Vernon Lee Gymnastics

Team Handbook & Policies

Welcome to the VLG Family!

We’re so excited to have you as part of the Vernon Lee Gymnastics community. Our program is more than just gymnastics—it’s about teamwork, respect, discipline, and building the confidence to shine both in and out of the gym.

At Vernon Lee, we proudly welcome all participants regardless of race, creed, religious or political belief, sexual orientation, or nationality. Every gymnast, parent, and coach contributes to our positive and respectful culture.

This handbook is here to set clear expectations, keep communication smooth, and make sure every family feels supported. Please read through carefully and reach out with questions.

Code of Conduct

We ask that everyone—athletes, parents, and staff—commit to the same high standards of respect and positivity.

For Gymnasts:

Be kind to your teammates—cheer for them, encourage them, and never put others down.
Listen attentively to coaches. They are here to guide you and keep you safe.
Give your best effort every day, even when things feel hard.

For Parents:

Trust the process—coaches are trained to know when your child is ready for new skills.
Keep conversations with coaches respectful and constructive.
Model good sportsmanship in the stands—cheer for all gymnasts, not just your own.

For Staff:

Provide a safe, structured, and encouraging learning environment.
Communicate openly and professionally with families.
Continue to grow through training, certification, and teamwork.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and valued in our gym.

Gym Etiquette & Safety Rules

Gym floor is for gymnasts only: For safety reasons, only enrolled gymnasts with an instructor may be on the gym floor.
Quiet observation: Parents and siblings are welcome to watch, but please keep noise to a minimum so gymnasts can focus.
Photos & videos: Always keep flash off. Please ask before posting other children online.
Conversations with coaches: The best time to talk is before or after class—not during. During practice, gymnasts need their full attention on the floor.
Illness: Please keep sick children home to protect everyone’s health.
Hair & jewelry: Hair must be securely tied back. Jewelry is not permitted, except for small religious artifacts (tied safely) and stud earrings.

Attendance & Commitment

Consistency is the #1 key to progress in gymnastics. Every practice builds on the last, and missing time makes it harder for athletes to keep up.

On-time arrival: Please arrive on time and ready to start—being late shortens warm-up and can increase injury risk.
Year-round training: Gymnastics is a continuous sport. Tuition is billed year-round, even during vacations, illness, or breaks, to keep our staffing consistent.

Attire & Hygiene

Proper attire keeps athletes safe and ready to move:

Leotard required for all practices.
No loose tops or pants. Leggings or fitted thermals allowed.
Black spandex/lycra shorts are permitted only for X-Cel meets.
All athletes: please wear deodorant.
Long hair tied back neatly with clips, ties, or spray.

Communication

We keep families informed through:

Band App: Team updates, schedule changes, reminders
Email: Official announcements and billing information
Phone/Text: Direct communication with the gym (818-558-1177)

Please make sure your contact information in the Jackrabbit Parent Portal is always up-to-date.

Financial Policies

Tuition: Auto-charged on the 25th of each month. Contact us before billing if changes are needed.
Re-enrollment: Ongoing—please let us know before the billing date if dropping/changing.
Payments: Cash, check, or Jackrabbit Parent Portal (bank transfer or credit card).
Credit Card Surcharge: Credit card payments processed through Jackrabbit Pay include a 2.79% service fee (bank transfers avoid this fee).
Returned checks: $50 fee.
Credits: For cancellations/unexpected closures, credits may be applied (non-expiring, valid for active members only).

Withdrawal Policy

We ask for a courtesy 30-day notice if you decide to withdraw from the program. This helps us adjust class rosters, keep billing accurate, and make space for waitlisted athletes.

Open Door Policy

At Vernon Lee Gymnastics, we know that families’ circumstances change. Should you ever leave the program, please know our doors remain open to you. We warmly welcome back former members who wish to rejoin, and we will do everything we can to make the transition smooth.

Missed Classes & Makeups

Makeups: You may request a makeup, but they are not guaranteed due to full schedules. Makeup opportunities are more likely to occur during holiday season or summer.
Notice: Please call or email in advance if your gymnast will be absent.
No tuition refunds for missed practices, family vacations, or illness. Team tuition is already discounted to keep training consistent year-round.

Competitions & Advancement

Our Philosophy:

At VLG, we look at the long-term potential of each gymnast, not just the current level requirements. Sometimes gymnasts train advanced skills at lower levels to prepare for future success. Advancement is always at the discretion of the coaching staff.

Competition Expectations:

Arrive at least 15 minutes early to find parking, check-in, and locate your coach.
Be fully ready upon arrival: leotard on, hair neat, no jewelry.
Late athletes: coaches and meet directors will do their best, but adjustments are not guaranteed.
Please remain for the entire awards ceremony out of respect for all athletes.
Refunds for missed competitions are determined by the meet host, not VLG.

Parent Decorum:

Cheer positively for everyone.
Respect spectators, parking, and travel fees.
Let coaches handle coaching—your job is to be your child’s biggest supporter.

USA Gymnastics Membership

All athletes must hold a current USA Gymnastics membership (renewed every August). Steps:

Create a parent account on USAG.
Create an athlete account (with gymnast’s birthdate).
Assign athlete to Vernon Lee Gymnastics (#25221).
Select Women’s Program membership.

Injuries

Injuries are part of sports, but athletes are encouraged to attend practices even while healing. This is a chance to:

Work on conditioning and flexibility.
Strengthen other areas of the body.
Stay connected with the team.

Snacks & At-Home Prep

Snacks: Healthy choices are encouraged to fuel performance (fruit, nuts, granola, etc.).
At home: A little extra effort makes a huge difference. Light conditioning, stretching, or skill drills (as assigned) will give gymnasts an edge.

Summer Training

Summer is the best time for skill development because athletes aren’t restricted by competition routines.

Morning sessions offered in 3, 4, or 5 day options.
Strongly encouraged for all team athletes.

Additional Policies

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before class.
Pick up promptly at the end of class. Gymnasts must remain inside until a parent arrives.

Weather & Unexpected Closures

Families will be notified via Band App, email, and/or text if the gym must close due to weather or emergencies.

Social Media Policy

Gymnasts and parents are welcome to share their own achievements online, but please avoid posting photos/videos of other children without permission.
Any posts connected to VLG should reflect our values of positivity, respect, and sportsmanship.

Volunteer Opportunities

Hosting a meet? We love parent volunteers! Look out for sign-up opportunities to help with timing, scoring, set-up, or hospitality.

Closing Notes

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s gymnastics journey. Together, we can create an environment where athletes not only achieve their athletic goals but also grow into confident, resilient, and respectful individuals.

We’re proud to call you part of the Vernon Lee Gymnastics family!