BGC Xcel Team

Program  Overview

The Xcel Program is a USA Gymnastics program that strives to provide a rewarding competitive gymnastics experience. The BGC Xcel Team ranges in age from 7 - 18, practices 2 times per week for 2 - 3 hours per day all year. The team consists of athletes who have mastered foundational skills and demonstrate an exceptional willingness to do the work required to achieve excellence. 

BGC Xcel Team athletes must become members of USA Gymnastics. They will travel to 3-6 meets in the tri-state area and compete in their level at USA Gymnastics sanctioned events. (Qualifying meets may be required.) Athletes will compete in the following levels of competition including: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Athletes will have the opportunity to qualify for State and Regional Championships. The BGC Xcel team will also participate in local team opportunities as they are available. 

 

Progression through the program

Athletes' competitive level will be determined by coaching staff by August 1 of each season. Typically, athletes will stay in their competitive division for the duration of the competitive season.  Competitive division choices are based on meet scores and ability to consistently execute the requirements of each level. Coaches will consistently monitor and make programming adjustments for athletes to ensure their programming is most appropriate for each participant.

 

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.

 

Xtra Xcel practice opportunities are optional and must be paid in full prior to participation. Cancellation of single day events will be credited to your account if given more than 24 hours notice.

 

Fees will be prorated appropriately for “late starts”.

 

Other Fees:

• BGC Xcel Team Member Fee: $25+tax billed upon approval of team membership (typically August)

• USAG membership fee: Athlete $63, $25 for first time athletes (subject to USAG changes)

• *MN gymnastics Head Tax- $15

• *Meet Entry Fees: $50-$150/ Meet

• *Warm- Up Jacket: approximately $50  - Gymnasts need to supply their own black leggings.

• *Competition Leotard: approximately $50-$100

*= 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 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. Athletes arriving in other unacceptable apparel will not be allowed to practice. Hair must be secured away from the face without distracting hair pieces. . 

• 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 your athlete’s coach via email, phone, or speak with them before or after practice. If you cannot resolve an issue with the coach, contact Tiffany Jennen, gym owner at balancegymnasticscenter@gmail.com.

• 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 has a no tolerance policy for misconduct and inappropriate behavior. 

• 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. 

• At all USAG sanctioned events, parents are not allowed on the competition floor. Parents should NEVER address the judges or other meet officials. 

 

More information about USA Gymnastics and the Xcel program can be found at: usagym.org.