I think for some gyms it's a higher priority that all parents sit together to support their teams (it's even in some contracts parents have to sign). Most gyms have parents and family members that just enjoy sitting together, supporting the kids as a group, getting there early enough to try to take up a section. And there are other gyms whose parents and family members are scattered throughout the venue. It doesn't mean they're not supportive. Same with fundraisers, for some gyms it's a higher priority. I do think it's important for the older girls to support the younger, and vice-versa. That is something the coaches have control over. The rest, it just depends on how high a priority it is for you. I know of girls who have left gyms who have that one big happy cheer family atmosphere, so it's not the only criteria you should consider. But if it's that high of a priority for you and your daughter (is she happy where she is?) then perhaps you should look at other gyms. Personally for me it is not a high priority. But for others I know it is. For me, only two things matter: 1) is she happy, and 2) is she learning anything? Fortunately the answer is yes to both.

Just my one cent. (I need to come up with a new signature that has a picture of a single penny so I don't have to keep saying that)

-- Edited by AbbyByTheBay at 23:49, 2007-01-31

Thanks CSE Mom! Now I have to figure out how to get it in a URL so I can use it in my signature....

Cheer4Life wrote:

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This is my first year in an allstar program and I am starting to notice that the program my daughter is in does not act like a family.  The older kids don't support the younger kids.  At fundraiser the attendence is low. 

At competition I see other gyms all togther supporting all of their teams.  I mean we do the same, but not everyone is into it like some of these gyms.  Is this really normal?

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I agree with a lot that Abby said.

One of the nice things about having more than one gym in the area, you can find the one that suits you best.  Every gym has it's own feel.  While I think most gyms have those sitting down on the floor cheering their heads off, most do not have quite the support coming from the seats that a very cheer happy gym from NorCal has.  As for the fundraiser, it's likely most don't need it or find it worth the time - assuming that it's fundraising to pay for cheer, not another type of fundraising.  In other words, it's all normal.

The gym is what you make it.  If you can gather up a few of your teams parents and get them going, there is no limit to what you can do.  Our gym is CRAAAAAAZY this year.  A group of parents got together and started planning things, and selling noise makers, T-shirts, pom poms, all kinds of things to get the gyms spirits up and I have to say it worked.  The excitement is contagious.  Once a few parents see how much fun you can have and how much the teams love the support.  They can't refuse.  At competitions we are one big Hot PINK family, even the DADS (literally).  Our coaches think we are crazy but they secretly love it.  Don't take no for an answer.  If you want FUN and Family, it has to begin somewhere so be the leader.  If it still doesn't work, then sorry to say, but you have some boring parents and maybe you should look for a better fit.  GOOD LUCK!    

True but Pink Lady's gym is way over the top... they had flags the size of Texas, dads with pink hair standing together at the top of the arena IN A ROW so their tshirts spelled stuff..... it was NUTS. We even took pics!!! I will see if I can get my hands on them and post them here....

Oh Dear Lord..... watch out for that Fierce gym ladies and gentlemen. They are so incredibly C R A Z Y!!!!!! It was so much fun to watch you guys, that's for sure!!!

I personally love it! I know it pumps the girls up.It made our fans go crazy too, And Im not from that gym. Thats what competitions are for!

Fierce Dad = PRICELESS!!!!  I just love it!  What an wonderful show of support for your kids! KUDOS!!

Pink Lady wrote:

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Here is a sample of how CRAZZZY and fun our gym is!  These are pictures from the SOS competition this weekend.

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Thats awesome!!! What lucky girls!! Although, I cant help but notice the resemblance to the Oakland Raider FANS! hahaha.