Club Mission:

Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics is committed to providing a safe, friendly and fun environment where any child may participate in gymnastic activities.

 

Club Objectives:

• Develop each individual’s physical abilities through positive challenges
• Develop and strengthen personal self-esteem
• Create a well-respected, high-quality team

 

Club Program Development:

We will help all participants to achieve their maximum potential in gymnastics through quality coaching. We will invest in our coaches to develop their skills so they may pass on that experience and knowledge to the gymnasts.

 

Manitoba Gymnastics Association Coaching Philosophy:

 FUN ** FITNESS ** FUNDAMENTALS

 Everyone in gymnastics has the responsibility to ensure that all participants have a positive experience. We must ensure that all participants have FUN with gymnastics, gain FITNESS through gymnastics, and learn sound FUNDAMENTALS of gymnastics, regardless of age, ability, or level of performance.

 

Swan Valley Cheetahs Coaching Goals

To facilitate the MGA coaching philosophy within the Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club and to provide all gymnasts with the opportunity to work towards achieving their full gymnastics potential within a positive athletic experience.

Gymnasts’ Code of Conduct

Gymnasts are expected to:

• Attend classes and demonstrate commitment and responsibility for all training
• Take responsibility to contact their coach when they need to be absent
• Arrive promptly prior to the start of class, as being late is disruptive to fellow team members. Gymnasts more than 15 minutes late may be asked not to participate in class that day
• Arrive for class appropriately dressed and ready to train (i.e. hair neatly done, training accessories and protective gear on or easily accessible, water bottle, etc.)
• Wait for your class to start in the designated waiting area for your class, do not enter the training area until your coach calls you
• Be respectful to coaches, judges and other gymnasts at all times, especially during training, team travel and competitions
• Use appropriate and socially acceptable language
• Maintain a high standard of behavior and code of conduct in all interactions, whether in person or through social media. If inappropriate behavior persists despite warnings from coaches, a gymnast may be requested to leave class or to remain away from classes for a period of time. In extreme situations a gymnast may be asked to leave the club permanently (see Disciplinary Action Plan)
• Encourage and support other team members at all times
• Observe good healthy lifestyle habits (appropriate nutrition and hydration, proper rest, )
• Communicate with their coaches if they are unhappy, injured or feeling unwell, even if it is not gym related. A gymnast’s relationship with her/his coach is very important.
• Follow the coach’s instructions and participate in the activities or exercises as directed by your coach in order to ensure your safety and the safety of
• Spotting is for coaches or those properly trained to do so. Gymnasts are only to spot each other if they are properly trained by the coach and with permission from the coach
• Train at home on new competitive skills only with permission from the Head coach and only the exercises the coach has approved with you
• Always give your best and never underestimate what you can achieve!
  
  

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

Coaches are expected to:

• Hold appropriate coaching certificates for their level of instruction
• Create an environment in which gymnasts are motivated to participate and improve performance
• Provide challenging, safe and guided practices that appropriately encourage gymnasts to achieve their full potential
• Respect all gymnasts’ personal abilities and work closely with them to develop a suitable training plan based on their personal goals
• Always ensure that any gymnastic or team-related activity is appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual
• Promote the positive aspects of the sport of gymnastics and encourage gymnasts to value their performances and not just their results
• Consistently display high standards of behavior and performance, promote good sportsmanship, and be positive role models in all of their interactions, whether in person or through social
• Respect all gymnasts, fellow coaches and judges. Coaches are expected to refrain from practicing or condoning intimidation, accusations of poor judging or coaching, and the use of inappropriate
• Encourage and guide gymnasts to accept personal responsibility for their own performance and
• Be carefully observant of all of their gymnasts and be open to listening when a gymnast expresses that s/he is unhappy, injured or feeling unwell, even if not gym related. A coach’s relationship with her/his gymnasts is very
  
  

Parents’ Code of Conduct

Parents are expected to:

• Support their child’s involvement in gymnastics and help them to enjoy the sport
• Encourage their child to accept responsibility for their actions, be respectful, follow gym rules, use appropriate language, and display respect for themselves, coaches, judges and other gymnasts at all times
• Ensure that coaches are aware when gymnasts need to be absent ahead of time
• Display high standards of behavior, act as positive role models and always promote good sportsmanship in their interactions with others, whether in person or through social media. If inappropriate behavior persists despite warnings from coaches, you and/or your child/children may be requested to leave class or to remain away from classes for a period of time. In extreme situations a gymnast may be asked to leave the club permanently (see Disciplinary Action Plan)
• Accept that all of our coaches have valuable training and experience and will always work to positively challenge children to excel at their own pace
• Respect coaches decisions and opinions
• Ask questions and discuss their child’s skills and abilities as a gymnast in an appropriate manner with the coaching staff (i.e. in private and at pre-arranged, mutually convenient times)
• Become involved, learn more about their child’s program and be aware of our coaches training philosophy and knowledge
• Spotting is for coaches or those properly trained to do so only! Parents are not to spot their child or other gymnasts. All training exercises done outside of the gym must be approved by the Head Coach. Coaching without proper training can lead to injury and is detrimental to the development of your child in a competitive gymnastics
• Actively support Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club and the board of directors with their efforts to ensure the smooth running of the organization, e. fundraising, volunteering at special events and gym maintenance, set up/take down)
• Stay informed of gym activities by regularly checking your email, the notice board, Club website and facebook posts
• Ensure that all fees and other related expenses are kept up to
• All competitive parents are to participate on a minimum of one organizational committee for the
• Encouragement and cheering is strongly encouraged, however please refrain from side coaching such as giving instructions or technical tips while gymnasts are training or

 

Viewing Guidelines

The Goal of the Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club is to provide a safe and secure environment for gymnasts to train and for coaches to facilitate quality learning experiences. The creation of an optimum gymnastics training and learning environment requires a quiet, calm and respectful atmosphere in which both gymnasts and coaches can completely focus on the tasks at hand.

While we encourage parents to take an active interest in their child’s participation and development, it is critical that this interest not deter from the maintenance of a safe and quiet environment for both gymnasts and coaches. To this end, all parents are required to comply with the following viewing guidelines:

• Parents can view gymnasts from the seating area only. For safety of all gymnasts PARENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED on the training area except when invited by the Head Coach or Assistant Head Coach. For parent and tot classes 1 PARENT can accompany 1 GYMNAST on the training
• Children not participating in gymnastics classes are not allowed on any training equipment at any
• Parents of competitive gymnasts are encouraged to limit their viewing time to twice a month. This will allow parents the opportunity to witness their child’s progress and development while at the same time facilitating their child’s independence, self- reliance and formation of positive relationships with their teammates and
• Under no circumstances will parents be able to contact or speak to coaches during class time. This is vital to ensure the safety and respect of all gymnasts and the coaching
• The Kitchen area is strictly off limits. Please bring a water bottle for yourself or your children viewing as it is not the responsibility of the Coaches or Board to do the dishes after
• Please be courteous with the use of your cell phone or electronic device. No pictures or videos of the gymnasts or classes are allowed without permission from the head Coach, gymnast, and gymnasts’ parent/guardian.
• If gymnasts are 5 years old and under, 1 parent/guardian or designate must always be in the gym .
• Encouragement and cheering are strongly encouraged however please refrain from side coaching such as giving instructions or technical tips while gymnasts are training or

 

Explore Gymnastics Recreational Summer Camp

The Explore Gymnastics Summer Camp is a recreational gymnastics camp designed to give new gymnasts a chance to explore the sport before committing to the season and returning gymnasts a fun summer activity.

The camp is a good opportunity for gymnasts to demonstrate their skills and abilities while also participating in fun recreational games and activities.

The head Coach will often observe gymnasts during this time in order to determine if some gymnasts may be ready for the pre-competitive program or competitive programs.

Swan Valley Cheetahs Club Concerns/Complaints Guidelines:

Understanding a child’s progress is important; however, it is important that any concerns or complaints you may have be raised in an appropriate and respectful matter. Concerns and complaints are to be directed to the Head Coach.

Parents wishing to raise a concern are required to follow these guidelines

1. If an incident occurs giving rise to a concern/complaint, please allow 24 hours for reflection. If after that time it is felt that the concern/complaint still needs to be addressed, please put forward your concern in writing to the head Coach. The concern maybe submitted in person or via e-mail to the head Coach’s email address. Submissions will be checked regularly, and a response will be given in person or via email from the head Coach or assistant head Coach as soon as possible. It is expected that most concerns will be resolved at this
2. If a concern/complaint is not adequately addressed via the process presented above, an alternate arrangement may be made to speak in private with the head Coach or assistant head Coach at a pre-arranged time. Approaching any coaching staff during scheduled classes or training sessions will not be
3. If the issue remains unresolved, the complaint or concern shall be put in writing to the President of the Board. A meeting will then be scheduled with the Executive Committee of the Board and the head Coach to review the complaint and prepare a
4. The decision of the Executive Committee of the Board will be provided within 30 The Board decision will be final.
   
   

Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club Disciplinary Action Plan:

The Disciplinary Action Plan was developed to address incidents involving gymnasts, parents/guardians, and viewers who fail to comply with the Code of Conduct of the Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club.

PLEASE BE AWARE that parents/guardians are responsible for informing other individuals who may be picking up, dropping off, or viewing their child of the guidelines of the Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club and that these individuals will be subject to the Disciplinary Action Plan outlined herein.

All Gymnasts/Parents/Guardians will be subject to the following guidelines:

1. Where a gymnast/parent/guardian has failed to comply with the Code of Conduct and viewing guidelines of the Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club, he/she will receive a warning, verbally or in writing, from the head
2. If a second incident occurs, the gymnast/parent/guardian will be reported to the Board, and a second written warning will be issued.

3. If a third incident occurs, the matter will be forwarded to the Board of Directors for discussion. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by the Board which may or may not
4. include the following:

• The individual(s) in question will not be permitted to enter the viewing or training area and/or communicate with the coaching staff for a period of
• The individual(s) in question will not be permitted to enter the gymnastics club facility and/or communicate with the coaching staff for a period of
• The gymnast(s) will be removed from their respective program(s).
  
   ** Recreational Parents may skip to bottom ** 
  
  

  Competitive Program Placement

  The head Coach will determine, through assessment and observation, whether a gymnast has or potentially could have the strength, flexibility, endurance and power necessary to succeed in competitive gymnastics. The head Coach will also evaluate, through observation and past training experience, whether the gymnast displays the emotional and psychological qualities needed to succeed in competitive gymnastics.
  
  

  This evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

  • Maturity
  • Ability to develop a fearless trust in coaches
  • Ability to handle the discomfort, aches and pains of hard training
  • Ability to handle stress of competition
  • Desire to strive for perfection
  • Desire to learn new skills
  • Desire to work and improve on areas of weaknesses
    
    

  Placement in Training Groups
  
  

  • Determination to do her/his best
  • A positive training attitude
  • Co-operation with coaches and teammates
  • Competitive spirit
  • Good sportsmanship
  • Seriousness of commitment
  • Family support

   

  Every gymnast is carefully placed in a group where, in the opinion of the coaching staff, s/he will be challenged without feeling overwhelmed, and will best progress in her/his assigned competitive level. Placement of gymnasts in the respective training groups is the sole responsibility of the head coach.

  Placement in Competitive Level
  
  

  Each level of competitive gymnastics has specific skill requirements. The score of a routine is arrived at by determining first, whether the skill requirements have been met by the gymnast and second, by the form and perfection displayed by the gymnast in the execution of those skills. Accordingly, each gymnast will be placed in the competition level best suited to her/his skill level and form. The head coach will assign each gymnast to a level which will be challenging yet allow her/him to experience individual success. All gymnasts’ progress at different rates, according to age, physical growth, maturity, etc., therefore not all gymnasts can progress from one level to the next at the same rate. However, even within the same level, each gymnast who trains seriously is certain to progress and experience increased personal success.

  
  Competitive Program Competitions

  Participation in Competitions

  All Competitive gymnast must participate in the Cheetahs Invitational Meet.  All Competitive Gymnasts are encouraged to attend 1 away meet per level.
  Example JO1 = 1, JO4 =4  
  The choice to attend the competition will be entirely at the discretion of the gymnast and the gymnast’s parents. A gymnast will be registered in a competition based on the following factors:

  • Competition level
  • Level of preparedness
  • Gymnast’s health and attitude
  • Attendance at training sessions

  
  Upon coaches’ discretion, a gymnast may not be allowed to participate in a competition if s/he does not attend the training sessions immediately before the meet or has been absent without contacting the head Coach on multiple occasions. Registration in a competition is the responsibility of the Board after consultation with the gymnasts’ coach.

  
  Provincial Competition or Out of Province Meets

  It is at the discretion of the head Coach to decide which gymnasts will be invited to participate at Provincials or out of province meets.  Every child matures at different rates and some may be ready to go to Provincials or on out of province trips before others. If your child is not ready for such a trip or you choose to decline an invitation to participate, remember that there will be many more opportunities for competitions and trips in the future. It is the responsibility of the head Coach to ensure that every experience is in the best interest of the gymnast in order to ensure a motivating experience that will be promoting positive self-esteem and confidence.

  Competition Guidelines

  Good sportsmanship is expected from all Swan Valley gymnasts. Rude or abusive language to coaches, officials or other athletes will not be tolerated. Crying due to poor performance during the competition or while at the competition site is discouraged.

  All team members must stay together until all teammates are finished competing. Gymnasts will not be allowed to go into the stands to talk to parents or other family members during the competition. Parents should not approach coaches, athletes or judges during a competition, and are asked to refrain from questioning the decisions of judges and other officials. Children learn best by example. We therefore encourage parents to applaud the efforts of their child, her/his Cheetah teammates as well as members of other teams. Teach your child that honest effort is as important as awards so that the results of each competition are accepted without undue disappointment.
  
  GYMNASTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO WORK HARD AND TO STRIVE TO BE THEIR BEST.  BUT ABOVE ALL ELSE, WE BELIEVE THAT GYMNASTICS SHOULD BE ABOUT HAVING FUN AND MAKING FRIENDS.

  
  

  Competitive Program Developmental Camps

   

  1. MGA Summer Developmental Camp (optional)
  2. Swan Valley Cheetahs Annual Summer Developmental Camp (mandatory)
  3. Swan Valley Cheetahs Annual Winter Developmental Camp (mandatory)

   

  All competitive program gymnasts are encouraged to participate in the MGA summer developmental camp and required to participate in the Swan Valley Cheetahs annual developmental camp at the beginning of the season.

  These camps provide technical and practical knowledge of the skills and form required for their training level. New required skills or routines for their level are explained and practiced. This allows the gymnast a competitive start to their season and knowledge needed to train appropriately for their level. These camps also provide the opportunity to train with some of the top coaches in Manitoba and meet new friends who share a love of the sport. These camps have proven to be advantageous for the gymnast and their training season.

  If unavailable for the Swan Valley Cheetahs Annual Developmental Camps, please inform the Head Coach ahead of time.

   

  Competitive Program Gymnasts Goals

   All competitive gymnasts are to complete their personal goal sheet and comply with the training program provided to them by their head Coach in order for them to reach their desired goals. Always do your best and remember that gymnastics requires patience and repetitive training exercises in order to develop new and more difficult skills.

  
  Fun is an important, even essential, part of sports. But not every day or even week or month of participating in a sport is fun. There are times when things get hard. There are times when they are frustrating. Working though those times teaches resilience that will serve your child well long after they leaves the sport. Sure, a pattern of not having fun might signal that it is time to re-evaluate your child’s participation, but a single period of time that is “not fun” is not a good reason to quit.  On the flip side, sometimes it is time to step away and move on to another sport or activity. Children’s interest in things change. That’s normal. Passions dwindle or shift. Again watch for patterns, rather than single incidents. Encourage your child to see something through to a logical ending time (end of a month, term, season or school year). 
  
  In any event, please remember, the coaches have invested time, energy and caring into your child.  Should your child decide to not participate please let the head coach know as soon as possible.

 ** Upon creation of membership parent will require to read above policy, discuss with child and digitally sign to agree to the following before before registering child **

Competitive Program Gymnast and/or Parent Agreement

As a Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club gymnasts

• I have read and discussed with my parents/guardians the Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club
• I understand my roles and responsibilities as a gymnast and will follow the information provided in the code of
• I have read the Disciplinary Action Plan and understand that my behaviours and attitudes or my parents/guardians’ behaviours and attitudes will determine if disciplinary actions take
  
  

As a Parent/Guardian of a Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club gymnasts

• I have read and discussed with my child/children the Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics Club
• I understand my roles and responsibilities as a parent/guardian and will follow the information provided in the code of conduct and viewing
• I have read the Disciplinary Action Plan and understand that my behaviours and attitudes or my child’s/children’s will determine if disciplinary actions take