Rhythmic Team Handbook

OGA Rhythmic Gymnastics Team

Program Overview- June 2010

Part 1- Team Overview

Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport combining elements of both dance and gymnastics.  OGA offers an introductory recreation rhythmic program as well as a competitive team program.  Members of the team participate in scheduled practices and seasonal competitions.

Rhythmic Team Coaches:

Nadine Davies

Jayme Vincent

Kacey Hristov

Roselily Trang

Riley Gordon

Monica Bloom

Competitive Levels:

The beginning competitive level in rhythmic gymnastics is level 3, and the highest is level 10.  At OGA gymnasts start competing in level 4.  As a gymnast’s abilities increase, she moves up in level, which includes more difficult skills and requires more hours of practice per week.

Events:

There are six different events in the sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics: floor, rope, hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon.  Each year, gymnasts compete in 3 or 4 of those events, depending on their level.  For the 2010/2011 season, the gymnasts will compete in the following events:

Level 4:  floor, hoop, ball

Level 5:  floor, rope, hoop, ball

Level 6:  floor, rope, hoop, clubs

Level 7:  floor, rope, ball, clubs

Level 8:  floor, rope, hoop, clubs

Level 9/10 Jr.: hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon

Level 9/10 Sr.: hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon

Part 2- Practice Information

Time commitment: The number of hours a gymnast practices per week is determined by her competitive level.

Summer 2010 Schedule – Rhythmic Program

Fall 2010 Schedule – Rhythmic Program

**Level 7-10 may add an additional day – Thursday 330pm-730pm  Total 24hrs**

Team members practice 12 months per year.  In order for your daughter and all team members to receive the most effective coaching and floor space, all gymnasts must come at the scheduled practice time!

Note: most days, gymnasts are given a “break” to eat a small snack.  Ideally, this should be a piece of fruit.  Healthy crackers, cheese sticks, or yogurt are acceptable.  It is NOT okay to eat candy, popsicles, cookies, juices, chips, popcorn, etc. on break.  Think healthy and something that will give energy, but not a sugar high.  Meals and large amounts of food should not be eaten on break.  If your you/your daughter isn’t sure if something is okay to eat on break, have her ask the coaching staff.

Attendance Policy:

~While occasional absences due to illness, family obligations, or unusually heavy homework loads are permitted, team members are expected to attend all hours of practice per week.  Please inform the coaching staff in advance if your daughter will be absent from practice.  In some cases, make ups are allowed for illnesses, but are not permitted for gymnasts to attend social events or to practice/compete in other sports.

~If a gymnast misses more than 5 practices in a row (not including vacations), they will be required to have a meeting with parents and coaches.

 ~Team members are required to attend 80% of practices in the two weeks preceding all competitions.

 ~While it is expected that gymnasts will take family vacations during the summer, extended time away from practice is discouraged.  The coaching staff will take summer attendance into consideration when choosing gymnasts’ competitive levels for the following season.  Gymnasts may be required to stay in the same competitive level if they take vacations lasting 4 weeks or longer.

Tuition:

The current tuition rates (per month) are listed below (they are subject to change per OGA Management).

2 hours/week:   $99

3 hours/week:  $119

4 hours/week:   $143

6 hours/week:   $205

7.5 hours/week: $234

9 hours/week:   $247

12 hours/week:  $280

14 hours/week:  $298

18 hours/week:  $334

20 hours/week:  $350

OGA policy requires that you pay for the required number of hours per month, regardless of whether your daughter attends practice.  At this time, OGA offers a vacation tuition credit equal to one week of practice per year.  In addition to monthly tuition, each gym member pays a $25.00 per year registration fee to OGA, usually payable in the fall or upon joining OGA.

Practice Attire:

Attire for practice sessions is to consist of a leotard and rhythmic toe shoes.  Hair must be neatly tied back from the face.  Personal grooming is very important, clean and tidy and the use of deodorant if applicable.  Toe shoes cost between $16.00 and $36.00 per pair, depending on the brand, size, and style.  Generally, gymnasts go through 1-6 pairs per year.  High quality toe shoes, such as Sasaki, are required for competition.  Practice toe shoes may be purchased from Cora Considine (www.ogarhythmic.bravehost.com/toeshoes.html).

It is important for the girls to dress correctly.  Failure to wear acceptable attire at practice can impede the gymnast's performance and makes it very difficult for coaches to see and correct body technique.

Equipment:

The type of equipment a gymnast needs each year depends on her competitive level.  Each team member must bring her own equipment to practices and competitions.  The coaching staff will prepare a list of equipment sizes for each gymnast based on age, height, and level. The price of rhythmic equipment varies greatly according to quality/manufacturer.  Equipment selection is based on the gymnast’s preference and the coach’s guidance.  Hula hoops and toy store jump ropes are not acceptable for team equipment.  In addition to required items, gymnasts may choose to buy “extra” items, such as a ribbon winder, a ball pump, a hoop cover, etc.  Apparatus color should coordinate with the gymnast’s competition leotard(s).

Team orders will be placed twice per year; the first in June and second in September.  Ordering forms will be made available prior to these orders.  If you would like to order on your own, be sure to check with the coaching staff first to ensure that you are purchasing the correct equipment.

Online Vendors:

www.rhythmicgymnastics.com

www.bermosport.com

www.rsgym.tripod.com/index.html

www.romsport.com

Note: Rhythmic Gymnastics, Inc. is in New Jersey.  Romsport and bermosport are Canadian companies, so prices are in Canadian dollars.

Part 3- Competition Information

Competitive structure:

The competition season begins in the late fall or early winter with “invitational” competitions.  These are local and/or fly away meets depending on the level.  Championship competitions generally begin in the spring.

Level 4-8 gymnasts who have competed all around in a minimum of 1 competition are eligible to compete at the Oregon State Championships.  Gymnasts who compete at the Oregon State Championships, as well as level 9 gymnasts, compete in the Region 2 Championships.

From the regional championships, gymnasts may qualify to be on the Regional Team in the Junior Olympic National Championships.  This is the top 10, 8, or 4 gymnasts (depending on the level) regardless of age group.  Additional gymnasts may qualify as “All Stars” and also advance to the JO National Championships, but will not be on the regional team.  The JO National Championships are split into two events; one for levels 4-6 and another for levels 7-9.  For levels 4-8, the JO National Championships is the last competition of the season.

Level 9 gymnasts may qualify from the JO National Championships to the National Qualifier competition.  At this competition, level 9 and 10 gymnasts compete against each other, in an attempt to advance to the Visa National Championships.  Once a gymnast qualifies for the Visa National Championships, she is declared a level 10 athlete.

Competitions: Each year there will be a list of mandatory competitions for each level, as well as several optional competitions.  Commitment to optional competitions will be required by the specified deadline.  All optional competitions will require a minimum of 8 gymnasts, for the team to attend.  Once gymnasts have committed to an optional competition, they must attend.  See below for information regarding required meets at each level.

Level 4

• Required competitions include the State and Regional Championships, as well as Junior Olympics, if they qualify.
• Additional required competitions may include Ready or Not, Winter Magic, Festival of Hearts, La Luna Inv., and other local competitions.

Level 5

• Required to attend the San Diego Inv., State Championships, and Regional Championships, as well as Junior Olympics, if they qualify.
• Additional required competitions may include Ready or Not, Winter Magic, Festival of Hearts, La Luna Inv., and other local competitions.

Level 6

• Required to attend the San Diego Inv., Yule Cup Challenge, State Championships, and Regional Championships, as well as Junior Olympics, if they qualify.
• Additional required competitions may include Ready or Not, Winter Magic, Festival of Hearts, La Luna Inv., and other local competitions.

Level 7-8

• Required to attend the San Diego Invitational, Yule Cup, State Championships, Regional Championships, and two other fly meets, as well as Junior Olympics, if they qualify.

Levels 9-10

• Required to attend the San Diego Invitational, Yule Cup, State Championships, Regional Championships, Chicago Cup, and two other fly meets, as well as National Qualifier and Visa Championships if they qualify.

National Athlete Membership Fee:

In order to participate in competitions, all gymnasts must join USA Gymnastics (USAG) and pay an annual fee.  This fee helps cover national rhythmic program costs and insurance, in addition, each member receives the bi-monthly USAG magazine.  The membership fee for 2010/2011 is $51.00.

Competitive Age Categories:

The “Junior Olympic” (level 4-8) age divisions are as follows: (gymnast must be 6 by the day of the competition to compete)

Child A           6-7 years of age  (Born 2004-2005)

Child B           8-9 years of age  (Born 2002-2003)

Child C           10-11 years of age  (Born 2000-2001)

Junior A          12-13 years of age  (Born 1998-1999)

Junior B           14-15 years of age  (Born 1996-1997)

Senior              16+ years of age  (Born 1995 or earlier)

The FIG levels (9-10) have three age groups as follows:

Hopes              11-12 years of age  (Born 1999-2000)

Junior              13-15 years of age  (Born 1996-1998)

Senior              16+ years of age  (Born 1995 or earlier)

The rhythmic calendar begins on January 1^st and ends on December 31^st.  Thus, a gymnast must compete in an older age division if they will turn that age by December 31^st.

Citizenship:

Non-citizen athletes are defined as gymnasts who do not hold US citizenship, but reside in the United States.  Non-citizens may participate in all USAG sanctioned events, except for the Visa National championships.

Music:

Each gymnast, in level 7 and above, must find music for each of their routines.  The coach may suggest music for routines or the gymnasts can bring music they like, which is subject to approval.  Ultimately, the gymnast is responsible for finding and cutting her own music.  Level 7-10 music length: 1:15-1:30 min

The final cut of music cannot have any singing or discernible words in any language.  Voices are permissible (singing “la, la, la”, for example).  The song must be preceded by a “beep” which alerts the gymnast that her music will start.  Any cuts made to the song must be smooth and not sound like the song is “skipping”.  Also, music may not be cut in the middle of a melody.  The quality of the final cut of music must be approved by your daughter’s coach.

Resources for finding music: Many girls download songs from the internet (iTunes or other websites).  Music can also be ordered from professional vendors for $40.00- $70.00 per song.  Samples of demo music are available on the following websites:

www.floorexpressmusic.com

www.gymusic.org

www.ninaalt.com

You can also find CDs at music stores (many let you listen to sample music) and at libraries.

You can edit the music yourself using computer software (Toast, GarageBand, Goldwave,Audacity, Creative Wave Studio, etc.).  Some team members have used Eric Ames of SuperDigital (503-228-2222) to edit music professionally for about $40.00 per song.

Level 7-10 gymnasts must bring 2 copies of her music on CDs to competitions.  The name of the gymnast, gym, level, apparatus, and apparatus symbol must be written on each competition CD.  The coaches will keep music for levels 4-6, however gymnasts in these levels must provide their own blank CDs.

Competition Attire:

For competitions, gymnasts must wear competition leotard(s) and team warm-ups.  Level 4-5 gymnasts are required to wear matching team leotards for their routines.  Gymnasts in level 6 may wear 2 leotards and gymnasts in level 7 or higher may wear up to 4 leotards (usually one for each routine, but this is optional).

Team leotards and warm ups are chosen by the coaches.  For the 2010/2011 competition season was about $75 for the team warm-ups and $160 for the team leotard.

Optional leotards are available from several sources including:

• Used leos often sold by other gymnasts within the team and at competitions
• Online sources such as Illusions (www.illusioncostumes.com).
• OGA team parent, Marti Chaney

Before purchasing a leotard, consult with your daughter’s coach because there are a few USAG restrictions (i.e. skirts, bare midriffs, with of shoulder straps, leg cut), which must be abided by.

Flesh colored “under leos” may be worn under competition leotards.  Gymnasts are NOT allowed to wear normal underwear under their competition leotards.

Preparation for Competitions:

Before attending the first meet, parents will be introduced to the world of competitions, including gymnast preparation (hair styling, what to pack, etc.) and rules for audience attendance.

Cost of Competitions:

There is a registration fee for each gymnast entered in a competition, payable in advance of the competition.  These “meet fees” vary from $45.00- $130.00 per meet, depending on the competition and the gymnast’s level.  Some local level 4-5 meets may be less.

Parents should expect to pay entrance fees to attend the meet (usually $3-$10).  At most competitions, there is also a “program” available for purchase.  Host gyms often have a concession stand, raffle, or shirts available for purchase as fundraisers.

Part 4- Gymnast Responsibilites

~Learn the OGA Mission Statement, goals and philosophy, and demonstrate behavior consistent with the Mission Statement at all times.

~Demonstrate good appropriate behavior when you participate as an OGA athlete, no matter the circumstances.

      Good sportsmanship consists of encouraging teammates, appreciating the efforts of opponents, putting 100% effort into practice and competition, and demonstrating self- control.

     Appropriate behavior consists of showing teammates, competitors and coaches’ respect and support, and treating others with kindness.  Please be friendly to everyone.

~Attend and be on time to practices.  You must come to practices and competitions healthy, rested and ready to work out to your fullest.  If you are injured, you must inform the coach immediately or before the practice/meet.

~Be well groomed with proper attire, hair secured out of the face, and free from any object that may hinder or endanger his or her safety (jewelry, etc.)

~Be courteous and respectful of coaches.

~Support and respect all your fellow team members.   This respect should include recognition that some have more ability than others, but mutual respect for each other should come automatically despite the athlete's level, ability or age.

~Respect and take care of the gym facilities and equipment.

~Work at home meets as runners and/or flashers.

~Exemplify proper behavior at meets.  You are to remain with the team throughout warm-up, the meet and awards.  Visiting with parents, relatives or friends needs to wait until after the meet, unless you have your coach's permission.

Please note: All gymnasts accepted onto the OGA Rhythmic team will be subject to a 3 month probation period to monitor adherence to team policies.

Discipline:

1^st Offence:  The coach will meet with the athlete involved and discuss the situation.  The meeting will be logged and filed in their athlete file.  A letter will be sent home to inform parents of the meeting.  Amicable resolution will be negotiated.

2^nd Offence:  The coach will meet with the athlete involved and the Parents to discuss the situation.  The meeting will be logged and filed in their athlete file.  A letter will be sent home to inform parents of the meeting.  Amicable resolution will be negotiated.

3^rd Offence: The coach will meet with the athlete involved and the Parents to discuss the situation.  The meeting will be logged and filed in their athlete file.  The athlete will be released from the program and not be allowed to return.

Part 5- Parent Requirements

OGA is a non-profit organization and we rely heavily on both volunteer efforts and fundraising activities.  Parents of team members automatically become affiliated with two groups, the Oregon Gymnastics Academy (lead by a Board of Directors) and the Rhythmic Booster Club (RBC) (led by a group of elected Rhythmic parents).  The family requirements for each group are described below.

Rhythmic Team Booster Club Requirements:

1. Time Requirement: As a parent of a team member on any OGA team, volunteering is required.  Some of the ways hours can be accrued include: working at competitions we sponsor (boys, girls, or rhythmic), acting as an officer in the Rhythmic Booster Club, performing tasks for the team, attending the OGA Board meetings as the Rhythmic representative, helping plan competitions, helping with tasks around the gym, etc.

• Families of level 4 team members must volunteer a minimum of 12 hours per year.
• Families of gymnasts in level 5 or higher and group must volunteer a minimum or 20 hours per year.
• Parents must attend the monthly booster club meetings at OGA which count as volunteer hours.
• Families must work at least 6 hours at OGA-sponsored competitions.

Note: If you need to work more volunteer hours than you have been able to at OGA, you can work at meets sponsored by other gyms to earn volunteer hours.

At the end of the season, families will be charged $10 per unworked volunteer hour and an additional $60 if they do not work 6 hours at an OGA-sponsored meet.  Surplus hours do not carry over to the next year.

2. Financial requirement: Parents must keep a positive balance in their daughter’s Rhythmic Booster Club Account.  During competition seasons, a gymnast must have at least a $150.00 balance in her booster club account.  Checks are to be made payable to the OGA Rhythmic Booster Club and are to be delivered to the club treasurer.
3. Fundraising: Fundraising has historically been an ongoing team activity, and team parents can expect to participate in team fundraising activities.

OGA Requirements:

Oregon Gymnastics Academy has 2 parent requirements:

1. Sunset BINGO: All OGA team families must work at Sunset BINGO a few times per year.  If you would prefer, you may “buy out” for $40.00-$50.00 per shift.  The money OGA earns from BINGO is used to pay for coach travel and training expenses.
2. Gym Work Party: Each gymnast’s family must participate in a gym clean up at least once a year.

Note: Gym clean up hours DO count toward Rhythmic Booster Club requirements.  BINGO and Team Activity Fee fundraising activities DO NOT count toward Rhythmic Booster Club volunteer requirements.

Parent Responsibilities:

~Learn the OGA Mission Statement, goals and philosophy, and demonstrate behavior consistent with the Mission Statement at all times.

~Appropriate behavior consists of treating team members, competitors, coaches’, and other parents and treating others with respect and kindness.  Please be friendly to everyone.

~Make sure your daughter arrives on time to practices, healthy and rested. If your daughter is injured, you must inform the coach before the practice/meet.

~Fulfill all OGA and booster club requirements.

~Exemplify proper behavior at meets.

~Refrain from talking to judges, entering the warm-up area, or talking to gymnasts.

~Be respectful to all participants, coaches, parents, and officials.

~Parents may not contact the meet director of a competition.  If you have a question, contact the coaches and they will tell you the answer or find out if they do not know.

Discipline:

1^st Offence:  The coach will meet with the parent(s) involved and discuss the situation.  The meeting will be logged and filed in their athlete’s file.  A letter will be sent home to document the meeting.  An amicable resolution will be negotiated.

2^nd Offence:  The coach will meet with the parent(s) and athlete involved to discuss the situation.  The meeting will be logged and filed in their athlete’s file.  The parents and athlete will be released from the program and not be allowed to return.