Competition Prep & Safety
Competition Preparation
• Timing. Plan enough time to eat, dress, arrive and park at venue and meet the team. Use the x1.5 rule: If you estimate all of this will take two hours, allow three. If you arrive early, your athlete can relax, watch the competition, get something to eat, etc.
• Awards. Make sure you know what time awards are and what time you are expected back for awards.
• Hair and makeup. Make sure you know how hair and makeup should be done. If you need help, reach out to a veteran parent.
Competition Safety
• Eat right. Your athlete needs to eat a good meal right before meeting with his / her team. The warm-up and competition can take a few hours, so your athlete may not be able to eat during that time.
• Inform the coach. Make your coach aware of any health issues that your child may have: asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, anxiety, etc. Provide supplies or medications your child may need, such as an inhaler, epipen, etc.
• Manage your athlete’ s belongings. Keep your athlete’ s valuables with you. Most competitions do not provide a secure place for athletes’ belongings in the warm-up room or while they compete.
• Ask questions. When you drop off your athlete, will a coach be there to take responsibility for your child? Are athletes supervised at all times? Is there a buddy system in place?
• Keep your child safe. Know where to meet your child after he or she performs. YOU are responsible for your child at the competition.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Provide an emergency plan for your child in the competition they are separated from their coach, team or you.
Guidelines & Tips
• Never leave a minor athlete unattended or unsupervised.
• Know the schedule provided by the coach to insure your athlete is present for all practices and / or team meetings.
• Cover Up. When not in the warm-up room or on the competition floor, all athletes in crop tops must cover bare midriffs.
• Do not block the judges’ view of the performance floor with tablets, cameras or signs.
• No one is the exception to the rule when it comes to using no-entrance areas, approaching judges stands or climbing over barriers. Many event producers can or will penalize your child’ s team for your inability to follow posted rules that are there for your safety.
• Learn the flow of the fan-viewing section and do not block aisles. Know the meeting places designated by the coach that are in compliance with the venue space.
• Competitions are recruiting-free zones! Avoid making contact with athletes and parents from other clubs in an effort to bring them over to your club. Enjoy the competition! Be the friendly group that other parents aspire to be. Support your child and coaches so they have the most successful competition possible and let your child enjoy their moment in the spotlight!
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