Team Handbook

2026 SLHS Gymnastics Handbook

COACHING STAFF:

Co-Head Coach: Alicia Willis - alicia.willis@jeffco.k12.co.us

Co-Head Coach: Laurel Harbert - laurel.harbert@jeffco.k12.co.us 

          *please add both Alicia and Laurel to all emails you send - thank you*

Assistant Coach: Rachel Cody

Volunteer Coaches: Emily Rahe and Amy Yoshimura-Campbell

WEBSITE: https://sites.google.com/jeffcoschools.us/slhs-gymnastics 

PRACTICE

You are expected to be at practice everyday.  Always be prepared to come to practice after school. Please arrange all doctors’ appointments outside of team practices. 

Practice:  Monday - Thursday 3:45pm - 5:45pm

CHSAA Dual Sport Athletes - This only applies to student-athletes who have signed up for two CHSAA sports competing in the same seasons (this does not apply to club sports). Must commit to attend two days of practice a week. (Ex: Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays, etc.). This must be consistent and communicated clearly with the coaching staff. A dual sport contract must be completed and signed. In this contract, according to Jeffco, “The athlete must choose a primary sport.  All parties will sign a written agreement, which includes specific information regarding practices and priority of contests during the regular and post seasons. If a conflict arises, the school athletic director will intervene and make a determination, which will be binding.” 

PRACTICE ATTIRE

Gymnasts must wear leotards or tightly fitted athletic tanks/shirts and athletic shorts. Please have midriff covered. This attire allows the gymnast to be safe while performing gymnastics and the coach to be safe while spotting/standing there for them.

TRAVEL POLICY

Due to shortage of buses and drivers, student athletes will need to find their own transportation to and from a meet.  All ride arrangements will be coordinated by student athletes, not the coaches.  If there is a situation that requires a gymnast to leave early with a parent, it must be arranged with the coaches in advance.  

ATTENDANCE (Practices & Meets)

Each athlete is expected to be present and on time to all practices, meets, and functions.  Exceptions will be made if arrangements are made BEFORE the event. Excused absences include: player illness, family emergency, religious reason, school function. A gymnast may not have more than two unexcused absences. Parents need to email if your gymnast will not be at practice or at a meet. 

COMMUNICATION
We have an app for communicating with gymnasts and parents this year called “SportsYou.” Both gymnast and parent will need to download the app on their phone and then enter the team code to join:

Download the app here: https://sportsyou.app 

Your team code is: see coach for code

Weekly newsletters will be sent out every week of the season via email and on the SportsYou app. Please be on the lookout for those as they contain important information. 

When emailing coaches (best line of communication for parents), please include both Laurel and Alicia on those emails (alicia.willis@jeffco.k12.co.us and laurel.harbert@jeffco.k12.co.us). If only one is included, the other will be cc’d.

Gymnasts are expected to communicate with their coach in the event of any schedule change or issue. E-mails are also welcome if gymnasts need to communicate with coaches. It is also the gymnast’s responsibility to let parents know of any changes to the practice or meet schedule/location. Coaches are NOT permitted to communicate with individual gymnasts on Sundays per CHSAA. If a gymnast reaches out to a coach via SportsYou on Sunday, they will not get a response until Monday. Coaches are allowed to provide whole team announcements and are allowed to communicate with parents on Sundays. 

MEET DAY
Regular season league meets competition starts at 5:30pm with gymnasts needing to arrive by around 4pm (some variance depending on meet host). Invitationals, JV/Varsity Leagues, Regionals and State do not follow that schedule - schedules for those meets will be given out as soon as possible. We will not know the exact Regional location, meet day, or schedule until a week before. The state meet schedule will also be announced by CHSAA approximately one week prior. 

Gymnasts must attend classes the day of a meet or they will not be allowed to compete in the meet that day. Gymnasts are also expected to remain at the meet until awards are over. Special permission is required to leave meets early. Gymnasts are expected to help clean up the meet (if necessary) - please encourage your gymnast to help. 

COMPETITION LEOTARDS

Student athletes shall be expected to wear and take proper care of SLHS competition leotards. The cost of these leotards is included in the fee for the sport with Standley Lake.

ACADEMICS

1. You must keep your grades up throughout the season.  A “C” or higher is expected. Grade reports are run every Wednesday at 3pm and last one full week. Any two F’s means are ineligible per CHSAA for the next week unless a grade change slip is turned in to the athletic secretary by 3pm Friday. 

2. Gymnasts are expected to ask their teachers for work if they know they will be absent BEFORE the date. They are also expected to go in and ask for help/communicate with the teacher if they are struggling with a class. 

3. Ineligible Player according to CHSAA: 

   1. This is a player who has two or more F’s is ineligible and is not allowed to compete until the grade(s) is brought up. Ineligible gymnasts are still required to attend practice, meets, and team events that week; however, they may be required to bring and do homework to help bring up their grade.If a student is ineligible any two consecutive weeks during the season there will be a discussion with the player and parent and could result in removal from the program. 

   2. A player who completed the previous semester with 2 or more F’s is also ineligible. They will not be allowed to compete until the CHSAA regain date (September 14). Until then, ineligible gymnasts are expected to attend all practices and meets. They will be required to do schoolwork at practice if any grade drops to a D or below during that time. This is to help the gymnast ensure eligibility at the time of regain.

LETTERING

A gymnast can letter by receiving 12 points over the entire season. Each time a gymnast competes in a varsity event, 1 point is earned. Each time a gymnast competes in a JV event, they earn 0.5 points each.

FLOOR MUSIC

Due to copyright laws, individual gymnasts must purchase their own floor music with the license that allows them to play it in a “performance.” Turn in receipt into the coach (alicia.willis@jeffco.k12.co.us) - these must be uploaded to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Places where you can get floor music from legally: NOT ITUNES

• Floor Express, Energym, Jump Twist, Floor Tracks, Tune Gym

FUNDRAISING

• Jog in the Bog - Saturday, August 22nd at 10am - https://www.standleylakeboosters.com/register4jitb   

  • $40 to register, then $15 goes to the sport of your choice

  • Why Boosters Rocks: The SLHS Boosters Club supports all teams, clubs, and activities—not just one. Because they represent the whole school, they can raise more money, more quickly, and access larger funding sources. Teamwork makes the dreamwork!

• Sponsorships: Does your company or do you know a company who would like to sponsor the gymnastics team?

  • Banner in the main gym or on video board

  • Let me know if you or anyone you know might be interested

Standley Lake High School Gymnastics Team Manifesto

Our Philosophy

At Standley Lake High School, we believe that the success of our gymnastics team stems from a commitment to respect, positive attitudes, perseverance, skill, and hard work. Our goal is not only to excel in competitions but also to develop as individuals and as a team, preparing ourselves for life's challenges beyond gymnastics.

Athlete Expectations

As athletes representing Standley Lake High School, each gymnast is expected to behave in a respectful and positive manner. If your actions harm yourself, they also harm the team. Respect for coaches, administrators, parents, and teammates is paramount.

• In and Out of School: No smoking, vaping, drinking, drug use, fighting, illegal activities, or disruptive/inappropriate classroom behavior. Violations will result in severe consequences, potentially including removal from the program. Each case will be handled individually, but these behaviors are strictly prohibited.

• At Practice: Punctuality is a sign of respect and discipline. We expect all members to be on time for practices, games, and team events, understanding that reliability is crucial for success. Gymnasts must dress and act appropriately, be punctual, and be prepared. Cell phones are not allowed during practice without explicit permission from a coach.

• At Meets: Gymnasts must be prepared with all necessary items the night before, including homework, snacks, and gear. Respect towards other teams, coaches, and judges is essential. Gymnasts are also expected to help with tear-down at away meets.

• As a Teammate: Represent SLHS with high standards of respect. Discrimination against teammates for any reason is not tolerated. Support your teammates and focus on gymnastics during practice and preparation. "Check the drama at the door."

• Social Media: Do not post anything negative about opponents, teammates, coaches, the school, or the program. Consequences will follow any negative posts.

Academic Responsibility

Gymnasts are expected to communicate with teachers about absences in advance and seek help if struggling in a class. Balancing academics and athletics is essential for success. Your commitment to academic excellence is paramount, regardless of your skill level. We emphasize the importance of lifelong learning and engagement with issues that impact our communities, both locally and globally. We believe that informed voices are essential for building strong and empathetic communities.

Gator Gymnastics is a program centered around the student-athlete. We are dedicated to helping you grow both inside and outside the gym. Our victories are not just measured in scores but in the personal growth and understanding of what it means to excel as a student, athlete, and teammate.

Parental Guidelines

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children and the gymnastics program. As a parent of a Standley Lake gymnast, I agree to abide by the following rules:

• Remember that children participate to have fun, and the game is for the kids, not the adults.

• Inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect your child or others' safety.

• Be a positive role model, encouraging sportsmanship, respect, and courtesy.

• Avoid any unsportsmanlike conduct with coaches, players, or parents.

• Teach your child to play by the rules and resolve conflicts peacefully.

• Never ridicule or yell at any participant for making a mistake.

• Emphasize skill development and practice benefits.

• Prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes over personal desires for winning.

• Respect the coaches' authority and discuss concerns at an appropriate time and place.

• Refrain from coaching your child or others during meets and practices.

Our Commitment to Athletes

First and foremost, we care for every athlete as a person. Your physical, mental, psychological, and emotional well-being are priorities. We want you to trust and believe in yourself, striving to be everything you hope to become. Our team is a place where it is safe to go through the process of growing and building yourself. 

Gator Gymnastics is a student-athlete-centered program focused on improving both in and out of the gym. Our wins will result from prioritizing your development as a student, athlete, and teammate. Academic success is expected, and lifelong learning is encouraged. Your informed voice is crucial in understanding and addressing local and global issues.

Standards of Excellence

Everything we do will be unsurpassed - from our behavior and appearance to our communication and interactions. We care for everyone in the Gator Gymnastics program, ensuring no one is left out or uncared for. Our gym will be safe, clean, and organized, fostering respect and responsibility.

The gym is a place to recuperate, receive constructive feedback, and prepare for future challenges. We expect athletes to support teammates during difficult times and contribute to maintaining a positive team atmosphere. We expect our gymnasts to put in the work and the effort that is required to grow relentlessly. Represent the Gators professionally and supportively in the community.

The Gators Success Pyramid

• Attitude: Our attitude drives everything. We are solution seekers, resilient to setbacks, and dedicated to finding solutions.

• Effort: Our effort is 100% all the time. We are known for our hard work and determination, always striving to outwork our opponents.

• Preparation: We are prepared and ready, understanding that great attitudes and efforts require proper fuel and rest.

• Execution: We focus on execution, striving for excellence in all we do. We forgive ourselves when we make a mistake, learn from it, and move on to do our best. 

Focus on the Journey

We value the journey over the destination, learning and growing through every experience. We focus on what we can control and set process-based goals. We respect judges' decisions and handle mistakes with grace. We recognize that the successes we experience is a byproduct of our pursuit of growth and building each other up. Punctuality, honesty, and open communication are essential. Parents are partners in this process, supporting their gymnasts in developing self-advocacy and refraining from becoming unauthorized assistant coaches.

Through respect, positive attitudes, perseverance, skill, and hard work, the SLHS gymnastics team will achieve success. Together, we will create a legacy of excellence, preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Let's commit to this vision and strive for greatness as individuals and as a team.