📜 General Policies & Competition Team Guidelines
At International Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy (IRG) in Bellevue, WA, we are committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and respectful environment for all gymnasts, coaches, and parents. Below, you’ll find important policies regarding gym participation, dress code, tuition, and competition guidelines.
📍 Location: 911 164th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98008
📞 Call us for more information: 206-724-9419
📩 Email: irgballet@gmail.com
🏅 General Policies
✅ Registration Requirement
- Before participating in any class, parents must fill out a registration form that includes a liability waiver.
- Gymnasts are not allowed on the carpet until the registration is complete.
✅ Dress Code & Appearance
- Attire: Black cotton top & shorts, warm-up leggings, white socks.
- Hair: Must be in a short ponytail or bun.
- Jewelry: Not allowed, except small stud earrings.
- Warm-Up Jackets: Allowed only during warm-up time.
✅ Gym Rules & Etiquette
- Waiting Area: Students should remain in the waiting area until a coach calls them into the gym.
- No Food or Drinks: Gum, food, and beverages are NOT allowed on the carpet.
- Parent & Spectator Policy:
- Only gymnasts may enter the gym.
- Parents, grandparents, and siblings must remain in the designated waiting area.
- If a coach requires a parent’s attention due to a behavioral issue, they will notify you.
- Communication with Coaches:
- Parents should not call or text coaches during practice.
- Coaches are available to answer questions after each class in the common area.
- If you need to pick up your child early, inform the office at drop-off.
✅ Tuition & Payments
- Due Date: Tuition is due on the 1st of each month.
- Late Fees: A $25 late fee applies if payment is not received by the 7th.
- No Refunds: Tuition fees are non-refundable.
- Missed Classes: No credits for missed classes, but make-up classes are available.
🏆 Competition Team Policies
🔹 Placement & Training Requirements
- Placement on the competition team is by coach invitation only.
- Skill level & age determine competition level placement.
- Gymnasts must meet training requirements to qualify for competition.
🔹 Training Requirements by Level
- Levels 3, 4 & 5 – Attend 3 classes per week + ballet training.
- Levels 6 & Up – Attend 4+ classes per week + ballet training.
🔹 Behavior & Sportsmanship
- All competition team members must be respectful to coaches & teammates.
- Gymnasts must accept and apply corrections given by coaches.
- A supportive team environment is expected at all times.
🔹 Competition Equipment & Uniform
- All team members must have their own set of apparatus & toe shoes.
- Levels 3 & 4: Must wear the same leotard for all three routines.
- Levels 5 & 6: May wear two leotards.
- Levels 7 & Up: May wear up to four leotards.
- Arrival Attire: Gymnasts must wear black shorts, club t-shirt, and warm-ups.
🔹 Private Lessons & Choreography
- Levels 7 & Up – Routines are individually choreographed during private lessons.
- Parents must schedule private lessons between July & September.
- Levels 3-6 – Routines are group-choreographed for each level.
- Private lessons for individuals or groups (2+ gymnasts) must be scheduled directly with the Head Coach.
📅 Competition Rules & Regulations
🔹 USA Gymnastics (USAG) Membership
- Parents are responsible for renewing their child’s annual USA Gymnastics membership.
- A current USAG membership is required to compete – no exceptions!
🔹 Competition Qualification & Progression
- A gymnast must attend at least 2 invitational competitions before qualifying for the State Competition.
- A gymnast must compete at State to qualify for Regionals.
- Levels 3, 4 & 5 – Compete in local competitions and may travel for State, Regionals & Nationals.
- Level 6 & Up – Travel for local, out-of-town & out-of-state competitions, including National Qualifiers, Nationals & Junior Olympics.
- To advance to the next level, gymnasts must complete the full season and compete at both State & Regionals.
🔹 Competition Registration & Fees
- Registration Fees: Paid directly to IRG Academy and are non-refundable.
- Deadline: Parents must pay competition fees one month in advance upon receiving official notice.
- Coaches’ Travel Expenses:
- Parents share responsibility for coaches’ travel, food & lodging expenses.
- Fees vary by competition (local: $30 per gymnast per day; national/international fees vary).
- Parents must pay coaches’ competition expenses at the time of registration.
🔹 Mandatory Competition Preparation
- Gymnasts must attend all practices two weeks before a competition.
- Schedules & rotations will be posted a few days before each event.
🔹 Competition Day Guidelines
- Gymnasts must arrive 2.5 hours before their competition start time.
- Hair & Makeup: Hair in a tight bun; light makeup required.
- Warm-Up Area: Only gymnasts & coaches are allowed in the warm-up area.
- Parent Guidelines:
- Parents must remain in the designated spectator area.
- Parents are NOT allowed to approach coaches or judges.
- Any parent who approaches a judge will result in immediate disqualification of the gymnast.
💬 Final Thoughts – A Commitment to Excellence
Competitive rhythmic gymnastics requires dedication from gymnasts and parents alike. It is a time-consuming and financially demanding commitment, but the rewards are incredible—personal growth, discipline, confidence, and athletic excellence.
We encourage parents to consider all aspects before joining the competitive team, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
📍 International Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy – Bellevue, WA
📞 Call us for more details: 206-724-9419
📩 Email: irgballet@gmail.com
💖 Thank you for being part of the IRG family – let’s build champions together! 💖
