Home of the Cheer Zone All-Stars. Where Competitive Athletes Train To Become State & National Champions! Cheer Zone not only produces top level athletes, but provides a positive and memorable journey along the way. We offer both competitive and recreational cheerleading! Come join a family of over 100 of the best athletes in and around Springfield. Confused by all the hype and talk about all-stars? Cheerleading is competitive and many like to talk about other teams. At Cheer Zone, we are here to talk about what we know and that's our program. Come in and check it out yourself! Call, e-mail, or come in to schedule to attend a practice or class before you decide. You can meet and work with the staff, get a tour of our facility, view tapes of performances, talk to other parents, and more. Our staff will work with you to find the right cheer team for your needs. There are teams for beginners through advanced skills and our staff will help you take your skills to the next level. Our staff will also work with you to find the team that fits your commitment and financial needs. We have non-travel and travel teams. We will help you find the one that is right for you because we want you to be happy with being a part of our cheer family. We are confident that you will find our program to be incredible. Introduction Costs Guidelines and Agreement Rules and Regulations Contract Triangular Agreement Cheer Zone Extreme All-Star Cheerleading Dear Cheer Zone All Star Cheerleaders and Parents, First, I would like to thank you for showing interest in one of the most well known Cheer Programs in the area. All-Star Cheerleading is one of the most exciting and challenging activities available to our kids today! This unique team sport combines gymnastics, dance, cheer motions, and stunting into a fast paced, highly energetic routine that will take your breath away. All-Star Cheerleaders are athletes in every sense of the word, dedicated teammates who work very hard to achieve their goals. In the end, they are rewarded by a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that makes all of the very hard work worthwhile. At Cheer Zone, we take All-Star Cheerleading beyond the competition floor. First, we believe in providing a positive family atmosphere that teaches our young athletes “life lessons” that will remain a part of them forever. Our athletes will learn to problem solve, work through their differences, appreciate and respect their differences, encourage their teammates, set goals, and work in a positive environment to achieve those goals. Second, our highly qualified staff teaches personal growth. Each squad will have required skills for that team to achieve as they go through the year. If you have already achieved that goal, the coaches will custom design a personal goal just for you. This goal setting will help you visualize and achieve your maximum potential. Third, you will gain valuable experience competing in front of nationally known judges and thousands of spectators increasing your confidence, courage, and self-esteem. Cheer Zone will help you reach your individual goals, build character and give you the experience of being a true champion. Finally, we have lots of fun!!! As a part of Cheer Zone you will have the opportunity to take part in many exciting activities throughout the year. Our Season runs from September through April with time off for holidays and family functions. Our squads attend several competitions locally and around the country. We also perform at many exhibitions and make appearances for the Springfield Community. The following information will help each family understand the commitment level that we expect at Cheer Zone. Please take the time to thoroughly read over the packet in full, as you consider Cheer Zone and please keep in mind that this is not a “recreational” program. Cheer Zone Sidelines is the name of our recreational program. Cheer Zone Extreme is a competitive, cutting edge program that has high expectations for every member of our team. We know that our program is not for everyone, so please take the time to discuss the following information with your child prior to team placements. If your child is selected to be a part of our team, please continue to encourage your child throughout the season and help your child stay focused on our goals. Cheer Zone teaches kids to be exceptional cheerleaders; but most of all, we teach kids to be exceptional people by focusing on teamwork, integrity and a structured way of life. Thank you so much for your interest in Cheer Zone! As we prepare for our 4th Season, we are anticipating a very exciting and successful year. We hope you find this packet informative and that it will answer any questions that you may have concerning our program. Our coaches look forward to meeting each of you and want you to know that we are dedicated to giving each cheerleader the ultimate cheerleading experience. How much will I spend? The bottom line! Start up Cost Uniform: Shell top and Skirt Warm-ups Shoes Briefs and Bodysuit Make-up Hair piece Practice Uniform Equipment duffle bag Hair Bow Plus shipping (approximate) $196.00 $ 95.00 $ 50.00 $ 36.00 $ 30.00 $ 25.00 $ 22.00 $ 22.00 $ 15.00 $ 50.00 Total $541.00 Monthly Class Fees (nine month season) Tiny Squad Black Gold White Extreme $ $ $ $ $ Average $522.00 Competition Entry Fees Peoria, IL Peoria, IL Peoria, IL Indianapolis, IN St. Charles, IL $ 55.00 $ 25.00 $ 35.00 $100.00 $ 55.00 Total $270.00 $218.00 $ 75.00 $136.00 $400.00 Total $829.00 Jamfest UCA Champion Spirit Group Spirit Teams Mardi Gras Spirit Other Expenses (approximates) Lodging Coaches Fees Gas (at 20 miles per gal X $2.50 per gal) Food (family of four) 42.50 52.50 60.00 65.00 70.00 The average Family involved in the Cheer Zone Extreme competitive program will spend approximately $2,162.00 annually. ALL-STAR GUIDELINES AND AGREEMENT TUITION: 2006-2007 tuition is $42.50 - $70.00 / monthly payable to Cheer Zone. Practice times and vacation practice requirements: Each team will practice once per week in June In preparation for a competition, unscheduled practices will be called on a per need basis. Unscheduled practices are only called when there is a need to do so and are mandatory. During school vacations, practices are mandatory if you are in town. Exceptions for vacations should be discussed with coach and director at the conclusion of registration and evaluations. Excessive vacations cannot disrupt the team. This is a team sport and there is no bench or reserves to put in the routine. If you are missing from a practice the whole squad suffers. As we get closer to competing we may have additional practices to ensure the best possible performance. All participants are required to attend all practices, competitions and performances INCLUDING DRESS REHEARSAL. PRACTICES ARE MANDATORY. The only exception is illness (you can still come and watch and learn just not participate unless it is a severe illness or severely contagious condition) or family emergency at the discretion of coach after being notified by a parent. A parent is required to notify a coach IN ADVANCE to get approval of any absences. If an attendance problem arises, the participant will be placed on attendance probation and their parent will be notified. If the problem persists, the member will be dismissed from the team. NO MORE THAN TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES ARE ALLOWED BEFORE DISMISSAL FROM TEAM BECOMES A CONSIDERATION. If you cannot commit to the competitions or program please do not register. Coaches and directors reserve the right to remove a member from a particular competition or from a team for missing competition practices. Performer or team readiness will be evaluated in determining whether a team member will compete after missing a competition practice. Reasons for dismissal: • Unexcused Absences (up to the discretion of the All-star Director). • Unsportsmanlike attitude or conduct • The use of Alcohol or Drugs at any time can result in immediate dismissal from the squad. • Violation of Rules and Procedures by cheerleader or parent Behavioral and Discipline Protocol: All behavioral and discipline will be discussed with the team member on an individual basis. After having the opportunity to correct the matter, if further discussion is needed, the member’s parent will be notified. Together, the coach, parent, and member will work to resolve a problem. If a resolution cannot be made, the coach and director will decide on probation, suspension, or removal of the member from the team. Important Notice If for any reason your son or daughter does not fulfill the team obligation any monies spent on your child’s behalf is non-refundable. (I.e. apparel, travel arrangements, competition fees etc.) If there are any surplus monies not already spent they will be returned. Any monies raised from fundraising events sponsored by the booster club will not be refundable but will go into the general booster account. Other Policies and Information a. All team members must have a signed medical release and travel liability form on file with CheerZone. b. A full tuition payment will be due the first of each month. Tuition is for training and gym fees, and is due to remain a member of the team regardless of circumstances. There is a $10.00 late fee for tuition paid after the first class of the month without prior financial hardship approval. If tuition is not paid by the end of the month, member may be suspended until account is current. c. Accounts must be kept current at all times. In the event a team member is removed or quits, any and all credit on account will revert back to the organization. No refund payments or refund of the deposit. If a negative balance is on your account at the time of dismissal, you will be responsible for the payment of said balance. d. Please remember and be clear on this point: Your monthly tuition pays for training only. It does not pay for the right for your child to perform. The child earns that right through his/her responsibility and preparedness as a team member. Should a team member fall short in his/her preparations, that team member will be replaced, suspended, or dismissed from the team. In addition, this fee covers their training and membership on the team. IT IS DUE WHETHER THEY HAVE MISSED CLASS OR NOT. e. If you and/or your child cannot work with the coaches and advisors of Cheer Zone, then you do have a choice: to leave or to stay. Problems are usually misunderstandings and can be worked out. As a parent, talking amongst yourselves or sideline coaching creates the wrong information and atmosphere. It spreads bad morale through the gym. The lines of communication are always open and schedule a meeting to voice your concerns. Coaches will listen. If a problem occurs where bad moral and negativity is being spread at practice a meeting with the parents and/or offenders will be called. Until an understanding can be reached, practice to the offenders will become closed. Attempts will be made to come to an understanding, and the parent will need to decide whether the program is for their participant or not. If the participant is going to stay, the spreading of poor moral and negativity will be expected to stop. If it does not, the director will assume the program is not right for the participant and remove them from the team. f. In order for Cheer Zone to remain a strong contender for titles, we continuously recruit new athletes according to the needs of the program. Please note that no athlete has an absolute spot on the floor. The coaching staff reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to change team rosters by adding, rearranging, or replacing athletes to and from teams within the program. g. All rules for the gym must be followed. Some are listed below: 1. No one is allowed on any gymnastics equipment without a gymnastics coach. Everyone should enter and exit the floor without going over or under equipment. 2. Parents, siblings, and spectators are not allowed in the gym area for insurance purposes. They may wait in the waiting area. 3. Street shoes are not allowed in the gym. Cheerleading shoes that have not been worn outside must be utilized. 4. All food or drinks are to be kept and consumed out of the gym. h. Coaches may decide to have closed practices when they feel it is necessary. i. ALL CHEERLEADER'S ACCOUNTS MUST BE KEPT CURRENT. ALL MONEY TURNED IN WILL GO TOWARDS CHEERLEADER'S PAST DUE ACCOUNTS. PARENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN ANYTHING TO INCUR EXPENSES IF THE CHEERLEADER'S ACCOUNT IS NOT CURRENT. In addition, cheerleaders will not be allowed to order additional apparel or perform in additional individuals or stunt groups if their account is not current. j. Any event, situation, incident, or problem that may arise that is not specifically stated or covered within this set of guidelines, will be acted upon at the discretion of director. k. Statements will be provided upon request to include tuition due, travel or other fees due, fundraising raised, and payments made. Please check your statement for any discrepancies. Discrepancies must be reported immediately otherwise statement is accepted as valid and is due immediately. Also note that fundraising may take approximately 2 weeks to show on your statement, therefore any fundraising that does not make the cut off will be deducted from the following month’s statement. Team member’s name Team member’s signature Parent/Guardian’s name Parent/Guardian’s signature Date Date RULES AND REGULATIONS CONTRACT: (PARENT/CHEERLEADER COPY, ADDITIONAL COPY PROVIDED FOR CHEERLEADER TO INITIAL, PARENT TO INITIAL/SIGN, AND TURN IN) Cheerleader initials: ____ I agree to be punctual and enthusiastic to all cheerleading and/or dance practices, competitions, exhibitions, etc. ____ I agree to attend all practice sessions as well as any other team activities that are scheduled. ____ I will notify the coaches of all expected absences at least one week prior to the absence. I realize that only excused absences are allowed. I also realize that having an injury that prevents me from practicing does not excuse me from attending practice. Furthermore, I realize that two weeks before any team performance no absences are allowed. ____ I will report any medications that I am taking to my coaches. ____ I will attend all special camps and added or changed practices the coaches require me to attend. ____ I will set a positive example whether in or out of my uniform. ____ I will always treat my fellow teammates and my coaches with the same respect that I would like to be given. ____ I realize that any loss of composure and/or any “back talk” to my peers or coaching staff will not be tolerated. ____ I will refrain from unnecessary conversation during practice. ____ I will wear the Cheer Zone practice uniform to all practices. ____ I will not wear or bring my jewelry to practice or any team functions. I realize that Cheer Zone is not responsible for my lost belongings. ____ I will keep my hair tied up and off my face at all times. I will also keep in mind that during competition season my hair will be put up in a bun and therefore must grow it long enough to do so. ____ I will refrain from bringing food, drinks, and candy in to the gym. I also realize that gum is strictly forbidden in the gym. ____ I will not allow any persons (family members and friends included) to distract me or interrupt me during my practice session. In return, I will not interrupt any other team practices. ____ I realize that all my coach’s decisions on uniforms and competition schedules are final. ____ I will report all serious injuries to my coaches immediately. ____ I realize that in the best interest of the team the coaching staff retains the right to remove or replace a team member at any time throughout the year. ____ I realize that I must dress in proper competition attire at all competitions and team functions. I also realize that I must be courteous to all officials, coaches, hosts, competitors, and all such associated persons at all functions. In addition, I will accept my team placement in a dignified manner with no criticism or comments. ____ I realize that if I plan to be on more than one squad I must be financially up to date, stay financially up to date and must fulfill responsibilities to my first squad or I will be suspended or removed from my second one. ____ I realize that I must either attend all fundraisers or be completely up to date with my account. (This means I will stay up to date with the payment due dates.) ____ I realize that my commitment to the Cheer Zone program takes priority over any other activities or squads in which I am involved. ____ I understand that it is mandatory for all squad members to travel with the team and stay with the team. ____ I realize that if I am on more than one team, I will stay with the team that my coaches have decided on. ____ I realize that the coaches have the right to place me on the team that they feel is best for me. ____ I realize that it is solely up to the coaches to decide if I can do more than one team. ____ I understand that if at any time I should fail to follow the above contract, or if I act in a manner that jeopardizes the name and reputation of Cheer Zone I may be removed from the team. Parent Initials BELOW: As a Cheer Zone parent, I understand the responsibility that my son/daughter is undertaking. I have read the contract and understand its contents and agree to take responsibility of making sure she follows the contract. I agree to support the Cheer Zone program and offer encouragement to my child’s fulfillment of all their responsibilities. I agree to allow my child to participate in all the All-Star activities and will be as cooperative as possible in carrying them out. I understand that this program is a commitment on the part of the parent as well as the child. I agree to help my child fulfill this commitment. Furthermore, I will not use this program as a form of punishment for my child as I realize that it also punishes the team. I also realize that when I am on a function with the team I too represent the program and therefore must always act with class and responsibility. I understand that all athletes whose parent(s) are consistently negative or have caused numerous problems could be removed from a team regardless of their talent level. I am also aware that if I miss payment due dates my reservations will not be kept for me. X____ I assume full responsibility for the cost of the Cheer Zone practice attire, briefs, shoes, warm-up outfit, travel expenses, and/or any other item purchased for me, and the payment in full of those items upon receipt of the items regardless of any circumstances that may arise such as dismissal from the team, or disbandment of the team. In addition to the above list, I also make myself responsible for the monthly fee for the services rendered to me as long as I take part in the Cheer Zone program. X____ I agree to purchase any additional uniforms and/or practice attire if my child has damaged or lost their initial set. X____ I realize that if my child and I choose to leave the team or if we are asked to leave the team for any reason before the season is over, any and all monies that have been deposited for me are completely non-refundable. X____ I agree to meet all financial obligations that my child and I undertake, including but not limited to travel expenses, camps, clinics, competition registrations, etc. X____ I realize that all team members and parents must abide by all the rules set before us.. X____ I realize that my monthly payment is due PRIOR TO the first class of every month and that I will not be prorated for any vacations or time off. If my payments are made after the due date, I will be charged a $10.00 late fee. In addition, I also realize that all returned checks will be assessed a $25.00 process penalty. X_____I understand the financial obligation to Cheer Zone competition team program and agree to pay all fees by the 1 st class of each month or I will be obligated to pay $10.00 late payment penalty fee in addition to the monthly fees. Regardless of attendance, tuition is due by the 15th of the preceding month. If payment has not been received by the 2nd class of the month, the students will not be able to participate with the team until payment has been made. In an event of a temporary hardship, a hardship form with installment terms must be filled out explaining the plan to become current in 30-60 days. X_____I understand if my account surpasses 60 days past due my child will be dismissed from the team until my account is paid or Cheer Zone could file a claim against me with small claims court in an attempt to receive the past due fees. X_____I understand all financial statements will be available at my request. It is my responsibility to check my account regularly. I understand that I am still responsible for the amount owed. I have 30 days to inquire about any discrepancies and must keep a copy for my records. X_____I understand that Cheer Zone splits some costs weekly/monthly for my convenience and to allow fundraising, HOWEVER, this does not make them a finance company. ALL BALANCES X_____I understand it is mandatory for my child to wear Cheer Zone apparel to all practices and to events as announced. In the event they do not have their t-shirts or shorts, they will be given one adding $12.00 per piece to their account, which I will be responsible for paying. X_____I understand that Cheer Zone will announce the approximate season cost for my child to participate when it become available. X_____I understand that my child may have to miss school to attend National Competitions. I understand that my child may have to sacrifice school and recreational activities participation in the fall and early spring because it may conflict with competitions and practices. Missed school days will be kept to a minimum. X_____ I understand that Cheer Zone will work with members to allow them to do other sports including but not limited to High School cheerleading, however Cheer Zone events and practices must remain the priority. X_____I give Cheer Zone permission to release my phone numbers and/or address to the chaperone for competition use or to other parents on your child’s team for birthday invitations, thank-you cards, etc. I understand there are times when my child’s chaperone may be calling or mailing information to me. I also understand that there may be times when other parents/team members may need this information as well. X_____I have read and agree to comply with all requirements and rules. I agree that in order for the team to succeed, these rules must apply to all members with little to no exception and I understand that non-compliance will result in probation and or dismissal of the team member from the Cheer Zone competition team program. X_____I understand that all cheerleaders are required to travel and stay with Cheer Zone when attending competitions and events unless other wise noted. A minimum of 30-day advance notice is required if a cheerleader cannot travel with or stay with the team to allow the team to replace them in the routine for that competition. X_____I give permission for my child’s picture to be used to promotional and educational purposes in Cheer Zone literature including, but not limited to, Cheer Zone’s web page, newspaper articles, and promotional flyers and brochures. X_____I understand that Fundraisers will be available throughout the year to help defer costs of uniforms, and competitions. Monies from fundraisers will defray my child’s travel/competition costs. If my daughter/son decides to no longer participate all monies earned through fundraising will be donated to the booster club general fund. X_____I understand that written notice is required 30 days prior to dropping from a team. Those who fail to give a 30-day written notice are responsible for full tuition due for the month and any other delinquent fees. No refunds will be given. All credits in my account become the property of Cheer Zone. X_____I understand any and all apparel and warm-up orders must be paid in advance before an order can be placed. Apparel and warm-ups for competition teams take approximately 4-8 weeks to receive after an order is placed. X_____I will pay my fees by check or cash each month through the reception desk or drop box. I understand that no refunds or credits will be given for missed classes. If for some reason my child misses a series of practices, we will try to have them make this time up by attending extra tumbling classes or training classes. X_____I understand that my child’s account must be current and kept current before she can take on a second team that will add expenses. X_____I understand that my child’s account must be current and kept current before I can incur costs to travel with the team. X____ I understand that if at any time I should fail to follow the above contract, or if I act in a manner that jeopardizes the name and reputation of Cheer Zone my child and I may be removed from the team/program. Team member’s name Team member’s signature Date Parent/Guardian’s name Parent/Guardian’s signature Date Cheer Zone All-stars Competitive Agreement The purpose of this agreement is to identify the expectations of Cheer Zone All-star Cheerleading Competitive program as they relate to Coaches, Cheerleaders, and Parents. Program: Agrees to provide an environment necessary for each cheerleader to fulfill the highest competitive goal. This environment is to include practice facilities; safety approved equipment, liability insurance, and qualified staff. In addition, we agree to provide supervision at competitions by parents and coaches. Triangular Agreement Cheer Zone Coaches: Agree to maintain a high coaching standard by staying abreast of the latest coaching and safety approved techniques and perform styles. All teams will have a coach that is CPR certified and safety certified. Agrees to take a personal interest in each cheerleader and family by keeping open communications between program, staff, cheerleader, and parents. Agrees to provide supervision at practices, competitions, exhibitions, events, etc. Agrees to determine team eligibility by setting qualifications concerning skills, attitude, and physical fitness, while giving equal opportunity to each cheerleader. Cheerleader: Agrees to follow all directions, rules, and instructions from the staff. Agrees to work hard in practice, maintain a positive attitude, and condition with exercises to improve performance and reduce the chance of injury. Agrees to maintain a positive attitude, to stay focused, to work toward the development of the team, to cooperate, and to demonstrate a high standard of conduct as a representative of Cheer Zone. This includes outside private functions: (ie: smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs, etc.) are all prohibited and any incident of this kind may result in dismissal from the program. Agrees to wear proper attire (only Cheer Zone t-shirts and shorts are allowed in the gym during team practices and in attendance of certain events). Agrees to be on time to all practices, competitions, exhibitions, events, and meetings. Agrees to be courteous to other squads and administrators portraying good sportsmanship at all events. Parent: Agrees to discuss any and all problems or concerns related to the program, coaches, cheerleaders or other parents DIRECTLY WITH THE STAFF and to refrain from publicly airing their grievances should any arise. This behavior could result in parental dismissal from the gym and team events. Agrees to accept coach's decision as FINAL and in the best interest of all parties. Agrees to pay all fees incurred by or on the behalf of the cheerleader, including but not limited to tuition, entry fees, and travel expenses. Understands that there will be no refund given on money paid for expenses due to someone quitting or dismissal from the team. Agrees to take care of any unpaid debts in the event of a child quitting the team or being dismissed from the team. Agrees to support practices, competitions, and exhibitions. Agrees to demonstrate "TEAM SPIRIT" by giving moral support to the PROGRAM, STAFF and to the TEAM. This includes being courteous to other squads we compete against portraying good sportsmanship at all events. Agrees to provide or make arrangements for transportation to all practices, events, and meetings and properly dressed for the event as described by the coaches. Agrees to schedule a time to meet with the coach if a discussion is needed if not in agreement with a decision rather than discuss it with other parents. Agrees to respect and back coaches’/administrators’ decisions even if they are not in agreement. Parent Date Cheerleader Date Coach Date