Sartell Sapphires Gymnastics Program Information

Sartell Sapphires is open to Sartell area residents who pay taxes to the Sartell-St. Stephen school district or students eligible to attend Sartell schools.

Tryouts Process

What We’re Looking For:
During tryouts, gymnasts will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Flexibility
  • Strength
  • Timing
  • Current Ability Level
  • Attentiveness
  • Confidence & Risk-Taking ("Fear Factor")
  • Motivation & Desire to Learn

Events Evaluated:
Athletes will be assessed across the four main gymnastics events:

  • Floor Exercise
  • Vault
  • Balance Beam
  • Uneven Bars

Judging Criteria:
Coaches will assess gymnasts on:

  • Skill execution
  • Form and technique
  • Ability to accept and apply corrections

Team Capacity:
Please note that there are limited spots available on each team. Unfortunately, not all gymnasts who try out will be selected.

Results Notification:
Families will be contacted via email following tryouts to inform them whether or not their athlete has been accepted into the Sapphire Program.

Registration Fee:
Upon acceptance, a nonrefundable registration fee of $65 is required. This fee helps cover insurance and essential gym supplies for the season.

Alternative Recommendations:
If your athlete is not accepted, we strongly encourage them to enroll in a recreational class to continue developing their skills and try out again in the future.

Program & Financial Information

Website:
www.sartellsapphires.com

All families are required to create a GoMotion account and place a card on file for tuition and fees.

Tuition:

  • Rate: $8.50/hour (subject to change)
  • Due Date: 1st of each month
  • Late Fee: $10 if paid on or after the 10th
  • Overdue Policy: If any invoice is over 30 days overdue, the gymnast may not practice or compete until payment is made.

Note: We do not accept cash or checks. All payments must be made via your online account.

Discontinued Participation:

  • A two-week written notice must be emailed to the Head Coach and Treasurer at:
    📧 [email protected]
  • If notice is not provided, families will be charged two weeks of tuition following the gymnast's last practice.
  • If a gymnast chooses to “take a break,” tuition must be paid for the entire break. Otherwise, they are considered withdrawn and must be re-evaluated before returning (space permitting).

Exceptions: Medical issues or family vacations with coach notification and continued tuition payment.

Competition Information:

  • Competition fees are in addition to monthly tuition.
  • A budget overview will be provided before the competition season begins.

Injuries:

  • Injured gymnasts are required to pay at least 50% of tuition during recovery.
  • A doctor’s note is required, and coaches must be notified within 24 hours of injury.
  • Once the gymnast returns and can participate on at least one event (e.g., bars), full tuition resumes.
  • Injured gymnasts are encouraged to continue attending practices to maintain flexibility, strength, and team involvement.
  • A doctor’s clearance note is required before returning to full participation.

Fees Overview:

  • Initial Registration Fee: $65 (due upon acceptance)
  • Annual Registration Fee: $65 (due June 1 each year)
  • Comp Year-End Banquet: $15 per family (held in March, includes food, facility costs, and coach gifts)

Angel Fund:

Families in need of financial support may apply for the Angel Fund, which can reduce tuition by 30% for qualifying applicants.

To apply, request a form from the Treasurer. Income documentation is required.

Dress Code

  • Gymnasts must wear a leotard with either bike shorts over or gymnastics briefs under.
  • Hair must be pulled back completely and securely. Use clips or bands as needed.
  • No loose hair or half-up styles allowed for safety.
  • No jewelry allowed.

Team Leotards & Apparel:

  • All gymnasts are required to purchase a team leotard and shorts annually.
  • Fittings take place typically in June each year.
  • Payment is due at the time of fitting.

Volunteer Policy

Sartell Sapphires relies on volunteers to operate successfully. All families must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum Volunteer Hours: 10 hours per year (June 1–May 31)
  • Unmet Hours Fee: $30/hour charged for any incomplete hours as of May 31. Automatically withdrawn June 1.
  • Hours can be fulfilled by any family member aged 16+.
  • Actual hours worked will be tracked. No rollover of extra hours to future years.
  • Volunteer Sign-In: Required at every event to receive credit.

✨ Interested in helping or joining the board? Contact us at:
📧 [email protected]

Mandatory Fundraiser:

Each fall, all families must participate in a raffle fundraiser, either by selling tickets or buying them outright. Details will be shared by the Raffle Coordinator each season.

Stay Connected:

Join our Facebook group

FAQs

Q: Why are gymnasts required to wear bike shorts over their leotards?
A: For safety. Gymnastics is a hands-on sport, and tight-fitting clothing ensures gymnasts stay covered during spotting. Wearing biker shorts also helps protect their hips/skin from getting pinched when on the bars.

Q: What are gymnastics briefs?
A: Tight-fitting undergarments worn under leotards. Not the same as regular underwear.

Q: Why are team leotards required?
A: They build team unity and are worn for performances, team photos, and competitions.

Q: What are volunteer hours?
A: Time donated by families to help with gym operations, events, equipment, and more. Each family must complete 10 hours/year or pay the unmet hours.

Q: Why does the practice schedule vary?
A: We share space with school and community programs. Availability changes each season, but schedules are published 1–3 months in advance.

Q: How is information shared?
A: Email is our primary method of communication.