2015-2016 TUMBLE & RECREATIONAL REGISTRATION PACKAGE Welcome! And thank you for your interest in the Midnight Cheer Athletics All Star Cheer Program! We are the City of Vancouver s first and only all star cheerleading program and we re extremely excited to be entering our 13 th season as one of the top competitive all star cheerleading clubs in BC! At Midnight Cheer, we have a place for anyone who wants to participate in cheer. Regardless of age or previous experience, we want YOU to feel welcomed, encouraged, and challenged as a part of our cheer family! We teach cheerleading skills in a progressive manner and offer a variety of training opportunities for athletes to improve and advance their current abilities. We are committed to helping every athlete achieve their personal best! Being a Midnight Star means learning new skills, perfecting current ones, and working together as part of a team. It means sharing a passion for cheerleading, making memories together and building friendships for life. Whether you re new to Midnight or a returning Star, we can t wait to welcome you for another thrilling season of cheer & tumbling! PLEASE NOTE: We have prepared this manual to help families understand the time and financial commitments involved with participation in our cheer program. We encourage families to make an informed decision before committing to our program; it is important that parents read this whole manual as you will be asked to sign a contract agreeing to the entire manual as part of your registration. Page 1
OUR GYM & COACHING STAFF Our training gym is conveniently located near 70 th & Granville, in the Marpole area of Vancouver, and is dedicated to cheerleading, tumbling, and fitness opportunities. We have over 2,300 square feet of sprung floor, a 30 foot tumble track, a trampoline, and various tumbling and stunting training equipment! MIDNIGHT CHEER GYM: 1634 West 75 th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6P 6G2 Our coaching staff are all USASF credentialed and certified to teach stunting, Gym Line: 604.263.6436 basket tosses, and tumbling skills. In addition, we require our tumbling www.midnightcheer.com coaches to acquire a minimum of NCCP Level 1 Artistic Gymnastics certification; many of these coaches have their NCCP Level 2. Safety is our number one priority and there is always a coach with First Aid Certification in the gym. Program founder and Director Karen Fraser has been coaching cheerleading in Vancouver for over 20 years and is a former BC Lions Cheerleader! Our staff members attend cheerleading clinics and conferences throughout the season and are committed to staying current with industry coaching methods and standards to better train our athletes. We truly care about the athletes we work with and are invested in their individual and team successes! THE USASF LEVELS All star cheerleading in North America is governed by the USASF, the United States All-Star Federation. The USASF provides rules and regulations designed for proper progression of skill acquisition, helping to maintain safe and fair competitive events for the athletes. Midnight Cheer is a proud member of the USASF and we build our teams around the levels to set them up for success throughout the year. Athletes at Midnight are placed on teams primarily according to their age and skill set in the areas below. In addition, and where applicable, the coaches also consider the athlete s past performance including attendance and health, level of motivation and commitment, and overall coach-ability. Level Stunts Tumbling/Jumps 1 Thigh stand, double base, 1-legged stunts with flexibility positions, inversions must stay on ground Forward & backward rolls, handstand roll, cartwheel, round-off, front and back walk-overs, basic jumps, toe-touch jump 2 3 4 5 Extension, torch with flexibility positions, ½ twist in loads/ transitions, straight ride basket toss, inversions from ground up allowed Full twisting dismount from 2-legged stunts, lib with flexibility positions, single skill basket toss, full up & down in transitions, inversions at prep level & below Double twisting dismount from 2-legged stunts, single twisting from 1-legged stunts, double skill basket toss, inversions at extension Double twisting dismount from all stunts, inversions and release moves, kick double full basket toss Front handspring, round-off back handspring, back walk-over back handspring, standing back handspring, multiple back handsprings, connected jumps Round-off back tuck, round-off back handspring back tuck, running front tuck, advanced jump to back handspring and multiple back handsprings Standing back tucks, running front tuck step-outs, layouts, standing back handspring series to tuck, toe touch back handspring back tuck Layout full, layout double full, standing back handspring series to full, advanced jump to tuck combinations This chart does not list every skill in every level. More information about the USASF levels can be found at www.usasf.net Page 2
TUMBLING CLASSES & PRIVATE LESSONS In addition to regular team practices, it is important that Midnight Cheer athletes understand the benefits of taking additional training including tumbling classes, and/or private lessons. Athletes who are motivated to advance in cheerleading are strongly encouraged to participate in additional training throughout the year. Coach Karen s favourite quote: Formula for expertise: do it 10,000 times! NOTE: Athletes on Junior Level 1 and higher teams are required to participate in either a weekly tumbling class or may choose a weekly private/semi-private lesson (very limited availability). Athletes on Youth Level 1 are strongly encouraged to participate in a weekly tumbling class or private lesson. Athletes who choose the weekly tumbling class option have two time slots to choose from and must participate in both the Fall (Sept- Dec) and Winter (Jan-spring break) sessions; the Spring (after spring break- Jun) session is optional/encouraged. DAY/TIME CLASS FALL SESSION WINTER SESSION SPRING SESSION Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 pm Level 1 15 Classes $300+GST 10 Classes $200+GST 14 classes $280+GST Fridays 4:00-6:00 pm Level 2 14 Classes $280+GST 10 Classes $200+GST 11 classes $220+GST Fridays 6:00-8:00 pm Level 1 14 Classes $280+GST 10 Classes $200+GST 11 classes $220+GST Saturdays 11:00 am-1:00 pm Level 3/4/5 12 Classes $240+GST 7 Classes $140+GST 9 classes $180+GST Saturdays 1:00-3:00 pm Level 2 12 Classes $240+GST 7 Classes $140+GST 9 classes $180+GST Saturdays 3:00-5:00 pm Level 1 12 Classes $240+GST 7 Classes $140+GST 9 classes $180+GST Registration for tumble classes is full-session only; we no longer offer per-class as an option. One make-up class during another time slot of the same level is allowed once per session contact Midnight to arrange. The Fall Session of tumble classes will begin September 8 th. A class schedule will be provided in September and available on our website as certain classes will not be offered some weeks due to Midnight winter/spring shows, competition commitments, or holidays! Privates 1-hour privates and semi-privates can be booked during the following times, dependent upon the gym s and requested coach s availability contact lesley@midnightcheer.com to arrange: Monday through Thursday, from 3:45 4:45 pm Saturdays & Sundays on a limited basis Pricing: $45+GST/hour/1 athlete $50+GST/hour/2 athletes $60+GST/hour/3 athletes Page 3
RECREATIONAL CHEER At Midnight, we offer recreational cheer in addition to our competitive cheerleading teams: Recreational Cheer is a great introduction to the world of cheerleading. Learn all about the various skill components of competitive cheerleading stunts, tumbling, jumps, motions, dance, and transitions at a more casual pace and lower level of commitment. This class will run in sessions: Fall, Winter, and Spring. No experience is required and there are no competition fees or uniform costs! This is a great way to get to know cheerleading, learn some new skills, stay in shape and make new friends. Rec Cheer is an hour and half weekly class, offered on Sundays from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. Rec Cheer is the perfect place for athletes who are unsure if they want to commit to a full-year competitive team. For information on our competitive all-star teams please see the 2015/2016 Team Registration Package. DAY/TIME CLASS FALL SESSION WINTER SESSION SPRING SESSION Sundays Rec Cheer 14 Classes 9 Classes 10 classes 5:00-6:30 pm $210+GST $135+GST $150+GST YEARLY INVESTMENT Please note the following regarding fees: 1. MEMBERSHIP FEE FOR ALL ATHLETES IS $100+GST and is paid separately from the fees outlined below. This fee includes BCCA Insurance, which is a requirement for our gym to offer training. This fee covers any training from September 2015 to August 2016 2. SESSION FEES are due on or before the first day of training in each session. classes & Rec cheer are offered in the Fall, Winter and Spring sessions. Session fees are non-refundable. IMPORTANT NOTES: Registration deadline for all returning program members is August 31 st, 2015. New members who join after our Fall Bring a Friend week (for Level 1 prep teams only) will have until October 5, 2015 to register. Registration is not considered complete and athletes will not be permitted to participate until all forms and payments have been submitted/arranged. This includes your non-refundable Membership & Insurance fee. Page 4
IMPORTANT DATES & GYM CLOSURES The following is a comprehensive listing of important dates including program events and gym closures for the 2015-2016 cheer season we recommend printing this page & posting for easy reference! EVENT DATE DETAILS FIRST DAY OF TRAINING Tuesday, September 8 th Welcome back!! LEVEL 1 CHOREOGRAPHY WEEKEND SIZE & SWAP #1 At the gym SIZING #2 At the gym BRING A FRIEND WEEK *LEVEL 1 PREP TEAMS ONLY* MIDNIGHT WINTER SHOWCASE WINTER BREAK SPRING BREAK & EASTER WEEKEND MIDNIGHT SPRING SHOWCASE BRING A FRIEND WEEK Friday, September 18 th to Saturday, September 19 th Saturday, September 19 th 1:00 6:00 pm Saturday, October 17 th 2:00 4:00 pm Sunday, October 25 st to Sunday, November 1 st Saturday, December 5 th Monday, December 21 st to Sunday, January 3 rd Monday, March 14 th to Monday, March 28 th Saturday, April 23 rd Monday, May 2 nd to Sunday, May 8 th SPRING SESSION May & June 2016 Schedule emailed to teams: Glow, Shimmer & Shine athletes must be available this weekend for choreography camp. All athletes will be sized for uniforms, shoes, and practice wear! A chance to buy/sell gently used cheer gear. For athletes who join after Bring a Friend week! Level 1 Prep athletes are encouraged to bring a friend to participate in a team practice! Two afternoon shows to invite your friends & family to enjoy! Participation from every athlete is required for all teams to be able to run their routines. Regular training canceled. Specialty camps & clinics will be offered. Regular training canceled. Specialty camps & clinics will be offered. Two afternoon shows to invite your friends & family to enjoy! Participation from every athlete is required for all teams to be able to run their routines. All athletes are encouraged to bring a friend to a team practice! New members are invited to join Midnight teams! TRYOUTS 2016 Saturday, May 14 th Times TBA!!! TEAM PLACEMENTS May & June 2016 Returning athletes will request their team placement for the 2016-2017 season. GYM CLOSED: SUNDAY/MONDAY, OCTOBER 11/12 SUNDAY/MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7/8 SUNDAY/MONDAY, MAY 22/23 THANKSGIVING FAMILY DAY VICTORIA DAY *OPEN ON HALLOWEEN & REMEMBRANCE DAY* Page 5
RULES & REGULATIONS - GENERAL Please read the following information carefully and ask a Midnight Cheer staff member if you have any questions! These Rules & Regulations are here to provide you and your family with an understanding of the expectations that come with your participation as a Midnight Cheer program member. GYM ETIQUETTE & SAFETY Only registered athletes are permitted in the training area. Parents must ask permission before entering the training floor. No use of equipment is permitted without the supervision of a Midnight coach. No stunting or tumbling is permitted in or around the gym without the supervision of a Midnight coach. Parents are not permitted to spot or assist tumbling and/or stunting and it is not recommended that parents or friends assist these types of skills at home without certified supervision and instruction. Spectators are not permitted in the gym except for the last 15 minutes of practice ONLY. No parent/siblings/friends are allowed on the gym floor/training area unless invited; a viewing area is provided. Food, beverages, and gum are not permitted on the training floor. Cell phones must be kept on silent mode during training; parents are encouraged to phone the gym if they need to contact their child in an emergency situation. Athletes who do not comply with this rule will have their cell phones taken away during their training time. Our facility is nut-free. Midnight Cheer is not responsible for lost/stolen valuables at the gym. To avoid disappointment, please leave valuables at home and label your items. PROPER ATTIRE For safety hair must be pulled away from the face & off the neck, cheer shoes worn, & absolutely no jewelry or finger nails past the tips of your fingers as these can harm others. Do NOT be surprised if a coach pulls out a nail clipper to shorten hazardous nails! Athletes are welcome to wear alternate clothing items (including cheer event clothing) to any tumble classes and/or private lessons. There is to be absolutely NO SMOKING/ALCOHOL/DRUGS when in uniform, at a cheerleading event, or when representing Midnight Cheer in any way. SPORTSMANSHIP & RESPECT At practices, events, and competitions, both athletes and parents are expected to represent Midnight Cheer in a professional manner by displaying good sportsmanship, supporting Midnight and other teams and programs, and being positive role models for others. It is essential that there be respect among teammates, parents, coaches, and members of other programs. Any disrespect toward others in person or on social media will not be tolerated. COMMUNICATION & CONCERNS We will do our best to ensure proper communication through our website and emails. We encourage you to stay actively involved in the communication process by checking your email often and our website regularly as it will contain important information. In order to provide the most positive experience possible for all of our athletes, we ask that parents not discuss their concerns with or in front of the athletes. A scheduled time with the coach to discuss any concerns can be arranged in private. Athletes may not train concurrently at Midnight Cheer and another all-star cheerleading facility in BC; if you choose to participate in team training or regular classes at another all-star cheerleading facility, you are choosing to leave Midnight Cheer but your financial commitment does not end early. Page 6
PAYMENT POLICIES & PROCEDURES Having our own facility comes with much responsibility. Everyone must contribute to help promote the Midnight Cheer Gym and all of the programs that it offers. It is also imperative that all families make payments on time and ensure that there are sufficient funds to cover their children s monthly fees. All membership and tuition fees collected are immediately paid out to rent, utilities, equipment, insurance, gym needs and requirements, and coaches salaries. All additional fees are immediately paid out to the competition companies, uniform suppliers, choreographers, music editors, etc. Therefore, there are ZERO refunds on all payments TO DATE including, but not limited to, tuition, competition fees, uniform & apparel payments, camp/clinic payments, etc. Please note and adhere to the following payment policies and procedures: 1. Membership & Insurance Fees are non-refundable. 2. Cheques can be made payable to Midnight Cheer Athletics. There will be a $25 fee for returned cheques, due immediately. 3. A 2% interest fee will be charged monthly to accounts overdue by 30 days or longer. 4. Classes will run pending registration. If cancellation is required, you will be notified by Midnight and tuition fees for that specific class will be fully refunded. 5. Athletes registered in any of our programs are expected to be emotionally and socially capable of conducting themselves appropriately with their peers/coaches and to actively participate in all of the program activities. Athletes who do not demonstrate these abilities may be asked to withdraw from the program. 6. Athletes are welcome to participate in their cheer practices only when their accounts are up-to-date and all required payments have been arranged; this will be strictly enforced. 7. An athlete s account must be in good standing in order to participate in additional activities such as privates, camps, clinics, competitions, and other special events. 8. We reserve the right to cancel or decline a registration at any time. 9. If a member withdraws before the 1st day of class, 90% of the 10-month total will be refunded. 10. For competitive and elite team athletes, no refunds or credits will be issued after Sept. 30th. 11. Classes missed due to injury, illness, vacation or time off will not be pro-rated. 12. All sales are final on Midnight Cheer Athletics uniforms, clothing, shoes and accessories. There are no refunds on monies paid out by Midnight on behalf of athletes for competitions and travel. Although we have tried, we cannot pre-determine every possible circumstance that may arise; therefore, requests for refunds in exceptional and extenuating circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In these circumstances, requests must be made in writing to karen@midnightcheer.com. Page 7
REGISTRATION FORM Athlete Name: Birthdate (MM/DD/YY): / / Age on August 31 st, 2015: Entering grade: Home address: City, Province, Postal Code: Primary phone: Mother/Father/Guardian Texting Yes / No Secondary phone: Mother/Father/Guardian Texting Yes / No Mother s name: Mother s occupation (optional): Father s name: Father s occupation (optional): Midnight will provide email contact lists to each team. Circle Yes / No beside Share to indicate your preference. Primary email: Mother/Father/Guardian Share Yes / No Secondary email: Mother/Father/Guardian Share Yes / No Athlete phone: Texting Yes / No Athlete email: Share Yes / No Care Card #: Extended Health Care Provider: Emergency Contact: Emergency Contact Phone: Please list any known allergies: Please list any physical/psychological limitations, injury, or weakness that may affect the athlete s performance: Circle which team(s) and/or tumbling/specialty classes you are registering for: RECREATIONAL CHEER: Sundays 5:00 to 6:30 pm Fall / Winter / Spring (circle) TUMBLE CLASS: TIME SESSION REMINDER: Tuesday Level 1 4:30-6:30 pm Fall / Winter / Spring 1 weekly class required Friday Level 2 4:00-6:00 pm Fall / Winter / Spring for all Junior Level 1 & Friday Level 1 6:00-8:00 pm Fall / Winter / Spring higher team athletes Saturday Level 3+ 11:00 am-1:00 pm Fall / Winter / Spring during the Fall & Winter Saturday Level 2 1:00-3:00 pm Fall / Winter / Spring sessions. Saturday Level 1 3:00-5:00 pm Fall / Winter / Spring Page 8
PARTICIPATION AND CONSENT WAIVER In regards to my child participating in any activity at Midnight Cheer Athletics including but not limited to: cheer teams, tumbling classes/camps/clinics, birthday parties and/or gym rentals by other cheer programs, I understand that accidents can be a result of the nature of the activity and can occur with or without any fault on either part of the athlete, the Midnight Cheer Gym, Midnight Cheer Athletics, its employees, agents or the facility where the activity is taking place. By allowing my daughter/son to participate, I am accepting the risk of an accident occurring and agree that the activities carried out in the course of an activity facility and cheerleading club are suitable for my child. Through participation, I am admitting awareness of the usual risks and dangers inherent in participation in all of the activities offered at Midnight Cheer and associated with the Midnight Cheer Athletics Cheer Program and the possibility of injury both minor and serious, property damage or loss of life resulting from the activities. I waive any and all claims I may have against, and release all liability and agree not to sue, the Midnight Cheer Gym, Midnight Cheer Athletics, Karen Jillian Fraser, Midnight Cheer s employees, agents or volunteers for any personal injury, property damage or loss sustained as a result of my child s participation in the program, arising out of any cause whatsoever. In signing this Consent and Waiver, I am not relying on any oral or written representation or statements made by Midnight Cheer Athletics, its servants, agents, employees or authorized volunteers to induce me to permit my child to take part, other than set out in the Consent and Waiver. In regards to my child participating on a Midnight Cheer Athletics cheerleading team, my child and I have read and understand the policies and expectations outlined in this registration package and understand that we are under contract for a ten-month season beginning in September 2015. I have read and understand the terms of this Contract and Waiver. I understand that it is binding upon me, my heirs, executors and administrators. I agree to permit Midnight Cheer Athletics to use photographic images of my child participating in Midnight Cheer activities for print or electronic promotional use. Please Note: Failure to read and understand this Registration Package is not an excuse for not knowing or for not following our rules - by signing, you are agreeing to all points in the 2015-2016 Team Information Manual. Date Legal Name of Athlete (please print) Signature of Athlete Legal Name of Parent / Guardian (please print) Signature of Parent / Guardian Page 9
BC CHEERLEADING ASSOCIATION PARTICIPANT'S INFORMED CONSENT FORM (Under 18) PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Risk: I (Parent's Name) give my consent for my child (Child's Name) to participate in cheerleading which may result in personal injury (including but not limited to: injury to bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, internal organs, and other aspects of the skeletal system and potential impairment to other aspects of the body, and in rare occurrences, death, complete or partial paralysis or brain damage) and property damage or loss. The definition of participating in a cheerleading program includes but is not limited to: it is an activity that uses organized routines made up of elements from stunting, gymnastics & dance to cheer on sports teams at games and matches or as a competitive sport. I fully understand these risks and give my son / daughter permission to participate in a cheerleading program. Rules: I understand that the rules and regulations are designed for the safety and protection of participants and hereby agree to inform my son/daughter of the importance of abiding by the rules and regulations set down by the club/team I am training with and the BC Cheerleading Association rules & regulations. Media Release: I hereby grant to the BC Cheerleading Association the right to use, without payment of any fee or charge, any written information, photograph, video tape or other visual media of my son / daughter taken during a BC Cheerleading Association sanctioned event for the purpose of furthering BC Cheerleading Associations objectives. I, as the parent/guardian of the participant named herein, hereby declare that I have read, understood and agree to the contents of this Informed Consent in its entirety. I, as the parent/guardian of the participant named herein, agree to assume full responsibility to instruct my child of the risks involved and to inform him / her of the importance of abiding by the rules and regulations. Date: Participant Name: Club/Team Name: Signature of parent / guardian: Signature of Witness: Page 10