Parent Handbook 2012-2013

Where Dreams Become Reality!!!

WHY CHOOSE KO CHEER ATHLETICS?

Too many times parents are forced to choose between placing their child in a cheerleading program that has high family values and teaches good character OR placing their child in a high caliber program with excellent technical training and elite level choreography. You CAN have BOTH!!! KO Cheer Athletics offers traditional values, positive and encouraging role models, a family atmosphere, plus incredible training and innovative choreography. We believe in providing a family atmosphere that teaches our students “life lessons” that will remain with them forever. Our goal at KO Cheer Athletics is to promote the integritity, success, and well being in all of our athletes while maintaining a positive Christian enviroment. We hold our athletes to the highest standard and promise to train them to reach their personal goals. These are values we hope our athletes will strongly develop and carry into all areas of their lives. Don’t settle when choosing an all star program for your child. Give your child the best training you can in cheerleading with a cutting edge All Star program and a wholesome enviroment!

BALANCING THE FAMILY AND THE TEAM!

As parents, we know how important it is to have family time! We believe our philosophies, attendance policies, and upcoming competition season balance the needs of the family and the team. We will avoid holiday competitions to allow athletes more time to enjoy the holidays with their families. We understand summer vacations and sickness will arise. We KNOW that the family is the cornerstone of every child’s character! Strong families make our athletes and our program better!!!

KO CHEER ATHELETICS… It’s not just a Cheer Program…

IT’S AN EXPERIENCE!!!

Summer Camp (July 23rd-27th)- Every team will attend a fun and exciting cheer camp at KO Cheer Athletics. During this week, Minis and Level 2 squads will spend two 1/2 days with our choreographer to learn our 2012-2013 routine. Level 1 will master skills needed to learn their routine. The other days will focus on tumbling, stunts, jumps, and transitions for our routine. Our goal is to teach the entire foundation of each team’s routine at camp leaving their valuable practice time to work on skills. The teams will also be participating in numerous bonding and team building activities throughout the camp as well as an end of camp social! Each athlete will need to bring a sack lunch. KO Cheer Athletics will provide healthy snacks and water throughout the camp.

Level 1 Chorography Days (August 5th-7th):This will be two ½ days of practice for our Level 1 squad. We will be learning the 2012-2013 Routine. Practice times are as follows…

Sunday 5th: 8am-2pm (then regular practice)

Monday 6th: 8am-12pm

Tuesday 7th: 8am-12pm (then tumbling at normal time)

Fundraiser- We will be having one large fundraiser for KO Cheer Athletics. The $ raised will go back into our program savings for a facility in the future, awards, and equipment for the girls as needed. We ask that you give 100% into our annual fundraiser to make KO Cheer Athletics the best it can be now, and in the future.

Banquet- At the end of each competition season, the entire KO Cheer Athletics family comes together to celebrate at an elegant banquet with dinner, dancing, team recognition, and awards. This is a wonderful time of reflection with all of our athletes as we look back on the past year and celebrate our time together.

YOU, too, Can be part of the BEST of the BEST!

LEVEL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Level 1: Cartwheel, Round off Rebound, Back Walkover (preferred)

Level 2: Standing Back Handspring, Round Off Back Handspring, Toe Touch Back handspring

Level 3: Round Off Back Handspring Back Tuck, Standing 2 Back Handsprings, Toe Touch 2 Back Handsprings, Front Hand Spring,

Level 4: Round Off Back Handspring Layout, Standing Tuck, Standing Back Handspring Back Tuck, Front Tuck, Double Toe Touch to 2 Back Handsprings, Standing Pass to Layout, Running Pass to Layout,

Level 5: Standing & Running pass with a Full, Consistent Triple toe to Back Tuck, Running pass to Full, Front Handspring Front Tuck, Full Up to Elite Level Stunt with Double Down, Kick Double Basket.

The chart above lists the minimum level of skill that is necessary for each USASF ability level. The chart is merely a guideline. If a candidate demonstrates exceptional strength in another area besides tumbling, like jumps, basing, back spotting, or flying, they may be placed on a squad that is higher than their individual tumbling skills. On the other hand, simply having the necessary tumbling skills does not mean that a candidate will automatically make that level. We are looking for well-rounded athletes with a strong work ethic and tumbling skills that are clean and consistent. If a candidate demonstrates a weakness in a specific skill area, demonstrates a low work ethic, or has a history of missing classes or practices due to outside conflicts, they may be placed on a team lower than their skill level.

Evaluation Procedures

  1. Read through this packet carefully. KO Cheer Athletics is a select sport and requires a large time and financial commitment. Please make sure you understand the commitment.
  2. Fill out the Candidate Information Form and return it with a check made out to KO Cheer for your evaluation fee ($25 if paid by Friday May 25th, $35 if paid by June 1st, and $45 if paid on the 1st day of evaluation week June 11th.) The $250 down payment, Attendance Policy Sheet, the Codes of Conduct, the 2012-2013 Release Form, the Practice Clothes Form, the credit card form, and the HUGS release form will all need to be turned in on Monday, June 11th. For new students, there will be a $25 registration fee due at this time. You may turn in your completed packet to the front desk, or mail it to KO Cheer Athletics, 236 Latigo Lane, Boerne, Texas 78006. If we do not have a team for your age and ability level, your down payment will be refunded to you via mail within 2 weeks of evaluations.
  3. You must attend all of our clinic times! Please wear black shorts, white t-shirt, tennis shoes, and your hair pulled up out of your face.
  4. Evaluation Clinics (Viewing area will be closed during evaluations.)

Evaluation Dates (Age as of 8/31/2012)

  • Monday, June 11th: 5:30-8:00pm
  • Tuesday, June 12th: 5:30-8:00pm
  • Wednesday, June 13th: EVALUATION: 5:30- until completed
  • Friday, June 15th: Posting of Groups and Practice Times via e-mail (will be sent by 5:30pm this day)
  • Sunday, June 17th: Practice for ALL Squads Begins and 1st month payment will be due.

2012 Important Dates

  • Sunday, June 17th: Practice for ALL Squads begin
  • Wednesday, July 4th: NO PRACTICEfor Independence Day
  • Monday, July 23rd-Friday, July 27th: Summer Camp, Choreography, Music Week!!! MUST attend this week. Squads will practice 8am-

5: 30pm Monday through Friday. Girls will need to pack a sack lunch

and we will provide snacks and water throughout the day.

  • August 19th: Fall practices/Schedules will be handed out (they should not change much at all). We WILL have practice on Sunday, August 19th!
  • August 20th-24th: NO PRACTICE. First week of school.
  • Sunday, August 26th: Fall Practices begin for ALL Squads.

2012-2013 Dates For Possible Competitions: TENTATIVE

  • Saturday, October 20th: Cheer Power Halloween Championship (San Antonio)
  • Saturday, November 4th:NCA Alamo City Regional (San Antonio)
  • Saturday, November 17th:UCA Southwest Regional (San Marcos)
  • Sat/Sun, February 9th & 10th: Cheer Power Nationals(San Antonio)
  • Sat/Sun, March 2nd & 3rd: NCA Nationals(Dallas)
  • Sunday, April 20th: Cheer Power Sea World Championship(San Antonio)
  • Friday, May 31st: Super Squad EOY Performance (Boerne)

Practice Schedule Summer 2012

  • SUNDAY: Flier ONLY Class: 1pm-2pm

Minis: 1:30pm-3:30pm

Level 1: 2:30pm-4:30pm

Level 2: 3:30pm-6:00pm

  • MONDAY: Level 1: 5:30pm-7: 30pm

Level 2: 5:30pm-8:00pm

  • TUESDAY: Pee Wee Class: 6pm-7pm

Level 1 Tumbling: 7:00pm-8:00pm

  • WEDNESDAY: Mini’s: 5:30pm-7:30pm
  • THURSDAY: Minis Tumbling: 6pm-7pm

Level 2 Tumbling: 7pm-8pm

Attendance Policy

Practices

All Star Cheerleading is a “select” sport. It takes a full commitment from both the athlete and the family. The ability of all athletes to attend practices maximizes the team’s ability to reach its full potential.

Cheerleading is more of a team sport than any other sport. We have no back ups or second string athletes. When one athlete misses, it affects three or four other athletes who cannot stunt and affects the entire team who cannot fully execute a pyramid. Plus, an absent athlete hurts the formations and tumbling sequences. It is very important that everyone understands the importance of attending practice. Athletes must be fully committed to their team.

We do understand that throughout the entire year there will be graded school events, prior commitments, and major family events such as weddings. Managing a fair attendance policy is very difficult. After researching gyms around the country we are starting an attendance policy that is simple to understand and as fair as possible. With the exception of a death in the family, an athletes summer vacation (as listed below), a severe illness, or a divorce decree, any athlete who misses practice for ANY reason will have to do 50 toe touches as makeup work for missing the practice. The toe touches will need to be done in the gym prior to the start of the next practice. Athletes will check in with their coach prior to starting their jumps.

Athletes must still notify the coach of the absence with at least FIVE days notice. If an athlete fails to notify their coach of their absence prior to the practice and “No Shows” the practice, he/she will incur a $75 fine. This includes absences during the summer that were not included on the athlete’s vacation days.

Please understand that incurring absences might diminish an athlete’s role in the routine through lost spots in formations and/or changed stunting roles. For example, a flyer that misses multiple practices will not be a flyer for long! Recurring absences will result in an athlete being moved to a different team within our program or removed from KO Cheer Athletics altogether due to lack of commitment.

During the one week prior to a competition, there will be NO absences allowed. Missing a practice day before a competition will automatically incur a $75 fine regardless of the reason and may result in the immediate dismissal of the athlete from the team.

Attendance Policy (Cont.)

Camp and Competitions

Missing a major competition event for any reason may result in the removal of the athlete from the team.

If any athlete is ill on the day of competition, they will be expected to show up to the competition and do their best to compete. In the case of a severe illness, the parents will be expected to stay in frequent communication with the coaches and work with a doctor to make every attempt to get the child better as soon as possible.

Summer Vacations

Our summer vacation policy balances the importance of family time and the needs of the team. We will allow the maximum of three weeks for summer vacations between the dates of June 17th through August 5th. We MUST receive prior notice of the vacations in writing or by e-mail by June 15th. We ask that you try to schedule your vacations to minimize the amount of practice time missed. During the summer, when you are in town, you need to be at practice!

KO Cheer Athletics Vacation Form

Name of Athlete:______Team/Level:______

Dates I will be absent: ______

Parents Signature: ______Athlete’s Signature:______

Squad Guidelines

  1. All squad members are required to take tumbling class while on the team, which is included in the monthly tuition. All students will enroll in their tumbling class, and will then automatically be re-enrolled in that class for the remainder of the year. If an athlete does not regularly attend class, they will be conditioned and/or taken out of the routine. Week to week privates do not count toward the class requirement.
  2. All fliers are required to take a Flyer Class for an additional $25 per month. It is a privilege to fly at KO Cheer Athletics. Regardless of age or level, great flexibility, beautiful body positions, sharp motions and incredible performance are a necessity to fly. In class, we will work on those things plus a coach will be available to stunt with athletes who are struggling with particular stunts.
  3. Our viewing area will be closed during practices. We will pick one day out of the month where you are welcome to watch practice. We will call this day “show day”. As a mother and a coach, I have learned that kids perform better when parents are not watching or critiquing on the sidelines during practice.
  4. We will have Skills Test in the middle of August. Athletes will be required to pass the test by being able to throw the required skills for their team in order to remain in the competition routine. If the athlete does not pass the Skills Test after a few weeks, they may be moved to another team where they will be able to participate in the competition routine. All squad changes will take place at the discretion of the staff.
  5. Although we strive to keep practice times consistent, they may change over the course of the year. Times may also be temporarily adjusted due to extenuating circumstances. Extra practices will be added if needed around competition times, mainly on Fridays.
  6. If an athlete quits a team during the season for reasons other than injury or relocation an hour or more from Boerne, they will not be allowed to try out the following year. Anyone resigning due to injury will need to turn in a doctor’s note at the front desk.
  7. Athletes must not be left in the gym after practice time ends. Athletes who are left at the gym after closing will be fined a late pick up fee of $25.

Financial Guidelines

  1. All candidates must show a $0 balance on their KO Cheer Athletics account from any previous commitments to be eligible for a team for 2012-2013 seasons.
  2. If you are placed on a squad and choose not to take the spot, $150 of the $250 down payment will not be refundable. Refusing a spot, based on your team prevents someone else from making that team and can leave the team without a proper amount of bases, flyers, etc. If there is a major reason why you would not be able to cheer on a particular squad, or if there are particular days/times that you cannot practice, please attach a note to your candidate information sheet so that we will not consider you for that team.
  3. We include all fees, with the exception of the uniform items (skirt, top, bloomers, bow, make up, and shoes) and competition fees in the program cost so that there are no hidden fees throughout the year. The fees include twelve month All Star and class tuition, tumbling, practice outfits (3 shirts, 3 shorts and 1 bow), warm ups, summer camp (including snacks and team building activities, choreography/music, insurance and coaches fee). If your team attends an out of town competition, you will be responsible for both transportation and the hotel room. When possible, we will try to get group rates at hotels.
  4. Each athlete will need to purchase a uniform ($210 plus shipping and tax), backpack ($19), and uniform accessories (Bow: $22, make up kit $18 and shoes: approx. $65. The uniform fee will be due the same time we have our fitting in August. We will notify you of the specific date soon.
  5. KO Cheer Athletics is a twelve-month program that runs from June-May. Agreeing to take a spot on the team, you are agreeing to a twelve-month financial agreement and will owe tuition for all twelve months.
  6. All student registration dues must remain current throughout the year. A $25 registration fee will need to be turned in with their Candidate Information Form for new members.
  7. The tuition portion of your fees covers regular, and extra practices as well as staff assistance at camps and competitions. Tuition will not be pro-rated for holidays, gym closings, and weeks without practice.

Financial Guidelines

  1. Tuition is due on the first of each month. It is considered late by the 8th. If a customer’s account falls past due, they will forfeit all discounts that were previously applied including family discounts for additional children of 10%. If an athlete’s financial account falls 30 days past due, the athlete will be removed from the competition routine and will not be allowed to participate in practices or any other KO Cheer Athletics activities. There will be a $25 fee for declined credit card transactions or returned checks. There is a $15 late fee for accounts that fall 8 days past due.
  2. If an athlete is unable to finish their year due to injury (must turn in a doctor’s note) or relocation more than an hour away from Boerne, we will balance your account determining the fees and tuition that have been spent. You will receive a credit for any fees or tuition that have been paid to KO Cheer Athletics, but not used. However, please be aware that if you choose the monthly payment plan, you may have additional fees that were not yet covered through your pro-rated monthly fees. All resignations must be received in writing. Competition fees cannot be refunded for any reason (including injury) once they have been paid.
  3. If an athlete quits without a doctor’s written excuse, they will be responsible for paying any uncovered expenses and a $100 penalty fee. If the athlete resigns prior to receiving any part of their uniform, warm ups, accessories, or practice clothes, the items become the property of KO Cheer Athletics, and the athlete will not receive a refund. All resignations must be received in writing.
  4. If an athlete is left at the gym for more than 15 minutes past closing time, their account will be billed $25.
Payment Plans
We offer three separate payment plans for you to chose from. The first plan will save you 5% off of your tuition by making one payment of the program fee less the down payment and the discount. Your payment must be made with cash/check due on Monday, June 11th. The second payment plan saves you 3% off of the tuition by making three equal installments in June, August and October. Each payment must be made with credit card, cash/check. The final plan allows you to pay off the program fee over the entire season of June 2012 to May 2013. Everyone who chooses the monthly plan MUST sign up for credit card withdrawal. The person responsible for the financial payment must fill out the financial information and sign the authorization for the credit card payment.
Fees For 2012-2113 /
Minis
/
Level 1
/ Level 2
Ages / 6-8 yr / 8-11yr / All Ages
Total Program Cost: 12 months tuition, 12 months tumbling, practice clothes (3 shorts, 3 shirts and bow, warm ups, back pack, summer camp, choreography, music, USASF membership fees, coaches fees / 1945.56 / 2185.20 / 2461.56
Pay Up Front Plan
Down Payment Due with Candidate Information Form / 250 / 250 / 250
5% Tuition Saving / 66.00 / 78.00 / 92.16
One Time Payment Due 06-11-2012 / 1629.56 / 1857.20 / 2119.40
3 Installment Plan
Down Payment Due with Candidate Information Form / 250 / 250 / 250
3% Tuition Savings / 39.60 / 46.80 / 55.43
3 payments Due 6/11, 8/1, 10/1 / 551.98 / 629.47 / 718.17
12 Month Installment Plan
Down Payment Due with Candidate Information Form / 250 / 250 / 250
12 Monthly Payments Due 6/11 Then on the 1st of the month through 5/1/13 / 141.29 / 161.27 / 184.30

Candidate Information Form