I feel VERY passionate about this rule. Unless your safety is at-risk, a significant move is being made, or something happens within the gym that is against common ethics - I dont feel like anyone needs released. The kid made a commitment to a team - if they leave, there is a consequence. The other big thing I have ranted and raved about in another thread is about responsability and maturity. Almost every case I have heard about a kid not being released involves the kids not being mature about it or handling it the right way. I know each coach will be to their own - but if I have a kid who comes in and schedules a meeting time with me and his parents - and they express that they are unhappy and there is nothing I can do to change how they feel and think that the gym down the road would be a better fit, I would try to work something out like "Well we have a competition in two weeks, so this kind of puts us in a bind. How about you finish out this next competition with us, so that will give us time to find a alternate to fill your spot." I would hope the kid would agree to that. However, that is NOT going to be how kids handle it. Kids are going to just stop showing up. Kids are going to try and recruit kids to go with them and rebell against the gym. Kids will spread rumors and lies. Kids will bash your gym on facebook. Kids are going to DEMAND being released vs. asking. Kids are going to have their parents call for them. Now - If there is a kid who genuinely wants to leave gym A and go to gym B and everything is handled in a professional manner and the gym owner at Gym A wont release them - Well - I still stand by the rule that you knew the rule prior to wanting to leave. Most people start their season in May-ish (tryouyts) and the earliest I have ever heard of someone competing is October, and the latest I have heard is December. That gives someone FIVE MONTHS to decide whether the gym is going to work out for them. On top of that - Maybe this will make parents or the athletes themselves more involved in RESEARCHING gyms. I know SOOO MANY kids that think that the Grass is Greener on the other side- So they hop ship and dont like it. A rule is a rule people. You know the rule, if you break it - accept the consequences. Maybe the consequence will be in your favor, maybe not. Its like speeding - sometimes you luck out, and sometimes you dont - but you know the speed limit. Actions has consequences. As a coach, I try and teach my kids life lessons along with cheer. The big one one Ive tried to teach them this year is that EVERY action has a consequence - and sometimes - those consequences affect 19 or 35 other people. Since we are a team sport, and your actions CAN affect other people, that could be a reason NOT to release someone.
Hopefully this rule goes into affect for EVERY level next season - Not just 5's. I also think this rule will help gym owners talk more and be more professional and friendly. I know I have thought about calling our local gym owners for a meeting to see how we all want to handle kids leaving midseason and switching gyms. I think if we are ALL consistant - It will set the tone for our area and will cause better sportsmanship if all gym does the same. Also - We can relay to our kids what we decide on so they know the consequences before they make a choice. Also - I think it is the coaches responsability to put something in the handbook and be UPFRONT about how they will handle these situations!