These are some important reminders of things to remember for competitions.

Before Competition:

- Competition information (hotels, schedule, maps, exact dates, etc...) are usually not received by us until the week of the competition. Sometimes we will get the information 2-3 weeks ahead of time, but that is rare. I will post all competition info. necessary on this website so you can access it any time.

- Know your level and age division for that particular competitions (age divisions will be different at most meets)

- Good attendance is important year round, but it is vital the two weeks prior to a competition (this is the time that fine tuning is done to the routines and important discussions relevant to that competition take place).

- Proper nutrition is important to receive the full benefits of the training (try to avoid greasy and sugary foods - especially right before a competition). Never train or compete on an empty stomach!!

- Proper rest is important for the muscles to recuperate from training and to have the energy necessary to train and compete with full intensity.

- Pack all of your items needed for the competition trip the day before. This helps to avoid rushing on competition day and you don't want to realize that your uniform is dirty right as you are leaving. Be sure to pack liquids and aerosols separately so they cannot damage the uniform.

- Be sure to have directions and plan extra time to allow for bad traffic and the possibility of getting lost.

- Avoid strenuous activities the day prior to competition to avoid muscle fatigue at the competition.

- Attend all scheduled meetings or practice sessions associated with the competition.

- Uniforms and Competition warm-up suit should only be worn during competitions, photo shoots, demonstrations, etc... To avoid them becoming dull or dingy or damaged, they should never be worn to practices and other unauthorized times.

- Hotel. With competitions that we are not hosting, there will usually be a list of hotels to choose from in case you wanted to stay over. Some competitions may be a few hours away with the possibility of competition starting first thing in the morning. Other competitions may have a practice session the day prior the competition. While it is not mandatory, it is always nice when the whole team stays at the same hotel - it makes for a more exciting event. If there is more than one hotel listed, I will usually list the suggested hotel first. If you think there is a possibility of needing a hotel for a meet, it should be scheduled well in advance before it fills up.

- Practice sessions. Some competitions have a practice session the day before the competition. When these are offered, every athlete is expected to attend. The warm-up given at the USAG T&T competitions is so minimal, that these practices are offered to offset that and give the athletes the opportunity to get used to the equipment ahead of time, since they certainly will not have enough time during the competition warm-ups. It is possible that these sessions may be on a Friday evening occasionally.

Day of Competition:

- Allow plenty of time to avoid feeling rushed.

- Avoid swimming and sun exposure the day of the meet.

- Arrive at the general stretch area ON TIME already fully prepared - being late will put unnecessary stress on everyone and the athlete may miss important stretches and instructions.

- General stretch time is ONLY for stretching and basic dance elements, tumbling is not allowed.

- To keep the athletes on task and focused, once general stretch begins, there is to be no parent / athlete interaction.

- Hair should be pulled back away from the face. Be sure to that no hair can come out of place and touch the face. Short bangs are ok, but pony tails that can reach the face are not. A tight bun is usually a good bet. Only the authorized competition scrunchies should be worn with the uniform. If you need extra, you can purchase them at the gym. For safety, no metal or beads are allowed in the hair.

- NO JEWELRY of any kind is allowed. Taping over ear rings is not acceptable - ALL jewelry must be removed.

- Obvious make up should not be worn. Glitter is acceptable.

- Visible tattoos are not allowed.

- Most competitions allow cameras and video cameras, however, FLASH is never allowed during competition. Flash is ok during awards, if it takes place in an area totally separated from athletes still competing.

- Athletes will not be released from the competition area until the last athlete has competed.

- NO cell phones allowed on the floor unless they are turned off. No Parent / athlete communication during the competition.

- I-pods may be allowed sometimes with coach permission to be used during down time.

Each athlete should have a gym bag with the the following items:

- Healthy snack (fruit, granola bar, vegetables, etc... - no junk food allowed)

- Bottle of water or preferably a bottle of "Performance" sports drink.

- Trampoline shoes or socks (T&T only). If you do not have trampoline shoes, you will need WHITE ankle socks. They can have no logos or colored or shaded areas. They must not go above the ankle. It is a good idea for all T&T athletes to have extra pairs with them just in case their shoes or socks get messed up.

- Floor music (optional gymnasts only)

- Grips and wrist bands (gymnasts only)

- Tiger paws (only if you wear them to tumble)

- Warm-up suit. If you do not have the official Reflex warm-up suit - you should have something that you can put on in between events in the case it gets cold. A cold athlete risks injury and will become stiff.

- Membership #'s

Remember that the athlete and family are representing their gym, their coach, and possibly their state in addition to themselves so sportsmanlike behavior will be demanded at all times - this includes at the meet, at the hotels, and at group functions like dinner or special activities, etc...

- At no time should anyone other than the coach approach the judges or meet referees.

- Remember that a score is just an evaluation of that single performance, not of that athlete's whole career.

Competitions the reward for the hard work in the gym - it should be fun. If they fear negative consequences for poor scores, they will have unnecessary stress which can lead to poor performances. A relaxed athlete will usually perform better than a stressed athlete. Getting emotional about a score will only affect the remainder of your performances and the environment for your teammates. Mistakes are to be worried about and worked on during the next workout - not during the competition.

- Spectators are encouraged to clap and cheer on all athletes. Negative behavior such as hissing or booing will not be tolerated.

- During awards, the athlete is expected to be in uniform ONLY. No t-shirts, shorts, caps, shoes, etc...

Some competitions will allow the warm-up suit to be worn - if you have the official Reflex warm-up suit, this would be preferable to just wearing the uniform.

- During awards, each athlete is expected to remain positive during disappointments and to not gloat during triumphs. Showing negative emotions toward an award or score is not acceptable. Skipping awards is not an option.

- Parents - always be sure to calm down and think rationally before complaining about a performance or a score or an award, etc... Competitions are stressful and emotional for the parents, coaches and athletes alike.

- While it would be nice if all teammates would stay to watch and cheer each other on during every session at a competition, we realize that this is not always possible. However, it is expected that every athlete either come early or stay late to watch at least one session that a teammate is competing in (other than their own) if there is one back to back with your session.

- HAVE FUN!!!