All-Star Gyms Banning Athletes??

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I don't understand the issue with someone taking tumbling classes at gym A but cheering for gym B. First of all, it is income. Second, what if they decide they love gym A and finish their commitment with gym B and join A next season? If you don't allow them in your gym, you can be sure they will never join your cheer program.


There are several potential reasons and not all of them bad and drama filled. Yes it is income but sometimes as in any business you have to decide where you want to make your money and if it helps you short term or long term.

You have to understand that in the majority of cases, contrary to parents beliefs, the tumbling program is not a stand alone program at most gyms. Meaning the tumbling program primarily exists as a feeder and a developmental partner of that facilities cheer, gymnastics or power tumbling program. Every spot is initially projected to be for an athlete that is enrolled in that program. Anyone outside of that scope, takes away a spot for a current customer which they are trying to progress them to make their total product - including their competitive teams - better. That is their priority.

Then it can't be assumed that the tumbling instructor/gym that they are going to will always do a good job because you are paying them. We had athletes that we allowed to go to other facilities to tumble because we merged our outlying locations into one larger location. They wanted that option because of their distance from the gym, traffic, school, etc. It was not what we wanted, but we were trying to meet their needs. In every case the athlete stopped going to the other gym(s) before the year was out because they felt that the "tumbling gym" did not care about them and their progressions since they were not on their teams, nor what they were tying to learn for to cheer in college. But they didn't stop taking that money either. All the gym saw was $$$. And those were the athletes that progressed the least in tumbling that calendar year.

If everyone - athlete, parent, tumbling coach and cheer coach were all respectful and professional about it, then I suppose it there would be way less issues. Sadly that is not always the case. I think in that case is a few bad apples have spoiled it for the whole bunch.

In our area all of the local surrounding gyms provide plenty of classes and private lessons for their customers so there really is no need to go to another gym to tumble. Now if that is not offered, then it makes more sense. Our classes are first come first served and if our students don't get that spot, that is on them. We have had athletes from other gyms tumble in our classes, open gym and occasional private lessons. But we also run our tumbling program more independently of the cheer program than most gyms do. As long as everyone is respectful, we work with it.
 
I completely agree. Why would you train someone so they can succeed at another program? That's like Starbucks providing Costa Coffee with a recipe for their drinks..


For some reason we have this mentality with tumbling, but we would not allow athletes to go stunt training or jump training with just any other coaches. The "anyone can teach tumbling but not everyone can teach stunting" mindset kinda blows me away. I think you have to be trained, qualified and competent to teach either.
 
@tumbleyoda, I guess the reason I feel as I do is that my CPs cheer gym has in independent tumbling program that is open to the public. Classes fill up quickly there as well, so as you said, if they don't get into a class it's on them. Also, a cheer gym quite close to my house is also a competitive gymnastics gym and they offer tumbling as well.
 
@MyDaughterCheers - I get it and understand. Being on the other side of the table and having dealt with the disrespect of some parents and athletes towards the cheer side of the program, yet claiming to love the tumbling side - I understand why some of those programs don't allow it. That is why I say it takes respect and understanding from all parties involved to make it work.
 
For some reason we have this mentality with tumbling, but we would not allow athletes to go stunt training or jump training with just any other coaches. The "anyone can teach tumbling but not everyone can teach stunting" mindset kinda blows me away. I think you have to be trained, qualified and competent to teach either.
I agree with you on stunting. I don't believe that any gym should teach stunting or tumbling to a kid that is at another program.
 
I completely see your point. I could never tolerate my CP going to another gym and saying anything negative or trying to recruit to her gym. I wouldn't behave that way either, but I guess it must not be uncommon.


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I can see the business side as an owner. Coming from previous gym where their tumble/stunt class $$$ came from (outside) kids who were not part of the cheer program. Quite a few kids came from rival gym close by..I was told by a few parents their gyms class were always full or times didn't work with their schedule.

There has to be a balance if there is to be progression.
 
This is so true. I don't always get why most parents don't acknowledge this or if they are just so wrapped up into what they want that this does not matter to them.
I think it is hard to separate the two when it is your kid that cannot tumble with their favorite coach anymore, regardless of the rest of the scenario. I own a business. I am not supplying my competitors with assistance that will in the long run make their business better.
 
That you own a business to me is the key point. You own a business to make money. What makes you so sure you won't gain business from tumbling classes?


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I can honestly say in hindsight, with my family's personal experience with this situation is this, All of the great parents I know have a crazy side. We all can flip from pretty normal adults into Suzie's mom on Steroids at any given moment that we feeI our kids are being slighted. I certainly wish things would have ended on a different note, but like I said I have no hard feelings at all. Everyone involved was trying to protect something they cared deeply about. Our experiences at the former gym were great, and I still refer people there often. As far as my cp is concerned, she's doing awesome! I'd hardly say she's suffering. :)
 
I can honestly say in hindsight, with my family's personal experience with this situation is this, All of the great parents I know have a crazy side. We all can flip from pretty normal adults into Suzie's mom on Steroids at any given moment that we feeI our kids are being slighted. I certainly wish things would have ended on a different note, but like I said I have no hard feelings at all. Everyone involved was trying to protect something they cared deeply about. Our experiences at the former gym were great, and I still refer people there often. As far as my cp is concerned, she's doing awesome! I'd hardly say she's suffering. :)

Good to hear she is doing well!! And there has never been a truer (is that a word?) statement than what I bolded up there... And your CP doesn't have much choice in being awesome, now does she? Good luck in the new year!
 
Good to hear she is doing well!! And there has never been a truer (is that a word?) statement than what I bolded up there... And your CP doesn't have much choice in being awesome, now does she? Good luck in the new year!
I just adore your family! I may steal your wife's idea about the glitter! ;)
 
If I told you she ACTUALLY carries it to the gym now.... would you be surprised? It looks like it is in a holster on the side of her "Team Mom" bag. If she ever rains it down on someone, I am going to bust a cork laughing.

Where are you guys cheering this year?
 
If I told you she ACTUALLY carries it to the gym now.... would you be surprised? It looks like it is in a holster on the side of her "Team Mom" bag. If she ever rains it down on someone, I am going to bust a cork laughing.

Where are you guys cheering this year?
I'm not even slightly shocked! If someone gets a shower, you HAVE to post video! MJ is at Rockstar! It's looking like a killer season for her! Good luck to y'all too! (Not that y'all even need it ;)
 
I'm not even slightly shocked! If someone gets a shower, you HAVE to post video! MJ is at Rockstar! It's looking like a killer season for her! Good luck to y'all too! (Not that y'all even need it ;)

With MY child on YE... and her momma's nerves... we will take all the luck we can get. Rockstar is a great program... We will have to find each other at one of these comps this year... Although I am probably going to have to stay home and work to pay for the trips!
 
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