Developmental Team Handbook 2026-2027
Welcome to the 2026-2027 season! We are extremely happy to have you and your daughter as part of our Gravity Developmental Team Program! We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate your daughter on her hard work. As we embark on this journey together, we are thrilled to have each of you bring your unique talents, skills, and passion to our development team. This season promises to be one of growth, achievement, and camaraderie as we work towards our common goals. Whether you are a returning member or joining us for the first time, we are excited to build upon our successes and create lasting memories. Together, let’s strive for excellence, support one another, and make this season truly remarkable!
Within this handbook, you will find essential information designed to guide you through the 2026-2027 season. Key sections include athlete expectations, communication channels, insights into competitions, including preparation tips and performance guidelines. Our coaching philosophy, practice schedules, and other valuable resources will also be detailed to support your journey towards excellence in gymnastics.
Meet our Developmental Team Family
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
Developmental Team Coaches:
Mori Cadeanas
Cici Peselli
Demi Morente
Bladi Duran
Irina Kadatko
Barbara Butler
Team Administration Director:
Special Events Coordinator:
Hindi Gomez
Team Communication Channels
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:
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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.
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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.
Wearing a team practice uniform is essential for fostering pride, unity, professionalism, and equality within the team. It promotes a sense of belonging and identity, unifying members towards common goals while projecting a professional image to others. Uniforms also contribute to discipline and focus during practices, symbolizing a commitment to the team’s values and traditions. Athletes are required to wear their practice leotards to all workouts; while shorts are permitted, t-shirts over leotards are not allowed.
Developmental Practice Uniform:
All developmental team athletes must wear their Gravity Practice Leotard to every training session. Athletes will also wear this leotard to our In-House competitions.
Order Information: Leotards will be available for purchase through the Proshop. Parents have the flexibility to purchase multiple leotards based on their child's practice frequency and laundry needs.
Summer Uniform Policy (June 8 – August 7):
Summer is a time to train hard and have fun — and we love seeing our gymnasts’ personalities come to life! From June 8th through August 7th, the standard practice uniform requirement is relaxed. Athletes are welcome to wear any comfortable, appropriate athletic wear that allows them to move freely and express themselves. Whether it’s a fun printed leotard, bright colors, or a favorite practice outfit, we encourage your gymnast to make it her own. Please ensure that all clothing remains suitable for gymnastics training: no loose jewelry, and nothing that could restrict movement or pose a safety concern.
Tuition
Gravity Gymnastics is a year-round school with flexible enrollment and un-enrollment options. Tuition is budgeted for a 48-week year, allowing for a short Summer Break and a Holiday Break in December, with all 12 months averaging 4 weeks. Tuition is paid in convenient monthly installments, processed on the 25th of each month for the upcoming month's classes. A credit card on file or e-check information is required.
A $25.00 return check fee will be assessed for insufficient funds, and late notices will be emailed for past due balances. A $20.00 late fee will apply if the account is not up to date before the 1st day of the month, with clients given until the 5th to settle balances to retain their child's spot in class. No credits, refunds, or make-ups are offered for missed classes.
Clients may freeze membership for a minimum of four weeks and a maximum of eight, with a $30 freeze processing fee. During the freeze period, membership benefits do not apply. If a freeze request is received after tuition has been charged, a credit will be issued to the account. Freeze and un-enroll forms are available on our website: www.gravitygymnastics.com.
Developmental Team Classes have no make-up options.
We schedule developmental 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, there will be no practice. These scheduled breaks give our gymnasts and coaches time to rest and recharge, and allow for equipment maintenance and facility improvements. Specific break dates will be communicated by Ms. Yuki via email ahead of time.
Our regular class schedule is created to accommodate all developmental teams, who will attend practice twice a week. As your gymnast progresses through our program, we gradually increase their practice time to ensure they have more opportunities to learn and develop their skills. The more time spent in the gym, the more they can achieve and grow.
Attendance and Punctuality
Attendance and punctuality are essential to our program’s success. Please ensure your athlete arrives on time to every practice — on-time arrival allows her to participate in warm-ups, stay safe, and show respect for her coaches and teammates.
Make-Up Policy:
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No make ups, credits, or refunds are offered for missed classes.
Vacations: We fully support family time! We do ask that extended absences be planned thoughtfully, as prolonged time away — especially in summer — can impact skill development. Vacations longer than three weeks may require a coach evaluation before the athlete returns to full training.
Injuries: Please notify your daughter’s coach of any injuries or pain right away — never assume the staff is already aware. Depending on severity, a doctor’s note or medical clearance may be required before returning to full practice. Until then, please stay in communication with the coach so we can put together a modified training plan that works for her.
2026 - 2027 Competitive Season
The Gravity competitive season spans from December 2026 to May 2027. Athletes will participate in two in-house competitions. Attendance at all in-house meets is mandatory for all developmental team athletes for several important reasons. Participating in competitions helps athletes develop skills in stress management, confidence-building, and fear-confrontation, essential aspects of belonging to a competitive team.
There will be a $70 charge for each competition, which will be taken out prior to the event.
There is one competition in December and one competition in March. The date to be announced at a later time via email.
Competition Expectations
Competing is an exciting part of being on the developmental team! To keep things running smoothly and positively for everyone, please keep the following in mind.
For Athletes: Arrive at the time your coach specifies — plan to be there at least 15 minutes early. Find your coach upon arrival and wait with your team family in the stands until called onto the floor. Stay focused on your routines, follow your coach’s instructions, and always demonstrate good sportsmanship toward teammates, competitors, judges, and staff.
For Parents: Please refrain from coaching or talking to your child during the competition — this helps her stay focused and trusts the coaching process. Do not approach or speak to judges at any time; any concerns should be directed to the coach after the event. Cheer for all athletes, keep a positive attitude, and model the sportsmanship we teach our gymnasts. Respect the venue, its staff, and all posted guidelines.
Quick Reminders: Check your email for updates from Ms. Yuki. One pair of stud earrings only — no other jewelry. Ensure undergarments are hidden or skin-colored/leotard-matching. Follow leotard washing instructions to keep it looking its best!
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:
Respectful Communication (to Coaches & Teammates): Speak in a polite and calm tone. Use appropriate words, listen when others speak, and follow directions without questioning. Respond respectfully when receiving corrections and avoid arguing or talking back. Disrespectful responses and backtalk are not tolerated.
Focus and Attention: Pay attention to the coach and stay engaged during practice. Contribute to a focused learning environment by listening and following instructions promptly. Disrupting practice by ignoring instructions or causing distractions takes away from everyone’s ability to learn and practice safely.
Teamwork and Bonding: Be kind and supportive toward teammates. Help others when asked and encourage your teammates positively. Show team spirit and maintain a respectful environment for all. Avoid distracting others or discouraging participation — everyone deserves the chance to practice and improve.
Coachability:
Coachability is your ability to listen to your coaches, take feedback, and apply it to your practice. It’s about being open to learning, making adjustments, and having a positive attitude toward improvement. A coachable gymnast is respectful of their coaches’ guidance, willing to learn from their mistakes, and always striving to get better.
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Be Open to Feedback: When a coach gives you advice or correction, take it seriously and apply it to your next attempt.
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Stay Positive: Even when things are difficult, maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on improving.
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Respond to Corrections: When a coach gives you direction, respond promptly, apply the feedback, and show effort.
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Be Willing to Try New Things: A coachable gymnast is willing to push themselves to get better, even when drills or techniques feel uncomfortable.
Discipline Protocol:
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Verbal Warning: You’ll receive a clear explanation of what behavior is inappropriate and what’s expected of you. Example: “Please listen, stay focused, and follow directions.”
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Time-Out (Lobby): If the behavior continues, you will sit out in the lobby until the next rotation without any discussion or argument.
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Early Pickup: If the behavior continues after time-out, we will call your parent for an early pickup and your practice for the day will be finished.
By submitting this handbook, you are agreeing to our terms and confirming your class transfer. If you encounter any scheduling issues, please do not accept the transfer. Instead, email Ms. Yuki for assistance.
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