IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR KIDS TEAM IS IN THE WRONG DIVISION HOW DO YOU HANDLE THAT? DO YOU SPEAK UP BUT REALLY IT ISNT YOUR PLACE DO YOU STICK IT OUT AND LET YOUR KID COME HOME DISAPPOINTED AND RISK COMING HOME DISAPPOINTED OVER AND OVER AGAIN DO YOU MAKE A PARENTAL DECISION AND TAKE THEM TO A PROGRAM WHERE THEY ASSEMBLE STRONG SQUADS WHO CAN COMPETE AT THEIR LEVEL? I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE AND WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO I DONT WANT TO TEACH MY KIDS TO QUIT SOMETHING BECAUSE IT IS HARD BUT I ALSO DONT WANT TO TEACH THEM TO ACCEPT THINGS WHEN THEY ARE COMPLETELY WRONG WHAT IS A PARENT TO DO FOR ME IT IS NOT ABOUT ALWAYS WINNING ALTHOUGH IT IS NICE TO DO BUT IT IS ABOUT PROTECTING THEIR SELF ESTEEM AND FEELING CONFIDENT AND THERE IS NO WAY TO BUILD THAT IF THEY ARE SET UP TO FAIL
THIS IS A HONEST QUESTION? DO GYM OWNERS THINK ITS MORE IMPORTANT TO COMPETE AT A HIGHER LEVEL AT ANY COST OR DO THEY WANT TO BUILD STRONG COMPETITIVE TEAMS AT THE RIGHT LEVEL
OK THAT WAS TWO QUESTIONS INSTEAD OF ONE BUT SOME REALLY HELPFUL INSIGHT FROM OTHER GYM OWNERS AND PARENTS WOULD HELP ME WITH A TOUGH DECISION
I can sympathize with you on that one. There has been several times where I thought the team my child was on was in the wrong division. It is totally a catch 22 - If you don't say anything, then your child suffers from disappointment and frustration because they feel they're hard work is in vain and if you do say something - your child ends up in back or you are now a "problem parent" who according to the coaches would know nothing about cheerleading. I cant call this one sorry. What I really love though are the "talks" given to the kids after competing and the coaches trying to "justify" why they didn't place where they should of (it doesn't even have to be 1st). It makes me crazy when I hear coaches say things like "they dont like our program here so now we will boycott this company, or so and so's team has a friend on the judging panel. It is what it is - put your skills on the floor and let them speak for themselves. If the competition is close, so be it. I am not a coach, but I have been a cheer mom for 10 seasons now so I think I know a little about the sport. I personally think you should express you feelings, but don't be surprised if it backfires. JMO
I feel your pain, I think we are in the same boat. Maybe on the same team (that would be funny). Pulling your child out and finding a team that you think is a better match is an option, but next season of course. Making changes now sends the wrong message and lets your teammates down. Our sport is tricky in that we get to choose which level we want to compete in. The problem is the bar has been raised, especially this season because you have teams that are usually 5's competing at 4's, which drops 4's to 3's, and then level 3's feel like they need to drop to 2. In my opinion a good coach chooses the correct level based on the skills your team has. Not based on what that team usually competes at.
I don't see a problem with voicing your concerns with the coach. Do other parents feel this way? Can you approach your coach as a group? (strength in numbers) The other possibility is you are jumping the gun and need to wait for a few more competitions; some teams start off slow and get stronger as the weeks progress. I would think after the third competition it would be obvious.
If I were you I would make an appointment with the coach, program director, or owner (whomever actually set the level) and ask in a way that is non-confrontational what their reasons are for competing in that level. You never know, there may be a legitimate reason: 1. He knows that the kids are capable of performing at that level and wants them to work at it 2. There may be several different leveled athletes, say 2-5, but not enough to field a level 5, so level 4 is a compromise, but the lower level kids struggle and it shows. The higher level kids may walk if they don't get to throw at least some of their skills... 3. He underestimated the team, wants to give it another week or so before reworking the routine to drop down.
Most coaches know when there team is out of place, but not always before the first comp. Avoid discussing it with the other parents and starting negative feelings about the team and the coach. Asking privately "I noticed that our team seemed a little out of our league at this past comp, do you think they will continue to compete at that level?" is pretty inoffensive and may give you an acceptable answer. I don't think you would become seen as "one of those pushy parents" if asked this way. I mean, you wouldn't be second guessing their competence, or creating drama behind the scenes.
My daughter was on a team that had a handful of level 5 girls, the majority of the team was level 3. They made a go of level 5, realized the team as a whole wasn't up to it, but because of back to back comps had to wait until there was a good break before reworking the routine to go level 4. During that time, we concentrated on trying to beat our previous scores rather than the other teams. My daughter was satisfied coming in last when her team improved on their scores, maybe that is something you could focus on with yours? I really hope it works out for your daughter. It is so hard to help our kids deal with disappointment.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR INPUT AND SOUND ADVICE SO FAR AND IT IS ALL VERY HELPFUL I AGREE THAT PULLING OUT SO SOON IS THE WRONG THING TO DO TO A TEAM BUT ALSO FEEL THE PAIN & DISAPPOINTMENT FROM MY DAUGHTER I WOULD NEVER TALK TO ANY OTHER PARENTS ON THE TEAM AS A MATTER OF FACT PARENTS WERE COMPLAINING IN THE STANDS AND I POLITELY ASKED THEM TO NOT DO THAT IN FRONT OF OUR CHILDREN I GAVE MY DAUGHTER A BIG HUG ASKED IF SHE HAD FUN AND LEFT IT AT THAT I APPRECIATE EVERYONES POSITIVE APPROACH TO THIS AND WILL SIT OUT ANOTHER COMPETITION BEFORE MAKING A DECSION MY ONLY HOPE IS THAT OUR GYM IS AS SENSIBLE AS IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ALL ARE AND WILL MAKE THE RIGHT DECISONS FOR THE ENTIRE TEAM AND NOT JUST FOR THE RIGHT TO PROVE THEY CAN COMPETE A HIGHER LEVEL I WILL DEF CONSIDER EACH OF THESE APPROACHES AND DO WHAT IS BEST SUITED FOR MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GYM AND HAT IS BEST FOR MY DAUGHTER
If I were you I would make an appointment with the coach, program director, or owner (whomever actually set the level) and ask in a way that is non-confrontational what their reasons are for competing in that level. You never know, there may be a legitimate reason: 1. He knows that the kids are capable of performing at that level and wants them to work at it 2. There may be several different leveled athletes, say 2-5, but not enough to field a level 5, so level 4 is a compromise, but the lower level kids struggle and it shows. The higher level kids may walk if they don't get to throw at least some of their skills... 3. He underestimated the team, wants to give it another week or so before reworking the routine to drop down.
Most coaches know when there team is out of place, but not always before the first comp. Avoid discussing it with the other parents and starting negative feelings about the team and the coach. Asking privately "I noticed that our team seemed a little out of our league at this past comp, do you think they will continue to compete at that level?" is pretty inoffensive and may give you an acceptable answer. I don't think you would become seen as "one of those pushy parents" if asked this way. I mean, you wouldn't be second guessing their competence, or creating drama behind the scenes.
My daughter was on a team that had a handful of level 5 girls, the majority of the team was level 3. They made a go of level 5, realized the team as a whole wasn't up to it, but because of back to back comps had to wait until there was a good break before reworking the routine to go level 4. During that time, we concentrated on trying to beat our previous scores rather than the other teams. My daughter was satisfied coming in last when her team improved on their scores, maybe that is something you could focus on with yours? I really hope it works out for your daughter. It is so hard to help our kids deal with disappointment.
A very good answer in all regards. It is very early in the season and they may very well need the time to adjust to reality. I would definitely make that appointment, but though your daughter is disappointed, I would not pull her out of the team this season unless she is being physically or mentally abused (which that did not sound like your concern). Who knows how it is going to turn out. I truly have to believe the coaches will make some adjustments. We have experienced all three examples given above and they were all worked through. (I do hate the blame game though!) Good luck this season.
Several months ago I had an opinion about this issue. I was in the minority on this subject. But I still take the same position with my opinion.
Complacent - This is the one word that comes to mind when I think about the gyms that want to keep their teams in the safe zone for competition. Only compete at your "weakest link" cheerleader. Yes. You may win several competitions. However, if every gym in the nation took this approach then I am sorry there is still second, third, forth, etc. place.
And what has your gym accomplished? Success? Is you kid happy to still be on an unchallenging team? Is it REALLY all about the first place finish?
Or have you established cheerleading skill goals for your cheerleader? Is there a drive or passion from your cheerleader to get to the next level?
Everyone on this board says the right thing to do is to find a team that matches your cheerleaders ability. If this is true then say good bye to the small gyms. The small gyms will never be able to field "true" level teams (according to your standards). Their higher level talented cheerleader would leave and the small gyms would remain at level 1 and 2 as long as the gym doors remainder open.
Yes! I know, and you don't need to tell me, that POWER is considered a small gym. However, the reputation on the street is that it's the gym to go to if you want to be a level 5 cheerleader. So, if this is the case, how come POWER is not busting at the seams with cheerleaders? That gym should have over 500 cheerleaders walking out of it's doors every single night. Because with your definitions of levels POWER is the only gym in Northern California that will be able to field a level 5 team this season.
POWER isn't busting at the seams because of - deversity. The gym is liked for different reasons and that goes for every other gym in Northern California.
I guess the old saying goes: You're _amned if you do and _amned if you don't.
Everyone on this board says the right thing to do is to find a team that matches your cheerleaders ability. If this is true then say good bye to the small gyms. The small gyms will never be able to field "true" level teams (according to your standards). Their higher level talented cheerleader would leave and the small gyms would remain at level 1 and 2 as long as the gym doors remainder open.
I strongly disagree with this statement. I think what the majority of the people on this board say is you should find a gym that matches your philosphy/comfort level as a cheerleader and as a parent. If you don't like the way you or your child is being coached, find a gym that has a different coaching style. If you don't like the philosophy of the gym/owner (for this person's specific example, they don't agree with having the kids compete at a level they obviously don't belong in) then you can find a gym that has a different philosophy about competitions. I guess my point is that every gym has the right to run their gym the way they think is best.... but to the parents and cheerleaders out there that aren't comfortable with the decisions of their current gym, look around in your cheer community, every gym is not run the same... IMO the happiest people on this board say they would never leave their gym because they love their "gym" so much, not because their gym can always field a team that is specific to their individual level.
THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE POSITIVE APPROACHES SUGGESTED I TRULY APPRECIATE THEM IT HAS BEEN VERY ENLIGHTNING AND I WILL MOST DEF. NOT OVERREACT OR DO ANYTHING TO HURT THE GYM WE ARE AT IT IS ALWAYS HELPFUL TO HEAR HOW OTHERS HAVE HANDLED THE SITUATION AND TO KNOW THAT THINGS WILL WORK OUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I SET AN EXAMPLE FOR MY CHILD IN HOW TO HANDLE SITUATIONS THAT ARE NOT ALWAYS PLEASANT AND EACH OF YOU HAVE GIVEN ME HELPFUL INFORMATION TO THINK ABOUT I WANT TO STATE AGAIN IT IS NEVER ABOUT WINNING FOR US IT IS ABOUT OUR CHILD BEING HAPPY AND BUILDING SELF CONFIDENCE DISCIPLINE FOR THE SPORT AND TEACHING HER INTEGRITY
THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE POSITIVE APPROACHES SUGGESTED I TRULY APPRECIATE THEM IT HAS BEEN VERY ENLIGHTNING AND I WILL MOST DEF. NOT OVERREACT OR DO ANYTHING TO HURT THE GYM WE ARE AT IT IS ALWAYS HELPFUL TO HEAR HOW OTHERS HAVE HANDLED THE SITUATION AND TO KNOW THAT THINGS WILL WORK OUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I SET AN EXAMPLE FOR MY CHILD IN HOW TO HANDLE SITUATIONS THAT ARE NOT ALWAYS PLEASANT AND EACH OF YOU HAVE GIVEN ME HELPFUL INFORMATION TO THINK ABOUT I WANT TO STATE AGAIN IT IS NEVER ABOUT WINNING FOR US IT IS ABOUT OUR CHILD BEING HAPPY AND BUILDING SELF CONFIDENCE DISCIPLINE FOR THE SPORT AND TEACHING HER INTEGRITY
Everyone on this board says the right thing to do is to find a team that matches your cheerleaders ability. If this is true then say good bye to the small gyms. The small gyms will never be able to field "true" level teams (according to your standards). Their higher level talented cheerleader would leave and the small gyms would remain at level 1 and 2 as long as the gym doors remainder open.
I strongly disagree with this statement. I think what the majority of the people on this board say is you should find a gym that matches your philosphy/comfort level as a cheerleader and as a parent. If you don't like the way you or your child is being coached, find a gym that has a different coaching style. If you don't like the philosophy of the gym/owner (for this person's specific example, they don't agree with having the kids compete at a level they obviously don't belong in) then you can find a gym that has a different philosophy about competitions. I guess my point is that every gym has the right to run their gym the way they think is best.... but to the parents and cheerleaders out there that aren't comfortable with the decisions of their current gym, look around in your cheer community, every gym is not run the same... IMO the happiest people on this board say they would never leave their gym because they love their "gym" so much, not because their gym can always field a team that is specific to their individual level.
THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE I CANT SAY QUITE YET THAT I LOVE MY GYM WE HAVENT GOTTEN THAT FEELING YET FOR SOME REASON BUT WE ARE WILLING TO WAIT WITH AN OPEN MIND I DONT KNOW WHAT IT IS BUT YOU KNOW HOW YOU GET THAT WARM FUZZY FEEING WHEN YOU ARE IN AN ENVIRONMENT YOU LOVE IT HASNT COME YET THERE IS THIS NUDGING FEELING THAT STAYS AT THE FRONT ALL THE TIME HARD TO EXPLAIN WE UNDERSTAND CHEER IS A TEAM SPORT AT NOT ABOUT INDIVIUALS SO MY CONCERN OF COURSE IS FOR MY DAUGHTER - ONLY NATURAL THAT IT IS
BUT IT IS ALSO FOR THE TEAM AND GYM AS A WHOLE WE WILL WAIT PATIENTLY TO SEE HOW THINGS ARE HANDLED AT THE GYM WITH THE TEAM MY DAUGHTER IS ON AS LONG AS IT DOESNT AFFECT HER WELL BEING IN SOME NEGATIVE WAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR PERSPECTIVE AS WELL
Everyone on this board says the right thing to do is to find a team that matches your cheerleaders ability. If this is true then say good bye to the small gyms. The small gyms will never be able to field "true" level teams (according to your standards). Their higher level talented cheerleader would leave and the small gyms would remain at level 1 and 2 as long as the gym doors remainder open.
I strongly disagree with this statement. I think what the majority of the people on this board say is you should find a gym that matches your philosphy/comfort level as a cheerleader and as a parent. If you don't like the way you or your child is being coached, find a gym that has a different coaching style. If you don't like the philosophy of the gym/owner (for this person's specific example, they don't agree with having the kids compete at a level they obviously don't belong in) then you can find a gym that has a different philosophy about competitions. I guess my point is that every gym has the right to run their gym the way they think is best.... but to the parents and cheerleaders out there that aren't comfortable with the decisions of their current gym, look around in your cheer community, every gym is not run the same... IMO the happiest people on this board say they would never leave their gym because they love their "gym" so much, not because their gym can always field a team that is specific to their individual level.
THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE I CANT SAY QUITE YET THAT I LOVE MY GYM WE HAVENT GOTTEN THAT FEELING YET FOR SOME REASON BUT WE ARE WILLING TO WAIT WITH AN OPEN MIND I DONT KNOW WHAT IT IS BUT YOU KNOW HOW YOU GET THAT WARM FUZZY FEEING WHEN YOU ARE IN AN ENVIRONMENT YOU LOVE IT HASNT COME YET THERE IS THIS NUDGING FEELING THAT STAYS AT THE FRONT ALL THE TIME HARD TO EXPLAIN WE UNDERSTAND CHEER IS A TEAM SPORT AT NOT ABOUT INDIVIUALS SO MY CONCERN OF COURSE IS FOR MY DAUGHTER - ONLY NATURAL THAT IT IS
BUT IT IS ALSO FOR THE TEAM AND GYM AS A WHOLE WE WILL WAIT PATIENTLY TO SEE HOW THINGS ARE HANDLED AT THE GYM WITH THE TEAM MY DAUGHTER IS ON AS LONG AS IT DOESNT AFFECT HER WELL BEING IN SOME NEGATIVE WAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR PERSPECTIVE AS WELL
I just wanted to clarify, that I only think you should leave a gym mid season if something is sooo bad you need to take immediate action. I do however think that the rest of this season is a wonderful opportunity to ASK QUESTIONS, talk to other parents from other organizations, etc. If things improve at your current gym, then great! You might learn from other gyms that you are where you belong after all, or you might find another gym that is sending you "warm fuzzy fealings" and you will be well prepared for what is realistic for next season, either at your current gym or at a new gym. We were actually in a similar situation ourselves in the past.... you have to follow your parental intuition! I wish you a wonderfully enjoyable cheer season and lots of luck to you!
You should read the post from a CO coach under videos/photos regarding Rockets. It's an inspiring reason to stay in a level you think you can achieve rather than dropping to one you already know you're at.
I think it is also important to look at how much your child is learning and growing as a cheerleader. I do not think keeping them down at a level just so they can win is as important as developing their skills and challenging them. Most of the teams have only been to one competition, it is a little early to say it is going to be a bad season if you stay competing at your current level. Also look at the success of your gym in the past. If they were consistantly placing 1st or 2nd maybe it is time to give the next level a try.
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"Whether you think you can or think you can't, either way your right"
You should read the post from a CO coach under videos/photos regarding Rockets. It's an inspiring reason to stay in a level you think you can achieve rather than dropping to one you already know you're at.
Although I do think that a coach has every right to put the team wherever they feel is right. I also thought that the post form the coach was great. I think it is also important that just because you register at a level does not make you at that level. I can register at level 5, but if my team is not executing those skills, they are not that level. I personally do not know what is worse. Pushing up or sandbagging down. For example, Pyramids Senior 4 is much better than CO Rockets, yet one gym has them 4 and the other 5. To each their own.
For example, Pyramids Senior 4 is much better than CO Rockets, yet one gym has them 4 and the other 5. To each their own.
talk about "toot-toot." Geez people... who cares? let them compete where they want to compete... if you want to beat them, then register as coed lvl 5 and go for it! Otherwise, live and let live!! Nobody seems to notice that they one the division that they competed in. What are you saying about the other team that competed at this level? Really, it just comes across as petty jealousy. Work on your own routines, compete where you feel you should compete, and say it/leave it on the mat where it belongs!!
. What I really love though are the "talks" given to the kids after competing and the coaches trying to "justify" why they didn't place where they should of (it doesn't even have to be 1st). It makes me crazy when I hear coaches say things like "they dont like our program here so now we will boycott this company, or so and so's team has a friend on the judging panel. It is what it is - put your skills on the floor and let them speak for themselves. If the competition is close, so be it. I am not a coach, but I have been a cheer mom for 10 seasons now so I think I know a little about the sport. I personally think you should express you feelings, but don't be surprised if it backfires. JMO 
