Welcome

 

Welcome to a new season of the Fort Gymnastics Club! 2023/24

 

Congratulations to those gymnasts who have been accepted into our Pre-competitive and Competitive programs. We are looking forward to a successful and fun year!

Mission Statement

 

To provide quality gymnastics instruction for all ages and all abilities emphasizing fun, fitness, safety, and progressive development at all levels. 

Privacy Policy

 

When registering for any program at Fort Gymnastics Club (FGC) the personal information collected may be used for registration, club communication, insurance, and emergency purposes by FGC staff, and Alberta Gymnastics Federation (AGF).

Club Philosophy

 

FGC is a not for profit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the full athletic, physical, and mental potential of each individual. We believe in giving everyone the chance to be as good as they want to be. 

Board of Directors

 

The Board of Directors consists of elected volunteers who govern the FGC. Board meetings are held monthly and all parents are welcome to attend. Board positions are voted on at the Annual General Meeting held in June. If you have any comments or concerns please contact our President by emailing president@fortsaskgymnastics.ca. 

Program Goals

 

• To provide the opportunity for each gymnast to reach their full potential. 

• To provide the opportunity for each gymnast to demonstrate and compete for FGC.

• To provide a facility and environment conducive to effective training at a level comparable with other clubs in the area. 

• To have fun while learning and developing new skills. 

• To promote team spirit among the gymnasts. Enthusiasm is expected for both their own accomplishments and of the team as a whole. 

Communication

 

All information from FGC is distributed to the parent/guardians through our Uplifter email. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that FGC has your current email address. A change to your email can be sent to .

This year we will also be strongly encouraging parents to join “TeamSnap”. This app will give you access to checks-ins, class changes, communication with your team and coaches, information for programming and much more.

 

You may also visit the  Fort Gymnastics website at https://fortgymnastics.uplifterinc.com 

and social media sites:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FortGymnasticsClub, 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fortgymnastics/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@fortgymnastics6506

Athlete Information

Athlete Membership

 

Athlete participation in the program is subject to continual evaluation. Characteristics such as performance, athlete’s code of conduct, attendance, effort, and other attributes, determine whether or not they will continue to participate in our more advanced programs on a yearly basis. 

Equitability/Individuality

 

Every athlete is an individual, and as such, requires unique coaching. Equitability does not mean the exact same coaching for each athlete. The coaching staff will determine the best course of action for each individual based on their strengths, weaknesses, how they progress, their personalities, and what is ultimately the best for them as individuals.

Attendance

 

Regular attendance is an important aspect of an athlete’s progress and it is imperative that gymnasts attend every training possible. No make-up classes will be offered if your child is absent. Preparedness for competition includes attendance. If there is a situation where a gymnast cannot come to training the week prior to a competition please speak to the coach or Operations Director as this may result in forfeiting the competition and refund. 

 

It is the parents’ responsibility to inform the Operations Director and/or their coach about any extended absences during the training year. This is to ensure you are aware of deadlines or events and can make arrangements if necessary. 

Athlete’s Competitive Level

 

The coaching staff decides upon each competitive athlete’s competition level/routines/skill level and all other technical components of their training.

Athlete’s Safe Sport

 

Both FGC and AGF are committed to creating a system that ensures a cohesive safe sport environment for all participants in the sport of gymnastics across our province and in Canada.

Respect in Sport 

 

All athletes who will be 13 years of age or older are required to take the Respect In Sport (RIS) certificate effective September 15, 2019. You can access the course here https://gymnasticscanada.respectgroupinc.com/koala_final/.

All staff (coaches, judges, managers, admin) are required to have completed the RIS course through Gymnastics Canada within 60 days as a term of employment.

 

Those not having the course completed prior to the start of training will not be allowed to participate at FGC.

Training Attire / Supplies

 

Gymnasts must wear a proper fitting leotard/singlet and shorts to all training days. Shorts are permitted during certain training activities provided they are fitted and worn over a leotard/singlet. Only bare feet or gymnastics slippers are allowed in the gym. Hair should be fixed tightly, and out of the gymnasts face, as this could cause difficulty for the coach spotting and the gymnasts ability to execute skills. All gymnasts should have a full plastic water bottle, a healthy snack, and a supply of their own gymnastics tape and chalk. A suitably sized gym bag to carry supplies would be helpful. For safety reasons, all jewelry and accessories should be removed.

 

Supplies 

• Chalk blocks. It is available to purchase at the gym for $2.00/block 

• Small container with lid container for chalk

• Spray bottle to assist with chalk application

• Grips  

• Grip wristbands

• Straps for on the bars

 

Competitive and Demonstration Attire

 

Competing gymnasts will be required to purchase FGC uniform items to wear for competitions.   The FGC competitive uniform includes a competitive bodysuit, FGC sweater or jacket and black leggings or black sweatpants. FGC attire will be available for demonstration and mock meets for other gymnasts as decided by the coach.

Private Lessons 

 

Private lessons are available throughout the year. These may be for polishing routines, skill development, competition preparedness, etc. Please see the Operations Coordinator during office hours to fill in the form for requesting a private; A form can also be emailed to you upon request. Competitive coaches may be available for private training time. There are no refunds for cancellations. 

Routines

 

CCP JO 1-5 levels have predetermined routines, at level 6 and higher, the gymnasts will receive a routine on floor and beam. They are required to keep these routines for 2 years unless their coach decides otherwise. Each gymnast will have two one hour sessions with the dance choreographer to learn their routine, as well as another one hour session (or two half hour sessions) for clean up and review. The fee for these routines are approximate and as follows; floor routines cost $300/routine and beam routines are $75/routine. There are no refunds for cancellation.

Use of the Gym

 

• SAFETY IS OUR MAIN CONCERN!

• All safety rules MUST be followed.

• Athletes will not be permitted to have cell phones on the floor during training.

• Gymnasts will not use any equipment or be in the gym area unless under direct supervision of a coach during training time.

• No one trains alone.

• Common sense, respect for one’s own limitations, and for other participants around, must be applied at all times.

• All accidents/incidents must be documented and reported to the Operations Director or coach on the floor.

• No outdoor shoes are allowed in the gym area. Please place shoes/boots on the boot rack, or in provided bins at the front door.

• No food, gum, beverages (except water bottles) allowed in the training area.

• No smoking, vaping, or alcohol is allowed on the premises.

• Only water in a plastic water bottle is permitted in the training area. 

• There are no specific snack breaks, and snacks are eaten alone in the viewing room at an appropriate time with permission from their coach. 

• Please be conscious of the nutritional value of their snacks.

• All gymnasts must respect the club and clean up after themselves. Hands must be washed before re-entering the gym floor. 

• We are a nut free facility. 

• Parents are welcome to observe training while refraining from distracting your child, other gymnasts, or coaches while classes are running. 

• Parents will enter the building through the main entrance and sit in the viewing room. 

• Giving verbal directions, hand signals, coaching your child, entering the gym area without permission, interference, or distractions of any kind, are not permitted. Violating this, with the discretion of the operation director, will result in no longer being able to view your child training at any time for an indeterminate length of time. 

• Should your child require your assistance, the coach will make sure they come to the viewing room at an appropriate time. 

• In the event of a fall or injury, please remain calm and stay seated in the viewing room. If you are required into the gym area a coach will ask you to come out. 

• Parents are welcome to approach their child's coach with questions or concerns before or after class. Be aware that the coach may not have time to fully address you at this time. Consider booking an appointment to allow the coach to give their undivided attention to the situation. 

• Every member of FGC is expected to treat others with dignity and respect. This includes our participants, parents, coaches, staff, and volunteers. Any behavior that is insulting, humiliating, intimidating, malicious, degrading, or offensive, is not acceptable and will result in appropriate disciplinary action. 

Athlete’s Agreement & Code of Conduct

 

Athlete’s Rights:

• The right to participate at a level that is consistent with developmental ability.

• The right to participate in a safe and healthy environment.

• The right to learn proper preparation in the sport of gymnastics.

• The right to be treated with dignity by all coaches, staff, and fellow athletes.

• The right to have fun through sport

 

Athlete’s will be expected to:

• Arrive on time for class prepared to work. 

• Follow the coach’s instructions. 

• Treat everyone with respect and courtesy. 

• Remain with the group unless permission is requested and granted from the coach. 

• Inform their coach of any absences. 

• Leave all valuables at home. The club assumes no responsibility for lost items. 

• Refrain from using cell phones during training hours. 

• Encourage your teammates. Bullying will not be tolerated. 

 

Behavior: Athletes are expected to always behave in an appropriate manner. Rowdy, disrespectful, or disruptive behavior, as well as, attempts to embarrass others, violate the code of conduct. Athletes should show respect for themselves, and others, during all training and competitions.

 

Honesty: Athletes should demonstrate honesty in communications with their coach regarding completion of programs and exercises. Cheating will not be tolerated at any level, and will result in disciplinary action decided by the coach.

 

Work Ethic: Athletes are always expected to give a continuous effort throughout practices and competitions. Best efforts should be made to complete programs developed for the athlete, as they are working hard to fulfill goals.

 

Communication: Athletes are responsible for reporting any injuries to their coach at the onset of pain. Untreated injuries can escalate and result in more serious, long-term issues. Athletes should also openly discuss with their coach concerns of any sort relating to their gymnastics, including fears. Open communication with the coach is a key component to efficient training. 

 

Harassment is defined as any behavior such as:

• Comments, gestures, or contact which causes offense or humiliation, or any conduct which is not welcomed and unsolicited.

• Psychological harm to an individual which causes fear, mistrust, or devalues the individual.

• Abuse of authority, or position.

 

The FGC believes in providing a harassment-free work, and training environment, and therefore will not tolerate any harassment by coaches, athletes, volunteers, or parents when training or competing at any club. 

• Formal harassment complaints must be put in writing and submitted to the appropriate authority.

Discipline 

 

FGC commits to the athlete and their family for the season. However, the Operations Director has the right to remove an athlete from the program at any time, temporarily or permanently, under any of the following circumstances:

• If the Operations Director in their discretion feels that the child’s temperament, development, or skill level prevents the athlete from meeting the requirements of the program.

• If the conduct of the athlete or their parents is disruptive or disrespectful.

• If the monthly fees are not being paid.

• In the event the athlete is repeatedly absent, frequently arriving late, or leaving early.

 

If there is a problem with conduct a meeting will be called between the coach, Operations Director, and the parents. The gymnast may be given a probationary period during which time improvement in behavior must be shown, or the gymnast may be asked to leave the competitive program. 

 

If a gymnasts consistently fails to adhere to the code, and policies, it may result in temporary removal and their position with the competitive program will be reevaluated. 

 

Penalties for Violation of Policy:

Any staff, parent, athlete or volunteer violating the club policies may be subjected to one or more of the following penalties:

• Verbal reprimand (written record)

• Written reprimand

• Suspension of training or employment

• Termination of membership/employment

• Legal action

 

Injury

 

In the unfortunate event that your child becomes injured or ill for an extended period we may be able to reduce or suspend your fees. You must submit any request for fee suspension to the Operations Director in writing.

 

For injuries, a doctor note must be provided stating the nature of the injury and the time required to recover. 

• Injuries incurred at gymnastics, resulting in missing more than two weeks of training, will be refunded.

• Injuries incurred outside gymnastics, resulting in missing more than one month of training, will be refunded.

 

Any athletes, who think they may have sustained a concussion, MUST see a doctor. Following this, FGC will follow the AGF concussion policy return to play protocol.

 

Athletes MUST have medical clearance to resume training. Please submit this note directly to the Operations Coordinator, in person or by email : 

admin@fortsaskgymnastics.ca

Competitions

 

The Operations Director, in consultation with the competitive coaches, will decide which competitive events gymnasts participate in, and at which level. Competitions are an integral part of this program, and the coach will determine if your child is ready to compete. Competition fees must be paid to the club by the deadline, or the gymnast will not be entered in the competition. Consent forms must be completed for each meet.  

 

Please keep in mind that competitions are selected to assist your child in preparing for a successful year. The number of meets offered for gymnasts to attend will vary for each competitive level and be decided by Coaches on an annual basis. These competitions will be shared with parents via email and parent meetings. There are some mandatory meets for various levels: 

• Level 3-5 athletes must attend the Compulsory Championships 

• Level 6+ Zones and Provincials (if they qualify)

 

The entries for meets are due as a club. All information and deadlines will be emailed to you. It is your responsibility to ensure that fees and  forms are submitted to the club on time. Sometimes competition packages have a short turnaround, and the club will do what we can to ensure everyone gets the information required. Your child will not be entered until the forms and payment are made. If your child must be scratched from a meet due to illness or injury, we ask that you talk to your coach, or email operations.director@fortsaskgymnastics.ca. Do not contact the club hosting the meet for any reason. If you have questions about the meet, please contact your coach or Operations Director and they will happily answer.

Parents

 

Parents are required to have the Respect in Sport Certificate, you can access the course here https://gymnasticscanada.respectgroupinc.com/koala_final/ please remember to link your gymnast and our gymnastics club to your course registration.

 

Parents are expected to act appropriately at competitions. Respect, good sportsmanship, and manners are required. It is your responsibility to know when and where your child competes. If you are unsure please ask their coach. 

 

Parents should not:

• Signal to, wave, talk to, or otherwise distract any gymnasts while on the competition floor from the time warm up begins until after the awards have been presented. 

• Enter the competition floor. 

• Enter conversations/discussions regarding the competition with judges or coaches before, during, or immediately after the competition. 

• Make public displays or use inappropriate language. 

• Speak negatively about other clubs, coaches, gymnasts, judges, or parents. 

 

Gymnasts

 

Gymnasts must arrive fully prepared for meets and events a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the start of warm up. Failure to be punctual may result in removal from the event, or scratched from the meet without a refund. A schedule will be provided as soon as one is available, usually a week or two prior to the meet. Any assistance with hair should be arranged for a time prior to when the gymnast is required to be ready. Gymnasts should have FGC attire available during competitions and march-ins when requested by the coach. 

 

Gymnasts may never:

• Approach any judge or judging panel before, during, or after the competition unless requested to do so. 

• Leave the competition floor during the meet without permission from their coach. 

• Enter the spectator area until the competition is over without permission from their coach. 

• Use any equipment, play games, or fool around during waiting times. 

• Speak negatively about other clubs, coaches, gymnasts, judges, or parents. 

 

All gymnasts and parents are representatives of FGC and as such are expected to show exemplary behavior and good sportsmanship

 

What to expect on Competition Day:

 

Contacting your coaches:

 

If you need to get in contact with your coach on the day of your competition  it is best to directly message your coach instead of phoning, emailing or messaging the gym.

Expectations:

Please have your gymnast arrive 30 minutes prior to the competition start time. This ensures time for any last minute preparations. 

• Make sure the athletes get a good meal before the competition. 

• Athletes arrive at the competition with hair up in their competition bun and competition suit on.

• Parents are to sit in the parent viewing section. Please refrain from talking to your child during the entirety of the competition. Cheering and picture taking (with no flash) is encouraged!

 

Competition Timeline:

• Athletes will join their coaches and teammates 30 minutes before warm up time.

• Athletes will do a 15 minute general warm up.

• Athletes will go to their first event and do a check in with the judges.

• Athletes will have a designated amount of time to warm up on each event and then complete their routine. 

• They repeat this at every apparatus. 

• Athletes from each session will gather into one designated area for awards. 

 

Competition Awards:

• CCP 1/ 2: Each athlete will earn a medal. The judges will add up each score from each event and the athletes score determines the medal they earn.

• Gold: 36.00-40.00

• Silver: 32.00-35.99

• Bronze: 31.00 or lower. 

• CCP 3-10: Athletes will compete against other athletes in their age category. Medals are given for each event and All Around for athletes who place 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Ribbons are given for each event and All Around for athletes who place 4th-8th. 

 

Live Meet App Instructions:

• Download LiveMeetApp on the app store.

• Open the app and select “Free Version” in the bottom left corner.

• Click “Active Meets” the second option from the top. 

• Select the meet you are attending. 

• Select “Sessions” the first option from the top.

• Select the session you are competing in. 

• Look for your child's name (For some larger competitions your child may be in rotation B which you can select at the top of the screen)

• After switching events select the next round at the bottom of the screen. 

• Please be aware that some competitions may not use the app or have the app ready until the day of the competition. The app will potentially lag depending on the number of users on the app. 

• Also note that the Livemeet Software once populated with gymnast birthdates (from your registration completed by your coaches) will configure groupings for competition to make manageable sized groupings. This may alter the age category slightly and your athlete may compete against younger or older competitors as a result. This will change at each competition depending on the competitor registration for that competition.

• As coaches we do not share your child's scores with them until the end of the competition to help with nerves. 

 

Packing List for Competition Day:

• Competition suit.

• Scrunchie and hair supplies.

• Black leggings or sweatpants

• FGC hoodie (or any plain sweater if you do not have the FGC sweater).

• Water bottle.

• Healthy snacks.

• Chalk and grips if your athlete has

• Any personal necessities such as tape, ankle or knee braces, deodorant, inhaler, etc.

Fees

 

The Competitive program is a 10 month program plus summer. Registration will take place in June and the gymnasts will be registered for the full year. Program fees  can be paid as a lump sum, biannually, quarterly, or as 10 monthly payments. Payment arrangements are mandatory at the time of registration.

 

Summer training fees are based on the number of hours per week each individual athlete trains during the regular season (Sept - June), and dates for training will be sent by the coaches prior to the end of the current regular training season. Summer training fees are due  in full the first week of July and calculated separately from regular program fees.

 

Competitive program fees are based on the number of athletes in the program and therefore it is important to understand that you must pay the entire amount whether your child is at all of the training sessions or not as we must pay our staff for the entire year. There are no adjustments for holidays, or missed training days  for other activities. If your child becomes ill or injured for an extended period of time, then you may be eligible for a reduction. Please contact the office  if you require more information.

 

Payment of all registration fees must be arranged at the time of registration via credit card, post dated cheque, or cash up front. Any post dated payment options must be received at the time of registration but can be dated for the date due.

AGF Insurance

 

The Alberta Gymnastics Federation (AGF) insurance fee is mandatory and MUST be paid IN FULL prior to participation in the first class. Typically this is July 1 of every new competitive program season. These fees are subject to change and are set by AGF and cover your gymnast from July 1- June 30 of each year.. See their website for more information: https://www.abgym.ab.ca/ 

 

AGF Annual Insurance and Registration Fee 

 

* WAG - Woman's Artistic Gymnastics

**CCP - Canadian Competitive Program

*** MAG - Men's Artistic Gymnastics

**Insurance can be upgraded mid season if needed.

 

Training Fees

 

 

Summer Training Fees

 

Summer programming is mandatory, payment is required in the first week of July. Your child can attend only the minimum or all the summer classes available. 

 

 

Uniform Costs

 

Training suits (bodysuits) are required for training and it is recommended to own at least three Costs below are approximate and may change:

 

WAG:

• Competitive suit $125

• Training Suit  (bodysuits)  $40

• Hooded Jacket  $55

 

MAG:

• Boys Singlet $65   

• Boys Shorts $30  

• Boys Longs $60

• Hooded Jacket  $55

 

Routine Costs (Level 6+)

 

• Floor $300/routine

• Beam $75/routine

Competition Expenses

 

The costs incurred to participate at competitions, whether local or out of town, are the sole responsibility of the family of the gymnast participating in these events. These expenses include meals, hotels and travel to and from the location. It will be the responsibility of the parents to organize any travel and accommodations for these events. Be aware there may be a viewing and/or parking fee at most competitions. 

 

Competition registration usually costs $120 or more.

 

In our 2023/24 season, we will be introducing an option to add on additional costs at the beginning of the year. That amount would then be added to your monthly payment and reduce the chances of any other monies being owed throughout the season. You will find the form needed to utilize this option, in Appendix 2. You can also fill out a google form. https://forms.gle/g4nhJr5xrAaH33oW7

 

Competition Coach Fees

FGC will add a fee to each competition registration to cover the cost of coach expenses and will base this on the number of gymnasts and coaches attending a particular competition. This fee is meant to cover coach expenses like travel, meals, accommodation, and coach salaries during the event. This fee is reviewed annually and is approved by the Board of Directors.

Refunds/Withdrawal 

 

All competitions, FGC attire, insurance, fundraising, and ticket deposits are non-refundable. 

 

Class fees are refundable for various reasons and are only given on fees already paid. If fees are not paid they are still due. For injuries, a doctor note must be provided stating the nature of the injury, and the time required to recover. 

• Injuries incurred at gymnastics, resulting in missing more than two weeks of training, will be refunded.

• Injuries incurred outside gymnastics, resulting in missing more than one month of training, will be refunded.

• Moving/no longer wish to remain in the program, fees are due to the end of the month following when notice is given. For example, if on November 1 you inform us via email that your child no longer wishes to be in the program, fees are due until the end of the month following this notice, which would be the end of December. In this case you would pay November 1 and December 1 fees. 

• No partial refunds will be given on session fees due to absence for holidays, or other activities as chosen by families. 

• No refunds will be given for gymnasts who have been removed from the program due to lack of participation. 

 

Arrears

 

Please note that any gymnast with fees in arrears at the end of June will not be permitted to continue in the competitive program until all payment is arranged. Any family in arrears for 30 days will be charged a $25 administrative fee, and NSF cheques are subject to a $50 fee. Any family whose fees fall 45 days in arrears may be suspended from the club until payment is made in full. Should payments not be made, the balance owing will be sent to collections and you will then be responsible for the fees owing as well as the legal costs to obtain payment. If your account is in arrears, your child will not be eligible to compete. 

Fundraising

Due to the number of hours of training required, the hourly cost for the competitive program is reduced when compared to the recreational program. Because of this, the Board of Directors require a commitment from competitive parents to assist the club in various fundraising and volunteer events throughout the year to ensure the best success of our club. See Policy #8002 COMPETITIVE PROGRAM VOLUNTEER DEPOSIT AND FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENTS in Appendix #1. 

 

Every competitive participant mentioned above, is subject to a Volunteer Deposit which requires a minimum number of credits of volunteer time or minimum volume of fundraising sales or combination of both with FGC per season. The number of credits is dependent on the number of hours of training. (See attached chart below.) During registration a MANDATORY volunteer deposit will be added to your registration fees, we will also accept a post dated cheque for families with no payment method on Uplifter. 

 

Parents are expected to help out with their children’s competitive team/group. While this is a valued form of assistance, with the exception of team officials, this is NOT considered part of FGC’s official Volunteer Commitment unless stated on this form or on the official volunteer duty list.

 

For families with multiple children; The child with the highest number of volunteer credits required, will be charged at full price; each additional participant will only be charged $100 (regardless of the number of hours in training). 

 

Credits can also be earned during fundraising events. For every $100 in products you sell, you will earn 1 credit. Every hour of volunteer time is valued at $25/hr.

 

When the volunteer commitment is completed, the volunteer requirement will be removed from your account. If you pre-paid, the amount will be credited back onto your account, or the cheque will be shredded.  It is the responsibility of the participant/family to ensure that their volunteer commitment has been completed by the end of the season, which is typically the last week of June.

 

Those who do not fulfill their commitment or do not wish to volunteer will be considered to have chosen the “buy out” option above. If you do not wish to volunteer, please let administration know when registering and choose the “buy out” option. 

Appendices:

Appendix 1 - 

POLICY 8002 COMPETITIVE PROGRAM VOLUNTEER DEPOSIT AND FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENTS

 

 

1.0 Purpose

To outline how Fort Gymnastics Club (FGC) receives volunteer deposits from Competitive Program Members.

2.0 Scope

This policy applies to the parents or guardians of the Competitive participants in regards to the volunteer deposit paid during the registration process. It does not apply to any other registration fees. Every participant mentioned above, is subject to this Volunteer Deposit Fee which requires a minimum number of credits of volunteer time or minimum volume of fundraising sales or combination of both with FGC per season. The number of credits is dependent on the number of hours of training. (See attached chart below.) The deposit will be added to your registration fees, and credited back to your account, after the completion of your volunteer time. You must have a credit card saved on file or we will require a post dated check.

3.0 Terms

Volunteer Deposit– A levy valued at $25/hr on each registered competitive participant which has proven to be very successful in amateur sports as a way of ensuring that there are enough people to help with the activities of the organization throughout the season. 

Competitive Participant – Any participant registered in a 10 month competitive program through FGC.

Volunteer Opportunities – Volunteer duties available from registration to June 30 for each gymnastics calendar year. 

‘Participant/Family’ – Refers to where there are one or multiple participants from one family/household registered. 

Volunteer Commitment – A predetermined number of credits of volunteer time to the organization per participant per season. (See chart below) If multiple children (of the same immediate family) are registered in the same season the max number of required volunteer credits will be capped at 15 credits per family. 

Competitive Season - July 1 to June 30th of every calendar year.

Competitive Registration Period - June 1 to August 31 of every year. 

 

Buy out Value - If a parent or guardian is unable to provide time for volunteer duties, they may opt in to paying the buy out value (See chart below) at any time during the Competitive Season.

4.0 Policy

4.1 Parents are expected to help out with their children’s competitive team/group. While this is a valued form of assistance, with the exception of team officials, this is NOT considered part of FGC’s official Volunteer Commitment unless stated on this form or on the official volunteer duty list.

 

4.2 During registration a MANDATORY volunteer deposit will be added to your registration fees, we will also accept a post dated cheque for families with no payment method on Uplifter. 

 

4.3 For families with multiple children; The child with the highest number of volunteer credits required, will be charged at full price; each additional participant will only be charged $100 (regardless of the number of hours in training). 

 

4.4 Credits can also be earned during fundraising events. For every $100 in products you sell, you will earn 1 credit.

 

4.5 At the time of registration, participants/parents will be provided with various  volunteer opportunities throughout the season. Each position will have a point value beside it (ranging from 0.5 - 5). 

 

4.6 When the volunteer commitment is completed, the volunteer requirement will be removed from your account. If you pre-paid, the amount will be credited back onto your account, or the cheque will be shredded. 

 

4.7 In most cases, the volunteer commitment needs to be served by a responsible adult over the age of 18. This person does not need to be related to the participant, but clearly needs to indicate the participant on whose behalf they are volunteering when signing in for their volunteer duty. All volunteers must have a clean criminal record, if you will be working with our participants or products. If a criminal record check is required, we will supply you with a document to obtain this form. 

 

4.7 For safety and insurance reasons, most volunteer commitments are not conducive for young children to accompany their parents. Please assume all positions are for just the person fulfilling the volunteer duty and reach out to check with the Operations Coordinator or Board Member in charge of each event beforehand if you’d like to bring your child. 

 

 4.8 It is the responsibility of the participant/family to ensure that their volunteer commitment has been completed by the end of the season, which is typically the last week of June.

 

 4.9 Information about current volunteer opportunities will be available on our website, via mass email communication, or by contacting the Operations Coordinator. Please check to ensure our mass emails do not end up in a ‘junk’ folder, as this is not an excuse for not fulfilling your commitment. 

 

4.10 All Volunteer deposits will be placed on the families uplifter account and volunteer hours/fundraising amounts will be tracked and credited quarterly as volunteer requirements are completed. Any remaining volunteer credit requirements will be charged on the last fee payment of the season (June 1st) at a rate of $25 per credit not completed.

 

4.11 If a volunteer commitment has been made and the commitment cannot be fulfilled, the participant/family is responsible for providing a replacement volunteer.

 

 4.12 If a volunteer commitment has been made and the person fails to appear for their commitment the volunteer commitment cannot be rescheduled and all remaining volunteer fees for that participant/family will not be refunded. No other volunteer opportunities will be provided for no-shows or last minute cancellations. If you volunteer it is your responsibility to ensure you have a contact number for an FGC staff or board member in case something comes up and you are unable to make it. 

 

 4.13 FGC Executive Board of Directors (BOD) are all considered to have fulfilled their volunteer requirement to FGC by fulfilling their role on the BOD. 

 

4.13 To have the volunteer credits applied, the volunteer commitment needs to be completed and recorded by the FGC representative responsible for tracking volunteer credits. If someone other than the parents/guardians named on the volunteer form completes the commitment, they are responsible to notify the appropriate FGC representative. 

 

4.15 Any disputes or challenges to the volunteer deposit must be on file with FGC within 30 days of processing. 

 

4.16 Once the commitment for the season is fulfilled the volunteer requirement will be removed from your account. Those who do not fulfil their commitment or do not wish to volunteer will be considered to have chosen the “buy out” option above. If you do not wish to volunteer, please let administration know when registering and choose the “buy out” option.

 

4.17 At the end of the volunteer duty your volunteer deposit will be refunded via credit on your account or returned onto the credit used to make the payment. If you made your deposit with debit or cash then you will receive a check in the mail, unless you’d like to have it added as a credit on account. 

 

4.18 A detailed list of Volunteer duties will be given to parents via email/face-to-face during pre-season registration. Jobs will also be posted through Uplifter and will be posted on our bulletin board. An email will be sent out to all competitive families each time we add new volunteer opportunities, we will also update the list on our bulletin board. It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure they are checking for these opportunities. 

 

4.19 All volunteer opportunities will be sent out to all parents at the same time. FGC is not responsible for how quickly they fill up. You will not be eligible for a refund larger than you paid, so please do not volunteer for more than 5 hours until all families have been given an opportunity to reach their totals. If we are having a hard time fulfilling the positions, FGC will gladly accept any parent volunteers at the time, and will send out a special request. 

Appendix 2 - 

COMPETITIVE PROGRAM MONTHLY PAYMENT ADD-ON REQUEST

 

Dear Parents with children in competitive programming, FGC would like to offer an option for the 2023/24 season to help alleviate the financial pressures of coming up with the additional funds outside of your monthly fees. These additional competitive costs typically include: Competition registration fees, bodysuits, sweaters, etc. 

 

You will now have the option to add on a lump sum at the beginning of the year, this amount would then be divided by 10 and added to your monthly payment plan. 

 

Example: (estimated prices only, as we do not have prices for the next year):

 

If your costs go above what you have added to your fees, admin would contact you and payment would be collected/added to your account at that time. If you have a balance remaining, it would be stored as a credit on your account.

 

Please fill out the form below BEFORE completing your registration, so monthly fees can be adjusted accordingly, before it is added to your account.

 

I understand that if I withdraw from the program before the 10 months, I may have a balance owing since the additional amount is divided over the 10 months.  ______initial

 

Please return paper copy to admin, or scan and email a copy to: admin@fortsaskgymnastics.ca

Appendix 3 - 

RELEASE FROM VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT

In the 2023/24 FGC gymnastics season, parents with children in competitive programming will have the option to earn Volunteer Credits in lieu of paying the Volunteer deposit up front. (You must have a card on file or provide a post-dated cheque to qualify for this option.) Parents will also have the option to reach fundraising sales commitments to earn credits as well. 

 

**Please see Policy # 8002 Competitive Program Volunteer Deposit and Fundraising Requirements for all the information you will need to know regarding volunteering, fundraising and your requirements. 

 

If you have no intentions of volunteering and would like to pay the deposit at registration, please complete the following form.   

 

 Please return completed forms to admin during office hours or email a copy to: admin@fortsaskgymnastics.ca 

 

 

Thanks

Operations Coordinator