All-Star Anyone Having Trouble Getting Released From Their Old Gym?

[east2westandbackagain]

I really try to look at rules and others opinions to help shape my opinions about this rule. Normally I can AT LEAST see the other side, whether or not I agree with it, at least I see it. I truely dont see the negative side of this rule.

I AM TELLING YOU PEOPLE: IF YOU HANDLE THE SITUATION MATURELY AND PROFESSIONALY - YOU WILL GET RELEASED!!! Someone PLEASE TELL ME an example where you handled it professional and have a balance of ZERO and the gym owner is just being a D-bag.

We had an athlete released to our gym to compete on our 5's from a RIVAL GYM! When I say RIVAL - I mean RIVAL! The child went in with a parent. Explained the issues they were having with their current gym which were issues that could not be resolved. Said they wanted to explore other gym options and that they had sat in on a few of our practices and liked what our program offered. They explained that they would like to be released to finish out the season at my gym, but if they didnt want to release her, they understood and would wait until the season ended to come try out. It was a professional talk and the athlete was released with no problems.

Im telling you - how the situation is handled is the big issue here. Out of all the 'release horror stories' I have heard - IMO - it all comes back to how it was handled. Kids trashing the program, owners or team. Kids just stop showing up and then ask for a release months later. Kids demanding being released. Parents not willing to talk to the owner about issues.

I can tell you from a GYM STAND POINT! I truely think COACHES AND OWNERS need to put something in their handbook a head of time that is SIGNED BY THE PARENT AND ATHLETE about PROCEDURES for wanting to leave MID-SEASON. I know we will. We will state what our policy is to be released. My gym doesnt have the best relationship status with our area gyms - but I am hoping I can get a meeting put together of all three gym owners and coaches and maybe we can all agree on policies so every gym is the same. That will make our area have a common 'rule' and 'understanding' and at the same time - I dont think we will have to worry about 'will this kid get released' if they come through our doors. We will all know up front!!! I think if every area did this - it would resolve issues a head of time!

I can tell you one that is happening in Cali right now.

 

[shadow]

I can tell you one that is happening in Cali right now.

We left when the owners daughter and a lot of kids left. A 6 weeks break was built into the competition schedule for kids leaving to do high school. The gyms season ended January 30. We asked for the release one week after the season was done. The owner sent me an email saying she had "more important things to do" than sign the release. She also sent me a letter saying she would not sign a release if the gym we wanted to go to already had a worlds bid. Never even addressed the fact that they owed me money. Can't get anymore cordial, professional, considerate than that. Only signed when other parents found out and got outraged. @rudgas thoughts?

 

[ACEDAD]

I really try to look at rules and others opinions to help shape my opinions about this rule. Normally I can AT LEAST see the other side, whether or not I agree with it, at least I see it. I truely dont see the negative side of this rule.

I AM TELLING YOU PEOPLE: IF YOU HANDLE THE SITUATION MATURELY AND PROFESSIONALY - YOU WILL GET RELEASED!!! Someone PLEASE TELL ME an example where you handled it professional and have a balance of ZERO and the gym owner is just being a D-bag.

I know of an example. And it's an example where a gym owner kicked a kid off the team just to bring in another athlete. This kid has 0% chance of doing anything. The gym owner won't put them back on the team and won't release them to another gym.

Tell me how to resolve that?

 

[RSbrittany]

I'm not a big fan of letting kids gym hop, which is why I think that there has to be at least some penalty, some rule, the says that you have to wait a certain amount of time after leaving a gym before you can cheer somewhere else. To me, 90 days is sufficient. More than that seems punitive, especially when there are situations (like a family move) that are beyond the athlete's control.

I would even be ok with the current process if there were waivers granted for certain scenarios where the onus was on the gym to prove why the athlete shouldn't be released. But the current rules are pretty darn inflexible - it's either "get a release or you can't cheer anywhere else."

We have this rule in my county for school to prevent Recruiting in different sports. You have to wait a full year from the time you transfer schools unless you have switched to your zoned school or other special circumstances.

 

[shadow]

I know of an example. And it's an example where a gym owner kicked a kid off the team just to bring in another athlete. This kid has 0% chance of doing anything. The gym owner won't put them back on the team and won't release them to another gym.

Tell me how to resolve that?

:( Wow!

 

[newcheerdad]

I know of an example. And it's an example where a gym owner kicked a kid off the team just to bring in another athlete. This kid has 0% chance of doing anything. The gym owner won't put them back on the team and won't release them to another gym.

Tell me how to resolve that?

So this brings up a point. What is the upside to NOT giving an athlete their release if they request it? And you've done everything you can to resolve any issues they're having.

(Ok, I lied about lurking on this post.)

 

[Rudags]

I know of an example. And it's an example where a gym owner kicked a kid off the team just to bring in another athlete. This kid has 0% chance of doing anything. The gym owner won't put them back on the team and won't release them to another gym.

Tell me how to resolve that?

I think that that is TOTAL Male Cow feces. I am all for the release rule - but that is for a KID wanting to LEAVE the gym. When a gym owner wants to have a kid leave the gym (assuming the kid didnt bash the program, cause trouble, etc.) Then a release should be made. This IS AN EXAMPLE of abuse of Power. Hopefully this gym goes down hill as clearly it shows no example of loyalty or business ethics. Shame on this owner. Better hope Karma isnt lurking in this gym owners corner...

 

[Mom Jeans]

Looks like the rule needs an addendum, he's not an athlete of that gym if he was kicked off. So the rule shouldn't apply. I don't think anyone ever expected this would happen, but maybe some of the people that don't ever believe, that there are gym owners, or EP's that are shady will finally see that it does exist and not all situations that expose a bad seed are ficticious. If this person gets away with it, it's setting a precedent.

There's no reason to do this but to be an A (the place where the TOTAL Male Cow feces some out of) Rules need to be in the best interest of the athlete too. Let Him Play!!!

 

[samantha says]

I have a couple questions... I know I could just look them up or text @ACEDAD right now and ask, but I'd rather just post here while I'm reading... aka I'm just going to be lazy...

Can someone refresh my memory as to when this rule goes into effect for an athlete to be considered needing a release? Is it the day of tryouts or the day an athlete takes the mat with a team? Say Sarah Jo is a senior and wants to go to worlds so she tries out at Gym X and Gym Y to see which program will put her on a level 5 team. Gym X has tryouts April 18th... And Sarah Jo is placed on Lrg Sr 4. Gym Y has tryouts May 10th... Sarah Jo is placed on Sm Sm CoEd 5. Is SJ not able to go to Gym Y and attend Worlds with Gym Y just because she simply tried out, never even competed, with Gym X??

Second, is there any place where athletes/gym owners can contest the release? IE: When an athlete gets kicked off a team (whatever reason, good or bad) and the owner won't allow them to go anywhere else. Is there a place where the athlete/future gym owner can try and get the lack there of signed release over-rided? It might turn into one of those he said/she said types of situations and not be able to work if it isn't in place... but it's something to consider.

 

[Rudags]

One thing I do not like, is that the USASF made a rule - and then when cases come up that may be justifiable where someone is out of line - They simply have responded "The USASF is playing no role" Hell. If they need someone to be in charge of this rule for special cases - put me on it. Im so for the rule, but think I could handle it!

 

[Just-a-Mom]

I have a couple questions... I know I could just look them up or text @ACEDAD right now and ask, but I'd rather just post here while I'm reading... aka I'm just going to be lazy...

Can someone refresh my memory as to when this rule goes into effect for an athlete to be considered needing a release? Is it the day of tryouts or the day an athlete takes the mat with a team? Say Sarah Jo is a senior and wants to go to worlds so she tries out at Gym X and Gym Y to see which program will put her on a level 5 team. Gym X has tryouts April 18th... And Sarah Jo is placed on Lrg Sr 4. Gym Y has tryouts May 10th... Sarah Jo is placed on Sm Sm CoEd 5. Is SJ not able to go to Gym Y and attend Worlds with Gym Y just because she simply tried out, never even competed, with Gym X??

Second, is there any place where athletes/gym owners can contest the release? IE: When an athlete gets kicked off a team (whatever reason, good or bad) and the owner won't allow them to go anywhere else. Is there a place where the athlete/future gym owner can try and get the lack there of signed release over-rided? It might turn into one of those he said/she said types of situations and not be able to work if it isn't in place... but it's something to consider.

You have to compete with a gym first. So, no, in your example SJ would be fine to go onto the level 5 team. She would actually have a few months to decide.

As for the athlete getting kicked off? I totally think that shouldn't fall into the category of this rule. It should only apply if anathlete chooses to leave.

And there really has got to be some sort of appeals process! How is the USASF making all these rules and then not helping keep them enforced FAIRLY? That's insane--that'd be like having states make laws and then letting the police enforce them with no courts. If they need more "manpower" like Rudags said, I'm sure there are plenty of people willing to help out.

 

[ufomom]

There needs to be an appeals process. Sure there will be a lot of flaky situations which as Rudags said, could have been handled with maturity BUT the situation that ACEDAD is naming would definitely warrant an appeals process. To have none leads to potential for abuse. The US Government's three branches including a judicial system and checks and balances come to mind in conjunction with this topic. :cool:

 

[MissBee]

I feel the only reasons for leaving a gym mid season are:

1. family is moving too far away for it to be a reasonable drive for the number of practices and times of day the team practices (ie: family moves 1 hour away, practice starts at 5, kid gets off bus at new house at 4:10...not gonna make it).

2. Gross negligence (USASF safety rules are not being followed, equipment is in disrepair).

3. Season ending injury (with physician documentation)

4. inappropriate conduct between an adult staff member and a child

In my opinion, only three of these would warrant joining another the gym mid season: moving, gross negligence and the inappropriate conduct one.

If you just don't like your gym-too bad. Don't get along with your team mates? Suck it up cupcake. Think your choreo should be different? Not your call. Want to be going to different competitions? Open your own gym.

 

[WayTooCheerful]

You have to compete with a gym first. So, no, in your example SJ would be fine to go onto the level 5 team. She would actually have a few months to decide.

As for the athlete getting kicked off? I totally think that shouldn't fall into the category of this rule. It should only apply if anathlete chooses to leave.

And there really has got to be some sort of appeals process! How is the USASF making all these rules and then not helping keep them enforced FAIRLY? That's insane--that'd be like having states make laws and then letting the police enforce them with no courts. If they need more "manpower" like Rudags said, I'm sure there are plenty of people willing to help out.

I did not read anywhere in the rule that said you had to have competed first. My interpretation is that once you are a registered member of gym x you must be released to go to gym y at ANY point in that "calendar" year. Teams are formed(lg, sm, coed) and choreography is planned and billed to the parents based on the teams composition. IDK, am I wrong in my interpretation? O.o That would mean you have to not sign anything until you are 100% sure this is THE gym for the entire season!

 

[tumbleyoda]

In thinking about it perhaps you could use a 60/60 exception clause. If you move 60 miles away from Gym A it is reasonable to me if the gym wont release you to Gym B you should be able to go to get the release from USASF. Not choose to drive because you had that option before, but actually physically move. If the parents are that determined to gym hop to move an hour away just to go to another gym then fine. I do mean the parents and not "conviently and coincedently (sarcasm alert) living" with a relative/friend which has been used in the past to justify mid season gym switch. Other than that 60 days before they can compete with another gym. I think those both could be easily proven, would justify some of the scenarios presented, and could be done fairly quickly by USASF. From other boards gone by it had been said many times that the USASF preference was for the gym owners to work together and figure it out and not to get involved. However with bids equating to business for many gyms, and the "suzies and their parents" of the cheer world who just gym hop because they cant have their way at Gym A, the rule is needed but there needs to be someone or a committee to handle appeals.

It just seems that in this area as well as most areas of life we want the rules to strictly apply to everyone else but not necessarily for ourselves. JMO.