Dear Young Climbers & Parents

Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………3

Meet Your Coaches………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….….…….…………………4

Mission & Goals…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………7

About Our Programs…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8

Club Program………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9

Jr. Team……………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….10

Competitive Team……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..11

Gear…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………….12

Sponsoships………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………….13

Competitions…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14

Practices & Schedule……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………..…....15

Codes of Conduct…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16

Additional Policies……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………18

Parental Involvement………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….………………………20

USA Climbing……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………21

Stretching Routine….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..22

Questionnaire……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………24

Training Log……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..26

Practice Journal…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….………………………34

Member Agreement……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….42

Contact Information………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….43

Dear Team Members & Parents,

Thank you for joining Team Charleston! As your coaches, we are excited for the chance to share our knowledge and passion with you to help make you a better climber. The following months are guaranteed to be fun and exciting, but also very challenging. We will give you the tools & training you need to be a competitive climber. You will have opportunities for adventure and self-exploration that you cannot find in any other arena. If you have the drive and the commitment to learn for yourself, you will become a strong climber & strong individual.

Rock climbing is a sport that demands the highest level of personal integrity. Climbing skill is secondary to the desire to learn, improve, and maintaining a positive attitude.

Climbers must take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their teammates.

We also believe strongly that school comes first. Climbers on Team Charleston must meet their parents' expectations of school performance at all times.

Throughout the season, you will have the opportunity to travel to different gyms in the Mid-

Atlantic and Southeast to train and compete in a variety of settings. The first six months will be filled with training and participation in ABS (American Bouldering Series). Starting in March you will have the chance to compete in the USA Climbing Sport Climbing Series.

We hope that you are as excited about Team Charleston as we are, and look forward to working with all of you over the next nine months. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact a coach.

Sincerely, Team Charleston Coaches

Meet Your Coaches

The coaches of Team Charleston have a combined experience of over 40 years in teaching, climbing, teambuilding, & yoga. All of our coaches have a passion for the sport of climbing and are eager to share that passion with youth and new comers. Our coaches are always striving to improve themselves and are constantly seeking professional development to improve themselves as a teacher, mentor and climber. Our coaches are certified through USA Climbing and posses 1st Aid & CPR at a minimum.

Robert Lavarnway – Coach, Climbing Wall Manager

Robert has been with CCPRC since 2006. Prior to his position here, he was the Teen Director at a Charlotte YMCA. Robert has been climbing for over 17 years throughout North Carolina, New York, South Dakota, Colorado, Oregon, and California, including Yosemite Valley. Robert enjoys working with youth and sharing the outdoors with them. He believes strongly in working together as a team and has many years of experience facilitating corporate team building. Robert is a certified Wilderness First Responder, Climbing Wall Instructor, USA Climbing Certified Coach & Route Setter, high angle rescue technician, and an American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor.

Davy Shaw – Coach, Head Routesetter Davy has worked at The Climbing Wall since 2006 and has been a coach of Team Charleston since its inception. He is an accomplished climber in both traditional and sport disciplines and has climbed throughout North Carolina, Colorado, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. He enjoys introducing newcomers to the sport of climbing and finds his work at The Climbing Wall rewarding. Davy is a certified Wilderness First Responder, USA Climbing Certified Coach & Route Setter, high angle rescue technician, and an American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor.

Lana Davis – Assistant Coach Lana was first exposed to outdoor climbing as a youth while growing up in Tennessee and South Carolina. Upon moving to Washington State, Lana developed other hobbies including surfing & yoga. She is a certified yoga teacher and has been teaching for over 4 years. As an avid climber, she feels that climbing, like yoga, has inspired her in a variety of ways, both mentally and physically. The sense of peace that she feels during her practice has been translated into her everyday life. She looks forward to sharing the essence of a full and healthy lifestyle. Lana is certified in First Aid & CPR.

Alex Moss – Assistant Coach Alex has been an avid climber ever since he joined Team Charleston four years ago. He began working at The Climbing Wall in May of 2012 and has been coaching since the fall of 2012. He has enjoyed competing in climbing around the southeast as well as traveling to North Carolina and West Virginia to climb outdoors. He enjoys teaching others about the sport and watching them grow and progress. Alex is an accomplished speed climber, and has experience sport climbing, bouldering, as well as trad climbing.

Katie Lang – Assistant Coach

Katie was introduced to climbing when she took a rock climbing and yoga course in college. During this time she spent any extra time in various climbing gyms and was able to climb Crowder’s Mountain, NC. Growing up in coastal regions, she was never encouraged to climb as a child but is incredibly grateful to have found and been able to learn more about it. Katie spent this past summer as an Adventure Camp counselor for CCPRC where she found a passion for teaching and mentoring youth. She is excited to have the opportunity to teach kids who may have had similar experiences growing up in this awesome, character building sport. Katie is Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and First Responder certified.

Ashley Heywood – Assistant Coach Ashley has been a part of Team Charleston for five years and has been climbing for six. She has experience working with children in an outdoor setting as a Junior Counselor in our summer camp program for the past two years. Ashley is a junior at the Academic Magnet High School and is aspiring to be a teacher.

Anne Dorsey – Assistant Coach Anne grew up in Raleigh, NC, where a nearby park allowed her to play outside and interact with nature with her two siblings and nearby friends on a daily basis. Anne became even more interested in the outdoors and climbing when she attended Davidson College, where one of her jobs was facilitating their indoor climbing wall and high and low ropes courses. After teaching for a year in Arizona, Anne returned to the Carolinas pursue dentistry and further her love of outdoor activities through Charleston County Parks.

Mission & Goals

Mission Team Charleston is committed to teaching youth the importance of hard work, dedication and teamwork. Our goal is to not only train strong climbers, but to enable youth to become strong leaders in everything that they pursue.

Goals The main goals of Team Charleston is to teach all around climbing skills to young climbers, cultivate new climbers, be competitive in USA Climbing Sanctioned Competitions, and most importantly, have fun! We will provide an environment for learning with our knowledgeable staff and unique facility space; we will also adhere to the high safety standards of Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission.

Climbers’ Goals What are your climbing goals for this season? Take some time to really think about this and make some very concrete and realistic goals for yourself. Your goals may not be just to get better, but maybe to win a comp in your category, to learn how to dyno better, or to get stronger so you can do twice as many pull-ups. Consider the season as a whole, and think of specific goals that you want to accomplish. Your goals should be written down. By writing down your goals you can refer back to them and see if you have accomplished them or if you need to work harder. Additionally, crossing off your goals as you attain them can be very satisfying.

Coach’s Goals The coaches strive to create a well-rounded team of young climbers. We actively encourage the enjoyment of climbing but also work toward increasing personal strength and ability. We want to see Team Charleston compete hard and place well at different competitions. We believe that this will help the Charleston climbing community establish a solid base for the team to build upon in the future. Our hope is that this will also create a positive reputation of committed young climbers and a community among the youth of our gym.

Programs

Team Charleston was founded five years ago after a need was recognized for a youth climbing program in the Charleston area. Robert Lavarnway, manager of The Climbing Wall had successful experience coaching and working with youth at the Cannon Memorial YMCA in Concord, NC. Building upon this experience, he along with Davy Shaw founded Team Charleston in the fall of 2008. Within its first year, Team Charleston was sending competitors to Divisional Championships, and as of its second year, it has sent competitors to National Championships every year. We are passionate about climbing and view climbing as a lifelong sport and a lifestyle. Our youth climbing programs are designed with the intention of providing a well-rounded climbing education that supports the participant’s need for self-exploration, a sense of belonging, and experiential learning. We build our programs with the values of responsibility, accountability, respect and sportsmanship. We focus on developing fundamental climbing skills, building self-confidence, teamwork, open communication, establishing goals, and learning how to work toward them. The competitive program is an opportunity for youth climbers to continue climbing skills throughout the school year while building camaraderie and learning sports ethics and sportsmanship. Members meet challenges, experience difficulties, and exult in success. Empowered by their own personal experiences, they are better focused, and ready to meet change and challenge in their daily lives. As an accredited member of the Association for Experiential Education, we pride ourselves on our programs educational and discovery learning components. We are not simply a sports program that focuses on winning. We have been and will continue to be so much more.

Recreational Club

Ages 7-13 The Recreation Club program offers a way for youth novice climbers of all ages to develop skills and improve their climbing. The club will build self-confidence and stronger climbing skills in the new climber. In a socially fun and relaxed atmosphere, climbers experience the challenge of rock climbing, practice new techniques, and learn the importance of fitness and sportsmanship. Climbers spend time with our coaches focusing on topics of safety, fundamentals of climbing, footwork, core development, and stretching. We specialize in individual attention for each climber on our team. Everyone will get a chance to grow and shine in our program.

Climbers may participate in outdoor climbing trips, social outings, community service projects, spring USA Climbing competitions, and fundraisers.

Club pre-requisites: None

Club Member Benefits  2 hours per week of training & coaching  10% discount on harnesses, shoes, chalk bags, & helmets sold at The Rock Shop

Jr. Team

Ages 8-13 Interviews Required The Jr. Competitive Team is for the climber eager to challenge their skills in the competition setting. Climbers will learn competition rules, disciplines, and fundamentals, while developing a strong foundation in sportsmanship behavior. They will learn to how to read routes, create movement, develop muscle memory, and footwork training. Team members will be encouraged to participate in sanctioned rope, boulder, and speed competitions on a local, regional, divisional, and national level. Team members will also participate in outdoor climbing trips, social activities, and fundraising. Climbers should be prepared for a comprehensive 10-month training and competition calendar.

Team pre-requisites: Expressed desire to compete in the sport of climbing. Knowledge of The Climbing Wall safety rules, equipment safety, knot tying, climbing commands, belay technique, indoor top rope and bouldering exposure, knowledge of climbing fundamentals and footwork, personal equipment (harness, chalk bag, shoes).

Team placement will be based on attitude, motivation to train and develop, and to a lesser degree, the relative technical ability of the climber for their age.

Practice Schedule: Tuesdays 5-7pm Saturdays 11am-1pm

Team Member Benefits  Annual membership to The Climbing Wall  4 hours per week of training & coaching  Team t-shirt  Coach or coaches present at 2-3 local events & the Regional Championship  15% discount on all merchandise sold at The Rock Shop

Competitive Team

Ages 10-18 Interviews Required The Competitive Team is for climbers that are serious about competing and have a desire to learn how to train. Team members will focus their training on how to become a stronger, smarter, more efficient climber. This program is designed to inspire and challenge climbers to achieve their highest potential both physically and mentally, to increase self-confidence and personal responsibility, to develop communication and self-expression skills. In addition to practice, members receive an individualized training program. Members also participate in training clinics, sanctioned rope, boulder, and speed competitions ranging from the local level to world Championships, outdoor climbing trips, social activities, and fundraising. Climbers must be prepared for a comprehensive training and competition calendar and committed to competing through the mid-summer championships season. Climbers must attend 3 local competitions and & Regional championships.

Team pre-requisites: One competitive season (ABS or SCS as a member of the Jr. Team or equivalent experience, membership with USA Climbing, red-point top rope level of 5.10.

Team placement will be based on commitment and attitude toward training and improving, as well as technical performance.

Practice Schedule Wednesdays 5-7pm Saturdays 9am-12pm

Team Member Benefits  Annual membership to The Climbing Wall  5 hours per week of training & coaching  1 personal coaching session per month  Monthly Individualized Training Plan (ITP)  Team t-shirt  Coach or coaches present at 2-3 local events & the Regional Championship  15% discount on all merchandise sold at The Rock Shop

Gear

Like any sport, the proper equipment is essential to performing well. Should you wish to purchase these items from us, we stock a wide variety of climbing gear.

Harness The harness should fit comfortably. Make sure no jabbing or pinching occurs. With the adjustment just above the hips, the climber should be able to grow into their harness, but it should not be too big or bulky.

*Please see our Sponsorship page for information on harnesses from Misty Mountain*

Shoes Shoes will be the most costly and reoccurring item you purchase for the young climber. For an adult, climbing shoes should fit tight (1/2 -2sizes smaller than street shoe size) and w/o socks. But for a novice youth team participant, and growing child, (esp. those in puberty), fit them at street shoe size w/ a sock. When they start to complain about the tightness, they will take off the sock and most likely have two more months in the shoes. A competitive team participant should fit w/o a sock and have a softer sole shoe. For the sport of indoor climbing, shoes should have a softer sole.

Evolv Defy, Quest, Royale, Titan, Rockstar, Hera, Shaman, Shaman LV *Please see our Sponsorship page for information on shoes from Evolv* 5.10 Anasaszi, Galieo, Mini Moccasym, Coyote La Sportiva Stick-it, Tarantula, Mythos, Miura, Miura VS, Solution

Chalk bag & ball Every participant in the program must have their own chalk bag. Chalk bags are a personal preference (hand or finger bags). Look for one with a draw string, zip or snap to close. Chalk bags: $10-$30 Chalk ball: $5.00-$9.00

Other Training Equipment All competitive team members are required to have the following training equipment 1. Jump rope 2. Pull up bar or finger board 3. How to Rock Climb by John Long 4. Training for Climbing by Eric Horst

Other Suggestions

 Do not purchase harness or shoes over the internet if you have not tried them on at an outfitter.

 Do not purchase used harness or other life supporting equipment

 Focus on fit instead of style and color (good luck)

Sponsorships

Misty Mountain Sponsorship We have been very fortunate to secure a sponsorship from Misty Mountain Threadworks. Misty Mountain was founded on the belief that it could make the finest climbing harnesses in the world, and that this could be accomplished in a manner that was respectful of all involved - customers, employees, vendor partners and owners alike. Misty has agreed to provide customized harnesses in the team’s colors, chalk bags with the team logo, and gear packs in the team colors. They are offering this to any competitive member of Team Charleston at wholesale cost. Orders will be placed directly through Misty Mountain and they can be contacted at 828-963-6688. Please support this great local manufacturer and your team by purchasing these products through them.

Sponsorship Qualifications:  Team Charleston Jr. Team or Competive Team member in excellent standings  3.0 Grade point average (or equivalent)  Competing in climbing competitions (SCS or ABS)  Wear your Team Charleston t-shirt once a week

Evolv Sponsorship Evolv has also generously agreed to sponsor Team Charleston this year. Evolv Sports & Designs Co. is a U.S.-based climbing footwear company dedicated to creating cutting-edge performance climbing shoes and high traction footwear of the highest quality and providing unique and innovative products and services to the climbing community. They are offering members of the Competitive Team an additional 10% discount on climbing shoes twice a year. Each member will also receive an Evolv t-shirt. Sponsorship Qualifications:  Team Charleston Competitive Team member in excellent standings  3.0 Grade point average (or equivalent)  Current USA Climbing member  Committed to SCS Championship Season with Team Charleston  Wear your Team Charleston t-shirt once a week  Wear your Evolv t-shirt once a week

Competitions

The coaches will provide a list of competitions that they will be attending as soon as they are released. The ABS schedule is usually finalized sometime in August and the SCS schedule is usually released around the first of the year. Pre-registration is strongly suggested for competitions as they can fill up quickly and prices usually increase for walk up registration. Most events have registration available online or over the phone. Also, make sure you have printed out the waiver for that particular gym and have it signed by a parent or guardian. Waivers can be found on the Team Charleston webpage under the Resources tab. For a coach to attend a competition we need at least four (4) competitors to go. Team members and parents are expected to either provide or coordinate transportation to all events. We believe strongly in parental support and involvement and feel that Team Charleston needs to have a voice present to offer moral support to its climbers. Getting another teammate’s phone number is a great idea in order to arrange carpooling. Make sure you pack food, water, extra money, CLIMBING GEAR, and Team Charleston apparel. Coaches may offer transportation for some local day trips.

Region & Division We are in Region 303 - the Mid-Atlantic region. It is composed of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Southern Virginia. Our region is part of Division 3 which stretches from Charleston to Minneapolis. You may compete at a local event in any region, but must attend your region and division’s championship events. Updated competition information can be found at www.usaclimbing.net

Championship Season Championship season runs from mid-May through mid-July and includes Divisional and National Championships. For those who qualify for these events, practices continue as normal. The extra fees that are paid for these two months cover the costs for the coaches’ time at practices and the extra travel expenses required for traveling to these competitions. For those who qualify for Divisionals but not Nationals, they may continue to practice for the length of the championship season anyway. Please be aware that these events may require plane travel across the country.

Important Dates ABS SCS Regional Championship – 2nd weekend of Dec Regional Championship – 2nd weekend of May Divisional Championship – 2nd weekend of Jan Divisional Championship – 2nd weekend of June

Practices

To improve climbing skills and do well in competition, members follow a progressive and well-crafted curriculum. Each practice is uniquely designed to complement the training season and the training cycle. If climbers follow the regiment and the program with an open mind, they will increase their climbing performance, confidence and find a passion for the sport that will take them far. Climbers must commit to training the valuable lessons on their own to improve your climbing performance and stay at the peak of their game. Most team practices involve a cardio & stretch, warm up, training focus, peak training, and warm down and cool down.

Our practices will be on Saturday and Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings depending on which team you are placed into. Saturday practices will meet at the JICP Climbing Wall; Tuesday & Wednesday practices will either meet at Half-Moon Outfitters in West Ashley or at The JICP Climbing Wall.

Climbers are expected to attend all practices unless prior arrangements are made. Climbing well requires committing movement to muscle memory, and this requires repetition. Practicing at Half-Moon will allow you to climb on different terrain and different routes. We have done our best to schedule around any conflicts in holidays, school breaks, and The Climbing Wall’s schedule. If there needs to be a change in dates, we will notify you immediately. If you are unable to make a practice, call The Climbing Wall at and leave a message for one of the coaches. You may also text or email us.

Climbers will not be allowed to leave practice with anyone other than their parent or guardian unless a coach has been notified ahead of time. Notification must be in the form of an email or text. All climbers must be signed out prior to leaving also. We understand that this can be inconvenient at times, but it is done for the protection of all parties involved; and consistent with all other CCPRC youth programs.

Schedule For complete schedule information please visit the Team Charleston webpage and check out our Google Calendar. www.ccprc.com/TeamCharleston

Team Member’s Code of Conduct

By joining Team Charleston, each member becomes a representative of Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission, both in the park and when we are at other gyms or locations. It is imperative that each member of the team conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and mature. #1: I will live up to the core values of respect and fairness.  I will respect myself, my fellow team members and their parents, my coaches, and all others in the climbing community. I will treat my team members as I would like to be treated, and help them attain their goals through my support and encouragement.  I will display good sportsmanship in victory and defeat, and uphold the rules of USA Climbing #2: I will represent the team positively through my behavior, language, attitude, and dress.  I understand that words are powerful and should be used to build myself and others up.  The team shirt is required for all competitions. All team members will adhere to a “shirts on policy”, whether in practice, competitions, or personal climbing. The bottom of any shorts must be at or below a team member’s fingertips when they are standing up with arms extended at their sides. #3: I will strive for my personal best, while never forgetting that the goal is to have fun! #4: My communication with my coaches and parents will be open and honest.

Other Rules & Policies 1. Maintain safety at all times. 2. Be on time for practice, or contact coach if you are not coming to practice or will be late. 3. No use of cellphones during practice. 4. Bring your required equipment & tennis shoes to every practice. 5. Clean up after practice and return borrowed equipment at the end of each practice 6. Do not leave practice without checking in with the coach. 7. Do not leave from practice with anyone except parents, caregivers, or approved chaperones. 8. No use of profanity in practice, social or outdoor events. 9. No bullying will be tolerated. 10. No caffeine products or performance enhancing beverages/food before, during, or after practice. 11. No drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes in practice or during the Team Charleston season. Your membership will be revoked, with no refund of team fees. No exceptions.

Coaches Code of Conduct

Team Charleston coaches are given an opportunity to be an enormously positive influence on the kids that they coach, both in terms of their climbing performance and personal development. The Coach’s Code of Conduct is intended to reinforce that positive influence as opposed to squelching it. However, being a coach is a privilege with great responsibility. Coaches must appreciate and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in the relationship between a coach and a team member. Coaches are conduits through which the values and goals of the sport are channeled to athletes. Thus, how athletes regard their sport is often dependent on the behavior of their coach.

#1: I will always put the wellbeing of climbing team members first.  My relationship with youth at The Climbing Wall is professional, not personal.  I will adhere to the Rule of Threes and avoid isolating myself with a child.  My language, attire, and behaviors shall be age appropriate and professional.  My physical contact with youth will be of an appropriate and professional nature.  The nature of my communication with the youth that I work with will be limited by the context of my professional responsibilities.  I will not tolerate bullying and will take appropriate actions to protect the targeted minor and discipline the individual(s) who are engaged in bullying or hazing.  I will learn to recognize the warning signs of child abuse.  I will take personal responsibility for “pushing it up” by reporting any warning signs I witness.

#2: My coaching methods and style will at all times uphold the core values of respect and fairness.  I will respect myself, the team members and their parents, and all others in the climbing community.  I will display high standards for the sport of climbing and of coaching.  I will treat officials and opponents with respect both in victory and defeat, and promote good sportsmanship amongst the team members. I will uphold the rules of climbing competitions.  I will strive to evenly spread my coaching time among all team members.

#3: I understand that I’m an ambassador for the team, Charleston County PRC, and the sport of climbing and will strive to serve in that role positively at all times.

#4: I will commit myself to the climbing and personal development of each team member.  I will encourage team members to achieve their personal best through positive feedback.  I will ensure that the activities being undertaken are suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of the team member.

Policies & Other Information

ATTENDANCE POLICY You have agreed to commit to be a member of Team Charleston. It is vital to your improvement as a climber to attend each and every practice. The practice calendar is sensitive to holiday and school breaks for the area schools. Recognizing that rest is required for our mental and physical state, days off are also incorporated into the calendar. Therefore, as a team member, absences must be kept to a minimum. Excessive absences can result in being moved to a lower team or removal from the program entirely. A phone call, email, or text is required before practice stating the reasons for your absences. There is a lot of planning time and effort put into each practice and it is important climbing partners and team to adjust to changes.

TARDY POLICY It is important that to get to practice on time. Warming up together and stretching helps climbers transition from school and creates a communal connection. However, we recognize some schools let out later and traffic can be an issue. Please text or call if you are going to be late, and by how much time.

INDIVIDUAL TRAINING PROGRAM (ITP) Each climber will receive an evaluation and an Individual Training Program (ITP) at the beginning of each month and a training assignment each week. They are responsible for training the information in their ITP and completing their training assignment before it is due. If a climber doesn’t understand the information, they are responsible for calling the coach to clarify.

OUTDOOR TRIPS Weather permitting; we will schedule 2 team camping and climbing trips throughout the season. These will be to Crowders Mountain, or other locations in NC. Parents and siblings are encouraged to attend and we can provide a limited amount of transportation. Members of all Team Charleston programs are welcome to attend, but children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

FUNDRAISING Team Charleston does it’s best to offset the expenses of travel and competitions. All money donated or raised for the team goes directly to the team fund. These funds are used to for scholarships and to help with travel expenses, food, and lodging throughout the season. The Team Charleston Booster Club organizes our fundraisers and handles all monies received and issued. Please contact a booster club representative if you can be of assistance.

TEAM SOCIALS Team social activities are a great way to spend some time together outside of practice. It helps with team cohesion and allows you to spend time with your team mates in a more relaxed setting. The coaches have a lot of fun activities lined up throughout the year. Please be on the lookout for more information as the season progresses. We will also have an End of Year Cookout sometime after the Regional Championship.

PRIVATE LESSONS Private lessons give climbers insight to problem areas in their climbing as well as provided extra time to discuss training methods and goals. All Competitive Training Team members receive one (1) free private lesson per month. Climbers should be prepared for the lesson by warming up properly and prior to the lesson, knowing the climbing weakness in which they would like to focus their lesson, and bring their ITPs, journal and/or training logs. *All homework must be completed and training assignments must be attempted before the private lesson. It is the responsibility of the climber/parent to schedule a private lesson. Missed private lessons are not cumulative for make-ups.

SUPPLEMENTAL TRAINING POLICY A lot of time and focus is invested into the training program for each team member. We encourage and require climbers to communicate with the coach if they are seeking supplemental training from outside coaches, or if they are attending a training camp with other programs. Supplemental coaching should never conflict with training; rather it should add another dimension to a climber’s performance. It is crucial to the emotional, mental and physical growth of a climber that all lines of communication are open regarding this issue.

Parental Involvement

We highly encourage parents to stay for practices and watch; however we ask that you respect the coaches and allow them to perform their jobs without interruption. Parents have the following responsibilities and expectations when participating in programs: (Adapted from the Charleston County Rural Athletics Parent Handbook) Parents have a responsibility to their children: To make sure that your child gets the most out of his or her experience, parents should show their unwavering support, including positive reinforcement of your child’s performance and effort. This is absolutely essential, especially at an early age, to ensure their healthy development. Parents should also be positive role models, including, but not limited to, showing proper sportsmanship at all times and refraining from negativity of any kind. We highly suggest that parents enroll in one of our belay classes so that they may belay their child whenever they want instead of relying on the availability of staff.

Parents have a responsibility to the coaches: Our coaches are committed to giving your child a quality and lasting experience. They need you to be supportive of their decisions and not undermine their efforts. If you don’t agree with a coach, you are expected to tell that coach, but make certain it is done at the right time and place and not in front of the children. Parents are also expected to drop off and pick up their children on time for practice

Parents have a responsibility to other parents: Personal gain and satisfaction should not be derived from your child’s performance. Competition and taunting between parents is never acceptable, and no parent should ever feel embarrassed or disappointed by their team or child’s performance. Successes should always be cheered, and disappointments should always be consoled, no matter whose team it affects.

Parents have a responsibility to themselves: It is your responsibility to enjoy watching your child and other children participate and learn. The joy and pride associated with watching children participate in sports should be experienced to the fullest, because a lifetime of memories is being created before your very eyes.

USA Climbing

USA Climbing is our governing body. They establish competition rules, requirements for coaches, and certify route setters. In order to compete in Championship level completions, you must be a member.

(Taken from the USA Climbing website)

USA Climbing is for Everyone

USA Climbing is the national governing body of competition climbing in the United States. We promote three competition disciplines: bouldering, sport and speed climbing. The bouldering discipline is represented by the American Bouldering Series (ABS). Likewise, the sport and speed climbing disciplines are represented by the Sport Climbing Series (SCS).

USA Climbing receives sanctioning and is recognized by: The American Alpine Club, The International Federation for Sport Climbing (IFSC - formerly known as the International Council for Competition Climbing or the ICC), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

Mission To ensure the success and growth of the sport of climbing.

USA Climbing Membership: ABS and SCS

For any of the full year memberships (ABS, SCS or USAC), you are able to link all of your comp scores together so that you are nationally ranked and also eligible to compete in Regionals, Divisionals (SCS only) and Nationals (please see rule requirements)! In addition, you will receive a membership packet that includes all sorts of goodies. *ABS, SCS or full USAC membership is required for: ------competitors in Regional events ------competitors in Divisional events (SCS only) ------competitors in National events ------all US Team Members (Youth and Adult Bouldering, Difficulty, and Speed)

We know you will see this as a reasonable expense to support all the climbing fun you've had and will have at USAC events. Show how much you enjoy competition climbing -- sign-up the whole family.

Benefits: -- Season Posters for full year -- TNF sticker -- USAC Competitor Handbook & Rule Book members -- Included in nation-wide Ranking -- USAC Membership Card (electronic) -- Special offers from USAC Sponsors -- USAC Member Stickers -- Avis Rental Car Discount -- Vibram Keychain -- American Airlines Discount -- Urban Climber Subscription Discount

Team Charleston competitive teams require that all members to have a USA Climbing Membership by the first competition. Please visit www.usaclimbing.org to register.

Stretching

You should work through this routine several times a week outside of practice. Proper stretching will help prevent injury and increase your flexibility. This routine should not be rushed. Set aside 20-30 minutes to thoroughly work through all of the stretches. As you push the stretch, exhale. If at any point you feel discomfort or pain, stop the stretch, or at least reduce the intensity of the stretch. Head & Neck Begin by rolling your head in slow side circles in a counter clockwise motion 5 times. Reverse.

Turn your head to the left and hold it, take a deep breath. Now turn to the right.

Tilt your head back, take a deep breath. Now put your chin to your chest. Shoulders & Arms Begin my making small circles with your shoulders in a forward motion, gradually increasing the size of the circle. Do this over the course of 5 deep breaths. Now reverse.

Circle at your elbow joints, again for 5 breaths. Reverse.

Finally rotate your wrists in both directions to loosen them up. Torso Moderately twist side to side, rotating just at the hips. Legs Stand with your feet together and reach to touch your toes. You should have your legs straight and be bending at the waist. Exhale as you stretch, trying to touch your nose to your knees. Slowly stand up and reach toward the sky. Exhale. Repeat 2 more times, each time trying to reach a little further.

Standing, spread your legs apart as far as you can sideways. Place your hands on the ground in front of you, trying to lay your palms plat on the ground. Hold for 5-10 seconds and return to standing. Repeat. Next, while staying in the same position, bring your head to your left knee, then your right. Hold each stretch for 5-10 seconds, breathing deeply. Return to the center and gently lower yourself to the ground, with your legs still wide. Outstretch both of your hands in front of you and bend forward at the waist, trying to keep your back as straight as possible. As you reach forward, exhale. Relax your posture, coming back upright. Repeat this 2 more times. On the third stretch, round the back and lay your head down onto the floor.

From this position, "walk" your hands sideways toward your left leg. Place your left hand onto your left shin, and then place your right hand on top of your left hand. Stretch your body, so that you are facing your left leg, sort of nose to knee. Hold this stretch for 10-15 seconds, breathing deeply.

Now "walk" your hands outstretched back to the center of your body, and repeat the center stretch. Then proceed toward the right and repeat the stretch. Walk yourself back to the center, and repeat the stretch one last time. Keep your arms outstretched and raise yourself upright at the hips. Place a hand underneath each of your knees. Gently help your knees to bend upwards. Gently move your knees in together, straightening your legs in front of you. Wiggle a little on your bottom, to ease out of the hip stretches you've just been doing.

With your legs together now, reach both of your hands in front of you and bend forward at the waist, trying to keep your back as straight as possible. As you reach forward, exhale. Relax your posture, coming back upright. Repeat this 2 more times. On the third stretch, round the back and try to reach your toes. If you cannot lay your head down onto your legs and reach as far forward as possible. Breathe and hold this posture.

Hurdler’s Stretch Sitting straight up again, take your left leg and bend your knee, so that your left foot is behind you and your legs are spread at a 90 degree angle. Round your back and stretch down into the center of your legs. Now, sit up straight again and twist at the waist, so that you are facing backwards. Return to the stretch down toward the center of your legs. Switch to the right side and repeat.

Modified Hurdler’s Stretch Bring your legs back to center. Now bring your right foot in and place the bottom of your foot flat against your left thigh. Stretch toward your left foot, trying to bring your head to your knee. As you reach forward, exhale. Relax your posture, coming back upright. Repeat this 2 more times. On the third stretch, round the back and try to reach your toes. If you cannot lay your head down onto your legs and reach as far forward as possible. Breathe and hold this posture. Repeat this stretch on the right side.

Butterfly Stretch Bring your legs in so that both feet are facing each other. Gently push down on your legs to work the stretch, while at the same time bringing your head to you feet. Remember to breath, and hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds. Return your legs to center.

Questionnaire

1. Please describe your climbing experience.

2. What do you want to accomplish with your participation on Team Charleston?

3. What are your character strengthens and weakness?

4. What is your definition of practice?

5. What is your definition of training?

6. What are your climbing strengthens and weakness?

7. If there is one thing you can change about your climbing what would it be and why?

8. What characteristics and qualities are you looking for in a coach?

9. What do you feel the coach’s job should be?

10. Describe yourself in 5 sentences.

11. Do you have any questions for the coaches?

Training Log

Day Daily Goal How? Routes Speed Times Goal For Next time Homework A B

Training Log

Day Daily Goal How? Routes Speed Times Goal For Next time Homework A B

Training Log

Day Daily Goal How? Routes Speed Times Goal For Next time Homework A B

Training Log

Day Daily Goal How? Routes Speed Times Goal For Next time Homework A B

Training Log

Day Daily Goal How? Routes Speed Times Goal For Next time Homework A B

Training Log

Day Daily Goal How? Routes Speed Times Goal For Next time Homework A B

Training Log

Day Daily Goal How? Routes Speed Times Goal For Next time Homework A B

Training Log

Day Daily Goal How? Routes Speed Times Goal For Next time Homework A B