Ultimate Air Handbook Trampoline and Tumbling Team

Transcription

1 Ultimate Air Handbook Trampoline and Tumbling Team

2 Welcome to the Ultimate Air Team Program Thank you for your commitment to the Ultimate Air Trampoline and Tumbling (T&T) competitive team program. We would like to welcome you and congratulate each one of you for choosing this sport for your child. Trampoline and Tumbling is one of the greatest overall body conditioning activities your child could be a part of. It prepares children for all types of sports and physical activities. Trampoline and Tumbling, A brief History Trampoline and Tumbling consists of four events; trampoline, synchronized trampoline, tumbling, and double-mini. Athletes can begin competing as early as four years old and at level one. Once they reach level 5 or higher and score high enough (qualifying score) they become eligible to compete at the State, Regional, or National level. Trampoline is the only event from T&T that is currently in the Olympics, but all four events are in World Championships. Your athlete is required to compete in all events until they reach level eight on two out of three events. At this point, they are allowed to make a choice and continue with all three or pick the two they prefer. Your athlete may advance quicker on one event than another. In T&T, this is acceptable and common to compete different levels on each event. Because of this, there is no all around medal or score. Each event is awarded individually based on age and level. During competition, Trampoline competes one pass (two passes for level 8 and up). Tumbling and Double-mini compete two passes per level. Each pass is scored out of thirty points and combined for the final score. There are three categories of levels in T&T; compulsory (level 1-7), optional (level 8-10), and elite (Youth, Open, Junior, Senior). These levels are determined by specific routines with required skills. Our Mission and Philosophy To impact children s lives through the sport of Trampoline and Tumbling. By building character, commitment and community, we help develop confident and responsible individuals. Our team philosophy is two-fold: individual potential and emotional growth. Each athlete that possesses the ability, the will, and the desire will be given the opportunity to achieve their highest individual potential in a safe and positive learning environment. In addition to our concern for each child s physical development, we also seek to enhance self-confidence and responsibility. At Ultimate Air, the focus is not on winning, rather the process of developing a champion in and out of the gym. Our staff finds and fosters these qualities, providing a positive influence while helping each athlete set and achieve their personal goals. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of team unity and team spirit within the competitive team program. In order for us to reach the ultimate at each practice, it is vital to our athlete that they feel a sense of pride and self-worth. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where each athlete will be influenced to be the best they can be, not only in the gym, but also throughout their lifetime. 6 Unifying Principles Respect We respect each other as individuals. (Coaches, athletes, parents) Integrity We adhere to moral and ethical principles. Accountability/Responsibility We accept responsibility for our actions. Teamwork We work together as a unit, solving problems. Excellence The pursuit of personal best in every aspect of our being, while on this team.

3 Priority of Commitment and Attendance Although Ultimate Air expects Trampoline and Tumbling to be a high priority for team members, we believe it should never come before family and religious commitments nor academics. During the competitive season, an athlete is not permitted to miss practice the week prior to a competition due to other sports, activities, or vacation. If the athlete misses practice the week prior to a competition, it will be the discretion of the coaching staff to determine whether they will be safe and prepared to compete in further competitions. No refunds for missed competitions will be given. Attendance at all scheduled practices is mandatory. For your athlete and our team to attain the level of excellence for which we are aiming, we need 100% commitment from all athletes, coaches, and parents. If an athlete must miss a practice, coaches would like to know as early as possible. The acceptable means of notifying your coach of an absence will be a handwritten note, , or text message. We do not give makeups for a missed practice, but we do allow you to schedule a private lesson. It is the responsibility of each athlete and their parents to be prompt. Continual tardiness will not be tolerated. If a problem does arise, a conference with the parent will be arranged and the situation will be resolved at the discretion of the coaching staff. If you have a schedule conflict please see a coach at the start of the season (September). Athletes leaving early from practice is acceptable, although not prefered. Acceptable reasons for leaving include athlete illness, injury, school commitment, family commitment, or religious commitment. If the athlete leaving early becomes a common occurence, the coaching staff reserves the right to call a conference with the family to address the situation. Please be aware that after any prolonged absence, excused or unexcused, coaching staff reserves the right to assess and place your child in the level that matches their ability. This may or may not be the level to which they were previously assigned. This also may affect the training group to which your athlete is assigned. Placement and Mobility Our philosophy is to compete an athlete when they are ready and not before. Besides safety factors, we want their competitions to be a positive and rewarding experience. Our goal is to place our athletes at a level that will provide a challenge but also provide an opportunity for success. It has been our experience that they feel much better about themselves and the sport of trampoline and tumbling when they experience success. Careful evaluation goes into considering an athlete for competition. Are they physically and mentally ready? Getting mentally ready is tough enough, parent s please do not make competing any harder by expressing your fears, anxieties, or emotions. Usually a calm, supportive attitude is best. Athletes progress at different rates for a multitude of reasons. Your athletes may move up faster or slower than their friends. It is your role as a parent to help your athlete through these stages by support and positive motivation. All athletes must be able to perform at practice all of the required skills necessary in a level in order to compete at that level. No exceptions. Athletes will compete at the level they are best prepared for and will be given an opportunity to be judged in the gym before going to a meet. The coaching staff will decide when an athlete can safely perform the skills and that they are competition ready. Mobility Advancement Between Competition Levels Each level in the USA Gymnastics Trampoline and Tumbling program has a minimum standard for mobility, or movement to the next level. It is important to remember that the mobility scores required to move up a level is the minimum standard needed for mobility. Achieving the minimum score at one level does not mean that the athlete will be capable of performing routines at the next level. The decision to advance from one level to another will be assessed and determined solely by our coaching staff using the following criteria: - Physical Abilities - Strength, Flexibility, and Skill level - Mental Attitude and Self Esteem - Success at Current Level - Possible Success at the Next Level - Child s Desire, Work Ethic, and Courage

4 - Coachability and Listening Skills - Consistent Attendance to Practices - Parent Support/Attitude/Commitment Practice Structure, Yearly Training, and Evaluations Practice Structure Each practice begins with a proper warm-up, stretching, flexibility, and conditioning training. We work on all three events every practice. An exception to this guideline would be working other necessary stations such as using the pit, tumble track, air track, or strength and conditioning. Sometimes we add a little extra fun such as add on games, stick it competitions, or new skill day. Yearly Training Schedule There are four phases of our competitive season: Summer Season This is the time from July through August which tends to be the most fun for athletes. We do few routines and the focus leans toward new skills and sequences as well as strength and flexibility in preparation for the upcoming competitive season. Attendance is still considered important during this time, as it is the most vital to skill progression and development. Pre-Season This is the time from September through December. At this time of the year, we will be maximizing our strength, power, flexibility, and skill development. We start half and full routines. Competitive Season This is the time from the first competition (usually in January) through the last competition of the season (varies by level: May-July). We will still be working new skills, but training primarily full routines, endurance, and strength maintenance. Post-Season From the last competition to the summer session. Practices are less intensive mentally and physically. Much time is spent on goal setting and skill selection for the next year. Additional Guidelines and Procedures Injuries Athletes are still expected to attend practice, within reason, during periods of injury. Having an injury is not a reason to miss regularly scheduled practices. In fact, continued practice attendance is particularly important to maintaining strength and endurance. This ensures that once an athlete is able to return to normal practice, they can do so both safely and confidently. Coaches will assign conditioning, stretching, and endurance exercises during those times, based around doctor limitations. Support braces are only allowed to be worn in practice and competition as prescribed through a written doctor s note provided for the coach. The note must include a window of time for wearing any prescribed braces. Braces may not be worn past the time recommended by the doctor, as doing so will prolong the healing process by weakening the surrounding areas. If an athlete gets hurt during a practice and is unable to resume practice after a short period of icing, elevation, and rest, their parent will be contacted to come and get them. If pain and mobility are still an issue during the next 24 hours, we recommend that a physician be seen. If a parent or caretaker is present at the time of an injury, please refrain from coming onto the practice floor. While this may seem incredibly difficult at the time, it is for liability and safety reasons. We understand fully, the need of a parent to attend to your athlete in the presence of an injury, and will get you safely to them as quickly as we are able. Team Communication Team notes, practice schedules, updates, etc will be sent out: - - Athlete s Mailboxes - Website - Trampoline and Tumbling Board

5 Sports Nutrition Please be aware that nutrition is just as vital to your athletes success and the actual training aspect. Begin substituting sodas with water. Send snacks (trail mix, protein bars, fresh fruits) with them to school or day events. Fuel them before practice with healthy fats, healthy sugars, and carbohydrates. After training, replenish their bodies with proteins and vegetables. Our coaching staff is more than happy to help your athlete achieve their nutrition goals. If you would like further information on this, please don t hesitate to ask one of your coaches. Social Networking Guidelines In this day and age, social media platforms have become the frenzy. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. It is prohibited for an athlete, parent, or staff member to post inappropriate or negative comments about teammates, coaches, parents, Ultimate Air, competitors, or other gyms. Violation of this rule may lead to immediate dismissal from the program. Tuition and PAET Accounts Athletes whose accounts have a past due balance of 30 days or more, either with Ultimate Kids or the parent association (PAET) will not be allowed to practice and/or compete until their balance is paid in full. Your athletes membership on the Ultimate Air team may be revoked at any time for failure to pay a past due balance. Parent Viewing We do appreciate parents staying and supporting our athletes, however, please plan to watch from the designated observation areas only. At no time are parents allowed to come on to the gym floor outside of these parameters. This rule must be strictly observed and enforced as it is both a liability and safety issue. Parents who are unable to abide by this rule will be asked to refrain from entering the facility and must drop their athlete off and pick them up at the front door, at the gym owner s discretion. Parents are asked to refrain from addressing the coach or athlete until the designated practice time is over and they can approach the coach in the lobby. If an athlete is noticeably distracted by the presence of a parent, it is at the coaches discretion to ask those present to refrain from further observation at this time. These rules are for safety purposes, as distraction often leads to injury. Appearance and Attire Females - All females must wear a leotard during workouts. Shorts are permitted (preferably spandex) - Hair should be pulled back and kept up throughout training. - No body piercings (except stud earrings)/no necklaces - Trampoline shoes or socks Males - All males must wear shorts above the knee (preferably their competition shorts) - Compression t-shirt, or form fitting t-shirt tucked in at all times. - Trampoline shoes or socks All personal belongings must be put away into a gym bag and hung up in our designated apparel area.no food or drinks (other than water) are permitted around the equipment. Expectations and Responsibilities Athletes The coaching staff is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of all the children they teach. The team program is more disciplined than recreational or school-age programs by design, therefore the expectations and responsibilities of these athletes are higher. These expectations are not unreasonable and include but are not limited to the following: - Enter the gym on time with a positive attitude - Listen to and communicate with their coach

6 - No one may go on equipment before practice starts, unless a coach allows them and is present - Set reasonable goals - Good nutritional habits - Report legitimate injuries to the coach immediately, upon return the athlete will need a doctor's note to continue with practice as normal - Respect coaches, teammates, and themselves. Gymnasts acting disrespectfully will be asked to leave practice and a parent conference will be held. The second offense will result in a 3 practice suspension of athlete. The third offense, the athlete will be dismissed from the program. - Respect the gym/facilities and pick up after yourself - Keeping to moral and ethical behavior on social media platforms. No inappropriate language, pictures, or images should be posted by athletes. (Examples: Cursing, illegal behavior, or racial slurs) Coaches - Provide excellent instruction with a patient and encouraging attitude - Provide a positive and safe training environment - Structure an efficient training program unique to each athlete Parents - Provide an unconditional support base. Please encourage your athlete and do not compare them to others on our team or other teams. - Financially support athletes training and supply needs. - Help your athlete follow proper nutritional guidelines. - Kindly support all athletes, coaches, parents, and our program. This goes for Ultimate Air and any other team. Code of Conduct We believe that while we teach your child to become a better athlete, we are also to teach them how to become well rounded individuals. We expect athletes to have ups and downs and understand that is a part of the growing process. We do not however tolerate destructive behavior, illegal activities, deceit, or inappropriate language. If our athletes are found to be involved in these activities, they are subject to immediate dismissal from our program. We are striving to create a healthy environment and cannot allow such behavior. The following list is cause for immediate dismissal but not limited to: - Illegal drug promotion, talk, or consumption - Underage drinking - Crude or gang hand signals - Performance enhancing drugs - Racial slurs - Inappropriate language (in person or on social media) - Bullying of another teammate - Etc...Any behaviors the coaching staff deems harmful to the team or it s environment will be taken into account and dealt with by the discretion of the coaching staff. Competition Conduct Proper conduct by athletes, coaches, and parents while traveling is a must. Each individual will be associated with our gym during competitions, camps, or demonstrations whether the behavior is good or bad. We will not tolerate athletes being outside of hotel rooms without supervision, excessive loudness or horseplay in restaurants or hotels. As for the competition itself, parents need to be mindful that they are representing our team in the stands while we are representing the team on the competition floor. Coaches, athletes, and parents must keep their actions and words in a kind and positive manner. Any misconduct will result in traveling privileges being revoked or suspension from the team. Obligations: - We encourage parents to sit together and show support by cheering for all Ultimate Air athletes - Show up with proper rest and nutrition - Show up in proper attire with hair secured in a tight bun. Tennis shoes are mandatory, slides or sandals are allowed, but not to be worn in.

7 - No cell phones are not permitted on the competition floor. If you need to reach your athlete, please notify your coach. - Exhibit self-control and calmness in the case of a fall or injury - No profanity or unsportsmanlike behavior Coaches Contact Susannah Anderson Head Coach -All Events -All Levels susannah@tumblebees.com Scott Lineberry Trampoline and Double Mini Optionals Head Coach -Trampoline and Double Mini -Optionals scott@tumblebees.com Sam Groves Event Coach -Trampoline and Double Mini -All levels Elli Harris Event Coach -Double Mini -Compulsories Nicholas Minney Event Coach -Trampoline and Double Mini -All levels Heather Carr Sub -All events -All levels Stewart Pritchard Sub -All events -All levels sam@tumblebees.com emharris1026@gmail.com nicholas@minney.net heather@tumblebees.com pritchardns@gmail.com

8 Ultimate Air Team Parent and Athlete Contract Contract Date I/We have read and accept the Ultimate Air Trampoline and Tumbling team information, policies, and procedures included in the attached Handbook. I/We agree to support team activities as outlined, and fulfill all obligations. We have also read and accept the terms of the USOC, Safe Sport, and USAG Safe Sport. has my/our consent and permission to participate in the Ultimate Air team program for the season. I also understand that Ultimate Air retains the right to use any photographs, videos, or any other record of events for publicity, advertising, or any other legitimate purpose. As the coaching and administrative staff has made a professional commitment to the athlete, the athlete and their family also commit themselves to the completion of the entire season. Upon signing, the athlete and family are also financially responsible for tuition, assessments for competitions, competitive attire, as well as all monetary obligations the athlete accrues. Athlete: Parent: Ultimate Air Team: Please return signed contract to the Team Office where it will be added to the athlete s file. A copy will be furnished to the parent upon request.