Armory Gymnastics Center Team Agreement
2010

Team Membership Agreement

2010-2011

ARMORY GYMNASTICS CENTER

1018 Madison Avenue

Montgomery, Alabama 36104

(344) 241-2789

www.ArmoryGymnastics.com

Dear Team Parents,

Welcome to the Armory Gymnastics Center, Montgomery’s state-of-the-art gymnastics/cheer facility. Your son or daughter has been chosen to participate in our program because of their natural abilities, talent, and desire to excel in this challenging sport. We hope that we can offer them an enjoyable and rewarding experience while fulfilling their lifetime goals.

First, it is our legal and moral obligation to inform you that any activity involving height and rotation can result in injury, sometimes serious or even catastrophic. We, as professionals, work to maintain proper safety guidelines and athletic progression to minimize risk to the greatest extent possible.

As professionals working with your child, we want to be sure that you understand the scope and range of the Armory Gymnastics/Cheerleading programs. We view all students involved in the program as athletes in training. They must spend many hours in and out of the gym conditioning to reach their best level of performance in strength, endurance, and flexibility.

Becoming a member of the team at the Armory Gymnastics Center means that your child has become one of the select gymnasts/ cheerleaders chosen to participate in our competitive program.

As in any athletic endeavor your child will suffer "lows" and it is necessary for the coach and the parent to help them through these times. There will be times when your child will not want to come to the gym because of these "low" periods; this is normal and can be expected. However, you can help them face their problems by not being over-sympathetic to their frustrations. Also, try to communicate any problems about the gym to the coach so they can assist in resolving the trouble. Communication is the key element to a successful career and confident athlete.

Your role, as a parent, in the competitive training of your child is very important to their progress. The commitment you are making is just as important as the commitment they are making, both emotionally and financially. Competitive gymnastics/cheerleading is a family commitment.

Financially, you can expect the following cost over the next year:

CHEERLEADING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

$250 Booster Club assessment (per family) – due Feb 19^th. This is non-refundable.

To be used for competitive costs, Cheerleader Christmas party, individual and team pictures, incidental necessities, and any expenses necessary outside of weekly training. (Equipment, coach’s travel, etc.).

This money should be submitted with your signed copy of "The Team Agreement". If they are not in on Feb 19^th your child will not be able to continue practice with the team.

$350-competition cost (depending on the number of competitions ) – Non-refundable once competition season begins

This fee is used to cover the cost of registration, team entry fees, choreography, music fees, and the cost of competitions over the next year. The competitions will be held on the regional, state, and national level. Dates and times of these competitions will be announced at a later date by the cheer coach. .

$192 approximate apparel costs (uniforms and bags as needed) Shoes, bows, and competition makeup will be ordered (as needed) separately by the cheerleader at an additional cost.

$50 Monthly tuition for cheer classes. This is separate from the cheer expenses and has to be paid monthly to "MP&R".

An additional $50 will be assessed to families who do not participate in mandatory team scheduled events. Fee will be charged per function. This includes Booster and team meetings, and competitions hosted by the Armory. Cheer parents are expected to work gymnastics functions as gymnastics parents are expected to work cheer functions.

GYMNASTICS LEVEL 3-10 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

$250 Booster Club assessment (per family/level 3 - $150) – due Feb 19^th. This is non-refundable.

To be used for competitive costs, gymnastics Christmas party, individual and team pictures, incidental necessities, and any expenses necessary outside of weekly training. (Equipment, coach’s travel, chalk, etc.).

This money should be submitted with your signed copy of "The Team Agreement". If they are not in on Feb 19^th your child will not be able to continue practice with the team.

$200-$600 competition cost (dependent upon level of child) – Non-refundable once competition season begins

This is used to cover the cost of registration, membership with USAG (the national governing body for gymnastics), team entry fees and the cost of competitions over the next year. This is determined by gyms hosting competitions.

$0-$300 Apparel costs (uniform and gym bag as needed) – due in June/July Once uniforms are ordered you are required to pay all uniform costs.

All competition fees and uniform fees are subject to change.

An additional $50 will be assessed to families who do not participate in mandatory team scheduled events. Fee will be charged per function. This includes Booster and team meetings, and meets hosted by the Armory. Gym parents are expected to work cheer functions.

Note: The Armory Booster Club organizes a number of fundraising projects for the parents. Participation is not mandatory, but can be used to offset your competitive cost. See your booster club cheer representative for details. Fundraising money is NON-REFUNDABLE! A scheduled payment plan has been provided in this packet.

Payments have been divided into a plan for your convenience. If your payments are not made on time, your child will not compete. If your child quits for any reason or is unable to participate in any scheduled event, you will still be responsible for all tuition, competition, boosters, and apparel fees that have not been paid.

Note: If there is an outstanding balance for tuition or competitive fees, the student will not be allowed to participate in gym/cheer class or gym/cheer competition.

Your commitment to team involves a full year schedule. This involves participation in all scheduled practices and competitions.

Below are additional policies for the competitive gymnastic/ cheer program:

Team by invitation only. At any time we can remove your child from the competitive program and any unspent monies will be returned.

Gymnasts/cheerleaders are expected to wear proper practice attire.

 Gymnastic Girls- Leotards that fit properly and tummy bands,

No t-shirts or shorts

 Cheerleaders- shorts and shirts that are deemed practice wear by your coach with cheer shoes

 Briefs and sports bras are required as deemed necessary by the gymnastic/cheer coach

 Gymnasts and cheerleaders will have their hair securely pulled back, not in your face.

 No jewelry of any kind will be worn by the gymnast/cheerleader. This includes earrings, necklaces, toe rings, belly button rings, facial jewelry etc.

 All team members need to keep a pair of running shoes in their locker for days when they run Crampton Bowl.

 Male gymnast/cheerleaders – Under Armour tank top/shirt and shorts as requested by your coach (tucked in). All jewelry rules apply. All hair rules apply.

Attendance and promptness to practice is mandatory. An athlete’s performance is a direct reflection of their practices. We expect that the gymnasts/cheerleaders call in and notify the coaches when they will not be at practice.

a. When a child misses a practice without notifying their coach they will be given twenty minutes of cleaning duties within the gym when they return.

b. Unexcused absences for any period longer that two weeks will result in immediate team dismissal, unless special circumstance is approved.

c. Once a child is dismissed for attendance, he/she must be re-evaluated by the head coach.

d. If your child is injured, he/she is still expected to attend gym and pay tuition. He/she will be given strength, conditioning, and/or flexibility as deemed appropriate.

Attendance to all meets, gym functions, and cheer competitions are mandatory!

Every gymnast/cheerleader is required to attend all meets/competitions in their entirety. Especially, the awards ceremony. Leaving during the awards is seen as poor sportsmanship and will not be tolerated. Punctuality is important. A schedule is given at the start of every competitive season and each family should make necessary plans to attend all meets/competitions. This is part of the commitment needed for a successful gymnast/cheerleader and team.

There is a filing cabinet located downstairs under the bulletin board. Your child will have a folder with his/her name on it. Parents need to check this folder regularly. Any paperwork, meet schedules/competitions, maps, etc., will be placed into these folders. Information is regularly updated on our website at www.ArmoryGymnastics.com

The Armory values the importance of a good education. If attendance at the gym presents a conflict with the educational process, then the gymnast/cheerleader may need to rethink their commitment to team level gymnastics/cheerleading program.

During meets/competitions, parents must remain in the stands. Parents must not speak to judges or meet officials at any time. Speaking to a judge during competition can result in gymnast or team disqualification. If there is a question or problem the parent should take it up with the coach after the meet. A later appointment will be set to discuss any problems unless it is immediate. Also, gymnasts/cheerleaders may not visit the stands during the meets /competitions unless sent by the coach. Parents: do not contact other meet officials, gyms, or coaches for any information of any kind. If you have any questions please discuss them with your child’s coach. (See Meet Information Sheet)

BACK GYM TEAM PRACTICES ARE CLOSED. Unless invited by the coach, no one is permitted to sit in on practices. This rule is to insure that the team is focused on a good practice.

Practice times are subject to change for summer months or level changes.

The coach is the sole judge of the abilities of the gymnasts/cheerleader and is solely responsible for placing the gymnasts/cheerleaders in their appropriate levels/squads. There are certain requirements for each level/ class/squad and a gymnast/cheerleader will not compete until all requirements are met. Safety is the main issue.

Note: If there is an outstanding balance for tuition or competitive fees, the student will not be promoted to the next competitive level/cheer squad.

Rude and Ugly behavior within the gym or at meets/competitions will not be tolerated. Parents will be notified if any problems arise. If the problem persists it may result in team suspension or removal.

Any problem within the team program should stay within the team program. That is, any problem involving practices, meets, or team members should be addressed to the head coaches or director.

Parents are required to work at those meets/ cheer competitions hosted by the Armory Gymnastics Center. Remember, that all proceeds from the meets/competitions go to the Booster Club and all funds generated by the club are used to purchase team/cheer equipment.

Team meetings are mandatory! If you receive a note from your child about a meeting of any kind you must attend.

There is a late pick-up fee assessed if you are more than 15 minutes late picking up your child: $25 after first 15 minutes, $1 each additional minute. We understand there will be an occasional unforeseen circumstance, please place a courtesy call to the gym if you are expecting to run late so arrangements for your child can be made.

The locker rooms have been reserved for sole use by gymnastic team members. A cheerleader locker room is not provided at this time. Gymnast are expected to adhere to the following rules and procedures:

a. No Horseplay!

b. No food or drinks allowed.

c. Team members only. No siblings or friends in the locker room.

d. The Armory is not responsible for lost articles. Leave valuables at home.

e. No balls, Frisbees or other toys allowed in the locker areas.

f. Gymnasts will only be allowed in the locker rooms 15 minutes prior to class.

g. Parents are not allowed in the locker rooms unless permitted by a team coach or the director.

h. In the event of a problem, get a team coach or the director immediately.

i. For the sake of privacy and security notify a team coach or the director prior to using the shower facilities.

j. Do not open anyone else’s locker or your locker room privileges will be suspended.

k. Do not change lockers without the head coach’s permission.

l. Failure to follow these rules and procedures will result in the suspension of locker room privileges. Please, take care of YOUR locker rooms.

Below you will find the list of rules which gymnast/cheerleader team members are expected to follow when training with or considering the use of the safety pit:

No unsupervised use of the pit. Horseplay in or around the pit will result in a team suspension of privileges for the pit with length of suspension to be determined by the director.

Avoid headfirst entries into the pit. DO NOT DIVE INTO THE PIT!

During meets, exhibitions, or any event outside of normal practices the pit is off limits unless authorized by the director.

Attempt only those skills requested by a coach or outlined by the director.

Only one gymnast/cheerleader in the pit at a time unless cleared through the director.

Any recreational use must be cleared though the director.

In case of injury, do not attempt to enter the pit or move the injured student. GET THE DIRECTOR IMMEDIATELY!

Exit the pit immediately after completing a skill.

Pay attention to progressions.

Remember, foam safety pits are not fail-safe and its use can result in catastrophic injury. Use common sense and keep safety first.

Failure to adhere to these rules will result in the suspension of your pit privileges.

Thank you for your patronage and support of the Armory Gymnastics/Cheer Center and your Parks and Recreation Department. Welcome to the team! If you have further questions regarding team policies or procedures, feel free to call the gymnastics/cheer office. We are here for you!

Thank you,

Benjamin Morrow

Director

　

Competition Guidelines for Parents and Gymnast/Cheerleaders

Flash photography /Video Lights are not allowed at meets/competitions. These are rules established by the USA Gymnastic National Federation and the Cheer National Federation. Your Armory coaches will inform you of other rules that may apply per meet/competition.

Athletes must stay with their coach throughout the whole meet/competition

Parents are not allowed on the competition floor. This could violate the meet sanction/competition.

Make sure you arrive in advance of the time for general stretch. Gymnasts make sure you have your competitive leotard, team warm-up, and bag. Remember that underwear must not be visible, and this includes bra straps showing through "keyholes" in leotard backs. Cheerleaders make sure you have your competition uniform; no underwear is showing, including bra straps.

Gymnast must put their grips, wristbands, beam shoes, etc. in their bag, and floor music for optionals and prep-ops (yes, a spare copy – just in case!).

Cheerleaders, make sure you have all braces etc, packed in your cheer bag.

Make sure your child is well rested and fed (eat well in advance).

Place a drink and a snack in their bag. No candy during meet/competition.

No nail polish or jewelry. Gymnast may wear one pair of stud earrings; anything more will cause a deduction from her score. Cheerleaders are not allowed to wear jewelry of any kind, any place on their body. Fake or long fingernails are prohibited. Both are Cheer National Federation Rules.

Girls should bring hairspray and have hair tied up neatly.

Athletes must stay through the whole awards ceremony and behave respectfully. No gum or frowns on the podium/cheer floor.

Please make sure your child knows that you are proud of them. Cheer for them and their teammates, and congratulate them no matter the result. Clap for all athletes, as some kids do not have a lot of support with them.

If you have nothing good to say, say nothing. Avoid the tendency to compare your child’s performance/scores with others: the "other" child you refer to may be the daughter or son of the parents sitting next to you!

Be prepared to pay an admission fee at meets/competitions. Admission fees usually range from $4 to 20. Remember, most meets are run by parents just like you as fundraisers for their team program. Some gyms include admission to meets in the meet entry. Cheer parents may need to purchase a weekend pass if it is a two day competition.

Meet/competition schedules do not come out until the week before the event, so keep the entire weekend free.

Remember that the judges’ decision is final, as in all sports. We teach our gymnast/cheerleaders to respect this, and expect our parents will as well.

Not all gymnast/cheerleaders will receive a medal or ribbon at all events, so be prepared if your child is disappointed.

Never approach any meet official before, during, or after the meet. All inquiries go through your coach.

Gymnast/cheerleaders - no cell phone use on the gym floor. Parents - please turn your cell phone to vibrate during the events.

Any parents in violation of these rules will be banned from future events without refund of meet fees.

There will be two mandatory Booster Club Meetings every year. There needs to be a representative for every child at these meetings or you will be charged a $50.00 fee. Signs will be posted as soon as the dates are decided.

First Booster Club meeting-

Friday, February 12^th

6:00 p.m.

Monthly Tuition

You are required to pay the amount shown for the level your child is competing during the 2010-2011 season.

**Tuition is separate from the team fees and must be paid monthly**

Tuition rates for the boy’s and girl’s gymnastics/cheer programs are as follows:

Tuition is due by the 1^st of each month, late after the 15^th

$15 late fee applies to any payment received after the 15^th

Monthly tuition checks are made payable to "MP&R"

If your child’s tuition is not paid, he/she will be removed from the team/squad immediately

Bigshots - $40/month

Pre-team - $50/month

Level 3 - $50/month

Level 4 - $75/month

Level 5- $85/month

Level 6 - $85/month

Level 7 and up - $115/month

All-Star Cheer - $50/month

This price goes into effect beginning February 1, 2010.

We are implementing a new payment schedule for the 2010-2011 competitive season of competition fees. All Booster Club fees and competitive fees will be made payable to "Armory Meets". If payments are not made on time, your child will not be entered into the meets. These fees do not include your monthly tuition. Please remember any booster fee or money earned from fundraising is non-refundable. Team agreements need to be returned with the first payment. If you have any questions please contact Christy at 241-2789.

Remember:

All competition fee checks are made payable to "Armory Meets"

All monthly tuition checks are made payable to "MP&R"

If paying by cash please get a receipt

Tuition cannot be combined with competitive fee payments

Make sure your child’s name is written on the check so it will be credited to the correct account

Monthly Tuition questions contact Liese: 241-2789

Meet fees questions contact Christy: ArmoryGirls@aol.com or 240-4308

Girl - Level 3		Approximately 4-5 meets
February 19th	$150	Booster fee is due
		(in the event that more than one sibling is on team only one booster fee is due)

		signed team agreement must accompany the booster fee

April 16th	$150	Competitive fee payment #1

May 14^th	$150	Competitive fee payment #2

May		your child will be sized for uniforms

June 11^th		deposit for uniform is due (will receive a note stating the amount owed)

July 9^th		final payment for uniforms is due

November		Blue-Gray meet hosted by the ARMORY- all parents are required to volunteer

December		Christmas party and lock-in

TOTAL DUE	$450	This does not include uniform costs or monthly tuition

Girl - Level 4,5,6		Approximately 5-6 meets
February 19th	$250	Booster fee is due
		(in the event that more than one sibling is on team only one booster fee is due)

		signed team agreement must accompany the booster fee

April 16th	$210	Competitive fee payment #1

May 14^th	$210	Competitive fee payment #2

May		your child will be sized for uniforms

June 11^th		deposit for uniform is due (will receive a note stating the amount owed)

July 9^th		final payment for uniforms is due

November		Blue-Gray meet hosted by the ARMORY- all parents are required to volunteer

December		Christmas party and lock-in

TOTAL DUE	$670	This does not include uniform costs or monthly tuition

**To prevent an increase in competitive fees we may attend one less meet**　

Boys - All levels		Approximately 5-6 meets
February 19^th	$250	Booster fee is due
		(in the event that more than one sibling is on team only one booster fee is due)

		signed team agreement must accompany the booster fee

April 16^th	$225	Competitive fee payment #1

May 14^th	$225	Competitive fee payment #2

May		your child will be sized for uniforms

June 11^th		deposit for uniform is due (will receive a note stating the amount owed)

July 9^th		final payment for uniforms is due

November		Blue-Gray meet hosted by the ARMORY- all parents are required to volunteer

December		Christmas party and lock-in

TOTAL DUE	$700	This does not include uniform costs or monthly tuition

**To prevent an increase in competitive fees we may attend one less meet**

Cheerleaders		Approximately 4 meets
April 15th	$250.00	Booster fee is due
		(in the event that more than one sibling is on team only one booster fee is due)
		signed team agreement must accompany the booster fee

May		your child will be sized for uniforms

June 11th	$200.00	Competitive fee payment #2
June		Camp Chandler (no charge)

July 9^th	150.00	final competitive fee payment is due

November		Blue-Gray meet hosted by the ARMORY- all parents are required to volunteer

December		Christmas party and lock-in

TOTAL DUE	$600.00	This does not include uniform costs or monthly tuition

**To prevent an increase in competitive fees we may attend one less meet**

2010-2011 Team Agreement

This page must be completed and returned to the gym on

February 19^th, 2010 with Booster club payment made in full.

I understand that without my signature my child cannot participate in any team function (practices, lock-ins, meets, etc.) at the Armory Gymnastics Center.

By signing this document I have read, understand, agree, and will abide by pages 1-16 of the Team Membership Agreement set up by the Armory Gymnastics Center concerning general membership as well as team conduct, locker room and foam safety pit use. My signature signifies my agreement.

Gymnast _____________________________________________________

Parent _______________________________________________________

Date _________________________________________________________

E-mail _______________________________________________________

Emergency Phone # _____________________________________________

ARMORY GYMNASTICS 1018 Madison Avenue Montgomery, Alabama 36104