I know that there are LOTS of cheer organizations in Texas and Oklahoma, but does anyone have any personal knowledge as to good organizations that have solid programs from the ground up? And most importantly, what part of the state are they located?
I know of a family that is seriously considering moving out of state.... Texas or Oklahoma. They have a fairly open option as to which part of these 2 states they could move to. I know that 2 issues for this family are schools, and a great cheer organization would be a major bonus. Moving kids away from friends and family is hard enough, but maybe if they could get involved in a great program, the transition would be easier and they could continue doing something that they love.
As always, you guys are a fountain of awesome cheer knowledge! Any info would help a lot!
You can also go to USASF web site and they have a list of USASF member gyms by state.
http://www.usasf.net/
Advise, just because a gym is top ranked doesn't always mean it will be a good fit. There are so many other factors that you have to take into consideration. I believe OC Mom had some good advise when looking for a new gym. Maybe she can post those again to help out.
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"Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak."
Acts 13:14-16
My number one priority would have to be with the schools. As much as I love cheerleading, cheer is not that important, when it comes to my children's future.
Wow! If you are headed for Texas, there are so many world status gyms. However, as someone mentioned, those gyms may not be the perfect fit for your children. Keep your child's personality in mind. Some of those gyms are tough and strict.
My personal favorite would be Spirit of Texas. All their routines are super clean. This is my own personal opinion, but when I see a super clean routine, I think of technique. I love a gym that stresses technique and clean routines over great tumbling and sloppy motions, bented wrists, and lazy transitions.
My number one priority would have to be with the schools. As much as I love cheerleading, cheer is not that important, when it comes to my children's future.
Wow! If you are headed for Texas, there are so many world status gyms. However, as someone mentioned, those gyms may not be the perfect fit for your children. Keep your child's personality in mind. Some of those gyms are tough and strict.
My personal favorite would be Spirit of Texas. All their routines are super clean. This is my own personal opinion, but when I see a super clean routine, I think of technique. I love a gym that stresses technique and clean routines over great tumbling and sloppy motions, bented wrists, and lazy transitions.
-- Edited by Cheer411 at 07:09, 2007-02-06
Of course, I completely agree that school comes first. However, I do think that if you can find a great neighborhood, great school district, and a great cheer program, what a bonus, right? I thought I would use this message board to inquire about the cheer programs to help with what will be a huge change for the family, and leave the rest of the research stuff to the family (or maybe another message board, ha ha). You guys are a great research resource for cheer stuff, ya know! Also, I know of another family that moved, and getting the kids involved in sports really really helped them make friends, and have a sense of stability by being able to continue what they loved to do. Once again, you guys are a great resource and a great help! Thanks for your input!
What's most important to you? I would make a list. Even though you want the BEST school and the BEST cheer gym and the BEST house and neighborhood, what's best for me would be different for you.
In a cheergym, MY most important thing is the staff and how the gym is run. As much as a gym claims to be a family, you really have to check in to that. (IM NOT REFERING TO CHEERGYMS HERE..... trust me, others use this term as well) I have made a few mistakes myself in trusting this term. Only to find out that it's not a family atmosphere. I would seriously ask to try out at MORE than one practice. And maybe watch OTHER teams practice. See how the kids are treated.
Ask to see the rules. I swear to you all, that was the clincher for us when we joined OC. We were at another gym for 3 months and there were NO rules for the staff. They showed up late to practices, Taco Bell in hand, and then proceeded to yell at the kids because there were visitors from another state. They were so busy "showing off" for the visitor and not enough time spent on actual practices.
What do these other gyms offer? Is the gym a bit smaller but have a great track record? Is the gym HUGE and offer more services? If your daughter is a flyer, are there special classes for her? Is your child a base? Are there strength classes? What's important to you?
You really really have to decide what's going to IMPROVE your cheerleaders skills. Watch the kids AFTER practice. Are they happy? Are they having fun with the coaches BEFORE practice? There should be tons of interaction. They don't have to be thrilled DURING practice. After all, it IS practice. Some parents can't handle stern coaches. I, for one, APPRECIATE stern coaches.
Don't be afraid to travel a little further for a better suited gym. After a while, the drive becomes easier and you will be happier for it. Make that list. You'll see what you need to look for and be able to answer your own questions. AND DONT OVERLOOK THOSE RED FLAGS. Oh man, I wish I hadn't. Those 3 months were horrible. Ask questions. Ask questions. Ask questions.
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OC Mom, Mom of 5 great kids! A cheerleader/softball player, a RETIRED cheerleader, a football/baseball player, 1 Airman and future Police Officer and one college student!
