National Championship competitions. The exact day and time of competition will be shared with gymnast s family as soon as it is released by each gym prior to the meet. Team members are required to compete in all scheduled meets unless excused by the head coach. Acceptable reasons are illness, injury, and family emergencies. Competition Fees Compulsory Teams (Levels 3, 4 and 5) Uniforms: competition leo, warm-up jacket/pants USAG membership fee: $57 due annually August 1 st of each year ND USAG membership fee: $20 due August 1 st of each year Meet fees: $40; $50 for state (in-state) Optional Teams (Levels 6-10) Uniforms: warm-up leo, competition leo, warm-up jacket/pants, meet bag USAG membership fee: $57 due annually August 1 st of each year ND USAG membership fee: $20 due August 1 st of each year 9

10 Meet fees: (Levels 6,7,8) $50; $60 for state (Levels 8,9,10) $60; $70 for state Out of state meets/regionals/nationals: $100-$150 REQUIRED & RECOMMENDED GYMNASTICS EQUIPMENT Competitive Uniform *Required for all Team Members Estimated cost: $ Team members are required to wear the BGA team uniforms at competitive meets. The uniform includes a warm-up jacket/pants and a competition leotard. Each athlete is responsible to purchase a new uniform every 2 years. The uniform remains the property of the gymnast. Gymnasts must wear the proper uniform from the moment they enter the meet facility through the completion of awards. Grips/ Grip Bags & Tiger Paws *Recommended for Team Members Levels 5/6 and above (dependent on need) Estimated cost: $30-$50 (Grips) $20-$25 (Grip Bag & Contents) BGA requires gymnasts to buy and use grips when they start learning giants; (Level 5/6). Grips are designed to increase the gymnast's grip on bars, while reducing friction between the hand and bar. explains differences in grips and how to measure to get the correct size and type. Recommended: Team Bags *Recommended Estimated cost: $30-$50 BGA Team Bags are nice to have at competitions and while traveling to show our Team Spirit. Team Bags can be embroidered or printed with "BGA" and the gymnast's name. Floor Music/Choreography Applies to optional level 6-10 athletes only. Depending on where floor music is obtained, an athlete s floor music will be approximately $25-$50. Choreography may be as little as $50 or upwards of $300 depending upon selected choreographer. Floor music/routines are generally used for two seasons. All music must be approved by Head Coach. If you need 10

11 additional help in finding music or scheduling a choreographer, please contact Head Coach. COMPETITION ETIQUETTE FOR PARENTS 1. Team Spirit is highly encouraged. Wear team colors or one of our club shirts. 2. Remember, your gymnast is part of the BGA team. She competes not only for herself but also for her teammates, parents, coaches, and BGA. 3. Please show proper respect to all Officials and Coaches at every competition. Under no circumstance should you attempt to contact any official on the competition floor. If you have any questions regarding the meet or your child s scores please contact your coach. 4. Please show proper respect to all competitors. You never know who is sitting near you. 5. Once a gymnast has walked into the competition area for warm-up, they are not allowed to talk or have contact with their parents until the competition is over. This has less to do with control than it does with focus. 6. In any competition, parents, friends, and relatives of the gymnast are not allowed onto the competitive floor. 7. In case of injury during warm-up or competition, please stay in the spectator area unless your coach flags you onto the floor. 8. Please do not coach your child. Coaches should coach, everyone else should encourage. Injury may result from changing the gymnast s focus away from the coach s technique. 9. All gymnasts are expected to stay until the end of the awards ceremony whether they are receiving an award or not (unless there is an emergency). They need to cheer all award recipients - especially their teammates. BGA BOOSTER CLUB *(development in progress) The sole purpose of the Booster is to provide assistance in the operation, management and development of its members. The Booster Club will operate independently from the management of BGA, but not without its input, advice and cooperation. The Booster Club has its own board of directors and will meet regularly as prescribed by its bylaws. The Booster Club will conduct various fundraisers, activities and events as its board sees fit. The board of directors sets its own fees and dues, with input from the management. All parents are highly encouraged to attend all meetings. The BGA Booster Club raises funds through memberships, donations, sponsorships, assisting with our annual Julie Zeigler Memorial meet, Pro Shop sales, and other events organized by the membership. When funds are available to do so, they are used for expenses associated with competitions for all team gymnasts at BGA, putting on our own Julie Zeigler Memorial meet, awards and recognitions for all BGA team members, and promoting the sport of gymnastics in the Bismarck-Mandan community. We ask that you join with your fellow parents and support the efforts to support our competitive gymnasts by lending the Booster Club your thoughts, ideas, and abilities in their fundraising activities. 11

12 COACH/GYMNAST/PARENT TRIANGLE The parent has one of the most difficult jobs on the coach/gymnast/parent team because they have the smallest role in actually controlling performance. The combination of a high emotional stake in a gymnast's performance with so little direct control is stressful! Many times, this stress causes them to lose sight of their role on the team and attempt to work beyond their limits. This can cause stress for the coach and the gymnast, as well as reduces the effectiveness of this three-part team. What do we mean by parent's going beyond their roles? The most common ones are of course the parent that begins to "coach" their child. This is the parent that begins to try to make technical corrections on the way a skill is being done, or attempts to make decisions on what skills should be in a routine, or feels they know which group their child should be in, or gives corrections to their child at a competition. **If you choose BGA as the gym to train your child, be sure of your decision and then let us do our jobs. Once your child walks through the gym doors or onto the competition floor, they are our responsibility. We will not allow interference with our coaching. If you have a concern, please talk to the coach at the appropriate time (schedule a meeting with that coach after the 24 hour cool off period). We will explain our side of the situation, but will not discuss coaching issues. We may make mistakes but we are professionals that have trained and continue to train to do this job. Danger signs - Observing every practice - intently. - Coaching your daughter. - Learning about technique and deductions and applying it to your gymnast(s). - Comparing your child and their progress to other gymnasts. - Verbally abusing the gym, its coaches, its facilities yet remaining in the program (this usually demonstrates a deeper frustration or problem - identify the real problem). ** If we find this to be a consistent problem (i.e. gossiping and negativity/creating a toxic atmosphere in our gym, you and your athlete(s) will kindly be asked to leave our competitive program. Become the essential link in the training triangle of coach/gymnast/parents. Your trust in the coaching staff is paramount. Gymnasts need more encouragement at "plateaus" in their skill development. At times when no progress is being made, or at least it seems that way, showing support is the best thing you can do for your child. While encouragement is essential, please refrain from pressuring the child to "outperform" anyone else or to attempt skills which may be beyond their present physical ability and therefore dangerous. Truly believe that we have your daughter's best interest in mind, and we ask you to support the coaching staff during the rough times. 12

13 Find out about your gymnast's progress periodically. For a full discussion of your gymnast's progress, make an appointment with the child's coach. If you cannot schedule an appointment, please the coach for a brief progress report. Advise coaches on adverse situations or stresses the gymnast may be undergoing outside the gym. Should problems arise, communicate with the coaching staff. We would much rather bring the problems to the surface rather than hear about your discontent through the ever present "gossip grapevine". ANNUAL GYM CLOSURES a. Winter Holidays (Christmas and day after Christmas; New Year s Day; day after Ziegler meet: January 15 th ) b. July 4-5th c. Halloween d. Thanksgiving e. Easter Monday (April 2 nd ) f. Memorial Day week May 28 th -31 st ) g. First week of school (August 28 th -31 st ) h. Labor Day (September 4 th ) *Gym closings are determined annually and are subject to change ZERO TOLERANCE BULLYING POLICY Bullying and/or cyber bullying through social media sites WILL NOT be tolerated. If an athlete is caught engaging in bullying another athlete, she will be immediately excused from practice. A meeting with the athlete and her parents will be set up. Upon meeting with the gymnast and her parents and coming to an agreement/solution, the athlete will then be allowed back to practice, contingent on the fact that she does not continue the behavior. If the athlete is caught bullying a second time, the athlete will be permanently excused from the BGA Team Program. SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES It is important to remember being a part of team at Bismarck Gymnastics Academy (BGA) is a privilege and not a right. As an athlete participating on a team at BGA, you are a representative of our organization and our always in the public eye whether you think so or not. This is especially true in the ever-growing world of social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, Vine, Vimeo, Tumbler, etc!). Our athletes and families are held in the highest regard and are seen as role models in our community. As leaders, you have the responsibility to portray your team, coaches, our organization and yourselves in a positive manner at all times. 13

14 GYMNASTICS OPTIONS THROUGH BGA RECREATIONAL CLASS PROGRAM PRE-SCHOOL (Girls & Boys ages 18 months to 5 years) COMPETITIVE PROGRAM HOT-SHOTS *program pending PARENT-TOT (18mos 3 years) TRAINING TEAM pre-competitive levels 1 & 2 TUMBLING TOTS (3-5 years) *instructor permission required GRADE SCHOOL (Girls 5 years and above) COMPETITIVE TEAMS BEGINNER COMPULSORY LEVELS 3-5*** INTERMEDIATE* OPTIONAL LEVELS 6-10*** ADVANCED* *Girls will move up based on coach approval ***Participation in all of these levels is based on tryouts, qualifying scores and coach approval. Team membership is based on a one-year commitment. A more thorough description of each team will follow TUMBLING (Boys & Girls 7 years and above) BEGINNER INTERMEDIATE* ADVANCED* *Boys & Girls will move up based on coach approval BOYS (5 years and above) HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM Please contact Linda Grina (High School Head Coach) 14

15 BGA GIRLS COMPETITIVE TEAM CONTACT INFORMATION Stephanie Birkeland Executive Director/Interim Competitive Manager & Head Coach Torrea West Recreational Manager & Competitive Team Coach McKenzie Swallow: Pre-Comp Lead and Competitive Team Coach Megan Kelley: Competitive Team Coach Kat Kelley: Competitive Team Coach 15

16 BGA TEAM COMMITMENT I have read and understand the team rules and the responsibility descriptions for coach/gymnast/parent. I feel that this sport has many benefits to offer my family, myself and my child. In choosing Bismarck Gymnastics Academy I feel that my child's goals can be reached. I make a commitment to fulfill my roles to the best of my ability and to support this program in my words and actions. If I have a disagreement or problem with the staff or program, I will contact the head coach first to attempt to resolve the situation. If at any time I feel that this is no longer the best program for my child, I will notify BGA and stop her training at this gym. I also understand and agree that if at any time my actions or words become detrimental to this program, I will be asked to remove my child from the competitive program. PARENT SIGNATURE: DATE: PARENT SIGNATURE: DATE: I have read the team rules and responsibility descriptions for coach/gymnast relations. I understand these rules and make a commitment to do my best to fulfill my responsibilities on this team. I also make a commitment to compete. GYMNAST SIGNATURE: 16