AGA

Parent/Gymnast Handbook

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Aberdeen Gymnastics Association, also referred to as AGA.

 

 

 

Our Mission

To provide excellent, capable instruction for both aspiring and competitive gymnasts in a fun, safe, and supportive environment, where athletes are taught strength, agility, and flexibility skills; learn responsibility and independence; and have fellowship with other gymnasts and coaches.

 

Our Vision

To develop confident gymnasts who are enthusiastic about training, excited about the sport of gymnastics, and who transfer what they learn in the gym to help them succeed in other areas in life.

 

Our Philosophy

The gymnastics gym is a place to nurture children of all ages with acceptance, encouragement, and respect to help them feel confident and supported in life. Any child interested in gymnastics deserves a chance to learn how to safely train to be a gymnast and to have the opportunity to not only learn basic gymnastics fundamentals properly and thoroughly, but also the chance to advance as far as they can competitively. Sport activities provide a wonderful place to learn valuable life skills: diligence, self-respect, lifelong fitness, and how to get along with peers and superiors.

 

 

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct aims to set the minimum standards for all participants including gymnasts, coaches, spectators, officials, and administrators. The Code of Conduct was created to maintain a positive and successful learning environment.

 

• I will be on time and dressed appropriately
• I will show respect, courtesy, and good sportsmanship towards fellow gymnasts, coaches, and officials
• I will be supportive towards other gymnasts and not criticize them
• I will respect the rights and worth of every person regardless of their gender, cultural background, or religion
• I will respect coaches’ decisions
• I will act with integrity and accept responsibility for my actions
• I will ensure my actions contribute to a safe environment
• I will respect all equipment and use it safely and appropriately
• I will never abuse, bully, harass or threaten anyone
• I will refrain from the use of profanity or vulgar language
• I will refrain from any type of behavior that may cause distraction to others
• I will not cause intentional property damage to the facility or the equipment

 

Registration/Payment/Waivers

All participating gymnasts must have an online Go Motion account created by their parent/guardian or the gymnasts themselves if appropriate. Your Go Motion account is used for the following: Class/Clinic/Camp/Event registrations. Registrations will be accepted until classes are full. Gymnasts are welcome to join classes at any time in a session if there is room and a prorated fee will be applied. Waivers required are also done through Go Motion during the registration process. Waivers are required to be filled out annually. Billing occurs through Go Motion with credit/debit card on account holder’s file. Fees include taxes and are due upon registration unless otherwise specified during the registration process.

Go Motion also houses the following information in case of emergency:

• Parent/Guardian Name and phone number
• Emergency Contact
• Physician
• Allergies
• Medications Used
• Medical Conditions

An annual membership fee is due when becoming a new member and annually thereafter.  Competitive Gymnasts also need to have an active USAG membership.

 

Recreational Class Levels/Class Placement

AGA operates with the following recreational class levels for gymnasts 4 years of age and older:

• Topaz
• Ruby
• Onyx
• Amethyst
• Sapphire
• Emerald

For the safety of each gymnast, it is important that all gymnasts are placed within the appropriate class level. In the event of a missed class, a make-up class may be scheduled. Gymnasts should register for class levels based on the provided skill sets listed on our website. Coaches reserve the right to move an athlete from level to level to ensure each athlete is within the appropriate class based on their skills. The coach, or a member of the Board of Directors, will notify parents when a gymnast needs to move to another level.

 

Make-Up Classes

Make-up classes may be requested. AGA will advise if make-up is approved. Make-up classes must be held within the same session they are registered for if applicable.

No shows for a make-up class without prior cancellation will count as the make-up class.

 

Refunds/Cancellations/Credits

 

Participants have the right to cancel any registrations. This policy outlines charges associated with cancellations/refunds/credits.

Terms:

Refund: Refunding a dollar amount back to credit/debit card on account holder’s Go Motion account.

Credit: Dollar amount credited to the account users Go Motion account (not credit/debit card) for future use.

 

All cancellations must be provided in writing and sent by email to [email protected] and are subject to the following conditions:

1. Cancellation Notice and Fees:
   1. A full refund or credit may be issued if cancellation request is submitted 48 hours prior to the 1st of the month for a class and more than 48 hours prior to scheduled private lessons.
   2. A 50% refund or credit may be issued if a cancellation request is submitted less than 24 hours prior to the 1st of the month for classes and less than 48 hours prior to scheduled private lessons.
   3. No refund/credit will be issued once a class session has begun.
   4. If a credit on an account is requested to be refunded, it is subject to an administrative fee.
2. All refunds are subject to a $10 administrative fee.
3. Missed classes:
   1. Participants may schedule a make-up class if able.
   2. May be issued an open gym certificate upon request (2 hours open gym per 1 hour of class)
   3. If unable to schedule a make-up class, such as due to injury, participants may be issued a credit for unattended classes.
4. No Shows with no written notification:
   1. Refunds or credits do not apply.

 

Communication

Communication with families is important for athlete involvement, participation, and safety. AGA will communicate with participant’s Go Motion account holder unless otherwise specified.

• Information communicated includes but is not limited to:
• Account information/payments
• Personal class schedule
• Participant’s progress
• Medical information including injuries

 

• Communication methods may include but is not limited to:
• Email
• Text
• Phone Calls
• Letters
• Verbal Communication

 

AGA may share public information with non-account holders.

 

Inclement Weather

Weather conditions can impact operations. While every attempt is made to maintain operations, it may be necessary to cancel during severe weather conditions.

AGA does not follow any school district closures or cancellations.

Closing Decisions:

• AGA will evaluate the condition and severity of weather conditions.
• Cancellation decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

 

Cancellation notices will be posted on our Facebook page and a notification will be sent. During severe weather conditions we urge parents/guardians/gymnasts to check our Facebook page for any cancellation updates before coming to class.

Make-up classes may be scheduled for missed classes due to weather conditions.

 

Drop off/Pick Up

AGA is not responsible for ensuring gymnasts enter and exit the facility safely.

Guidelines for participant drop offs:

• Parents are strongly encouraged to escort their child into the gym (especially when dark outside).

Guidelines for participant pick-ups:

• Parents with children 10 yrs and younger are requested to enter the facility to pick up their gymnast.

 

Gymnast Attire

Safety is our top priority. We strive to provide an environment free of potential harm. Gymnastics is a high-risk sport and inappropriate attire may become a danger to gymnasts or coaches. To reduce the risk of potential harm to each gymnast and coach, gymnasts should dress in the following listed below. It is up to coaches’ discretion regarding the safety of attire. If attire is deemed unsafe a gymnast may be asked not to participate.

Female gymnasts:

• Leotard (may wear athletic spandex shorts over the top)
• No jewelry including belly button rings (stud earrings are okay)
• Long hair secured away from the face

Male gymnasts:

• Athletic style shorts (nothing with snaps, buttons, or zippers)
• Form fitted shirt or tank top that tucks into their shorts
• No jewelry (stud earrings are okay)
• Long hair secured away from face

 

Spectators

AGA strives to provide a safe environment for all participants including gymnasts, coaches, officials, and spectators.

Spectators including non-participating children are welcome to quietly observe from the provided seating areas. All spectators must remain off all equipment, including mats.

Flash photography is not permitted.

All spectators are expected to follow our Code of Conduct.

 

Lockers

Personal belongings may be stored in lockers. Lockers are available during an individual class or can be rented out monthly.

Personal locks are not permitted.

Open lockers are available to gymnasts within their class time only and without a lock. Belongings need to be removed at the end of each individual class. It is not recommended to have anything of value in a locker. AGA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Any gum, food, or drink other than water are not permitted inside the locker rooms.

Alterations/Stickers/Graffiti of any kind are not permitted.

 

Lockers are available to rent monthly with the following guidelines:

• A monthly fee in the amount of $10 will be billed by 1^st of each month
• Locker fees are non-refundable
• Locks will be provided
• Lockers provide basic level security
• It is not recommended that you give out your locker combination to anyone
• Lockers need to be kept odor free
• Report any maintenance issues
• Relinquishing locker: Locker must be cleaned out of all belongings, lock returned to AGA personnel and inspected by AGA personnel at which time monthly payments will be discontinued beginning the following month
• Any damages done are subject to a fine
• A replacement cost will be assessed should the lock not be returned

 

Bullying/Hazing/Harassment

 

We strive to provide a positive learning environment where gymnasts can foster respectful relationships among fellow gymnasts, coaches, and officials.

 

Terms:

• Bullying: to seek harm or intimidate
• Hazing: Any action to produce mental, physical discomfort or embarrassment
• Harassment: Includes ethnic slurs or racial epithets, name-calling, jokes, cartoons, pictures, gestures, unwelcome physical touching, and other conduct based on a person’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or pregnancy

 

Bullying, hazing and harassment are strictly prohibited.  These include but are not limited to:

• Direct physical contact (examples: hitting, pushing, kicking, unwelcome touching)
• Verbal assaults (examples: vulgar language, teasing, name calling)
• Visual references (examples: messages, pictures)

We expect any participant to report incidents of bullying, hazing or harassment immediately to a coach. Staff that witness such acts will take immediate steps to intervene. Each complaint will be investigated.

Bullying, hazing and harassment are subject to disciplinary action including but not limited to termination from the program. See disciplinary action policy.

Each participant is expected to follow AGA’s Code of Conduct.

 

Theft and Destruction of Property

If theft/destruction of property is suspected, the AGA Board of Directors will compete an investigation. Following the outcome of the investigation, disciplinary action may be issued up to and including termination or expulsion from the gym and if deemed necessary, AGA will involve local authorities.

 

Disciplinary Action

We take the privilege of instructing gymnasts very seriously. Safety is a priority, both physically and mentally.

Gymnasts of all ages are expected to always conduct themselves in an appropriate manner.

Disciplinary Action may take place if any of AGA’s policies are not followed.

The following disciplinary actions may be taken:

• Coaches will attempt re-direction

• Continuance will result in sitting out for the remainder of class and contact made with parent/guardian
• On-going infractions will result in a meeting with participant, parent/guardian, coach, and a member of the board of directors
• Severe or continued on-going infractions may result in expulsion from the program.

 

In the result of disciplinary action, refunds/credits will not be issued.

 

Injuries

If injuries occur within the gym, an injury report form will be completed as necessary. If a report is made, a copy will be provided. At coaches’ discretion, the gymnast may be asked to sit out during activity and based on severity parents may be contacted.

If aware of an injury, discuss with their coach prior to brining your gymnast to practice. Gymnast may be able to sit and observe class, with coaches’ permission, due to an injury however should they be a distraction they may be asked to leave practice. Depending on severity of an injury, AGA may request written consent from a health care professional prior to return.

 

Concussion Policy

We recognize gymnastics is a high-risk sport and we are committed to providing a safe environment for participants. AGA will follow the USAG sports concussion guidelines, a copy is available online at USA Gymnasts or provided upon request.

Concussion: a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a hit to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. This movement can create chemical changes in the brain.

During the registration process, a parent or guardian will acknowledge they have read a concussion information sheet provided by the CDC.

All coaches will be provided education on concussion protocol.

 

Competitive Gymnasts

AGA operates a competitive team following USAG Xcel and/or developmental program.

Annual information meetings are held for those interested in learning more about our USAG competitive team.

Specific guidelines for the competitive gymnasts are outlined in the competition team agreement.

 

School District Competitive Gymnast Policy

Any gymnast eligible to compete for their school district will be encouraged to do so. School District competition season is approximately November through February. AGA will follow SDHSSA policies regarding private club participation.

 

Allergies/Medical Conditions

For the safety of everyone within the gym it is important to be aware of all allergies and medical conditions for each gymnast. AGA uses the Go Motion platform for pertinent gymnast information. Be sure to include in your account all allergies, medications used and medical conditions for each gymnast.

 

Food and Drink

Adequate fluids are important to athletes during training. Fluid intake helps prevent decreases in performance due to dehydration. Gymnasts may have a water bottle with a fitted lid within a designated area. To maintain safety and cleanliness of the gym, food is not permitted in the lockers room or beyond the viewing areas. Gum is strictly prohibited. There is a water fountain available in the gym.

 

Illnesses

The health and well-being of our gymnasts, coaches and families is paramount. We aim to provide an environment where:

• Health is promoted
• Participants are safe from all types of harm

 

Our objective is to work with families that may be affected by an illness to ensure our participants remain safe and free from infectious illnesses/diseases. As children become ill this can affect their level of physical safety during practice as well as exposing others to an illness/disease.

Do not bring your gymnast to class if present with any of the following illnesses or if gymnast remained home from school due to illness.

Illness may include but are not limited to:

• Been diagnosed with a contagious infection/disease
• Itchy, watery eyes (pink eye)
• Live headlice
• Fever

• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Experiencing shortness of breath

 

Gymnasts must be symptom free for 24 hours prior to returning to class.

 

Open Wounds

AGA operates with the assumption that all open wounds are potentially infected. The purpose is to limit the potential of exposure to a blood borne pathogen/infection.

Open wounds include but are not limited to:

• Sores
• Breaks in the skin
• Open skin lesions
• Drainage from an open area of the skin
• Visible blood

All areas must be fully covered and must covering remain dry.

 

Tobacco/Alcohol/Illegal Drugs

AGA is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment.

In addition to being a health hazard, the use of the following can affect a gymnast’s ability to safely perform skills on the required equipment and are prohibited within the facility and parking areas.

• The use of tobacco either by smoking or vaping
• The use of alcohol
• The use of illegal drugs
• Medical marijuana

Using, selling and/or distribution of any of the items listed above is prohibited within the facility and parking areas.

If deemed necessary, AGA will involve local authorities for the usage, selling and/or distribution on any of the items listed above.

 

 

 

 

Last updated: 4/8/2024