APOLLO SCHOOL OF GYMNASTICS. Apollo Team Manual. Competitive Team Agreement. September 2013

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1 APOLLO SCHOOL OF GYMNASTICS Apollo Team Manual Competitive Team Agreement September 2013

2 Apollo School of Gymnastics 2140 Range Rd Clearwater, FL (727) Welcome to the Apollo Team Family! Our goal is to provide a positive, safe learning environment, where your child can work toward their greatest potential. At the Apollo School of Gymnastics we believe that the skills learned here will benefit your children for their entire lives. The benefits participating in our competitive program include developing self- confidence, discipline, learning how to overcome adversity, conquering fears, problem solving, teamwork, sportsmanship and goal setting. The sport of gymnastics also teaches your children that dedication and hard work are critical skills imperative to becoming successful in anything they do. The curriculum we teach follows the skill progressions and routines developed by the Junior Olympic Programs of USA Gymnastics. We strive for the team program to be fun for the students, to be rewarding for their efforts, to provide a safe environment, and to be productive with the time we spend in practices. It should be expected that as a gymnast progresses to higher skill levels, the more time, financial backing and dedication are required to succeed. Success is defined as learning new skills, improving upon existing ones, choosing to live a healthy lifestyle and exhibiting great effort towards a specific goal. This manual is designed to help you understand the responsibilities and expectations associated with being a member of the Apollo Team Program. Please read the included materials thoroughly. Your signature will indicate that you have read and agree to the terms set forth in this manual. We will gladly answer any questions you may have regarding our team program. Thank you for supporting the Apollo School of Gymnastics! Sincerely, Brian Finnegan And Jessica Carillon Brian Finnegan Jessica Carillon Owner/Boys Team Director Owner/Girls Team Director [email protected] [email protected] (727) (727)

3 A. Triangle Agreement In order for the Apollo Team Program to have the most positive impact on your children we must understand what each of our roles is, as a member of the team. The Triangle Agreement GYMNAST COACH PARENT 1. Gymnast s Responsibilities a. Attend all practices, competitions, and special events required as a team member. b. Be prepared for practice and have a positive attitude. c. Be focused during training. d. Be respectful to coaches, teammates, competitors, judges, and parents. e. Be honest. f. Communicate with your coaches regarding any injury or ailments. g. Stay off all equipment before and after your practices. h. Call the gym if you are going to be late or absent for any reason. 2. Coach s Responsibilities a. Ensure the safety of all participants. b. Expect and encourage respect from every athlete and family member involved with the Apollo School of Gymnastics. c. Expect the gymnasts to work toward skill improvement and development. d. Communicate positively and directly with parents and athletes. e. Encourage academic achievement from all athletes. f. Plan ahead for workouts and create training schedules to prepare for competitions. g. Stay informed. Know the rules and latest information on training gymnastics safely. 3. Parent s Responsibilities a. Refrain from coaching your child. b. Refrain from speaking negatively about Apollo, other team members, competitors, judges, or other gyms. c. Communicate your concerns to the Apollo staff and coaches. d. Pay your child s tuition and meet fees when they are due. e. Ensure your child gets enough sleep and proper nourishment. f. Ger your athlete to workouts on time and have them contact the gym if they will be late or absent. g. Pick up your child from practice on time. h. Give your unwavering support to your child. i. BE INVOLVED B. Program Structure

4 There are three phases of development in the team program. Most children will spend 1 to 2 competitive seasons per level. Boys begin competing at Level 3 and girls at Level 1. Developmental Levels Boys Levels practices per week Girls Levels practices per week At these levels our goal at these levels is to teach your child the basic skills and routines necessary to prepare them for participation in competitions across the state. We want to see the athletes become comfortable performing in a competition type setting and show improvement throughout the season in their skill level and maturity. Advanced Compulsory Levels Boys Levels practices per week Girls Levels practices per week At these levels the strength and flexibility required to perform the skills becomes more challenging. Commitment and attendance plays a larger role in the athlete s progress. Coaching becomes more technical. The skills also become more exciting. At these levels the gymnasts will learn to do multiple tumbling skills and begin learning flipping skills. Optional Levels Boys Levels practices per week Girls Levels Xcel, practices per week In the optional levels the gymnasts will construct their own individual routines based upon the criteria set forth by USA Gymnastics. This allows the athletes to train a wider variety of skills with varying difficulty. In the optional levels your child may qualify to compete on a Regional and National level. By levels 9 & 10 the athletes may become interested in pursuing a collegiate path in the sport.

5 C. Policies and Guidelines 1. Team Membership Acceptance: must complete the following 1.1 Complete a medical release form 1.2 Agree to and sign the Apollo Team Manual 1.3 Agree to and sign Apollo School of Gymnastics registration form 2. Level Placement 3. Roster Size 2.1 The coaching staff will evaluate the skill level of your child 2.2 The age of your child will be considered 2.3 Apollo requirements may differ from those of USA Gymnastics and Amateur Athletic Union 3.1 Our student to teacher ratio will not exceed 12:1 3.2 Members may be added throughout the season at the coach's discretion 4. Commitment Policies 5. Practices 4.1 Members agree to compete in the competitions selected by the Team Director 4.2 Members are committed to attend practices for 12 months per year September - November = Competition Preparation December - April = Competitive Season May - August = Skill Training Focus 5.1 Attendance Arrive on- time and prepared for practice with a positive attitude Gymnasts must notify the front desk if they will be absent from practice Excused absences include illness, mandatory school activities, family emergencies, and prearranged activities Late gymnasts will complete a 15 minute warm- up as well as any additional flexibility and/or strength activities missed Vacations from gymnastics beyond 1 week may have a negative effect on training (With that said have a great trip!) Gymnasts must notify the coaching staff if they will be leaving early from practice Excessive absences or tardiness may result in removal from the team program at the discretion of the Team Director If your child is injured they may be able to perform strength, flexibility, and general assignments while avoiding use of the injured body part There are no make- up workouts or reimbursements for missed practices

6 5.2 Rules No sitting during workout Disrespect to teammates, coaches, and/or administration will not be tolerated Boys practice attire Step- in and gymnastics shorts or pants Girls practice attire Any leotard Saturdays thru Wednesdays Apollo Team Leotard (black) on Thursdays and Fridays Girls may not wear shorts with their leotards Level belt must be worn to practice Failure to wear belt will result in not working any star skills for that practice Additional belts can be purchased from the front office for $ Failure to wear leotard will result in not working any star skills for that practice Hair should be pulled back and nails trimmed short No fake nails allowed Jewelry, other than ear studs, is not permitted No gum, candy or drinks on gym floor No drinking sodas during practice Gymnasts are responsible for providing their own athletic tape if needed Parents are not allowed to coach their child from the viewing area This may result in you being asked to leave the observation area Private lessons, gymnastics classes, and/or open gyms outside of the Apollo staff is prohibited Every gym has different teaching techniques and can hinder the learning progress that is designed specifically for your child Gymnasts should not arrive more than 15 minutes before practice and should be picked up immediately after The coach may decide to cancel any practice immediately before or after a competition Any Apollo Team Member who transfers to another gym, and their siblings, will not be allowed to attend any of our programs We strongly believe in our training philosophies and methods and only want families who support our program one hundred percent 5.3 Removal from practice Loss of composure during workout will require the gymnast to leave the gym floor until they have regained their composure Disrespect toward an Apollo staff member, other students, or parents may require the gymnast to be removed from practice and a parent conference required

7 6. Team Mobility 6.1 August 31st is the level declaration deadline for the upcoming competitive season Members will continue to the opportunity to train skills above this level 6.2 Mobility is determined by the Apollo Team coaching staff utilizing the following guidelines Gymnast's attitude towards teammates and coaches Practice attendance record Demonstration of skills Strength Flexibility Mobility is determined on an individual basis Gymnasts may remain at a level for more than one year Gymnasts may skip a level if warranted 6.3 Workout groups Different levels may be grouped together for practice Groups may change at any time to achieve any of the following: Better teacher to student ratios A more cohesive working group A similar level of skill at a specific event A more conducive skill training environment 7. Competitions Procedures 7.1 Competition Schedule Our goal in choosing competitions is to find those that offer the best value and are the most competitive for our athletes and team The host club of a competition may have to change the date of the competition and will not result in a refund of the fees 7.2 Competition Procedures Arrive to the competition at the time specified by the coaching staff An Apollo coach will gather the athletes when it is time to enter the competition floor. Prior to that time please supervise your child General Stretch: this is a 20 to 30 minute period for the competitors to prepare their bodies for competition Warm-Up Time: during this time the gymnasts will take turns on each of the apparatus Competition: during this time the gymnasts will perform their routines, be evaluated by a panel of judges, and receive a score Awards: upon completion of the competition the gymnasts will move to the awards area and await the ceremony The gymnasts will be divided into subgroups based on level and age Team members are required to stay for the entirety of the awards ceremony out of respect and sportsmanship for all of the competitors If you are unable to stay for the duration of the ceremony we ask that you leave prior to commencement and your child will receive their awards and recognition in the next practice Competition Formats

8 Traditional Format: under this format General Stretch will be followed by a period of time where the gymnasts will go to each event and prepare for the competition Modified Capital Cup: in this competition set- up, the athletes will warm- up on an event and immediately be judged on the same event 7.3 Rules and policies All persons representing the Apollo School of Gymnastics should be courteous to all participants, spectators, judges, and staff at competitions Gymnasts must demonstrate that they can perform all of their skills the week of the competition Failure may result in the gymnast being scratched from the specific event, and will be able to participate on the other events Gymnasts must perform all of their skills during the warm- up portion of the competition Failure may result in the gymnast being scratched from the specific event, and will be able to participate on the other events Any monies awarded through the competition season will be placed in the "coach's fund" Money in the coach's fund will be used to enhance Team Apollo program (new equipment, staff training, etc.) 7.4 Travel Parents are responsible for transportation of their athletes to all competitions Any hotel accommodations are to be booked and paid for by the gymnast s family At overnight stays all gymnasts must have a parent/guardian staying in their hotel room Your child is not allowed to travel and share accommodations with an Apollo coach 8. Private Lessons 8.1 $60.00/hour and $30.00/half hour for 1 child 8.2 These are scheduled individually at the availability of the coaches 8.3 The rate may change as needed 8.4 May only be done with Apollo Team coaches 8.5 No practicing any type of gymnastics with non- Apollo instructors 8.6 Private lessons only can be scheduled if tuition is current 8.7 Private lessons are a good aide to gymnastics practices but in no way may replace scheduled practices 8.8 Private lessons do not guarantee level mobility and should not be used as such

9 9. Additional Girls Team Policies 9.1 Apollo Team Skills Charts Apollo has established skills charts for each level The skills chart represents the skills required for the next level No skills will be awarded on a higher level until the declared level's skill chart is completed Completion of skills is determined by the Apollo team instructors Completion of all skills at a specific level does not guarantee level mobility Star Skills Star skills are the skills needed to advance to the next level Star skills will only be worked if the gymnast can perform the required skills at her level Star skills are not the only factor deciding whether a gymnast moves to the next level 9.2 Girls Team Belt color and levels Level 1 White Level 2 Red Level 3 Blue Level 4 Pink Level Xcel Green Level 6 Yellow Level 7 - Purple Level 8 Teal Level 9 Orange Level 10 Black 9.3 Optional Music and Choreography Gymnasts receive custom floor music & choreography beginning at the Xcel Optional level The music and choreography is used for two seasons Floor music and choreography cannot be issued if there is any financial balance due to Apollo The first selection of music will be from our recycled music collection These are songs that have already been used by another Apollo gymnast Gymnast will choose her top 3 recycled songs. The coaches will then choose the best song for the gymnast out of the three The "renting" fee for recycled music is $ Includes an individual copy of the music for the gymnast Allows for new up to date demo cd's to be purchased After two years in the optional program, the gymnast will choose new music The will be given demo CDs and select their top 3 choices The Apollo coaching staff will then choose the song they feel best fits the gymnast The "renting" fee for new music is $ The gymnast will receive a copy of the music

10 9.4 Floor Choreography Floor choreography is set up on weekends in 2- hour block For recycled routines the fee is $ for a 2- hour block For new routines the fee is $ for a 4- hour block All Apollo team members will use an Apollo choreographer The music and choreography is property of Apollo School of Gymnastics and is prohibited to be used by gymnast if they leave Apollo Once a gymnast retires from Apollo their "rented" music/choreography is put into the recycled music selection and can be chosen immediately by any new optional gymnasts. 9.5 Team Camps Apollo Team Camp will be scheduled for three weekends during the summer and possibly on scheduled days off of school (following the public school calendar) All team members are strongly advised to attend the Apollo Team Camps Weekend camps are Saturday and Sunday, 8:30-3:30. Day camps are 8:30-12: Communication 10.1 The Apollo Team Program is committed to providing excellent communication 10.2 E- mail and text messaging will be utilized 10.3 Each family has a folder located by the team bulletin board in the front office Handouts and information will be distributed into the folders Folders should be checked by parents only Folders are to be used by Apollo Staff and Booster Club only 10.4 Website: It is the parent's responsibility to stay informed once information has been distributed 10.6 Coaches are unavailable to discuss your questions during practice times If you have any questions concerning your child's training please arrange a time to speak with your child s coach If you have any questions regarding tuition please contact our front office via telephone, or e- mail. [email protected] If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Apollo Team Program or its staff please contact the Team Director 11. Program Tuition and Fees 11.1 Training Fees Team Annual Membership Fees are due yearly ($50 per family) Tuition due monthly A credit card must be on file with the front desk and will be automatically charged if tuition is not paid by the 7 th of the month Siblings will receive a 10% discount on their tuition Refunds will not be given if you withdraw your child after the month begins

11 Practice uniforms Apollo black team leotard required for all levels - $ Boys team members are required to wear a step- in and gymnastics shorts or pants (Step- In $30, shorts $20, pants $30) Choreography fees 11.2 Competition fees Association fees (thru Amateur Athletic Union or USA Gymnastics) Competition Entry Fees Competition Team Entry Fees Coaches Fees Coaches' travel Meals for coaches Coaching fee for each session In the event a gymnast is injured or dismissed from the team, competition fees only will be refunded if Apollo can secure a refund from the host of the competition Team entry and coaches fees will not be refunded Out- of- state travel fees Coaching travel, meals, and lodging may be added in addition to the coaches fees if a competition requires travel outside the state of Florida Regional and National costs will be divided between all athletes who qualify. This will include the meet entry fee, coaches' fee, and travel and hotel expenses for coaches. The cost must be paid in full prior to the competition Girls Team competitive leotard Level 1 & Level 2 - $ $ Level 3 & Level 4 - $ $ Level Xcel thru Level 10 - $ $ Boys Team competitive uniform Levels 3&4 will wear their practice uniform (ordered from stock) Levels 5 10 will wear a competition uniform selected by the coaching staff (special order and custom designed) Step- in ~ $ Pants and shorts - $30 & $20 respectively Competitive warm- up required for levels $ Team bag (optional)- $ Withdrawing from team 12.1 Please notify the team director before the start of a new month 12.2 No refund for competition fees will be given for competitions that entries have already been submitted 13. Expulsion from the team program 13.1 Failure by the gymnast or parent to abide by the rules and guidelines listed in this manual may be removed from team at the discretion of the Team Director and coaching staff

12 Apollo Team Manual Student/s Singature/s: I have read and agree to the terms set forth in this manual. I agree to actively participate as a team member and strive for personal success. Signature Date Signature Date Signature Date Parent/s Signature/s: I have read and agree to the terms set forth in this manual. I agree to actively support my child/children as a part of the Apollo team. I agree to positively encourage my child/children to succeed. Signature Date Signature Date