Welcome to our 2025-2026 Competitive Season!
Welcome to the 2025-2026 competitive season! As we embark on this journey together, we are thrilled to have each of you bring your unique talents, skills, and passion to our 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 2025-2026 season. Key sections include athlete expectations, communication channels, insights into competitions, including preparation tips and performance guidelines. We'll cover fees and financial obligations transparently, ensuring clarity and fairness for all team members. Our coaching philosophy, practice schedules, and other valuable resources will also be detailed to support your journey towards excellence in gymnastics.
Meet our Competitive 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
Team Coaches:
Hindi Gomez
Angelique Matsushima
Irina Kadatk
Bladimir Duran
Rose Scannell
Team Communication Director:
Angelique Matsushima
Team Administration Director:
Angelique Matsushima
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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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.
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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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Informal End of Practice Chats: Furthermore, our coaches are available for dismissal chats after practice, where you can quickly discuss your child's performance.
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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.
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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.
Team Uniform Policy:
Uniforms are a key part of fostering pride, unity, and professionalism within our team. Athletes are required to follow the uniform guidelines outlined below for both practice and competitions.
Practice Uniform
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Required Attire (Daily): Gravity Practice Leotard 2025-2026 Season.
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Optional: Gymnastics shorts may be worn over the leotard. T-shirts or other tops over the leotard are not permitted.
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Where to Order: Uniforms are available for purchase in our pro shop. In the case the selected size is not in stock, orders may be placed through a web form available on our website. A $15 shipping fee may apply for individual orders.
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Extras: Families are welcome to purchase multiple leotards based on practice frequency and laundry needs.
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Self-Expression Week: During the last week of every month, gymnasts may wear any leotard of their choice for practice.
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Enforcement: If a gymnast arrives to practice without the required Gravity leotard (except during Self-Expression Week):
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The office will issue a Uniform Notice Email to the parent.
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On the third notice, the gymnast will be sent home from practice that day.
Competitive Uniform
We are extremely excited about our brand new 2025-2026 Competitive Uniform. Our new competitive uniform consists of:
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Gravity Competition Leotard
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Gravity Jacket
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Gravity Leggings
Order Details: Sizing, prices, and ordering information will be provided in an order form available on our website.
Competitive Uniform Ordering & Payment Agreement
A sizing chart will be available on our website to help you determine the correct fit for you gymnast. We will also provide a Competitive Uniform Order Form on our website, where you will indicate size selections.
To support our families with financial planning and to make the uniform cost more manageable, we offer the option to pay in either one full payment or in three monthly installments. Please note that choosing three-installment plan includes a 3% interest fee.
Payment Options:
One-Time Payment: $389.60 (+ sales tax) - to be processed on August 10th
Three Installments: $133.76 (+ sales tax) per month - to be processed: 6/10, 7/10, 8/10
Please select one of the following options to pay for your child's competitive uniform:
Payment Commitment Agreement:
Uniform Order Policies
Exchanges & Returns:
Please note that all uniform items are final sale. Because uniforms are custom ordered, we are unable to offer exchanges or returns for sizing issues or any other reason. We strongly encourage families to use the sizing chart provided on our website and consult with Ms. Yuki if unsure about fit.
Order & Distribution Timeline:
To ensure timely delivery, all competitive team uniform orders must be submitted by August 9th. The manufacturer estimates a 10–12 week production time, so uniforms are expected to arrive and be distributed in October, ahead of the competition season.
Late Payment Policy:
Payments—whether one or three-installment plan—will be processed using the credit card on file based on the selected due dates. It is the family's responsibility to ensure that payment information is current and funds are available. A $25 late fee will be applied to any installment not successfully processed within 5 days of the scheduled date.
Team gymnastics tuition covers a range of essential expenses that enable our athletes to participate fully in our competitive program. These expenses include payment of our professional coaches, facility usage, equipment, insurance, administrative costs, and other necessary program costs. We strive to maintain transparency in our fee structure to ensure that all families understand the investment required for their child's participation in our competitive team.
Please review important information regarding team tuition below:
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Team Tuition is ongoing and due regardless of attendance, including missed practices due to illness, vacations, injury, or scheduling conflicts.
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Tuition is due on the 25th of the previous month for the following month.
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No make ups, credits, or refunds are offered for missed classes.
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Late notices will be emailed to all past due balances. Gravity Gymnastics will assess a $20.00 late fee the 1st day of the month if account is not paid fully. *
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Families will have until the 5th of the month to bring account up to date to avoid additional fees or suspension.
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Tuition must be paid in full before any payments can be applied towards uniforms, private classes, or team package installments.
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Team memberships cannot be frozen for any reason, including illness, injury, summer vacations, camps, or schedule conflicts. Team membership is continuous; you are either fully committed or not at all. If this expectation feels uncomfortable, we encourage families to reconsider joining the team.
Tuition Structure:
Team tuition is calculated based on an annual program cost and divided into 12 equal monthly payments. Planned closures for holidays, occasional cancellations due to competition conflicts, and modifications to the training schedule, are already accounted for in the tuition rate.
Annual Commitment & Cancellation Policy:
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Participation on the team is ongoing and requires a full-competitive season commitment.
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A $250 cancellation fee applies to all team withdrawals. However, if cancellation is submitted in May (conclusion of our competitive season), the cancellation fee will be waived. In this case, May will be considered the final month of participation.
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Cancellation is effective immediately upon cancellation form is received—your child will be removed from the team roster.
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No refunds will be issued for any unused tuition or team payments already made.
Injury Tuition Adjustments:
Participation on the team requires a full-season financial commitment. In the event of an injury that limits your child’s ability to fully participate, continued attendance is still expected when medically appropriate. Staying engaged through a modified training program helps athletes maintain a sense of routine, stay connected to their team, and focus on strength building and flexibility—key components of a successful recovery.
This policy applies to injuries occurring both inside and outside the gym. Exceptions or additional adjustments will not be granted beyond what is outlined above.
Please see tuition information below:
2025 - 2026 Competitive Season
The Gravity competitive season spans from December 2025 to May 2026. Athletes will participate in two in-house competitions, three local meets, one out-of-town meet, and one out-of-state meet and finally, our State Competition at the end of our season. All these meets are included in our competitive package, including the State Meet.
Attendance at all qualifying and in-house meets is mandatory for all team athletes for several important reasons. Firstly, participating in competitions helps athletes develop skills in stress management, confidence-building, and fear-confrontation, essential aspects of belonging to a competitive team. Secondly, our season's budget depends on the full participation of all athletes to ensure fair and equitable distribution of costs among team members.
USA Gymnastics governs the sport of gymnastics in the USA. Team members are required to maintain an active USAG membership, which must be renewed each competitive season. You can find a PDF guide with instructions and our club number on our team app for renewing or obtaining your new USAG membership.
Please see below competitive schedule for in-house competitions and qualifying meets. State and regional meet information will be posted on our website.
All competitions are organized by external entities, to whom entry and team fees must be submitted. To cover these expenses and ensure a cohesive team experience, Gravity has developed a Competitive Team Package. This package includes entry fees, team fees, coaches' travel expenses, coaches' competitive fees, as well as additional perks: a Gravity water bottle, team t-shirt, and team backpack.
Competition Entry & Team Fees (2025-2026)
Coaches' Travel Fees (based on industry standards)
Coaches' per Diem Fees (based on industry standards)
Gravity Athlete Backpack, Water Bottle, & T-Shirt
The total cost for our 2025-2026 competitive season is $1687.11. To support our families and to make competitive costs more manageable, Gravity offers three payment options: a single installment, three installments, or six installments.
Please review option payments for 2025-2026 Competitive Package below:
Installment Plan Options:
Those families selecting installments options, please note that note that a convenience fee is applied as follows: 4.5% for the 3-installment plan and 8% for the 6-installment plan. The amounts listed below already include these fees. Please also note that competitive package payments are in addition to regular monthly tuition.
Please indicate below the option package that best fits your financial needs:
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Competition Expectations
For Athletes & Parents
Competing in gymnastics is an exciting and rewarding experience that requires commitment, preparation, and clear expectations. To ensure every athlete, coach, and family has a successful and positive experience, please review the following guidelines for competitions.
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.
Competition Reminders
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Triple check your email for session updates from Ms.Yuki.
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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.
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Double check your competition times.
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Check your gym bag to make sure you have everything you need (example: water bottle, grips or wristies, tape, extra leotard, hair stuff, snack).
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If you need a note for school - be sure to email Ms.Yuki at least a week in advance.
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Be sure to remove any excess jewelry. The girls are only allowed one pair of studs.
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Make sure to have proper undergarments - must be hidden from view at all times (unless it is skin colored or matches the leotard color).
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Follow washing instructions for washing the leotard!
Gymnast Responsibilities & Behavior Standards
At our gym, we foster a positive, supportive environment where friendships can grow and everyone can learn. We want you to have fun, but we also need you to stay focused and follow behavior standards during practice.
Gymnast’s Responsibilities:
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Attend scheduled practices.
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Start and end practice lining up waiting for your coaches’ instructions.
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Wear a clean Gravity leotard to all practices.
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Securely tie back hair.
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Refrain from wearing jewelry during practice (exception for one set of stud earrings).
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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.
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Keep nails cut short to prevent scratching coaches or teammates.
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Use deodorant (age 7 and older, or earlier upon coach’s request).
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Come in with a good attitude and strive for excellence daily.
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Be attentive and cooperative with the coaching staff.
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Complete all training assignments, including strength and flexibility conditioning, before leaving the gym.
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Assist and cooperate with fellow teammates.
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Prioritize safety for oneself and teammates.
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After each event, assist coaches in cleaning and maintaining a neat environment.
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Maintain good habits, including proper hydration, nutrition, and rest.
Behavioral Expectations:
Respectful Communication (to Coaches & Teammates):
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Contribute to a focused learning environment by listening and following instructions promptly. Avoid Disrupting practice by not listening, ignoring instructions, or causing distractions. This takes away from everyone’s ability to learn and practice safely.
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Show team spirit by encouraging participation and maintaining a respectful environment for all. Avoid disrupting practice by distracting others, laughing during work time, or encouraging others to avoid participating. Everyone deserves to have a chance to practice and improve.
Coachability:
What is 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 improve.
Coachability Expectations:
Be Open to Feedback: When a coach gives you advice or correction, take it seriously and apply it to your next attempt.
Stay Positive: Even when things are difficult or not going your way, maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on improving.
Respond to Corrections: When a coach gives you direction, make sure to respond promptly, apply the feedback, and show effort.
Be willing to try new things: Sometimes you may be asked to try new drills or techniques that might feel uncomfortable. A coachable gymnast is willing to try and push themselves to get better.
Discipline Protocol (If behavior is not following the guidelines):
Verbal Warning: If you’re not following the guidelines, 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.”
Time-Out (Lobby): If the behavior continues, you will sit out in the lobby until the next rotation without any discussion or argument.
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.
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:
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Review of the athlete’s performance during the competition season.
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Discussion of strengths and areas for improvement.
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Setting goals for the upcoming season.
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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:
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Educational Segment: Each session will include a brief educational segment on relevant topics.
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Open Q&A: Parents may ask any questions regarding the program, practices, competitions, etc.
Additional Resources
Newsletters: Regular newsletters will be sent out to keep parents informed about upcoming events, important dates, and program updates.
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
Being on time is a non-negotiable part of our team culture and is essential for your gymnast’s safety, development, and preparation. Athletes are expected to arrive on time to every practice, ready to begin promptly.
Late Arrival Protocol:
If a gymnast will arrive more than 15 minutes late to practice, a parent must call the front office to inform the coaches.
Failure to follow this protocol will result in the gymnast not being allowed to participate in that day’s practice.
This policy is in place to ensure proper warm-up, maintain training flow, and reinforce accountability. Thank you for helping us uphold a culture of responsibility and respect.
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 any practice or event through the Gravity's Team App or emailing Ms. Yuki. This allows coaches to adjust plans accordingly and ensures that the team's training schedule remains efficient.
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.
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.
To foster a positive and supportive environment for all athletes, coaches, and families, we ask parents to follow the guidelines below.
Please respect the decisions, methods, and authority of our coaching staff. If you have questions or concerns, use appropriate channels such as email or scheduled meetings—never during practice or on the gym floor. This helps maintain focus and productivity during training.
All communication between parents and coaches should go through designated channels, such as email or scheduled meetings. Personal interactions outside the gym are discouraged to maintain professionalism and clear boundaries.
Protect the privacy of athletes, coaches, and families. Do not discuss medical details, performance evaluations, or sensitive topics outside of private, designated team settings. Refrain from posting about other athletes or team matters on social media without permission.
You may only take photos or videos of your own child, and only when it doesn’t disrupt training. Avoid posting about other athletes’ performances or personal information. Use phones and devices responsibly during events and follow gym policies regarding their use.
We encourage direct and respectful communication. If a concern arises, please speak first with the coach or relevant staff using the designated communication channels. If a resolution isn’t reached, you may escalate the issue to team leadership. Avoid gossip or discussing conflicts with other parents.
Help keep the gym clean, safe, and welcoming. Treat all equipment with care and follow posted facility rules. Respecting the space reflects professionalism and contributes to a positive training atmosphere. Disregarding these expectations may result in safety risks or added facility costs.
Policy Statement - Cancellation of Team Membership
Membership on Gravity Gymnastics’ competitive team is a season-long commitment. This commitment is essential to creating a focused, consistent, and united training environment for all athletes.
Voluntary Withdrawal:
Families may choose to withdraw from the competitive team at any time by submitting Gravity’s Team Cancellation Form, available on our website. A $250 cancellation fee will apply unless the form is submitted during May 2026, marking the end of the current season. Membership will be terminated immediately upon receipt of the completed form and payment of the cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for any tuition or team-related payments already made.
Tryouts at Other Gyms:
If a team member participates in a tryout at another gymnastics facility, Gravity reserves the right to immediately cancel that athlete’s membership. No refunds will be given. This policy protects the integrity and unity of our team culture.
Violation of Team Policies or Boundaries:
Failure to adhere to the expectations and boundary rules outlined in this handbook may result in immediate cancellation of team membership without refund. While our leadership will make every effort to resolve concerns through proper communication channels, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and productive environment for all athletes.
Concussion Safety Protocol
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"
Please complete your personal information below and click on "Accept Xcel Gold Handbook" after reviewing all information enclosed.
The Team Handbook must be submitted by May 22nd, 2025. Submissions received after the deadline may result in changes to fees, installment options, competitive level placement, and class assignments. A spot on the team will not be guaranteed until all required documentation is received.
Please submit your Team Handbook by clicking the button below. Make sure all options are selected; otherwise, the system will reject your submission.
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