Equipment
Each athlete requires a baton. The baton can be purchased from Batons West for $40.00. Used batons (if available) may be purchased for $25.00. Your child will be measured for a baton at registration and provided with a loaner baton until the order for brand new batons is received. The order takes approximately two weeks. Batons are usually good for one year unless a child experiences an exceptional amount of growth.
BTABC Membership
All students must obtain a membership with the Baton
Twirling Association of B.C. (BTABC). Membership fees for
beginner students are $20.00 – $ 35.00 dollars per year. This membership provides
access to events hosted by the Baton Twirling Association of British Columbia,
participation in the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation's Skills Development
Program, and provides insurance to all members. This form must be
completed at registration. One parent is also encouraged to sign up for a volunteer membership the
cost of which is covered by the club. This fee is included in learn to twirl level one and two.
Clothing and footwear
We ask that children arrive for class in a body suit and tights, shorts, dance or sweat pants for ease of movement. All tops must have short or no sleeves as the baton may get caught or stuck in loose or baggy clothing. Runners are fine for beginning twirlers. If the athlete enjoys the sport and wishes to join a team or compete individually a dance or jazz type shoe is required.
Hair
Hair that is long enough should be in a pony tail or bun. Short hair and bangs should be pinned out of the eyes.
Attendance
All students are expected at all lessons. Instilling these principles in young people will benefit them in learning and keeping good values throughout their lifetimes. Please inform your coach/instructor if you cannot attend a lesson. No refunds will be made for missed lessons.
Food and Beverages
Gum and candy will not be allowed in class as there is too much danger of choking. We encourage each athlete to bring a labeled water bottle to class. Athletes in the competitive class may require a snack or lunch that may be eaten during the break. Please remind your child to place all their garbage in a garbage receptacle and not leave it on the gym floor. Thank-you!
Calendar
Shortly following registration parents and athletes will receive a Batons West Calendar of events that you can use to reference throughout the year. As we rely on Richmond leisure services for our gyms we do not operate on statutory weekends.
Competitions
Batons West generally enter four competitions each year. The first one is in February; the second one is in March, the third one in April and the fourth one in May. Some of our competitive members also traveled to various Canadian locations to attend the National Baton Twirling Championships in July. This year Nationals will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Individual competition fees are the responsibility of the parent and are usually about 15.00 at the beginner level. Group competition fees are paid for by the club.
Badge Testing
Canadian Baton Twirling Federation
(CBTF)
All students will prepare for and have the option to take baton twirling badge
exams.
One badge is included in class fees for the term. If you athlete wishes to test for more that one badge per
term the testing/badge cost is $10.00 per badge and is the responsibility of
each student.
Costuming
A group routine baton twirling costume will be required for team performances. Batons West makes every effort to keep the cost of these costumes as affordable as possible. Fundraising efforts can help offset the cost.
Athletes participating in individual pre-competitive and competitive events will also require costumes. Parents are entirely responsible for these costumes. From time to time costumes from older athletes are available
Community Events & Parades
Batons West tries to gain exposure each year by demonstrating at local events. These events vary from year to year. We have participated at the Nibbles and Bites Weekend at the Thompson Community Center, Mall Demonstrations, Parades and various other community events. Participation in these events is encouraged.
Winter Party
Each December Batons West athletes and families have a pot luck lunch and little party before the winter break. Usually there is a small gift exchange for those who wish to participate.
Year End Show
Every June we host a year end show where all the athletes can invite their family and friends to come and see what they have accomplished this year. Usually we have a practice followed by a pot luck lunch or dinner, and then we decorate the gym and start the show. Fun, fun, fun!!!
Fundraising
As we are a non-profit organization we depend on the fundraising efforts of our parents to help with some of the costs that are not covered by the program fees. We expect and encourage each family to participate to the best of their ability.
Parent Meetings
Batons West is a non-profit society that relies on parent participation and volunteers to run the club.Parents meet once a month to plan and discuss club issues - all parents are encouraged to attend and participate in the meetings. All ideas are welcome and appreciated!! Parent meetings are usually held on the last Sunday of the month.
Parent Viewing Day
We understand that parents have busy and varied schedules so at this time we do not have a specified day for viewing your child’s progress. If you would like to stay and watch please discuss it with the coach prior to the class. Coaches are happy to answer any questions you may have either before or after class. Thank you for your cooperation.
Private Lessons
For athletes who are interested all of our coaches are available to coach private lessons. They can be hired on a regular weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis or just once in a while to assist with something specific. Their rates vary between 15 and 25 dollars an hour. Privates are usually 30, 60, or 90 minutes in length depending on the age of the athlete. Please advise us as soon as possible if you are interested in this option for your child.
Optional purchases
Batons West makes every effort to see that occasionally Club track suits, sweat shirts and baton bags are available for purchase. A parent who’s child is in a recreation or non-competitive program are under no obligation to buy these items. Full competitive club members will need to purchase a track suit every second year. Subsidies may be available provided that the athlete has participated in fundraising activities and club functions and provided that funding is available.
Class Design
Class design is at the sole discretion of the coach….while the major focus of our classes are to develop and improve the athletes baton twirling skills and abilities a portion of class time is dedicated to developing dance and basic gymnastic skills. Batons West offers instruction from certified Canadian Baton Twirling Federation coaches and certified Canadian Dance Coaches
Welcome to our club!!
