Upenders Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I register for the new season through Upenders?

• Go to the website www.upenders.org and log in using your existing credentials or create a new account if you are a first-time user.  Select the level of your gymnast and pay the fees listed (the total includes the competitions fees for your gymnast and the annual Upenders membership fee).  A service charge is added to your transaction.  

• Pay by check on September 3rd, 5th, 9th, or 11th at the gym from 5-7 pm to avoid service charges.  All fees must be paid in full at this time.  No payment plans will be allowed if paying by check. 

• Registration must be completed by September 15, 2024.  The fees can be paid at one time or spread out equally into four payments made in September, October, November, and December.

• Registration payments must be completed by December 15, 2024, or your gymnast will not be registered for competitions and cannot participate in practices.

• Any unpaid fees from the previous season (membership, meet fees, volunteer session buyouts) must be paid before you can register for the upcoming season.

2. What do I pay to Upenders?

• Entrance fees for all season competitions are paid to Upenders.  The level of competition determines the amount paid.

• There will not be any refunds for meets that your gymnast cannot attend.

• Additional fees will be assessed for Regional and National Competitions for qualified gymnasts.

• A $300 annual membership fee is also paid to Upenders.  This fee covers gymnast warmups (every two years), coaches’ fees and travel associated with meet sessions, fees for judges, the team picnic, and senior scholarships.

3. What do I pay to Columbia Gymnastics?

• Monthly tuition for the competition season is paid by direct bank withdrawal to Columbia Gymnastics.  The season runs from July 1st to June 30th.  By joining the team, families agree to pay monthly for the entire season.

• Uniform costs

• Spirit Wear (if desired)

4. Are refunds given?

• No refunds will be issued if your gymnast decides to withdraw from the team. 

• In the case of season-interrupting or ending illness or injury, we ask that the coach, gym, and booster club be notified IN WRITING as soon as possible. A refund is not guaranteed and is decided on a case-to-case basis depending on the ability to withdraw from registered meets.

5.  Are families expected to volunteer?

• Yes!! Families with one gymnast are expected to complete two volunteer sessions for the season.  Families with two gymnasts will need to complete three sessions, and families with three will need to complete four sessions.

• Each session is approximately 2-4 hours long. 

• We need people to allow us to support our gymnasts and have a successful season!

6. How can I fulfill my volunteer sessions?

• Volunteer sessions can be completed at competitions hosted by Columbia Gymnastics. Volunteers are needed for many positions to allow us to run a successful meet.  

• There are also volunteer opportunities at the gym during the season and at the end-of-season team picnic.

7. Do I need to complete SafeSport U110 training to volunteer?

• Yes!! To volunteer at the gym and fulfill their obligations, all volunteers must complete the online training U110: U.S. Center for SafeSport by November 1, 2024. The training certification is good for one year, from August 1 through July 31, and must be completed annually.

• The training is not difficult (mostly listening and answering a few questions), but the initial training takes 1.5-2 hours to complete.

• The excellent news is that the refresher training takes only about 30 minutes to complete.

• Instructions for accessing the training will be emailed soon.

8. Can other family members help me meet my volunteer obligations?

• Yes, but all individuals 18 or older must complete the SafeSport training to volunteer.

• Individuals must be 14 or older to get credit for completing the session.

9. Still have questions?

• You can email the Upenders Board members at www.upenders.org.