The first step in our gymnastics handbook is getting to know our competitive team family. We believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every member feels valued and respected. To ensure clear communication and effective management, we have established a chain of command. This structure outlines the hierarchy and responsibilities within our coaching staff and administrative team. It allows for efficient decision-making, problem-solving, and ensures that every voice is heard. As a team, we prioritize open dialogue and collaboration to maximize our potential both individually and as a cohesive unit.

 

 

Team Head Coach:

                                Hugo Rolon

Team Coaches:

                                Hindi Gomez

                                Angelique Matsushima

                                Irina Kadatko

                                Bladimir Duran   

 

Team Communication Director: 

                                Angelique Matsushima

 

Team Administration Director: 

                                Angelique Matsushima

   

Special Events Coordinator: 

                                Hindi Gomez

 

Effective communication is essential to our success as a team at Gravity Gymnastics. Led by our Communications Director, Ms. Yuki, our communication system is designed to keep everyone informed and engaged throughout the season. Please review our communication channels below: 

 

• Email: Ms. Yuki is dedicated to assisting you with any questions you may have; please allow up to 48 hours for her response to email inquiries.

• Monthly Zoom Q&A: Our monthly Zoom Q&A sessions are designed to keep you informed about training progress, upcoming competitions, and other important updates. These sessions also offer a platform for you to ask any questions you may have. It's a valuable opportunity to stay connected and engaged in your athlete's journey

• Informal End of Practice Chats: Furthermore, our coaches are available for dismissal chats after practice, where you can quickly discuss your child's performance. 

• One on One Scheduled Meetings: Should you require a more private discussion or have specific concerns, please feel free to request a one-on-one meeting with Ms. Yuki by emailing her at [email protected]. We are committed to ensuring clear communication and fostering a supportive environment for our gymnasts and their families.

• End of Year One-on-One: At the end of each competitive season, you can expect a one-on-one meeting with your child's coach to review performance and set expectations for the next season.

We kindly ask that you indicate below the number of monthly installments you would like to choose in order to pay annual tuition. If you are planning a long vacation during the summer, we encourage to choose the 10 installment option since team athletes cannot freeze their membership. 

Team Competitive Package

 

 The total cost for our 2024-2025 competitive season is $1,387. To assist families in managing competition expenses, Gravity offers three payment options: a single installment, three installments, or six installments. 

                                   

Please review option payments for 2024-2025 Competitive Package below: 

Please indicate below the option package that best fits your financial needs: 

Competition Expectations

 

Competing in gymnastics is an exciting and rewarding experience that requires dedication, preparation, and adherence to certain guidelines. To ensure a successful and positive experience for all athletes, coaches, and families, we have outlined the following expectations for competitions.

For Athletes & Parents

Preparation

• Training: Attend all scheduled practices leading up to the competition. Arrive on time and be prepared to train with focus and dedication.
  

• Attendance Policy: Athletes must not miss practice during the week of a competition. If an athlete misses practice during this time, team leadership reserves the right to decide whether the athlete will be allowed to compete. Exceptions may be made for specific situations such as illness or significant events. These circumstances must be communicated to the coaches immediately. Despite the communication, team leadership still reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the athlete’s participation in the competition.
  

• Training Dress Code: During the week of competition, athletes are not allowed to wear shorts in preparation for the competition. This ensures that they are accustomed to the attire they will compete in. 

• Logistics: Ensure all travel and accommodation arrangements are made well in advance if the competition is out of town. It is each individual parent's responsibility to arrange and cover the costs of travel accommodations, including but not limited to flights, hotels, meals, ride shares, and any other necessary arrangements. Additionally, ensure your child has all necessary competition attire and equipment prepared before departure. Ensure all competition attire, including leotards, warm-ups, and grips, are in good condition and ready for use. Pack your competition bag the night before, including all necessary items such as water, snacks, and any required items. This preparation helps maintain a smooth and organized experience for all athletes and their families during competitions.

 

Arrival

• Punctuality: Arrive at the competition venue at the time specified by your coach. Late arrivals can cause unnecessary stress and disrupt the team’s preparation.

• Finding Your Coach: Upon arrival, locate your coach. They may be finishing up another session, so be respectful and wait with other team families in the stands until the coach calls the athletes onto the floor.

During the Competition

 

• Focus: Athletes must stay focused on their routines and follow coaches' instructions. Avoid interactions with your child during competition and always maintain a positive attitude at all times.

• Parent Interactions & Behavior: To ensure athletes remain focused, parents are asked not to talk to or coach their children during the competition. This helps maintain the integrity of the coaching process and allows athletes to stay concentrated on their performance. Model good sportsmanship. Cheer for all athletes, respect judges and officials, and refrain from negative comments or coaching from the sidelines.

• Interaction with Judges: Parents are not allowed to speak to the judges at any time. If there are any concerns or questions regarding judging, they should be directed to the coach after the competition. They will handle questions or concerns through the appropriate channels.

• Sportsmanship: Always demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Support your teammates, congratulate other competitors, and respect the judges and officials.
  

• Respect and Etiquette: Respect the rules and regulations of the competition venue. This includes keeping the area clean, being respectful to staff and other participants, and following all posted guidelines.

Post-Competition

• Awards: Athletes must attend the awards ceremony to celebrate accomplishments and those of your teammates; always display good sportsmanship and respect towards all competitors during the awards. Coaches may have back-to-back sessions and may not regularly attend the awards ceremony with the athletes. It is the responsibility of the parents to accompany their children to the awards ceremony and sit through it with them.

• Positive Reinforcement: Offer positive reinforcement regardless of the outcome. Celebrate achievements and discuss areas for improvement constructively.

• Feedback: Allow your child to process their performance and listen to their thoughts and feelings about the competition.

General Event Behaviors

 

• Supportive Presence: Support all team members in a positive and encouraging manner throughout competitions and events. Cheer for all athletes, regardless of performance outcomes, to foster team spirit and camaraderie.

• Sideline Behavior: Refrain from coaching or giving instructions to athletes from the sidelines during competitions. Trust the training and guidance provided by our coaches, and allow them to lead the athletes during their routines.

• Team Unity: Promote team unity by refraining from divisive or negative comments about other athletes, coaches, or teams. Uphold the values of sportsmanship and fair play in all interactions at competitions and events.

By adhering to these expectations, we ensure a supportive and structured environment that allows our athletes to perform their best and enjoy their competitive experiences. Your cooperation and commitment to these guidelines are crucial to the success of our gymnastics program.

 

Competition Reminders

 

Here are some quick, friendly reminders as we approach the competition:

• Triple check your email for session updates from Ms.Yuki.

• Please arrive early! Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. For out of town/state meets, we recommend arriving 60 minutes beforehand.
  

• Double check your competition times.

• Check your gym bag to make sure you have everything you need (example: water bottle, grips or wristies, tape, extra leotard, hair stuff, snack).

• If you need a note for school - be sure to email Ms.Yuki at least a week in advance.

• Be sure to remove any excess jewelry. The girls are only allowed one pair of studs. 

• Make sure to have proper undergarments - must be hidden from view at all times (unless it is skin colored or matches the leotard color).

• Follow washing instructions for washing the leotard!
  

Gymnast Rules & Responsibilities

 

To ensure a successful, organized, and disciplined gymnastics program, participants must adhere to the following rules, guidelines, and responsibilities:

 

Gymnast’s Responsibilities:

 

• Attend scheduled practices.

• Start and end practice lining up waiting for your coaches' instructions.

• Wear a clean Gravity leotard to all practices.

• Securely tie back hair.

• Refrain from wearing jewelry during practice (exception for one set of stud earrings).

• Phone will be turned in at the beginning of each practice and collected by your coach. Refrain from bringing other valuables; the gym cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Keep nails cut short to prevent scratching coaches or teammates.

• Use deodorant (age 7 and older, or earlier upon coach’s request).

• Come in with a good attitude and strive for excellence daily.

• Be attentive and cooperative with the coaching staff.

• Complete all training assignments, including strength and flexibility conditioning, before leaving the gym.

• Assist and cooperate with fellow teammates.

• Prioritize safety for oneself and teammates.

• After each event, assist coaches in cleaning and maintaining a neat environment.

• Maintain good habits, including proper hydration, nutrition, and rest.

Behavioral Expectations:

 

Improper behavior during practice and competition will result in disciplinary action. Examples include:

• Talking over or arguing with a coach

• Breaking gym rules

• Cheating

• Lying

• Unwillingness to complete assignments

• Stealing or going through another person’s belongings

• Disrespect towards teammates (physically or emotionally)

• Poor sportsmanship

• Bullying

Disciplinary Actions:

 

Any of the above behaviors, depending on severity and the gymnast’s history, may lead to:

• Reflection Time

• Removal from practice

• Parental conference

• Suspension from the team

• Dismissal from the team
  

Parent Education

At Gravity, we believe that informed and engaged parents are essential to the success of our athletes and our program. To ensure that parents are well-informed and equipped to support their child’s gymnastics journey, we offer several educational opportunities throughout the year.

 

Annual 1-on-1 Meetings

 

• Purpose: These meetings provide an opportunity for personalized feedback and discussions about your child's progress, goals, and any concerns you may have.

• Schedule: Once a year, after the competition season, we will schedule 15-minute face-to-face meetings with each athlete's parents and coaches.

• Topics Covered:

• • Review of the athlete’s performance during the competition season.

  • Discussion of strengths and areas for improvement.

  • Setting goals for the upcoming season.

  • Addressing any specific concerns or questions from parents.

 

Monthly Q&A Sessions via Zoom

 

• Purpose: These sessions offer an open forum for parents to ask questions and receive updates on various aspects of the program. It’s a chance to stay informed and engaged with your child’s progress and the gym's activities.

• Schedule: Held monthly, these sessions will be conducted via Zoom for convenience.

• Structure:

• • Open Q&A: Parents may ask any questions regarding the program, practices, competitions, etc.

• • Educational Segment: Each session will include a brief educational segment on relevant topics such as:

• An overview of gymnastics judging and scoring.

• Understanding the training process and progression.

• Nutrition and wellness for gymnasts.

• Injury prevention and management.

• Mental preparation and coping strategies for competitions.

• Understanding gym policies and expectations.

Additional Resources

 

Newsletters: Regular newsletters will be sent out to keep parents informed about upcoming events, important dates, and program updates.

 

Participation and Feedback

We encourage parents to actively participate in these educational opportunities to stay informed and engaged with their child's gymnastics journey.

Your feedback is also extremely important to us. After each meeting or session, we will seek your input to improve our parent education offerings. Feel free to share your suggestions and ideas on topics you would like covered in future sessions.

By providing these educational opportunities, we aim to create a well-informed and supportive parent community that contributes positively to the athletes' development and the overall success of our gymnastics program.

 

Class Schedule

We schedule team classes to optimize training time, and we request that athletes attend all practices punctually. Please note that occasionally, we may need to cancel a practice due to scheduling conflicts with meets or other events.

 

During winter break and the week of the 4th of July, training times are adjusted, with classes possibly held in the morning or early afternoon. These adjustments allow for equipment maintenance and facility improvements.

 

Our regular class schedule is also modified during the 10-week summer break. The updated schedule will be provided at least two weeks before the summer break begins.

 

Throughout winter, spring, and summer, Gravity offers additional training opportunities through our camps. These camps complement regular classes and provide an excellent chance to refine foundational skills and acquire more advanced techniques.

Attendance and Punctuality

 

Attendance and punctuality are crucial for maintaining the effectiveness and success of our gymnastics program. By ensuring that athletes arrive on time and attend all scheduled practices and events, parents play a key role in supporting their child's development and the overall cohesion of the team.

 

 

Importance of Punctuality:

 

• Maximizing Practice Time: Arriving on time allows athletes to maximize their practice time, fully benefit from the training provided by our coaches, and participate in the warm-up session. This ensures athletes are adequately prepared to avoid injuries and engage safely in their activities.

 

• Respect for Coaches and Teammates: Punctuality demonstrates respect for coaches, teammates, and the overall training schedule. It helps maintain discipline and a focused atmosphere during practice sessions.

• Preparation for Competitions: Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for preparing athletes adequately for competitions, ensuring they are well-prepared physically and mentally.

Notification of Absences or Delays: 

• Communication Protocol: Parents are requested to notify coaches promptly if their child will be absent or delayed for any practice or event through Gravity's Team App. This allows coaches to adjust plans accordingly and ensures that the team's training schedule remains efficient.

• Impact on Team Dynamics: Timely communication about absences or delays helps maintain team dynamics and ensures that all athletes receive equal attention and coaching during sessions.

• Vacations: 

• • Balancing family time with training is crucial for a gymnast's progress. While we highly value family vacations, it's important to consider that extended breaks, particularly during the summer months, can significantly hinder the athlete's development. Summer provides a critical window for focusing on learning new skills and building strength without the additional pressures of school commitments. 

• • Vacations lasting longer than three weeks may necessitate a reassessment by coaches to evaluate the athlete's readiness to return to their competitive level effectively. We encourage thoughtful planning of vacations to ensure that athletes can maximize their training opportunities and continue their progression in gymnastics.

• Injuries: 

• • Please ensure to promptly communicate any injuries or complaints of pain your daughter may experience to her coach. Do not assume that the coaching staff is already aware of the injury.

• • Depending on the severity of the injury, a doctor's note or medical clearance will be required before the gymnast can return to regular practice. Full participation in practice is not permitted until the necessary medical documentation is provided. In the meantime, please maintain open communication with the coach regarding attendance and any necessary modifications to conditioning and stretching routines. This will allow the athlete to participate in a modified practice schedule suited to their condition. 

 

Note: We kindly ask that athletes arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before their scheduled practice time. Upon arrival, athletes should go directly to the vault area, put their gym bags away, and sit patiently waiting for their coach. It is important that athletes do not climb or use any equipment before practice begins.

 

If there is a special circumstance where an athlete needs to arrive earlier than the designated time, parents must communicate with the coach in advance. This allows team leadership to discuss the situation with management and make the necessary accommodations if possible.

 

Please note that if athletes cannot adhere to these guidelines, they will not be allowed to enter the gym prior to the start of their practice. 

 Boundaries

 

In this section, we aim to clearly define the boundaries and expectations for parents within our gymnastics competitive team program. These guidelines are designed to foster a positive and supportive environment for all athletes, coaches, and families involved.

Respect for Coaches: 

 

Respecting coaches' decisions and methods is crucial to maintaining a positive and effective gymnastics environment. Parents are encouraged to address any concerns through appropriate channels rather than on the gym floor or during practice sessions. This ensures that coaching sessions remain focused and productive for all gymnasts. 

 

Communication Protocol: 

 

Effective communication is essential for maintaining a supportive and organized gymnastics program. To ensure clarity and professionalism, all communication between parents and coaches should be conducted through designated channels provided by the gym. This includes email correspondence and scheduled meetings. These channels are designed to streamline communication and provide a structured approach to addressing concerns, sharing updates, and discussing athlete progress.

 

It is important to note that interactions between coaches and parents outside of the club environment are discouraged. This policy is in place to uphold professionalism and maintain the integrity of the coaching process.

 

Confidentiality:

 

At Gravity, we prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of all athletes, coaches, and families within our program. It is essential to maintain a respectful and supportive environment by adhering to the following guidelines:

• Respect Privacy: Avoid discussing sensitive information or personal details about athletes, coaches, or families outside of the gym environment. This includes refraining from sharing medical information, performance evaluations, or any other confidential matters on public platforms or social media.

• Confidential Discussions: Any discussions related to team matters, athlete performance, or coaching strategies should be conducted in private or designated team forums. Protect the privacy of individuals by keeping such discussions confidential and within appropriate channels.

 

Rules for Technology Use:

• Photography and Videography: Do not take pictures or videos of athletes other than your own child without explicit permission from their parents or guardians. Respect the privacy and personal space of all athletes and refrain from capturing their images or actions without prior consent.

• Social Media and Online Posts: Refrain from posting about other athletes, including their routines, performance outcomes, or personal details, on social media or public platforms without consent. Avoid sharing content that could compromise the privacy or dignity of athletes within our program.

• Technology Guidelines: Always use technology responsibly at all times during gymnastics events and practices. Ensure that your use of devices does not disrupt athletes, coaches, or officials. Follow gym policies regarding the use of cameras, smartphones, and other electronic devices to maintain a focused and respectful environment.

 

Conflict Resolution:

 

At Gravity, we value open communication and aim to resolve conflicts or concerns in a prompt and professional manner. Parents play a key role in fostering a positive environment by adhering to the following guidelines:

• Direct Communication: In the event of a conflict or concern, parents are encouraged to first discuss the matter directly with the coach or designated staff member involved. This direct approach allows for clarity, understanding, and the opportunity to address any issues in a timely manner. Use the designated communication channels provided by the gym. This may include scheduled meetings, email correspondence, or other methods as outlined by the gym’s policies.

• Open Communication Channels: The gym promotes open communication channels to ensure that all parties feel heard and supported. If a resolution is not reached through initial discussions, parents are welcome to escalate the matter to higher levels of management or administration as necessary.

• Do Not Gossip: Gossip undermines the trust and cohesion within our gymnastics community. If you have an issue or concern, please address it directly with the appropriate staff members rather than discussing it with others. Respect the privacy and dignity of individuals involved by refraining from spreading rumors or misinformation.

Respect for Facility:

 

At Gravity, we ask all our students to respect the rules of use of our gymnastics facility to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Benefits of Respecting the Gym Facility: 

 

• Extended Equipment Lifespan: Proper care and maintenance of equipment prolongs their lifespan, reducing the need for repairs or replacements and ensuring availability for all athletes.

• Positive Atmosphere: A clean and well-maintained gym creates a positive atmosphere for training, enhancing focus and performance during practices and events.

• Team Unity: Respecting shared spaces fosters a sense of unity among athletes and promotes a supportive team environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

• Professionalism: Demonstrating respect for gym facilities and equipment reflects professionalism and dedication to the sport, setting a positive example for younger athletes and newcomers to the program.

 

Consequences of Disregarding Facility Guidelines:

 

• Risk to Safety: Disregarding safety protocols or damaging equipment can pose risks to athletes' safety and disrupt training sessions.

• Impact on Team Morale: Neglecting cleanliness or showing disrespect towards gym facilities can negatively impact team morale and cohesion.

• Financial Impact: Damage to gym equipment or facilities may incur repair costs that could otherwise be allocated towards enhancing the overall gymnastics experience for athletes.
  
  

Policy Statement - Cancellation of Team Membership

 

Ensuring commitment and loyalty among our team athletes is paramount to maintaining a cohesive and focused training environment at Gravity Gymnastics. When team members explore tryouts at other gyms, it can disrupt team dynamics and diminish the consistency of training efforts. Therefore, as part of our commitment to fostering a dedicated and unified team, we reserve the right to cancel the membership of any athlete who participates in tryouts at another gym. This policy aims to uphold the integrity of our program and prioritize the collective goals and progress of our team members.

  

At Gravity, the health and safety of our athletes are paramount. As mandated by the National Federation of Gymnastics, we adhere to a Concussion Safety Protocol to ensure a secure environment for all participants. You can view our adopted protocol by clicking here: "Concussion Protocol"