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HARTLAND GYMNASTIC ACADEMY BOOSTER CLUB
PARENT’S HANDBOOK 2014-2015
WELCOME Primary Purpose:
The primary purpose of our organization shall be to provide support and assistance to
the Hartland Gymnastics Academy, Hartland Community Education, gymnasts, parents,
and coaches, regarding club policies, team progressions, and competition procedures.
Secondary Objectives:
*Assistance in paying costs incurred by competitive gymnastic teams and their members.
*Provide an effective and efficient means of communication among members, the
community and the competitive gymnastic teams and individual gymnasts.
*Promote mental, physical, and moral development of gymnasts.
*Any other means, approved by members, which would promote competitive gymnastic
opportunities.
The 2014-2015 Board Members are:
President April Rieli [email protected]
Vice President Pam Dinsmore
Treasurer Amy Petru [email protected]
Secretary Karen Fritz-Sweet
Registrar Betsy Berkey [email protected]
Fundraising Chair Lynne Dodson [email protected]
Assistant Tracy Horvath
Scrips Lynne Washburn
VG Receipts Betsy Berkey
Store Jennifer Kolonich [email protected]
Website Gym: www.hartlandgymnasticsacademy.com
Gym Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HartlandGymnastics
Website Boosters: www.hgaboosters.com
Boosters Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/401582470455/
Instagram: @hartlandgymnastics
Gym Phone 810-626-2170
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND DUTIES
All families of Hartland Gymnastics Academy gymnasts on a competitive team and/or Pre-
Team, are members of the Hartland Gymnastics Booster Club.
Pre-Team gymnasts are: Advanced Level 2, Hot Shots, and TOPS.
Competitive gymnasts are: Levels 3 -10 and Xcel Bronze-Diamond.
Each May the booster club members elect a board of directors, to serve a one year term
beginning July 1 and running through June 30. The board typically includes six positions,
including: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Meet Registrar, and Fundraising
Chair.
Any booster club member can nominate themselves or another member to run for a board
position.
The Board holds monthly meetings that are open for attendance by the entire membership.
Occasionally, if a private financial matter needs to be discussed, the board meets briefly in
a closed meeting.
Booster Club meetings are held monthly from August through May. Dates and times of
meetings for the year will be posted at the beginning of each new season. Attendance is
required at a minimum of three meetings each. Failure to attend 3 booster meetings will result
in a $30 fine.
PRESIDENT
Calls for and presides at meetings, acts as liaison between coaches, gym director and Hartland
Community Education, regulates debate and defines questions, suggestions, and decisions made
at meetings. In the event of a tie during board vote, the president has the tie-breaking vote.
Records families and gymnasts who have worked at home meet and reports the information to
the Treasurer. Organizes and directs home meets.
VICE-PRESIDENT Organizes new parent orientation meetings; Keeps team file folders current; maintains bulletin
board; Works with entire board to assist and help in any way necessary.
TREASURER Responsible for accounts receivable and payable; maintains individual account records and
notifies parents of account status; disburses funds; submits financial statement at board and
general meetings; researches validity of expenditures.
FUNDRAISING Coordinates and controls fundraising efforts; sets up a profile of fundraising for the coming year;
seeks assistance and ideas from members of the Booster Club; looks into concerns of the
membership, and seeks solutions to be discussed at board meetings. Seeks and assigns committee
people for fundraising events. Provides treasurer with a gross/expense/net profit report for each
fundraiser.
SECRETARY Takes notes at Booster Board and Booster Club general meetings, posts minutes from meetings
on bulletin board, email and website; maintains attendance records; maintains records of votes.
REGISTRAR Responsible for registering all gymnasts for all meets for the season; submits request to
Treasurer for payment to register gymnasts at meets; Communicates with members of the
Booster Club for gymnast gift information.
HGA COACHES
Coach Short has coached gymnastics since 1976. She had dedicated her coaching career to the Hartland
Gymnastics program. She has had many accomplishments along the way, but none more gratifying than the
gymnasts whom she has instructed. Many of her athletes have become very successful in both gymnastics and life.
Cathy is more than just a gymnastics coach – she requires and teaches all her athletes the art of becoming healthy,
happy, and responsible adults. Her dedication to the sport is highly recognized through her athletes and peers
throughout the community.
She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor in Physical Education. Cathy is a meet director,
Judge with National Rating, and holds a Michigan NAWGJ Board position.
Coach Janine Plott brings to Hartland Gymnastics experience as a level 10 gymnast, a dance instructor,
gymnastics coach, and NAWGJ level 5/6 judge.
She has coached gymnastics since 1985. Janine was a level 10 gymnasts and began her coaching career 20+ years
ago in Maryland. Her knowledge and certification as a teacher of Cecchetti Ballet, along with her efforts in
choreography have helped bring HGA to the top of their game. This can also be seen in her excellent track record
for consistently helping gymnasts bring home State and Regional Championship titles.
Since coming to Hartland Gymnastics in 2006, Coach Janine has made a positive contribution. Her positive and
upbeat attitude radiates and touches each and every gymnast.
Coach Sam Zach recently graduated from Michigan State University where she studied Kinesiology. Her
specialization is in cardiac rehabilitation. She completed her Cardiac Rehab Internship with Beaumont-Royal Oak
and became a certified Exercise Specialist.
Before returning to Hartland Gymnastics, she worked with preschool gymnastics, recreational, pre-team and team
gymnasts close to MSU’s campus. She also founded the Michigan State Club Gymnastics team which has had great
success! Gymnastics has been a huge part of her life after her best friend taught her how to do cartwheels
(incorrectly) at 6 years old.
Coach Sam competed as a level 9 gymnast and had success at the State and Regional levels.
Coach Annie Curtis has been with Hartland Gymnastics since 2005. She is a USAG safety certified coach.
Annie coaches recreational gymnastics and level 2, as well as Xcel competitive gymnastics programs.
Her focus and interest in children has been long standing. She coached softball while in high school and college.
For 5 years, she worked as an RN at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. During her high school years, she played
basketball and her team won All Conference. Annie also played softball for 12 years and enjoyed gymnastics as a
young girl.
Coach Annie brings great enthusiasm and pride to the gym and is always very encouraging of all the gymnasts.
Coach Bernie Pletcher started at Hartland in November 2014. He has 2 Associates degrees in Business and
Medical assisting. He is USAG Safety Certified & CPR Certified.
Coach Bernie has been a Coach for over 30 years and has coached all levels from Rec, Pre-school, Compulsory,
Optional and Xcel, as well as High School. In addition to being a Coach, Bernie has also been a Judge for HS and
Tumbling.
Bernie has helped coach many state and regional champions and has been to the level 9 nationals many times, twice
with one of HGA’s own coach/parent, Traci, and in 2010 coached the level 9 All Around champion.
Bernie was the Xcel Coach of the Year 2 years in a row and have been nominated 3 times. When not at the gym, he
enjoys spending time showing his horses all around the nation.
GENERAL BOOSTER CLUB RULES & POLICIES All competing gymnasts (level 3-10; Xcel, TOPS, Hot Shots, Adv L2) parents are
members of the Hartland Gymnastics Academy Booster Club.
Communication Responsibility:
Members are responsible for staying informed on Booster Club happenings in one of
the following ways:
1) Booster Meetings. All families are required to attend at least 3 booster meetings per
season.
2 ) E-mail. All announcements and information will be sent to the entire membership.
Club members are responsible for informing the Club President of their current email
address.
3) Website. Copies of meeting minutes, forms, guidelines, etc, are filed on this
site. 4) Bulletin Boards. Hartland Gymnastics has provided the Booster Club with the use
of two bulletin boards inside the gym. The boards contain news, sign-ups, notices,
fundraising information, etc. Club members wishing to post something on the
bulletin board must contact the Booster President/VP.
5) Mailboxes. Every team member has a mailbox (file folder) for official
communication located on the file cabinet just inside the gym. Club members should
check this as often as possible and read newsletters and other documents thoroughly.
It is the parents’ responsibility to be familiar with the information placed in the file
folder.
WHERE TO TURN IN PAYMENTS
Any payments or forms that need to be turned in for the Booster Club can be placed in the
metal lockbox located on the gym door. The lock box is clearly labeled ‘HGA BOOSTERS’.
Please put your gymnast name, level and what the payment is for in the memo line.
Remember, monthly tuition to Hartland Gymnastics is not to be placed in a Booster Club
lock box. Tuition payments are made to the HCEC office. There is also a metal lockbox
located on the gym door labeled ‘HCEC’.
Please see the HGA Team Handbook or the Hartland Community Ed Brochure for
monthly tuition costs. These costs typically range from $150-$300, depending on the
gymnasts’ level.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Should members wish to terminate their membership with the Booster Club/Hartland
Gymnastics a WRITTEN 30 Day notice of departure is required to the Coaches and the Booster
President. All membership benefits cease as of the termination of membership. Any fees already paid are
not reimbursed and individual fundraising accounts remain with the booster club.
BOOSTER FEES vs. MEET FEES
Booster Fees consists of membership dues and estimated costs of the following: Christmas Party,
Banquet, Coaches & Gymnasts Gifts, Yearbook, Coaches meet expenses including travel, food,
lodging, and other related meet expenses and/or fees. Also included are related expenses for
running the gym store and running the home meet including decorations, hospitality for judges
and coaches, and purchasing awards.
Meet Fees are those fees that it costs to register a gymnast and/or team for a meet. These are
usually a set fee that has been established by the host gym.
Depending on what meets are chosen for the upcoming year, profit from the prior year home
meet, multiple factors. These fees can be anywhere from $350 and run up through/over $1,000.
The higher the level you go, the more they tend to run. There is typically a surplus returned to
each returning family depending on the profit of the previous season’s home meet.
Purpose and Determination of Fees:
Club members must pay fees to offset the administrative costs of the club, underwrite club
functions and activities, and serve to defray the overall cost of competition for gymnasts. The
amount of the commitment fee is the same for all families, regardless of how many gymnasts
are in the program.
Each year, the Treasurer, with assistance from Hartland Gymnastics Academy Director and the
Board, create a proposed operating budget. The budget is based on a proposed schedule of
gymnastics meets, camps, events, and fundraisers. Commitment fees are based on estimated
costs for the upcoming year and estimated profit from Booster Club fundraising events.
Commitment fees are the same for all Booster Club members.
Schedule and amount of payments:
The Booster Club’s fiscal year runs from July1 through June 30.
A fee payment schedule is determined at the start of the season. Payment statements are placed
in your mailbox at the start of the season and are due in monthly installments. Payments are
made payable to “HGA Booster Club” on the specified due date. A $10 late fee is assessed if the
payment is more than 10 days late.
Delinquencies:
In the event that Club members are delinquent in paying commitment fees or in meeting any
other obligations required under the Requirements or By-laws, gymnasts may be withheld
from competition, camps or other events. In addition, the By-laws provide that under certain
circumstances, memberships can be terminated.
SEASONAL POSITIONS
Store: Opens and Closes the Store; Orders clothing, leo and other supplies necessary; Consigns
used leos and appropriately credits individual accounts for same; provides treasurer with a
monthly gross/expense/net profit report.
Level Rep: A volunteer from each level to be a liaison between coaches and parents to
communicate meet info such as meet fees, carpools, etc.; recording scores and taking pictures;
reporting meet scores and pictures to publicity, yearbook; maintain communication of important
information to the other gymnasts in the same level and may include a phone chain, email or
texts.
Sponsorship Rep: A volunteer who is able to solicit local businesses for monetary donations
toward the HGA Team to aid in offsetting uniform, travel expenses, and/or meet costs to our
gymnasts; potential monetary donations toward the success of our home meet.
Trophy Cabinets: Volunteer to help keep our trophy cases clean. Clean glass, dust, etc.
Publicity: Volunteer to get HGA in the news. Write articles for each meet with top scores for
each level and send to all local papers for potential write-up in the news to honor HGA gymnasts
as well as great advertisement.
Yearbook Rep: Coordinate to put together yearbook to be distributed at the end of season
banquet. Yearbook will consist of all gymnasts’ pictures with best scores from the season, level
scores and team places, wall of fame, graduating seniors. Meet with Board for allowable budget.
Spirit Wear: Go to our gym spirit wear store to place orders at
http://www.mylocker.net/my/shop/hartland-gymnastics/index.html
Birthday Announcements: Post monthly birthdays on the bulletin board in the gym.
35+ Club Rep: Collection of individual meet scores, compile scores and post scores on the
bulletin Board after each meet (designated with a Red Heart).
Charity Rep: Responsible for planning a few charity events for the team throughout the season.
Holiday Party Rep: Plan and organize Team holiday party for December. Must coordinate date
with the coaches; Submit 3 choices to gymnasts in advance for their favorite option; plan and
request for possible food donations, etc. Arrange with Coaches to make sure they are supplying
a gift; Submit a budget to the Board and all expenses to the Treasurer.
End of Season Banquet Rep: Plan and organize for end of May/early June. Must coordinate
date with the Coaches; Work with event location to plan meals, desserts, etc; Plan for possible
games for gymnasts; Responsible for arranging gymnasts’ gifts; Submit a budget to the Board
and all expenses to the Treasurer.
All parents should plan on participating. Members have the opportunity to sign-up for a
committee at the beginning of the season. Members joining throughout the season may be
asked to help where needed.
FUNDRAISING
There are several types of fundraising accounts within the HGA Booster Club.
Individual Accounts
Each family has their own account into which fundraising profits get deposited. Statements of
account balances are issued on a monthly basis and may be emailed and/or posted at the gym.
If you find a discrepancy in your account, you are responsible for contacting Fundraising
immediately to discuss the matter.
ONLY those funds that have been posted to your account will be recognized as being
"available" whenever a draw from your account is required (ie, to purchase team attire, to pay
membership fees, to pay booster dues/meet fees). If there are subsequent fundraising deposits
pending, those funds will be available for the NEXT required draw from your account but
will not be recognized as being available until they have actually been posted into your
account.
All fundraising money in individual accounts may be used to pay for meet entry fees, team
membership fees, team leotards, grips, team warm-up suits, Summer Camp, music for
routines and choreographer fees. The money may also be used for travel (airfare-gymnast
only). Gymnasts may NEVER receive money directly from their account.
All new fundraisers must be approved by the Fundraising board members. If you are
interested in starting a fundraiser, all details must be submitted/discussed with the
Fundraising board members for approval.
General Fundraising
General Fundraising benefits the whole club. The major fundraising event held by the
Booster Club is our annual gymnastics invitational. The invitational has grown over the
years to include around 1000 participants over a three day period. The club profits
significantly from this event. In addition, the Club may bid on hosting additional meets.
All home meet proceeds go into the General Fund. Money from the General Fund may be
distributed to the gymnasts’ accounts at the start of the following season pending availability of
funds and as approved by the HGA Board and voted on by the membership.
Distributions will only be made to gymnasts who have fulfilled all of their Membership
Obligations.
Fundraising Opportunities
Individual fundraising opportunities credit an individual member’s account, and include:
*Golf Outing
*Casino Night
*Little Caesar Pizza Kits
CONTINUOUS/ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
Scrip Go to www.shopwithscrip.com to sign up. Purchase gift cards online and earn a percentage back.
You may pay online through your checking account, or write a check made payable to HGA
Boosters. Our Enrollment code:3FDD649L19696. Orders are currently placed every 2 weeks.
Meijer Community Rewards: Sign up for Meijer Community Rewards by going to
http://www.meijer.com. At the bottom of the page, go to Meijer Community Rewards to
enroll. Our organization code is 983764. Enrolled members shop Meijer, simply paying with
cash, PIN-based debit card or linked Meijer Credit Card. Purchases made with a linked Meijer
Credit Card earn 1%. Purchases made with cash or PIN-based debit card and a swiped Meijer 1
CardSM earn 0.5%.
Fun Funds at GFS: Register at Gordon Food Services, then use your card every time you shop.
Once our organization reaches $500 each quarter, you will earn 5% or more depending on our
total sales. The Organization Number is 2432596 and the Organization Name is HGA Boosters
(this will automatically be in the registration form if you use the following web address:
http://gfs.com/funfunds/home.page?OrgNumber=2432596
Meier Flowerland: Purchase a $30 gift certificate good for anything at Meier Flowerland
inBrighton and earn $5. No limit. See Kristin Harper to purchase. www.meierflowerland.com
VGs Community Share Fund: Please contact Betsey Berkey (Eva Berkey’s folder Level 4).
Points are tallied on your YES cards and the money is sent to HGA in March. No more saving
receipts!
In order to have your community share points (not to be confused with Yes points) credited to
HGA, parents must go online and update their YES card profile with HGA as the recipient. On
your profile page under “Cash for Class” just enter the name of our group.
More info available at http://vgs.spartanstores.com/in-the-store/community/community-sharing-
fund
Door to Door Organics: https://michigan.doortodoororganics.com/shop-good-food
Check out the website for DOOR TO DOOR ORGANICS. Get fresh organic produce and local,
natural groceries delivered each week. “Door to Door Organics” partners with farmers to bring
fresh, organic produce and natural groceries right to your doorstep.
GO TO "SIGN-UP". Check the box that says "Joining a Co-Op?",Search for the Co-op name:
Hartland Gymnastics, Put In your Zip Code, Choose a Box Variety, Choose a Box Size, Set up
Frequency
You receive 10% of the cost of the box.
You pick the size of your box and style. Fruits & veggies, all fruit, all veggie, weekly or bi
weekly delivery. Set personal preferences for likes and dislikes. Have the ability to sub 5 items
each order so you're only getting what you request.
Boxes will be delivered to the gym on date to be determined by the coordinator. If gym is not
open for any reason orders will be sent directly to homes.
It is each person responsibility to stop by the gym and grab your box.
Black Rock Bar & Grill: $10.00 Gift Cards with no expiration date. Each Gymnast earns $5.00
for each gift card sold.
PARENT INFORMATION
Getting Started
In addition to the standard Monthly Tuition, these are some of the basic start-up costs:
Team Uniform: Warm-up suit(s), Competitive Long Sleeve Leotard, Warm-up Sleeveless Leotard, Flip Flops,
Team Back Pack
Team Leotard
Competitive long sleeve: Required for levels 3-10, and Xcel. Approximate Cost $150-
$210. New leo is purchased every other year)
Warm-up sleeveless: Required for all competing levels. Approximate cost $50. New leo
is purchased every other year, opposite the year of the competitive leo)
Warm-Up Package (includes jackets, pants) Required for levels 3-10, and Xcel. Approximate cost $100-$150. New warm-ups
purchased every other year, opposite the year of the competitive leo)
~Capri pants required for level 6-10 and Xcel Diamond/Platinum.
Approximate cost $25.
Back Pack Only needs to be purchased once.
Required for levels 3-10. Approximate cost $30.
Flip Flops Required for levels 3-10, and Xcel. Approximate cost $13.
USAG Number
Required to compete in sanctioned meets.
Levels 3-10. Fee is $54.
Intro (Adv L2, Tops) & Xcel Fee is $20.
Included with the fee is a yearly subscription to USA Gymnastics magazine. The girls look
forward to receiving this magazine in the mail.
**Occasionally, there are some used warm-ups, competitive leos and warm-up leos available at a
reduced price. When used items are available, they offer the best savings and are usually in very
good condition, as they are worn for meets and gym events only. These are offered on a first
come/first serve basis, as well as size availability.
MEETS
The Gym is a member of the USAG, and team registration will be mandatory to compete in
sanctioned meets. Gymnasts must attend all scheduled meets unless head coaches decide
otherwise. Special exceptions may be granted. Please refer all questions/requests to your child’s
coach.
About Meets
Gymnastics meets usually run over several days with 3-4 sessions each day. The date(s) of the
meets are known several months in advance. However, the actual sessions and times Hartland
gymnasts will be competing in may not be known until as late as one week prior to the event.
Boosters/Coaches will notify the gymnast/parent of their competition day/time as soon as they
have received the schedule. Parents can also check for schedules which may be posted on-line
at the host gym’s web-site. Do NOT call the host organization. Any questions that you have
about the competition should be addressed through the boosters and/or coaches. This is normal
industry protocol.
At the meet, your child will compete with other girls within her age bracket. Your child’s age
bracket may vary slightly from meet to meet.
Times given for the meet are as follow:
a. Stretch: usually 30 minutes before timed warm-ups begin
b. Timed Warm-up: usually 15-30 minutes is allowed per event. This depends on the
number of girls competing. This allows the girls to become familiar with the
equipment and for the coaches to make last minute adjustments and give last minute
instructions.
c. March-In: This is the time the teams, coaches and judges are introduced. The
National Anthem is sung or played then the competition begins.
d. Awards Ceremony: The awards are usually given out 10-15 minutes after the
competition ends. Awards can last as long as 45 minutes, depending on the number of
girls and the number of different age groups.
Meet Fees For compulsory levels (3-5) the meet fees generally range from $50-$90 per meet. Some of the
larger invitational and State meets may be higher. For Optional Levels (6-10) meet fees range
from $90-$140.
Team Fees
In order for the girls to compete as a team for a team trophy, they must pay a team entrance fee.
This fee is divided among the girls competing on that level. This is added to the meet fee. The
top three scores from each event, regardless of age bracket, make up the team score. This score
usually ranges from 101 – 112.
Meet Admission Fees
Each gym sets its admission fee. Usually about $7-$15 for adults and $5-$8 for children. Infants
and toddlers are usually free. Some gyms offer a reduced 2-day admission fee.
Souvenirs
Most meets have stands that sell leotards, t-shirts, pins, and other gymnastics related items.
MEET ETIQUETTE
Competition Hair (How to make a bun)
HGA requires all girls to wear their hair in a neat bun with minimal barrettes/clips and no fly-
aways. French braids and other hair styles are not permitted. There are many ways to make a
bun; the most important thing is that it be secure enough that it does not fall out during a meet
(judges can deduct for this) and that it be comfortable enough for the gymnast to compete
without being distracted by it.
Many gymnasts use a “hairagami” or “sock bun” to assist in making a bun. These can be
purchased at Claire’s.
*Girls competing at the Optional Level have the option to wear their hair anyway, so long as it
meets all the other requirements above.
Awards
It should be assumed that all awards ceremonies are to be attended. It is considered poor
sportsmanship to “boycott” the awards presentations.
All gymnasts should attend awards for the entire duration of the awards ceremony, staying
through all age group and team presentations. Gymnasts should wear their full warm-up suit
with jackets zipped and neat looking.
MEET TRAVEL
When to arrive at a meet
Always plan to arrive at the meet site 15 minutes prior to your officially scheduled “check-in”
time.
Traveling to a meet
HGA encourages that gymnasts travel the day prior to the meet if the distance is greater than 5
hours. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent. Directions/Maps can usually be found
on the web-site of the host gym.
Hotel arrangements
Once you know the meets your gymnast will be attending, it is a good idea to reserve a hotel
room as soon as possible, as many hotels fill up fast.
Although it is not required that gymnasts use the host hotels, these will usually offer a group
rate for the gymnastics event. Host hotel information can usually be found by looking on-
line at the host gym’s web-site.
HGA takes no responsibility for hotel arrangements.
When considering whether to make a hotel reservation for a meet, consider travel time and
the possibility that your gymnast may compete as early as 8am or get out of awards as late
at 9pm
Many parents will reserve a room for multiple nights and then adjust when the meet
schedule is published.
Out of Region Meets
A Team Travel Meet is an event involving travel to an out-of-state / out-of-region meet usually
involving air travel. HGA Booster Club will aide in informing of the most cost efficient travel,
hotel and transportation choices, but it is not mandatory to use the Club’s suggestions. However,
it is highly encouraged that the gymnasts try and fly, stay at the same places.
Parents are responsible for making their own travel, hotel and transportation arrangements.
Meet Packing List
Team backpack, Team Flip Flops, USAG Card, Grips – if you use them in practice
Water bottle, Healthy snacks, Hand sanitizer or wipes
Competitive long sleeve leo, Matching scrunchie, HGA Sleeveless warm up leo, warm-up jacket
& pants
Any Hartland spirit wear: t-shirts, hoodie, sweats
Things you may need during the meet and should think about packing:
If your nose is running, pack tissues; If your throat is sore pack cough drops; If you get
headaches all the time pack pain relief; Chapstick, etc
Items to do hair:
brush, comb, hair spray, gel, ponytail holders, spray glitter
When traveling to a meet, you may want to bring:
Snacks for the drive & hotel
Something to do in the car & hotel (IPod, portable DVD player & movies, books, homework,
crafts)
Swim suit, mask, flip flops for the pool (please no swimming the night before an early am
session the following day-see coaches for further information)
Bathroom items
Clothes for trip, PJ’s
Pillow/blanket for the car
Commonly Asked Questions
Must my child attend all the meets? Yes!! Unless you have extreme circumstances, your child will be registered for every meet. You
must approach the coach and get their approval for missing a meet to have your child’s name
removed from the meet roster. Do this as soon as possible. If your child’s name has already
been submitted and payment made, you will be responsible for the amount paid, even
though your child is not competing.
What if I choose not to send my Optional Gymnast to a travel meet? Unless you have extreme circumstances that prevent your gymnast from attending a travel meet,
and those circumstances have been approved by the coaches, your gymnast’s account will still be
charged the registration fee. It is expected that all team gymnasts will attend all meets.
May I watch team practice? Watching practice is allowed. You may videotape, but no flash photography is permitted during
any practice or meet. These are USAG regulations. This is for the safety of all our gymnasts. All
viewing is to be done from the lobby doors. No parents are to be on the gym floor during practice
or during competition. Please do not gesture, coach, or distract your child in any way. You will
see much more progress watching monthly than night to night.
HOME MEET CHAIRPERSONS
Families should participate in the involvement of planning the annual HGA All American
Invitational and any other meets hosted by the Booster Club.
Each family will contribute a specified number of volunteer hours at the annual HGA
Invitational and any other meets hosted by the Booster Club.
To run our home meet and have it be a success, we need the help of our Team parents. The
following are basic job descriptions and responsibilities for the competitions that we host
throughout the season.
Set-up/Clean-up (1 parent for each) The night before a meet the equipment has to be arranged for the meet. Beams, vault, bars, etc.
must be moved. Folding chairs are set up when they arrive. The entire gym needs to be
vacuumed, the mats must be mopped and the trash must be picked up. After the first day of
competition is over, the gym is again vacuumed and the trash is picked up. After the entire meet
is complete, the gym is yet again vacuumed, the trash is picked up and the equipment and mats
need to be returned to their original place. During each session it is nice to have one person to
empty the trash and generally keep the gym clean.
Session Trainer (2 parents) This position will require interaction with the Coaches and/or Meet Director during the meet and
along with the Coaches help, will meet with parents working the event tables (ie timers, ribbons,
score entry) ½ hour prior to start of session to train for their required duties. *exempt from
working setup and takedown.
Coaches’/Judges Hospitality (2 parents) Responsible to coordinate the coaches’ and judges table including arranging for food and
preparation, keeping items stocked and area clean, and cleaning area at the end of the day, for the
next day if necessary. Create food list, meet menu, etc. Responsible for submitting a budget to
the Treasurer. *exempt from working setup and takedown.
Scoring (1 parent) This parent will be responsible for training all other parents working in the Score Room. This
position requires computer data entry of meet scores, review and correction of data entry and
compilation of meet standings by age group/level. Additional requirements include: competent
data entry skills, familiarity with computer operation and printing, as well as, a general
understanding of meet guidelines concerning awards. The score room requires two (2) people per
session. Training will be held for those interested in this position. Scoring will also be
responsible for correcting age group, and report any missing gymnasts, teams or scratches to the
Meet Director. *exempt from working setup and takedown.
Awards (1 parent) This position requires inventory and ordering of awards (ribbons/trophies/banners). This
included counting and confirming number of trophies several days prior to the meet, as well as,
the set up of the awards table the night prior to the start of the meet. It may also involve
additional set up of awards each evening for the next day’s competition depending on the size of
the meet and the number of awards being given. During the table set up, all medals need to be
confirmed for each level and age bracket. (Generally, the chairperson will take care of the set
up.) This position must notify the Board for prior approval before ordering any awards.
Concession Stand (2 parents) The Concession Stand Committee is responsible to submit a concessions budget, arrange for
food purchase In addition, they are responsible to make sure the concession stand is clean and
organized prior to and following each home meet. The Concession Committee works closely
with Judges Table and Coaches Table for home meets regarding food, supplies, etc. Parent
Volunteers working the home meets are responsible to work the entire time they sign up for. For
morning sessions, volunteers will be responsible to set up for breakfast (start coffee, hot water
for tea, set out donuts, bagels, muffins, etc.). For last session of each day, volunteers are
responsible to put perishable food in refrigerator, clean coffee pots and serving utensils, and do
basic cleaning of concession stand to be ready for the next day. Basic duties during meets
include: serving drinks, serving foods, and handling money. A chairperson will be available to
help to answer any questions. Responsible for submitting all monies received to the Treasurer.
*exempt from working setup and takedown.
Vendors (1 parent) Responsible for obtaining vendors at home meet, including meet photographer. Must
communicate and meet with potential vendors throughout the season to obtain their commitment
to our meet. Responsible to coordinate a T-shirt vendor with meet logo. *exempt from working
setup and takedown.
Decorations (1 parent) Check with the Meet Director and Booster Board about any concerns and see if there is anything
they would prefer NOT done or used. Keep it simple. It is easier and looks nicer. Store any
decoration that could be used next year. Submit any receipts to the Treasurer for reimbursement.
Purchases MUST be approved by Booster Board prior to purchase. List of teams competing
comes from Registrar. You may want march-in signs for each meet. Team names may be
displayed somewhere in the gym besides march-in signs. Keep costs down. Decorate areas
around mirror and other places that have high visibility. ** REMEMBER WE ARE REPRESENTING THE GYM** It is smart to save items from year to
year. It saves both time and work! TIME FRAME: All items to be used in decorating should be gathered
and finalized a week before the meet. Set-up is typically a night or two before the meet and teardown
happens immediately after the meet. *exempt from working setup and takedown.
Gymnast Gifts (1 parent) The responsibilities include working within a budget to provide adequate gifts to be used in
goody bags. Also, the goody bags need to be put together prior to the meets. Time requirements
vary, depending on the amount of donations needed, any assembly required for goody bags and
the amount of “goodies” to be sorted into the bags.
Program (1 parent) Responsible for getting advertisements placed in the home meet program; listing gyms and
names participating; Contact appropriate ad company to create the program. *exempt from
working setup and takedown.
Store (1 parent) Responsible to purchase flowers and/or balloons, make tags for flowers, order necessary leos.
Also responsible to make sure all monies received to the treasurer. *exempt from working setup
and takedown.
The above lists the basic positions required at a competition. As each competition may be made
up of different levels, sizes, and formats, certain changes to the above positions may be
necessary. A specific job list will be posted prior to the competition.
Expense Reimbursement
In some cases, your standing or invitational responsibilities will involve you making purchases on behalf of the
booster club. All expenses should be submitted to the Treasurer’s mailbox on a HGA Booster Club Expense
Reimbursement Form with the original receipt attached. Most Expenses are reimbursed within one week.
Working at Home Meets
Every year we have our own meet which brings in money for the HGA team. These proceeds
are divided among the Gymnastics Facility and the Booster Club. Each family is required to
work 2-5 shifts with each shift lasting 4-5 hours. In addition each family will be required to
participate in either set-up or take-down. The meet usually runs a Fri-Sat-Sun. We require a
$250 Meet Deposit check in the beginning of the season. This will not be cashed unless you
do not work your required hours.
In order to insure that we have enough help to run successful competitions, the following policy
applies:
Parents : Before each season, committee sign-up sheets will be posted. You will remain on your
committee for the entire season. You will work under the direction of the committee chairperson
to do what is required for each home meet. The Booster Board will determine the number of
work sessions needed at each meet. You must fulfill the required number of sessions. Failure to
work required session (s) in full will result in your meet deposit check of $250.00 being
cashed! Sign-in sheets will be posted or provided for each work session. The person scheduled
to work the designated session/time must sign-in to receive credit for the work session. In
addition each family may be responsible to donate food items/monetary donation to be
determined prior to each meet.
Gymnasts – Optional and Compulsory – may work sessions during the meet. Sign-in sheets will
be posted or provided for each session. The person scheduled to work the designated
session/time must sign-in to receive credit for the work session.
It is the parent’s responsibility to check the work session requirements.
*PLEASE NOTE: When parents are at the gym to work at a home meet, they should
provide proper supervision of ALL children (including gymnasts not competing or working
a session). When parents are there to work, children are not allowed in the work area with
the parent.
LEVELS
Coach’s answers to FAQ
Compulsory vs. Optional Routines Compulsory routines are standard routines established by the USAG and used throughout the
United States and the world. They are very exacting and must be completed strictly by the text.
The skills that comprise these routines are those that the USA and the gymnastics community
feel should be mastered at each particular level. Any deviation, or any skill not done to its
ultimate, will result in a deduction. On the other hand, Optional exercises are completely
individualized. They must meet certain basic requirements set up by the USAG, but they should
be comprised of the gymnasts’ own choosing and these skills should emphasize her strengths or
strong points.
Compulsory levels are Levels 3, 4, & 5
Optional levels are Levels 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & Elite
Xcel
The Xcel Program is designed to offer a broad-based, affordable competitive experience outside
the traditional Program to attract and retain a diverse group of athletes.
TOPs (Talent Opportunity Program) [Pre-Team]
A talent search and educational program for female gymnasts ages 7-10 and their coaches.
During the months of June and July gymnasts age 7-10 are evaluated on physical abilities at the
state or regional level. Gymnasts will compete at several sanctioned ‘fun meets’.
Advanced Level 2 [Pre-Team]
Gymnasts will continue to perfect their Round off back handsprings, learn dive rolls and front
handsprings, back and front hip circles on bars, along with stride circles and casts. On beam they
will work handstands, cartwheels and perfect their jumps and leaps. This class will help to
prepare you for the competitive team. Gymnasts will compete at several sanctioned ‘fun meets’.
When will my child change levels? All skill level evaluations are done by the coaches. A gymnast’s level will change based on the
child’s ability to complete skills on the next level and their mastery of the current level. Any
changes usually come during the summer before the season begins. However, changes can also
occur during the competitive season depending on the child’s readiness to do so. All changes in
levels are at the coach’s discretion.
Must my child compete on all four pieces of equipment? Yes. All girls competing at a meet will compete on all four events. The only exception would be
if a child becomes injured during the meet and cannot continue or elects to withdraw to prevent
further injury.
Advancing through the levels
This is a headache of a topic. It has to be one of the hardest aspects of coaching gymnastics.
More frustrations revolve around the issues related to when and how to move a gymnast up to
the next level. There are more things involved in this than you know and looking from the
outside in, it may seem cut and dry. This is never the case, but we want you to know that a lot of
thought goes into the considerations as well as coaches meetings all of which is influenced by
what is best for the individual gymnast and the entire program.
Inconsistencies
No matter the guidelines, rules, and scores, if you look hard enough, you will see inconsistencies.
These inconsistencies are just coaching strategies, as each individual is different. This is where
trust comes in. Trust that we will do what is best for the program and the gymnasts. Sometimes
the long term goals and benefits are not quite as visible to parents as they are for coaches who
have been down these roads before.
Skill Readiness
Often times we hear “how can they get the skills if they never get a chance to work on them?”
Well, actually what may seem like repetition of the same old routine IS actually working on
advancing the skill level. The repetition produces more consistency and a stronger skill to build
on. If the core component of any skill is not refined or even mastered then the advanced version
of that skill is destined for learning frustration, safety risks, inconsistent performance issues, and
fears. Therefore we spend more time doing basics such as layouts instead of twisting, uphill
stacked mat timers rather than flipping vaults, handstands and more handstands rather than
transition releases, and layout flyaway instead of double flyaway. If we were to take a different
path, I could promise only one thing and that would be an eventual collision with the wall of skill
development. USAG has a set of standards to qualify for each level, but here at HGA we raise
the bar to help our gymnasts achieve greatness and be competitive. Instead of just having a skill,
they need to perform that skill with correct execution, consistency, and control. No one wants
their athlete to go to a competition unprepared to deal with their polished and powerful
competitors. If you are a 2nd year level 5 with a required meet score and you don't have all your
skills to move to level 6, you will be allowed to be moved up when all skills are acquired
properly and consistently, even if it is after the season begins.
Girls who have their skills but don't have their required score, may go to a meet and get their
scores and be allowed to move up provided their next level up skills are maintained and are
performed with confidence, properly and consistently.
No Hurry
Some gymnasts may remain in the same level for 2 or even 3 years. This is not unheard of and it
is for their benefit to do so. You will see this most commonly in level 5 as the skills in level 5
are the building blocks of most every skill in every level to follow.
Mental Readiness
A bi product of advancing too fast often manifests itself and rears its head as competition anxiety
or inconsistent performance. This can certainly be traced to rushing through the basics, and not
learning how to compete aggressively and confidently at a lower skill level prior to increasing
the difficulty. We really do try to avoid this and it seems the approach is working.
To move up, we require gymnasts to:
.Obtain 1 score of a minimum of 35 or higher at their current level ٭
Show that you can consistently perform with proper technique the skills required at the ٭
next level
Regularly attend practice ٭
Show respect to coaches, teammates, and self ٭
Have a good attitude and effort ٭
Have good form on all skills with proper technique (right shape, straight legs, pointed ٭
toes, etc.)
Be willing to listen and make changes when necessary ٭
Be aggressive, not breaking down and crying when performing skills ٭
Be truthful about assignments (not cheating) ٭
These decisions are at the discretion of the coaches and are not subject to parents opinions.
Parents may ask for a parent/coaches meeting at any time during the year to check on
progress.
Floor Music & Choreography
When a gymnast is ready to train for the optional level or XCel, the coaches may recommend
that she obtain her own floor music and choreography.
There are several vendors of Floor Music. Demo disks can be listened to at the gym. You
can listen to samples of the music online at www.floorexpressmusic.com,
www.energymmusic.com, and others.
Some people have cut instrumental music to the appropriate length using computer
software.
Music selections should be approved by the Coaches before purchasing. They cost around
$50. Be sure to burn several copies; one for the gym for practice, 2-3 for the gymnast to
take to meets, and emergency copies for parents to pack.
Coordinate choreography with the Coaches – Choreography Fees Apply.
Floor music is the property of the gym.
BOOSTER CLUB AGREEMENT
I have read the Membership Requirements of the Hartland Gymnastics Academy
Booster Club as provided.
I agree to fulfill the requirements as a member of the Club.
(Signature) (Date)
(Print Name)
(Gymnast(s) Name(s)) (Gymnast(s) Level) Please sign this page and place in the “President” mailbox.