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2017/18 SEASON PROGRAMME

PARENT AND ATHLETE INFORMATION PACK

For more information on Inspire Allstars Cheer and Dance and to keep up to date with all the latest news check out

www.inspireallstars.com Facebook: Inspire Allstars Cheer and Dance

Twitter: @InspireAllstars

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WELCOME!

Thank you for choosing Inspire Allstars Cheer and Dance (Inspire). We are so excited to take your child to the next level in competitive All Star cheer. This will be our 4th full competition season and involves the addition of a new venue and extended training hours for some teams. The changes mean that even if you’re a seasoned athlete with us, you will need to read through all the information carefully. This pack contains everything you will need for the upcoming season including key dates, deadlines and information about costs and uniforms. There is a high expectation for our athletes to be young people who train hard with a positive attitude and sportsmanlike behaviour. In return, Inspire will support and nurture both the physical and mental development of each athlete within the sport, as well as promote a positive, family attitude where all athletes feel included, confident, happy and inspired to achieve. If you are new to Inspire, we look forward to getting to know you better as the season progresses. The cheerleading programmes where parents and guardians are involved and supportive are always the most successful. We appreciate how much of a commitment it is from you for your child to be involved in this sport and we are incredibly thankful for your support and encouragement as we grow. Wishing you all an incredibly successful and INSPIRING season! God Bless, Joey Gamper Cuthbert

Owner and Head Coach, Inspire Allstars Cheer and Dance

CONTENTS

Inspire 2017/18 Programme (This season’s teams) 3 Our Coaching Team 4

Guest Coaches 5

2017/18 Training Times & Locations 6

2017/18 Key Dates 7

2017/18 Competition Schedule 8

Costs 9-10

Uniforms 11

Additional Performances, Training Opportunities and Local

Tumbling 12

Community/Charity Events 13

Attendance Policy 14

Accident/Incident Reporting Procedure 15

Child Protection, Data Protection, Anti Bullying

and Social Media Policies 16-17

Medical Treatment Authorisation and Liability Release 18

Athlete and Parent Agreement 19-22

Contact Details 23

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INSPIRE 2017/18 PROGRAMME

Inspire welcomes both beginners and experienced athletes aged 6 and upwards subject to tryouts (athlete assessments). Inspire follows the guidelines of the United States All-Star Federation (USASF) and International All-Star Federation (IASF) cheerleading governing bodies. Athletes therefore compete against others within their age group and skill level (called divisions e.g. Senior Level 2). Age for the 2017-18 Season is determined by the athlete’s age as of 31 August 2017 Our competition season runs from early September to mid-July during which we aim for each team to compete at least three times. Our teams train a minimum of once a week and all team members must attend every session. Inspire athletes may not cheer competitively on other All Star programmes.

TEAMS NB Team divisions (age range and skill level) are indicative and subject to change following tryouts)

TRUE SPIRIT (Youth/Mini Level 1, 6-11yrs) True Spirit athletes focus on mastering the essential foundations of cheerleading; enabling them to progress to higher levels as they gain the necessary skills and knowledge. Stunt skills - 2 leg stunts at prep height, 1 leg stunts at prep height (when braced within a pyramid) and 2 leg stunts at extended height (when braced in a pyramid). Dismounts include cradles (tosses). Tumbling skills - forward and backward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, round-offs and front and back walkovers.

SUPREME SPIRIT (Junior/Senior Level 1, 10-14yrs) Whilst Supreme Spirit athletes also focus on mastering the foundations of cheerleading, being older the athletes may incorporate more complex skills within the Level 1 range including switch ups, tick-tocks and creative transitional stunts. Stunt skills - 2 leg stunts at prep height, 1 leg stunts at prep height (when braced within a pyramid) and 2 leg stunts at extended height (when braced in a pyramid). Dismounts include cradles (tosses). Tumbling skills - forward and backward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, round-offs and front and back walkovers.

WILD SPIRIT (Junior/Senior Level 2, 10yrs+) Whilst we will consider athletes for Wild Spirit who are yet to gain the appropriate skills level in tumbling, we expect all athletes to be working towards them. Stunt skills - 2 leg stunts at extension (with ½ turn entries), 1 leg stunts at prep height, cradle dismounts and straight ride basket tosses. Tumbling skills - all of the above skills, front and back handsprings, round-off back handspring, back handspring series.

EXTREME SPIRIT (Senior Level 2/3, 12yrs+) Whilst we will consider athletes for Extreme Spirit who are yet to gain the appropriate skills level in tumbling, we expect all athletes to be working towards them. See above for Level 2 stunt and tumbling skills Stunt skills (Level 3) - suspended front flips, single leg extended stunts, full twisting transitions to prep level, full twisting dismounts from prep/extension, 2½ high release moves in pyramids and single trick basket tosses. Tumbling skills (Level 3) - all of the above skills, round-off tucks, round-off back handspring tucks, ¾ front flips, jump-back hand spring and punch fronts.

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2017/18 COACHING TEAM

OWNER AND HEAD COACH: JOEY GAMPER CUTHBERT Joey has over 12 years’ experience as a coach and athlete, and was the Co-Founder and Programme Director for 8 years for the London City Stars. In addition to Inspire, Joey is on the Board of Directors for ParaCheer International, Safety and Welfare Officer for Legacy Cheer and Dance Ltd and in 2017 was part of the management staff that saw Team England ParaCheer win Gold at the World Cheerleading Championships. Joey is qualified to the highest level with IASF and USASF.

IASF/USASF Levels 1-5 qualified cheer coach TCI Level 1+2 qualified cheer coach

First Aid trained

Child Protection trained

Disability Awareness trained

TUMBLING COACH: FRANKIE BATTELL Frankie has been a tumbling coach with Inspire for 3 years. She was previously Head of General Gymnastics, Lead Coach for girl’s floor & vault squad and the Team Gym Squad at NDGA (now GCK). She is also a gymnastics club judge, judging at many regional competitions.

Level 1 - 3 General Coach

Trampoline Coaching Proficiency Award

Safeguarding and First Aid trained

REGULAR VOLUNTEER COACHES We are blessed with an incredible volunteer adult coaching team.

Sarah Pullen Sarah is a qualified TCI Level 1+2 cheer coach and has been coaching with Inspire for 3 years. She is passionate about progressing athletes to a high standard and has attended Legacy Cheer and Dance judge training. Sarah is also First Aid trained

Emily Hill Emily has 3 years’ experience as an athlete with Chichester Cheetahs. She also represented England in 2016 on Team England ParaCheer at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships. She is a qualified TCI Level 1+2 cheerleading coach and has been coaching with Inspire for 2½ years.

Zoe Burr Zoe has been cheerleading for 12 years and was Co-Programme Director of the London City Stars with Joey for 5 years. She is an accomplished Level 5 group stunt athlete and has previously held UK national titles, as well as having competed in Europe. Zoe has been coaching with Inspire for 6 months, but prior to this, regularly guest coached for our teams. She is an IASF/USASF qualified Levels 1-4 stunt coach.

Abby Simcox Abby has 3 years’ experience as an athlete competing with the Brighton and Sussex Waves Cheerleading Squad, and was Game Day Coach during her time there. She is also an experienced dancer, having competed at an advanced level in competitions.

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GUEST COACHES

Inspire also works with a number of other guest coaches from around the globe. Last season Inspire had the privilege of working with the following coaches:

Joe Vecchioni (USA) Over the last 11 years, Joe has worked as head team coach, tumble coach and choreographer at World Championship USA team Maryland Twisters F5. During this time, he has also worked with several other World Champion teams, as well as silver and bronze medallists. Joe travels the world providing skills and choreography camps. When he’s home in the USA, he also coaches the 10-time state champion Chesapeake High School. Matteo D D Cara (Italy) Matteo is a cheer athlete, tumbling coach and member of the phenomenal tumbling crew Tricking Level Up. He holds numerous tricking and tumbling titles and coached our tumbling classes on several occasions last season. Loretta Husbands (UK) Loretta is a Future Cheer, ICC, Legacy and Jamfest Head Judge, coach and former Worlds athlete with Ascension Eagles Cheerleaders. Senior Athlete Development Senior athletes who have been with Inspire for more than 1 season have the opportunity to work towards their Level 1 coaching qualifications by supporting the coaching of our Youth and Junior teams (age of athlete will determine the most appropriate team for them to support). If you are a senior athlete interested in this opportunity, please email the Head Coach: joey@inspireallstars.com

Senior athletes working with Joe Vecchioni from Maryland Twisters

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TRAINING TIMES & LOCATIONS

This season we are aiming for our teams to become more competitive. We recognise that in order to progress our higher level athletes’ skills further, we need to increase training hours and access to sprung floor facilities. We also want to be able to provide more opportunities for our Level 1 athletes to progress to Level 2. For this reason training this season will be split between Weald of Kent Grammar School - where we have the benefit of a full 9 panel dead floor, and GCK - where we have access to a sprung floor.

True Spirit Thursdays 6-8pm Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tudeley Lane, Tonbridge TN9 2JP

Supreme Spirit Thursdays 7-9pm Weald of Kent Grammar School

Wild Spirit Mondays 7-9pm GCK, Unit 3, Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3QF Fridays 6-8pm

Extreme Spirit Mondays 7-9pm GCK

Fridays 6-8pm

Tumbling small groups/ privates

Fridays every fortnight

6-8pm GCK 30 minute slots available at an additional cost

Athletes, with level appropriate skills and who are within the relevant division age bracket(s), who wish to compete on more than one team (as a crossover), need to speak to the Head Coach for further information.

As and when it is felt that True and Supreme athletes are ready to progress their tumbling to Level 2 and beyond, they will be invited to join the regular Monday tumbling session at GCK (7-9pm) with Wild and Extreme athletes. This will be at an additional cost.

Tumbling privates will be offered every fortnight on a Friday for our Level 1 athletes

Maximum 4 athletes per slot (30 minutes).

You can specify at the time of booking if you would prefer pay the full amount and receive a 1-2-1, or split the cost with others.

If you wish to split the cost with others, it remains the responsibility of the athlete to find others to share their slot. If no others are available and you are already booked in, you will be liable for the full cost. It is therefore suggested that if you wish to share a private and split the cost, you arrange to do so with other athletes prior to booking.

Cancellations must be given at least 1 week in advance or be liable for 50% of the cost. Costs listed on page 8

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2017/18 KEY DATES DATE VENUE TYPE TEAMS Mon 11th September

Weald/ GCK

Training begins All teams

Sun 1st October TBC Healthy Eating for Athletes Workshop FREE TO INSPIRE ATHLETES

Optional and open to all teams

Mon 23rd - Fri 27th October

Weald/ GCK

Half Term TRAINING AS USUAL

All teams

Mon 18th December

GCK Training Wild and Extreme

Tues 19th December - Wed 3rd January

Christmas Break NO TRAINING

All teams

Thurs 4th January Weald Training resumes True and Supreme

Fri 5th January GCK Training resumes Wild and Extreme

Mon 12th - Fri 16th February

Weald/ GCK

Half Term TRAINING AS USUAL!

All teams

TBC Managing Exam Stress Workshop FREE TO INSPIRE ATHLETES

Optional and open to Supreme, Wild and Extreme

Sun 25th February Weald Pre-Competition Training Camp

All teams

Fri 2nd March (Evening)

GCK Showcase and Nationals Fundraiser

All teams

Sat 10th March Essex Future Cheer Spotlight Showdown Regional Competition

All teams

Fri 30th March GCK Bank Holiday TRAINING AS USUAL!

Wild and Extreme

Sat 31st March - Sun 8th April

Easter Break NO TRAINING

All teams

Mon 9th April Weald/ GCK

Training resumes All teams

Mon 7th May GCK Bank Holiday TRAINING AS USUAL!

Wild and Extreme

Sun 27th May Weald Pre-Competition Training Camp

All teams

Mon 28th May - 1st June

Weald/ GCK

Half Term - including Bank Holiday TRAINING AS USUAL!

All teams

May (Date TBC)

TBC Performance Coaching Workshop Richard Caric Team England Sports Psychology Coach

All teams

Sat 9th - Sun 10th June

Brighton

Future Cheer Into the Future Regional Competition

All teams

Fri 22nd June (Evening)

GCK Nationals Showcase All teams

Sun 24th June Weald Pre-Competition Training Camp

All teams

Sat 30th June - Sun 1st July

02, London

Live Your Legacy International Championships Competition

All teams

Friday 6th July GCK Final season session All teams

July (Date TBC)

TBC 2017/19 End of Season Awards

All teams

Training

Breaks (no training)

Competitions

Pre-Competition Training Camps

Showcases

Workshops and other events

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2017/18 COMPETITION SCHEDULE

The UK cheerleading competition season runs from September to July. This season we will be competing in 2 regionals and a national competition. Basic information regarding the competitions is detailed below. More details will be given closer to the dates.

FUTURE CHEER SPOTLIGHT SHOWDOWN - REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS DATE Saturday 10th March 2018 TIME TBC (Please make yourself available all day) EVENT PRODUCER Future Cheer LOCATION Crowne Plaza Hotel, Five Lakes Maldon Essex TEAMS True, Supreme, Wild, Extreme COST £31 PAYMENT DEADLINE 1st January 2018 FUTURE CHEER INTO THE FUTURE - REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS DATE Saturday 9th - Sunday 10th June 2018 TIME TBC (Please make yourself available both days) EVENT PRODUCER Future Cheer LOCATION Brighton Centre, Brighton TEAMS True, Supreme, Wild, Extreme COST £31 PAYMENT DEADLINE 1st April 2018

LIVE YOUR LEGACY - INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS DATE Saturday 30th June - Sunday 1st July 2018 TIME TBC (Please make yourself available both days) EVENT PRODUCER Legacy Cheer and Dance Ltd LOCATION 02 Arena, London TEAMS True, Supreme, Wild, Extreme COST £61 PAYMENT DEADLINE 1st October 2017

Please note that Youth, Junior and Senior teams may compete on different days at two-day competitions. 2016/17 Crossover athletes will incur a crossover fee for their second team (usually around 50% of the full fee). TRAVEL Transport to competitions remains the athlete’s responsibility. Where possible Inspire will help facilitate car pools and meeting up to travel together by rail etc. However:

Youth athletes MUST be accompanied to competitions by an adult chaperone (over-18 years old).

Senior athletes aged under 18 years who are unable to be accompanied to a competition by an adult chaperone must speak to the Head Coach in order that chaperone ratios are appropriate.

YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR THE 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO ANY COMPETITION FOR ESSENTIAL TRAINING.

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Costs

MEMBERSHIP FEE A membership fee of £40 per athlete is due by 31st August 2017. This fee covers insurance, music, choreography and administration costs. Athletes will not be allowed to train with Inspire until the fee has been paid.

TRAINING FEES Training fees are payable through monthly Direct Debit via your Pay Subs on Line profile and are split over 10 months.

True Spirit £12 per session 2 hours per week

Supreme Spirit £12 per session 2 hours per week

Wild Spirit £16 per week 4 hours per week

Extreme Spirit £16 per week 4 hours per week

Tumbling privates £20 per 30 min slot See p5 for details

Crossover athletes will be charged half fees for their second team.

CAMP FEES Camp fees are set at £10 per camp and have been absorbed into monthly payments.

UNIFORMS We are currently seeking a new uniform supplier. We anticipate cost remaining around £80 per uniform and £8 bow. The design will remain the same, so current athletes will not need to purchase a new uniform.

MONTHLY PAYMENT SCHEDULE Date Team Amount Additional costs

1st September

True Spirit £51

Supreme Spirit £51

Wild Spirit £67

Extreme Spirit £67

1st October True Spirit £51 £61 - Nationals fee

Supreme Spirit £51 £61 - Nationals fee

Wild Spirit £67 £61 - Nationals fee

Extreme Spirit £67 £61 - Nationals fee

1st November

True Spirit £51

Supreme Spirit £51

Wild Spirit £67

Extreme Spirit £67

1st December

True Spirit £51 Uniform payment deadline

Supreme Spirit £51 Uniform payment deadline

Wild Spirit £67 Uniform payment deadline

Extreme Spirit £67 Uniform payment deadline

1st January True Spirit £51 £31 - March Regionals fee

Supreme Spirit £51 £31 - March Regionals fee

Wild Spirit £67 £31 – March Regionals fee

Extreme Spirit £67 £31 – March Regionals fee

1st February

True Spirit £51

Supreme Spirit £51

Wild Spirit £67

Extreme Spirit £67

1st March True Spirit £51

Supreme Spirit £51

Wild Spirit £67

Extreme Spirit £67

1st April True Spirit £51 £31 - June Regionals fee

Supreme Spirit £51 £31 - June Regionals fee

Wild Spirit £67 £31 - June Regionals fee

Extreme Spirit £67 £31 - June Regionals fee

1st May True Spirit £51

Supreme Spirit £51

Wild Spirit £67

Extreme Spirit £67

1st June True Spirit £51

Supreme Spirit £51

Wild Spirit £67

Extreme Spirit £67

Please note that all fees are non-refundable and you are accountable for any charges related to returned/‘bounced’ payments.

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TRAINING DATE CANCELLATIONS If Inspire needs to cancel a training session, an alternative training date will be offered to make up for the missed session. Should this, for any reason, not be possible, the fee for the session will be offset against athletes’ forthcoming competition fees or training fees for the next month.

PAYMENTS Membership fee, training and competition fees and uniform payments should be made through PaySubsOnline. Once you have accepted a place on team you will be sent a unique link and instructions to set up your payment profile (one per athlete). You will be given the option to set up a direct debit, or to receive monthly deadline reminder emails and pay by BACS through the PaySubsOnline portal.

FINANCIAL BURSARIES Inspire aims to be as inclusive as possible. We know that this is an expensive sport and we do not wish to exclude athletes because of financial difficulties. If you are unable to meet all the payments outlined above please speak to the Head Coach, as there may be a way we can support you.

FAILURE TO MEET PAYMENTS Inspire is a Community Interest Company, and as such we do not have the budget to deal with large debts. Failure to pay fees on time can have a direct impact on our ability to pay for things like venue hire. If you are unable to meet a payment deadline please speak to the Head Coach as soon as possible we may be able to help you spread the cost. Athletes who do not communicate with Inspire and fail to keep up with their payments will risk losing their place on the programme.

FUNDRAISING In order to try and subsidise competition costs this season, Inspire will undertake fundraising activities, including a showcase. Those athletes who participate will benefit from discounts through the funds raised.

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UNIFORMS

UNIFORMS Our uniforms are supplied by Allstar Nation who ceased trading last year. Allstar Nation have licenced the design to Inspire Allstars so that current athletes will not need to purchase a new uniform when we move to a new manufacturer. We anticipate cost remaining around £80 per uniform (top and skirt/skort) and £8 for the bow. An update on our new uniform supplier will be given as soon as they are confirmed.

TRAINERS ARE ESSENTIAL KIT In order to stunt safely trainers must fit well, be able to be done up tightly and not have a heavy tread. They do not have to be “cheer specific” trainers, but if you wish to purchase specific cheerleading trainers, we recommend Kaepa, Nfinity and VR0 as trusted brands. White trainers are required for competition!

Please note that it is essential athletes train in CLEAN INDOOR ONLY trainers. Please ensure that the shoes you train in are not worn outside and are kept clean for use on the cheer floor only. Any athletes seen walking into the gym already wearing their trainers will not be able to wear them for training and will therefore may only be able to take on a limited role during that session.

TRAINING KIT From time to time Inspire offers branded training kit options (such as team t-shirts). These are not compulsory purchases.

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TUMBLING

Tumbling is an important element of All Star Cheerleading, and each year more and more weighting is given to tumbling on the score sheet. Tumbling is a solo skill that doesn’t depend on team matters. Along with

support from the coaches, athletes are responsible for the development

of their own skills and execution.

It is important athletes go through each repetition and progression with

commitment. Athletes not only need to be physically prepared but

mentally. Athletes that progress by learning improper technique are not

only risking their safety or compromising their long term development

Tumbling classes will not only include skills work, but cardio and strength

elements. These fitness drills will prepare athletes when faced with

challenging skills, such as holding their bodies in particular shapes and

also to make athletes aware of their bodies. It is extremely important

athletes are physically prepared to avoid injury

We encourage parents to work with athletes to work on skills at home,

providing this is a safe area; for example, strength and flexibility work.

There may be weeks where athletes will be set homework, this can range

from researching skills to completing strength or flexibility sheets.

Please ensure athletes have eaten 1 hour before a tumbling session and

arrive to practise 15/10 minutes before to ensure athletes are mentally

ready to tumble.

We advise athletes to come to practise with a bottle drink either water or

flat Lucozade and bringing jellied sweets (I.e jelly babies) to keep their

energy levels up.

To avoid risk of injury athletes must ensure they are wearing the following

for all tumbling sessions as well as team training:

- T-shirt/ Long sports top (when supporting, coaches will need to

hold athletes - crop tops can cause injury if held in position)

- Sports leggings/ shorts

- Sports Bra’s/ Crop Tops Under T-shirts

- Cheer Shoes (tumbling in bare feet has a different feel and

weight)

- NO Jewellery

- Hair- Must be tied in a high pony tail or if hair touches the floor

this must be put into bun. (this is for athlete safety to avoid

accidental hair being ripped out)

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ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES,

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND

LOCAL COMMUNITY/CHARITY EVENTS

Inspire will be running two showcase fundraisers next season. One to raise money to reduce the costs of Legacy Nationals fees and another for a chosen charity. These showcases are compulsory as they also form part of the teams’ preparations for forthcoming competitions.

From time to time Inspire are also asked to participate in local events such as performances at summer fetes or community activities. Where possible we will give as much advanced warning of these dates as we can, however, we are often asked at very little notice. While it is not compulsory for athletes to participate in our additional activities, we actively encourage all our athletes to get involved.

True Spirit perform at the 2017 Inspire Showcase

Managing stress workshop (which will be repeated this season)

Presenting the MS Society with a cheque for £1,300 raised during our

2017 Showcase

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ATTENDANCE POLICY

Cheerleading is a team sport and a routine cannot be practiced without everyone in attendance. As a competitive programme Inspire Allstars expects its athletes to be 100% committed to their team(s) and to attend all scheduled training sessions and competitions. The training and competition schedules for the season are detailed on p6-7 of this pack.

Lateness Athletes must arrive for training no later than 15 minutes before the start of every training session.

Occasions Birthdays (athletes’ or other people’s birthdays), family celebrations or parties, other hobbies/sporting commitments, homework or revision are not valid reasons to miss training.

Graded exams and compulsory school events Athletes who have a graded or professional exam (e.g. GCSE) scheduled for the day following an Inspire Allstars training session should speak to the Head Coach as soon as they have their exam schedule. Similarly, athletes who have a compulsory school event which clashes with a training sessions should speak to the Head Coach as soon as they have the relevant details.

Illness If an athlete falls ill, but is not contagious, they should make every effort to attend training so that they don’t miss learning counts or choreography (they can gain a lot by watching). Athletes who are ill with a fever and/or are vomiting are excused. Please notify the Head Coach before 12pm on the day of training if an athlete unable to attend due to illness.

Athletes who are injured are required to come to training sessions to watch.

Extreme circumstances If an athlete cannot attend a training session due to extreme circumstances, such as a death in the family or a family emergency, we would be most grateful if this could be reported to the Head Coach before 12pm on the day of training.

Competitions Athletes must not miss any training sessions in the 4 weeks prior to a competition. If an athlete cannot commit to this they need to inform the Head Coach at least 8 weeks prior to a competition. Athletes must understand that, as a result of this, their role in parts of the routine may be limited, or, if necessary, they will be removed from the routine, so as to cause as little disruption as possible to the team’s ability to train.

Athletes must be available for the whole day of a competition.

It remains the responsibility of individual athletes to catch up on any choreography, counts or formations they miss due to lateness or absence. Consistent absences and/or lateness may result in removal from the programme.

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ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTING

PROCEDURE

It is acknowledged by the athlete and parent/guardian that cheerleading involves physical risk to athletes.

All parents/guardians are required to complete Emergency Contact Details and sign a hardcopy of the Inspire Allstars Medical Treatment Authorisation and Liability Release.

Inspire Allstars holds insurance specific to the coaching of cheerleading. If you wish to see this policy it is available on request from the Head Coach.

Should an accident/injury occur during training or at a competition/camp our First Aid qualified coaches in attendance will quickly ascertain as to whether medical assistance is required.

Where medical assistance is required at GCK’s training facility Inspire Allstars will use GCK’s First Aid staff, policies and procedures. Similarly at Weald of Kent Grammar School we will adhere to their First Aid staff, policies and procedures. Where medical assistance is required at a competition or camp, Inspire Allstars will use the relevant First Aid staff, policies and procedures as laid out by the competition events company.

Where deemed necessary, an ambulance will be called and an Inspire Allstars coach will accompany the athlete if they are required to attend a hospital.

In any incident where medical assistance of any nature is required, parents will be informed as soon as possible.

All accidents/injury that occur during Inspire Allstars training or at a competition/camp will be recorded in an Accident Report Book.

I Cheer Safe campaign Inspire Allstars is signed up to the #ICheerSafe pledge at CheerSafe.org. Registered programmes pledge to commit to regularly reviewing their accident procedures and running drills with the athletes, so that in the event of an emergency all members of the programme (coaches and athletes) are aware of their roles and the appropriate plan of action.

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CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

A copy of the Inspire Allstars Child Protection Policy can be downloaded from the Inspire Allstars website (www.inspireallstars.com) or requested from the Head Coach.

Inspire Allstars is committed to ensuring that it: Provides a safe environment for children and young people; Identifies children and young people who may be at risk of abuse Takes appropriate action to see that such children and young

people are kept safe from harm.

In pursuit of these aims, Inspire Allstars will approve and annually review policies and procedures with the aim of:

Raising awareness of issues relating to the welfare of children and young people and the promotion of a safe environment for the children and young people;

Providing procedures for reporting concerns;

Establishing procedures for reporting and dealing with allegations of abuse against a coach;

The safe recruitment of staff and volunteers

Staff and volunteer safeguarding training.

While Inspire Allstars has its own policy, we will also adhere to the policies of the organisations and venues that it works with. For example, any incidents reported at GCK will be shared with GCK’s Welfare officer as appropriate.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA

PROTECTION Inspire Allstars will maintain all information, data and material obtained in a secure, complete and accurate manner; including but not limited to parent/guardian/athlete contact details and information related to athletes’ health and welfare. Relevant data will only be disclosed to other parties for a specific purpose e.g. event providers for competition registration, PaySubsOnline and Inspire Allstars uniform suppliers. Data will only be kept for a reasonable length of time and destroyed once it is no longer needed. All data is held by the Head Coach and is only shared, in confidence, with relevant team coaches in order to aid them should a first aid or welfare situation arise and so they can better take into account athletes’ needs and requirements. If the Head Coach is unable to attend a training session or event she will delegate health and welfare responsibilities to another coach/es. In such instances the delegated coach/es will be given access to the necessary parent/guardian/athlete information. The Head Coach will inform all parents/guardians/athletes of the arrangements with as much advance notice as possible.

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ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Inspire Allstars is a listening programme and we all have a duty to report bullying; it is too important to ignore. Every Inspire Allstars athlete has the right to be free from intimidation, both within the programme and in the surrounding community, in person and online.

Inspire Allstars will not accept and will question unkind actions or remarks, even if these were not intended to hurt. Any such action or comment will be called bullying and will be dealt with seriously.

The Inspire Allstars Anti-Bullying Policy also applies to online behaviour.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

All Inspire Allstars choreography including cheers, dances, stunts, transitions, tumbling, music selections, editing, etc. should be highly protected and shall not be discussed with others. No videos of routines/choreography should be uploaded to any online site including but not limited to YouTube, Facebook*, Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram.

Please be aware it is Inspire Allstars policy that our coaches do not accept requests from athletes to ‘Friend’ or ‘Follow’ them on any social media network. Please do not be offended if requests are rejected or athletes are blocked from following coaches’ personal accounts. In line with Inspire Allstars Child Protection Policy we will not name athletes next to their image in public spaces on social media unless express permission is given by the parent/guardian. If an athlete’s image is used on our official public Facebook page or Twitter accounts for publicity purposes, please do not ‘Tag’ or name the athlete in the

comments box, so as to help us keep this policy in place and keep our athletes safe. Inspire Allstars logos or associated branding should not be used on athletes’ or parents’ personal social media accounts. Inspire Allstars reserve the right to all images connected to our name, logo or image. Any images posted on social media related to or promoting Inspire Allstars will be appropriate, with appropriate hashtags. If images are deemed to be inappropriate we will ask that they be removed. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. Inspire Allstars request that athletes and parents use social media in a positive and sportsmanlike manner and don’t engage in negative discussions on cheerleading groups or forums. Any activity on social media (including public posts on your personal Facebook page/Twitter/ Instagram accounts etc.) deemed to be inappropriate or defamatory to Inspire Allstars may result in removal from the programme. We remind parents and athletes to be safe on the internet and mindful of appropriateness when posting cheerleading-related images. *Inspire Allstars is considering creating closed Facebook Groups for each team for the 2017/18 Season for the purpose of sharing training and competition-related information and updates e.g. videos from training sessions; stretching and conditioning plans, routine choreography and competition schedules. Inspire Allstars will communicate with parents/guardians/athletes separately about this once teams have been set and before invitations to join such groups are sent out.

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MEDICAL TREATMENT AUTHORISATION

AND LIABILITY RELEASE

In order for you/your child to participate in Inspire Allstars cheerleading programme and all associated activities you must understand that this activity involves risk to the participant and acknowledge that, due to the nature of this activity, there is a possibility you/your child may sustain physical injury or illness in connection with their participation.

In the event of an injury, you/your child will be attended by a qualified First Aider. Where an injury is more serious and requires medical treatment by a paramedic, an ambulance will be called.

In order that you/your child may receive the necessary medical treatment in the event of sustaining injury or illness during participating in this activity, you will need to authorise the cheerleading coaches or other supervising staff to obtain medical treatment on their behalf for such an injury or illness, and hold Inspire Allstars, its officials, and other associated venues and its representatives, harmless in the exercise of authority.

All choreography, cheers and concepts used belong to Inspire Allstars. Choreography learnt with Inspire Allstars will not be used on any occasion or for any purpose other than Inspire Allstars performances, unless written permission from the Head Coach has been obtained prior to such an occasion or purpose. All information relating to upcoming performances; including venues, potential sponsors and any fees paid are strictly confidential and under no circumstances must any communication to an unrelated third party occur. Inspire Allstars performances and appearances may by visited by members of the media, including radio, television, newspaper, and magazines. You are asked not to speak to the media without the presence and direction of the Head Coach and grant permission for your child to be involved in approved media activities without remuneration.

The Inspire Allstars name and logo will not be used for the purpose of promotion and sponsorship except by the Head Coach or by those specifically instructed by that person and for the specific purpose as instructed. All uniforms remain the property of Inspire Allstars until the cost is fully remunerated. It is each athlete’s responsibility to ensure that the good condition of all uniforms is maintained. You must not change the appearance/style of the uniforms. All styling and concepts used with regard to appearance will be used only for performances relating to Inspire Allstars. A hard copy of the Medical Treatment Authorisation and Liability Release will be issued to all and parents/guardians/athletes over-18 to be signed and handed in to the Head Coach prior to tryouts.

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ATHLETE AND PARENT AGREEMENT

Once accepted onto the Inspire Allstars programme all athletes and their parents/guardians (if athlete is under-18) are required to read, agree to and sign this document. We encourage parents to read through this with athletes. Any questions or queries relating to the agreement should be addressed to the Head Coach before signing. INSPIRE ALLSTARS EXPECTATIONS

We expect our athletes to train hard with a positive attitude and sportsmanlike mentality. Through training and competing with Inspire Allstars we hope that athletes excel both physically and mentally within the sport but also gain transferable life-long skills. We want athletes to feel included, confident and inspired to achieve.

We accept athletes on to a competitive team on the basis of ability, coaches’ agreement and acceptance of the Inspire Allstars policies and procedures (detailed in the Parent and Athlete Information Pack). It shall be without prejudice of gender, race, background, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Athletes need to be medically fit and have written parental permission to train and compete (if under 18 years old). Inspire Allstars should be notified as soon as possible of any changes to an athlete’s health.

We place athletes on a team depending on age, as specified by the USASF/IASF, and which we believe is most appropriate for them and the success of the programme as whole.

Teams are entered into competitions at a level appropriate to the team at the time of entry.

We will only progress athletes on to more advanced stunts and tumble skills when they have mastered the skills at their current level. A mastered skill is one that athletes can warm up and

execute on their own, without a spot or assistance, perform consistently with good form and with a certain level of perfection.

We will decide the roles and/or positions an athlete will have/play on their team. We value all stunt positions equally - flyer, base, back spot, front spot, tumbler and alternate. As athletes grow it is likely they will be asked to try new stunt positions.

Any additional training sessions/camps will be communicated to athletes and parents with as much advance notice as possible.

We reserve the right to move, replace, add, suspend or dismiss an athlete for a period of time or indefinitely from a team or the entire programme based on criteria including but not limited to attendance, conduct, skills or finance.

Our coaches are appropriately credentialed with USASF/IASF/TCI and will thoroughly prepare training sessions; arrive on time and show no partiality within teams.

We are not responsible for any personal items lost or stolen during training sessions; in transit to/from or at competitions/events.

EXPECTATIONS FOR OUR ATHLETES AND THEIR FAMILIES SPORTSMANSHIP AND CONDUCT

Athletes and parents are ambassadors for Inspire Allstars and the sport of cheerleading. As such they will conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the reputation of both at all times, whether in or out of uniform/branded kit, and endeavour to set a positive example for others to follow.

Athletes and parents will be respectful, courteous and supportive of everyone including other team members and parents, Inspire Allstars’ coaches and athletes and parents and personnel from other programmes. This applies to training sessions, competitions, events and on social media.

The Inspire Allstars Social Media Policy will be upheld at all times.

Coaching decisions will be respected by both athletes and parents at all times.

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Inappropriate language or behaviour will not be tolerated and could lead to disciplinary action.

The Inspire Allstars Anti-Bullying Policy will be upheld at all times.

Personal situations/gossip will be left outside training session/competitions and discouraged by parents.

Athletes and parents will ignore or dissuade negative responses/comments at events and competitions and not become involved in any such actions.

Athletes will be gracious on receipt of all competition results and will refrain from celebrating the misfortune or defeat of another person, team, or programme.

Athletes will respect the rules of GCK; the Weald of Kent Grammar School and those of the venues in which Inspire Allstars compete; treating facilities well by picking up their litter and leaving the venue as they found it. Breaking these rules will result in a written warning and continuous disregard for such rules may mean an athlete is asked to leave the programme.

Only Inspire Allstars athletes are allowed in the gym/hall or practice area during training sessions/performances or competitions. Spectators should not distract athletes whilst they are training/warming up or performing.

Any serious concerns regarding instruction, athlete safety or behaviour must be addressed to the Head Coach outside of the presence of other athletes and parents.

COMMITMENT AND ATTENDANCE

It is understood that competitive cheerleading is a team sport and if an athlete misses a training session their team mates will also be unable to train. As such I accept that athletes must attend all training sessions (in line with the Inspire Allstars Attendance Policy).

I also understand that athletes need to be available for all of the 2017/18 competitions and cannot be absent for the day of a competition (as per 2017/18 Competition Schedule).

Athletes will be asked to prioritise Inspire Allstars training over other extracurricular activities if there is a scheduling clash.

Any (family) holidays or activities, should be scheduled so as not to interfere with training sessions or competitions. Missing training sessions may affect an athlete’s role in the routine.

Athletes will not be withheld from attending training sessions or competitions as a form of punishment.

I understand and take responsibility for any travel that may be required to/from competitions and other events/performances; ensuring that athletes arrive on time and in the appropriate attire (uniform/hair/make up as instructed by Inspire Allstars for the relevant activity).

In order to compete all athletes must have a uniform (see Uniform section of the Parent and Athlete Information Pack).

I will endeavour to attend any parent/athlete meetings called by Inspire Allstars and will check my emails regularly for updates and information.

I will communicate with the Head Coach as soon as possible should any commitment/attendance-related issues arise during the season.

TRAINING

Athletes will keep healthy and maintain a good level of fitness outside of training sessions. By not investing in additional core stability, cardiovascular or flexibility training, athletes understand that their skills progression, and therefore roles/positions within the team, may be affected and they may be more susceptible to injury.

Athletes will arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start of each training session.

Athletes will come to training with a positive attitude; respect, listen to and follow the coaches’ instructions at all times and participate to the best of their ability. Athletes who are disruptive during a training session will be asked to leave the session immediately.

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Athletes/parents will inform the coaches if an athlete is unable to participate in any elements of a training session, due to injury for example, prior to the start of the session. Athletes are responsible for providing any supports or tape needed for them to train and will put them on before warm up.

Athletes will participate in the warm up and cool down at the start and end of training sessions.

Athletes will be open in trying new stunt positions/roles as and when asked by the coaches.

Athletes will dress appropriately during training sessions: o sports attire must be worn including clean indoor trainers

with the laces tied (any athlete seen walking into the gym already wearing their trainers will not be able to wear them for training and will therefore may only be able to take on a limited role during that session);

o hair must be tied back; o fingernails must be kept short, so that they are level with the

top of the finger-tip, or covered; o chewing gum, sweets and snacks are prohibited (athletes will

be given regular water breaks); o Jewelry (except approved medical ID tags) must not be worn

(including visible piercings and watches). During training sessions, performances and events all visible piercings must be removed and all other piercings suitably covered (with plaster or adhesive tape) so as to prevent injury to the squad member or any other squad member. Athletes are asked not to get new piercings close to competition dates as event providers may require all piercings to be removed rather than covered up;

o Mobile phones must put on silent or switched off. Athletes must not use their phone during training

PERFORMANCES, EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING Athletes will be available for other performances and social

events such as fetes, parades and other charitable events during

the season. If they are unable to attend they will provide the Head Coach with sufficient notice.

Athletes will participate in as many Inspire Allstars fundraising events as they can. Athletes need to seek agreement from the Head Coach if they wish to independently fundraise for Inspire Allstars.

Inspire Allstars will give reasonable notice of all upcoming events and performance opportunities, through email, social media, word of mouth and separate letters.

FINANCE

I have read and agree to pay the athlete membership fee, training, camp and competition fees and uniform costs according to the payment schedule (outlined on p8 of the Pack).

I understand that I am responsible for covering all costs related to travel to/from training sessions; competitions and events and any competition-related accommodation that is required.

I understand I am accountable for any charges related to returned/‘bounced’ payments.

In order to be eligible to tryout for and compete with Inspire Allstars athletes must be in good financial standing and settle all debts prior to the relevant competition entry fee deadline. I understand that any monies I pay to Inspire Allstars will first be applied to any overdue fees/costs.

If I am behind on payments I will not be able to order competition spectator tickets through Inspire Allstars. As above, any monies I pay to Inspire Allstars for spectator tickets will first be applied to any overdue fees/costs.

I understand that, in order for uniforms to be collected, payment must have been made in full.

Athletes who do not communicate with Inspire Allstars and fail to keep up with their payments risk losing their place on the competitive squad programme. If I am unable to meet payments I will speak to the Head Coach as soon as possible to work out a way forward.

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I understand that there are no refunds due to, but not limited to, dismissal or an athlete leaving the programme of their own accord.

Inspire Allstars reserves the right to turn over all delinquent accounts to a collections agency and I will be responsible for all additional costs incurred.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

It shall be Inspire Allstars policy that disciplinary action will only be taken as a last resort, and that every reasonable attempt will be made to avoid situations likely to lead to such action through discussion and positive encouragement, by example and by finding ways and means to correct negative trends.

An athlete may be suspended from performances /competitions for the following reasons: unexcused absence, excessive absence, failure to listen to/cooperate with coaches or failure to abide by the Inspire Allstars policies and procedures and the Athlete and Parent Agreement.

An athlete may be dismissed from the programme for the following reasons: excessive and irreconcilable disruptive influence on the team/squad/programme; excessive absence; flagrant disregard of their own and others’ health and safety; bringing the squad into disrepute and as otherwise deemed necessary by the Head Coach.

Likewise, any parent that does not abide by the Inspire Allstars policies and procedures and the Athlete and Parent Agreement risks their athlete(s) being dismissed from the programme.

Inspire Allstars is not obliged to return monies paid for/by athletes who are dismissed from the programme.

A hard copy of this policy will be issued to all athletes and parents/guardians to be signed and handed in to the Head Coach prior to the beginning of the training season.

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Inspire Allstars Cheer and Dance is a Community Interest Company registered with Companies House Reg No. 08986239

T: 07946597450

E: joey@inspireallstars.com

W: www.inspireallstars.com

Facebook: Inspire Allstars Cheer and Dance

Twitter: @InspireAllstars