Gym Partnership Program

When you support a foster child to attend your CrossFit gym, it may be the first time in their life that they have had the encouragement or opportunity to do so. It can be incredibly rewarding for them to take part in activities that are enjoyed by their peers. This in itself can provide a sense of normalcy and belonging as well as empowerment. There are also opportunities to experience new roles within an environment that has clear rules and boundaries.

Whether they shine at weightlifting, gymnastics or simply love to move, being part of CrossFit can help shy children open up, make friends and teaches a range of social skills. CROSSFIT requires commitment to develop skills and better performance, which gives children of all ages something to focus on and promotes a healthy attitude towards the body and mind. You may even find it easier to persuade kids to eat their greens if they’re planning on putting in a good performance at the gym! Regular attendance to CrossFit classes, lessons or games also encourages responsibility and good time management by requiring that other tasks such as homework be completed alongside attendance.

Studies have shown that childhood obesity has a direct correlation to levels of socioeconomic deprivation and that participation in physical activity has physical, mental and economics benefits. It therefore can not be emphasized enough, the importance of encouraging and providing opportunities for sporting and recreational activities for children and young people in care who often have experienced a difficult start in life such as trauma, neglect and deprivation. CrossFit activities, while helping to build confidence and new skills, can also support placement stability by giving foster carers the opportunity to encourage/praise success and build relationships with those they care for. If the child or young person has moved to a new area when they entered the foster placement, it can also lead to greater socialization by giving opportunities to mix with and form new friendships. One of the biggest influences on developing positive self worth is peer-to-peer relationships and therefore promoting positive role-models and social groups through CrossFit activities is invaluable to develop great team-work, coordination and communication skills.

The negative impact of insecurity and adversity early in life on the confidence, resilience and self-esteem of children and young people in care can result in lower goal-setting as they try to protect what is sometimes a fragile and battered self-identity. Small wins and confidence through CrossFit and coaching mentorship could be the answer for foster youth and teens.

Gym Info and Requirements

Each month the Gym, Foster parents or guardians, and Fit Foster must be in agreement with the terms, conditions and requirements below. All parties must agree to these terms and provide the necessary information to Fit Foster.

I. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES.
The Gym will provide the following services: A Fitness program applicable to the Recipient that ensures both growth & safety. The Gym also agrees to provide a beginner’s program (On-ramp, one-on-one sessions, or beginner Fitness Kids program) when deemed appropriate after evaluating & assessing the Recipient’s capabilities in Fitness or general strength and conditioning. The Gym shall permit the Recipient to attend Fitness classes every month as outlined by the class schedule.

II. PAYMENT FOR SERVICES & COACHING.
Fit Foster agrees to pay the Gym the agreed upon rate of ___ every month for a Fitness gym membership on behalf of and for the benefit of the Recipient. Fit Foster agrees to pay the Gym directly for the services rendered, and not to the Recipient, Gym Coaches, or Guardian. Fit Foster Organization shall not be responsible for any fees or costs incurred by the Recipient above and beyond the rate listed above.

III. TERM/TERMINATION.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party upon fourteen (14) days written notice to the other party. The parties agree that written notice may be provided via certified mail, hand delivery, or electronic mail.

IV. FITNESS VERIFICATION & COACHING CERTIFICATION.
The Gym agrees to provide written proof in the form of a document for one of the following: an established Fitness Kids Program, a teaching certificate held by one of the Gym’s coaches, youth development degree or certification, or Fitness Kids Certification. By executing this agreement, the Gym acknowledges that it maintains the licenses, certifications, accreditations, and/or authorizations required by the state in which it is located to provide fitness services to minors.

V. BACKGROUND CHECKS.
The Gym staff and coaches will, at the discretion of Fit Foster or the Guardian, be subjected to background checks and is willing to provide the information necessary to perform these background checks on Gym staff and coaches.

VI. STANDARDS FOR MONTHLY SCHOLARSHIP RENEWAL.
Fit Foster requires, and the Gym agrees, to complete a monthly assessment form provided in Google Forms to assess the participation, attendance, behavior, and general updates on the Recipient.

VII. LIABILITY AND PARENTAL CONSENT FORM.
The Gym agrees to deliver and provide both the Guardian and Fit Foster with a signed and dated parental consent form. The consent form, at a minimum, must state that the Guardian is approving the Recipient to participate in Fitness activities at the Gym. (vide infra)

VIII. LIABILITY OF FIT FOSTER ORGANIZATION.
If Fit Foster verifies the Agreement and approves the scholarship to the Recipient based on the information provided above, the parties agree Fit Foster Organization shall not be liable for any possible incidents regarding assault (battery or sexual), property damage, or injury of the Recipient or any Gym members and staff. The gym agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Fit Foster against any and all claims of loss, demands, or damage without limitation.

IX. WAIVER.
The waiver of any provision shall not be effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving party. The failure of any party to require the performance of any term or obligation of this Agreement shall not prevent any subsequent enforcement of such term. The parties agree that written notice may be provided via certified mail, hand delivery, or electronic mail.

If your gym is interested in being a gym partner & want change the lives of foster youth please reach us through our contact home page or email us at fosterfitcompetition@gmail.com for an application.