Spirit Cheers Academy
2017/18 Registration Information
Registration fee: $100
 includes USASF membership fee
Dates to Remember
March 26th , April 9th, April 23rd, April 30th
Open Gym Sundays 5-7pm $10 an athlete come Prepare for Evaluations!
March 12- 31st
Early Registration—Register for only $75!
Current SCA members- register for only $50!!
May 22nd
5-6 yr old evaluations 5:30-6:30pm
7-8 yr old evaluations 6:30-8pm
May 23rd
May 24th
May 25th
9-11 yr old evaluations 6-7:30pm
11 and up evaluations 6-7:30pm
Call backs for all ages advanced level and stunt evaluations
6-8pm
May 31st
June 5th
Team emails will go out with practice schedules
First week of Practices!!!!
Welcome to the SCA Family!!
Spirit Cheers Academy
Communication
Most communication is done through email. We also utilize a team app to
keep competition schedules up to date.
The “Remind” app will be used for last minute communication on competition days
or just to “remind” parents of themed practices and events.
IF you have any questions or concerns always feel free to contact
Kim Sacco at [email protected]
Your child’s coach will contact you with the best way to contact them in a case of
emergency or if your child will be late to practice. Please be mindful of the time of
day, if it is out of normal business hours please send an email, NOT Text.
Team Placements
Our teams are designed to give each team an equal chance for success
within their division. Some of the factors that come into play when forming a team
are an athlete’s maturity, abilities at stunting, tumbling, pyramids, tosses, jumps,
dance, motions and also age. Having a balance and variety of each of these
factors are important for a team to be successful. Every athlete is on a team for a
reason - please trust the staff. A skill will only be counted for an athlete if they are
able to demonstrate the proper technique while performing that skill. A parent or
an athlete’s idea of having a certain skill may vary from the coaches’ idea of
whether or not that athlete has a skill due to their technique. As mentioned above
there are various factors involved in creating a team with the best chance for
success. Although tumbling is important, it is not the only thing considered when
forming a team. Strong skills in all areas of cheerleading are necessary in order to
do well and all areas will be taken into account when placing athletes on teams.
Please take note that no athlete has an absolute guarantee of a roster spot on a
particular team from one season to the next. Cheerleading is a unique sport in
which every athlete is required to be a part of the performance. Additionally, no
athlete has a right or guarantee to any particular role or location in a routine. There
are various reasons coaches may move athletes to different spots in a formation or
to a different stunt group. Aspects such as the flow of choreography or a difference
of formations are just some of the many reasons for athletes to be moved to
different spots.
Finally, athletes may be removed from a certain team or from our program at any
time for reasons which may include but are not limited to: absences, tardiness, skill
loss, lack of improvement, financial issues, and personality conflicts between
athletes, coaches, parents, or anyone involved in our program. There will be no
refunds of tuition given after removal from a team or voluntary leave.
Age Divisions
NEW USASF Age Requirements for 2017/18
**All ages are as of August 31,2017 **
Pre-Team Expo
ages 3-6
Routine Time Limit: 1:30 No building skills permitted.
Tumbling skills limited to forward rolls and cartwheels.
Pre Team will perform at 3-4 Local competitions
Tiny
ages 5-6
PREP—Compete less, different uniforms, Routine time limit 2:00.
Mini
ages 5-8
(athletes under age 7 will only be placed on this team if they excel in all
aspects of cheerleading)
Youth
ages 6-11
(athletes under age 9 will only be placed on this team if they excel in all
aspects of cheerleading)
Junior
ages 8-14
(athletes under age 11 will only be placed on this team if they excel in all
aspects of cheerleading)
Senior
ages 11-18
(athletes under age 14 will only be placed on this team if they excel in all
aspects of cheerleading)
SCA All Star Skills for Levels
Tumbling Skills
LEVEL 1
Basic- Forward Roll, Bridge,
Cartwheel, back bend Kick-over,
handstand
LEVEL 2
Basic- Standing Back handspring,
Back walkover BHS , Round-off
BHS, BHS Step out
Prep/ cradles, Braced
Extension, Single leg skills
below prep level, Prep
level (braced) or below
Advanced- Backward roll, Round Tic Tocks and body
off, Front walkover, Back walkover flexibility Skills—heel
stretch, arabesque,
scale, scorpion
Advanced- RO to Multiple BHS,
front walk over -round off- BHS,
other running passes
LEVEL 3
Stunt Skills
Basic- Jump to BHS, Standing BHS
Series, RO Tuck, RO BHS Tuck
Advanced- Punch Front tuck,
running series ending in a tuck
** RO- Round Off
BWO- Back walk over
Extensions, Barrel Rolls, All
flexibility on single leg at
prep level, ½ twist
transitions, Prep level tic
tocks and Extended
single legs (Braced)
Straight ride Basket
Tosses
Extended Single leg
flexibility with straight
cradled, extension with
full twist down, Full twist
up to prep, Flipping
stunts below prep level,
Braces release moves in
Pyramid, 1 skill Basket
tosses
BHS- Back hand spring
SCA TIME COMMITMENT
Punctual attendance at all team practices, tumbling, competitions, choreography
& awards ceremonies is mandatory for all SCA team members. Please take into
consideration competitions, performances (if any), and team practices when
scheduling family-related activities. The enforcement of all attendance-related
issues is at the discretion Coach and Director.
In efforts to help families keep track of events, we will maintain a calendar on Team
App through out the season.
PRACTICE
Team practices will be held up to twice a week for 1-3 hours depending on
age and level. Additional practices may be added as needed, especially in the
weeks prior to competitions.
Team specific schedules will be emailed out with Team announcements by
May 31st . Team practices will begin on June 5th.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
All team Practices are Mandatory and must be attended by all team
members so the team can excel in their division. Any Lateness or absence from
practice must be emailed to the coach in advance.
All Scheduled Vacations MUST BE SUBMITTED by the end of June 2017. Vacations will
be excused as long as we have the dates by the deadline. This also helps when
making the competition schedule. SCA does its best to work around prescheduled
vacations- we know we all need a work/life balance.
Excused Absences can include but not limited to:
Graded School Events (coach must be told prior to the absence), Contagious
illness With Dr. Note, Funeral.
UNExcused Absences can include but not limited to:
Family parties, birthdays, homework, transportation issues, not feeling well
(athlete must come and watch practice).
Unexcused absences are given two warnings throughout the year. This DOES
NOT mean that each athlete is entitled to two “free absences.” All absences affect
the team in a negative way and decrease the chance of success for that team. A
third unexcused absence may result in an athlete being moved out of his or her
spot in their routine, Sitting out of a competition or dismissal from the program if it is
excessive.
ALL athletes MUST Attend Every Practice the week of competition. If an athlete
misses a competition week practice they will not be permitted to compete. It will
then be at the coach’s discretion if the athlete can be replaced or if the team will
be pulled from the competition with no refunds or rescheduling.
ATTENDANCE IS CRUCIAL TO A TEAM’S SUCCESS. ATHLETES NOT
ATTENDING PRACTICE CAUSE A HUGE INCONVENIENCE AND UNFAIRNESS
TO THE OTHERS ON THE TEAM.
Practice Expectations
If you have an extenuating circumstance that makes you unable to get your
child to practice you are required to contact your coach PRIOR to practice. It is at
the coach’s discretion as to whether it will be excused or unexcused.
1. Please have your child arrive for practice 5 min before we begin so that
everyone can warm up together. Warming up is extremely important for their
bodies, as cheerleading is a full body workout.
2. Cheerleaders will wear well-fitting clothing. All Star team will have 2 practice
wear sets they will alternate on practice days. Pre-Team and All Star Prep teams
will wear black shorts and a Purple or White top on alternating practice days.
3. Cheerleaders are NOT permitted to wear any type of denim to practice. Denim
does not allow proper movement for cheerleading.
4. Cheerleaders MUST wear sneakers. Once you receive your cheer sneakers, the
girls are expected to wear them for practice. However they should ONLY be
worn in the practice facility. So your child should change into and out of them at
the facility. This will keep them clean for competition and prevent you from
having to scrub their sneakers or possibly have to purchase new sneakers.
5. Cheerleaders must have their hair UP for practice, if your child does not have
hair away from their face they will have to sit out for that practice.
6. Cheerleaders may bring a drink for breaks. WATER ONLY is permitted in the
practice facility.
7. Cheerleaders are expected to work as a team and support each other. Any
cheerleader that does not display this behavior will be asked to sit out of the
activity at that time.
8. If a parent has any questions or concerns please feel free to talk to your child’s
coach before or after practice only. Please do not interrupt your child’s practice.
Competitions
All competitions and their awards ceremonies are mandatory for all team
members. Please do not plan to leave an event after the team performs.
We participate in several local and national competitions throughout the year. Our
Competition season is Dec/Jan thru May.
These competitions provide our program with an opportunity to showcase our
talents and compete with other programs. We strongly encourage parents, family,
and friends to attend these competitions to help show support for all of our teams.
All athletes will be expected to be present and show support for all Spirit Cheers
Academy teams. The competition Schedule will be given once complete
sometime in August.
2017/18 Gym Holidays
The following dates the Gym will be closed
July 5th, Oct. 31st, Nov. 23rd&24th, Dec. 23rd-26th , Dec. 31st- Jan. 2nd , April 1st.
Financial Commitment and Costs
REGISTRATION
Registration fee is $100 due Annually, a $25 discount is given to returning
athletes.
This fee includes your child’s USASF Registration for competitions as well.
REFERRAL PROGRAM
For every NEW athlete that registers and places a current athlete’s name on
the form as “how did you hear about SCA” that current athlete will receive a SCA
Hoodie, as well as Free tuition in SEPTEMBER, provided the newly registered athlete
is still with the organization. Bring more then one new athlete…. Receive $25 off
each month after Sept. ( up to $75) --Ex. Susie brings 3 friends to SCA—She will
receive a Hoodie , Free Sept tuition and $25 off October and November tuitions!!!
MULTIPLE CHILD DISCOUNT
For families with multiple children living in the same house, the 2nd child will
receive 10% off tuition Only, Additional children will receive a 15% discount on
Tuition only.
TUITION AND ADDITIONAL FEES
Tuition: 10% off if paid in full by June 30, 2017
Pre-Team & Tiny Prep
$ 75 monthly June – April Season total $825
Mini and Youth L1& L2
$ 100 monthly June –April Season total $1,100
Junior & Senior L1 &L2
$ 125 Monthly June – April Season Total $1,375
** an additional $15 monthly will be added for Levels 3 and up**
** May tuition will be collected if we attend an end of season event in May**
*** Tuition will include One Open Tumble class per athlete per week ***
Tumble classes by level will be available for an additional cost
Additional fees:
The fees listed below will be combined and paid in 6 monthly installments from
June thru November.
PRE-TEAM &TINY PREP
MINI & YOUTH L1 & L2
JUNIOR & SENIOR
L1& L2
Practice Wear
Sneakers
Bow
Music
Choreo
Competition Fee
Optional
$ 65
$ 25
$ 50
N/A
$ 200
$110
$ 90
$ 25
$ 90
$ 75
$500
$110
$ 90
$ 25
$ 90
$ 75
$500
Total amount
$ 340
$ 890
$ 890
Monthly Payment
$ 57
$ 149
$149
** you are welcome to pay in full at any time, however there is no discount on
additional fees. We will have fundraising opportunities available to off set these
expenses.
The Following fees will be paid as stated
Uniform Cost: Full payment Due in August
Pre-team
$100 ** a tank and short set**
Tiny Prep
$225 ** same as last season**
We will host a Uniform Sale/Swap in July
All Full Year teams $ 350 ** New Uniforms this season**
Warm Up Jacket Payment due in October
$90
If we attend an End of Season Competition – fees and Travel expenses Vary
Quick view of Total Year Expenses
Registration
Tuition
Additional
expenses
Uniform
Pre team and
Tiny Prep
$100
$825
$340
$100 (pre team)
$225 (tiny prep)
Warm up Jacket
$80
End of Season N/A- Pre Team
competition
Cost Varies
Mini and Youth
$100
$1,100
$890
Junior and
Senior
$100
$1,375
$890
$350
$350
$80
Cost varies
$80
Cost Varies
Total Season
$1,445 pre team
$2,520
$2,794
11 months
$1,570 Tiny Prep
** May tuition will be collected if we attend an end of season event**
How do SCA costs compare to other Local Gyms??
South Jersey Storm Programs * costs taken from SJS website Feb. 2017*
Expo(pre Team) Tiny program
Traditional All
Star Program
Registration
$150
$150
$200
Monthly Tuition $150 (Inclusive) $ 175
$315 *includes
(Inclusive)
one open tumble
a week.
Season Total
$1,950
$2,250
$3,780
*This cost DOES NOT include
extra tumble class, Uniform,
warm up, team bag or any end of
season competition
SJS Full Year
Prep
Registration
$150
Monthly Tuition $210 Inclusive
Year total cost $2,520 * does not
Practice 1 time weekly only local
comps
include Uniform or
sneakers
Cheer Force Elite Programs *Costs taken from CFE Website Feb. 2017*
Tiny
Registration
Tuition
Additional fees
Season Total
$125
$60
*Not stated
$845 *plus any
Full Year
Mini/Youth
$125
$90
$1,575
$2,780
Full Year
Junior/Senior
$125
$100
$1,575
$2,900
additional fees
The other local gym does Not post their costs on their website, so I was unable to
compare costs.
POLICY
Tuition will be due on the 1st of each month, with the exception of June. June
tuition will be due at the first Team Practice of the season.
Additional fee payment will be due on the 15th of each month starting in June thru
and including November. I understand that if I am 15-30 days behind in any
payment that my child may be moved in positioning in skills throughout the routine.
I also under stand that if I am 30-60 days behind on any payment that my child will
be asked to leave the program and I am still responsible for the quitters fee as well
as any and all past due fees.
POLICY CON’T
Competitive Cheer holds a strong time and financial commitment.
Those who plan to join SCA must be financially prepared to plan for all
the aforementioned expenses. This includes but is not limited to Uniform,
sneakers, warm up jacket, competition fees and travel expenses.
There will be NO refunds or credits for vacations, absences, or
cancellations of practices or competitions. Just as we will not ask for fees
if an SCA Coach decides to add additional practices. (Usually leading
up to big competition weekends… if needed)
If for any reason your athlete is dismissed from the team, there are
No Refunds, even if tuition was paid in full, and you are responsible for all
expenses due up to and including the month of your dismissal from SCA.
If you CHOOSE to Leave SCA after July 1st, you will be Liable for a
$200 “quitters fee” Along with 50% of the remaining tuition for your
athlete (and /or family if multiple children are enrolled. )
TRAVEL
Unless notified by SCA-- All transportation, lodging and other related
travel planning is the sole responsibility of the athlete’s parents. Please be
prepared for at least one over night competition during regular season
and possibly one End of Season Event. This will depend on the team
winning a Bid to these events at qualifying competitions. Possible travel
destinations for end of season could be Virginia Beach, VA for US Finals,
Orlando, FL for D2 Summit. Other events may be possible and the
coaching staff will decide the event that will be attended.
Photo and video
All competitive routines are property of Spirit Cheers, LLC. No Photos or Videos
of any part of the competition routines may be shared publicly at any time through
out the season. There will be a SCA Member Facebook page created for families to
share pictures and videos from performances. You are welcome to share photos
and video at the completion of our competitive season. Rule of thumb if it’s on the
mat- Don’t post it.
SPIRIT CHEERS ACADEMY
FINANCIAL CONTRACT
I, _______________________________ Parent of _________________________
Understand and Agree to the following Financial Commitment set forth by SPIRIT CHEERS, LLC.
(“organization”)
_______1. I am responsible for the monthly tuition set forth by the organization This amount Is
based on the team my child is placed on and is outlined in the registration packet I have
received.
_______2. June tuition will be due at the first practice of the season. Beginning in July thru April,
tuition will be due on the 1st of each month. May Tuition will be collected if your athlete’s team
attends an end of season event.
_______3. Monthly cost for additional fees will be paid by the 15th of each month starting in June
thru and including November. This amount Is based on the team my child is placed on and is
outlined in the registration packet I have received.
_______4. I understand that if I am 15-30 days behind in any payment that my child may be
moved in positioning in skills throughout the routine. I also under stand that if I am 30-60 days
behind on any payment that my child will be asked to leave the program and I am still
responsible for the quitters fee = 50% of remaining tuition as well as any and all past due fees.
______5. I understand that the cost of my child’s uniform, warm up jacket and competition travel
expenses are not included in the “additional fees” set forth by the organization.
_______6. I understand that the cost of competition fees and travel expenses for any end of
season event is NOT included in the “additional fees” set forth by the organization. And I will be
notified of these fees as the coaching staff decides on an event.
_______7. I understand that there are absolutely NO REFUNDS on any payments made to the
organization for any reason.
_______8. I understand that if my child/ren are dismissed from the organization that I am
responsible for all fees up to and including the month my child was dismissed.
_______9. I understand that if my child chooses to leave, or I as a parent pull my child from the
organization, that I am responsible for all fees up to and including the month we leave AS WELL AS
a $200 Quitters fee AND 50% of the remaining tuition for the season.
PARENT SIGNATURE:__________________________________________________
DATE:_____________________________
SCA Representive:___________________
Spirit Cheers Academy
Athlete, Parent and Coach Expectations
Everyone associated with Spirit Cheers Academy (SCA) (i.e.,
coaches, athletes, family members, etc.) is expected to uphold a high
level of sportsmanship and character. Positive attitudes, words, and
actions are expected at all times. Squad members and Parents must fully
understand their roles as SCA representatives. They are highly visible
symbols of the Spirit Cheers Academy program, and therefore must
conduct themselves appropriately at all times. They should do nothing
which will bring embarrassment to SCA, to themselves and/or their
families.
Sportsmanship and team unity are very important to our organization.
Please be courteous and considerate to all teams and athletes. This
includes other All-Star programs and other SCA teams. Please do not
speak negatively about any person, decision, or result. This includes
social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat) and message
boards! We strive to teach our athletes respect and sportsmanship. We
have a zero tolerance anti-bullying program. If a parent or athlete is
found bullying, we have the right to immediately remove them from the
program with no refund of fees and subject to the quitter’s fee as stated
in the financial contract. Foul or abusive language by athletes or
parents during competitions or practice will not be tolerated and is
grounds for dismissal.
All parents & visitors are not allowed in the gym’s practice area during
practices.
The parent viewing area is a privilege. Parents or visitors of athletes
that are excessively distracting, negative, rude, or persist in gossiping
about team members, coaches, or the gym will be banned from the
viewing area and may be asked to leave the program. We want a
positive team environment for our athletes and a positive teaching
environment for our coaches.
Spirit Cheers Academy
Etiquette and Conduct Policy
Spirit Cheers Academy takes great pride in our athletes and their
representation of us as an Association. This policy governs your etiquette and
conduct while attending events in the Spirit Cheers Academy gym, competitions
and team sponsored events. We all represent SCA’s reputation every time we
enter a building or event wearing a SCA logo. This carries the responsibility of
representing all of the families, athletes, and coaches who have helped us build an
impeccable reputation within the cheerleading community. We are proud of
having parents that appreciate our sport done well. Therefore, we have a very
specific expectation of our parent, athlete, and coaches’ etiquette and conduct.
They are:
- Cheer for all SCA teams the best you can! They need you and want
the support!
- Cheer for all jobs well done! Even if it is NOT a SCA team.
- Never speak negatively of another program!
- We must respect the rules of preferred seating at the competition.
- We only and always cheer when our Team Names are called during
awards. No matter what the placement. Good sportsmanship
comes from the athletes and the parents.
- Let coaches COACH!
- Never address an official! If you respect the decision when we win
then you must do the same if things do not go our way.
- If you have an issue with how a coach handled a situation, please do
not approach the coach at the event or during practice, but
address them after the fact.
- Athletes must never show PDA (public displays of affection) in a SCA
Uniform.
- Carry yourself with class at all times.
- SCA families focus on SCA athletes only!
- When things don’t go our way...we go back to the gym and work
hard!
We are so proud of each and every one of our athletes!
The Spirit Cheers Academy Parent Pledge
As a parent, I acknowledge that I am a role model.
I will remember that this is a learning experience for all SCA parents and athletes. I
MUST show respect for all athletes, coaches, spectators, officials, and support
groups. I will support SCA and all decisions made by our coaches and staff.
I will remember that I am representing my child, as well as SCA and all its athletes
and coaches. All still shots or video of SCA routine is property of SCA, therefore all
videos or still shots will not be posted on social media (Facebook, InstaGram,
TWITTER, ETC.) until the completion of our season.
I will follow the above pledge and understand that my actions will have
consequences and I will be held accountable for them.
Breaking the SCA Etiquette and Conduct Policy guarantees a response by the
organization and the consequences may be severe. Because many violations may
not be severe in nature, SCA may use a certain amount of subjectivity when
determining the consequences; while a chronic violator may find his/her
membership suspended or terminated, another may get a verbal warning.
Consequences for violating this policy are as follows:
1st violation: $25 fine and violator will be denied access to SCA for 2 weeks and
SCA athlete must still attend all activities
2nd violation: athlete removed from next event and no fees will be reimbursed
3rd violation: removal from SCA team and no fees will be reimbursed and any and
all past dues fees and SCA Quitters fee as stated in the financial agreement will be
due with in 30 days. ($200 fine PLUS half of the remaining Tuition)
ALL PARENTS (OR GUARDIANS,(ie: mom and dad) MUST SIGN THIS POLICY IN ORDER
FOR PARTICIPATION IN SCA ACTIVITIES. By signing this policy, you agree to comply
with all respects with these terms and conditions as they may be amended,
updated, or revised from time to time.
This policy became effective March 1, 2017.
__________________________ ATHLETE NAME
__________________________ GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
__________________________ GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
DATE: __________________
COACH: __________________________ DIRECTOR: ________________ Kimberly Sacco
Spirit Cheers Academy
Registration Form
Child’s information
First Name:_______________
Date of Birth:____/____/____
Last :______________
Age as of August 31st*________
I am a _____Returning cheerleader ______ New Cheerleader
If New, How did you hear about SCA? ____________________________________
Does the child have any cheer/tumble experience? Yes No
If Yes, where and when?________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Information
First Name:__________________ Last:___________________
Relationship to child:______________________
Address:
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Phone #____________________ *Please list the best number to contact you*
Email address: _____________________________________
Additional Information
*Please note ALL cheerleaders age 5 and up MUST attend evaluations
All athletes will be placed on a team that best fits their age and skills.
This season’s Evaluations will take place the week of May 22-26th
_________________________________________________________________
Spirit Cheers Use Only
Registration date:_____________
Type of Payment: Cash
Credit
Check #_________
Medical Release Form
I hereby give my permission of any and all medical attention necessary to be administered to my child
(Name)___________________________ in the event of an accident, injury, sickness, etc., under the direction of the
SPIRIT CHEERS LLC.
This release is effective for a period of one (1) year from the date given below. I also hereby assume the
responsibility for payment of any such treatment.
If I am not on location where the medical attention is necessary, I designate the following to act on my behalf:
1.) A Spirit Cheers LLC representative.
2.) A Competition Representative where my child is participating in a competition.
Home Address:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Home Phone #:
____________________________
Insurance Company: ___________________________________
Policy Number:
________________________________________
Child’s Physician Name: _________________ Phone #:___________
Physician’s Address: _______________________________________
Any Known Allergies: ______________________________________
In the event of an emergency and I can not be reached Please contact the following :
Name: __________________________________________
Phone #:
____________________________________
Signature of Parent/ Guardian: ______________________________________
Subscribed and Sworn to before me, This the _____ Day of _________, 20____
Notary ______________________________________
Seal
CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION FORM
Athlete’s Name: ____________________________________________________________
Cardholder Information
Name as it appears on the credit card: __________________________________________
Card type: Visa MC Expiration Date:_______/_______
Security Code (3 #’s on the back):____________
Credit Card Account Number: __________________ ____________________________
Credit Card Billing Address:
______________________________________________________________________________
(Street Address)
______________________________________________________________________________
(City, State, and Zip Code)
Cardholder Drivers License Information
State:______________
Number:_______________________________
I give my authorization for the monthly tuition and Additional fee amount stated
below to be charged to this account on the first of each month starting in June
2017 and continuing through April 2018.
Signature ____________________________________________
______________________________SCA STAFF USE____________________________________
Monthly Tuititon :____________________
Additional Fees:______________________
SCA Representative:________________________________