General Team Information • Maps to Competitions

Why be a member of "The Team"? All team members share a unique camaraderie — a special support and enthusiasm between teammates, with whom they spend many hours practicing and learning. Unlike recreational gymnasts, team members compete against other gyms: the meets are many gymnasts' favorite activities, as they love competition and showing off what they've learned.

Team activities also include exhibitions at local events, traveling to overnight meets, and special activities such as swimming and diving days, ski trips, and team picnics.

The difference between team and classes — Students in our recreational gymnastics classes learn gymnastics skills in a low-pressure non-competitive environment. They probably will never have to perform in front of an audience, so they can focus on a wide variety of gymnastic activities without being overly concerned with aesthetics. Class students are not expected to do a skill that makes them uncomfortable. If, for example, a student is afraid to perform a skill on the balance beam, they would simply put off working on that skill and work on something different. If a team member is afraid of a skill, they will be expected to work through their fear and master the skill, with the help of their coach, if they want to progress on team. Team members are also expected to work harder on their weak events. Team members must make a much greater physical, emotional, and financial commitment to gymnastics.

We expect the team gymnasts to set an example for the other members of the club. Team members spend more time in the gym and they represent Airborne Gymnastics to Longmont and throughout the state of Colorado, and we want to project a positive image.

 

Team membership positions are normally available only upon invitation although exceptions are sometimes made for gymnasts new to the area. We do not recruit team members from other gyms, as training and discipline philosophies vary tremendously between programs. Invitations to join teams are based upon evaluations by Airborne Program Directors and Instructors. While a prospective team member's gymnastics skills are important, more emphasis is placed upon attitude, particularly a long-term demonstration of willingness to work hard and exceptional ability to get along with and support others. Initially, team positions are probationary; the instructors and other team members observing, helping, and supporting the new team member. 

Airborne Gymnastics teams compete in both the CARA (Colorado Association of Recreational Athletics), and U.S.A.G. (U.S.A. Gymnastics) competitive leagues. Individual team members may compete in either league, at the discretion of the coach.

The CARA competitive season is May through July. Competitive levels are compulsory 4 and 5 as well as elementary optionals. The gymnasts compete in four regular season meets to qualify for the EAGLES Cup (a team competition).

U.S.A.G. competitive seasons are split: compulsory levels 4 to 6 compete in the fall, optional levels 7-10 compete in the winter and spring. State meets are held at all levels.

"Competitive Team"- may practice up to 6 days per week, and compete in CARA or USAG competitions.

Team members have a strict dress code — girls must work out in Spandex (leotard & bike shorts). No baggy clothing allowed! (sweats should be worn to warm up in when the weather is cool).

1) Team members are expected to respect each other. Older and more experienced gymnasts must help and support new and younger members. Younger gymnasts must respect and listen to the older members of the team. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will result in indefinite suspension or permanent dismissal from the team.

2) Team members are expected to make a serious effort to attend all practices and competitions. There are always things you can do to better your gymnastics. Even if injured it may sometimes be beneficial to attend practice and work around a minor injury.

3) If you miss practice because you are sick, burdened with homework or because of a family emergency please contact the gym as soon as possible.

4) Team members are expected to put forth their best effort at each practice.

5) Remember — being a member of the team is a privilege. It requires a great deal of hard work and many sacrifices, but the rewards can last a lifetime.

Policies regarding behavior at competitions will be discussed with gymnasts and parents prior to each competitive season.

It is essential that you understand that your tuition pays for the benefits of a program, and not a specified number of classes or days. We understand that some people are not able to adopt this kind of thinking. These people should not get involved in our competitive program because any "per hour" or "per week" mentality will ultimately lead to misunderstandings and your dissatisfaction.

Payment for team programs is monthly, regardless of vacations, camps, sickness, injuries, etc. (Please discuss prolonged absences with your coach). Due to the low hourly rate of our team programs, we do not allow make-ups, and there is no guaranteed student/coach ratio. Payment is due on the first of the month. After 7 days, you will be charged a $7 late fee.

Family Discount:  Families with more than one child enrolled in any program at Airborne, please deduct 20% from each lower tuition.

Additional Yearly Investment (all costs approximate):

Meet Fees & Coaching Fees: $500 - $1200 per competitive season for USAG competitors (including one out-of-state competition), approximately $150 for CARA competitors.

USAG Membership — $48 per year, required for participation in a USAG sanctioned event. (There is no membership fee for CARA league).

Clinics, Camps, and extra curricular activities — Participation not required; all costs additional.

Commitment to the Gymnastics Training Program: We expect team members to make a year-round commitment. If you choose to take a month or more off, please discuss this with a coach. We do not save spots for prolonged absences, so please call to verify that we still have room in our program before you return.

Booster Club: All levels of our USAG team are invited to join the Booster Club, Colorado Gymnastics Parents. Funds raised may be used towards any training expenses excluding monthly fees.

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