MWT Team Handbook

Understanding & Agreement

By participating or having a child(ren) participating in our team program you have read… understand… and agree to all of the following information as well as our waiver that can be found in the parent portal by logging into your account and going to the following link (https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/midwesttwisters/policies/family).

Team Communication

If you have a question… ask us!
If you have a concern… tell us!
If you have a compliment… tell a friend!

Team Coaching Staff

• Justin Slife – Co-Head Coach
• Audra Slife – Co-Head Coach
• Ashley Lehrer
• Ben Bushey
• Sarah Sanders-Barta
• Cristi Wojtecki
• Patty Kuras
• Anna Tanke
• Danielle Robertson Rath
• Julienne Campbell
• Kaitlyn Yanish
• Jack Nettesheim
• Madisyn Ruder

Team Parent Website

Please remember to check the team parent website at least once per week for new information and announcements.  We do not always inform everyone when information is posted or changed…it is your responsibility to keep up with the information on the website.

https://team.midwesttwisters.com

Communication Policy

Team communication is something that we are always looking to improve.  In order to make sure everyone is on the same page…we have a few simple rules to follow…

• Please email [email protected] for all communication. No other emails or forms of contact (including text) should be used for the team program.
• Please do NOT direct concerns towards coaches, office staff, other parents, athletes, etc.  All team related concerns should be directed only towards our Head Coaches (Justin & Audra Slife) using the team email ([email protected]).
• Negative talk to anyone except the Head Coach is grounds for dismissal from the team program.  Furthermore, whisper campaigns will not be tolerated and any family involved in them will be dismissed from the team program immediately.  Our program addresses concerns effectively when brought to our Head Coaches.
• Coaches are available to meet by appointment only.  MWT recommends having a parent meeting once every year or when needed.  Please schedule these meetings by emailing [email protected].
• Parents must NEVER walk onto the gym floor for any reason.  This practice is disruptive and unsafe.
• Do NOT call or text or email coaches on their personal phone numbers or emails for gym related business.  We do give permission to use personal cell numbers of coaches during special events such as travel meets.  Please do not abuse this policy as coaches are not working 24 hours a day.
• Do NOT change the subject of an email thread.  If you think of a question that you need to ask…send a new email with a new subject line.  When you create your new email…be sure to use a descriptive subject line.  Please understand that we may miss your question if this simple policy is not followed as we do have email threads that reach into the hundreds with replies.
• Your email(s) and mobile phone(s) must be correct in our Parent Portal (online registration) system.  At least one mobile phone must have texting turned to YES, and you must NOT unsubscribe from our email blasts.  We do use our registration system to send out team emails, texts, and voice messages.

Introduction

Welcome

Welcome to the Midwest Twisters (MWT) Gymnastics team family.  This handbook is for the girls gymnastics team at the Hartland & Oconomowoc locations of MWT Gymnastics.  Team athletes and parents should be well informed, hopefully this handbook will answer many of your questions.  If you have any questions, please direct them towards our Head Coaches (Justin & Audra).

Philosophy

The primary goal of MWT is to provide safe instruction of the highest quality to help build happy, healthy, confident young people.

Safety

Gymnastics is inherently a very dangerous sport. This fact combined with the high difficulty level many gymnasts at MWT Gymnastics will achieve only adds to the potential for injury. All parents must be fully aware of the risk involved in the sport of gymnastics. Speed, motion, height, flipping and the difficulty of the skill put our athletes in potentially life-threatening situations on a daily basis.

We at MWT Gymnastics are very aware of the ‘potential danger’ and will make every effort to achieve and maintain a safe environment for our athletes. We believe in spotting whenever there is a doubt as to the consistency of a skill. We believe in padding, matting and using any training devices designed to make learning as safe as possible. 

Team Program

About Our Development Program (DP) Team

Our DP team is a national travel team that is based on PERFORMANCE.  This does not mean that the training is not FUN, but the emphasis of the training will be based on achieving high level gymnastics PERFORMANCE.  Athletes workout from 14 to 24 hours per week.  Our program is based on everything that Justin & Audra have learned over the years as well as the US National Team program.  The program is very systematic and proven.  Our team requires the ultimate in work ethic, commitment, mental ability, and athletic PERFORMANCE.

About Our Xcel Team

Our Xcel team is a primarily local team that is based on FUN. Athletes workout from 3 (Xcel Bronze) to 12 hours per week.  Our Xcel team offers a more flexible and inclusive approach to competitive gymnastics. Each level of Xcel allows a greater range of skills allowing athletes to substitute skills that they cannot do or are scared to perform. Our Xcel team is great for those that are looking to progress at their own rate and do gymnastics for FUN.

Athletes on our Xcel team can tryout for our DP team at the end of each season.

USA Gymnastics

USA Gymnastics (USAG) is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in the United States. It gets this designation from the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).  Our team program operates under USA Gymnastics.

Level Flow

Our athletes move through the levels in a specific way. Please see the Level Flow page for more information on this.

Team Goals

• Training
  • DP Team – High Level Training – Provide a safe, fun & systematic high level training environment where progress towards Level 10 with technique & form is encouraged year round.
  • Xcel Team – Fun Progressive Training – Provide a safe, fun & systematic training environment that allows gymnasts to progress at their own rate using skills that best suit them.
• Success – Provide an environment that builds each individual to their full potential in order to build a stronger & more competitive team program.
• Maintain Athletic Triangle – To keep the athletic triangle of youth sports intact and upright with the athlete on top.

Priorities

If a gymnast and their family is unable to keep their priorities in the following order and still adhere to the MWT team rules and policies including Time & Attendance, then the MWT team program may not be for your family.

1. Self
2. Family
3. Education
4. Gymnastics
5. Social Events / Other Extracurricular Activities

Selection For Team

Initial placement and subsequent advancement from one team level to the next will be determined by the MWT Gymnastics coaching staff. Where possible, objective measures of learning potential will be used. However, subjective predictors such as courage, commitment, desire, ‘coachability’ and integrity will also be considered.

Keep in mind that team participation is by invitation only. Remaining on the team is also by invitation only and is dependent upon the athlete attitude and behavior, athlete work habits, and coachability.

Lifestyle Changes

• At the Xcel Bronze / Silver / Gold levels, the number of hours of practice per week is relatively small. As your daughter progresses up the competitive ladder, the hours and days of workout will continue to grow.
• You will have to change your schedule to the extent that you are available to drive your gymnast to practice and pick her up.  Carpools can help, but the gym does not organize these.
• There will be gym meets that consume a number of weekends during the competitive season.
• Homework will have to be done much more efficiently and with better study habits due to shorter periods of time available.  Time management skills will become a necessity in all areas of your child’s life (and yours).
• Your daughter will have less time at home and less time to spend with friends outside of practice time. 

Be warned, however, that once a child has developed a taste for the sport of gymnastics (especially the competitive aspect) it is an addiction that can grow and become a part of your child for life!

Time & Attendance

Timeliness

We expect all gymnasts to be on time for practice. It is recommend to be 5-15 minutes early in order to make sure your gymnast is prepared. It is extremely important to exercise being on time. A late gymnast will be rushed, unprepared, miss line up and important information from the coaching staff. The 15 minutes gives them time to check their gym gear for the day, connect with teammates, tape, etc.

Team Line Up

Each day towards the beginning of practice there will be a team line up.  During line up the team will stand in formation so the coaching staff can explain key points and concepts for that workout.  Line up will usually happen at the beginning of workout.  If an athlete misses line up…they may miss important information for the day.  Being on time to each workout is of extreme importance.

Full Practice

Gymnasts should attend their full practice time. Gymnasts should come to practice early and leave on time. If a gymnast is going to miss more than 25% of any practice… we ask that they do not attend that practice.

Workout Time Requirements

This information can be found on the team workout schedule.

Make-Up Workouts

The MWT team program does not provide make-up workouts. Requests for make-up workouts will be ignored. Gymnasts cannot attend different days or times other than their scheduled workouts.

Altered Workout Schedules

The MWT team program no longer provides altered workout schedules. Requests for altered workout schedules will be ignored. Gymnasts cannot attend different days or times other than their scheduled workouts.

Attendance

• Development Program (DP) Team – 85% attendance of your child’s scheduled workouts is required.  It is recommended to attend all workouts.
• Xcel Team – 70% attendance of your child’s scheduled workouts is required.  It is recommended to attend all workouts.

Gymnasts dropping below these attendance percentages for sustained periods may be removed from the team program.

All absences should be marked in the Parent Portal at midwesttwisters.com. You do not need to email your absences you can add comments in the portal and coaches can see them when they take attendance.

Parent Warning

If you are becoming upset or stressed about your child’s performance, then you have already taken the first step in eliminating your child from the sport.  Relax, enjoy the show, buy them pizza and ice cream.  Your child will absorb your stress, that is not good for training.  If your child has the ability to become a high level gymnast, our program can get them there.  MWT was created to build happy, healthy, confident young people, our team program does that nicely.  No matter if they make it to Level 10 or not, our program will give them confidence to succeed in the real world as an adult!

Athlete Mobility

A gymnast will be moved to the next level for competition purposes according to the following criteria…

• Skills – Based on the MWT skill requirements
• Physical Abilities – Based on the MWT strength & flexibility requirements
• Scores – Scoring high is important as we are looking for success as a team
• Attendance – Gymnasts with poor attendance will not gain mobility
• Coaches Discretion

TOPS & US National Program Camps

MWT participates in the TOPS (Talent Opportunity Program) and the US National Program Camps (Developmental Invite Camps, Developmental Camps, and US National Team Camps) when an athlete qualifies.  While only a small number of team members will participate directly in TOPS or the US National Program Camps, we feel the education provided through these opportunities are invaluable to our entire team.  We incorporate techniques, skills, drills, and physical abilities from TOPS and the camps directly into our program so every athlete will ultimately receive the benefits.

10 Events of our Team Program

While gymnasts on lower hour training schedules will primarily just work on the 4 traditional events… our program is actually built in the 10 items below…

1. Team Spirit
   • Together Everyone Achieves More
2. Nutrition & Rest
   • MWT recommends a balanced diet and 8 – 10 hours of sleep each night.  While we are trying to provide parents more resources…this is ultimately the responsibility of the parents.
   • MWT athletes are encouraged to bring healthy snacks to eat during practice.  These snacks should be quick and easy to eat as the athletes only have a few minutes to eat between rotations.
3. Training for the Mind
   • Mental Fitness – Mental health is a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that influences how individuals think, feel, act, and handle stress. Mental fitness is simply the state of a persons mental health. MWT works mental fitness by integrating psychological skill development—such as visualization, mindfulness, and breathing exercises—directly into the training schedule to build resilience, focus, and confidence.
   • Mental Toughness – “Having the natural or developed psychological edge that enables you to: generally, cope better than your opponents with the many demands (competition, training, lifestyle) that sport places on a performer; specifically, be more consistent and better than your opponents in remaining determined, focused, confident, and in control under pressure.” (Jones, Hanton, & Connaughton, 2002, p. 209)
   • Character & Values – MWT believes in strengthening a child’s character to help them become successful adults in today’s modern society. MWT puts respect and honesty high on the list.
   • Knowledge (Classroom Style Training) – MWT athletes are expected to understand our training systems as they get older.  Head Coaches may provide lectures, printed materials, and videos to help the athletes learn.  Studying outside of practice time will be necessary as gymnasts move to higher levels.
4. Physical Abilities
   • This encompasses several things at MWT including; muscular & cardiovascular strength, flexibility, and shaping (body positions).
5. Air Sense
   • Being comfortable and knowing exactly where you are while performing flips and twists high in the air is extremely important in gymnastics.
   • MWT makes heavy use of trampolines in the team program.  While we train and play with purpose on trampolines for years, the results of this training is not fully realized until Level 9/10 and beyond.
6. Dance
   • Basic technique and footwork along with artistic body movement.
7. Vault
   • Gymnasts perform complicated vaults in different body positions, such as tucked, piked or stretched. The best vaulters are explosive off the springboard, as well as when pushing off the table.
   • Judges watch for proper body alignment, form, quick repulsion, the height and distance traveled, as well as the number of flips and twists. Generally, the more flips and twists, the higher the difficulty value of the vault. In addition, gymnasts should “stick” their landings by taking no extra steps.
8. Uneven Bars
   • Often a crowd favorite, the uneven bars demand excellent upper-body strength, split-second timing and an aggressive approach.
   • The entire routine should flow from one movement to the next without pauses, extra swings or additional supports. The most daring parts of the routine are often in the high-flying release moves and dismounts. Release moves can go from low bar to high bar, from high bar to low bar, or from releasing one bar and re-grasping the same bar. Many gymnasts also use pirouetting into release moves to earn a high difficulty value. Exact handstand positions are expected with large deductions for even minor deviations.
9. Balance Beam
   • Just four inches wide, the balance beam challenges gymnasts because they must execute routines that give the impression that they are performing on the floor. The world’s best seem to “attack” the beam and are very confident while demonstrating excellent height, flexibility and power.
   • The beam routine may not exceed 90 seconds and must cover the entire length of the beam. Gymnasts must use acrobatic and dance movements to create high points or peaks in the exercise, consisting of two or more elements performed in a series.
   • An example of an acrobatic series is a back handspring to a back salto. A gymnastics series might consist of a turn followed by a split jump.
   • Gymnasts also complete several requirements other than the acrobatic and gymnastics series. For example, she must complete a turn of at least 360 degrees on one foot and she also must perform a leap or jump with 180 degrees forward split of the legs. If a gymnast does not successfully complete one of the several requirements, a deduction is taken.
10. Floor Exercise
    • The floor exercise gives gymnasts the chance to express their personalities through their music choice and choreography. Gymnasts often get energy from the crowd and they usually welcome audience participation in clapping to the beat. Throughout the routine, the gymnast must harmoniously blend dance elements and tumbling while making versatile use of floor space, changing both the direction and level of movement.
    • The quality of grace may be disguised by movements of playful theatrics, but look for a dancer-like command of music, rhythm and space. The gymnastics elements should flow freely into each other while the leaps cover impressive distances and the pirouettes and turns add excitement to the routine.
    • The floor routine is choreographed to music, lasting no more than 90 seconds and covering the entire floor area. There are several special requirements, such as leaps and turns, and the trend is to have four tumbling passes.

Team Rules & Policies

Basic Rules

We want all team members to have fun and be successful.  Success requires a high degree of concentration and hard work.  Discipline is essential, not only for success, but also because of the risks involved in gymnastics.  

We require all team members…

• to attend all workouts, meets, and team events.
• to be on time / leave at the end of practice.
• to be responsible.
• to be respectful to all.
• to be physically and mentally ready to workout.
• to be properly attired.
• to use workout time wisely.
• to inform the coaching staff of injuries immediately.

Week Before Competition Policy

Athletes must make ALL practices the week before a competition. If an athlete cannot make ALL practices the week before a competition due to vacation / social events / other extracurricular activities, they will not be allowed to compete in the competition that weekend.  Missed practices due to sickness or injury will be at the discretion of the coaching staff.

Routine Skill Selection

All competition skills are selected by the coaching staff with final approval going to the Head Coaches. Routines will be built based on achieving team success (highest scores possible). While athletes may be training other skills or more difficult skills, coaches will build competition routines based on achieving the highest score possible. This typically means competing skills that may seem “easy” to the athletes. The following levels at MWT have compulsory routines that are either created by USA Gymnastics or our Head Coaches: Xcel Bronze, Xcel Silver, Xcel Gold, DP Levels 4-7.

Mobile Phones & Other Electronic Devices

Mobile phones (and other electronic devices) are not to be used during workouts or competitions.  This includes break time.  Athletes should use break time to rest, socialize, eat / drink, and get ready for the next event.

MWT Training ONLY

MWT team members are only allowed to train at MWT with team coaches unless approval is granted from the Head Coaches. Camps should be discussed with the Head Coaches before attending.

Theft / Damage / Loss of Valuables

MWT is not responsible for theft, damage, or loss of personal items.

Workout Attire

Team athletes must wear a leotard, long hair tied back out of face, jewelry left at home. Gymnastics shorts are allowed…but not at every workout and not on balance beam.

Personal Equipment

Grips, wristbands, tape, and other required equipment will be given to athletes as needed.  You will be charged for this equipment.  MWT gymnasts can only use US Glove RKO double buckle or US Glove Hot Shot single or double buckle grips.  Parents are not to purchase grips, supports, braces, etc. without consulting the Head Coaches first.

MWT Disciplinary Procedures

The MWT coaching staff uses the 4 step disciplinary system that is defined below…

1. The gymnast will be asked to sit out for a period of time no longer than one event rotation.  The parents will be informed and talked to so they can handle the situation.
2. The parents are called and the gymnast is sent home.  Parent meeting is scheduled to inform the parent and gymnast of our expectations.
3. The gymnast is suspended from the team until the issue is resolved.  A parent meeting is scheduled to inform the parent and gymnast that the gymnast is in jeopardy of being removed from the team program.
4. The gymnast is removed from the MWT team program.  The parents are issued a written notice of this action.

MWT does not use “old school” punishments such as push-ups, bullying, or ignoring to discipline gymnasts.  We understand that everyone makes mistakes and we work with the gymnast and family to help get everyone back on track.

It is also possible that a gymnast will have to leave the program because of the actions or inaction of her parents. While we never want to punish a child for the actions of her parent(s), we will not tolerate parents who, by their words or actions, do not support the policies and values of MWT and our team program.

Parent Viewing Policy

While you are welcome to view at any time, we do not recommend viewing full workouts everyday on a long term basis.

Athlete Progress “Small Talk”

Coaches enjoy team events just as athletes and parents do.  This can quickly be ruined by a parent bringing up the subject of “athlete progress” at these events.  For this reason, all questions for the coaching staff about your athlete should be asked in a scheduled parent meeting.  Please respect the coaching staff by following this simple rule.

Team Cleaning

Keeping our facility looking its best is a never-ending process.  MWT has cleaning staff on a daily basis, but given the scope of the task, it has become necessary to require daily assistance from all staff and team members. We request that each and every gymnast make a conscientious effort to be responsible for his or her own clean up as well as helping out with the daily “power clean”.  Team coaches will organize this power clean at the end of each practice. This entails picking up trash, water bottles, weights, straightening mats, stacking spotting blocks, vacuuming, etc.  In addition we will host gym cleaning days to take care of the massive task of keeping the facility presentable. We ask that parents volunteer to help us on these days.

Concussion & Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness

By participating in any program at MWT you agree to have read the following information and gone over it with your child / children that are age 12 and over.

Competitive Season Information

MWT Gymnastics sets a high priority on rewarding the effort and accomplishments of our gymnasts by providing them with an opportunity to participate in great competitions in exciting places. Traveling is a reward for the athletes’ efforts, a motivation for continued excellence and an educational opportunity. 

Competition Schedule

The schedule will be posted as soon as possible before each season. This schedule is chosen by the Head Coaches.  Competitions may be added, changed, or canceled at any time.

Competition Participation

All team gymnasts are required to compete in all meets on their competition schedule unless otherwise stated on the schedule.  Athletes missing more than one competition must schedule a parent meeting with the Head Coaches.

MWT will send out a form confirming competition participation.  If an athlete is unable to attend a specific meet then you must check “no” on the competition participation form. Gymnasts canceling or becoming ineligible may be subject to loss of money already spent on entry fees and travel arrangements.  If the form is not filled out, we will assume that the gymnast will be entering all competitions and you will be held financially responsible for them.

Meets have different meanings and the training for each will differ accordingly. In some meets in the early part of the season the focus may only be on gaining competitive experience and developing confidence. The goal is for the athletes to get their feet wet and familiarize themselves with competition.

Another meet might be used to earn a qualifying score. The athlete may be trying to qualify to a state, regional or national level competition. The goal here is to exhibit more polish and consistency.

Mobility meets are set up for a gymnast to obtain a specific score so she can move to the next competitive level. The coach may not be focusing on awards in such a meet.

Finally, there is the meet in which everyone hopes the coach and gymnast will pull out all the stops – championship competitions (could be States, Regionals or Nationals).  Everyone hopes their efforts from the past year will culminate in success.  All Championship competitions are absolutely required to remain on the MWT team program unless the Head Coaches state otherwise.  Championship competitions are named below for each level…

Championship Competitions (State, Regional, Western & National Championships)

• Silver Team – We do not participate in championship meets for this level. Our focus at these levels is on progression and learning to compete… winning is not the primary goals at this level.
• Level 4 – We do not participate in championship meets for this level. Our focus at these levels is on progression and learning to compete… winning is not the primary goals at this level.
• Level 6 – Wisconsin State Meet in March
• Level 7 – Wisconsin State Meet in March
  • Level 7 Regionals in April are highly recommended for competition experience, but not required.  Athletes must qualify to Regionals as well as score the MWT minimum to attend of a 36.0.
• Level 8 – Wisconsin State Meet in March
  • Level 8 Regionals in April are highly recommended for competition experience, but not required.  Athletes must qualify to Regionals as well as score the MWT minimum to attend of a 36.0.
• Level 9 – Athletes qualify from State in March to Regionals in April to Western National Championships in May.  If an athlete qualifies, these competitions are absolutely required to remain on the team unless the Head Coach states otherwise.  Athletes that qualify to Western National Championships will compete as the Region 4 Team.  If an athlete qualifies and does not attend it shows poorly on their club and the state as we are trying to be competitive as a Region.
• Level 10 – Athletes qualify from State in March to Regionals in April to National Championships in May.  If an athlete qualifies, these competitions are absolutely required to remain on the team unless the Head Coach states otherwise.  Athletes that qualify to National Championships will compete as the Region 4 Team.  If an athlete qualifies and does not attend it shows poorly on their club and the state as we are trying to be competitive as a Region.

Travel

Each family is responsible for travel expenses to and from each meet.

Gymnasts and families are all expected to stay in the “Official MWT Hotel” for the competition if overnight lodging is required.  We believe that staying together as a team is very important and part of the reward to the athlete for all of their hard work and dedication.

In cases of a group travel meet (optionals), you are responsible for your share of the hotel, car, gas, etc. If after you have been entered and travel arrangements have been made, you are unable to attend, you are still responsible for your portion of the expenses.

Admission is charged to spectators at meets.

Team Dinners

Anytime a team dinner is scheduled before or after a competition, all invited athletes are expected to attend.  If held at someone’s house, the athlete may be expected to bring an item to share.  If held at a restaurant the athlete will be expected to have money to pay for their portion of the bill.  If a bill is to be split evenly by the number of people in attendance, that will be specified prior to the dinner.  At travel meets, please invite your relatives to our team dinner instead of going out with them separately.

Meet Etiquette for Gymnasts

• Athletes should arrive at the competition site at least 15 minutes before open stretch is scheduled to begin. Athletes should be in uniform and well groomed and report to their coach at the beginning of scheduled open stretch time.
• Athletes must remain in the designated competition area throughout the course of warm-ups and competition and obey all warm up regulations and procedures.
• Each athlete should accept her place in the line-up and the scores she receives with dignity and without criticism. There is no place for crying and uncontrolled emotions during gymnastics’ meets. Athletes cannot control the scores they get nor can they control the performances of any other gymnast. Athletes can only control their own performance.
• NOTE TO ATHLETES: If you do not do your best and receive a disappointing score, ask your coach about it when the meet is over.  If you make mistakes and are disappointed in your performance, do not make matters worse by becoming emotional and jeopardizing your chances for good performances on upcoming events. Remember that you are part of a team. The team needs you to be in control and ready to perform. They do not need you bringing the spirit of the entire team down by wailing and whimpering.
• The gymnasts should not keep track of their event scores, all-around scores, or placement during the competition. Parents and coaches will keep track of those things. Athletes’ concentration should center on their performance. There will be plenty of time to review scores later.
• Gymnasts should be prepared to assist the coach during the meet.
• Be courteous, respectful and polite to all meet officials, hosts, competitors and coaches. The only time you should approach a meet official is to thank them for hosting or judging a meet.
• Gymnasts should have a MWT gym bag and keep all of their belongings in the bag during the meet. All belongings must fit inside the gym bag ex.shoes, jackets, etc. If items do not fit inside the gym bag they must be left in the stands with parents.Gymnasts may keep a small healthy snack in their bag if they get hungry during competition. This should be something easy and mess free to eat. Gymnasts may also have a water bottle with only WATER in it.  Do not bring colored water or sports drinks.  
• Athletes should stay with the team until competition is over and the coach releases them. Once a gymnast has entered the competition area there should be no contact between the gymnast and her parents unless there is an emergency. This includes if the gymnast goes to the restroom, if a coach believes you are needed to help your child they will let you know.
• Athletes should stay for awards dressed in the MWT warm-up suit. Most meets have a formal system for presenting awards. As a participating athlete you have an obligation to stay for all the awards and to accept any award presented to you with courtesy and gratitude. It is customary to accept awards with a firm handshake and a warm smile. Congratulate and shake hands with the other athletes as well. Remember that you are not just representing yourself; you are acting as a representative of MWT Gymnastics as well.   Athletes must also be present (in full warm up uniform with competition style hair) for the team awards for their level at the Wisconsin State Meet.
• If you are staying to watch another teammate compete or you have arrived early for warm ups, stay seated in the bleachers do not to wander out onto the competition floor.
• There will be no changing of any kind on the gym floor.  All changing of clothes must be done in the restroom.
• Gymnasts are not allowed in the stands or to communicate with people in the stands once warm up has begun.
• Girls need to have their hair tightly pulled back away from their face.  Use hair spray or gel so that it will stay in place for the entire meet.  Braids, ponytails, or buns are all fine depending on the gymnasts hair length. Any gymnast with hair below shoulders must have a bun, ponytails can not hang below the shoulder or get in the gymnasts face. Gymnasts must wear the MWT ribbons that are distributed before the first meet of each season.No scrunchies or bobby pins should be worn. Clips and hair bands should be either matching the gymnasts hair color or MWT team colors. 
• Girls may not wear nail polish, jewelry, or tattoos.
• Gymnasts are allowed to wear one set of small stud earrings. 
• Undergarments should be a skin color or match the team leotard, and a style that is not visible outside the leotard.  The athletes will receive a deduction if their undergarments are visible outside of their leotard.
• No icing during awards, this also means accepting awards with an ice bag wrapped on you.  If icing during awards is necessary due to an injury a teammate or coach will accept your awards for you.
• Full warm ups must be on over your leotard, t-shirts or random spirit gear are not allowed during awards.  Competitive leotard must be left fully on during awards.  When the athlete raises her arms to salute, her bare stomach may not show.
• Do not stand up for an award until you are announced.
• Cheer enthusiastically for our teammates but not obnoxiously during awards.
• No cell phones or other electronics during awards. 
• No food or drink during awards. 
• DO NOT LEAVE THE COMPETITION ARENA FOR THE AWARDS AREA UNTIL AFTER THE LAST COMPETITOR HAS PERFORMED.  This is extremely rude, MWT always stays and cheers for the last competitor.

Meet Etiquette for Parents

• Team Spirit is a big help…. Wear the team color (ORANGE) or one of our club t-shirts.  While you will see many different colors and designs of our logo…the Hartland facility of MWT is represented only by ORANGE.
• Please show proper respect to all Officials and Coaches at every competition. They are all there for one reason, to support your child’s interest in gymnastics. Under no circumstance should you attempt to contact any official on the competition floor during or after the meet (judges, scoring officials, etc.) If you have any questions regarding the meet or your child’s scores you must contact your coach. Even the coach is not allowed to approach the judges regarding routines or scores during the meet, but must submit an inquiry through the Meet Director. Points could be deducted not only from your gymnast but the team score as well for failure to follow these rules.
• Please show proper respect to all competitors. You NEVER KNOW who is sitting near you (i.e. parents of the gymnast you just made a remark about).
• Once a gymnast has walked into the competition area for warm-up, they ARE NOT ALLOWED to talk or have contact with her parents until the competition is over. This has less to do with control than it does with FOCUS. Any distraction could disturb the focus necessary to have a successful routine. The coach’s job at the meet is to monitor the gymnast’s condition and teach her to respond appropriately. If the gymnast is too excited, the coach calms her down. If the gymnast is too complacent, the coach pumps her up and motivates her to do her best. The emotional dynamic is fluid in a competition. An excellent vault score may cause a gymnast to be overconfident.  A terrible bar routine may actually provide an educational moment.  At these times, the gymnast needs to focus on her coach’s advice, not distractions from off the competitive floor.
• As coaches, we know that you mean well with your comments, but they may not be appropriate for the long-term training of your gymnast. If you have any questions about what happens at a meet, talk to the coach after you have returned to your gym and you have had time to reflect.
• In any competition, parents, friends, and relatives of the gymnast ARE NOT ALLOWED onto the competitive floor. YOU MUST remain in the spectator’s area along with all other relatives and friends. Your child could be immediately scratched from the meet if a parent is in the competitor’s area.
• FOCUS is extremely important for an athlete.  Your gymnasts may look for you from time to time.  For this reason, we ask that you sit in the same spot during the whole competition.  Parents that constantly walk around and encroach on events for the best photo opportunity are distracting.  Athletes find security in being able to find their parents quickly so they can continue to FOCUS on their routines. 
• In case of injury during warm-up or competition, YOU MUST stay in the spectator area until your coach flags you onto the floor.  Thank you for understand this difficult safety rule.
• DO NOT coach your child. Coaches should coach, everyone else should encourage. Injury may result from changing the gymnast’s focus away from the coach’s technique. Even the most helpful comment from you could have disastrous consequences.
• NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY is permitted during a meet. The sudden flash of light could cause a gymnast to be injured. Check out your camera in advance. Many cameras come with an automatic flash that will go off if it detects low light levels. If you cannot manually disable this device, please do not take pictures during the competition.
• On the day of competition your child should eat a well-balanced meal about three hours prior to the actual competition. This energy will carry them through the entire competition. If necessary, a gymnast may carry fruit juices and pieces of fruit in their gym bag to curb hunger pangs.
• All gymnasts are expected to stay until the end of the awards ceremony whether they are receiving an award or not. They need to cheer all award recipients – especially their teammates. 
• Parents are not to communicate with their gymnast(s) in any way during a competition.  This includes talking, texting, hand signals, etc.  Gymnasts need to focus on their routines.
• Scores vary from meet to meet.  Please remember judging is subjective.  Do not say negative things about your child, teammates, judges, coaches, parents, or other team’s gymnasts.  You don’t know who you are sitting next to or how it will be perceived. 
• DO NOT LEAVE THE COMPETITION ARENA FOR THE AWARDS AREA UNTIL AFTER THE LAST COMPETITOR HAS PERFORMED.  This may mean that you get the worst seat in the awards area, but you have demonstrated great sportsmanship to your child and everyone else in the arena.

Financial Details

Time and money will be your two largest commitments towards the MWT team program as a team parent.  Besides the time and travel cost of getting your team gymnast(s) to all required practices and competitions on time… below are the other time and financial commitments that the program requires.

Team Registration Fee / Annual Membership Fee

MWT charges no team registration fee or annual membership fee.

Team Rejoining Fee

If an athlete is rejoining the team, they will be charged a $500 rejoining fee.

Tuition

MWT team tuition is an annual fee calculated on a profitable basis using a 46 week year.  46 weeks means that we factor 6 weeks of “off” time and missed workouts for each athlete into our equation.  Annual tuition is calculated based on the number of hours a gymnast will be working out per week.  Once annual tuition is calculated for each amount of workout hours, the total is divided by 12 to get monthly tuition.  If your gymnast goes up in hours, their monthly tuition will increase.

Tuition must be paid via ACH auto-debit.  Tuition is pulled from your bank account via direct debit on the 1st of each month.  If the first is a bank holiday, tuition will be pulled on the next regular business day.

There is a 20% sibling discount across all programs.  The highest price sibling pays full price, all the rest receive a 20% discount.

MWT raises annual tuition once per year for the team program.

If you are not current on tuition, your gymnast will not be eligible to compete or train.  If your ACH auto-debit draw fails, you will be charged any bank fees that MWT incurs plus a $10 late fee.

If your child is injured, we would like them to continue to come to class to stretch and condition.  Injury tuition is a minimum of 50% of regular tuition for Levels 4 – 10.  Injury tuition for Silver athletes is based on the number of hours the athlete is attending and calculated using the tuition chart.  Written Doctor’s note is needed to be out of workout and to return to workout.

There will be NO CREDITS OR REFUNDS for missed workout time.  There are no make up workouts for the team program.

If your child decides to leave the team program you MUST GIVE A 30-DAY WRITTEN NOTICE (email [email protected]) to MWT. Notice should be given prior to their last month of team practice. If your child would like to return to team the Team Rejoining Fee ($500) and current invite standards apply.

Our current tuition chart can be found in the menu system of the site.

Seasonal Fees

Seasonal fees are now charged monthly. Seasonal fees can be seen on the tuition chart. Seasonal fees are non-refundable.

Below are what we use the coaching fees for…

• Team Entry Fee:  There is a fee to enter each level for the team competition. We use seasonal fees to cover this fee at every competition.
• Coaching Fee:  This fee pays the coaches wages for meet sessions that they work.  This fee is calculated by the team director.  MWT pays coaches on the high side of the industry standard for sessions worked. We use seasonal fees to cover these expenses.
• Coaches Travel & Per Diem:  This fee covers the cost of our coaches to travel.  MWT coaches travel comfortably.  This means they are given a fair per diem, housed in host hotels or comparable, are always rented standard or full-sized cars (not compact), etc.
• Team Coaches Education: Educational opportunities that only apply to coaches working with our upper level team. These include but are not limited to opportunities put our coaches in contact with National Staff or College Coaches, Regional or National Coaching Congresses, etc.

Private Lessons

MWT does not currently do private lessons. If you believe that extra training is needed… please contact the Head Coach.

Meet Entry Fees

This is the cost to enter your athlete in a particular meet.  This can cost anywhere from $125 – $200 per meet.  Meet entries are refundable if your child did not compete in the competition and we are able to get a refund from the host club. If we are not able to get a refund, then the fee is not refundable. This fee is the exact fee that the host club charges.

For example, if an athlete competes in 6 meets during the season at $150/meet… the total cost would be $900.

Additional Fees

• USA Gymnastics Membership Fee:  Required fee from our national governing body (USA Gymnastics).  This fee registers your athlete with USA Gymnastics so they may compete. This fee is set by USA Gymnastics and is currently $70+/year.
• Uniform Fees – All team athletes will be required to own a full and current team uniform.  MWT team coaches will have final say on uniform sizing.  Below is an estimate of each piece of the uniform…
  • Competition Leotard:  $60 – $350
  • MWT Practice Leotard:  $60 – $75
  • Warm-up Suit:  $100
  • Gym Bag:  $40 – $90
  • Slides (flip flops):  $25 – $50
  • Accessories (hair ribbons, earrings, spirit gear, orange & black wristbands, etc.): $30 – $100
• Parent Spirit Gear – Please purchase spirit gear and wear it to the competitions to support our team!
• Personal Supplies And Equipment – Grips, wristbands, tape, and other required equipment will be given to athletes as needed.  You will be charged for this equipment.  MWT gymnasts can only use US Glove RKO double buckle or US Glove Hot Shot single buckle grips.  Parents are not to purchase grips, supports, braces, etc. without consulting the Head Coach first.
• Floor Music & Choreography (Level 8 & above) – Optional level gymnasts will need floor routines choreographed or approved by Audra.  Routines cost $400 per routine from Audra.  These routines will remain the property of Audra Slife and MWT Gymnastics.  Music is an additional cost and must be approved by Audra before it is purchased from the vendor. Outside choreography must be approved by Audra before it is purchased or competed.