Balance Brigade

Program  Overview

The BGC Balance Brigade is a progressive, non- competitive program that strives to provide a rewarding gymnastics experience for athletes who have mastered basic skills and demonstrate determination and drive required to take their skills to the next level. This is a preparatory program for a potential future in competitive gymnastics in either USA Gymnastics or the Minnesota State High School League. The program is designed to be a springboard for success in gymnastics, other sports and life. 

 

The BGC Balance Brigade ranges in age from 5 - 14 and athletes train in a group with similarly aged peers 2 times per week for 1.5 hours per day. Athletes will participate in local team opportunities as they are available including “mini meets”, shows and other local events. Bonus Brigade opportunities and camps may be available throughout the year. 

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Entering the program

Athletes may be eligible to enter our Brigade program if they demonstrate a mastery of basic skills and motivation for more difficult practices. Please reach out to staff or email us if you have met this criteria and are interested in team programming. Alternatively, participants may receive a special invitation for our team programs based on their overall performance, strength, flexibility and endurance.

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Progression through the program

Mastery of a wide range of skills will be assessed by coaching staff throughout each season. The Brigade 1 program closely resembles the USA Gymnastics Xcel Bronze program and the Brigade 2 program closely resembles the USA Gymnastics Xcel Silver program, however, our Brigade program doesn’t include the competitive component. Athletes work towards mastery of the competitive requirements in the Brigade program and compete them once they are ready on the BGC Xcel Team. 

 

Coaches will consistently monitor and make programming adjustments for athletes to ensure programming is most appropriate for each participant. Typically athletes do not switch programs or practice groups during the school year (Sept- May). Coaching staff will use overall progress and performance to recommend appropriate training groups annually, typically in May for a training group change in June.

 

Please note: Most athletes will spend more than a year in a training group while mastering all four events. It is not uncommon for gymnasts to spend 3 - 5 years in non-competitive team programming in preparation for competitive gymnastics, but some may show readiness much more quickly. 

 

Financial Expectations

Tuition rates and practice schedule are typically updated by August 1 prior to September school year scheduling. Practice schedules change for the summer and are typically updated by April 1. The team tuition is paid by monthly payments to be auto paid using the debit/credit card on file on the first banking day of the month. Fees are not reduced or increased for short or long months or breaks/days off. There are no make ups or refunds for missed practices.

 

Bonus Brigade practice opportunities are optional and must be paid in full prior to participation. No refunds for single day events. Fees will be prorated appropriately for “late starts”.

 

Other Fees:

• A non-refundable BGC Balance Brigade Team Membership Fee: $25+ tax billed upon approval of team membership and to be paid prior the first day of the season

• *Team Leotard: approximately $25-$60 (typically purchased in October)

*= 1-100% may be covered by the Fergus Falls Flippers Booster Club depending on available funds

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Policies/Practice Schedules are subject to change. Please refer to parent portal for specific details as they are available.

 

September through May practice schedule is typically updated by August 1.

June through July practice schedule is typically updated by April 15.

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Pausing/Terminating Membership

• Pausing Membership: 

  • A one month "pause" on team membership is allowed during June, July or August only. 

  • Pausing membership during September through May will be considered "terminating membership". See terminating membership for more information. 

  • A written request for a one month pause must be given by at least the 15th of the previous month. Team fees will not be charged for the one month pause.​​

  • What happens if I would like to re-join a team after pausing membership? 

    • Athletes will be allowed to participate in a one month trial with their previous training group. During this trial month, BGC staff will assess athlete's overall status upon returning to the team. Upon completion of the trial period, coaches will determine appropriate team placement, including but not limited to:

      • competing or training at an alternative Xcel level

      • changing BGC team training programs 

      • termination from BGC team programming

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• Terminating Membership:​

  • If an athlete chooses to terminate membership, a written request must be given by the 15th of the previous month to avoid upcoming monthly fees. Refunds for partial months will not be given.​

  • If athlete fees are not paid in full by the 5th of the month, the athlete will not be allowed to participate until outstanding fees are paid. If fees are not paid in full by the 15th of the month, the athlete's membership will be terminated. 

  • If an athlete's membership is terminated for any reason, their spot on their training team will NOT be reserved. Future participation would depend on their status and team training openings. 

  • What happens if I would like to re-join a team after terminating membership? 

    • Athletes may be allowed to participate in a one month trial in an available training group. Please keep in mind that your space in your previous training group may not be available if your membership was terminated. During this trial month, BGC staff will assess athlete's overall status upon returning to the team. Upon completion of the trial period, coaches will determine appropriate team placement, including but not limited to:

      • competing or training at an alternative Xcel level

      • changing BGC team training programs 

      • termination from BGC team programming​

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Helpful Information

• Parents/caregivers are responsible for timely arrival to all practices and events. Athletes should not arrive earlier or stay longer than 10 minutes before or after practice unless specific arrangements have been made with BGC staff. Early arrivals and late pickups that without prior approval may result in a childcare fee being applied to your account.

• Athletes are required to wear a ONE piece leotard, with or without tight fitting shorts, to practice. Skirts of any kind, long leggings or loose shorts are NOT allowed. Athletes arriving in unacceptable apparel will not be allowed to practice. Hair must be secured away from the face without bulky, distracting hair pieces/headbands. 

• During practices, parents are allowed to watch, but are expected to stay in the viewing area. We ask that you don’t talk to your athlete/coaches during their practice time or during special events. 

• If you have questions or concerns regarding your athlete or the program, contact Tiffany Jennen, gym owner at balancegymnasticscenter@gmail.com.

• If you are going to be absent, notifying the coaches is not required, but you are welcome to do so via BGC email. To help our staff with a work/life balance, please do not call/text any BGC coaches personal phones regarding your athlete unless it’s an emergency. Email is preferred. 

• Appropriate behavior of coaches, athletes and parents/guardians is a requirement whenever we are with our team or at team events. Athletes and parents/guardians are expected to be professional, respectful, and display good sportsmanship.  

• BGC Team athletes must keep passing grades at school. If you are having an issue with grades, please speak to a coach and we will help how we can. 

• BGC has a no tolerance policy for athlete misconduct, disrespect and/or inappropriate behavior.