Greenfield YMCA Tumbling Tigers

Parents play a huge role in the development of a successful gymnast. Your role is every bit as important as that of the coaches and the athlete. The following actions and ideas are expected of Tumbling Tigers Member’s parents:

 

• A gymnast’s parent/guardian is an instrumental contributor to their success and happiness. Tuition and fees must be paid on time and a commitment to transport your gymnast to and from workouts and competitions must be made. Of equal importance, a gymnast’s family must help instill work ethic, values, and provide support throughout successes and failures.

 

• Please try not to talk to your gymnast during practice, including during “break” times. It is important for the gymnasts to stay focused and with their group.

 

• We feel that communication with the parents of our team members should be open and flowing.

 

• Parents are expected and encouraged to show proper respect for our sport at all times. Rude, belittling, or negative comments about coaches, parents, and other gymnasts are always inappropriate and have no place in our program.

 

• Be encouraging and positive to your child. Avoid comparisons, because each child is an individual with different talents and capabilities.

 

• Please be on time for both drop-off and pick-up.

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• Please familiarize yourself and your gymnast with the Team Handbook. It is important that the parent and gymnast understand the rules and policies of the competition team.

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• If you have any questions regarding the program or your gymnast, please contact Dave Garappolo at dgarappolo@your-y.org or call the office at 413-773-3646. Please do not contact individual coaches via social media or on their personal phones.

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Workout attire: Girls must wear a leotard or leotard and shorts. Hair must be pulled back in a ponytail, braid, or bun. If it is helpful, you may buy a pack of hair elastics and label them with your child’s name to keep in the gym. Boys should wear shorts and a comfortable shirt. **Loose, floppy clothing is not permitted - it can lead to injuries during spotting and it does not allow coaches to accurately see body position during skills.**

 

Attendance: We encourage gymnasts to be at every practice. There is a make up practice on Saturdays from 1:00 – 2:30 pm. Note that this is a shorter practice with a potential for several different levels of ability, so it will not be as effective as regular practice time. Please email Caitlyn at dgarappolo@your-y.org or call the office at 413-773-3646 if your gymnast is going to miss practice.

 

Inclement Weather Procedures: The YMCA will occasionally close for extreme weather conditions. Closings will be noted at the front desk of the YMCA and via email.

 

Private Lessons: Private lessons are available and can be very beneficial for the gymnasts. If you are interested in private lessons please contact Dave. Payment can be made at the front desk with credit card, or cash/check can be handed directly to the lesson coach.

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