GYMNASTICS MISSION

The Prescott YMCA Gymnastics department strives to build the Spirit, Mind, and Body of all gymnasts by using the four YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. We foster the individual as well as the team as we work to provide a safe, fun and supportive atmosphere in which we train athletes, the leaders of tomorrow. We wish to have all members learn to build a balance in their lives between gymnastics, school, family and other activities.

PHILOSOPHY

The goal of the Prescott YMCA is to provide a fun, safe and supportive learning environment for its members and staff. The primary focus is to develop the technique of all of its young gymnasts. As the gymnast progresses, she/he will be introduced to endurance training and goal setting. Each gymnast will be offered, to the best of the coaches’ abilities, the possibility of achieving their personal goals in gymnastics. Gymnastics practice and competition in meets is optional and at no time will a gymnast be made to feel uncomfortable for choosing not to participate in a practice or meet. If a gymnast takes time off to participate in another sport, they may return to gymnastics at any time. Gymnastics is a progression of skills and technique so continuous participation is recommended. Please notify the gymnastics department if you will be unable to participate for an extended time.

TEAM VALUES

1. Winning Spirit
   Everyone Competes, Everyone Wins.  We are an all inclusive team, meaning, we turn no one away. While participation in meets is optional, we encourage competition as a way to measure improvement and to foster team spirit.
2. Team Unity
   A gymnastics team is a community of gymnasts. To be the best we can be, we must encourage one another, cheer for one anther and be respectful of one another.
3. Great Technique = Great Performance
   Every member of the team is coached in technique. This is the easiest way to build confidence.
4. Endurance = Healthy Body
   As gymnasts develop, we begin to add to the amount of work they do. We are training their muscles, especially their hearts. This is one of the most demanding aspects of gymnastics and one of the most important.
5. Mental Toughness
   The fear of flipping, heights and competition is the gymnast’s strongest adversary. We equip gymnasts with the tools to overcome or control their fear through skill progression, technique and support.

GOALS- INDIVIDUAL

Our goal for each gymnast is:

1. To gain self confidence
2. To learn to be a team player
3. To learn to be competitive and have fun at the same time
4. To learn from successes and failures
5. To learn to budget free time wisely
6. To learn to have fun in a safe, educational program

GYMNAST PLEDGE

I pledge, win or lose, to compete to my ability, to be a good sport, to listen to my coach, to help when asked, to be honest, to be caring, to take responsibility, and to be respectful to all.

PRESCOTT LIGHTNING TEAM MEETS

Each meet will have a cost attached. Information will be distributed to gymnasts and parents as soon as it is available from the meet host. The parents are responsible for transportation to and from the meets as well as the fees and uniform.

Meet Preparations and Expectations

Before the meet starts…

• Arrive at the meet at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up, with your team leotard on.
• Upon arrival, find a place to put your bag. We try to keep our team in one general “Team Area”.
• Each gymnast must check in at the desk.
• Parents should refer all questions regarding meet results, an officiating call or conduct of the meet to the coaching staff, which will pursue the matter through the proper channels.
• Girl team gymnasts may not wear fingernail or toenail polish.
• Girl team gymnasts may wear no more than one small stud earring per ear.
• Hair must be up and secure, out of eyes and off shoulders.

• It is important that both the parents and the gymnasts know which events the gymnast is in. Pay attention to announcements made. The gymnast might compete right after warm-ups or they may have to wait a while.
• Things you as a parent can do after each meet…Tell your gymnast how great they are! The coaching staff will discuss proper technique with them. You need to tell them how proud you are and how great they did.  Take them back to the team area and relax.
• Use the waiting time between events for quiet games, reading or just socializing with friends.
• When a gymnast has completed all of their events they should check with the coach before going home.

What happens if your gymnast has a disappointing performance?
If your child has a poor performance and comes out of it feeling bad, talk about good things. Gymnasts need to know that you care and support them unconditionally, regardless of their performance. Be patient for progress.

What to take to meets…(Label everything with the gymnast’s name and team name)

    1. Team leotard
    2. Warm-up suit
    3. Sweats or warm ups
    4. Extra T-shirt
    5. Travel games, books or cards
    6. Food- It is better to bring your own nutritious snacks
         a. Drinks-Fruit juice, bottled water, Gatorade, Allsport. Avoid carbonated beverages and coffee.
         b. Snacks- Granola bars, fruit, yogurt, cereal, sandwiches, etc. Avoid candy and high fat foods.

Meets are a lot of fun for young gymnasts! They get to visit with their friends, play games, and meet kids from other teams. They also get to see how much they have improved after all of those long hours at practice.
After you have attended one or two of the meets this will all become routine. Please do not hesitate to ask any parent for help. Use your time at meets to have fun and meet other parents, and you might enjoy the meets as much as your gymnasts.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Special events are held to foster unity. Most events are attendance optional, but we encourage all gymnasts and families to be as involved as possible. A variety of events throughout the season may include but are not limited to: Halloween Party, Christmas Show, Fourth of July Parade, Team Overnight Holiday Party / Potluck, Spring Get Together, Awards Celebration. Information will be distributed to gymnasts and families in a timely manner.

NUTRITION

• Good nutrition is the key to a healthy gymnast. Well-balanced meals throughout the week are vital, as is staying well hydrated.
• The night before meets, gymnasts should be fed a high carbohydrate and protein meal. Good sources of carbs are: pastas, rice, breads and fruits. Protein sources that should be considered are: meats, dairy, beans, eggs and grains.
• The day of the meet, sweets, heavy foods, and carbonated drinks should be avoided at all costs. Good snacks are: Bagel and cream cheese, cereal bars, granola bars, muffins and Gatorade to drink.
• Fast food should be avoided at all costs on meet days.
• Spread carbohydrate intake out over the course of the day (smaller meals and frequent snacks). This keeps your blood sugar levels adequate and stable.

HEALTHY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

The learning environment created by our gymnastics staff has two components:

• The physical environment: Participating in a quality facility with quality equipment, staff and competitions.
• The physiological environment: A nurturing, energetic, goal-oriented atmosphere in which the highest standards of excellence guide our decisions.

FUNDRAISERS

Team members will be encouraged to participate in fundraisers. They will help us build unity as well as build funds to purchase equipment needed for our gymnasts. Fundraisers may include but are not limited to:

• Bake Sales: At each home meet we will have a bake sale.. Each family is asked to donate food to be sold to gymnasts and families. Healthy snacks are good choices.
• Car Wash: We will take a sunny afternoon and wash cars at a location close to the YMCA. This is a fun event for all parents, gymnasts and siblings to be involved in.
• Rummage Sale:  We will take donations of household items to be sold at a rummage sale which is held outside the  gymnastics building.

BILL OF RIGHTS FOR YOUNG ATHLETES

Right to participate in sports.
Right to participate at a level commensurate with maturity and ability.
Right to have qualified adult leadership.
Right to play as a child and not as an adult.
Right of children to share in the leadership and decision-making of their sports participation.
Right to participate in a safe and healthy environment.
Right to proper preparation for participation in sports.
Right to an equal opportunity to strive for success.
Right to be treated with dignity.
Right to have fun in sports.

CHARACTER COUNTS – VALUES TO LIVE BY for YMCA Youth Sports

COACH EXPECTATIONS OF GYMNASTS

•       Be present at the appropriate number of practices per week
•       Get your school work done, on time. Don’t let things pile up.
•       Eat healthy and get enough sleep. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
•       Arrive early to practice and meets.
•       Be honest.
•       Be responsible for yourself.
•       Do not talk when the coaches are talking.
•       Try your best at everything that is asked of you.
•       Encourage each other every day.
•       Be respectful of everyone around you (peers, coaches, officials, parents.)

PICTURES