The first thing I would look at is integrity...of the gym/coach/and owner where you are and where you might want to go.

Then I would look at “why” the people are leaving. Are people abandoning the gym and the current owner? How do you know they won’t do the same thing again at the place they are going to? If times get rough, are they just going to up and leave again?

If you are going to make a switch that will be better for your daughter, you, and your pocket book, maybe you shouldn’t follow those that are leaving and look at other options. Just because everyone is going there, or because it is a bright new shiny gym, doesn’t mean it is the best option.

Very Curious, I would think about the ones who have left and have found a gym you say they are in love with. Do you value their opinion? If they all seem to be happy there, they can't all be mistaken, right? We have left a gym in the past, and it was the best thing we ever did. We are very happy where we are now. Just another thing to consider.

Thanks for all of the input. You guys/gals are awsome. Yes the owner is aware and apparently has had problems with other gyms she was invloved with in the past. So even though we saw the red flags, we chose to ignore them. The other "shiney new gym" actually has a good reputation, not just by what the "movers" have said but by their track record. So I am so torn. I want to be the loyal mom and do the right thing, but I also want to do the right thing by my child who puts in so many hours. Not to mention my pocket book.

Yikes.... I guess I know the answer to this one but I am just having a tough time with it. My kids don't want to move but yu can't totally ignore the signs right in front of your face, can you....

I think the saying "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me" really applies here. Unless you get some kind of guarantee the problems will be fixed this upcoming season, as painful as it might be it's probably time to leave. When we look at a gym, we think in terms of long-term because we don't want to gym hop. We have been very fortunate and have found a place that we'll be at for years down the road.

Maybe if you talk to the owner, letting him/her know exactly where you stand and what you expect this upcoming season, that might give them a chance to clean up their act. But really, you need some kind of guarantee, or a way out if you see things are not improving.

Regarding the last post asking who has the huge facility, I have a thought on this. The beauty of posting on the anonymous board is that you can voice out your concerns without others knowing which specific gyms you're referring to. It's a way to be completely honest without hurting others, since they don't know who you're talking about. If you mention the facility everyone is going to, it won't be hard for others to figure out where they're coming from, I'm guessing, especially if it's in Northern CA. If it were me, I wouldn't answer that question unless I thought it would help the situation.

Let me just clarify that it is NOT located in Northern California. Sorry if I led anyone on to believe it is in relation to the NorCal goings on. We are quite a ways away from Nor Cal. And even though I never even THOUGHT you were even trying to hurt anybody WHOS GOT THE HUGE FACILITY, thank you for the apology. Most wouldn't care.

We are quite south........... now if you figure it out, then good for you. Most down here should be able to if they are in the "neighborhood." And believe me, it won't be a shocker. This place has been going down for a while now. I just feel bad. And I don't want to hurt anyone either.

And I have no idea who those two owners are either. Does that put anyone at ease? I hope so.

And to More Thoughts, I am happy for you that you have found a place to call home. I am hoping we will too.

I understand how you feel facing such a huge dilemea. I would try and talk to the owner and hopefully you will get an honest answer. My concern would be if they are already having financial issues and some people have already left the gym, will
the situation get worse. Is the gym able to make it through an entire season is the biggest question to ask your owner. It would be very sad to have your gym close down mid season and then have to your daughter sit out because you were trying to be loyal to them.

I hope it all works out okay for your family.

The teams from O.C. are only all girl. I do not think there are coed teams or am I wrong?

What level is your Senior Coed going to be?

Going back to the topic.....
My daughter is considering switching gyms this next season...
We love our current coaches, but think that perhaps my daughter has learned all she can from them and needs to move on to another gym to challenge her. She is going to attend different tryouts and base some of her decision on who shows up at each, what kind of cheer commitment they have, and what type of coaching, and then also the financial commitment. Are you getting your moneys worth. always a thing to consider.
we will be loaded with guilt if we change gyms... but it might be whats best for my daughter...