October Thanksgiving and Halloween

Before I post the October schedule I wanted to let you know in advance how Thanksgiving and Halloween training will go.

On Thanksgiving Sunday, October 13th there will be NO Training for any of the tumbling groups.

 On Thanksgiving Monday, October 14th there will be NO Training for Provincial 234, Developmental 2 and Developmental 3.  

The National Group will not be training either.  This is a change from the earlier post.  

Enjoy your long weekend with your family.

Halloween Night there will be NO Training for any of the tumbling groups as they all turn into little monsters that night.

Competitive Group Photo Sunday, Sept 29

Here is a note about the Large Group Photo that we take of all competitive athletes and the individual pictures that get taken for the website.  You should have received an email about this but sometimes new families are not on the email list.

To all OGC families

Each year we take a group shot of all of our athletes to display at the
club. The date for this year's group shot is Sunday September 29 (3:30-5:00pm).
All member athletes are included in this photo. 

We will be organizing the athletes as they arrive at 3:15-3:30 so that we are
ready to begin the photo itself at 4:00 when the rec children are finished. 

Please have your little/or big children dressed in their latest competitive
suits if they have them or their favourite gym suit if they are
developmental or don't have. 

We will begin the shot promptly so if you can please arrive downstairs on
time it would be greatly appreciated we want all our athletes in the photo.
We may be done earlier than 5:00, so please return by 4:30 if you do not intend
to stay. 

Everyone must be picked up by 5:00pm at the latest. 


In addition to the large group shot, Sept 26 -30 there will also be
individual shots taken of the athletes that require them (during their
training slots as much as possible). I will send the schedule of the groups
on each day in the next few days. Not everyone will require a photo, only
those needing update for website(prov/nat). Developmental and Interclub will have their group shots taken as well. 

Thanks
Carrie 

Competitive Tumbling Program Structure Information

So your child is in tumbling but you aren't really sure of the structure of the sport or where your child fits in.  Please give the information pages below a read over and hopefully you will have a better understanding of how it all fits together.  If you have questions feel free to ask your child's coach.

To see image in larger format save as a picture and view as a picture.

Tumbling Event Schedule 2013 2014

Here is the Tumbling Program Event Schedule

 for 2013 2014

Please note that some dates might change.  We will post up-dates here as we receive them.

Nutritional Information

Here is the link to the previous post about Nutrition.  If you are going to be feeding a high performance machine like an elite athlete you will need to give them high performance fuel.

Please find some time to give the post a read.

http://ogctumblingprogram.blogspot.ca/2010/01/i-am-finally-getting-chance-to-post.html

Parent Meeting Information Sept 2013

Communications from the 2013 September Parent Meeting

Congratulations to all the tumblers who were offered spots in the Oakville Gymnastics Club Tumbling Program for the 2013/2014 season. We do appreciate your dedication, commitment and loyalty towards the tumbling program.

Biographies:
Don Holmes – Co-Head Coach/Co-Director of the Tumbling Program Coaching the National Tumbling Group
Niki Lavoie – Co-Head Coach/Co-Director of the Tumbling Program, coaching Developmental 1, Developmental 2 and the National Tumbling Group
Amanda George – Coach Developmental 1, 3 and Provincial 234 Groups
Daniela Petrova – Coaching the Developmental 1, Provincial 1&2 group and the Provincial 234 Group with Amanda
See the website under Competitive Staff.

The One Year Contract Policy:  As you know the Tumbling program offers your child a space in the program for one year and at the end of each season we do ask all of our athletes to “ReTryout”.  By implementing the ‘Re-Tryout’ and ‘Tryout’ protocols we are not trying to be mean or unsupportive of those athletes that we have been working with and developing over the previous year (or years). Our program is a competitive program with a limited number of spaces. We are simply trying to ensure that those athletes who are the most deserving of a spot on the team are receiving those spots. If at some point we do ask your child to leave the program this may be thought of as a good thing allowing the athlete the opportunity to explore other sports where he/she may be more suited physically, mentally or socially. Also at that time we may invite them to try an alternative gymnastics discipline or program in the gym as we do believe that GYMNASTICS IS FOR ALL and we wish to keep everyone in the gym in some capacity.  We need to weigh Competitive Wants vs Recreational Needs.

Summer Attendance: During the summer session we expect 50% attendance as a minimum. We would prefer that your child attends 100% of their scheduled classes but we understand summer schedules are far more diverse and we would hope that kids take the time to enjoy summer camps, weeks at the cottage and time with family. Please send an e-mail to your athlete’s coach with the dates that your child will not be at tumbling. Low attendance in some groups on specific weeks may allow us to accommodate other athletes who have summer training conflicts and permit them to make the minimum number of training hours.

Fall/Winter/Spring Attendance: During the school year we expect 80% attendance as a minimum. Obviously the less your athlete trains the less they will progress and the less they will be prepared for competition. It is in your best interest to have your athlete at the gym as much as possible.

Violation of Attendance Minimums and Removal from the Program: We cannot hold spots for athletes who do not attend the program. If you have schedule conflicts that will prevent your athlete from reaching the minimum attendance requirement but wish to remain as part of the tumbling program please e-mail the Tumbling Program Directors outlining your situation.

OGC Code of Conduct:  We have created a specific code of conduct for our athletes.  This Code of Conduct document is mostly for athletes when they are traveling with coaches separate from parents.  As we travel to competitions you will see this document and if you have any concerns with it at that time we can address them then.

Schedules: Summer Schedules and Fall/Winter/Spring schedules have been distributed. We understand the logistical difficulties that families encounter by receiving these schedules in June as summer camp registration and vacations need to be booked several months in advance. Please note that we create our schedule with careful consideration. We realize that there will be conflicts and we have outlined how we are attempting to provide concessions for these conflicts.  Also note that due to the ever evolving space usage of the gym we may find it necessary to change a scheduled class temporarily or permanently depending on the situation.  We cannot foresee these situations but we will try to provide you with as much notice as possible prior to changes.

Tumbling Program Weeks Off during the Summer: Note that these change each year as we need to address the competition schedule that is also, ever changing.  We will try to let you know well in advance so that you can plan vacations/camps/etc.  Tentatively we plan to take a week in July in 2014 and the last week of August.  We will post the definitive weeks off in April or May via the blog.
Active Rest: During the rest periods we expect athletes to remain active. We give the tumblers a checklist of activities to do during their off time in order to keep them fit.

Nutrition: We will post some nutrition information on the blog at some point to assist you with meal planning for effective trainings and competitions so keep your eye on the blog.

Water Bottles Tumblers ONLY:  Tumblers are permitted to bring water bottles into the gym and store them in a box under the tumbling bulletin board so that athletes do not have to cross the gym to get to the water fountains.  Only OGC Tumblers will be permitted this.  Please send your child with a reusable water bottle for all trainings.

Viewing Area Closure: During the summer months and on some holidays the viewing area may be closed in the evening.  On these days there will be no parent viewing. Your child will be let in at the sliding glass doors at the front of the club and be ushered out at the end of their session. When the viewing area is closed no one is permitted in the gym lobby for safety and liability reasons. Our apologies for the inconvenience that this might cause.  If there is an emergency and you need to contact us inside the gym we ask that you bang on the back door of the gym to try and get our attention.  There is usually someone standing in that corner by the trampolines preparing to take a turn so we will here you knocking.

Individual Parent Meetings: We offer individual parent meetings as we or you feel they are necessary. If you have individual questions that pertain to your specific situation we ask that you not address these in a public forum but leave it to an e-mail or individual meeting.  We will be doing Progress reports with all tumblers and their families in December, March and May (just around the ReTryout time).

Chain of Command:  Speak to your child’s coach(es) directly for anything you may have questions about.  Then you may speak to Don and Niki.  If we are not able to help you then you can speak to Wayne Hussey the COO of Oakville Gymnastics Club.  If you have a question about an event/competition DO NOT contact Gymnastics Ontario directly.  DO NOT contact the host club of an event directly.  If you have a question address it through the coach(es) and we will ask GO or the event host for you as your question is likely one that other’s have.

Sponsorship: Athletes are able to search for sponsors to offset the costs of training and competitions. The OGC has created a sponsorship package for all competitive athletes. Please enquire if you are interested in sponsorship.

Fundraisers: We do two fundraisers that we try to keep easy and simple.  We will be sending out information on the Family Fun Night.  Details about other fundraisers will be posted as the events take place.

Event and Competition Schedule:  See separate post on the blog.

Competitive Structure Provincial and National – See attachment, previous post. 

The Competitions.

Competition Schedules:  A tumbling competition usually last 2 days.  The athletes usually need to be there for only half a day as the awards for their flight tend to run within 1 to 3 hours of the tumbler’s final tumbling run.  The schedule for the weekend of competition usually comes out the week prior to a competition.  We will post the competition on the blog as soon as we have received it and will provide the address of the event as well so that you can use your GPS to locate the competition venue.

National Tumblers: Need to attend an international meet at some point in order to qualify to the Canadian National Team.  We will speak directly to those who individuals who this pertains to.

Travel competitions:  It is possible that we may attend a competition outside of Ontario.  Any competitions that are not Gymnastics Ontario qualification competitions, Ontario Championships or Canadian Championships the costs for the coaches to attend will be cost shared over the athletes that attend the competition.  Registration fees for Ontario qualifiers are included in your OGC fees.  Registration fees for all other competitions will need to be paid at the time of the competition.

Competitive Wear:  We change our competitive singlet and shorts/leotard every two years.  More information will be coming very soon about this.   We do plan to get a new competitive leotard, singlet and shorts this year.  Tracksuits will remain the same this year.  National Tumblers must buy the tracksuit jacket.  Purchasing the tracksuit pants is optional but please show up to competitions with pants on.  Provincial and Developmental Tumblers the Tracksuit is optional as we do not use the tracksuit for “March In” or “Awards” ceremonies at competitions. Measurements for Tracksuits and OGC apparel will take place the week of September 23^rd to 27^th.  There is a possibility for swapping or purchasing a lightly used tracksuit from another athlete.  Information will be distributed via e-mail regarding a Swap or Exchange Day.

OGC Tumbling T-shirts:  Will be available on the clothing racks in the OGC lobby.

OGC Optional Apparel:  We plan to make some hooded sweatshirts, sweat pants and other OGC apparel available for purchase this fall as well stay tuned to the blog for more information on these items.

Therapy Clinic:  The Glen Abby Massage Therapy and Sports Injury Therapy Clinic located inside of the OGC is open to all.  It is not restricted to the athletes of the OGC.  All Oakville Community members are welcome to use the OGC clinic.   

Sport Psych:  We have a new therapist working in the clinic who deals with Sport Psychology.  Her name is Sarah Dybka and was herself a power tumbler coached by Don and Niki.  She is available for one on one sessions and will be starting regular additional work with the OGC National tumbling group in order to give them the competitive psychological edge in the 2013/2014 season.

Car Pooling:  If you are looking for Car Pooling options please create a simple classified advertisement and email it to Don.  Please include your Name, closest intersection or school for pick up location, your phone number or email address.  Don will then distribute this advertisement to the athletes in your child’s group or if you wish, to the greater competitive gymnastics community within the OGC.   

Any Financial questions please direct to Agnes Jankura in the main office.

Check your e-mails regularly for OGC info.

READ THE BLOG REGULARLY: It is VERY IMPORTANT that YOU keep up-to-date on the blog. It is the online bulletin board for our program. Everything is archived there so you can go back and pull any information that you might need. http://ogctumblingprogram.blogspot.com/


Questions?

Any questions can be directed to:
Don Holmes dholmes_tumbling@homail.com
Niki Lavoie niki_rowland@yahoo.com
Amanda George wildcatsamandag@hotmail.com
Daniela Petrova dany_ip@yahoo.com

Back handspring contest anyone?

Pretty sure we can beat this.  We may have to give it a try.

Parent Meeting Provincial Tumblers

There will be a Parent Information Meeting 

for the families of 

ALL Provincial Tumblers 

(Provincial Group 12, Daniela's group 

and the Provincial 234 Group 

that Amanda and Daniela coach together) 

on Sunday, September 15th 

from 7:00 to 8:00pm 

in the downstairs lobby of the OGC. 

All families should have at least one parent representative at the meeting.  Athletes do not have to attend but are welcome.

Parent Meeting National Tumbling Group

There is a Parent Information Meeting 

for the 

National Tumbling group 

on Sunday, September 15th 

from 6:00 to 7:00pm 

in the Downstairs lobby of the OGC.  

All families should have at least one parent representative at the meeting.  Athletes are welcome to attend.

Flip Photo Contest Melissa

Here is Melissa's flip photo contest submission.  I think we all wish we were in the pool today.  Nice photo Melissa.

Tumbling Raffle WIN a week in MUSKOKA

Dear Competitive Families:

OGC has 5 National Tumblers that will be competing in the 22nd Tumbling & Trampoline World Championships in Bulgaria, Nov 7-17, 2013.

They are Haven Swartz, Savannah Wepf, Michael Chaves, Ben Senior, and Nathan St Romain.

We would like to offer you a chance to 'Win a Week' at a Muskoka Cottage Raffle in supporting our athletes. 

The Winner of this raffle can select any week of their choice between Oct 15, 2013 - Jun 27, 2014, including Christmas, Easter, Victoria long weekend. 
The cottage is located in Huntsville, Ontario, and sleeps a maximum of 12 persons. This prize is valued at $2500. 

Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20. 100% of all proceeds will assist our 5 athletes for this competition, to reduce travel expenses.

The draw will be held on October 15, 2015. Tickets are available in the office and from any of the parents of our athletes.

For more details/pictures on this cottage, you can review the binder in the office or click on link below:

http://cottagevacations.com/district-muskoka/lake-vernon/114

Thank you for your support.

Lynn

Tumbling Morning Training Option

Tumbling Program MORNING TRAINING

We will be offering Morning Training for any Provincial or National level tumbler starting on Wednesday, September 18th.  

The morning training will run from 9:00am to 11:30am.  

This training is optional.  It is NOT mandatory.

We are looking to decrease the gym loading at night by offering a morning training.  We would prefer that this is a regular option rather than only on weeks when you miss for something else.  

Niki will be coaching it.  Please email her if you will be coming to this training.  If there are more than 8 bodies asking to do this Wednesday morning training then Don or Amanda will also coach this group.

All other competitive programs at the OGC offer a daytime training to offset the gym loading during prime time so we feel that the Tumbling program should do this as well.  

Please let us know if you would like to take advantage of this morning training time.  If we do not have enough then we will not run the Wednesday training.

There are several reasons for choosing Wednesday morning:

1) your athlete can get back to school to catch up on missed tests, assignments or homework.

2) it is a day that will never be affected by PD days or stat holidays

3) it is in the middle of the week so the athlete doesn't get behind for a weekend

4) there are no other competitive programs in at that time so we have only minimal equipment sharing with the daytime recreational program.

We hope this option will help improve the overall quality of the program.

OGC Tumbling Staff

Parent Meeting Developmental Groups

FOR: DEVELOPMENTAL TUMBLING 

GROUPS 1, 2, AND 3

DATE: Sunday, September 8th

TIME: 6:00 to 7:00pm

WHERE: Oakville Gymnastics Club Lower Lobby

At least one parent from each family should attend.

Athletes do not need to attend.

If you cannot attend the meeting all information will be posted here on the blog once all Parent Meetings are completed.

September Tumbling Schedule

Here is the September Power Tumbling Schedule for the Oakville Gymnastics Club.  

My apologies to those families who came to the gym yesterday, September 3rd.  

Fall classes start today Wednesday, September 4th.

Please follow the link to the August blog post where each individual group has it's schedule posted. 

http://ogctumblingprogram.blogspot.ca/2013/08/september-schedule.html

IMPORTANT: 

There will be separate Parent Meetings for the Developmental Tumbling Groups, the Provincial Tumbling Groups and the National Tumbling Group.  Please put the date and time of the Parent Meeting on your calendar.

Also the OGC Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday, September 29th from 8:00 to 9:00pm.  If you attend you will receive 2 volunteer hours to your credit.  

Hope to see all of you at 

the Parent Meetings and the AGM.

September Start

Welcome back to the Fall Session of 

Power Tumbling at the Oakville Gymnastics Club.

Hopefully everyone enjoyed their two weeks off and are ready to jump back into the swing of things.

Tuesday, September 3rd will be a day of planning and preparation for the Tumbling Staff.  We will let you have one day to begin your back to school schedule with no training.

Regular Fall Session training for 
the Tumbling Program will begin on

Wednesday, September 4th.

I will get a complete September training schedule posted here on the blog very soon.  I will be confirming Parent Meeting times and dates with the staff today.  See the August post for training times for each group.

Enjoy your first day of school everyone and we look forward to seeing you all back in the gym on Wednesday.