Gymnastics Info & Policies

 

Attire for Gymnastics Classes

Wearing the proper attire is essential for the participants to express themselves through motion, and to ensure the safety of the participants and the UMDGC staff. For this reason, anyone not dressed correctly will not be permitted into class. Please come prepared.
  • Clothing: Leotards; athletics shorts/pants without pockets; t-shirt
  • Footwear: Bare feet or gymnastics shoes. Tumblers may bring dry, clean cheerleading sneakers to change into during warm-up. Any shoes worn to the gym are prohibited due to damage to the tramps, mats, and carpet, and the risk of injuries caused by stones, glass, etc.
  • Hair: tied back with a scrunchie or hair tie so that the eyes are not covered. Do not wear barrettes or ponytail holders with balls because they are very uncomfortable when doing rolls.
  • Accessories: no jewelry except stud earring. Loop earrings, bracelets, anklets, rings, and necklaces can get caught on your coach’s fingers, or get snagged/wrapped around the equipment.
  • Body piercings: Body piercings (e.g. belly, nose, back of the neck, eyebrow, lip) are highly discouraged because of the danger of getting caught/snagged on the equipment or coach. Additionally, the risk of injury is greatly increased if the participant lands on the piercing incorrectly. If the piercing must be worn, it must be completely covered by bandages, tape, and clothing where possible.

 

Why pick UMDGC Gymnastics?

People often ask what sets Upper Merion Dance & Gymnastics Center’s classes apart from the competition. Here’s just a few reasons:

  • Safety: The number one concern of everyone at UMDGC is the safety of those that register. UMDGC has several features built into the class program that ensure the participants are working on appropriate skills in small, closely supervised groups.
  • Fun: The coaches are selected for their enthusiasm and love of working with others. When asked on a recent questionnaire what was the “one thing I liked most about the program,” the top three responses were “it was fun,” “the coaching staff,” and “the enthusiasm/energy.” Additionally, 50% of the respondents wrote that they would change “Nothing” when asked what was the one thing they would change about the program.
  • Learn gymnastics: Classes at most gymnastics centers are structured much like an elementary school gym class. At UMDGC, the participants are working real gymnastics skills on real, age-appropriate gymnastics equipment from the first day.
  • Flexibility: Pick the class, times, and dedication level that works best for you. No long-term commitments; sessions are only 8-9 classes long. If you need to take a session off, your skill sheet is stored so that you can pick up where you left off.
  • All are welcome: From 3 to 63, first-time to “career” gymnast, UMDGC has a class for you.
  • No hidden or extra fees: UMDGC has no registration or insurance fees, and the hourly rates are very competitive to all of the local gyms. For team members, you only pay the coaches fees for the meets you attend.
  • Motivation: Because the gymnasts and staff love coming to UMDGC, motivation is rarely a problem. However, the staff is not afraid to use discipline and a little “tough love” at the proper times to ensure safety or get a participant through a mental block.
  • Balance: The staff understands the stress of being an athlete or “drive-around” parent. UMDGC understands that life must be balanced in order to succeed: a life of academics, family, religion, and sports; and having fun in a safe environment.

 

Class Organization

Group sizes

UMDGC believes that a busy gymnast is safe, learning, and staying out of trouble. This is why UMDGC has the lowest coach to participant ratios, as much as 1/2 of the industry standard. Following are the maximum number of tumblers/gymnasts per instructor; in most cases, the actual number is even lower:

  • Developmental: 7 
  • Preschool: 5 
  • Recreational: 6 
  • Tumbling: 6

Groups

When class size dictates, gymnasts and tumblers are grouped based upon their skill level, age, and/or gender.  This ensures that each person is working on the correct skills and that the proper teaching methods are being used.

Individuality

Every person is different, which is why UMDGC tracks each gymnast’s/tumbler’s skill development separately.  The date each skill is mastered is stored in a database for future reference. The participants are given their skill sheets on the last day of class; however, you may ask the front desk staff for an updated skill sheet at anytime.

Restrictions and limits

Classes have age and skill requirements, and size limits to ensure a consistent and safe learning environment.  This guarantees that the gymnasts and tumblers are properly supervised and receiving the maximum number of turns.

Skill Levels

The tumbling and gymnastics programs are split into levels with approximately 30 skills per gymnastics level and 8-15 skills per tumbling level.  Because skills at higher levels build upon lower level skills, the gymnast/tumbler must master all of the skills at the current level and pass a skill test before moving up to the next level.

 

Safety Warning

  • There is an inherent risk of injury, paralysis, and/or death, when participating in any activity involving height, rotation, or movement (including dance and gymnastics).
  • Only UMDGC instructors and currently enrolled students with instructor permission are permitted in the dance studio and gymnastics areas.  Everyone else must remain in the viewing and waiting areas.
  • UMDGC is only responsible for participants actively involved in class. Guests enter UMDGC at their own risk.

 

Satisfaction Guarantee

If for any reason you do not like a class, let UMDGC know.  The staff will do its best to provide you with an enjoyable and pleasant experience.  UMDGC will:

  • provide a 100% refund or credit if you notify UMDGC within 24 hours of the end of the first class or 12 hours of the end of the first day of camp.
  • switch to another group if appropriate.
  • switch participant to another class that is not filled.
  • provide a prorated credit or refund.

 

UMDGC Policies

Age and Level Restrictions

These restrictions ensure safe, consistent instruction and will be strictly enforced.  Do not register for an inappropriate class because of convenience or friends. Age is determined on the first day of the class session or week of camp; or on the day of registration for pay-as-you-go classes, including open workouts.

Behavior and Consequences

In order to ensure a safe, family-oriented, and productive environment, all individuals entering UMDGC must follow posted policies, and behave in an age-appropriate, thoughtful, and considerate manner. UMDGC reserves the right to reprimand or remove uncooperative participants and visitors.

Changes and Cancellations

Prices, scheduling, policies, instructors, and descriptions are subject to change without notice. Programs may be cancelled due to low enrollment or if an instructor is not available. Check www.umdgc.com for the latest info.

Credits and Refunds

All policies concerning credits and refunds can be found on the "Credit & Refund Request" form. If requesting a credit or refund, you must submit the request using that form. Some important details to remember:

  • If you registered through a park & recreation department and you wish to withdraw from a UMDGC program, you must make the request directly with the park & rec department and must follow the department's policies.
  • If UMDGC receives written notification before or within 24 hours of the first class or 12 hours of the first day of camp, you are eligible to receive a full refund or full credit. 
  • Prorating begins on the day after the request form is received by UMDGC.
  • Refunds are issued within 30 days of receiving the request form.

Discounts

Discounts are available only through UMDGC.  Percent discounts are taken from the total after all coupons and dollar amount discounts have been applied.  Discounts only apply at the time of registration.  Pay-as-you-go classes are not eligible for discounts.

  • Add-A-Class (50%): Starting the second week of all gymnastics sessions, Fall dance, and Summer dance sessions, enrolled participants may register for a class in the same session at 50% off.  One discounted class per regularly priced class.  No other discounts or adjustments, except prorating, apply.  Dance and gymnastics classes cannot be mixed-and-matched.
  • Multiple Class/Family for Classes and Camps (10%-15%):  Participants must be enrolled simultaneously. 10% discount for 2-4 registrations; 15% off for 5+ registrations.  Only available through UMDGC.
  • Team: In addition to other discounts, receive a 10% when paying for 8-9 months or a 5% discount when paying 4-7 months of team tuition at the same time.

Financial Assistance

Contact UMDGC owners if financial assistance is needed.

Inclement Weather

Contact UMDGC no more than 60 minutes before the start of programming to check it’s  status. Cancelled classes will be made-up if time permits or a UMDGC credit will be issued.  Due to call volume, class status messages cannot be returned.  Please remember that credit requests may be submitted through email or fax.

Late Pick-up

When participants are left unattended, supervision rates will be $5 per five minutes per carload.

Missed Classes

UMDGC credits will be issued if a completed “Credit & Refund Request” form (or email containing the same info) is received within 14 days of a missed class or by the end of the week for missed days of camp.  A maximum of 3 credits will be issued per session/camp.  Credited rates and full details can be found on the “Missed Class, Credit, & Refund Request” form.  No refunds or make-up classes are permitted.

Pay-As-You-Go Classes and Passes

For selected programs, participants may pay cash, use UMDGC credit, or use a pass. Each pass is good for 10 classes of the type listed on the card.  Treat cards as cash; they are non-refundable and non-replaceable.

Personal Property

UMDGC is not responsible for damaged, stolen, lost, or misplaced property/money. Personal property is not permitted in the studios and gym areas.  Bring at your own risk.

Referral Program

Receive a $10 credit if a new registrant writes your name on their first registration form.

Trial Classes

Contact UMDGC to set-up a FREE trial class; trials of camp are not permitted. Trial classes are prohibited on the first day of class.  Due to the nature and size of some classes, trials are not guaranteed and must be scheduled a minimum of 72 hours in advance.  All participants must have a signed and completed registration on file prior to beginning class.

Tuition

Select programs have a monthly tuition option.  Tuition is due by the 7th of each month or a 10% late fee will be accessed weekly after the due date.

 

 

 

How many kids are allowed in each class?

Unlike other gymnastics centers, UMDGC limits the size of the class based upon the number of instructors available to coach. While this means that the actual size of classes may fluctuate slightly between sessions, it guarantees a small group for your tumbler or gymnast.

 

How do you split up the groups in each class?

We split large classes up into groups based upon skill level, age, and gender. The specific characteristics and number of registrants will determine exactly how the groups will be split. Because of this, we cannot guarantee that you will be with your friend; however, we will guarantee that you will be safe and working on appropriate skills.

 

What’s the difference between a tumbling and recreational class?

A tumbling class is tailored for those that only want to work on skills on the floor, be it for cheerleading or “showing off in the back yard.” A tumbler will work on the floor, trampolines, tumbltrak, and airtrak. Skills they will attempt to master include handstands, cartwheels, roundoffs, and back handsprings. A gymnastics class introduces the gymnast to all of the equipment you see in the Olympics, plus the training apparatus for those events (e.g. tramps, mushroom).

 

What’s the difference between a preschool and recreational class?

The primary difference between preschool and recreational classes is the ages of the gymnasts and the length of the class. The preschool class is shorter due to the shorter attention span of the average 3 year old. The focus of the preschool class is more on fun, building coordination and body awareness, following directions, and instilling confidence in the gymnast. Because the preschool class focuses on these intangibles, there is less of an emphasis on the skill sheets than during a recreational class. Additionally, parents of preschool participants are welcome to stay with the child during class; parents of recreational gymnasts are not permitted in the gym except in extreme situations. Finally, recreational gymnasts are expected to work independently on simple skills and strengthening exercises that are set-up by the coaching staff.

 

“Why is my boy doing balance beam?” or “Why is my girl doing pommel horse?”

UMDGC believes that a person can learn by doing “what they’re not supposed to.” Boys, who typically have difficult with balance or body awareness, gain control by practice on the balance beam. Similarly, girls build up much needed strength by working on the rings, pommel horse, and parallel bars. These basic skills, regardless of the event, are the foundation of more advanced skills in gymnastics and the basis of all sport activities.

 

How many more skills before my child moves up a level?

At the end of each session, we will give the gymnasts/tumblers a copy of the skills they have mastered and still need to master. Also, feel free to ask the coach or the front desk; they will be happy to show you a copy of the sheet. Or you can just ask your child; they probably know exactly how many tricks they need or have mastered.

 

Can you lose “points”?

Yes. The coach is able to take away a skill point if the gymnast/tumbler is unable to perform the skill consistently. This ensures that UMDGC keeps a listing of each person’s current abilities for safety reasons, and makes it more likely he/she will pass their skills test in the future.

 

What happens if my kid fails the skills test?

Nothing. They go back to their group, work on the skills they did not complete successfully during the test, and, after mastering those skills again, may be retested as many times as they want.

 

Why isn’t my child getting any ‘points’ or learning anything new?

There are three major reason why your child isn’t progressing or earning points:

  1. In order to earn a point, the child must be able to perform the skill with proper technique. Just because they can “do it” doesn’t mean it is being done correctly.
  2. Because the sport of gymnastics is so progressive, it is important to review the basic skills. This is done to help break bad habits or make certain the gymnast is mentally and physically ready for a more advanced skill.
  3. The gymnast/tumbler has “plateaued.” Gymnastics is a very mental sport. Frustration at mastering one skill can cause a barrier to learning any other skills. However, once the problem skill is mastered, the gymnast often learns several other skills shortly thereafter.

For further information or to schedule one of these program, please contact UMDGC.

Fundraising

This is a great way to raise money for your group and have them practicing gymnastics or tumbling at open workout. UMDGC will donate a portion of each open workout pass that the group sells.

Group Lessons

Set up a single or multiple private workouts for your group with members of the UMDGC coaching staff. If you wish to schedule classes for a session at a time, please contact Mr. Dave no later than the foll0wing dates so that a time slot can be reserved for you: Jun 10 for a class between Sep and Jan; Nov 1 for a class between Jan and Jun. Past groups reserving special class times include cheerleading squads from: St. Joseph's University, Eastern University Cheerleading, Methacton High School, Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School, Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School, Carrol Catholic High School, St. Teresa's Catholic School, MDP Catholic School, PW Spartans, and the Conshohocken Golden Bears.

Private Lessons

Select members of the UMDGC gymnastics staff are available to provide a more intense and personal workout. You may speak directly with your favorite coach to make arrangements, or contact UMDGC for an email list of available staff. Participants must have a completed registration form on file for the current season.

Rentals

UMDGC permits groups (e.g. cheerleading squads, scout groups) to rent the studio or gym for tryouts or extra practices.