Rain Athletics
2015-2016 Half Year
Information Packet
Dear Rain Athletics Family,
Thank you for your interest in Rain Athletics! Whether you are returning for another
season or joining us for the first time, we are so thankful and excited that you are choosing to
be a part of Pittsburgh’s most innovative cheerleading experience. At Rain Athletics, we pride
ourselves on offering the best cheerleading coaching available within our city and beyond. We
believe that it is our responsibility as coaches to help your child reach their full athletic
potential while fostering a learning culture where teamwork, strong character, and a sense of
personal responsibility are of utmost importance.
AllStar cheerleading is one of the most physically, emotionally and mentally demanding
sports available for young athletes. At Rain Athletics, it is our goal to show our kids that
everything in life is earned, and through hard work, dedication, and discipline, every goal is
within reach.
We are so excited for this upcoming season and all that it has to offer. We will now
proudly be operating out of two locations, allowing us to offer the Rain Athletics experience to
two different areas of Pittsburgh! As we grow bigger, we grow stronger, and together we are
unstoppable.
Let It Rain,
The Rain Athletics Staff
Frequently Asked Questions
1.) What is half year?
-
Half year competitive cheer is a popular alternative to full year competitive
cheer. Half year cheer offers the same experiences as full year competitive
cheer, all while maintaining a more manageable practice schedule, and a much
lower financial commitment.
2.) How many competitions do half year teams attend and how many of those are outof-state competitions?
-
All of Rain Athletics half year teams will attend 4-5 competitions per season. Of
the 4-5, one of these will be an out-of-state competition. (Washington, D.C will
be the location of the out-of-state event).
3.) How many practices will half-year teams have per week? When will they be?
-
All half-year teams practice once per week and all practices are mandatory.
Additionally, half-year teams will practice early mornings on Saturdays.
4.) How long does half-year run?
-
Half-year tryouts will be held in late October, allowing team practices to start in
November. Half-year teams will run five full months (November-March).
5.) What if I have never done allstar cheer before?
- You are in luck! Half-year is a great way to “test the waters” of all-star cheer. No
experience is necessary! Because of it’s less strict commitment levels, you can
get a better feel of what will work best for your family. We encourage half-year
teams to those looking for less commitment, with the same amount of fun.
Table Of Contents
Practice Information
(Attendance, Practice Wear, Absences, Injuries)
Competition Information
(Competition Attendance, Competition Packets,
Competition Schedule)
Communication & Contacts
(Communication Medias, Team Parents, Gym Contact
Information, Weekly Email)
Financial Information
(Tuition, Past Due Accounts, Online Account System)
Extra Curricular
(Private Lessons, Classes, Pro-Shop)
Gym Policies
(Gym Policies, Lobby Policies, Competition Policies)
2015-2016 Price Sheet
Team Placement & Registration
Checklist
Practice Information
Attendance:
Rain Athletics takes attendance very seriously. All practices are mandatory. The only way we can assure
success is by having full team practices every practice. Excessive unexcused absences may result in permanent
removal from a team. Additionally, all practices the weeks of competitions are absolutely mandatory. If for some
reason your athlete does not attend, they will be replaced for that competition.
Practice Wear:
Half year athletes will not be required to purchase gym practice wear. Those participating on half year
teams will be required to wear all black to all practices. Additionally, those interested may purchase gym practice
wear from the pro-shop (given it is available) and wear it to practices.
Absences/Absence Forms:
All planned absences are to be reported ahead of time. In the event of a “day of” illness, please submit an
absence form. Athletes with high fever, stomach issues, or contagious rashes are encouraged to stay home.
To submit an absence form for vacations, sick days, religious or school events, or any other activity:
1: Go to www.rainathletics.com
2: Select the “Rain Schedule à Absence Reporting” tab.
3: Fill out and submit the form.
If you do not receive a response, your request was approved. If you do receive a response, we will either
try to come to a negotiable solution, or if the practice is absolutely mandatory, we will deem the absence as
“unexcused” and encourage you to make other arrangements to attend the practice.
Injuries:
In the event an athlete would become injured mid-season, they will be temporarily removed from their
team until Rain Athletics is presented with a “release” form/note from a certified doctor. Athletes will not be
placed back onto teams until they are able to tumble, stunt, and jump to the level to the level of the team they
are on or to the level they were performing before the injury.
Practices:
Rain Athletics staff and athletes take great pride in the routines that we put on the floor. Great routines
are a direct reflection of the work put in. Athletes will be pushed and conditioned, sometimes as hard as they can
go. While practices can be tough, all Rain Athletics staff members are taught the proper way to efficiently run a
practice, using each minute wisely. All Rain Athletics staff members are certified through the USASF and know
the proper and improper way to train athletes.
Competition Information
Competition Attendance:
All competitions are mandatory. Absences for competitions need to be submitted 6 months before the
event, and are subject to review. Any absence request submitted within 6 months of a competition will be
declined. Failure to attend competition without approval will result in immediate removal from the program.
Rain Athletics teams generally practice on the Friday nights of away competitions either at the
competition venue, or at a nearby gym. These practices are mandatory, and this is a service Rain Athletics
provides at no extra charge to you. These practices are also mandatory. Missing a Friday night practice will result
in a charge to your account for the amount of the practice for the entire team.
Competition Packets:
Competitions packets are a useful resource we use to keep everyone on the same page when we go to
competitions. Whether we are traveling out of state or heading to a local competition, we always provide our
families with a very detailed competition packet with all of the ins and outs you should know about the
competitions.
Competition packets will include the following information: Competition location (city, state, and venue),
admission costs, times of arrival, times of warm ups and performances, times of dismissal, event maps, link to
event websites, and designated meet places.
Competition packets are usually sent out on the Wednesday before the competition, but have gone out on
Thursdays depending on when the event producer finalizes the schedule.
Competition Schedule
The finalized competition schedule for all teams will be released in early July.
Half year teams will be attending one travel competition and 4-5 local competitions.
Communication & Contacts
Communication Medias:
Rain Athletics uses a variety of different medias to provide families with communication. While some
families may prefer email, other families prefer Facebook.
Media
Media ID
Email
[email protected]
Twitter
@rainathletics
Instagram
@rainathletics
Facebook
www.facebook.com/rainathletics
Remind 101
We will release subscription
information to our texting service
later in the season.
Used For
This email is the email that will be
used to send out all important
information including weekly emails,
competition packets, gym closings,
responses to general questions or
concerns.
We utilize twitter to share fun
pictures and videos, as well as
positive and uplifting tweets from
our athletes after practice and
before competitions. You can also
stay up to date with competition
standings by viewing our twitter.
We utilize instagram to share tons
of fun pictures and videos of
performances, practices, and new
apparel.
We use facebook in two different
ways. You can “like” Rain Athletics
to see all of our updates, pictures,
and news. Additionally, we have a
private group on facebook where
you can discuss car pools, general
questions, see fundraising updates
and much more.
Remind 101 is a one way texting
service we utilize. This amazing
service allows us to mass text
specific teams or the entire program
to inform everyone of important
information such as gym closings,
practices while we are away at
competitions, and positive words
after performances.
Team Parents:
Each year Rain Athletics elects one Team Parent to represent each team. Team Parents volunteer
countless hours and monetary donations to make each teams’ experience that much greater. Please respect
these outstanding parents who go above and beyond to make your child’s experience amazing. Team Parents will
be your go-to when it comes to communication at away competitions. Please understand that while they may not
know all answers, they will do their best to find all answers for you.
We will do an election of Team Parents after registration.
Communication & Contacts Continued
Gym Contact Information:
Gym Phone
412-896-1569
Emails regarding general questions or concerns
[email protected]
Emails regarding questions about your account
[email protected]
Mailing Address
Rain Athletics
2218 Lebanon Drive
Mckeesport, PA 15135
Elizabeth:
1000 Wide Drive
Mckeesport, PA 15135
Physical Address
Moon:
530 A Moon Clinton Road
Coraopolis, PA 15108
For emails directed to a specific coach, please put the coaches name in the subject line of the email. We will
then pass the email along to the coach, and pass along their response as soon as it is available.
Weekly Email:
Each Sunday evening we send out a “weekly email” with important information for the upcoming week.
This could include fundraising deadlines, practice schedules, upcoming events or clinics, or contests within the
gym. Each weekly email contains different information and we strongly encourage you to read through each email
thoroughly.
Online Calendar:
The calendar available on our website is always up to date with the latest schedule. You can view and
print the schedule directly from our website (www.rainathletics.com/schedule)
Important Dates:
Routine chorography for half year teams will be held in late November or early December. Set dates will
be released when the practice schedule is released. Please plan for practices to be extended during chorography.
Please try to avoid vacations, or absences the weeks of choreography.
Rain Athletics will be closed July 1st-5th for summer vacation and will re-open July 6th.
Rain Athletics is closed on all major holidays.
Financial Information
Tuition:
All tuition is due on the 1st of each month. You are expected to pay tuition on time and in full each month.
Please view the Rain Athletics Price Sheet for the amount specific to your team or level.
This season, Rain Athletics will ONLY be accepting cash, cashiers check/money order, and credit card as
forms of payment for monthly fees. Please do not submit any personal checks. They will be shredded and
discarded.
Please submit payments through the payment boxes located on the walls in the lobby areas, or directly to
the front desk receptionist.
Past Due Accounts:
All tuition payments are due on the 1st of each month. Product fees are due on the 15th of the first three
months of the season (June, July, August). All tuition payments are to be paid by the 6th of the month. Late fees
will be applied the morning of the 7th of each month.
All late fees are $25.00, and will not be removed unless the fee was added by the fault of a Rain Athletics
staff member, or the fault of the online system.
Once an account reaches 30 days past due, the athlete will not be permitted to participate until the
account is brought up to date. Once an account reaches 60 days past due, the family will be removed the
program, and will have to pay the past due balance as well as the contract buy out fee of $500.00.
Online Account System:
Each family within the program has an online account where you can view all charges and payments
made to your account. Additionally, you can make online credit card or e-check payments from this account.
After registration your username for your account will be your email, and we will assign everyone a temporary
password of “ rainathletics “. Once you are in your account, please change your password. You may access your
account by clicking the “Parent Login” tab on the homepage of the Rain Athletics website.
Extra Curricular
Private Lessons:
Private lessons are $30.00 per 30 minutes. All private lesson fees should be paid to the front desk
BEFORE the private lesson. You will not be permitted to take a private lesson if you have a past due balance on
your account or if you cannot pay BEFORE the private lesson.
If you are unable to make a private lesson, you must notify the instructor 24 hours before. All
cancellations within 24 hours of the lesson will result in your account being charged for the lesson. Please notify
instructors and front desk workers of your vacations as they do not have access to absence forms.
Classes:
Rain Athletics offers a wide variety of classes and open gyms. A finalized class schedule for both locations
will be posted no later than June 1st. We are currently in the process of restructuring our class program to allow
families to pay for individual classes or a class session through your online account. Please check the “Tumbling
Information” tab on our website frequently to stay up to date with our new class schedule and system.
Pro-Shop:
We are constantly getting in new apparel for the pro-shop. Our inventory varies and some months we may
have an excess of items, while other months the shelves will be empty. We will do a program shirt order before
the first competition. Additionally, we will do our “Showcase Sale” again this year. Generally we do a “pre-order”
on most items. The best way to assure you get an item is to pre-order. Again, sometimes we will have an excess
of items and other times all items will sell the very first day we have them.
The Rain Athletics name and affiliated team names may not be used for any item not approved by Rain
Athletics owners. The Rain Athletics name and logo are trademarked and should not be duplicated, printed, or
manufactured in any way shape or form without the consent of an owner. If there is an item you would like to see
with the Rain Athletics logo, please let us know.
If there is an item you wish to see in the pro-shop, please feel free to email your ideas to
[email protected]. We take every idea into consideration, and have gotten some of our best product ideas
from helpful parents.
Gym Policies
Gym Policies:
-
No parents are to enter the gym area at anytime without permission from a coach or staff
member.
-
Under no circumstances should a parent contact a coach through their personal cell-phone or
Facebook. If you have questions or concerns with a specific coach, please email
[email protected] and we can either get you an answer or schedule a meeting.
-
Please allow yourself 24 hours to assess all situations before contacting the gym. Most of the
time situations look a lot different after a few hours. We will always gladly talk about any
concern or issue you have, but we insist on doing so after you have had ample time to assess
the issue.
-
We will have a lost and found box in the lobby. We will clear the box out each Friday and take
all clothing items to nearby homeless shelters. Please make sure your athletes leave with what
they brought.
Lobby Policies:
-
Please dispose of all trash in waste bins
-
Children are not to be left unattended. When an athlete is done with practice, they must either
sit in the lobby while they wait for their parent, or wait with their parent. At no time is it
acceptable for athletes to be running or rough housing in the lobby or cubby areas.
-
Lobby talk will not be tolerated. All conversations in the lobby should be positive, or they
should not happen. Parents are not permitted to talk about any other athlete except for their
own unless it is in a positive manner. We take this very seriously.
-
If you have a question about where your athlete is on the floor, why they are or are not flying,
why a coach is running a practice a certain way, or any other practice related question, please
email [email protected]
-
If the Rain Athletics staff feels any of these rules have been broken, we reserve the right to
close the lobby completely, or ban parents from sitting in the lobby.
Competition Policies
-
Parents and athletes should never approach an event official regarding scoring or placement
concerns.
-
Show sportsmanship even when others do not.
-
Athletes are to remain in uniform until dismissal. Athletes are permitted to wear warm ups
overtop of their uniform while they wait for dismissal.
-
No UGG boats or other shoes should be worn while wearing your uniform.
-
No cell phones are to be in the waist band of skirts.
Rain Athletics 2015-2016 Price Sheet
Half Year
For:
Due Date:
Amount:
Registration
DUE AT REGISTRATION
$50.00
November Monthly Fee
November 1st 2015
$180.00
December Monthly Fee
December 1st 2015
$180.00
January Monthly Fee
January 1st 2016
$180.00
February Monthly Fee
February 1st 2016
$180.00
March Monthly Fee
March 1st 2016
$180.00
The monthly fees for half year include: uniform, bow and makeup, coaches fees,
choreography and music, and competition fees. This all inclusive pricing does not include
shoes, practice wear, or warm ups.
Checklists
Team Placement Checklist:
- General Waiver
- Team Placement Form
________
________
Registration Checklist:
- Registration Form
________
- Credit/Debit Authorization Form
________
- Registration Fee
________
- Code Of Conduct (signed)
________
- Financial Commitment (signed & notarized) ________
IMPORTANT
All forms will be available on our website, www.rainathletics.com, within the next
few weeks. For those who do not have access to a printer, we will have plenty of
copies available at team placements and at registration.
All financial commitment forms must be notarized. We will have a notary on site
at both locations who will notarize your form FREE OF CHARGE.