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ACE of Jackson (601) 664-70772625 Courthouse Circle www.acetribe.comFlowood, MS 39232

2015-2016Jackson, MS Cheer and DanceAthlete & Parent Handbook

ACE Cheer Company, LLC strives to help each team member reach or exceed their potential as a competitive cheerleader and as a person. Our program is intended to teach

teamwork, goal-setting, personal commitment and leadership qualities that will last a lifetime.

ACE Cheer Company was founded in the spring of 1999. With a vision to form a progressive competitive cheerleading program that would offer to meet the needs of each individual cheerleader, our program was born. Over the years ACE has grown into one of the largest cheerleading programs in the world. In 2014, Cory Boyd and Mississippi Cheerleading Academy partnered with ACE Cheer Company. While headed into our 17th Season, ACE continues to grow throughout the Southeast, each location remains to be built on the same foundations of hard work and values.

The ACE of Jackson Athlete and Parents handbook is the guide to understanding our program, while defining all of our policies and procedures that are put in place for your family. To ensure that both your athlete and family fully understand our expectations and vision, please review each policy and procedure to its entirety. ACE Cheer Company focuses on effort into open communication with athletes and parents alike; therefore, understanding the Handbook in its entirety is of utmost importance. En-tering into our 2nd season as ACE of Jackson, we would like to invite you to become part of our “Tribe.” Defined by Wikipedia, Tribe is “a unit consisting of a group of families who share a common ancestry and culture”. Plain and simple, our “TRIBE” is defined as a group that stands together to help promote the positive growth of individuals through gymnastics and cheerleading, while always insuring the sense of family. WELCOME to our TRIBE, WELCOME to our FAMILY.

THE ACE BRANDThe ACE brand is a highly recognized and TRADEMARKED brand nationwide. The ACE logo, ACE pro shop apparel, and any item associated with ACE CHEER COMPANY are only allowed to be purchased through the gym, or through the official ACE on-line Pro-Shop at www.acetribe.com. Parents/Family/Friends ARE NOT authorized to create, sell, or purchase non-authorized or licensed apparel or accessories.

Inside the Tribe – Annual MagazineACE Cheer Company produces and distributes a magazine fully supported and representative of our company. The magazine is distributed quarterly. Inside the Tribe publishes information about what is happening around our company as well as what is happening around our industry. Unlike any other magazine, we are proud to be the founder of the “First Individualized Program All-Star and Cheer Maga-zine.”

ACE Administration and Jackson, Mississippi Staff Contact InformationNAME Title Phone Email

Brandon Roberts

Owner of ACE Cheer Company MS Director

(601) 955-0258 [email protected]

Brandon Prince Varsity Rep (Uniforms) (205) 292-0674 [email protected]

Cory Boyd Owner of ACE OF JACKSON (601) 503-4951 [email protected] Ross All-Star Director (601)672-1815 [email protected]

Jordan Hall Athletic Director (850)814-7391 [email protected] Hardy Special Needs Director (769)234-3815 [email protected] Kelly Office manager (601)664-7077 [email protected]

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http://www.acetribe.com/


Alyce’ Caballero (601)594-9143 [email protected]

ACE of Jackson, Mississippi’s Direct Information Contacts

Information Regarding: Direct ContactAthlete Registration

Camps/Clinics/Special EventsClass SchedulingBilling/ Payments

General ACE of Jackson Questions and Concerns

Jackson, MS OfficePaula Kelly

Gym: (601) [email protected]

Tumbling and All-Star AccountsClass Athlete Progression/Evaluation

Class Questions/Concerns

Jordan [email protected]

(850)814-7391All Star Teams

Special Needs ProgramAll-Star Athlete Progression/Evaluation

All-Star Questions/Concerns

Missy [email protected](601)672-1815

All Star TeamsTumbling Classes

ChoreographyMusic

Coaching/Employment OpportunitiesQuestions/Concerns with Staff or Program

Cory BoydOwner

Gym: (601) 664-7077Cell: (601) 503-4951

[email protected]*Please Note: All ACE of Jackson, Mississippi Correspondence will be copied to Cory Boyd

ACE of Jackson, Mississippi Social Media OutletsACE Website: www.acetribe.com

Twitter: @MsOutlaws

Instagram: _ACEOFJACKSON_

Facebook:https://www. facebook .com/ mississippioutlaws

The ACE Website is your source for important information regarding ACE of Jackson, MS announcements, calendars, competition information, practice schedules and class registration. Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are our outlets for exciting announcements, athlete and team “shout-outs,” last minute updates, picture/video posting and contests throughout the year.

ACE HIERACHY CHART OF CONTACT

Healthy & Productive Communication

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PARENTS AND ATHLETES

COACHES

ALL-STAR DIRECTOR Missy Ross

OWNER CORY BOYD

https://www.facebook.com/mississippioutlaws


mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


General Communication

Cory Boyd is your point of contact regarding ACE of Jackson, Mississippi and all of the coaching decisions made with All-Star Teams and classes. Please contact Cory Boyd via email regarding any information and questions you may have.

Coaches will be available following classes and team practices to answer any questions regarding your athlete, their needs and their individual progress.

Coaches will not entertain questions regarding specific strategic decisions (placements made in formations, decision of why an athlete was moved, added, removed, or replaced in stunts and tumbling sections) in a public setting.

If you or your athlete would like a better understanding of routine placements, team decisions, etc., please email Cory Boyd. We will then set up a meeting with you, your athlete, Cory Boyd and the athlete’s coach. ACE keeps an open door policy with communication to help each parent and athlete understand every decision in which they are involved.

It is inappropriate for an athlete or a parent to approach other ACE members about a problem they have with an ACE coach or teammate, regarding personal objections to coaching decisions, or disagreements with an administrative decision. This leads to unnecessary drama and will result in immediate dismissal from the ACE Program.

We strongly encourage parents to have their athletes speak with the coaches directly in regards to, but not limited to, the following issues, should they arise:

1. Routine Element Questions2. Individual Skill Preparedness3. Group Skill Preparedness4. Injury5. Illness6. Outside Events that may affect Performance

(*In cases where the athlete is too young to articulate the issue, we ask that the parent aid in the communication appropriately.)

If there is a matter that seems to remain unresolved, or if the athlete has clearly legitimate concerns that speaking to the coach will not or cannot possibly resolve the matter, please bring the concern directly to Cory Boyd.

Communication with Staff

The ACE Program, Staff, Athletes and Parents are all considered a part of the Tribe Family. Athletes and parents should feel comfortable speaking to the staff, in the appropriate setting, with any questions and/or concerns. This “open communication” is needed to ensure that there are no oversights within our teams and that situations involving or affecting the athlete are handled appropriately.

We strongly encourage that parents have their athletes speak with coaches directly in order to remove any feelings of a communication barrier.

During practices, coaches are needed to coach and instruct the team. Parents should never approach a coach during class or practice. Any issues that arise during a class or practice will be discussed at the end of practice. If an issue is urgent, please have the front desk notify the coach immediately.

During competitions, coaches are needed to coach and instruct the team. Parents should never approach a coach with an issue at competitions. Any issues that arise during competition will be promptly addressed the following week. Please email Cory Boyd to discuss these matters.

While in the gym, verbal communication regarding athletes, parents, classes, etc., should be held in private. Coaches will be available to discuss concerns regarding your athlete and only your athlete.

We have a strict policy in place stating that Coaches are not available to discuss:1. Information regarding other ACE athletes and/or parents.2. ACE Coaches who do not coach their athlete.3. Decisions made by the Administrative Staff.4. Issues that involve any type of comparison of their athlete to another athlete, Coach-

to-Coach, or ACE to any other cheerleading training facilities.Page 3 of 18


At Various points throughout the competitive season, Cory Boyd will provide parents with written feedback detailing your athlete’s progress both individually and in a team setting.

If a concern is emotional or heated, ACE recommends a “Cooling Period” before contacting Brandon Roberts. We understand that issues involving a child are very important and require quick resolution” therefore, we want to ensure that the situation is of resolved.

ACE Certification and Safety USASF Credentialed Staff and Certified Gym

The mission of the United States All Star Federation (USASF) is to enrich the lives of our All Star athletes and members. We provide consistent rules, strive for a safe environment for our ath-letes, drive competitive excellence and promote a positive image for the sport.

The ACE staff and ACE locations are certified and credentialed through USASF and compete only at sanctioned events.

Each athlete within the ACE program will be required to become a member of the USASF. More information is at www.usasf.net.

Safety Measures

Athlete health and safety is of utmost concern within the ACE program. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment at all times. Proper nutrition and hydration are encouraged for optimal performance and injury prevention. ACE is sufficiently prepared to respond to emergency situations with appropriate emergency-response plans; rest assured that your child is in safe and prepared hands.

To ensure a safe environment at ACE, all coaches will be: o CPR-certifiedo First-Aid Trained o Credentialed within the USASFo Trained and educated in effective spotting of stunts and tumblingo Required to record and evaluate proper progression of skills

At the American Heart Association 2010 Conference on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism, the organization reported that students who are physically fit are not only healthier but also consistently score higher academically and prove more successful in life. ACE is an excellent outlet for building physically fit and mentally strong athletes both individually and in a team setting.

ACE “Team” Philosophy The ACE Team Philosophy is simple: Program FIRST, Location SECOND, Team THIRD,

Athlete FOURTH. Athletes will set individual and team goals for the season. Along with the Staff, the athlete will

work hard to obtain and exceed those goals, building a strong work ethic for the future. ACE is focused on developing the lifelong success of the athlete, not on merely winning championships.

Members of ACE agree to put the team ahead of the individual athlete. All decisions are made for the benefit of the team’s performance, scoring and success. Although the individual athlete is very important to the ACE program, some decisions, initially, may not seem to be the best to the athlete or parent. We ask that each athlete take the time to see what the overall routine entails. If he/she still has a question or does not understand a decision, they should then speak with their coach.

If it is in the best interest of the program, an athlete may be moved from one team to another team. This is a decision that will only be made through careful evaluation and consideration of both teams. A parent and athlete meeting with Brandon Roberts will be scheduled prior to a team change.

Athletes being moved to a different team should not be perceived as a negative consequence. The decision to move an athlete will be based off of one or more of the following reasons:

Athlete’s Routine Positions (side base, back base, top girl)

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http://www.usasf.net/


Athlete’s Skill Level (tumbling, stunting, jumping, etc.) Athlete’s Attitude Athlete’s Willingness to Learn and Improve in a Group Setting Team’s Need for Competition Loss of Athlete from another Team Injury

Athletes may request to be moved to a lower level team if he/she feels they are not sufficiently utilized throughout a routine or if they become overwhelmed by the routine layout. Although maintaining the mental and physical well-being of the athlete is recognized as a paramount concern, any move down to a lower level team will depend on whether the team is available and if the team has an available roster position. In this case, athletes must be willing to fulfill any position needed by that team.

Role of ACE StaffThe ACE staff is highly trained, motivated and committed to the success of your athlete. You can expect the following of the ACE coaching staff to:

Continue Cheerleading-industry Education and Certification Always be approachable and friendly Remain safe and realistic with athlete progression while also challenging the athlete to reach

his or her potential Instruct skills in a manner that is technically precise, safe and appropriate for the individual

athlete. Stay consistent with the guidelines set for appropriate athlete progressions in a manner that

will continue to challenge the athlete to reach their full potential. Maintain open and professional relationships with each athlete and parent/guardian. Consistently enforce all disciplinary actions as stated in the “disciplinary procedures” section

below Provide a fun, safe and overall positive atmosphere and training experience for your athlete. Provide parents with thorough athlete and team updates including:

o Monthly Team Progress Emails to outline the team’s goals and practice lesson plans.o Athlete Progress Reports evaluating the individual athlete in the team setting. These

will be sent home in June, September, December and February.o Gym Wide Newsletters to keep all of our ACE families up to date with announcements,

schedules and important information. These newsletters will be sent out electronically at the beginning of each Session (or as needed.)

Role of AthleteWe expect the following from ALL athletes as members and alternates of both full and limited travel teams. These expectations will be strictly enforced at all ACE locations, during practices, clinics, competitions and all ACE events.

Athletes are expected to: Treat fellow teammates, coaches, staff, and parent with respect at all times. Not Participate in Gossip. This includes internal gossip about other ACE athletes and external

gossip about other cheerleading programs and their athletes. Problems shall be addressed and resolved directly, and parents should not listen, participate or instigate any idle, worthless gossip.

Show good sportsmanship and class at ALL times. Not Bully. This includes all forms such as electronic, verbal, physical, mental, media based,

monetary, etc. Not use profanity and/or abusive language. Accept both constructive criticisms, along with praise for a job well done. Not consume alcoholic beverages and/or illegal behavior Use social networking and electronic media as a means of publicizing and spreading

the word of ACE in a positive and appropriate manner.

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Refrain from using any social networking, messaging services or electronic media to distribute negative or inappropriate information that could be detrimental to yourself, your family, and the ACE Brand or reputation in any way. This is ground for immediate dismissal from the program.

Remain mindful that your decisions, whether you are actually wearing anything displaying the ACE brand or logo at the time or not, affect and can be a negative reflection of yourself, your parents, fellow teammates, coaches, staff, and the entire ACE program. Athletes should take pride in wearing the “ACE colors” and conduct themselves accordingly to uphold the legacy of ACE.

Role of Parent Parents are expected to:

Encourage their athlete to always treat fellow teammates, coaches, and ACE staff with respect. Ensure that their child understands what we expect of them as an athlete, as explained in the

“Role of Athlete” section above. Not express their opinions during practice or coach their athlete “from the

sideline,” i.e., from the parent-viewing area or the lobby. Defer to the coaches’ discretion regarding team decisions. Inevitably, we will lose or gain team

members through the course of a season. Any dismissal or addition of a team member is solely at the discretion of the Coach, State Director, or Owner.

Withholding a child from practice or competition should never be used as a form of punishment. This punishes not only your child but every other team member and parent.

Refrain from threatening to quit or pull their child from a team. This is unacceptable parent behavior that will not be tolerated. Any such threats will subject parents to disciplinary actions, including removal from the team.

o Parents should not listen, participate or instigate idle, worthless gossip. o Parents should not “manipulate” other parents and ACE members while present at ACE

practices and competitions. Any perceived issues and concerns must be resolved directly, in accordance with the “Issue and Conflict Resolution" section below.

Use social networking and electronic media as a means of publicizing and spreading the word of ACE in a positive and appropriate manner.

Understand that the parent viewing area is open as a privilege and not a right. If the viewing area becomes a parent issue, ACE has the right to close the area at any time without prior notice.

Parent Travel Obligations Parents are responsible for their athlete’s activities and behavior at out-of-town events. Parents must understand that competitions are NOT vacations and that athletes' time and

focus should be fully committed to the team and ACE throughout the time of the event. Please note that on ALL out of town events, you must arrive on Friday evening by

7:00pm. You may also need to leave the event on a Monday, due to scheduling by the Event Company and/or ACE.

If a parent/guardian cannot attend an out of town event, you must arrange for another ACE parent, or responsible adult, to travel with your athlete. They will assume responsibility for the athlete and ensure the athletes’ adherence to all ACE rules and policies throughout the entirety of the event.

Role of Team Representative Team Representatives are expected: This is a very important job responsibility and is a very important role for the team. If you are interested in this responsibility and would like to be considered for this position, please inform Cory Boyd. Team representatives receive 1/2 off their monthly tuition fees and may receive a coach’s pass when the competition event allows. This coaches pass may be used by the rep to enter the event

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without paying the spectator entry fee. If you choose to be a team representative, you will be responsible, but not limited to, the following duties:

Become the main contact for information regarding the team schedules. Roll call at all team practices, competitions and special events. Communication with parents and athletes via email, text, phone. Electronic maintenance of attendance for athletes throughout the season. Developing team specific announcements, emails and reminders. Individual team Social Media set-up and maintenance. Becoming the “voice” for the parents and relaying any questions and concerns to Cory Boyd

and the team coach. Team management at competitions from arrival time to release time. Collecting and distributing ACE Program T-Shirts at competitions. Organizing and preparing team outings and team bonding activities.

Attendance Policies and Procedures1. Practice Attendance Policy

A. Summer Practices Attendance at practice is critical to your athlete’s progress and integral to the success

of the team and athletes should be at practices during the summer season. However, we recognize that some athletes may need a “break,” therefore summer

practices are designed to accommodate family vacations, summer sports, church camps, summer camps, beach trips, for example.

We allow more flexibility with attendance, so long as the absence has been scheduled on the vacation and planning calendar, noting the vacation, camp, game or any other scheduled activity preventing the athlete from attending practice. *Please note that there are no make-up classes for time missed.

B. Competition Season Practices The "Competition Season" begins August 1, 2015 and ends May 1, 2016 Practice attendance is absolutely mandatory and compliance with the attendance

policy below will be strictly enforced. An athlete’s team position will be jeopardized for noncompliance with all the following terms of the attendance policy.

Athletes are expected to be at every practice. If an Athlete is absent from practice for any reason, whether excused or unexcused, he

or she is responsible for learning ALL routine changes made in their absence, before the next practice.

It is unfair to the team to waste valuable practice time re-teaching one athlete the material that he or she missed, while every other athlete must then wait for the one athlete to “get caught up to speed” and learn his or her part before moving on.

Not taking the initiative to learn anything that was missed, so that he or she will be prepared at the next practice, is selfish behavior, and not the attitude of a team player.

Practices may be changed or added at any time during the year. Parents must check the website and emails on a daily basis to stay on top of the practice schedule for up-dates on day and times.

Notate on your yearly calendar that there are tentative practices. PLAN on these being held.

I. Excused Absences - An “excused absence” must be scheduled on the planning calendar and must be either:A. School Functions that result in a grade.B. School sponsored cheerleading event.

o Cory Boyd has ultimate discretionary authority to excuse absences on a case-by-case basis. *Please note that continued absences may result in changes in routine positions and rosters. Attendance is necessary for success!

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o You are NEVER allowed to miss practice two weeks before an event for ANY reason. Only Cory Boyd has the discretion to approve an absence during this time. Failure to attend practice will result in your child being removed from his/her position until further notice. She/he will be made an alternate at this time and/or removed from an upcoming competition, at the discretion of Cory Boyd.

o We are giving a 2-week notification if we change a practice time. If an athlete is not able to attend, it will not be held against them.

II. Unexcused Absences "Unexcused absences" are simple; ALL other absences that do

not meet the above allowances are unexcused. Examples include:o Academics: School is definitely a high priority and ACE stresses the importance of

education however; homework, projects, and studying are unexcused absences. Proper time management is expected so that this does not become an issue.

o Extra Curricular Activities and Jobs : Extracurricular activities and jobs need to be scheduled around the commitment to ACE. This includes school clubs, etc.

o Church : Church is an understood priority at ACE with many of our families. We will schedule around the most common church times however, absences related to church youth groups, speakers, retreats, etc., would be unexcused.

o Unexcused absences are NEVER allowed the weekend or week prior to a competition under any circumstance. Noncompliance will result in the athlete being taken out of the routine, specific elements or being placed as an alternate.

III. Illness, Injury or Family EmergencyIllness: Athletes are expected to be at practice unless they have a fever as fever can mean that an athlete is contagious. Practice participation will be situation-based and at the Coach’s discretion. When absences due to illness perpetually occur, a doctor’s note listing the treatment and length of recovery is required.

Injury: In the event that an athlete is injured, you should notify your coach immediately. Please ensure to update the coach with information details concerning the prognosis, recovery time and any change in circumstance affecting their ability to perform.

o We will re-choreograph routines based on the athlete’s injury and length of recovery. It is not guaranteed that an athlete will be choreographed back into the routine upon recovery. Injured Athletes must continue with fee payments in full.

Unexpected/Family Emergency: This term is not taken lightly. Contact Cory Boyd or YOUR athletes coach.

Absence Allowances and Protocolo 24 hour notice is required for the coach to plan accordingly. No

Exceptions!o Athletes are only allowed three (3) unexcused absences during

competition season. Competition Season begins on the first week of the August Schedule.

o Reaching (3) unexcused absences may result in the athlete being removed from the team and placed in an alternate position.

o Missing a competition will result in immediate dismissal from the program

2. Competition Attendance

Roll will be taken at the beginning and end of each competition day. Prior to each competition, Athletes will be given the following set of team-specific times for each competition:

Arrival time - when you must be present in the competition venuePage 8 of 18


Meet time - when your team is required to meet with coach and congregate at a specific place designated by the team rep. Team Reps will take roll as the athletes prepare to walk to warm ups. Athletes must leave all backpacks, purses, make-up, warm up jackets and pants etc., with parents at this time.

Warm up time - the time the event-hosting company has scheduled the team to warm up Performance time - the time when the team is scheduled to perform Award time - the time of the awards ceremony that your team has been scheduled to re-

ceive its award Release time - when you are officially dismissed and allowed to leave the competition

venueo In certain circumstances your release time may be schedule before your awards

time. In this case you may opt to leave at earlier release time, however, doing so will result in forfeiting any awards and prizes you may win.

o From your arrival time to your release time, every athlete is required to watch and support all ACE teams except the scheduled time that his or her team is to be warming up. Athletes may not leave the competition before their respective assigned release time without prior approval from Cory Boyd. Leaving early or not supporting a team without permission will result in disciplinary action.

o If an athlete must be released before given time, the athlete will be required to arrive early to the competition. You must approve this with Cory Boyd via email.

Dress Code1. Practice Dress Code

Athletes must wear the correct color of practice clothes and cheer shoes must be worn at every practice.

If an athlete does not have on the correct practice clothes he or she is required to purchase the correct practice clothes and it will be charged to your ACE bill.

Practice shorts should not be rolled up. Practice shorts are to be worn as shorts, not bloomers. Practice clothes may sometimes shrink and athletes will likely grow throughout a season. ACE

staff may require an athlete to purchase larger sized practice shorts or tops, should the fit become extremely unflattering or inappropriate.

Athletes are free to purchase larger sizes or additional sets of practice clothes anytime during the season.

Hair must be pulled up, out of your face, in a high ponytail, with a gold ribbon at every practice. Short chin-length bobs may be worn pulled back by a headband or half up/half down.

If a female does not have her gold ribbon, she is required to purchase a gold ribbon and it will be charged to your ACE bill.

Boy’s hair must cut out of the face and off of the neck and must be cleanly shaved. All Female Athletes must wear bloomers under her practice shorts. Young women are encouraged to wear sports bras, rather than regular bras under their

practice tops to provide adequate support. Sports bras can even be layered by wearing multiple sports bras at once for additional support.

Boys must wear compression shorts under his practice shorts. NO jewelry of any kind allowed in the gym. Neither ACE nor ACE employees are responsible for

jewelry if it is worn into the gym, removed for practice, lost or stolen.

2. Competition Dress Code

Athletes have only 2 Dress Code options that may be worn at competitions. Athletes may wear: Full Uniform with assigned competition sports bra, bloomers and program shirt over

uniform (Competition Hair is Still Required) Official ACE warm up. (Uniform and proper hair are still required)

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1. All hair and make-up must be COMPLETE before entering the competition venue. DO NOT LEAVE the hotel room without your hair being competition ready. That means hair styled in a high ponytail, ACE Bow; NO glitter.

2. Upon arrival to a competition, you may wear your uniform top with jacket over it. 3. You may either wear your skirt under your pants (under no circumstances ever may your

skirt be worn over your pants) or you may bring your skirt on a hanger or in a bag until it is time to put it on.

4. All “dressing” and “changing clothes” must be done in a restroom, not the ACE room, hallway or any other public place because ACE cheerleaders are always to be 100% ready-to-go, being completely “put together” when in uniform and looking like classic “clean cut” athletes that our program boasts. This allows athletes to equate putting on the ACE uniform to mean that it is “game time” and also provides confidence through the “look good, feel good” principle.

5. The only ACE T-shirts allowed to be worn over your uniform are the Red or Black Program Shirt or Team Specific Shirt. No other t-shirts may be worn over your uniform top unless specified by Cory Boyd.

6. You must wear athletic shoes at the competition at all times. (Absolutely NO Uggs or flip flops, etc)

7. You are NOT allowed to wear any jewelry at any time during competition days.8. No Hats of any type 9. Only apparel may be worn from the event company that we are competing to and during the

competition. (Example - If it is a CheerSport competition only CheerSport shirts and jackets are allowed NO UCA, etc.)

ACE is known for showcasing athletes that are clean cut and uniform. These rules allow the athletes to equate the ACE uniform with being viewed as one of the classiest programs in the world. The ACE dress code also provides confidence by the “look good, feel good” principle. Athletes are expected to be focused on the job at hand while in “competition mode,” as these events are not fashion shows.

Issue and Conflict Resolution It is imperative that you understand that discretionary Coaches' decisions are made based on

the good of the team, even though you may, personally disagree with the same. These decisions are made after considering all relevant information and consultation with those involved. Coach’s decision will be objective and always based on their best evaluation of the facts.

Please be mindful of the fact that routine positions are always fluid and never absolutely "set in stone." Athletes will naturally progress over time, some more rapidly than others. ACE recognizes and rewards hard work and dedication. Therefore it is NOT safe to assume that, because your athlete is doing a certain role in the routine during summer months and even at the time of choreography that he or she will be doing (or not doing) this same thing at the end of the season.

Specifically, if you have an issue, concern or conflict, you must follow the following protocol, in the order listed below. This method has been proven to be the most effective and fair way to address these issues and concerns in furtherance of positive conflict resolution achieved through the fairness, transparency, and being open-minded in both listening and communicating.

1. The athlete should speak to the coach about the matter. In cases where the athlete is too young to adequately articulate the issue, then the parent may communicate the concern to the coach.

2. If the matter remains unresolved, or if the athlete has clearly legitimate concerns that speaking to the coach will not or cannot possibly resolve the matter. The parent should then email the coach, and copy Cory Boyd.

3. If the email process does not resolve the matter, an in-person meeting will be called with the coach, parent, Happy, JR or Brandon Roberts, and Cory Boyd.

Protocol for Athlete Discipline Athletes are expected to behave in a manner consistent with the expectations and policies stated herein. When an athlete's behavior does not meet these requisite standards, (for example, where an

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athlete continuously defies coaches' directions at practice, repeatedly talks to coaches or teammates in an inappropriate, rude or disrespectful manner, or displays an overall lack of team-commitment that creates an environment that is not conducive to learning and unproductive for others, amongst other things) we will address such issue by resorting the disciplinary actions, in the order listed below.

1. The Coach will first discuss the problem directly and privately with the athlete, with the assumption the problem will be corrected immediately.

2. If the problem persists, the Coach will remove the athlete from his/her team practice in response to this unacceptable behavior.

3. If the problem remains to be an issue, the Coach will communicate with the athlete's parents to discuss the problem and lack of response on the part of the athlete. Parents will have the opportunity to be involved with correction of the problem at this time.

4. If the problem continues Cory Boyd, the Coach and your State Director may temporarily suspend the athlete from participating in team practices. (i.e. “benching” for a period of time) The Athlete must attend and watch all practices, dressed in practice clothes, but will not be allowed to step on the mat with the team, tumble or stunt. The purpose is to remove the athlete from the practice so that he or she must then sit quietly, watching his or her team so that they gain a renewed perspective on the importance of respect for the coach and the team. It is the goal that viewing the practice “from the outside looking in” will be an appropriate punishment to reinforce a central tenet of the ACE philosophy, requiring tribe members to be committed to his or her teammates, as part of the tribe family.

5. If the situation warrants, the athlete will be removed from the team.

Our desire is to work in a positive way with all Athletes. Should a problem arise, rest assured that we will make every effort to find an acceptable and creative solution, while also enforcing all policies and procedures set forth herein, in a fair and consistent manner.

Important Dates and Yearly SchedulesDates to Remember:

- Choreography Camps:o We will schedule these dates during the 3rd week in May once we have our first official

team meetings for 2015-2016 and a better understanding of athlete schedules.o Tiny teams will learn their choreography throughout the summer and fall months

during scheduled practice times. o We are projecting for the choreography camps to be held during the 3rd week of July

and continue through September.- Mandatory Summer Skills Camp:

o We will be holding the summer skills camp in Birmingham, AL at the BJCC. Hotel accommodations are available at the Weston and Sheraton adjacent to the convention center. Athletes will arrive on June 27th and camp will conclude on June 28th. All teams will attend, except Tiny, Special Needs and Hip Hop teams. Athletes will learn stunts, pyramids, baskets, jumps and motion sections at skills camp.

- Hot Shots Camp: o This is mandatory for our Select Level 5 teams only. Hot Shots 2015 will be hosted in

Miami, FL June 29th through July 3rd at the Hilton Diplomat.

Financial Policies and ProceduresWebsite Registration and Payment Authorization

All Athletes must be registered in Jack Rabbit, our online system, by the first team practice. The online registration is where families will select all of their classes for the year. A credit/debit card is required for registration however, be aware, the website is very secure and no fees are automatically billed at the initial registration. Please use the following steps to complete your athlete’s online registration:

1) Visit www.acetribe.com2) Under Locations Select ‘Jackson.’3) Click on the Registration link.4) Complete the required information.

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You may choose to have the card on file automatically charged or you may bring another form of payment into Paula Kelly at the front desk before the 1st of each month. There is also the option to pay the year in full and receive a 10% discount off your monthly gym fee total. *Note: If payments are not received by the 1st of each month, your card on file will be charged. If your card is declined, your account will be assessed a $15 Late Fee.Monthly Payments Monthly payment plans have been established for each level of travel. The monthly payment plan has been set up to distribute the costs associated with competitive cheerleading in an affordable manner. In order to keep the All-Star Fees at a lower cost, ACE expenses must be paid out on time. We expect the same courtesy with timely payments from all ACE families.

Monthly fees are posted to athlete accounts on the 15th of the month for the upcoming month’s tuition. (Example: June fees are billed on May15th.)

Monthly Payments are due before the 1st of the month. (Example: June fees are due by June 1st)

If your account has a balance on the 1st, your card will be charged for the balance due. If your card is declined, your account will be assessed the $15 Late Fee.

The listed fees are only an estimate of the year’s costs. Anything additional such as ACE merchandise, hotel fees and transportation costs are not included. This financial commitment is for a full 12 months. If you commit to becoming a member of a team, you are responsible for all costs and fees associated for the season’s entirety.

Team Placement: Team deposit shall be paid on or before May 8th in order to be eligible to participate in team placement. Following team assignments, parents are required to attend the first practice for

the annual parents’ meeting at which time they will sign the ACE Handbook and accept their athlete’s respective team assignments. *******The team deposit is non-refundable*******

May: Team Evaluations, Team Selections and Fees : *The team deposit is non-refundable*Team Selections are a very laid-back, low stress evaluation process used for selecting our All-Star teams. At ACE, we do not want the athlete to feel as though they are participating in a stressful “try-out” process or that they will not make a team. ACE offers teams for athletes of all age and skill levels. ACE will no longer allow athletes who have not met their previous season financial commitment to participate in Team Selection.

The Team Selection Process is structured as follows: Athletes will be required to show jump and jump/tumble combinations and both standing and

running tumbling. This will be done in an open, group setting. Athletes may also show flexibility skills if they are interested in a Top Girl position.

o (Required: Heel Stretch, Bow-and-Arrow, Scorpion, Scale) After all athletes have been evaluated, the coaches will select the teams. May 12th will be the official announcements of the teams. Families will receive a phone call

letting the athlete know the team, and team practice day for May.o There is a mandatory parent meeting at the first team practice. The Contract, Summer

Vacation Calendar and a list of possible practice conflicts and days are due at the parent meeting in order for the athlete to participate.

The May Deposit ($165) is paid on, or before, May 8th (Team Selection Day) and will cover the May tuition and yearly Registration, which includes one weekly tumbling class and the team practices for the month. If an athlete decides to not continue with their ACE team, he or she may continue their tumble class for the month however, the May Deposit is non-refundable.

Athletes will be sized for practice wear and the Varsity Shoes at the second team practice. Payment for these items will also be due on this day.

If you quit or are released from the team at any point throughout the season, you will continue to be financially responsible for fees in full. These fees are expected to be paid in

accordance with the assigned payment schedule. If you are listed as an alternate for a team, you are financially responsible for the year in full whether you compete or not.

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ACE EXPRESS - All Star Prep TeamACE EXPRESS is new for the 2015-2016 Competition season. This program was formulated for those who want to be involved in All-Stars but may not have the time and/or financial ability to commit to the full-travel All-Star program. Practices are limited to one day per week. Competitions are limited to local events. The team will compete in an All-Star Prep division.

ACE of Jackson Financial Options and AvailabilityACE of Jackson is very conscious of the financial commitment required to participate in our sport. We have been diligently working to reduce the overall cost as well as providing additional options never before available. We want nothing more than to never have to turn anyone away due to the inability to “Make It Work”. We hope that the options we have made available for this season will satisfy the needs of everyone.

1. Monthly Payments via Auto-Draft: Below is a table with every dollar outlined as to what the exact costs are and how much you will be expected to pay each month starting in May and finishing in April 2016.

2. New Athlete Referral Bonus -17 Years of Greatness: For every new athlete (that has not previously been an All-Star Member of ACE Cheer Company) that is referred by you and joins our all star program, ACE of Jackson will give you back a $50 discount credit on your monthly tuition per month AS long as the referred athlete remains in the program. At anytime, if the referred athlete quits, is released, or removed for any reason, YOU WILL NO LONGER RECEIVE the discount. Referral Bonuses are available to everyone, new and returning.

3. Sponsorships. You may obtain sponsors for your athlete(s). Sponsors for our program will be listed on our Sponsorship Banner for this Competition Season. 7% of the sponsorship amount will be used for administrative purposes, 93% of the proceeds go directly to your family/athlete’s account.

Red Level Sponsorship – Minimum of $100 Sponsorship White Level Sponsorship – Minimum of $250 Sponsorship Black Level Sponsorship – Minimum of $500 Sponsorship Gold Level Sponsorship – Minimum of $1000 Sponsorship

ACE Discount and Referral BonusWe want to be able to offer everyone as much of a discount as possible, while still being able to meet our obligations. To help clarify how our discount program works, please make sure you read this paragraph completely. You may accept any discount you qualify for, but we would suggest you take the discount that provides you with the most bang for your situation. We do NOT stack discounts on top of discounts.

Here are all of the possible discounts we offer: 1. Multi-sibling – $5 discount Monthly tuition only for each additional child2. Payment in Full – 10% Monthly tuition only3. Team Representative $50 discount Monthly tuition only4. Athlete Referral Bonus 17 Years of Greatness – $50 discount Monthly tuition only

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ACE OF JACKSON, MS 2015-2016 COMPETITION CHEER SCHEDULE :

SHOW- Special Needs, Tinys, Exhibition teams

Dates Competition Venue CityNovember 7-8, 2015

Meet The Tribe Day BJCC Birmingham, AL

January 24, 2016 WSA Regional Landers Center Southaven, MSMarch 5, 2016 WSA Regional TBA Jackson, MSApril 1-3, 2016 Athletic Championships Emerald Coast Convention Center Destin, FL

GOLD- Mini Level 1 and Mini Level 2Dates Competition Venue City

November 7-8, 2015 Meet The Tribe Day BJCC Birmingham, AL

January 16, 2016 Mardi Gras Nationals Riverwalk Convention Center New Orleans, LA

January 24, 2016 WSA Regional Landers Center Southhaven, MS

February 27-28, 2016

Athletic Championships Tunica Arena and Expo Center Tunica, MS

March 5, 2016 WSA regional TBA Jackson, MSMarch 19-20, 2016 WSA Grand NATIONALS Riverwalk Convention Center New Orleans,

LAApril 4-5, 2016 Athletic Championships Emerald Coast Convention Center Destin, FL

RED- All Youth, Junior, and Senior levels 1-3Dates Competition Venue City


January 24th 2016 WSA regional Landers Center Southaven, MSFebruary 14-15, 2016 CheerSport Nationals GWCC Atlanta, GAFebruary 27-28, 2016 Athletic Championships Tunica Arena and Expo Center Tunica, MS

March 5, 2016 WSA regional TBA Jackson, MSMarch 19-20, 2016 WSA Grand NATIONALS Riverwalk Convention Center New Orleans,

LAApril 4-5, 2016 Athletic Championships Emerald Coast Convention Center Destin, FLMay 2-3, 2016 The Summit Walt Disney World Orlando, FL

BLACK- Senior Level 4November 7-8, 2015 Meet The Tribe Day BJCC Birmingham,

ALJanuary 16, 2016 Mardi Gras Nationals Riverwalk Convention Center New Orleans,

LAJanuary 24th 2016 WSA regional Landers Center Southaven, MS

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February 14-15, 2016 CheerSport Nationals GWCC Atlanta, GAFebruary 27-28, 2016 Athletic Championships Tunica Arena and Expo Center Tunica, MS

March 19-20, 2016 WSA Grand NATIONALS Riverwalk Convention Center New Orleans, LA

April 4-5, 2016 Athletic Championships Emerald Coast Convention Center Destin, FLMay 2-3, 2016 The Summit Walt Disney World Orlando, FL

Worlds Team (Senior Level 5)Dates Competition Venue City


January 17-18, 2016 Mardi Gras Nationals Riverwalk Convention Center New Orleans, LA

January 24th 2016 WSA regional Landers Center Southaven, MSFebruary 14-15,

2016CheerSport Nationals GWCC Atlanta, GA

February 19-21, 2016

NCA Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

Dallas, TX

March 19-20, 2016 WSA Grand Nationals Riverwalk Convention Center New OrleansApril 25-28, 2016 Cheerleading Worlds Walt Disney World Orlando, FL

Please note that the competition schedule is tentative and is subject to change.Worlds and Summit Competitions are tentative depending the acceptance of a bid.

**Fees DO NOT Include Worlds or Summit Competition. Pricing will be determined once receiving a bid**

*** Male Athletes receive a considerable tuition discount; please see Cory Boyd. ***

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ACE OF Jackson, MS 2015 – 2016 ANNUAL CALANDAR

Page 17 of 18CALENDAR KEY:

GRAY: Gym Closings/Holidays BLUE: All-Star Special EventsRED: Competitions/Performances for all MS Teams


Commitment to Excellence

As the parent/guardian and athlete, we have read and completely understand the rules, requirements and regulations as outlined in this handbook. We promise to uphold and abide by the rules set forth herein. We realize that ACE of Jackson, MS reserves the right to change, amend or assess the stated policies and procedures as deemed necessary on a case-by-case basis.

I have read and understand the Financial Policies and Procedures. I understand that it is my responsibility as a parent to follow through with my child’s financial obligations associated with tuition and other fees during the 2015-2016 Competition season. Should I fall behind or fail to make payments I recognize that my child’s involvement will be jeopardized.

If you quit or are released from the team list you WILL continue to be financially responsible for fees in full. These fees are to be paid on the assigned payment schedule. If you are listed as an alternate for a team, you are financially responsible for the year in full whether you compete at every competition or not.

Athlete Name

_____________________________________________

Athlete Signature

_____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name

_____________________________________________

Parent Signature

_____________________________________________

Date

___________________________

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CALENDAR KEY:

GRAY: Gym Closings/Holidays BLUE: All-Star Special EventsRED: Competitions/Performances for all MS Teams

Documents

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