Paragon Boys Team Rules and Regulations rev. April 2015

Transcription

1 Paragon Boys Team Rules and Regulations rev. April 2015 The Paragon Boys Team enjoys a tradition of team discipline and pride evidenced not only in performance, but in the manner in which members present themselves both in the gym and in the community. While representing the Paragon Boys Team, it is expected that team members and coaches present themselves in a proper and responsible manner. In support of the Junior Olympics Boys Program and its goals, this document discusses the expectations of all Paragon Team members.

2 General Information Training Address: All-Pro Gymnastics 6685 Santa Barbara Ct. Suite D Elkridge, MD Mailing Address: Paragon Gymnastics c/o Kevin Preston PO Box 8686 Elkridge, MD Contact Information: Phone Number Hours (for phone) Monday Friday, 8am-2pm Address: kevin@gymparagon.com Website/Social Media Contact Notes: Please note that our boys team trains at All-Pro Gymnastics, but is not part of their team or class program. When looking for information please call or Coach Kevin first. This is also especially true for payments, etc. Do not go to the All-Pro front desk for your inquiries!!! Payments: All payments (monthly tuition) are done online via our Parent Portal. All families must have a registered account in order to pay. We currently accept Visa/MC/Discover online, or checks/cash made payable to Paragon. All other payments (competition fees, etc.) are paid via check/cash made payable to Paragon. Those payments CAN NOT be mixed in with tuition.

3 ABOUT OUR TEAM Paragon US National Training Center, LLC. was established in June 2011 with the express purpose of training boys for participation in USA Gymnastics artistic boys program. We specialize in Junior Olympic (Level 3 10), Junior Elite (Level 8-10), and the Future Stars Program (Ages 8-13). Fun Fact(s) - The Paragon Boys Team boasts the largest number of current and former team members of the USA Gymnastics Junior National Developmental Team in the state of MD. Paragon Boys Team had an all-around Champion in Levels 4,5,6,7,8, and 9 at the 2015 MD State Championships. The boys placed 1 st through 3 rd in EVERY Team Competition entered for the Season. Our team is unique in Maryland in many different facets. We are aware that many of our boys join us with different aims and goals, and we try to offer four different levels of involvement. (Please see attached mobility chart.) RECREATIONAL TEAM Our recreational team is comprised of the Pre-Team (ages 4-5), and the Level 3 Team (ages 6-10). These boys make up about 10 percent of our athletes. These athletes DO NOT compete, but train year round in order to learn the skills needed to progress to one of the competitive teams. These athletes are only responsible for their monthly tuition, and practice clothing fees. DIVISION III Our Division III Team is the largest part of the Paragon Boys Team, comprising almost 70 percent of our athletes. These athletes usually begin their journey in either the Pre-Team, or the Level 3 program (Recreational Team). Once they start competing (anywhere between ages 6 and 10), the progress through the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Program from Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7 > Level 8. Level 8 (Open Optional) is the END Level, comprised of three different age groups 13-14, 15-16, and The majority of the competitions for these boys are held locally, in the states of MD/PA/VA. Starting at Level 5, these athletes have the option to qualify for the Regional Championships, which is usually held in MD/PA/VA/WV/NJ/NY.

4 DIVISION II Our Division II Team is the second largest part of the Paragon Boys Team Comprising 15 percent of our athletes. These athletes usually begin their journey in the Level 4 program, and progress through the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Program from level These athletes will compete locally, regionally, and across the Nation. Level 10 is the END Level. Many of these athletes will end up doing some sort of CLUB or Division III/II college gymnastics upon graduation. DIVISION I Our Division I Team is the smallest part of the Paragon Boys Team, making up less than 5 percent of our program. These athletes usually compete through the Future Stars Program directly into the Junior Elite Program (Levels 8-10). These athletes will be eligible for US National Championships, including spots on the Junior National and Senior National Teams. Level 10 Junior Elite is the END Level. The desired goal of these athletes is to one day make a Division 1 College Team, or make a Junior National/Senior National Team for USA Gymnastics.

5 ATTIRE Starting at Level 4, all of our athletes are required to purchase the following for all competitions: 1. Team Warm-Up Suit (both jacket and pants) embroidered 2. Team competition step-in shirt (unitard) - embroidered 3. Team competition shorts and long pants. 4. White socks, without logo 5. Team backpack Notes: (2015 Season) The compulsory program (Level 4-7) competes in a plain white competition step-in shirt with and embroidered Paragon logo. They also wear navy blue shorts and long pants. There are no plans to change this uniform for the quaddrenium. The optional program (Level 8-10) changes their team competition step-in shirt every season. The Team Warm-Up suit (Level 4-7) is currently outfitted by UnderArmor (which is USA Gymnastics current sponsor.) There is a possibility that this could change in the upcoming season. Starting at Level 3, all of our athletes are required to purchase the following for all practices: 1. Competitive style step-in shirt (unitard) or sleeveless compression shirt 2. Competitive style shorts and long pants. 3. Socks 4. Grips/Sports Tape 5. (Grips are only purchased once the coach has a meeting with the parents. Each gymnast should have two pairs of grips for rings and high bar in the case of breakage or loss.) ***Baggy clothing presents safety hazards and is not permitted*** PERSONAL APPEARANCE For the safety of the gymnast, team members should appear in the gym for practice and for meets in ways that will enhance performance. Unacceptable appearance includes any of the following: 1. Unkempt hair (facial hair included).* 2. Clothing other than that which is prescribed above 3. The wearing of any jewelry 4. Tattoos 5. Disregard for personal hygiene** * Hair that is long, loose, or covers the ears is not acceptable for competition. We prefer hair to be cut short. Families that choose to allow their athletes to have longer hair must have it pulled back away from the face, and secured (both in practice and competition.) If the hair is not properly secured (either in practice or competition), they will not be allowed to participate until it is corrected. ** Athletes may not come in with skin abrasions, cuts, and scabs that have not been covered up. Work-out clothes should be washed, and not used more than once. Additionally, deodorant (when warranted) is required for training.

6 BEHAVIOR Academics The coaching staff should be notified by the gymnast or parent if there are academic concerns. People involved in anything that consumes a large amount of time, such as gymnastics, during the course of the week need to be organized well so as to be able to achieve what is expected in areas of academics. When there is a concern about academics or when practice needs to be missed due to academics then the coach, student, and parent should meet to discuss the matter. Expectations Each gymnast has a responsibility to his teammates and to himself to participate to the best of his ability in all phases of the gymnastics program. During workouts and at meets, team members should actively support one another, work to the best of his abilities, and be alert for any unsafe situations which may arise. Gymnasts are expected to be courteous and respectful to their coaches, fellow gymnasts, and to all other groups and instructors in the gym. In all facilities, gymnasts are expected to stay out of unauthorized areas. They are to treat all equipment with respect and inflict no damage on said equipment. They are expected to practice and/or compete only when there is a coach on the floor who is specifically responsible for them (as per USAG specifications). They are to be aware of gym equipment etiquette so as not to jeopardize the safety of another athlete. They are not to leave the gym floor during meets or practice without permission of the coach. While at Paragon/All-Pro or at another gym gymnasts are to refrain from using equipment that is not specifically for their use. Office equipment not allocated to the team is not to be used by gymnasts or parents unless given permission by the management. Telephone calls are not permitted without permission from management except in case of urgency. Any injury should immediately be brought to the attention of a coach. Cell Phones/ Electronic Devices Special Note - Starting in September, 2014, Coach Kevin will provide a cell-phone bucket in his locker. Athletes will be required to place their cell-phones in the cell-phone bucket for the duration of their practice. They can pick it up when practice is over. Athletes caught using their cell-phones in practice, or athletes that are unwilling to put them in the cell-phone bucket will be asked to leave practice. The athletes are expected to come to practice for their gymnastics, and not to be on social media, or the phone. There will be no warnings. If bringing and using the devices becomes a pattern, a parent conference will be held and more severe consequences will be implemented. Coach Kevin will allow the boys to pull out their cell-phones for use as video recording devices as needed.

7 Discipline The following policy of disciplinary action has been established in an effort to define the standards for personal performance and conduct of the team members. There will be parent notification/conference whenever a violation of the following infractions occur. In addition, violations will result in cumulative action as follows: 1. Warning(s) 2. Suspension 3. Immediate dismissal from the team Infractions: 1. Profanity/foul language or gestures. 2. Conduct of the gymnast which is detrimental to fellow gymnasts, parents, judges, or the coaching staff. This included physical and verbal outbursts, overt actions of disrespect, and poor sportsmanship. 3. Examples of infractions resulting in immediate action are smoking, drinking intoxicating substances, use or distribution of illegal drugs, stealing, and destruction of property. 4. Hazing or initiation rites. 5. Intimidation of any team member or student.

8 ATTENDANCE In order to train and compete at a gymnast s optimum level, each team member should be present at all workouts and competitions. Absence due to Illness It is the responsibility of the gymnast to text Coach Kevin before practice when a practice will be missed due to illness. Absence due to Injury Injuries should be evaluated by the coach, and when other than minor in nature, the gymnast s physician. At that time a prescribed rehab program will be established along with a recommended modified training schedule. Long term injuries will be evaluated and reviewed on a regular basis with the goal being to allow the gymnast to attend practice and train within the limits established by the physician and coach. Other Absences Occasionally a gymnast will be absent because of family, school or vacation commitments. If those dates are known in advance, the gymnast should notify the coach of those dates well in advance. If the situation arises on the day of practice, a phone call or text will suffice. At times, inclement weather may prevent travel to workout or competition. The coach will expect notification if the gymnast is unable to travel due to those conditions. Because of the wide geographic range our gymnasts represent, whether to attend practice during winter storms will often be an individual decision. Upon pre-approval, boys asking to work additional hours may be expected to work as an open workout and without extensive coaching. One to two absences per month is a reasonable absence rate. Tardiness All gymnasts should attempt to arrive ready to work out on time. If he is late the member must first finish all required warm-up activities before proceeding to his first event. If the tardiness will be substantial (more than 20 minutes) the gymnast should leave an message to that effect for the coach. Chronic tardiness will result in a conference with the parents, gymnast and coach. COACHING DECISIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES Coach Kevin has final jurisdiction over any training or competition related decisions. These decisions will be based on the positive growth of the gymnast as well as the effect on other team members/groups. Any discussion concerning these decisions should be directed to Coach Kevin, and a conference will be arranged to discuss these questions with the individuals involved. Practice schedules Practice schedules are the responsibility of the coaching staff. They are worked out with the Paragon Boys Team and All-Pro Gymnastics and Cheer Academy to make the most efficient use of space and time in the gym. Coaches will attempt to produce a schedule that will accommodate all gymnasts, but ultimately, the decision of the staff is final.

9 Adjusted schedules Coaching staff is expected to post holiday schedules at least one week in advance and adequate notice for cancellations. Likewise, summer training schedules and adjustments for coaches attending away meets should be distributed as early as possible. Coaches are expected to be tolerant of attendance during holidays, school exams, and when schedule changes affect ability to attend practice. In cases of inclement weather it may be necessary to cancel a practice. Coaches will notify gymnasts by and/or phone chain. Inclement weather absence is excused and it is up to each individual family to determine if travel is advisable. Coaches are expected to enforce the Rules and Regulations in this document. Additional Schedule Adjustments Gymnasts who seek part time employment and/or participate in other activities which impact regular attendance are to arrive at an acceptable practice schedule with the coaches. TEAM COMMUNICATION Gymnasts and parents are kept informed through a variety of ways: bulletin board, e- mail, phone calls, verbal messages given to gymnasts at workout, and yearly conferences. Many messages are conveyed to the gymnasts at the end of practice. It is the responsibility of each boy to make sure these messages are known to his parents. should be checked regularly so as to be current with the news of the team. USA Gymnastics Our coaches work directly through USA Gymnastics in regards to athlete registrations, meet registrations, Academic All American awards and other items that may or may not be part of daily training. All inquires should be directed to Coach Kevin. Typically, our coaches will communicate within the following chain: State Director Regional Director --> Men's Program manager. In the past, we have had a few parents that have tried to break the chain and contact USA Gymnastics for issues that should have been handled by their club coach. Parents who break the chain of communication will be removed from our program. Conferences Coaches desire to have general conferences with parent and gymnast at least once a year. These yearly conferences will review the gymnast s progress, discuss goals, and share any problems or concerns that may be present. Lobby/Meet etiquette Keeping communication lines open is the responsibility of both the coaches and the gym families. It is inappropriate to discuss gym team business during practice time or at meets. Coaches will be happy to schedule phone or personal conferences at the gym at a mutually convenient time. It is important that parents and gymnasts keep coaches apprised of any personal situation that might affect a gymnast s performance so that appropriate adjustments made be made.

10 TRAVEL PROTOCOL General All competitions are considered travel meets. Training and competition in gymnastics necessitates both local and distant travel. Gymnasts often travel with parents or are the direct responsibility of the family of a teammate. Older gymnasts will travel with his parents, the coach or with his teammates. This is a big responsibility for the adults en loco parentis. Gymnasts traveling with a coach must follow behavior guidelines previously covered in this document. If the coach finds it necessary to send a gymnast home due to an infraction of team rules of conduct or for any other valid reason, the parent will be contacted and the gymnast will be sent home at the expense of the parent. In all travel situations, gymnasts are to be at the host site at least 15 minutes prior to the prescribed warm-up time. When the team flies to a meet the gymnasts should be at the airport at least one hour before departure. Travel Attire When traveling together as a team, attire must be neat and clean. Sloppy appearances will not be tolerated. When traveling to and from hotel and competition site the team warm-up suit should be worn. As with all meets and practices all gymnast s should make sure to have all equipment. COMPETITION INFORMATION & EXPECTATIONS (General) All team members are expected to compete at every competition (for their level) on our calendar. Athletes are expected to be 15 minutes early to all report times for competition. Athletes who are late to competition can be scratched from some or all of competition based on the coaches discretion. Athletes will only compete events in which they fulfill the minimum requirements as set forth by USA Gymnastics (Level 4-7). Athletes will only compete such extra virtuosity and bonus elements as the coaches deem will be beneficial to the athlete (and the team) score. Athletes (Families) will not receive refunds for any competitions that they scratch/pull out of. This includes any meet gifts that are received from the host club, such as t-shirts, goody bags, etc. Athletes are expected to be able to follow all our rules & regulations while out on the competition floor. They may be removed from some or all of the competition at the coaches discretion if they do not follow the rules. Athletes must remain with their coach for the entirety of their competition (warm-up, competition, and awards.) Athletes who leave the floor to go to parents may be removed from some or all of the competition. Athletes who miss practices the week before a competition are typically not allowed to compete. This is especially pertinent for Optional Level athletes, who have a high degree of difficulty in their routines. Absence due to illness

11 will be evaluated by Coach Kevin on an individual basis. There are no refunds if your son misses practice and is pulled from competition. CHAMPIONSHIPS INFORMATION & EXPECTATIONS State Championships Starting at Level 4, athletes are eligible to attend State Championships. This competition is usually an even where the athlete needs to qualify in with a score, or attendance at a MD State Invitational. Currently, Level 4-7 must attend 2 (of 3) Designated Qualifiers to go to State Championships, and must achieve a score (which is set yearly) by the State Director. Levels 8-10 must attend and compete at a State held invitational. Regional Championships Starting at Level 5, athletes can qualify through to Regional Championships, which is usually held out of state. Athletes in Level 5 & 6 can qualify to Regional Championships as members of the State Team, if they are ages Athletes will be selected to the State Team at the conclusion of State Championships, and will be required to attend 1 to 4 additional State Team practices and/or clinics before Regional Championships. Athletes that do not attend these practices will be removed from the State Team, and an alternate will be selected. Athletes can also be removed from the State Team if they miss practices between State Championships and Regionals for reasons other than illness. National Championships Starting at Level 8 (Ages 11-12), Level 9 (13-14), and Level 10 (15+), athletes can qualify through to National Championships by either score or Regional Allotment. In general, the Paragon Boys Team will not send our athletes through to National Championships if they make the Regional Allotment unless they are scoring close to the following: Level 8 ( AA), Level 9 ( AA), and Level 10 ( AA). Junior Elite athletes must score the combined total with their technical routines and Optional routines to attend, which is set by USA Gymnastics yearly. There currently is no National Championships for Level 8 (13-14, 15-18), and Level 9 (15-18). National Championships usually necessitates a flight, and is a minimum of 5 days (Wednesday through Sunday) for most athletes. Athletes must attend a mandatory

12 training period with our Region on Wednesday, followed by an Opening Ceremonies. Level 10's usually then compete on Thursday, and if they qualify through to round 2, on Saturday. Level 8's and 9's typically compete on Friday, and if they qualify through to round 2, on Sunday. Currently, the top 24 athletes in the country will be invited back to compete on Day 2 of the competition after Round 1 (preliminaries.) The top 6 athletes in each event, and the top 10 athletes in All Around are then recognized with awards. Fun Fact(s) - The Paragon Boys Team has had a medalist place in the top 6 or better on an individual event at every National Championships since the Team was formed. In 2013, one of our Level 9's (Mitchell Rachuba) qualified through to the second National Team Camp (the Ricky Deci Camp), based on his placement in All Around Finals. In 2014, all three of our athletes that attended Nationals medaled. We also had the JO National Champion on both Vault and Floor (Zyler Powers, Level 8) In 2014, all three of our athletes medaled, and we had one athlete record the highest technical sequence score in all of Maryland (56.1) and the entire Region 7 (Aleksandr Kuzmenchuk.) PRIVATE LESSONS We do not offer private lessons for our athletes (or private practices with team coaches). Athletes who are caught having private lessons outside of the gym (either with other teams, other coaches, etc.) will be removed from the team. TRAINING WHILE ON VACATION / TRAVELING Oftentimes, parents desire to have their athletes train at a host gym while out of town on extended vacations. This should be discussed with Coach Kevin on an individual basis, as this training could adversely effect the development of the athlete. Many times we can arrange a training facility near your vacation spot with trusted coaches in the men's community.