Kips and KW Proposed Unification Update
May 4, 2022
KWGC / Kips Unification Update
As our members are aware, the Kitchener-Waterloo Gymnastics Club (KWGC) and Cambridge Kips Gymnastics Club (Kips) were in discussion about unification of the two clubs. KWGC has valued the partnership that was developed and the opportunity to support Kips over the past two years. There has been uncertainty created by several factors including staffing challenges throughout Covid-19, a City of Cambridge decision with respect to redevelopment of the Kips facility, the recent departure of Kips’ Managing Director, and the loss of our Executive Director, Kellie Hinnells. In response, KWGC is not prepared to move forward with the discussed unification. Kips has notified its membership that the club will be temporarily shutting down its operations as of June 26, 2022 while they look for a new facility.
Sincerely,
KWGC Board of Directors
Kips and KW
Unification FAQ's
Updated May 31, 2021
KWGC and Kips believe that bringing the two gymnastics clubs together will benefit Waterloo Region by improving access to quality programming, increasing access to qualified coaching and providing improved mentorship, leadership, training, growth and opportunity to our staff and membership.
Why are the two clubs considering unifying?
The two clubs have been working together over the past year to share resources and strengthen each others’ positions. Operationally the clubs have been collaborating on procedures, administration, coach development and scheduling. Unification would position the new organization to increase flexibility, maximize efficiency, and streamline operations to ensure the ability to deliver quality gymnastics programming in both locations. The unified club’s position would be solidified to continue to deliver not for profit gymnastics programming throughout Waterloo Region, building on 106 years of combined club history.
How is unification different from the current partnership between KWGC and Kips?
General FAQ
There is a need to ensure that the clubs take the time necessary to plan a path forward. The complexities of Covid-19 operations means that there is no absolute timeline for the unification, however, the goal is to work toward member approval in the Fall 2021. The membership of both clubs will be consulted before a formal unification proposal is presented.
When would unification take place?
KWGC and Kips are committed to maintaining the atmosphere that our communities have come to expect and appreciate. A unified club would continue to offer family focused fun events including seasonal and year end celebrations.
I like the atmosphere/community at my club, will that change?
Unification is intended to bring the two clubs together. As the clubs work towards unification, the commitment remains to honouring the history of each. The memberships of each club will have a voice in naming the unified club.
Will we still be known as Cambridge Kips and Kitchener Waterloo Gymnastics?
Yes, there would continue to be two physical locations operating. Unification would provide improved access to programming at both facilities offering our members more flexibility and choice.
Will there still be two locations?
Unification of the two clubs would mean adopting new by-laws, policies and procedures which reflect the values of each club.
Will bylaws, policies and procedures be the same?
The clubs would coordinate registration by having classes available at either location in Jackrabbit. Email communication to our members would continue in the same manner, via Jackrabbit. As the clubs work toward unification, individual websites would eventually be replaced by a single site which celebrates the unification and retains and shares the history of each club.
How will the locations coordinate communication?
The unified clubs would continue to offer affordable programming and would adopt a single fee structure. There would continue to be partnerships with financial assistance programs to support families and athletes in our communities.
How will unification affect fees?
Gymnastics Ontario provides guidelines for appropriate class sizes for recreational and competitive programs. Class sizes fluctuate based on registration session to session. The clubs will continue to structure classes in accordance with the guidelines, while ensuring athlete safety and program viability.
Will class sizes change?
Competitive?
WAG Tryouts - wag@kwgymnastics.ca
MAG Tryouts - mag@kwgymnastics.ca
Fees and Registration?
executivedirector@kwgymnastics.ca
Who do I contact for:
Recreational FAQ
Yes, registration for either location would be accessible via Jackrabbit. Information on schedules will be accessible from a unified website. As always, access to programming is subject to available space.
Will I be able to register my child for a class at either location?
The unified clubs would continue to offer affordable programming and would adopt a single fee structure. Multi-child discounts would be available under a unified fee structure. There would continue to be partnerships with financial assistance programs to support families and athletes in our communities.
How will unification affect recreation fees?
No, currently credits must be used at the original location of registration. Once the unification takes place, there will be more flexibility to apply credits at either location.
Will I be able to apply account credits at either location?
It may be possible to transfer from one location to another before the start of a session, if space is available in the requested class. Unification would ensure that there is a single set of policies which address transfers, cancelations, refunds, credits, etc.
If I register my child at one location, but want to transfer to the other, will I be able to transfer the registration?
With unification the expectation is that coaches would be able to work at either location, based on their qualifications and class registration needs.
How would unification affect coaching assignments?
The expectation is that the unified club would continue to offer quality programming at both locations, with the similar content and level progression. Staff and coaches would have access to expanded education and mentorship opportunities which would continue to enhance programs. Unification would also offer more class options and increased flexibility for families.
How would programs be affected or changed?
Today, there are limitations which do not allow discounts to be applied between locations. Unification would allow for consistency and flexibility to apply future discounts regardless of class location.
How would discounts apply if an athlete attends both locations?
Yes, the unified club would continue to offer access to financial assistance programs (i.e. Jumpstart, House of Friendship, Kids Sport etc.).
Will current community assistance programs still be offered?
Competitive FAQ
Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) would be offered at both locations, and some Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) levels may be available at both locations. However, due to available space and equipment, Tumbling and Trampoline (T&T) can not be offered at KWGC.
Will all programs be offered at both locations?
For the 2021/2022 season, there are no plans to change athlete training locations. The clubs are exploring opportunities for training exchanges and mentorship between the two locations. In the future, coordination between both locations may provide increased flexibility to group athletes according to their skill-level and age.
Will my athlete still train at their current location?
The ability to transfer between locations is a decision made by the Program Directors. Decisions must consider athlete skill level and class sizes.
Can my athlete transfer between locations?
With unification the expectation is that coaches would be able to work at either location, based on their qualifications and training group needs. Program Directors would remain at their current location, however, coaches would be assigned based on program needs.
How would unification affect coaching assignments?
Increasing the diversity of programs and coaching opportunities would allow the unified club to recruit and retain individuals interested in a career in gymnastics coaching. Retaining career coaches benefits athlete development by ensuring a commitment to continuous professional learning and consistency and stability for the athletes.
How will unification benefit coach and athlete development?
The unified clubs would continue to offer affordable programming and would adopt a single fee structure. There would continue to be partnerships with financial assistance programs to support families and athletes in our communities.
How will unification affect competitive fees?
Unification would ensure policies and procedures are aligned to offer a single FEP and Support Hour framework and specify available discounts. FEP and Support Hour obligations would be set annually by the Board of Directors. Opportunities to satisfy FEP and Support Hour requirements would be available at either location.