At the beginning of each season, you will receive a competition schedule. The schedule will include a range of dates for each competition (typically a Friday/Saturday/Sunday). It is recommended that you prepare for any one of the days listed. You will receive specifics when the date draws closer, including the actual day and time your gymnast will compete.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE DAY/TIME YOUR GYMNAST COMPETES.
Please allow enough time to arrive at your designated time. Please do not arrive any earlier than requested. There may be entrance fees to enter the facility (this does not apply to your gymnasts, only spectators). Each venue typically has a concession stand and apparel/goodies/good luck tokens to purchase. Having cash for these items is recommended.
Once you are seated, expect to watch your gymnasts stretch and warm up, march in (introduce the clubs attending), compete, and then attend an awards ceremony. Award ceremonies are often located in another section of the facility.
We compiled a list of guidelines, requirements, and etiquette expected from gymnasts and parents while attending a competition. Most importantly, have fun! Encourage, chant, and cheer for your gymnast and their teammates. They work so hard every week – this is their time to shine!
Last Updated: April 2026
Competition Leotard
Undergarments
Bras
o Skin Color
o Clear Straps, Not Visible
Briefs
o Skin Color
o Not Visible
Warm-Up Pants
Warm-Up Jacket
Hair Bow
Tennis Shoes
Plain Black Flip Flops/Slides
Restroom Breaks
Makeup
o Minimal Makeup
Nails
o Short, Groomed Nails
o No Polish (hands and toes)
Hair
o Secured Tightly Off the Neck
o Bobby Pins/Hair Clips (if needed)
Earrings/Piercings
o Stud Earrings, NO Hoops/Dangly Earrings
o Facial Piercings MUST BE Removed
Team Bookbag
Grips/Wristbands (if applicable)
Wrist/Ankle/Knee Supports (if applicable)
Tape/Pre-Wrap (if applicable)
Butt "Glue"
Extra Hair Ties
Hairbrush
Hair Spray/Gel
Hygiene/Feminine Products
Nail Polish Remover
Extra Leotard
o In Case of Emergency
Water/Sports Drink
o NO Glass
o Must Have a Secure Lid
Small Packaged Snacks
o Must Have a Secure Lid
o Pretzels, Goldfish, Granola Bar, etc.
*IF A GYMNAST FORGETS ANY NECESSARY ITEMS FOR A MEET (GRIPS, WRIST/ANKLE SUPPORTS, ETC.), THEY ARE STILL EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENTS THEY CAN AND SCRATCH THE ONES THEY CAN NOT. A GYMNAST WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO USE OTHER GYMNASTS' EQUIPMENT.
Cash
o Entrance Fees
o Concessions
o Apparel/Goodies
Camera/Video Recorder/Charger/Batteries
STG Fan Apparel (not required)
o Purchase on STG’s Website
o Gymnasts and parents should arrive no more than thirty (30) minutes before their assigned open stretch/registration time (this time will be given to you prior) unless otherwise advised. Often, your gymnast's competition will follow another, and to be respectful of those spectators, we kindly ask that you arrive no earlier than necessary to avoid overcrowding.
o When you arrive, please follow all rules and policies provided by the host club or venue.
o Your coach may give you a dedicated meeting place to gather all those competing for an easy transition.
o Once your gymnast is with their coach or group, you are welcome to shop or eat (if they offer this) and locate your seating. Once your gymnasts are with us, they are under our supervision and will only reach out to you if deemed necessary by the coach – more information is provided in the next section.
o Gymnasts are required to remain with their coach or group at all times. Parents are not to encourage gymnasts to approach them for any reason.o When you arrive, please follow all rules and policies provided by the host club or venue.
o We will seek you out if we need to discuss a matter with you.o Gymnasts are to remain quiet and focused and encouraged to cheer on their teammates.
o Gymnasts are to remain quiet and focused and encouraged to cheer on their teammates.
o After a competition, your gymnast is required to attend the award ceremony in its entirety.
o If your gymnast is not expected to receive an award or your gymnast's age group has already been completed, they are still expected to attend the award ceremony.
o Leaving before this (unless there is an emergency and it is conveyed to your gymnast's coach) is unacceptable. It is important to show support for your teammates and fellow gymnasts.
o At no time, under any circumstance, is a gymnast or parent to approach a judging official. If you have a question regarding a score, skill, or any aspect of the competition, please consult your coach (when time allows) to discuss your concerns.
o If you have a question regarding your child's performance, please schedule an appointment through the office to meet with your coach.
o A staff person, meet director, or coach from another team at a competition should also not be approached (unless it is to thank them for hosting us).
o In general, if a gymnast or parent displays a negative attitude during a competition, practice, or STG event, towards another individual, coach, or parent, that gymnast or parent will be removed from the current event or the gym and be suspended from practice and future activities until a meeting with the coaching staff has taken place.
o Poor sportsmanship at any level will not be tolerated, including by parents.
o Foul language will also not be tolerated. Parents, be mindful that you are in the environment of children.
o Bullying or any negativity towards teammates will not be tolerated. We have a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of bullying. We ask that any gymnasts who witness bullying or are being bullied report the incident directly to their coach.
o It is expected that all gymnasts follow directions given to them by their coach(es) in a respectful manner. Disrespectfulness towards coaches will result in being sent home from practice. Repeated failure to follow directions and remaining disrespectful will result in being removed from the team.
o Gymnasts are expected to have a good attitude, not only at practice but also at meets. Therefore, pouting, crying, and refusing to participate will result in being sent home and, ultimately, removal from the team if the behavior continues.