Welcome to
Over The Top Gymnastics
Welcome!
Congratulations on becoming a member of the Over The Top Gymnastics Academy Junior Olympic Team Program. Being a member of this team is both an honor and a tribute to your fine talents. Your hard work and dedication have earned you this privilege. We hope that not only will your past efforts continue, but also that these efforts be expanded as the year progresses. Please remember that communication is a key factor in any successful relationship. This team handbook, along with your willingness to talk directly with coaches and staff will help us to realize your goals. Please read this handbook carefully, for it contains important information regarding your team membership and commitments.
Our USA Junior Olympic Team Philosophy
We hope that every one of our Junior Olympic Program gymnasts understands what an honor and compliment it is to be selected as a member of our team program. Gymnastics is a physically and mentally demanding sport, requiring a great deal of natural talent to succeed. Team gymnasts are hand selected by our coaches because we have seen in them a spark that shows that they have what it takes to achieve in gymnastics. This “spark” includes the capacity to attain the physical strength and flexibility necessary for gymnastics as well as the mental toughness and desire that are required to excel in this sport.
Our Job as team coaches is to help our gymnasts harness their natural talent by guiding them through training exercises designed to progress them towards the higher level of gymnastics. However, we are only guides. In the end, every gymnast will only get out of their team experience what they put in. We believe in inspiring our gymnasts to set their standards for performance high and helping our gymnasts to achieve their personal best. We want to help them build a work ethic that readies them for success, but we also know that it is the individual gymnasts who must ultimately put in the effort. We can guide them, but their progress in this sport is really up to them.
Achievement in gymnastics is hard work-really hard work-and nobody understands this more than the coaches. We are the motivators who will help train their gymnasts through the hard times and cheer them on for successes. We will push you though the plateaus and marvel at your accomplishments when you progress. There are days when our gymnasts will love us and days when our gymnasts will dread seeing us- but in the end, as coaches and athletes, we all have the same goal- to help our gymnasts develop the confidence and attitude that will make them successful gymnasts. No short cuts, no skimping, no excuses. We teach our gymnasts to take responsibility for their achievement by learning that hard work and dedication lead to success.
We are here to help young athletes achieve in a sport that we mutually love. We truly believe that the success they can find in this sport, if they are willing to put in the effort, will give them a confidence and determination that will stay with them for a life time. And that- ultimately- is more important than any cartwheel or back flip we will ever teach them. As coaches we know this, and we take more pride in this than anything. There are no greater thanks a gymnast can give her coach than allowing us to watch them grow into determined, confident, and successful young adults.
The Olympic Creed
The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in life is not to triumph, but to struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well. To spread these concepts is to build up a stronger and more valiant and, above all, more generous humanity.
-Baron Pierre de Coubertin
The philosophy of Over the Top Gymnastics Academy closely mirrors the above statement. The program is grounded in the belief that there can be a place for everyone on the competitive gymnastics field; and the reality that a rare few will ever make it to the top. It must therefore be the process, and not the outcomes, that are emphasized. Our challenge is to nurture the student-athlete in a healthy, wholesome, enjoyable environment; stressing sound progressive fundamentals, so as to become a model for others to live by. Success, in its own disguise, will follow.
At Over the Top Gymnastics Academy we define success as: to be the best that you are capable of becoming.
Junior Olympic Levels
Levels 1-4 The first four competitive levels are one thru four. They consist entirely of compulsory routines. Compulsory routines are pre-choreographed series of skills that each competitor must perform. They are made up of core skills needed for each event, built on the skills from the previous level. The philosophy of these routines is for the athletes to practice toward perfection of these basics. The minimum competing age for these levels is 6 and there is no maximum age. The athletes are arranged in groups at the competitions. Awards are given in ranges rather than in places.
Levels 5-6 Levels 5 and 6 are also compulsory only levels of competitions. Each level builds in the skills of the previous level and likewise is judged with higher expectations. The USA Gymnastics structure is based on a progressive step by step building of physical, emotional, and psychological skills. Proficiency in all aspects of the gymnastics at each level is expected and required to insure a safe and smooth movement through levels. The minimum age for this level of competition is 7.
Level 7 Level 7 is an in between step. It bridges the gap between the all-compulsory levels and the all optional levels (8-10). The gymnasts have required skills that can be put together in an optional routine.
Level 8-10 The first level of all optional competition begins with Level 8. Optional competition consists of each gymnast performing her own routines for each event. The Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) produces the optional rules every four years in conjunction with the Olympics. This book dictates what each routine needs to contain (composition), the value of what is done (difficulty), and how to evaluate how well it is done (execution). There are three optional only levels; 8, 9, & 10. The minimum age for level 8 is 8, while for levels 9 and 10 the minimum age is 9. As with the compulsory levels, the requirements and expectations increase as the level increases.
Level 10 is considered a Pre- Elite Level and for the truly dedicated and motivated gymnast.
Prep Opt In addition to the level programs offered at OTTGA we will be participating in the prep optional program. This is an alternative USA Gymnastics competitive program. The PREP is an abbreviation for Presentation, Rhythm, Execution and Poise. Prep-op provides an alternative Optional program to serve any or all of the following: Gymnasts who wish to participate in competitive gymnastics who have not gone through the compulsory levels to due age, or any other personal reasons, Gymnasts who are unable to meet the time or financial commitment of the J.O. program, Gymnasts who want the excitement and challenge of competitive gymnastics in a less physically and mentally demanding setting, Gymnasts who participate in high school gymnastics teams.
*topsTalent Opportunity Program– The curriculum for this program was put together by the USA National committee. Focusing on strength and flexibility needed for gymnasts on the path of a serious gymnastics career. Dedication and commitment are required.
*Group Gymnastics This traveling performance squad will learn routines incorporating many dance styles and fast paced tumbling skills. Cooperation and synchronization will be the key to this team’s success.
Mobility Mobility is the movement of the gymnast from one level to the next. USA Gymnastics and OTTGA both have established rules of mobility. Each gymnast will be placed relative to their fulfillment of the criteria that USA Gymnastics and OTTGA have established. The Criterion for mobility consists of emotional and psychological readiness; present skill level; attendance/ commitment; and positive attitude.
Remember: Being at a higher level does not make you a better gymnast…executing skills more precisely makes you a better gymnast!
Our USA Gymnastics Team Program is designed to prepare young gymnasts for competition in the USA Junior Olympic Program. Children are trained at an accelerated pace to prepare them for all aspects of gymnastics competition. Emphasis is placed on developing the necessary strength, flexibility and technique for high level gymnastics. Gymnasts are placed into this program based on individual aptitude and interest. Gymnasts work out from two to five days per week depending on their level.
DECEMBER 2011 VACATION INFO ||TEAM PARENT INFO HERE
TEAM CONDITIONING INFO
USA gymnasts typically participate in four to six sanctioned meets a year. These competitions can be on a local, state, regional and even national level and may require considerable traveling time. Regional and national level meets are for level 8 –10 gymnasts only, with the exception of Invitationals which are open to all level gymnasts to participate in.
Competitions
Our Gymnasts compete in 10 competitions throughout the year.
Cost: A monthly team fee of $130 for J.O. gymnasts level 4-10 and $100 for JO level 3 and Prep Opt. gymnasts will be charged to cover all competitive fees. The first payment of the season will be doubled to ensure coverage of payment for upcoming competitions. To ensure fairness to all, and guarantee entry to all meets, every one will be expected to pay this monthly fee regardless of non-participation in any competitions. We encourage all gymnasts to participate in all 10 scheduled competitions. This fee is non-refundable.
Appearance: All team gymnasts are required to purchase competitive leotards. For meet days, gymnasts should arrive in the leotard specified by their coach with their hair tightly pulled back. Undergarments should not be visible under the leotard. Gymnasts should not be wearing jewelry, nail polish or make-up. All of these things can cause deductions from their scores.
The bag: Gymnasts should bring a bag with them that contains the following items: water bottle, warm up leotard and/or competitive leotard, warm up suit, grips, healthy snack, pen, paper, journal, band-aids, tape, extra hair ties, hair brush, and hair spray.
Gymnasts Expectations: We expect all team members to be on their best behavior during a meet. How they conduct themselves throughout the meet can, and will, be reflected in their scores. Good sportsmanship is a very important part of competition. Any gymnast not conducting themselves properly in a meet will not be allowed to compete until their conduct has consistently improved.
Judging: Competition scoring is not always a perfect science. There will be harsh judges and “easy” judges, and sometimes scores may not seem fair. It is important to remember that most of the time scores can not be changed. If a coach feels that there is a serious discrepancy in a score, they can file an inquiry- but only a coach can or should protest a score. Gymnasts or parents complaining about scores can be asked to leave a competition and such behavior reflects poorly on our team as a whole. We ask that negative opinions on scores- whether justified or not- not be expressed during competition.
We encourage parents to be your child’s biggest fan and support them no matter what. We all have a job – judges are paid to judge and coaches are here to coach. We ask that parents please let everyone do their job and remember that sometimes gymnastics competitions can be very tough on these young athletes and at the end of the day a smile a hug and a “good job” from mom and dad can ultimately mean more than 1 st place or no place at all.
Competition Spectators: Most meets require admissions fees ($3-$5) for spectators. Typically snacks are available for purchase during the meet. Meets last on average from 3-5 hours, depending on the size of the meet. Parents and spectators are never allowed on the competition floor and gymnasts are required to stay with their coaches unless there is an emergency.
Gym Rules
Attendance
Gymnastics is a time sensitive sport and we expect our gymnasts to attend all of their regularly scheduled workouts. Should a practice need to be missed due to illness or a special occasion, we ask that you call and notify the gym so that our coaches are aware. If absenteeism should become excessive, coaches may choose to withdraw the gymnast from competitions if they feel they are under trained.
No Practice No Compete!
All gymnasts are required to attend all practices the week prior to a meet. If the gymnast fails to attend practice then she will be withdrawn from the meet and parents will still be responsible for all fees. If there is a very special circumstance, parents should speak directly to their child’s coach as soon as possible.
Tardiness
Team gymnasts are only given 15 minutes to warm up before their workouts begin, so it is crucial that they arrive on time to each practice. Ideally, they should arrive 5-10 minutes before practice so that they are ready as soon as class time begins.
Appearance
Proper attire for gymnastics workouts includes a leotard with or without spandex shorts. All attire should be form fitting (lycra or stretched velour) as baggy clothing interferes with coaching and can get “stuck” on equipment posing a safety hazard. Hair is to be tied back neatly and all jewelry must be removed.
Gymnasts are also expected to come prepared for practice with a water bottle and any other equipment they may need. Water and a nutritious snack are allowed and encouraged at practices. At no time should a gymnast bring candy, chips, soda, or other sugared foods/beverages. It is crucial to your gymnast’s training that their bodies are healthy, Remember what they put in will reflect what comes out in their training!
Gymnast Expectations
Commitment- Gymnastics is a time intensive sport, and we expect our gymnasts to honor their commitment to the team by attending practices and competitions on a regular basis.
Respect- We respect all of our gymnasts, and expect our gymnasts to treat both their coaches and their team mates with respect in return. Attitudes are not allowed in the gym!
Sportsmanship- Gymnastics can be a very individualized sport. It is important that all of our gymnasts recognize the fact that they are on a team, and understand the importance of team work and good sportsmanship. Fairness, respect for one’s opponents and fellow teammates, and graciousness both in winning and loosing are vital characteristics required to participate in this, and any sport. We expect these characteristics from all of our teammates. Again -Attitudes are not allowed in the gym!
Hard Work- Gymnastics is a physically demanding sport and is not always (or ever!) easy. Gymnasts are expected to work hard on all of the exercises and drills at each and every practice.
Tenacity- To be a gymnast one must accept that there will be some skills that will come easy, and some that will be hard. There will be some levels that they will leap through and others that they will seem to linger in forever. However, no matter what, we expect our gymnasts to have the courage and motivation to continue to come to each and every practice with 100% effort and to trust their coach’s knowledge and expertise in the sport.
Supplies
Here is a list of supplies every gymnast is required to bring in. They should have his/her name on them and be brought in for every practice, or left at the gym.
Parents Meetings
Competition season can be hectic and we will be holding multiple parents meetings throughout the year to keep you informed of everything that is going on in the gym. Involvement at these meetings is mandatory! And greatly appreciated!
Also Parent/ Gymnast/ Coach Meetings will be held in October, January, and June to discuss goals, future plans, and any concerns.
Involvement
You are your child’s biggest fan! We encourage you to participate, and attend as many events, meetings, shows, etc, as possible. Fundraising and volunteering are two important jobs for all team parents, We want to do as much as we can for your children and with your help we can achieve the success we are reaching for.
Encouragement
Our job as coaches is versatile; we strive to be a positive and encouraging as possible at all times. However we are also here to correct, fix, and change things in order to achieve each gymnast’s maximum potential. As a parent all your child needs from you is ENCOURAGEMENT! They will be picked a part by us, and judged by the judges. They need you as parents to reassure them 100% of the time, that they are a Super Star!
Booster Club/ Volunteer Hours
We do have a booster club for team parents that is in charge of fundraising for our teams and organizing team events. Membership to the booster club is $10.00 per year. We also require all parents volunteer 10 hours per year- usually at home competitions and events to help support our team.
Fundraisers
We will keep you posted on the many fundraisers that we will be hosting over the course of the year. We strongly encourage all team families to participate in these events to help ease the financial burden of competitive gymnastics.
Communication-
Mailboxes- Every Gymnast has a mailbox; it is the responsibility of your child to check their mailbox after every practice. If you do not feel your gymnast is responsible enough to do so, you must come in and check the mailbox!
Email- please send any emails to staff@overthetopgym.org Phone- Gym- 508 752 7676
Please try one or both of these methods to communicate with staff when needed.
For general questions, comments, or concerns please leave a note in the boxes posted on Andrea’s door. In order to better serve your children as coaches we ask that parents try one of these methods of communication or wait until the end of practice to try to speak with coaches.