Information Packet for Half Year Teams

MARYLAND ALLSTAR ATHLETICS COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING PROGRAM www.mdallstars.com

INFORMATION PACKET FOR HALF YEAR TEAMS

Thank you for your interest in the Maryland Allstars! Entering our seventh season, the program has earned a strong reputation in the cheerleading industry. Through practices, performances and competitions, our staff works diligently to develop young cheerleaders- physically, mentally, and emotionally.

While the obvious is true, that the Maryland Allstars coaching staff assists the program’s youth in reaching their athletic potential, we believe the higher purpose of our program is to teach our athletes important life lessons- dedication, self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership.

Cheerleaders devote hours, weeks, months, even years improving stunts, tumbling, jumps, motions, and dance. We are determined to not only enhance our athletes’ skills, but to offer new friendships and special memories that will last a lifetime.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child(ren) into this incredible opportunity that you are about to experience. More importantly, we look forward to welcoming you and your child(ren) into our “family” that continues to grow. We are always available to answer any questions and we hope this packet provides you a quick and easy summary of our program, including:

 Facts About Allstar Cheerleading  Facility  Teams  Evaluations  Athletic and Parent Expectations  Practices  Tumbling  Competitions  Uniforms  Injury Prevention  Financial Commitment  Fundraising  Team Communication  Pro Shop  And much more!

1 ALLSTAR OVERVIEW Today, allstar cheerleading has become recognized as a sport in almost every state in the nation, including Maryland! Top athletes in the sport are often eligible to receive full college scholarships. Many allstar competitions are now broadcast on National television.

Allstar teams are typically comprised of about 5-36 athletes with a variety of skills and abilities. Coaches create a competition routine performed by the group that has elements of tumbling, stunting, jumping, dance, and other skills that are set to music. The routines are typically 2-2.5 minutes in length. At competitions, the teams are divided by age and ability level. The routines are judged by their level of difficulty, precision, creativity, and entertainment value.

While not every program is a perfect fit for every athlete, we believe that we have a solid program that is the right choice for everyone from the brand-new beginner athlete to the ultra-elite veteran. As a fairly new program, Maryland Allstars have experienced tremendous success, winning many State and National Championships!

FACILITY Maryland Allstar Athletics is a facility located in Eldersburg, MD! The gym is 6,000 sq ft designed specifically for allstar cheerleading and tumbling. The training area is equipped with a 54x42 baltic birch spring floor, 40 ft tumble track with resi-pit, rod floor, trampoline, high quality Bose stereo system, and specialized tumbling equipment. Contact us to arrange a private tour!

MEET OUR STAFF Our program is unparalleled in its comprehensive knowledge of cheerleading, with over 100 years of cumulative experience in the industry. The high standards of our program require that only qualified, positive, energetic professionals work with our athletes. All head coaches are certified by the United States Allstar Federation. In addition, all head tumbling instructors are certified by USA Gymnastics. The Maryland Allstars staff attends monthly “in house training sessions” to maintain a consistent format in the gym. Maryland Allstars staff bios are listed on our website.

EVALUATIONS Our staff conducts an annual evaluations for both new and returning Maryland Allstars athletes. All athletes will be evaluated according to the USASF credentialing guidelines. At the evaluation, our staff will teach and evaluate an age/skill appropriate cheer and a dance. Each cheerleader will receive coaching on tumbling, jumps, and basic stunting technique.

2 Try Out Date – All Ages

Friday, November 20, 2015

7:00-9:00pm

Arrive to check in by 6:45pm

Try-out Fee: $30 **Please note that spectators will not be allowed inside the gym during try-outs.

You may register for Evaluations on our website through this link: http://mdallstars.com/index.php?componentName=textBody&scid=72996

TEAMS Maryland Allstars offers 3 half year teams for the 2016 season. The United States Allstar Federation (USASF) is the governing body of allstar cheerleading. They determine ages and skill level guidelines for each team. Age is determined by the athlete’s age on August 31, 2015.

LemonSharks- 11 & under Spinner Sharks- 14 & under Mako Sharks- 18 & under

TEAM COMMUNICATION It is extremely important that our records are kept current. Please advise us with any change in your address, phone number(s), email addresses, and/or medical information. We communicate primarily through email and text messaging. Once you become a member, you will have access to our customer portal where you can access your account an update your information. It is vital that parents check emails on a daily basis to stay informed. All emails are sent from “Maryland Allstar Athletics, LLC”. Please be sure to approve this sender so emails do not land in the spam or junk folder. It is vital that parents check emails on a daily basis to stay informed.

ATHLETE AND PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS It is a privilege, not a right, to be a part of the Maryland Allstars program. We have high expectations for our members to act with dignity and respect at all times. Below are our athlete and parent policies. Failure to follow these policies will result in removal from the Maryland Allstars program.

3 1. Show respect for yourself, all coaches, and teammates both in the gym and at competitions. Profanity of any kind is strictly prohibited. 2. Demonstrate a positive attitude and good sportsmanship before, during and after competitions. Cheerleading is a team sport and it is never any one person’s fault if a practice is less than good or we do not score as well as we would have liked at a competition. It is NEVER acceptable to place blame, criticize or speak negatively about (or to) your teammates, coaches or our program. This includes verbally and on any social media outlet (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Kick, SnapChat, iMessage, text, etc.) 3. Maryland Allstars has a zero tolerance policy for bullying and bullying behaviors. 4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and good physical condition. This includes but is not limited to abstaining from using drugs, tobacco, alcohol & abusive language. 5. Absolutely no cheerleader can miss a practice within the 2 weeks leading up to a competition. Missing practice during this time will result in the removal from the routine for the remainder of the season. In this instance, the cheerleader may remain on the team as an alternate, but will not be able to compete unless another spot becomes available. 6. Attendance at all competitions are MANDATORY. Even if you are ill, you must attend. No exceptions. 7. All regularly held practices December through April are MANDATORY, with the exception of Spring Break and holiday breaks noted in this packet. 8. If you need to miss a practice, regardless of reason, please email [email protected]. As much advance notice should be given as possible. Only 3 unexcused absences are permitted in a season. 9. Athletes are expected to arrive on time and ready to practice and competitions. If you are running more than 5 minutes late to a practice you should email [email protected]. If you are running 5 or more minutes late to a competition you must text Coach Lindsay (410) 818-9549 or Sandy 443-955- 1184. 10. Practice attire will be assigned and must be worn on designated days. 11. Cheerleaders in the Maryland Allstars program are NOT permitted to receive outside tumbling, stunt, or cheerleading instruction with the exception of high school cheerleading practice. This includes open gyms at other facilities. We strongly believe in the consistency of training techniques. 12. Athletes are not allowed to tumble unsupervised in the gym or use gym equipment unless they have direct supervision from a coach or tumbling instructor. This is or safety reasons and there are no exceptions!! 13. Maryland Allstars will not be a program that allows students to miss practices without accountability or regard for their teammates that attend. Our athletes are welcome to participate in other sports or activities, HOWEVER, they cannot interfere with practice or competition schedules. If extra practices are added, athletes are expected to be there. If a cheerleader cannot make practice, please email [email protected] with as much notice as possible. 14. If you threaten to quit your team or program, then you just quit and are immediately removed from the program. 15. Athletes and parents are NOT coaches. Therefore they should not act like one. All decisions regarding the team, choreography, changes to the routine, practices, etc will be made by Coaches and Owners only. Parents should never yell corrections, comments, praise, etc to their cheerleader during practice. Distractions can lead to injuries and therefore they will not be tolerated.

4 16. Absolutely no texting should occur between coaches and athletes and/or parents. All communication with coaches should occur before or after practice or through the front desk. Coaches should never be interrupted during practice time. 17. The name “Maryland Allstars” and the logo are the property of Maryland Allstars and are federally registered trademarks that are protected under law. Any and all use of the name and/or logo is strictly prohibited without written consent from an owner. As a Maryland Allstar parent, you are bound by the same level of expectation as your athlete. You represent the program and your child both in the gym and at competitions. If you have any issues relating to teams, practice, choreography, etc. please address first with your team’s coach. If the issue is not resolved, please contact an Owner.

PRACTICES Weekly scheduled practices will occur for 2.5 hours. Half year teams will practice December through April. Extra practices may be added as needed to prepare for competitions. All regularly scheduled and extra practices are mandatory.

All practices are closed to spectators. Parents are welcome to watch the first and last fifteen minutes of every practice.

In the case of inclement weather, gym closings will be posted on the home page of our website (www.mdallstars.com) and program’s Facebook page at least 1 hour prior to the practice. Please note that Maryland Allstars does NOT follow the closings of the public school system.

Excused Absences from practice include:  A school function that effects a grade  A death in the family  A contagious sickness Unexcused Absences include, but are not exclusive to:  Jobs  Dances, birthday parties, sleepovers, concerts banquets, family reunions, weddings, etc.  School projects and homework or tests  Traffic or long distance driving

Maryland Allstars reserves the right to cancel, add and/or change practice schedules and inter-change team tumbling and practice time as deemed necessary.

TENTATIVE PRACTICE SCHEDULE Mako Sharks– Friday 7:00-9:30pm Spinner Sharks– Saturday 2-4:30pm Lemon Sharks – Saturday 1-3:30pm

TEAM TUMBLING

5 Half year teams will receive 1hr of team tumbling that’s included in their practice time. Team tumbling is included in the tuition and attendance is mandatory. Make-up classes will not be permitted.

Please note that tumbling is a large part of the score at competitions. Certain skills might be required to advance to the next cheerleading team within Maryland Allstars. Maryland Allstars provides classes for every tumbling level if athletes would like to take additional classes. Class information is available on the website. Cheerleaders in the Maryland Allstars program receive additional classes at a discounted rate. We also offer private and semi-private instruction with nearly all of our instructors.

Cheerleaders in the Maryland Allstars program are not permitted to receive outside tumbling, stunt, or cheerleading instruction while enrolled in the program. We believe in consistency of training and perfection before progression. We will not allow athletes to learn advanced skills before perfecting their basics.

No one other than the coaching staff may spot their athletes in the gym and should not do so outside of the gym. Even if the person is able to safely spot the skill, the athlete can develop bad habits without a trained professional to make technical corrections.

COMPETITIONS All half year teams will compete in 3 local competitions. Please note that competitions are all-day events, so keep the day free.

2016 Competition Schedule – SAVE THE DATES : 3/5/16 Bowie State Cheerstarz, Bowie, MD 3/19/16 Chesapeake Championship, Baltimore, MD 4/16/16 - Epic Season End, Upper Marlboro, MD

UNIFORMS AND PRACTICE WEAR Athletes are required to wear assigned practice wear to each practice. Consequences will be enforced for athletes who choose to not follow the practice wear assignments. Athletes can not alter any apparel unless told to do so. Competition uniforms are loaned to cheerleaders. Cheerleaders will be fitted during practices. Cheerleaders keep their competition bow and make up.

INJURY PREVENTION Please note that allstar cheerleading is a highly competitive and dangerous sport. If an athlete is injured, our staff will immediately take the steps necessary to ensure their well being. If an injury gets worse after leaving the gym, please notify the team coach. If an athlete is injured outside of the gym, please notify the team coach immediately. Adhering to these guidelines significantly reduces the risk of injuries:

 Always practice in the presence of a qualified coach.  Always warm up appropriately before cheering at practice and competitions.  Never talk, laugh, or play around when performing a stunt.

6  Report all injuries to the coach as soon as they occur.  Follow all trainer and physician recommendations.  Condition properly to increase strength and guard against injuries.  Always wear shoes and clothing appropriate for cheerleading.  Never wear jewelry of any kind.  Never chew gum in the gym.  Always have hair pulled back from your face and shoulders.  Eat nutritious meals and get plenty of rest.  Drink plenty of water during practice and competitions.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT Competitive cheerleading, while not as costly as many other activities, can still be an expensive sport. Before you consider this or any other program, please carefully consider the financial commitment. If you have any questions regarding fees, billing, please email [email protected].

The total fee for the 2016 is $895 for an all-inclusive package. This price includes everything cheerleaders need to compete (registration fee, cheer and tumbling training, practice outfit, uniform loan, competition fees, choreography, competition bow and make up, etc) - EXCEPT cheer shoes and USASF membership fee which you will purchase/pay for on your own. Tuition payments will be due in 5 installments of $179 at the first of each month. If payment is not received by the 5th of the month, a $25 late fee will be applied to your account. All payments will be applied to first the late fee then any unpaid balance. All members of Maryland Allstars, must have a credit card number kept on file. Any payments that become delinquent due to a declined or expired card or returned check may incur $30 service charge.

For your convenience, every member is granted access to our customer portal where you can VIEW your account and PAY your balance via this link: https://app3.jackrabbitclass.com/portal/ppLogin.asp?id=511969. If you are a first time user of the portal, click the "forgot password" link and one will be sent to you. Your user name is the email address which you received this email.

If you would like to be set up on auto-payment of fees, please visit the customer portal via the above link and enter your credit card information. Then notify Sandy with your approval to set up the auto charge feature. Credit cards are billed between the 1st and 5th of each month.

Maryland Allstars will remove an athlete from the team if the financial commitment is not upheld. Accounts that are past due for more than a month may be sent to a collections agency. Payments received to an athlete’s account will first go to open balances before an athlete may collect any retail items. Athletes that have open balances may not participate in private lessons or additional classes until their account is current.

MEMBERSHIP CANCELLATIONS

7 We ask that our athletes make their best effort to stay with the team for the entire season (December 2015-April 2016). Leaving the program mid-season ultimately affects the entire team and the athlete’s chance of making the team again, should they decide to try-out at a later date.

CROSS-OVERS Any athlete who crosses over to another team will be required to pay the competition’s crossover fees as well as a $75 administrative fee. Cross-over fees will be billed during the competition month to the athletes account.

FUNDRAISING All questions about fundraising should be addressed to [email protected]. There will be several fundraisers to support the Maryland Allstars program and its cheerleaders. In order for fundraising efforts to be successful, assistance and participation is needed from all program members and families. Expenses supported by the fundraising efforts include, but are not limited to: the purchase of equipment, camps, team events and any other items/events that contribute to the growth, development, and socialization of the cheerleaders in the Maryland Allstars program.

A limited number of fundraising events may be conducted to assist individual cheerleaders with expenses associated with cheer. Individual funds raised will not carry over from year to year. If funds are not spent, they will be forfeited to Maryland Allstars.

Tentative Gym Closings & Special Events  Gym Closed Christmas and New Years Holiday - December 24-January 1  Gym Closed Presidents Day weekend – Feb 12-15  Easter Holiday - March 25-27  Awards Banquet - April TBA

PRO SHOP We have tons of spirit wear for sale including- bags, car decals, t-shirts, shorts, bows, hats, water bottles, cups and more! Look out for emails featuring sales and new items!!

QUICK FACTS Allstar Program Maryland Allstars Team Colors Black, Yellow, Blue Mascot Shark Website www.mdallstars.com

Contacts: Sandy Fusee, Owner, 443-955-1184, [email protected] Lindsay Balent, Owner, 410-818-9549, [email protected]