All-Star Trying Out At Two Gyms

No a lot of cheerleaders try out at different gyms and then make a decision depending on what they're looking for in a gym. I think anyone that doesn't weigh all the possibilities each season isn't being a smart consumer. This is your $ you're spending, you should be happy with your choice. Any gym that gives you a hard time about trying out somewhere else is not the gym you want to be at anyways

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Have her attend the other teams open gyms and sit in on practices so she can see how they work, if she likes the other than there you go! Let her feel out the other gym, worked for me! It's not always the same at try outs as it is at open gym and practices so have her sit in on those! Hope this helps!


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I tried out for two teams one year. (Gym A being the current gym I cheered for that past season and Gym B the new gym). And ended up making the same lvl at both. Went to both practices for two weeks and decided to leave Gym A and cheer at Gym B. Looking back it was the best decision.

When I tried out for both gyms, I didn't tell either gym know that I was trying out at another gym as well. When I made my decision, my mom sent my previous coach(GymA) an email letting her know that I would not be continuing the season with them for personal reasons. And that was the end of that, didn't let her know that I was changing gyms.

Make the decision based on how your CP feels and then on how comfortable you feel and where you think she will excel.

I think it's fine as long as you notify the gym you are not choosing to join ASAP after you make your decision so they can remove her from their roster. It kind of a win-win situation: you get the gym you will be happy with and the other gym still gets your money (tryout fee).


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What about gyms with 2 locations that produce different teams/levels, does the owner allow you to tryout at both locations?

myprincesscheers said:

Is that frowned on or not?

My daughter is in her 3rd year and young. I'm not sure if we'll stay or move. There are pros/cons to our current gym and the other I'm interested in. Someone told me to have her do tryouts at both. I'm not sure about how that will be accepted. You know the cheer world is small and someone is surely to find out and talk. So, would it cause problems for whichever decision we make?

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WOW - I could have written this as I am thinking about the same thing. We have had friends leave and then come back. I think you just need to look at what is best for you and your CP.

I'd much rather see someone try out at two gyms and make a choice in the beginning rather than quit months later and leave. I wish the perception of this would be different in cheer. It's very common in other sports.

As long as you have the money for it...why not? For us it's not a possibility, many gyms out here want a "commitment" fee up front at tryouts that you don't get back...or you have to pay tryout fee/practice uniforms/1st month the day of tryouts. Once we pay that we are locked in for the season or if cp quits that's it for the season because I can't swing all that money a 2nd time.
I know some gyms see it as "fishing" for a better level or team and drama ensues. If it is handled professionally from both sides then it shouldn't be an issue...

Tryout at both gyms, it will be easier to make a decision. Also have your cp take a few tumbling classes at the new gym just to get a feel for the coaches. Then you can figure out the pros and cons for each and choose a gym she will benefit the most from!


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Thanks everyone!

Well I have a little different view. I am assuming these are small gyms or gyms with a big rivalry? In that case, it may not go so great with the girls at each gym. Although we would like to think everyone would play nice, I could see where girls at old gym may feel like, "Oh, she thinks she too good for us and is leaving." Then if she ended up going back it may be an issue. Also, again, depending on size of gym, I think some owners/coaches may take it more personally. As in, hey, thought we were more than a team; we are family and family just doesn't leave for a better spot.
Lastly, if the issue is something you aren't happy with at the gym, realize that each gym has it's own set of issues.
Again, I am not arguing that there is a right or wrong answer, but just thought I would play devil's advocate and throw some potential problems out there.
Whatever your decision, I wish you the best.

I think it's a great idea. You never know what it's really like until you actually try it out and see what you like. You can't really pick a gym based on what you hear, or think what it's going to be like. Remember, the grass isn't always greener on the other side and sometimes you won't see this until you get your feet deep within the actual grass and experience the new gym on your own. As far as the gym you leave behind, whether it is the new gym or the old gym, they should understand that sometimes their gym isn't a perfect fit for everyone and should respect you for making your decision before the season starts and not leaving them in a lurch during the middle of their season. Good luck and be strong and informed in your decision.

We are doing this very thing. This sport is crazy expensive and, as has been stated before, a business. I am going to take my child and my $ where it makes the most sense. I have to take age into account as well. Current gym only has a senior 4 team, CP turns 10 in June. I am not loving the idea of having my 10 year old on a senior team. I don't think it should ever be frowned upon to tryout at more than 1 place. Of course, this is assuming you're not gym hopping on a yearly basis. That is a different subject.

It's very common in Orange County with all the options we have here.


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