2013--2014 SEASON

Thank you for showing an interest in our teams for the 20132014 season of all-star cheerleading in the UK. We hope this season to be as successful as the last and are excited to have both new and returning athletes work with us towards this goal.

About Blackpool Scorpions: We are a highly competitive team offering USASF/IASF Levels 1-4. Our team takes on cheerleaders aged 4 and up, both male and female We are a weekly training team, attendance is key to the success of our program and you are expected to attend all sessions. We compete 2-4 times per season depending on which team you are on. Our season starts 1st September 2013 and Ends 22nd July 2014. Cheerleaders may be allowed to compete on Addition University and allstar teams in the UK however this MUST be discussed with either Jenna or Luke in advance. Contacts and Management Team: Head Coach Jenna Robinson Tel: 07912286021 Email: blackpoolscorpions@hotmail.com Deputy Coach Luke Vincent BSPA Chair Heather Faulkner BSPA Vice Chair and Treasurer Maria Lydon

Teams and Crossovers.

Blackpool Scorpions follow USASF/IASF skill levels, this is a worldwide system put in place to generate a level playing field for all athletes ensuring that they compete with other athletes of the same age, level and skill. Age for the season is determined by the athletes age AS OF 31st AUGUST, 2013. (Example If an athlete is 12 as of 31 August, 2013 and turns 13 in September 2013, their age for the season is still 12)

The competitive teams for our 2013-2014 seasons are listed below. As we are a competitive squad, all of our teams enter competitions however the teams are divided into Blackpool Scorpions teams and Allstars teams which creates 2 levels of competition squad which suit all ages, abilities and levels of cheerleading experience. The Blackpool Scorpions teams will be entered into 2/3 competitions per year that are held in Blackpool/Manchester and the Allstars teams will be entered into 4 competitions per year (2 of which are far away competitions!). Members can opt to be in the Blackpool Scorpions teams rather than the Allstars teams if they do not wish to enter the away competitions. Age on 31st of August 2013

Team and Level Blackpool Scorpions Mini 1 (Red) Youth 1 (Red) Junior 1 (Silver) Senior 1 (Silver) Scorpions Allstars Mini 1 (Future) Youth 2 (Supreme) Junior 2/3 (Elevation) Senior All Girl 2/3 (White) Senior Co-Ed 3/4 (Extreme)

8 years and younger 11 years and younger 14 years and younger 10 years and over

8 years and younger 11 Years and younger 14 years and younger 10 years and over 10 years and over

Blackpool Scorpions sessions are more suited to (but not limited to) beginners and act as feeder classes to the Allstar teams. Allstar teams are more suited to more experienced and competitive members. Blackpool Scorpions teams will compete in two competitions per season which are held in Blackpool and Allstar teams will compete in 4 competitions per season, two of which will be away competitions. In order 2

to compete on the above teams you must attend a workshop and tryouts. When you compete on more than one Blackpool Scorpions team the second team is known as a crossover, having a crossover means you may incur extra entry fee charges at competitions throughout the season. The Blackpool Scorpions/Allstars teams you are selected for is at the discretion of the coaches as is the selection of any crossovers, you may not choose which team you wish to be on nor choose which team you crossover to (Exception - you may opt out of being in the Allstars teams). Training times and costs.

Training times for each team are listed below and all teams will train at: Palatine School Gym, St Annes Road, Blackpool. There will also be a dedicated tumbling time for each team which will take place in Palatine School Gym, St Annes Road, Blackpool.

We strive to be the best through discipline, hard work and commitment and most of all have fun in a positive, healthy, safe and happy environment!

Day Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Sundays Sundays

Team Junior/Senior 1 Mini/Youth level 1 Youth 2 (Supreme) Co-ed 3/4 (Extreme) Mini 1 (Future) Junior 2/3(Elevation) Senior 3/4 (White)

Time 6-8pm 4-6pm 4-6pm 6-8pm 11-1pm 1-3pm 4-6pm

OPEN GYM/TUMBLE Monday First Saturday of every Month Sunday

TIME 4-5pm and 5-6pm 11-3pm 3-4pm

Please note that parents are no longer permitted at any time during training. We apologise if this causes any inconvenience to parents, however, it is important to the club that all members receive 100% attention from the coaches at all times in an atmosphere which is free from distraction. 3

Fees and Payments

Training fees are set at 35 per month regardless of how many teams that you compete on. This takes into account any holidays, training breaks or extra sessions we may have, if a session is cancelled this will not be reimbursed, we will never cancel a session unless absolutely necessary and promise never to cancel in excess of 5% of sessions. If you have siblings on the team there will be a reduction in price per sibling therefore fees for a second child and all other subsequent siblings are set at 30 per individual. All fees must be paid in advance in cash, by cheque, by standing order or the use of a card system to Maria Lydon only on a Sunday or on Monday evening. Please be aware that from September no payments can be passed to the Coaches as you will be required to sign a payment system.

We will not tolerate late payments, if you have not paid the month by the deadline you will not be allowed to attend training and you will receive a 10% charge on the months total unless you have spoken with and agreed an arrangement with Blackpool Scorpions Management Team. This must be done prior to the expected payment date, however, no more than 1 months fees outstanding will be allowed. This means that in this circumstance, your child will not be permitted to train until all outstanding fees are brought up to date. We do not wish to alarm parents/guardians and cheerleaders with this decision, however in terms of fairness to all members and parents/guardians, it is important that full commitment to this payment system is adhered to and we appreciate your support in this. Payment Deadlines for Season 2013/14 PAYMENT DEADLINE September 1 October 1
st st st

Fee 35 (or relevant sibling fee) 35 (or relevant sibling fee) 35 (or relevant sibling fee) 35 (or relevant sibling fee) 35 (or relevant sibling fee) 35 (or relevant sibling fee) 35 (or relevant sibling fee) 35 (or relevant sibling fee) 35 (or relevant sibling fee) 35 (or relevant sibling fee) 35 (or relevant sibling fee)

Covers Training in. September October November December January February March April May June July

November 1 December 1 January 1st February 1st March 1st April 1st May 1
st st

st

June 1 July 1 4

st

Workshops and Tryouts

When looking to join Blackpool Scorpions you should attend a Workshop and a Tryout which will be run as follows. There will also be a tumble camp that will take place every Wednesday in August. This is open to all ages and abilities. Workshop Date Opportunity 1 Tryout Date Opportunity 1 Workshop Date Opportunity 2 Tryout Date Opportunity 2 Tumble Camp Levels 1/2 Thursday 8th August 11-2pm Friday 9th August 11-2pm Thursday 22nd August 11-2pm Friday 23rd August 11-2pm Levels 3/4 (10 years and above) Thursday 15th August 11-2pm Friday 16th August 11-2pm Thursday 29th August 11-2pm Friday 30th August 11-2pm

Wednesday 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th of August 10-2pm

Please be aware that in order to compete on Scorpions Extreme (Co-ed 3/4)

& Senior White (All-Girl 2/3) (10 years plus), there will be a requirement to pass a fitness assessment as part of the workshop and tryout, therefore you will be required to bring your running trainers and water bottle.

The cost of the workshops and tryout is 10 and this must be paid on attendance of the workshop. Tumble camp is 10 which must be paid on the day of the camp. Remember Blackpool Scorpions Cheerleading Club aims to provide affordable and quality coaching for all ages and abilities and provide opportunities to compete at a regional and/or national level.

Once you have attended a try out we will be in touch to let you know what teams you have made it on to, we will do this by email or telephone at the earliest opportunity following the completion of all tryouts. Training will all begin on the week commencing 1st September. EVERYBODY WILL MAKE A TEAM so please dont feel intimidated or scared about try outs; they are more of an open day.

If you are unable to attend any of the workshops and tryouts, you are still able to compete and train with Blackpool Scorpions. The teams you are assigned to will be at the discretion of the coaches in this instance and will be based upon their knowledge of your abilities and experience.

Registration for 2013/14 season

ALL ATHLETES WILL NEED TO PAY A REGISTRATION FEE. THIS IS 60.00 and covers the following: Annual Insurance Hire of Uniform Blackpool Scorpions & Our All-star Uniforms And will also assist with the costs associated with: Professional Music (this is a considerable cost to the team often over 300 a mix) March/April choreography camp with American choreographer (compulsory). 30 of this payment will be due by 1st September 2013 and the remaining 30 is due by the 1st October 2013. If not paid in full by this date you not be permitted to train with Blackpool Scorpions until the outstanding balance has been settled. Season Dates SEASON STARTS, ALL TRAINING BEGINS Christmas Awards TBC Christmas Break Approximate Dates 1st September 2013 Location Palatine School Gym

18th December 2013 TBC 21st December--5th Jan (training resumes 5th January) 19TH January 2014 TBC

***Competition*** (ICC Northerns) (Blackpool) February Half Term TRAINING CONTINUES SHOWCASE ***Competition - Allstars Only*** ICC NATIONALS (Nottingham) Choreography Camp ***Competition - Allstars Only*** FC INTERNATIONALS OR JAMFEST NATIONALS (Bournemouth or Liverpool) ***Competition*** ICC SUMMER JAM CHAMPIONSHIPS (Blackpool) 6

Norbreck Castle

February 17th 2014 February Palatine School Gym 21st 2014 1rd March 2014 29th and 30th March 2014 Palatine School Gym (TBC) Nottingham FM Arena

TBA during Easter Half Term TBC (June/July)

Palatine School Gym Dependant on Competition

20/21st July 2014

Blackpool, Norbreck Castle

APPROXIMATE costs for spectators.

Coach ICC Northerns ICC Nationals Nottingham FC Bournemouth or Jamfest Summer Jam n/a 40pp n/a 20pp

Adult tickets 18 (30 weekend pass) 18 (30 weekend pass)

Childrens tickets 12 (20 weekend pass) 16 (25 weekend pass)

10 per session (40 8 per session (35 weekend weekend pass) 18 (30 weekend pass) pass) 12 (20 weekend pass)

We will aim to confirm all dates 6 weeks prior to the events taking place. All fees for events and competitions must be paid in full 6 weeks prior to the event taking place without exception. There will be no training during the Christmas break and with the exception of Choreography Camp at Easter, there will be no other training. This is to ensure that the coaches are able to take a well earned break. Absence Policy Please be aware that we do not mean scare anyone with our attendance requirements. However, AllStar Cheerleading is a demanding team sport that takes full commitment from both athletes and parents. The following Authorised and Unauthorised policy is not bendable and applies to every team member. Please remember that one person can affect the entire team. As Blackpool Scorpions are a competitive team it is crucial that athletes take part in ALL scheduled competitions and training sessions. AUTHORISED Graded School Event, Illness with fever/vomiting, Family Death, Accepted Family Celebrations UNAUTHORISED Homework/Revising (feel free to bring homework to training), general celebratory Parties/Family celebrations/Parties Recreational Sports Holidays

Once members have committed to competitions, they must attend all training sessions and no absences are permitted 4 weeks prior to competition dates. Any events that conflict with dates on the Calendar must be communicated by email from a parent/guardian or cheerleader where over the age of 18 years, no later than 6 weeks before an event. Approval of the absence is always up to the Coachs discretion. Three Unexcused Absences within the season will result in loss of position on the team. 7

Complaints/Grievances

There may be times when you have concerns you wish to raise. Please be reassured that all concerns raised will be dealt with in a timely and professional manner however, any complaint or grievance you may have must be made IN WRITING to the Blackpool Scorpions Management Team and must not be communicated in any form to any Blackpool Scorpions Coach at any time.

2013/14 Blackpool Scorpions Enrolment Form

Name: Address and Postcode:

Date of Birth:

School/College:

Home Phone Number:

Mobile Phone Number:

Email Address:

Emergency Contact Information Emergency Contact 1 Name: Emergency Contact 2 Name:

Relationship To You:

Relationship To You:

Contact Number:

Contact Number:

State any Medical Problems We Should Be Please State Any Medications You Intake As A Aware Of (Illnesses/Allergies etc): Requirement:

State Any Past Experience You Hold Of Cheerleading Inc. Dance And Stunting etc.

Blackpool Scorpions Cheerleading Team Disclaimer

Name of Cheerleader ............................................................

PROPERTY AND DAMAGE I hereby agree to follow all rules and regulations established by Blackpool Scorpions Cheerleading team. I understand the rules in force. I understand that I will be held liable for any damages of property, school etc. that are a result of my personal actions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Signed Cheerleader (If over 12). Signed parent that will be liable if under 12.

INJURY AND ACCIDENTS Cheerleading is an athletic sport that may result in injury. It involves hands on contact by the coaches in order to remain safe. I authorise the coaches of Blackpool Scorpions Cheerleading Team to coach in this way and I recognise the risks involved in cheerleading. I do voluntarily authorize Blackpool Scorpions Cheerleading Team to administer and/or obtain routine or emergency medical treatment for the above named person as deemed necessary in medical judgement and understand that the next of kin or emergency contact person will be notified at the earliest opportunity following any incident.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Signed Parent or Guardian if cheerleader under 18.

FEES AND PAYMENTS By signing this agreement I understand that payment of fees are to be paid monthly and where this is not adhered to a 10% charge will be added to the outstanding monies. I understand that no more than 1 months fees will be outstanding at any one time without first speaking to a member of Blackpool scorpions Management team. I understand that none payment of fees could result in a loss of place for me/my child in Blackpool Scorpions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Signed Cheerleader (If over 12). Signed parent that will be liable if under 12.

UNIFORM I understand that the competitions uniforms remain to be the property of Blackpool Scorpions and will be returned as the end of all competitions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Signed Parent or Guardian if cheerleader under 18.

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BREAKTIMES FOR OVER 12YEARS ONLY NOT APPLICABLE FOR CHEERLEADERS UNDER THE AGE OF 12 On some occasions cheerleaders may have breaks between classes and choose to stay at the school. Some cheerleaders go offsite in these breaks. I authorise the above named cheerleader to go offsite inbetween classes provided they are in groups of at least 2 (Strictly only where a child is over the age of 12). If you do not agree with the above then please DO NOT sign below and speak to the cheerleader concerned and instruct that they may not leave the building during breaks. When cheerleaders are offsite Blackpool Scorpions Cheerleading Team and their staff can not be responsible for the named Cheerleader.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Signed Parent or Guardian if cheerleader under 18.

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOS Photos and videos of the cheerleading team are often taken by the staff of Blackpool Scorpions cheerleaders at competitions, practices and events. These pictures are then published in the photo gallery of Blackpool Scorpions Facebook page, in the local press and on social networks. By agreeing to this I understand that these may be uploaded onto social networking sites or published on the Scorpions Facebook page by the person who owns the photo. Where you do not agree to this, please be aware that your child will not be permitted to participate on any photos or videos used as stated above. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Signed Parent or Guardian if cheerleader under 18.

BEHAVIOUR AND CONDUCT By signing this agreement I understand that I/my child will follow the Blackpool Scorpions Code of Conduct at all times which includes, on coaches, when staying at any venues during competitions away from home and at any competition venues. I understand that there will be ZERO TOLERANCE to any unsporting behaviour towards any member of any other team (including our own!) through the duration of any completion event.

By signing this agreement I understand that I/my child will follow the Blackpool Scorpions Code of Conduct in relation to setting a good example and being a good role model to other cheerleaders and will support all cheerleaders at all times. I understand that where there are complaints made of inappropriate or unkind words used against any other cheerleaders, parents or coaches, I/my child may be asked to leave Blackpool Scorpions.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Signed Parent or Guardian if cheerleader under 18.

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