The document provides information for parents and gymnasts about the Xcel gymnastics program at Off the Wall Gymnastics. It discusses the divisions and purpose of the Xcel program. It outlines expectations for attendance, behavior, and financial commitments. The document also provides details about practices, competitions, uniforms and meet etiquette.

1. We are excited you have decided to join our Xcel team here at OTW! Thank you for choosing
to continue your gymnastics experience with us. The Xcel program strives to make
competitive gymnastics comprehensible for new parents and gymnasts to understand. There
is a lot of planning, communication, and dedication that goes into every part of making this a
great season for our gymnasts. The Xcel Program is a USA Gymnastics sanctioned program
designed to offer a broad-based, competitive alternative to the traditional USA Gymnastics
Junior Olympic competitive programs. The purpose of the Xcel Program is to present
recreational gymnasts the opportunity to participate in competition or to provide Junior
Olympic competitive gymnasts the opportunity to continue competition without the intense
time commitment.
This handbook is filled with useful information to help guide you through the Xcel Program.
Use this resource first; as you will find many answers to your questions.
www.offthewallgymnastics.com/
(603) 382-0505
Megan St. Germain -- missmegan360@gmail.com
Our Team Website - Find meet times, pictures and sign our guestbook!!
https://www.eteamz.com/offthewall/
Off the Wall Gymnastics Xcel Team
2016 – 2017
Welcome

2. Section Page Section Page
Overview 3 Meet Etiquette 7
Injury Policy 4 Expectations and
Responsibilities
8
USA Gymnastics
Membership
4 Routines - Floor and
Beam
9
Communication 4 Club Addresses 11
Competition
Information
5 Sign and Return by
August 30th
12
Meet Schedule 6
Table of Contents

3. OVERVIEW
The Xcel program is one of the competitive gymnastics team programs offered at Off the Wall. This
program throughout the year focuses on team building and goal setting skills. We are constantly
improving flexibility, strength (mental and physical), and self-confidence to help our gymnastics. As a
team we are constantly encouraging each other to do our best and conquer our fears.
Xcel gymnasts can learn skills at their pace, and still be able to compete routines in meets around the
region. This program has 5 divisions (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond). Gymnasts are
separated into the division that best suits their skill level. During competition gymnasts only compete
against girls in their age group and division. Keep in mind age groups differ competition to
competition because of participation size. Our meet season goes from December to May.
Keep in mind the Xcel program has divisions, not levels. There are so many skills that can be
performed in one division it is unusual for a gymnast to move up after only one competition season.
Once the gymnast’s abilities exceed the guidelines for their current division they will move into the
next division. My intent is for everyone to find success in the division that they are in, rather than
focusing on a division name change. It does not mean that their gymnastics isn't getting better; it just
means that their abilities haven't graduated to the next division yet. This may take a gymnast 2 or
more competitive seasons, which is not unusual.
At Off the Wall we believe positive attitudes create positive results. We encourage good
sportsmanlike conduct around the gym and at meets. RESPECT for each other, coaches, other
facilities and their policies. We need everyone’s help to create this positive atmosphere.
MONEY TALK
Team programs differ from recreational programs in many ways. They are a year round
commitment (12 months). Payment is required regardless of illness or injury. There are no
make ups practices provided. We prefer team parent’s sign up for automatic credit card billing, to
insure an on time tuition payment. Signatures are required for all other credit card charges (i.e. meet
fees, leotard, warm up, USAG membership, etc). We CAN NOT take credit card information over the
phone.
The tuition is based on a yearly fee split into 12 months, taking into consideration that there will
occasionally be cancelled workouts due to holidays, meets, and bad weather (snowstorms, floods).
There are no make-ups as these days are accounted for in the tuition.
Tuition for the program is due the 15TH
of each month to pay for following month. Example: Payment
on September 15th, pays for the month of October 1-31st. Tuition plus an assessment fee for 6
months (August to January). The assessment fee helps defray the coaching charge attached to all
meet fees. This is based on the number of team members and the meet schedule for the season.
The tuition payment in February to July is only the tuition price. The team has practice Tuesday &
Thursday from 6-8:30 (5 hours/week).
Competitions incur additional fees which will be billed individually. For payments not made on time a
$10.00 late charge will be applied to late payments for meet fees.
The more practice time the more skill improvement. The girls are encouraged to attend open gym. It
is a great way to get more practice in! We have open gym hours Friday 7-8:30pm, Saturday morning
11-12:30pm. The cost is $8/members, pay as you come.

4. INJURY POLICY
Injured gymnasts are expected to be at practice for at least a portion of the scheduled
practice time. It is our goal to concentrate on the areas of the body and training that can be worked
during recovery. Not only does this help maintain the athlete’s level of fitness for a quicker return to
full workouts, it keeps them in touch with their teammates and helps them stay connected to the
sport.
It is important for gymnasts and parents to immediately report significant injuries to their coach when
it happens, not days later. The parent should provide information on the extent of the injury as well as
prescribed limitations and if a doctor has been seen. A doctor’s note is required for a return to full
workouts after an injury.
Please let coaching staff know of any pre-existing conditions, or handicaps your child might have.
Including, but not limited to, ADD, ADHD, allergies, asthma, and/or any significant medical condition.
Knowledge of these conditions can help the coaches teach your child better and/or ensure their
safety during practices.
Tuition is not pro-rated. A gymnast takes a spot on team and is responsible for payment to maintain
participation. In the event of an injury keeping the gymnast out of the gym for an extended time (2
months or more), options will be discussed.
USAG MEMBERSHIP
Each member of the team needs a USAG Membership number for competition entry. Membership is
by competition season (September - May). No gymnast or coach can be on the floor without a current
membership. The cost for membership is $57 for the year. Checks made payable to Off the Wall
Gymnastics. The form must be signed by both parent/guardian and the gymnast.
COMMUNICATION
At Off the Wall we strive for open and honest communication between gymnasts & coaches, coaches
& parents. We encourage you to ask questions and voice valid concerns.
In an effort to keep parents up to date with what’s been happening at practice and our goals we
achieve, a monthly email will be sent. Any updates to the meet schedule will be emailed. All other
updates such as meet fees, competition times, practice cancellations, etc will be sent through the
Remind App. http://www.remind.com/join/otwxcel. I encourage parents/ guardians to read the emails
to keep updated with the going ons in the gym. Other questions please call (603) 382 - 0505 or email
(missmegan360@gmail.com).
Follow us on Instagram! @otwxcelgymnasts

5. COMPETITIONS
Each meet is important. It gives the gymnast practice competing and performing under
pressure as well as in front of a crowd. This is not something that comes naturally to everyone
and needs to be practiced. At each meet the gymnasts will get individual achievement awards, at
others they will get both individual awards as well as qualify for a team award. Each gymnast plays an
important role in the team score. Their individual performance ultimately affects the outcome of the
entire team.
The OTW staff encourages each gymnast to do their best. We encourage gymnasts to set goals they
can achieve themselves and to encourage their teammates to reach their goals. Positive attitudes
create positive results.
Each competitive season we participate in 6 or more meets. Meet fees are paid 3-4 months before
the meet is scheduled. All team members are expected to compete in every meet. Carpool can be
arranged if you are unable to get your gymnast to or from a meet. We all need to help each other.
There should be full participation in the following meets, Winter Carnival meet in January and any out
of state meets we attend. These meets are important to help the team bond and they’re fun!
All the meets we go to during the competition season are practice for the state competition. The State
meet is REQUIRED for all gymnasts on the team. No exceptions will be made. Everyone needs to
help the team to do their best at states.
Gymnasts must be present the last official practice before a meet to compete that weekend. This
ensures the gymnasts safety with performing the required skills, routines and any changes that may
need to be made to a gymnast’s routine before competition. Gymnastics is a sport that requires
constant practice to keep the current skill level.
.. MEET SCHEDULE
Our competition season starts in December. There are roughly 7 meets the team plans to attend this
year, plus the State meet in May. The gymnast must compete in a minimum of 4 meets to be eligible
for the State meet. On page 6 is a tentative meet schedule for the season. It is subject to change. An
updated meet schedule will be emailed to the address provided. Meet fees are non-refundable.
Regionals - Levels Silver and up. Is not required. It is up to the gymnast and gymnast’s family to
choose to attend. For this meet the top 7-8 in each division will be chosen based on their
performance at the State meet. These gymnasts will represent New Hampshire Gymnastics at the
regional competition as one team. The meet fee is based on how many gymnasts from each level
qualify at OTW.
Each participant in the program must understand their responsibilities and expectations within the
team (p.7). That being said, the behavior seen at competition directly reflects Off the Wall
Gymnastics. Parents and gymnasts are required to respect the rules and policies of each gym we
visit.
 * KEEP NEXT PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS. ☺* *

6. Revised 7/19/2016 TentativeMeet Schedule
Meet Schedule 2016-2017
Meet Dates Bronze Silver Gold Platinum
Xcel Clinic (Optional) Oct. 22-23 * * * *
Phantom Gymnastics
Judge’s Cup Nov/Dec * * * *
Gymnastics@ Brentwood Commons
Local Dec * * * *
Granite State Gymnastics
Winter Carnival Jan * * * *
Gymnastics@ Brentwood Commons
Northeast Invite Jan * * *
Hosted by DSG (CT)
FriendshipClassic Feb * * * *
Granite State Gymnastics
Valentines Feb * * * *
Phantom Gymnastics
Hip Hop Classic Mar * * * *
Woodman Athletics(VT)
Tune Up Mar/Apr * * * *
Phantom Gymnastics
Spring Fling Apr * * * *
Granite State Gymnastics
States May 5-7 * * * *
TBA
Regionals May 20-21 * * *
TBA
Megan St. Germain
missmegan360@gmail.com
Open Gyms
Friday 7 - 8:30 pm
Saturday 11 - 12:30 pm
Practice
Tuesday & Thursday
6 – 8:30 pm
Tuition is due on the 15th
of each month
OTW Xcel

7. MEET ETIQUETTE FOR GYMNASTS & PARENTS:
Parents are not allowed on the competition area for any reason (even injury), subsequently
gymnasts are not allowed in the spectators area during competition. This is not OTW
policy but USAG policy. The meet director can lose their sanction for the meet which will nullify all
scores achieved.
 Leo and warm up must be worn for every competition.
 A pair of black legging or stretch pants will be necessary for competitions. Please have
no piping or stripes down the side of the pants. A logo 1”x1” is acceptable, nothing
larger.
 Hair must be pulled back tightly. There is not time to fix hair that has fallen down.
 No nail polish, minimal make up, no jewelry (only one stud earring per ear)
 Crying during meets is unsportsmanlike, therefore is not allowed.
 During competition and awards cellphones are not to be used, must be left with parents
or turned off in bag.
 No flash photography for the safety of the gymnasts.
 Please be respectful of other gyms and their policies.
 Support your team and other teammates during meets.
 Gymnasts are required to stay for the duration of the competition including awards.
* * Please remember you are representing Off the Wall Gymnastics * *

8. GYMNAST : EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Any activity requires commitment, by accepting the invitation to the Xcel program. Parents
make the financial commitment, and time commitment driving the gymnast to and from
meets and practice. Additionally each gymnast makes a commitment to come to practice and try their
hardest everyday. This shows dedication and willingness to improve. Coaches plan practices around
entire team at practice, un-announced absences can change the entire lesson plan. Just as you
expect to see the coach at practice, the coach expects to see all of his/her gymnasts at practice.
Practice begins at 6:00 pm. Gymnasts are also responsible for making sure they arrive on time.
Gymnasts should arrive timely and read for the beginning of practice. Being ready means leotards on,
hair pulled back tightly, and no loose jewelry. Leotards are required for Xcel practice. Soft or spandex
shorts can be worn over a leotard. T-shirts and sweatpants are only allowed for warm ups.
Gymnastics like any other sport requires continuous practice. To get the most out of your time in the
gym missing/skipping practices is not encouraged. We understand absences because of illness, but
do not recommend skipping full weeks. Your attendance directly affects your performance at meets
and during practices. Skipping multiple practices before a meet makes competing unsafe. Gymnasts
must be present the last official practice before a meet in order to participate in the meet. This is for
the safety of the gymnast.
We try our best to avoid injuries, but they do happen. At Off the Wall we do our best to set guidelines
for safe gymnastics. Every gymnast should review the Gymnastics Safety Poster to familiarize
themselves with its safety rules. It is up to the gymnast to follow through and make good choices
regarding the skills they try. If an injury does occur we encourage gymnasts to still show up for
practice, if the doctor allows. With most injuries there are always some skills, conditioning or
stretching that can be done to keep the gymnast in shape while they heal. Please provide a doctor’s
note describing the type of activity allowed. (Injury policy, p. 3)
POSITIVE ATTITUDES CREATE POSITIVE RESULTS!
Everyone has a bad day. Sometimes it’s from something that happened at school, with friends,
parents, or at another sport/program. We understand, however it is not okay to take it out on others.
We ask that you please show respect for everyone (including: fellow team mates, coaches, gymnasts,
& guests). You must give respect to get respect. Teammates do not always get along. Back-talking,
bullying, eye rolls, disrespectful comments or remarks will not be tolerated. If a problem arises, please
speak up. Gymnasts are encouraged to come to the coach with problems with teammates or others.
If an issue comes up it can be resolved much quicker if it is addressed in a timely manner. Stories
can be altered when told over and over again. The story gets skewed again in an email from parents.
Everyone needs to try their best to create a positive environment in the gym. At Off the Wall
Gymnastics it is asked of everyone (coaches and parents included) to act appropriately, as ages in
the gym can vary widely during practices. We ask gymnasts to refrain from subjects appropriate for
older aged girls. We ask all stories and topics are appropriate for all ages (G-rated). If Disney doesn’t
cover it should not be covered at practice.

9. FLOOR ROUTINES
In the Xcel program the gymnasts have more flexibility with the skills in their routines and
each gymnast has individual routines for Floor and Balance Beam. These routines are used
for 2 meet seasons. Floor routines are an additional fee the options are listed below.
Bronze Division - Group routine & music, cost is $60.00. Every gymnast in this division will have the
same routine, regardless of years in division.
Silver, Gold & Platinum Divisions. Gymnasts take home and listen to CDs to pick out their own
floor music. CDs must be returned by next practice day so others may use them as well. Once music
is picked arrangements for choreography must be scheduled during non-practice hours. Costs are
$200 for choreography + $60 for music, paid separately. The gymnast is responsible for remembering
the routine. These routines are used for 2 competition seasons.
The coach and the gymnast will decide which skills will be in the routine based on the division
requirements and gymnasts’ ability.
FLOOR REQUIREMENTS
These do not have to be in the order listed.
Bronze
 180* turn on one foot
 Leap 60* to a tuck jump
 Acrobatic series - Round off
backward roll / Round off back
handspring
 Handstand bridge kickover /
Handstand forward roll
(0:45 secs max)
Silver
 360* turn on one foot
 Dance passage with a min of 2
different skills (directly/indirectly
connected) - one is a Leap 90*
 Acrobatic series with 1 flight
element (directly connected)
 Isolated acro skill with flight or an
acrobatic series with two or more elements
(1:00 min max)
Gold
 360* turn on one foot
 Dance passage with a min of 2
different skills (directly/indirectly
connected) - one is a Leap 120*
 Acrobatic series with at least one
forward acrobatic element, with or
without flight
 Acrobatic series with two or more
flight elements OR Salto or Aerial
(1:00 min max)
Platinum
 6 A Value skills & 1 B Value skill
 360* turn Minimum
 Min. 2 directly connected acro flight
skills OR an isolated “B” Salto.
 Second separate acro connection. Min.
2 directly connected acro flight skills - one
must be an “A” or “B” Salto.
 Dance Passage with a min. of two diff.
Grp.1 VP (directly or indirectly connected) -
one of which is a LEAP w/ a 150° cross or
side split.
 Min. 1/1 turn on one foot.
(1:30 min max)
The gymnasts division is defined in March for the State meet.
To move from division to division gymnasts must achieve a mobility score of 33.00 AA, at any meet in the
season.

10. BALANCE BEAM ROUTINES
With guidance from the coaches, the girls will be able to create their own Beam routines.
Since each routine is unique to each girl the gymnast is responsible for remembering the
routine.
Balance Beam routines are a series of poses and acrobatic skills. It is important the routine flows and
the gymnast look comfortable doing the routine but still is challenging.
BALANCE BEAM REQUIREMENTS
These do not have to be in the order listed.
Bronze
 Mount
 180* turn on two feet
 Handstand
 Straight jump
 Dismount - side handstand with or without ¼
turn
(45 secs max)
Silver
 Mount
 180* turn on one foot
 Handstand OR Cartwheel OR
Backwalkover
 Leap 90* OR Split Jump
 Handstand ¼ turn Dismount
(50 secs max)
Gold
 Mount
 360* turn on one foot
 Handstand (vertical)
 Leap 90* connected to Jump
 Cartwheel or Backwalkover
 Aerial or Salto Dismount
(1:00 min max)
Platinum
 6 A Value skills & 1 B Value skill
 Mount
 360* turn on one foot
 Cartwheel or Backwalkover
 Leap 120* connected to Jump
 Acro skill with flight or acrobatic
series (with or without flight)
 Aerial or Salto Dismount
(1:15 min max)
The gymnasts division is defined in March for the State meet.
To move from division to division gymnasts must achieve a mobility score of 33.00 AA, at any meet in the
season.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………

11. Frequently Visited
Gymnastics Club Addresses
A2 Gym & Cheer
31A Pulpit Rock Rd Pelham, NH 03076
_____________________________________________________
Atlantic Gymnastics
150 Gosling Rd Portsmouth, NH 03801
_____________________________________________________
Cooperative Middle School
100 Academic Way
Stratham, NH
_____________________________________________________
Gymnastics at Brentwood Commons
112 Crawley Falls Rd Brentwood, NH 03833
_____________________________________________________
Granite State Gymnastics Center
71 River Rd, Bow, NH 03304
_____________________________________________________
Phantom Gymnastics
142 Route 111, Hampstead, NH 03841
_____________________________________________________
TriStar Gymnastics
66 Third St. Suite 101 Dover, NH 03820
_______________________________________________________
Woodman’s Athletics
155 Chickering Drive
Brattleboro, VT 05301

12. *******PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN BY AUGUST 30******
As participants on the Xcel Team at Off the Wall Gymnastics, we
have read and understood the guidelines and expectations of the
program.
Gymnast ______________ Signature ____________________
Parent / Guardian ________________________________
Cell Phone Number (s) ____________________________
Signature ______________________________ Date _________
Email (please include all emails that would like to receive updates)
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________