I'm not from either of these gyms. But while I agree that bigger is not always better I do believe that the ever-changing dynamics of all star cheer in southern california (or nation wide if you follow other states) is forcing many smaller/medium sized gyms to consider making changes they would not ordinarily make, such as merging or submitting. So many other gyms have done it, giving themselves the opportunity to combine athletic skills and coaching resources. I do understand that some families view it as unnecessary or maybe don't quite understand why this keeps happening. But maybe these gyms have no other option....or better maybe they view this as a wonderful opportunity to do something greater for their own families. Some changes are made in an effort to be proactive...some are reactive. But better to make a change than to stand by and do nothing which is tantamount to sticking one's head in the sand. If some of these gyms don't make some kind of move they may be forced to make a change that no one wants to see, i.e. fading into nonexistence. Families won't pay for mediocricy or "just fun" any more. Those days are long gone. If a gym doesn't have the resources to make a sustantial change they should consider all options and if merging is the best one that works for them, so be it. Many smaller gyms have "just enough" talent, "just enough" staff, make "just enough" money to cover overhead...but rarely enough to make that one great move that will push them to the forefront. Oh, let's not forget about the yearly loss of local talent to big dawg gyms and the occasional new gym, which depletes talent pools on the regular. (Not hating just real talk here.) Sometimes the battle becomes to big to fight alone so gyms begin to join forces. It's hard to accept but then again all things evolve. I'm the parent of two and yes they have a blast at their gym! But they are also there to work, learn about commitment and dedication as wellas teamwork... good sportsmanship and healthy competition. I'm sure we all know that not every child who is sick is required to bring a doctor's note, even though it is so written. I've only seen a note requested when an athlete demonstrates a chronic absenteeism probem and has little regard for the most critical practices right before a competition. These types of changes are happening every where. Fasten you seatbelts moms and dads cause it's gonna be a long ride for many regions of the United States.

Let's see where these mergers/acquisitions/"joined forces" take these gyms (i.e stealth/cf, wc/platinum, and others to come I'm sure). From my point of view, every time there's a change it forces every gym to take stock of what they have, which is good thing for the consumer. It's a back-door way of forcing gyms to raise the bar. I may not always be ready for the them but I'm all for it if it means that something positive can possibly come out of it. We shall see...!

Good Luck West Coast / Platinum! I'm looking forward to seeing your new product next season.

My only request to gym owners?....Leave the consumer a variety of options. I will scream bloody murder if we are narrowed to 1 or 2 gyms choices. THAT, dear people, will not be good for any of us.

-- Edited by CHEERMOMI2 on Thursday 1st of April 2010 08:28:05 AM

-- Edited by CHEERMOMI2 on Thursday 1st of April 2010 09:52:31 AM