Since some are shopping for a new gym as we start this season, I thought maybe we could give helpful hints based on our experiences. Do you go with a well established gym (five years or older) or take a chance on a new gym? There are pro's and con's to both. We decided to go with a gym that had been around a while and had done well at competitions, that told us a lot about the gym. If a gym you're interested in had a good turnout at tryouts, that should tell you something (especially if there are a lot of returning athletes, in addition to new ones). But you need to see if there is a fit for your age/skill level.
I don't think new gyms start off with a lot of full teams their first year, but if there is a good match, it's a chance for your child to shine since everyone is new. I think that may be the biggest advantage to going to a new gym, everyone starts off new, and there is excitement in making a new gym successful.
Oh, another thing to look for with an existing gym is, has the gym maintained the same coaches, or is there a high turnover rate? That is important. Usually all the information you should need is on their website, and maybe the rest would be worth of mouth. But I'm sure any gym would be happy to answer all your questions if you call them. And if you can't find their website, google always works (put the team name and the city in your search).
And finally, cost may be an issue, but if you find a gym that is a lot cheaper, be careful, there may be a reason for it. Usually an existing gym will post on their website which competitions they have attended and how they did. You want to make sure you're getting your money's worth (you wouldn't want to pay a lot just to attend a few competitions).
Just my 2 cents worth. I know we have probably had this topic before, but it seems more appropriate to have it now while people are looking around (as the new season gets underway).
I have to agree. You really do want to do some research since you are spending alot of time, money and effort with a place that will basically have control over your family life for one year! It's a huge commitment to be on a cheer team. You really need to know what you are getting in to.
Quick addition: Know why gyms are combining..... ask questions.
I think its important to see if a gym is growing or shrinking in size. Did one disappear only to have another take its place? I would want to know what happened to the previous gym and why it didn't work out. I would not go blindly into a gym without knowing what you're getting into. Could be they fixed the problems they had with the old; and those problems will not exist with the new. That would be a good thing.
Oh yea, placement is so important too. YOu don't want to be level 3/4 and end up on a level 1/2 team because that's all they have. Take a look at what teams existing gyms are forming now and see if there is a good match. The more teams an organization has, the better chances you have of finding a good fit.
I am NOT talking about CA Bullets.... but watch out for gyms that are totally seperate and becoming one. That is happening with the Quakes down here and I sure hope Pacific Stars knows what they are getting themselves in to. Make sure your gym doesn't have problems that are being hidden by changing names or "combining". That's what I meant....
As a pervious gym owner with a child in all star cheerleading here are some things that my family and I looked for when choosing a gym to join
Cost *biggest for all parents Staff history and certifications *years of experience and organization certified by * My biggest HOW WELL DOES THE STAFF INTERACT WITH THE KIDS? Progression in program *How long has the program been around? *How well have their teams progressed with their skills? * Winning does help yes, but if the gym has been in the same division for a couple of years then there is something wrong. Yes I understand that different competitions have different rules, but when its 4 yrs at low level and you don't have 1 team has progressed to a higher level then yes...the yellow flag is raised. Safety * Safety should be a big question for parents. * Things I learned as a coach, a flyer should know how to fall and a the bases and spotter's eyes have to be on that flyer at all times to ensure for the safety of that flyer. How much is this stressed? According to the AACA safety guidelines a school or gym and be sued due to negligence up to two years after a child has turned 18 and was injured in a cheerleading accident. (Caution parents will need to contact AACA more detail info.
ONCE AGAIN THESE ARE JUST THINGS THAT MY FAMILED LOOKED FOR.
Question what happen?????????? JOB PROMOTION!!! MORE HOURS!!!!!!!
Have a great season everyone. Be safe and go get them!
