Maffra Gymnastic Club Incorporated

Registered Number A.2297                                     A.B.N. 60-586-883-791

Cameron Sporting Complex

Morison Street (P.O. Box 12) Maffra 3860

Telephone (03) 5141 1211

e-mail: maffgym@bigpond.net.au                  Australian Gymnastic Club of the Year 2003

                       

 

The Committee and members of the Maffra Gymnastic Club would like to welcome you and your family to the Cameron Sporting Complex and more importantly to the Maffra Gymnastic Club Inc.  The Maffra Gymnastic Club is a Community based not for profit organisation that has the aim to teach and promote the sport of gymnastics to all. Please take time to read the information in this pack to assist with your membership and involvement at Maffra Gymnastic Club Inc.

History (Brief)

The Maffra Gymnastic Club was established in 1984 and conducted classes in the Maffra High School Activity Centre.  The packing up and setting up of equipment for each session became too great and in 1992 a small but well fitted out Commercial building was leased in Empire Place, Maffra.  In 1995 this building became too small for the quickly expanding and successful gymnastics Club.  In June 1995 the Maffra Gymnastics Club moved to the current venue - Cameron Sporting Complex in this multi-use facility. The Maffra Gymnastic Club has the goal of making the club a top class training facility for the instruction and competition of gymnastics.  This goal has led to the extension of the original venue by a further 540 square metres (effectively doubling the size).  To get the gymnastics centre to this stage has required a great deal of support from the Maffra Gymnastics Club committee and its members.  Funds to complete the extension came via extensive club fundraising, a grant from SRV and the WSC, the support of local investors, in kind labour of local tradespeople and donation of building supplies. The official opening of the extension was performed by Mr. Peter Ryan MLA on 18^th September 1999. 

The extra area has an in-ground foam pit, including the addition of a tumbling strip into this area in 2003.  The venue is equipped with Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) standard floor area, multiple sets of bars, 6 beams, 2 new vaulting tables, overhead spotting system for trampoline, in-ground trampolines, foam pit, sunken crash mat and multiple bungie system over the floor for 5 gymnasts to use at one time, plus heating for cold days and a giant fan for cooling on hot days.  In the next few years the adding of further bars, beams and a ring's canopy will further enhance Maffra as a premier training and competition facility.

Maffra Gymnastic Club was named National Club of the Year by Gymnastics Australia for the Year 2003.  This is the highest award for the General Gymnastics field and is a highly prestigious award.  It was awarded to Maffra for the commitment to continual improvement and club development.  This award is a testimony to the Club Committee, Coaches and the members who assist in our club becoming so widely recognised. The Maffra Gymnastic Club Committee once again thank you for your fantastic support in helping make Maffra Gymnastic Club remain one of the strongest and well managed Clubs in Australia.  We would like to suggest you support the sponsors that assist in providing a high level training facility.  These sponsors have advertising inside the venue and programs at events.

In 2007 Maffra Gymnastic Club opened its second campus at the Sale Showgrounds to cater for the demand on our recreational classes.  This venue will continue to operate in 2008 initially on selected nights with the vision to conduct classes every night of the week and daytime sessions as well.

2007 Competition Highlights

Three different Victorian Champion Teams were produced in 2007. Maffra won the State Level 7 (Rachael Davis, Maddie Bedggood, Melissa Taylor and Taryn Cunningham), Level 8 (Chelsea Hurst, Meg Graham, Ellen Ribolli and Cathy Read), and Level 10 (Emily Jolly, Shannyn Bertram, Jess Clark, Courtney Beers and Laura Larsen.) Women’s Artistic Gymnastic Victorian Championship titles (3 out of the top 4 State Stream Divisions in Vic). Kathleen Gannon was selected as part of the Victorian Level 7 Team to compete in the Bass Challenge against a Tasmania team – Victoria 1^st place.

 Elizabeth Milkins was named as a Victorian Judge to judge at the 2007 Australian Championships in Brisbane and also to judge at the Bass Challenge event in Tasmania.

2007 was a great year for the club regionally with women's teams winning Gippsland Championship Titles at Level 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3b, 4, 6, 7, 8 & 10 State WAG. Maffra Rhythmic gymnasts competed in Gippsland Championships and they won Category 2 and 3 and Maffra was named the overall Gippsland Champion Club.  Trampolinists won individual titles at Level 2, 3, 4 & 5. The Maffra Men’s Artistic Gymnasts won the Level 2, 3 & 4 Title. Sixteen WAG gymnasts qualified for the Victorian Gymnastic Championship Finals Level 4 - 10. 

Numbers are continually increasing with just under 1000 participants passing through the centre each week (including school groups and normal classes)

Life Members

Maffra Gymnastic Club Inc has five life members; Alison Bronts, Gail Clark and Lynne Patten – Malouf, Robyn Dowse and Brad Spunner.

Program Structure

Please find attached a Program Structure sheet that may help you understand the pathway your children may take in gymnastics.  At any time throughout the program a gymnast may transfer from the Recreational Stream to the Competitive Stream or vice versa based upon skill level, commitment from parents and coaches recommendations.  Each child in the program is continually evaluated and group promotions made as the coach sees fit in consultation with the gymnast's parent/s. If your child is in the WAG competitive Program ensure that you collect your booklet of “Guidelines to the WAG Competitive Program”

 

Other Items

REGISTRATION & MEDICAL FORM

Please find attached a registration and a medical form both of which must be signed at the bottom and returned A.S.A.P. to the fees box near the spectator seating.  No registration benefit card / packs will be given out until both Medical and Registration forms have been completed in full and returned.

TERM DATES 2008

Term 1 Tuesday 29^th January – Thursday 20^th March Inclusive (8 wks) No gym Monday 10^th March (Labour Day)

Term 2 Monday 7^th April – Saturday 28^th June Inclusive (12wks) No Gym Friday 25^th April Monday 9^th June

Term 3 Monday 14^th July – Saturday 20^th September Inclusive (10 wks)

Term 4 Monday 6^th October – Saturday 12^th December Inclusive (10 wks)

Displays Monday 8^th – Wednesday 10^th December  (To be Confirmed)

TEMPERATURE POLICY

If any day is predicted to and reaches a temperature of 40 Degrees Celsius or higher gymnastics will be cancelled.  If in doubt ring the gym to confirm if your child’s class is going to proceed on that day.  If classes have been cancelled then a message will be left by a member of the club on the answering machine.  If classes are cancelled then a credit will be given in the following term.

FUNDRAISING

At different stages throughout the year the Maffra Gymnastic Club Inc. undertake fundraising events to purchase new equipment or for works to the gymnastics centre.  It is expected that parents assist in these events.

NEWSLETTER

Generally each term newsletters and other relevant notes will be produced which update parents and friends of Maffra Gymnastic Club Inc with the events that are occurring at the gym, competition results and upcoming special events.

PRIVACY STATEMENT

Maffra Gymnastic Club Inc. is committed to providing you with the highest levels of membership service.  If you would like to view our privacy statement or any other policy then collect a copy from the office or look on our website.

ACCOUNTS and GST

Every gymnast should receive an invoice after their first gymnastic lesson in each term.  This invoice must be paid by the date on the invoice.  If the invoice is paid within 7 days of the date of invoice a $10 discount applies.  Each gymnast is required to pay the Membership fee and Registration fee. Registration and Membership fees are current for the calendar year. The preferred method of payment is by direct credit to Maffra Gymnastic Club Account (details on invoice) cheque or money order (payable to: Maffra Gymnastic Club Inc.) If the account is to be paid by instalments then an instalment payment form must be completed. (These forms are available from the club Assistant Treasurer). GST is included in gymnast term fees, Membership and GV Registration at the rate prescribed by the ATO, all invoices produced will be “Tax Invoices”.

All fees are to be placed in the fees box in the gym near the spectator seating in an envelope with the gymnast's name, group and amount enclosed clearly written on the front.  The details must also be entered in the fee book above the fee's box. CREDIT TERMS

Payment in full is required within 7 days from date of invoice. (Except # 8)

Accounts referred to a Collection Agency or Solicitor will have all legal costs and commission added to the amount due.

Overdue Accounts will be subject to interest at a rate prescribed by the Penalty Interest Rates Act (Vic) plus 2%.

If payment is overdue by 30 days, payment must be made within 7 days or legal action will be taken.

Gymnasts will be excluded from classes if the Credit terms are not fulfilled.

Where more than one party is liable for payment of this account, they will be liable jointly and severally.

Enrolment is subject to our Conditions.

If Fees are paid in full within 7 days from invoice date a $10 discount will apply to each child.  A 10% discount can be deducted from the lowest 3^rd, 4^th gymnast term fees - NO Discount on Club Membership, GV Registration or GA Affiliation for additional gymnasts.

If payment is to be made by instalments, agreed date of payments and amounts to be paid must be presented to the Assistant Treasurer and signed by both parties within 7 days from invoice.  All payments must be completed by the sixth week of term, with the first payment being made within 7 days from invoice date - No discount for additional gymnasts if Part Payment method is to be used.

This form must be completed on both sides and returned within 7 days along with payment as per invoice

If gymnast participates in 50 % or more classes then full term payment must be made - no refund given.

Holiday and any additional gymnastic training’s will be added to the following terms invoice.

UNIFORM

Maffra Gymnastic Club Inc corporate colours are navy, purple, green and white. Leotards for boys and girls are available.  Club tracksuits and polo shirts with Maffra gym logo (white for girls and navy for boys) are available from the gymnast's coach.  Monday night is a leotard night for WAG competitive gymnasts where a club leotard or optional leotard must be worn.  (No Crop top and shorts on this day) No set uniform has to be worn for other classes however it is expected that the clothing is free of buttons and zips as these may injure the gymnast and also damage gymnastic equipment.  Clothing should also allow free movement in all directions.  Gymnasts must not wear any jewellery and should have long hair tied up neatly and securely. Trampolinists must wear socks at all times.

FOOD AND DRINK

No food or drink is to be consumed inside the gymnastic area unless it is for medical reasons.  Water may be drunk if it is in a leak proof container.  Maffra Gymnastic Club drink bottles are available from your child's coach for $5.00.  These are approved for use in the gym.  If the session is long, greater than two hours then a small snack may be eaten - preferably fruit or a small energy bar on the spectator seating area.

RITCHIES COMMUNITY BENEFIT CARD

Maffra Gymnastic Club is affiliated with the Ritchies Community Benefit program.  Collect your rewards card from the office and nominate Maffra Gymnastic Club Inc as your preferred beneficiary, 1 % of your purchases then go directly to your gymnastics club at no extra cost.  In fact if you use a Ritchies benefit card it can entitle you to discounts off everyday items as well.  Please use this as an easy way of assisting Maffra Gymnastic Club Inc in fundraising. Just nominate MGC on your card.  Local store locations :- Maffra and Sale.

COMPETITIONS

If your child is asked to participate in gymnastic competitions then parents must notify the coach of their child's involvement in writing or in person by the closing date for entries.  Parents of competitive gymnasts will receive further details as the competition season gets closer. Different competitions apply to different level of gymnasts and the seasons vary throughout the year.  As a rough guide to the competition season - Level 1 – 3 WAG and 0 - 1 MAG (May – August), MAG 2 – 10 (July – November), Level 4 – 6 Nat and State 6 - 10 (July – December), Level 7 – 10 WAG National (March – June & August – December)

KINDERGYM

Kindergym is the introduction to gymnastics for 18 month – 5 years.  The Kindergym program is produced under the “Kindergym” Australia guidelines and uses specially accredited coaches.  The Maffra Kindergym coaches introduce movement experiences for our youngest members that are fun and safe.  Parents are to assist their child in the activities but not participate in Gross Motor Skill activities.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy your time at the Maffra Gymnastic Club Inc, and look forward to your involvement with one of Australia’s most successful and community orientated gymnastics clubs.

Yours Sincerely,

Brad Spunner.