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.
  • Leotards; athletics shorts/pants without pockets; t-shirt
  • Bare feet, gymnastics shoes, or cheerleading shoes (for tumblers). Socks are not permitted because of the risk of slipping.
  • 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.
  • Prohibited: Jeans, pockets, hoods, dress pants or shorts, buttons/rivets, zippers, hats, sunglasses.
  • 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: 6 
  • Preschool: 5 
  • Recreational: 6 
  • Tumbling: 6

Groups

When appropriate, gymnasts and tumblers are grouped based upon their skill level, age, and/or gender. This ensures that each person is working on the skills appropriate to their level, 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 the database for future reference. On the last day of each session, the gymnasts/tumblers are given their skill sheets so that the parents can keep track of their child’s progress. You may also ask your coach or front desk staff for an updated copy of a skill sheet at anytime.

Restrictions and limits

Classes have set age and skill ranges to ensure a consistent, safe learning environment. Additionally, each class is limited in size based upon the number of instructors available. This guarantees that the gymnasts and tumblers are properly supervised and receiving the maximum number of turns.

Skill Levels

The tumbling and gymnastics class programs are split into at least 4 levels. Each gymnastics level has approximately 30 skills that must be mastered; each tumbling level has 8-15 skills to master. Because skills at higher levels build upon the skills learned at the lower levels, the gymnast/tumbler must master all of the skills at the current level and pass a skill test given by a supervisor before moving up to the next level.

 

Safety Warning

  • There is an inherent risk of injury, including paralysis and 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. 
  • UMDGC is only responsible for participants actively involved in class.  All others enter UMDGC at their own risk.

 

UMDGC Policies

Age and Level Restrictions

These restrictions ensure safe, consistent instruction, and will be strictly enforced. Please do not register for an inappropriate class because of convenience or friends. Those registered for the wrong class will be moved to the correct class or receive a credit (no refunds). Age is determined: on the first day of the session (gymnastics); or on the day the child registers (dance, open workouts).

Attendance

Because of the importance of a proper warm-up and disruptions to the class, repeated late arrivals of more than 5 minutes will not be admitted to class. When participants are left unattended, supervision rates will be $5 per five minutes per person if notified before end of program and $10 per five minutes per person if not notified.

Behavior and Consequences

In order to insure a safe, family-oriented, and productive environment, all individuals entering UMDGC are expected to follow posted policies and rules, and behave in an age-appropriate, thoughtful, and considerate manner.  UMDGC reserves the right to reprimand, remove, or expel uncooperative participants and visitors.  All UMDGC staff decisions are final.

Change and Cancellations

Prices, scheduling, policies, instructors, and descriptions are subject to change without notice and will be posted on www.umdgc.com. Programs may be cancelled due to low enrollment or if an instructor is not available.

Credits and Refunds

  • If class is cancelled, full credit or full refund. 
  • If withdrawing within 12 hours of the first day of camp or class, choice of prorated credit or prorated refund.
  • If withdrawing more than 12 hours after the first day of camp or class, choice of credit or refund at the rates listed below. Credit will be prorated from the day after the request and does not expire. Refunds will be prorated from the day after UMDGC receives completed “Request for Refund” form and checks will be mailed within 30 days if accepted.
    • Gymnastics Classes:  $15.00 credit or $7.50 refund per remaining class
    • Dance Classes:  $12.00 credit or $6.00 refund per remaining class
    • Camp, full day:  $30.00 credit or $15.00 refund per remaining day
    • Camp, half day:  $25.00 credit or $12.50 refund per remaining day
  • If the participant registered through a Park & Rec Department, requests must be made with the department and will follow their policies.   Credits from local Park & Rec Departments cannot be used at UMDGC.
  • Credits/refunds are not given for missed camp days or classes that are not made up.

Discount, Add-A-Class

Starting the second week of each eligible session, enrolled participants receive 50% off when adding classes for the same session.  No other discounts or adjustments, except prorating, apply.  Not valid on: Spring dance classes,  previous registrations, and pay-as-you-go programs.  Dance and gymnastics classes cannot be mixed-and-matched. 

Discount, Family & Multiple Classes

Campers/class participants/classes must be enrolled simultaneously. 10% discount for 2-3 registrants; 15% off for 4+ registrants. Only available through UMDGC.

Discount, Team

In addition to other  discounts, receive a 5% discount when paying 4+ months of tuition at once.

Financial Assistance

Contact UMDGC owners if financial assistance is needed for short times of need.

Inclement Weather

Please contact UMDGC no more than 60 minutes before the scheduled start time to check the status of the activity. Cancelled classes will be made-up if time permits or a UMDGC credit will be issued.

Pay-As-You-Go Classes and Passes

For selected classes, participants may pay cash 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 and money.  Bring at your own risk.

Referral Program

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

Tuition

Select programs have a monthly tuition option. Tuition is due no later than the 7th of each month. A 10% late fee will be assessed for payments received after the 7th of the month.

 

Make-ups and Trial Classes

Trial Classes

Contact UMDGC to set-up a Free Trial Class.  All participants must have a signed and completed registration on file prior to beginning class.  Please contact UMDGC a minimum of 72 hours in advance.

  • Dance:  Dancers may try-out a class of their choice if space permits.
  • School-Year Gymnastics:  UMDGC offers FREE trial classes on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the Make-up class schedule for times.
  • Summer Gymnastics: Potential gymnasts and tumblers may try_out a class of their choice if space permits>

School Year Make-up Policy

Make-ups are limited in availability, must be arranged the Thursday prior to the weekend you'd like to attend, and cannot be carried over to another session.  No refunds, credits, or prorating is permitted for classes that are missed but not made up.

  • Dance:  Dancers may make-up missed dance classes in either a non-recital dance or a gymnastics make-up class. 
  • Gymnastics Make-ups:  You may attend a different class type for a make-up, as long as you meet the age and skill requirements.

Summer Class Make-up Policy

Due to the limited number of classes and staff availability, the following is the make-up policy for summer classes:

  • A $15 (gymnastics) / $10 (dance) UMDGC credit will be issued if prior notice is provided to the UMDGC office staff via phone or email. 
  • If notification is provided after the start of class, a $8 (gymnastics) / $5 (dance) credit will be issued.
  • There will be no make-ups classes or refunds for any reason.

 

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).

 

“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.