Terms & Conditions

Astro Academy Warrington CIC (“Astro Academy”) is fully committed to the safeguarding and well-being of all Astro Academy athletes. We believe it is important that our athletes, coaches, volunteers and parents/guardians associated with Astro Academy should always respect and show an understanding of the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, athletes are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with the coaches at Astro Academy.

Accountability for one’s actions is also imperative; therefore, should the Code of conduct be violated, the athlete will have to speak with his or her team coach and/or the head coach to rectify the situation. Should the problem continue, suspension from Astro Academy may become necessary.

Athletes and parents/guardians therefore agree:

Expectations

  • All members of Astro Academy (both athletes and parent/guardian) will read and understand the rules and code of conduct.
  • All members understand that this is a commitment and that a team is depending on me to fulfil my responsibilities as a team member and parent/guardian. I will be committed to my coaches, my teammates and myself, striving to reach both the team’s goals and my own, personal goals. I commit to working with every team member and coach.
  • All members understand the importance of following all policies and will help my parent/guardian to follow them too.
  • All members understand that breaking any of the codes of conduct above may result in suspension or dismissal from Astro Academy without a refund of any fees paid.
  • All Astro Academy events and classes are a safe space and everyone needs to be treated with respect. This is irrespective of gender, marital status, race, colour, disability, sexuality, age, occupation, religion, political views or ability.
  • The result of any competitions and understand that it is not my position to pass judgement on competition results or team placements.
  • All other teams, athletes and spectators at competitions. I will treat all staff at competitions (venue and event providers) with respect as I am a representative of Astro Academy. This is for all our spectators and athletes in attendance.
  • Cheerleading cannot be used as a punishment; i.e. they cannot miss training for bad behaviour at home.
  • Make sure you or your child has eaten sufficiently before training and has enough water with them for their session
  • Ensure that the relationship between Athletes, Coaches, Volunteers, & Parents remains professional at all times

Attendance

  • All athletes must attend all training sessions unless for an excused absence that has been checked by the coach of the athletes’ team. All athletes are given a space on the team and we want athletes to reach their full potential and more, which is achieved with the help of the training session.
  • Acceptable and unacceptable absences can be found on the information pack
  • Athletes are aware that 2 weeks before competition is red week and no absence is excused
  • Each unexcused absence will be a strike and if 3 strikes are on record for an athlete then the athlete will be taken off the team
  • If an athlete is unable to attend or will be late to a session for whatever reason the athlete and/or parent/guardian must tell their coach by message before 1 hour of a class starting
  • If the attendance of an athlete becomes an issue to the teams’ progression the athlete in question may lose their space in the routine for any upcoming competition.
  • If I start the season in a team, it does not mean I remain in that team for the upcoming season.
  • Once a cheerleader agrees to participate in the competition, all practices must be attended (including extra training if necessary)
  • Other Performances – From time to time the team may be asked to take part in fairs, festivals and other charitable events. All athletes are expected to participate in such events unless there is a valid reason they can’t.
  • Camps – from time to time, the team may hold day camps for promotion and fundraising, unless stated, athletes are not required to attend but are strongly encouraged.
  • Social events – from time to time, the team will arrange social events. All athletes are encouraged but not required to attend. Non-attendance notification is required.
  • Athletes are to arrive 5-10 minutes early to be prepared for class (shoes on, hair done, jewellery removed)

Training 

  • Athletes are expected to follow the uniform policy for their specific class/team. This can be found on the website.
  • All athletes much have their hair tied back and all jewellery/piercings must be removed.
  • False nails/acrylics are banned as they are hazardous during training and wearing them will result in being sent home and an unauthorised absence until they are removed.
  • Athletes should bring plenty of water for training.
  • Food and drink should be consumed nowhere near the mat or equipment.
  • Athletes must respect the session and the coach's training.
  • All athletes should attend training 5 mins before the session starts, so ensure I am ready for the start time.
  • Athletes must take part in all aspects of training including but not limited to dance, jumps, tumbling, stunts and conditioning.
  • Coaches will only progress an athlete when it is safe to do so.
  • NO chewing gum is allowed in class.

Attitude and Behaviour

  • All members will follow all policies
  • Athletes will be accountable for their poor attitude.
  • If an athlete’s attitude remains poor after some additional coaching and attention from the coaches to find the reasons for the poor attitude, they may be asked to leave a team as it could be hindering their progression.
  • Nobody can use inappropriate language or participant in inappropriate behaviour both in and out of the gym whilst representing Astro Academy. This includes but is not limited to class time, at competitions and whilst wearing Astro Allstar training wear in public or on social media.
  • Athletes will NEVER train/support under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
  • Treat all Coaches will respect and understand their decisions have the team’s best interests.
  • Coaches' decisions do not appease individuals but a team as a whole and will not be questioned unless for a safety issue.
  • Treat all fellow athletes with respect regardless of their skills and ability.
  • Everyone must respect all other teams, athletes and spectators at competitions and events.

Social Media

  • Don’t post anything that could damage Astro Academy’s reputation.
  • Don’t post any part of the upcoming routine on social media without the coach’s permission.
  • Don’t post anything without asking athletes or athletes' parents involved on social media
  • Ask permission of everyone in any pictures/videos you post on social media, this includes coaches, athletes, parents and guests.
  • When talking about Astro Academy and other teams on social media everyone involved should be will be kind and well mannered
  • Never imitate Astro Academy or an Astro Academy team on social media
  • Do NOT use social networking sites to disrespect ANYONE from the cheerleading community in any manner
  • Must not post content that is obscene, defamatory, threatening (harassing, bullying, etc.) disparaging or discriminatory concerning the academy, its members, other academies, sponsors, indeed any organisation or person,
  • Never post about illegal activities on social media
  • Never pressure anyone to ‘friend’ you on social media
  • Athletes and parents should never add coaches’ accounts or social media.
  • Always remember that anything that is said or shared via social media, chat rooms, text messages, emails or other electronic communication including photographs, pictures and videos may be shared with people other than those whom it was intended for. Once something is posted/sent it is no longer in your control.
  • If you are over 18 and are choosing to ‘friend/follow’ an athlete that is under the age of 18, please proceed with caution and never establish one-to-one contact using social media or other messaging platforms. Likewise, if you are under 18, please do not establish one-to-one contact with any athlete who is over 18.
  • Please do not open social media accounts for your Astro Academy team or any other Astro Academy representation before speaking with Keir Taylor.

Financial

  • You are committed for the full season and all monthly fees MUST be paid on time, otherwise, a late fee will be charged.
  • If an athlete doesn’t attend a training session the fees will still be due for that month to ensure the team can financially be cost effective to run and provide this opportunity.
  • Lack of payments may result in dismissal from the team.
  • All Fees are non-refundable.
  • If an athlete is leaves the gym during competition season (October-July) they must give a minimum of 1 fee paying moths notice. For example if an athlete was to quit on the 2nd of the month they must pay next months fees on the 1st before officially leaving the gym.
  • Competition payments must be paid on time – failure to do this will result in the athlete not being entered in the competition, these fees are non-refundable.
  • Parents and athletes cannot sell or create their own Astro Academy CLOTHING or MERCHANDISE for personal use or sale. This includes the use of team names and any likeness to logo, affiliation and/or program. Any violation will result in dismissal from the entire programme.

Communication

  • Parents/ Guardians must speak to coaches to discuss their athlete’s development
  • Parents/ Guardians must not compare their athlete’s progression and time scales of progression to other athletes in the program
  • All conversations in the waiting area/sitting watching a training session must be respectful and positive. Any rude comments will be not tolerated.
  • Conversation MUST not involve athlete comparisons, competition placements/predications or other teams
  • Athletes are expected to be courteous, polite and friendly to teammates and coaches
  • Athletes are encouraged to introduce any newcomers to fellow team members
  • Athletes must communicate with coaches to ensure they stay healthy and are having fun.
  • Any injuries MUST be discussed with the coach/coaches of any class an athlete is attending

Disciplinary Action

  1. If part of the code of conduct is broken, the athlete or parent/guardian will be given a warning.
  2. If another rule is broken or the same rule is broken a second time the parent/guardian and the athlete in question will be asked to attend a meeting with their team coach or the head coach regarding their actions.
  3. If they continue to disrespect the code of conduct you will be asked to leave the program. All fees paid will be NON-refundable. Any merchandise or uniforms ordered will NOT be refunded or given once you have left.