Dear Parents and Athletes,
Welcome to the Rhythmic Team of Gymnastics World!
The purpose of the Rhythmic Development Program at Gymnastics Worlds is to help prepare athletes from the beginning stages of Rhythmic until the time they are ready to make the move to the Elite Program. The Rhythmic Development Program covers the competitive levels 3-8 as well as the pre-competitive levels 1 & 2 (Beginners and Little Stars).
Rhythmic Xcel Team is designed to provide a competitive outlet for gymnasts just beginning in the
sport, gymnasts who want to participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, gymnasts
who desire to compete without the extensive time and financial commitments generally
associated with the sport, and anyone who wants the opportunity to participate in a safe, fun
sport that builds self-esteem and physical fitness.
The rules for Rhythmic Xcel have been laid out to put the focus on personal progress rather
than competitive placement. Therefore, athletes can be challenged and happy in a single level
for multiple years. Clubs hosting events are required to follow the competition regulations for
this purpose. Simple changes such as posting scores and naming event champions will
ultimately undermine this goal.
The staff and coaches of Gymnastics World are very proud of how hard all of the girls have been working and are very excited about the upcoming competitive season. We are also continuing to “Go Green” with the administration of team paperwork. We will be compiling a team email list to notify you of important information and updates throughout the season, so please be sure to update your email address through the parent portal and then look for important team notices in your email inbox.
Due to the growth of the entire GW Rhythmic competitive team program, we have been able to maintain a low overall cost of competing, as we are able to spread the budget out over more team members. The fees and information in this packet pertain specifically to competitions.
These competitive fees are separate from your monthly tuition payments, which are dedicated solely to the expenses associated with the training of the athletes in the gym.
Thank you for your support of the program and for the privilege of working with such wonderful athletes!
Sincerely,
Gymnastics World Management
Inside this Packet:
- Participation in Meets: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Competitions
- Meet Etiquette for Athletes and Families
- Explanation of Fees: Tuition vs. Competition Fees
- Current Competitive Season Schedule
Participation in Rhythmic Meets
How many meets should my child enter?
The gymnasts will have the opportunity to compete in up to 6 competitions (more or less) and additional control practices) during the season. Ideally, we would like the girls to enter every competition, however, we understand that not all families will be able to make that commitment. Therefore, we request that the girls enter all possible meets.
What is required to compete?
What is the Competitive Dress Code?
In Rhythmic gymnastics, the athletes wear a leotard recommended and approved by the coach. A gymnast’s appearance is very important to her self-confidence when at a competition. Hair should be on a bun. Clips, bobby pins, and hair spray may be used to keep strands of hair from falling down. There is a deduction for any kind of jewelry as well as any nail polish worn on the fingers or toes. Please make certain that your gymnast looks her very best when representing Gymnastics World.
Where are the competitions?
For now all of the Rhythmic Xcel competitions we offer are local. However, if we have enough interest we may add a “special competition”.
The Development program (Rhythmic Team Level 3-10), will compete locally and out of state (OH, NY, NJ, MD, CA). The schedule for competitions are usually done within the period between August and December.
How do I know what day the meet is on?
Please note that all meets on the calendar usually have both a Saturday and Sunday date listed (in some cases a Friday date too). Team entry fees (made with a club check) are usually due 6 to 8 weeks prior to the competition date (sometime even months earlier). This deadline varies based on the meet host and due to the popularity of some of the meets they “fill up”, sometimes 4 or 5 months in advance. Once the meet director receives our check (we must send one club check since meet hosts do not accept individual personal checks) gymnasts are then assigned their competition days and times. We are completely at the mercy of the meet host and they can assign any level, to any day or time slot. Usually, 7-‐10 days prior to the competition we will be notified what day Gymnastics World will be competing.
Meet Etiquette for Athletes and Family
Organizing competition takes a great deal of work. The hosting gym receives a roster of athletes from each gym wishing to participate in the competition. To give everyone an equal opportunity to take part in the meet, the deadline date is usually established. The deadline for entries can be from one week to months prior to the event. When the hosting gym gets all of the rosters, they may then begin to establish sessions and times. This all takes time. Please DO NOT call the hosting gym for information.
The proper etiquette is to ask your own coaches. It is his/her responsibility to furnish you with this information. Sometimes there are unforeseen problems that might cause a delay in this information being communicated, so be patient.
Each gym club has a set of rules and regulations that have been established for your comfort and safety. ALWAYS follow the hosting gym’s rules. Here are a few rules that are common to ALL meets:
- No Flash Photography
- No Parents or Siblings on the Competition Floor/Area (there will be designated spectator seating)
- No Food or Drinks in the Gym
- No Parents Allowed to Question a Judge ro coaches from other gyms.
- No Spectators Allowed on Any Equipment
- No Profanity
- No Unsportsmanlike Behavior
- No Destruction of Gym Property
Door Fees for Spectators
Some host clubs charge a fee for spectators at competitions. These fees range from $15-‐30 per person. These fees help the host gym cover the expense of running the event.
Stretch and Warm‐Up sessions are usually held 1 ‐ 2 hours before the competition begins. Gymnasts should arrive 20 minutes early to check-in, obtain their competition rotation, and become organized.
Any athlete that arrives at the stretch and warm-‐up session more than 15 minutes late may not be allowed to compete in the competition, due to safety concerns and the rules of competition.
Opening Ceremonies and Competition
At the conclusion of warm‐ups, a gymnast should report to his/her coach to prepare for Opening Ceremonies. Gymnasts are usually queued up in ascending height order and march into the gym as a Team. Once all teams and Officials have been introduced, it is customary to begin the competition with the National Anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance. During this solemn period, please stand at attention and maintain silence, unless singing the anthem or speaking the pledge. Once the ceremonies are concluded the gymnast will be directed to his/her first event. Most gyms have a designated “waiting area” for the contestants. Athletes must report to your coach immediately before and after an event.
Please note that the gymnasts must stay with the coaches for the entirety of the competition. Parents are encouraged to cheer for their children, but they will not be able to talk to them during the competition. A gymnast will receive a deduction (and possible disqualification) if their parent is overheard coaching them from the sidelines.
Competing is a Privilege
Your child has earned the right to compete in the Rhythmic Developmental or Xcel Program through hard work and dedication to the sport. Please remember that competing is a privilege and as such, should not be taken for granted. All gymnasts should conduct themselves with dignity, composure, and good sportsmanship. At each performance, gymnasts turn to the Head Judge and salute prior to beginning the exercise and when the routines is finished.
At all meets, please keep in mind that you are a guest, whether you are competing at a “home” meet or at an “away” meet. Treat the hosting facility, its equipment, and all other gymnasts with respect and courtesy. Support your Teammates by cheering in a courteous manner, and congratulating them. Be friendly and polite to all Judges, Coaches, and other gymnasts regardless of whose team they are on.
Gymnasts should remain in the competitive area until after the awards ceremony unless instructed to do otherwise by the coaches. Gymnasts are required to report to the coaches before leaving the competition area.
Receiving Awards In Public
Most meets have a formal system for presenting awards. As an athlete, a demonstration of courtesy and gratitude is appropriate. You should accept awards in your team leotard and no gum or candy.
Congratulate the other athletes receiving awards as well. Stay on the awards podium for a brief time after all gymnasts have received their awards; this will enable parents and relatives to take your photo on the platform. Under no circumstances should you show disappointment in the awards that you are given.
The Difference between Tuition and Competition Fees
Please be aware of the important distinction between tuition and competition fees/expenses.
- Monthly tuition is paid to Gymnastics World and this revenue is used to pay expenses associated with your gymnast’s daily training.
- Competition fees/expenses are used to pay expenses associated with competing (meet entry fees, coaches’ travel expenses, etc.). Competition fees are divided into two categories:
- Coaches’ Fees &
- Meet Entry Fees.
Explanation of Competition Fees/Expenses (competitive team expenses):
1. Gymnastics World Annual Team Registration Fee:
Gymnastics World assesses an annual team registration fee of $185 for most of our competitive teams, including the Girls Xcel Team. This fee is collected during the month of July (between 15th and 31st) and covers:
• Team insurance fees.
• Coaches registration, continue education, and certifications.
2. Competition Leotard, Warm-ups, bags (attire):
Gymnasts are required to purchase or rent the rhythmic competition leotard, Team warm-up jacket and pants, and team bags (backpacks), which will be worn by the girls only while competing.
Through the season your coach will instruct you on how to rent or purchase the competitive Rhythmic Leotard. Please don't purchase any competitive leotard if you did not receive the approval of your coach.
3. Coaches Fees:
The coaches’ fees are based upon the projected coaching costs associated with each competition. These fees cover coaches’ expenses such as travel, food, lodging, coaching compensation for session worked. For the past competitive season most of coaches fees (after each competition) cost an average of $100 per family, however this fees will vary depending on the number of athletes participating in the specific meet, the distance of the meet from our gym, the number of days and sessions the meet requires, and other factors.
Coach's fees must be paid directly to coaches as you receive the statement from them.
4. Meet Registration Fees:
Entry fees for competitions vary per event based on the level of competition, the location, and the nature of the competition (Invitational, State Championship, Regional & National competitions) are all factors in the hosts setting their entry fee. (Entry fees are set by meet hosts, not by Gymnastics World.) All entry fees are collected by GW and remitted as a “lump sum” to the competition host, a minimum of 6+ weeks in advance to ensure that our team secures a space in the meet. Entry fees are not pro-‐rated or refunded for missed competitions.
For the past competitive season most of the Meet registration fees was an average of $110-120/athlete.
For the past competitive season our competitive teams had about 5-6 competitions within the competitive season period (Sept - Jun).