Team Parent (FAQs)

Prior to the Meet

Should my gymnast wear her Leo to the meet?

Yes, definitely have your gymnast wear your competition leo and warm-ups to the meet. There is not a lot of time to change at the venue before check-in (and you will more than likely, use a public restroom).

What about hair, nails, earrings, make-up, etc.?

Judges like gymnasts’ hair when it is out of their face and neat.  Whatever style you choose, the hair must be above the shoulders and out out of your face. If you wear nail polish, wear something that does not draw attention to your nails. All earrings,  piercings or any jewelry not limited to necklace and bracelets must be taken out or off prior to competition. (TAPE IS NOT ALLOWED OVER A PIERCING- including lip, nose and eyebrow) 

 Make-up is allowed, but no glitter or face paint.

Are snacks allowed at the meet?

It is a good idea to take healthy snacks to the meet for your gymnast. Healthy snacks include bottled water, apple juice, or Gatorade, granola bars, apples, bananas, packages of cheese, graham crackers, pretzel sticks, and even yogurt. Some of the girls even like to eat sandwiches after the meet. Also, place bottle of water in your gymnast's meet bag.

Are guests allowed at the meet?

Yes. But if they do not wish to sit for an hour-and-a-half during check-in and warm-ups, tell them to arrive at the time of "March-in", which is usually about an hour after the girls are scheduled to check-in. Remind your guests if there is a cost, and they must sit in the bleachers and are not permitted on the competition floor. 

Do I have to pay to watch the competition?

Yes. The cost depends on the meet. Check the meet’s website for information about the cost of adult and child pricing.

TIP:   BRING CASH!   ATM/cash machines are not easy to locate at meets. Also, vendors at the meet may not be equipped to process debit/credit cards or take checks. If necessary, be prepared with extra cash for concessions.

During the Meet

Allow Coaches to Do Their Job.

If you are a coach, and you see where you can assist, apply for a job. Never ever approach a coach or request a meeting with a coach during a meet without being summoned. Coaches are there to work with all team members, who are on the floor competing during the meet and for the entire competition. The coaches have a packed schedule (i.e., warm-ups, ensuring no accidents occur, restroom breaks, and eating, amongst other things). During this time, they do not have the bandwidth to talk to you one-on-one about your gymnast. Please be respectful of their time. In addition to that, other gymnasts are also entitled to have an engaged coach, who is excited about being at the meet and coaching. 

Is "March-in" formal at every meet?

This depends on the meet. Usually teams are introduced in some form, but this is not always extravagant.

How long will the meet actually take?

Meets usually take 2-3 hours, depending on the number of teams, how the gymnasts are divided for competition, etc. You should plan for (4-5 hours from time of check-in).

How are the gymnasts grouped for competition?

Gymnasts are usually grouped by level. If you have more questions regarding this prior to the meet, please discuss this with your coach.

After the Meet Session is Finished

Can I leave immediately after awards have been given to my gymnast?

No, all gymnasts wait until all levels  have finished and scores have been announced.  Also, the team could win an award, and you may not want to miss an opportunity to get a picture of the entire level holding that award. Aside from that, your gymnast must take the bus home if it is an away meet.