Welcome to the Columbia Gymnastics 2024-2025 season!

On behalf of the Upenders Parent Booster Club, we extend a warm welcome to our Gymnastics Family! Upenders is a volunteer parent organization that supports the competitive teams at Columbia Gymnastics.

The Upenders organization manages team member registration and the collection of payments necessary for the gymnasts to compete during the season. As part of the team's registration process, Upenders collects competition entrance fees and a $300 annual membership fee. The competition fees are calculated based on the gymnast’s level, the number of competitions that will be attended and the entry fees for each meet; the fees also cover photographs taken at the Pink Meet in Philadelphia for the girls’ teams. Additional fees will be charged for Regional and National competitions for qualified gymnasts. Please note that there will be no refunds for competitions the gymnast misses due to illness or other scheduling conflicts.

The membership fee covers warmups for the gymnasts (every two years), meet expenses for the coaches (session fees and travel), and end-of-year coaches’ gifts. The fees also cover the cost of judges for our home meets, hosting our home meets, senior scholarships, and the yearly picnic.

To register for the competitive team season, please visit www.upenders.org. Registration must be completed by September 15, 2024. The fees can be paid all at once or divided into four monthly payments (September, October, November, and December). However, the first payment must be made by September 15th to register for the team successfully. Please note that the gym starts registering for competitions in September, so it’s crucial for your family to commit to being part of the team. Also, any outstanding fees from the previous competitive season (membership, any added meet fees) must be settled before registering for the upcoming season.

The online payment system includes a processing fee for each transaction. The advantage of the online option is that families can use a credit card and enroll in the payment plan rather than paying the entire amount for the season upfront. This season, Upenders will allow families to pay the total fee by check.  There will be no option for a payment plan, and the entire season's cost must be paid in full.  Representatives from Upenders will be at the gym on four days at the beginning of September (3rd, 5th, 9th, and 11th) from 5-7 pm to collect these check payments and assist families in registering for the season.

All fees must be paid by December 15, 2024. If payments are not paid in full by December 15th, your child will not be permitted to participate in team activities, such as practice, and cannot attend competitions.

Please note that Upenders is a separate organization from Columbia Gymnastics. Monthly tuition fees and uniform costs are paid directly to Columbia Gymnastics. The season starts on July 1, 2024, and continues until June 30, 2025. Tuition payments are made by direct withdrawal from your bank account. The tuition fee covers the cost of your practice time in the gym and the coaches’ salaries. By joining the team, families agree to pay the monthly fee for the entire season. These fees are outlined in the team contract/handbook from Columbia Gymnastics and are independent of the fees paid to Upenders.

There will be NO refunds issued if your gymnast decides to withdraw from the team. Regarding 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 competitions.

Volunteer Requirements

This organization can only be successful with your help! We need parent volunteers to run it! Every year, families are asked to do volunteer sessions to support the gym and the gymnasts. This year, the requirement is two sessions for families with one gymnast. Families with two gymnasts are required to do three sessions and families with three or more gymnasts need to complete four sessions. Volunteer sessions are only fulfilled at our gym.

This season, the gym will not be hosting any girls’ competitions.  The gym submitted a request to host one or two of the boys' Designated Qualifier (DQ) meets this season but has not heard if Columbia has been selected. These competitions are smaller, consist of one-day meets, and require fewer volunteers.  The picnic also needs volunteers to run smoothly and be a success. As a result of these changes, the number of required volunteer sessions has been reduced this season.  In the future, Upenders will assist the gym in planning an offsite meet during the 2025-2026 season. In addition to the meets and picnic, limited volunteer opportunities are offered to support the gym and the gymnasts throughout the season.

In line with USA Gymnastics guidance and to better protect all athletes competing at our gym, we require that all adults (18 years and older) complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport Core Course U110 to volunteer at the gym. This course is online and must be completed by November 1, 2024. More information will be sent electronically in the coming weeks.

The parents on the board are working hard to support the team, build team spirit, and provide our children with a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. We appreciate your cooperation and patience and wish each of you a successful and enjoyable season!

Sincerely,

Cheryl Ewing

President, Upenders Parent Booster Club

Upenders 2024-2025 Yearly Fee Totals (membership fee + competition fees):

Girls Xcel:

Girls JD:

Boys JD:

Important points to remember:

• Registration must be completed by September 15, 2024. Payments can be spread over four months, but the first payment must be made by September 15, 2024. All payments must be completed by December 15, 2024.

• The U110 SafeSport training must be completed by November 1, 2024.

• Competition fees and the annual membership fee are paid to Upenders at www.upenders.org

• Monthly tuition and uniform costs are paid to Columbia Gymnastics.