New England

Gymnastics

Training Center, L.L.C.

GIRLS’ TEAM HANDBOOK

Website: www.negtc.com

New England

Gymnastics

Training Center, L.L.C.

GIRLS’ TEAM HANDBOOK

Table of Contents:

I.	Welcome & Office Hours	3
II.	Most Importantly	4-5
III.	Tuition Payment and Registration Fees	6
IV.	Meet/Clinic Fee Assessments	7
V.	Team Uniforms	8
VI.	Discipline Procedures	8
VII.	Gymnast Rules & Guidelines	9-12
VIII.	NEGTC Guidelines for Parents	12-15
IX.	General Progression, Placement & Competition Rules	16
X.	Signature Page	17
Appendix	Press Release Coordinators	18-19
	Registration Form	20-21
	No Refund Policy	22
	NEGTC Calendar	23
	Athlete Registration Application	24-25
	Tuition Payment Schedule	26
	Competition Gym Bag Check List	27
	Girls Team Awards	28-34

New England Gymnastics Training Center, L.L.C.

5 Tracy Lane, Hudson, New Hampshire 03051

603-880-8GTC (8482) *** FAX 603-880-1800 *** E-MAIL: NEGTC@COMCAST.NET

Website: www.negtc.com

I. WELCOME

Dear Team Parent:

Welcome to NEGTC - a USA Gymnastics Training Center and home of the NEGTC competitive teams. We feel our teams are among the best in the area - a fact proven true by our awards and team rankings. It is an honor and a privilege for your child to be selected to our team programs.

Philosophy of NEGTC

Our philosophy is a simple one. We strive to ensure that each and every child in our program is made to feel special. We offer growth in the areas of strength, flexibility, peer interaction, development of self-confidence and overall well-being in conjunction with gymnastic skill acquisition. Our goals are to offer every child the best professional and organized gymnastic instruction with new state-of-the-art equipment in a fun-filled, controlled learning environment. We hope that all your child’s gymnastic dreams come true here at NEGTC!

Our coaching staff is professional and highly qualified. Tim is a rated National Judge for the Women’s Program. Our emphasis on correct form, proper technique and precise execution will result in higher scores for your gymnast. If you have any questions, call the office and ask to speak to the appropriate Team Coach, Tim or Mary Ann. They’ll be glad to help in any way possible. Once again, congratulations and welcome to NEGTC!!!

Office Hours

Monday 3:00 – 9:00pm

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9:00am – 1:30pm and 3:00 –8:00pm

Friday, No Office Hours

Saturday 8am – 12noon

Team parents are in the gym several days per week. We ask that you review these office hours and note that the office is not open after 5pm on Fridays. Thank you.

II. Most Importantly....

The information found in this section is the most important of all. Please read this section carefully.

TEAM TUITION – 2 payments due every 8 weeks - not at the beginning of a month, but on the first day of every Session BEFORE CLASS STARTS. We do not hand out bills . . . tuition payment schedule is listed on Page 26. Session dates are listed on the NEGTC calendar. Late payment fee - $20.00 assessed if payment is received after the 1st day of class for each pay period. Extensions must be arranged in advance and approved by Mary Ann. There are no refunds or make-ups for time missed by a gymnast. It is your responsibility to pay your tuition on a timely basis. If your child is out during the week your tuition is due, we ask that you mail your payment in. We have commitments to meet and cannot do so if payments are not timely. Please note office hours.

REGISTRATION FEE - A non-refundable registration fee is due when your gymnast re-enrolls each year (June - May). Team gymnast’s enrollment period will be held each year during the month of May.

MEET FEE ASSESSMENTS - All competition and clinic expenses for gymnasts and coaches including meet fees, coaches fees and expenses, coaches overnight travel expenses for meals and lodging are paid from one account - the assessment account. The coaching fee is $75 per session per coach. Meal per diem is $10/$10/$20 (breakfast/lunch/dinner). All coaches who train team gymnasts are given the opportunity to attend all events with the levels they train, whether regardless of the number of gymnasts that qualify. Tim as Owner of NEGTC is connected to all NEGTC programs and will attend as many events as his schedule permits as a coach at the above rate. This account will be funded by assessments to all competing gymnasts - payable in four payments (see schedule in “Meet Assessment Fee”). The meet assessment fee’s main purpose is to fund your gymnast’s meet expenses. Your assessment is determined by estimating meet fees, coaches’ fees and travel expenses (coaches meals/lodging), etc. The estimate is usually on the low side and your account may need additional funds throughout the season. Once meet/coach fees are disbursed, there are no refunds for any reason. Meet assessments will help our gym run smoother and more professionally than ever. Mary Ann will email a notice regarding meet entries and is your responsibility to communicate with your child’s Coach and Mary Ann as to this entry prior to the deadline, then checks are written from the assessment account. No hassles - no complaints! Assessment payments are deposited into a separate “team parent account”. Payments are made payable to “NEGTC Team Parents Fund” and given to the office. If you leave our program, any unpaid fees due to NEGTC will be deducted from the assessment account and any balance will be refunded to you. If you leave during a session, there are no refunds. Team uniform orders and meet entries will be put “on hold” if your assessment payments are past due.

ABSENCES - All absences must be called into the office with the reason for the absence. Please do not call and say, “Susie won’t be in today”. An excessive number of absences excused or unexcused make for unsafe participation in practices and/or competitions. Practices during the week of a competition are absolutely mandatory. Missing one practice (unexcused) automatically disqualifies that gymnast from that week’s competition! An excused practice is one that is approved by the coach. If at any time the coaching staff feels the lack of quantity and/or quality of practice time has created an unsafe situation, a parent, gymnast, coach meeting will be held. Termination from NEGTC’s competitive program may result. If we decide to cancel practice due to the weather, an updated message will be left on the answering machine (603-880-8482, press 2). It is your responsibility to call in before driving to the gym.

II. Most Importantly Cont’d....

TELEPHONE USE - If you need to make a call, please use your own cell phone or borrow a cell phone from another parent. We ask that you do not use the office phone.

MAIL/NOTICES – Notices regarding gym events, competitions, policies, payments, etc. will be E-MAILED. It is your responsibility to check your email daily as well as ask your child when she comes home from the gym to make sure you are aware of what’s going on. It is also your responsibility to check the NEGTC Team Info bulletin board located in the mezzanine. Please read all communications carefully and completely before coming to the office. If after doing so you still have questions, we’ll be glad to answer them for you.

No food or drinks are allowed in the gym. Upon asking permission from the appropriate coach, a gymnast may drink water from the water cooler located within the gym. There are two bathrooms located in the gym for gymnast’s use. Gymnasts may bring water bottles with covers into the gym during the months of July and August.

Gymnasts who transfer from other gyms during the competition season will be given an adjusted meet fee assessment amount based on the meets the gymnast will compete in. Gymnasts who are not ready to compete at the beginning of the competitive season, will be given advance notice by the Team Coach and Mary Ann as to when they will start competing.

ATHLETE MEMBERSHIP - 100% of all athletes in a USA Gymnastics Sanctioned Event must be pre-registered athlete members of USAG and be able to produce or have their coach supply a current, valid registration number assigned by USAG membership department. Athlete membership season begins each August 1 and runs through the following July 31. All athlete memberships are automatically null and void each July 31. USA Gymnastics will mail registration forms to the gym. Each gymnast will receive an athlete form to complete and return to the office with a check payable to NEGTC (no credit cards please). If you do not receive a form or join NEGTC’s program mid-season, please come to the office. These forms must be completed by you, the parent, and returned to NEGTC’s office so we can mail them to USAG headquarters in Indianapolis as a group. Processing usually takes 2 - 4 weeks and all athletes must have their new athlete number by mid-October due to sanctioned clinic participation and competition involvement.

TEAM PHOTOS - Annual team photographs are taken sometime during the winter timeframe. Each gymnast must be in attendance and present herself in proper competitive attire (leotard and hair suitable for competition, etc.). Individual photos can also be taken. Gymnasts may wear a leotard of her choice for the individual photo only. Gymnasts who show up without their required competitive attire will not be allowed in the team photo session.

MEETS - When NEGTC hosts a meet in our gym, it is mandatory that all team coaches, parents and gymnasts pitch in and help set up and clean up the gym and put all equipment back to its original location before leaving the gym. The success of our program is based on teamwork and you, the parents, are part of the team. Your child’s participation in meets may be affected if we have to chase you. Sign up sheets will be posted on the Team Info Board. PLEASE SIGN UP!

III. Tuition Payment and Registration Fees

YOU PAY FOR YOUR SPOT ON TEAM

NOT THE TIME YOU ATTEND

Missed Practices - There are no make-ups for teams. Injured gymnasts are expected to attend gym with an adjusted conditioning schedule. You must pay for your child’s spot on team, not just the practices attended. In other words, you must pay for a spot on team whether or not your child attends class or practice. Team Tuition payments are based on a four-week workout period. Payment should be made at the time the service is provided (before class starts). A payment schedule is included in this handbook on page 26. We do not hand out bills. Payments must be made on a timely basis (at the office or via U.S. mail). If your child transfers into a non-team class, we ask that you complete the current team session, then transfer. Tuition is not adjusted or refunded. Your rate will be changed to the new class rate at the beginning of the next session. The team program is a commitment that must be taken seriously. It runs from June – May.

Late Payment Fee - In order to avoid a $20.00 late fee, full payment must be received by the first day of class for each payment week. It is a parent’s responsibility to make arrangements with the office if your tuition will not be made on a timely basis or paid in full. Accounts carrying a balance will be considered late and assessed the late fee. Extensions must be arranged in advance and approved through by Mary Ann.

Returned Check Fee - Returned check fee is $20.

Summer Tuition - The summer tuition is presented as two payments (2 sessions for the entire summer). This fee may be paid in full or in 2 installments. There will be no tuition discounts given during the summer months for vacations, attending other gym camps, etc.

Holiday Workout - Holiday workout is billed separately due to the fact that the holiday and normal schedule vary.

Private Lessons - Private lessons are available. Cash payments are required and paid to NEGTC before the lesson begins. Please check with the coach for their available schedule. Check with the office for rates.

Registration Fee - A non-refundable $180 registration fee is due when your gymnast re-enrolls each May. The registration fee covers excess medical and liability insurance on each gymnast in addition to administrative costs and athlete supplies. Our insurance carrier insists that we must have a participation agreement and record of payment for insurance on each gymnast. If your child is injured, you submit all medical bills to your insurance carrier. NEGTC does not process claims. You should submit any deductibles or excess medical expenses not covered by your insurance to NEGTC’s insurance plan. You are responsible for the deductible before NEGTC’s insurance will pick up supplemental medical.

IV. Meet/Clinic Fee Assessments (fees may be adjusted if meets or expenses are added)

All meets/clinic fees, coaching fees, coaches’ meals/lodging, etc. will be paid from one account - the assessment account. This account is funded by assessments payments from all competing gymnasts. THE ASSESSMENT FEE’S MAIN PURPOSE IS TO FUND YOUR GYMNAST’S MEET EXPENSES! Assessments will help our gym run smoother and more professionally than ever. You will receive an email notice regarding a meet entry. This will also be placed on the Team Info Board. It is your responsibility to communicate with your gymnast’s Coach and Mary Ann as to this entry prior to the deadline, then checks are written from the assessment account.

Fee assessments can be paid in one, two, three or four payments. All checks should be made payable to “NEGTC Team Parents Fund” and given to the Office. NO CREDITCARDS PLEASE! It is a parent’s responsibility to make arrangements with Mary Ann if your assessment payment will not be made on a timely basis. Please add a $25 late fee to all late payments. A payment schedule is distributed at the beginning of each season and posted on the team info board. The schedule is as follows:

	June 15	July 15	August 15	Sept. 15
Boy’s Levels 4 & 5	$125	$125	$125	$125
Girl’s Levels 4, 5 & 6	$150	$150	$150	$150
Girl’s Level 7	$225	$225	$225	$225
Girl’s Levels 8 & 9	$250	$250	$250	$250

	Aug. 15	Sept. 15	Oct. 15	Nov. 15
Girl’s Prep Op	$125	$125	$125	$125

You will receive a statement at the end of each year (June) showing the status of your account. Any balance due must be paid immediately. Any credit balance will be put towards the following year’s assessment fee. If your child terminates the program and there is an out-of-pocket credit balance in your assessment account, you will automatically receive a refund for this amount (less any fees disbursed or due to NEGTC). If you have a second child on the team program, then that balance will be transferred into that child’s account. You should keep a minimum balance of $50 in your account at all times.

A gymnast may practice but not be entered in or compete in any meets if the assessment payment is not paid on a timely basis. Also, team uniform orders will be placed “on hold” until your account is current. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. All missed assessments must be paid before competing in future meets. The required payment is due in full on the dates posted. Assessment fees are for expenses as stated. Additional expenses are the responsibility of the gymnast and will be billed.

NOTE: As a team member of NEGTC you make a commitment to train and compete. You are expected to compete as well as make your competitions as much a priority as we do. When you do not compete, you affect the team, the gym and the budget that was designed with all gymnasts competing. The exception to the above would be for a new level gymnast who is not ready and is not recommended to compete by his coach. The meet schedule is posted in advance so that you can make sure your child is available for all meets. It is important that you find a way for your child to attend . . . please consider carpooling if you are not available.

V. Team Uniforms

Each gymnast must have an approved NEGTC Team leotard to compete. No other team leotard will be allowed. Only the Owners will make exceptions.

Team Uniform: a complete girl’s uniform consists of a sleeveless warm up leotard and matching hair scrunchy (not using during 07-08), a long sleeved competition leotard and matching hair scrunchy, warm up pants, jacket, bellyband and gym bag. Team leotards change every couple of years. Invitational leotards are different from our regular team leotard but are also part of the approved NEGTC competitive attire. Only the Owners will make exceptions. The owners may dismiss a gymnast from a competition and possibly team membership if she presents herself out of the approved NEGTC team uniform. Lower levels competing in unsanctioned meets will wear the NEGTC warm-up tank leotard.

Please keep in mind that it takes approximately 6-8 weeks to receive uniforms once they are ordered.

Uniforms may be purchased directly from other gymnasts for a discounted rate. The gym takes no part or responsibility in the resale of team uniforms.

All special orders must be paid for when the order is placed.

VI. Discipline Procedures

1st infraction: verbal warning.

2nd & 3rd infractions: verbal warning with side line conditioning focusing on gymnast’s weaknesses, i.e. push-ups or similar exercise.

4th infraction: parental conference - gymnast not allowed back without conference.

5th infraction: Temporary or permanent suspension from team.

If problem persists, additional suspension time will be given as determined by coach and owners. Expulsion from team is also an option.

NOTE: A gymnast may be scratched from an event or meet for discipline reasons or uncontrolled reactions to a score or performance result. A gymnast may be scratched from an event or meet as a result of parent’s uncontrolled reactions to a score or performance result. There will be no refund of meet/coach fee if a gymnast is scratched.

When NEGTC hosts a meet in our gym, it is mandatory that all team coaches, parents and gymnasts in attendance pitch in and help setup up the gym for the meet and clean up the gym and put all equipment back to its original location before leaving the gym. The success of our program is based on teamwork and you are expected to be part of it. Failure to do so, may effect your child’s participation in our program.

VII. Gymnast Rules & Guidelines

In order to have a more harmonious learning situation in the gym, the gymnasts must maintain a certain standard of discipline. This will a) establish and maintain order as well as safety, b) keep the time wasted on discipline to a minimum, c) enhance the productivity of each gymnast. Let’s face it, every NEGTC member wants to be the best they can be and, therefore, we need discipline. On the other hand, we also want each gymnast to have fun while she is at NEGTC. Yet even fun demands a certain level of discipline. As a result, following is a list of guidelines we expect each gymnast to follow:

1. No food or drinks are allowed in the gym. Upon asking permission from the appropriate coach, a gymnast may drink water from the water cooler located within the gym.

2. Gymnasts are to keep talking to a minimum during the entire workout! In many training situations, gymnasts will be asked to refrain from talking in order to be more productive. Excessive use of chalk at bars may warrant a gymnast to vacuum and mop the bar areas!

3. All gymnasts must help move equipment as well as help straighten the gym after each practice and home meet. Also, it’s the gymnasts’ responsibility to keep their lockers clean. Also, please pick up after yourselves and each other when snack time is over! Use the trash barrels.

4. When not on equipment gymnasts are to work drills as directed by the coach, i.e. side stations, etc. Standing and waiting is not acceptable…side stations can curtail that!

5. Gymnasts are to show sportsmanship and kindness to fellow team members. ANY attempt to create or cause injury to another gymnast will result in disciplinary action.

6. Back talk, rolling eyes or sly remarks to any coach will not be tolerated. Continuous idle chatter and constant comments about the need for breaks or moving to another rotation is not acceptable gymnast behavior!

7. Quarreling or name-calling will not be tolerated. Also, off-color or crude remarks will not be tolerated at any time.

8. Under no circumstances is one gymnast to criticize another gymnast’s performance or practice at NEGTC or any other gym.

9. Gymnasts are to remember to ask for help while working on a skill that they feel they need coaching/spotting assistance and/or experience a “fear” level!

10. Gymnasts are encouraged to make as much use as possible of practice time with proper form.

11. Gymnasts are to encourage and support each other in becoming great athletes.

12. Gymnasts must make and KEEP corrections given by coaches.

13. No communicating with parents who are in the mezzanine during team practice time.

VII. Gymnast Rules & Guidelines CONT’D

14. Clothing, grips, weights, etc. are not to be left around the gym floor. Clothing, grips, weights, etc. picked up by NEGTC staff will be brought to the office. It will cost each gymnast $1.00 to receive these items back and, in addition, gym chores and/or additional conditioning will be assigned to that gymnast. PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOURSELVES. USE YOUR LOCKERS and please keep them clean . . . . stickers on lockers (inside & outside) are NOT allowed. Parents – please pitch in with odor control and remind your child to take clothing & other items home and clean out their lockers when the gym is closed for extended periods such as holidays.

15. Team tryouts are held by appointment and scheduled through Tim.

16. Past or present team members who transfer to another gym are allowed to transfer back to NEGTC one time only but subject to the owners’ discretion. Should said gymnast leave the team a second time that move will be permanent unless specifically approved ahead of time with the Owners.

17. Coaches Evaluation - The coaches and owners have the final say in any gymnast’s progression. Upon making the qualifying scores and skills, a gymnast’s attitude, discipline, strength, flexibility and ability will be evaluated by the coaches and owners. Based on their evaluation, the determination will be made regarding said gymnast’s progression.

18. Score - a gymnast must make the qualifying score the required number of times before becoming eligible to move to the next level. These scores must be obtained in a USA Gymnastics (USAG) sanctioned meet.

19. Competing for High School Team - a member of NEGTC team may compete for her high school provided no NEGTC regularly scheduled practices or meets are missed unless approved by the appropriate NEGTC coach.

20. Length of Time at a Competition Level - A gymnast must compete one (1) full competition season at the level she progresses to (see “Exception below”). A competition year is determined by the date of the state championship of a particular level. Exception - In the event that an athlete has demonstrated national caliber potential, upon advice/recommendation from her coach, and with approval from the owners, the gymnast may move up a competitive level without completing their current competitive level season.

21. Qualifications for Competition - While a gymnast may move up to or practice at the next level, she will not compete at that level until (1) all basic skills of the routines are performed without a spot; (2) all routines are performed safely and with the gymnast in control; (3) all routines are performed correctly and meet the event requirements for that level; and (4) the gymnast has the discipline and the maturity level of competition demands.

22. Scratches - All USAG gymnasts must compete in all events unless forced to scratch a result of an injury or recommendation from her coach. There are no refunds for meet scratches for any reason including but not limited to injuries or bad weather unless the host gym refunds the money.

VII. Gymnast Rules & Guidelines CONT’D

23. The gymnast is obligated to:

Obtain an athlete member number from USAG office and be prepared to show her membership card at all sanctioned events in which she participates. The athlete number must be renewed every August (see page 5 of this manual on Athlete membership!)

Be present at the site of the meet 15 minutes prior to stretch & warm-ups.

Remain in the area of competition that is designated for gymnasts as competitors or as observers. Obey warm-up regulations and rotation schedules.

Present in the proper attire. A deduction can be applied for the infraction of not having the required competitive uniform. . In addition, the owners may dismiss a gymnast from a competition and possibly team membership if she presents herself out of the approved NEGTC team uniform.

Be extremely well groomed in her appearance, clean attire, hair secured away from the face, free from any object which may hinder or endanger her safety (jewelry, etc.) Hair in a bun for competition!!!!

Accept the received score without criticism or comment.

Be courteous, respectful and polite to all meet officials, coaches, hostesses, competitors and associated persons. Exhibit self-control and calmness in the case of a fall or injury. Uncontrolled or needless crying is unacceptable behavior in the event of a minor injury!! Crying for other reasons other than serious injury is unacceptable and may result in removal of the gymnast from the practice/meet.

Age Determination - The gymnast’s age for the competitive season is determined by the date of the final day of competition at the culminating championship meet for that level. The gymnast must compete in USAG meets in the same age division for the entire season.