MzLyn23
Cheer Parent
- Sep 16, 2014
- 758
- 1,745
I felt like writing this for a few reasons.... 1) to see what other opinions are regarding gyms vs gyms etc, 2) to see if views are similar or different regarding what is "classy" behavior and what isn't...
So recently I was speaking to someone about gyms in my area and so forth and the topic of class came up. This person had overheard another conversation where a person stated: the difference between gym A and gym B is that B is classier.
So of course this got me thinking... In the cheer world, honestly what does one consider to be class or classy behavior? The way an entire gym presents itself at an event including fans/parents/etc? The way coaches behave during event/warm up/performance/and after? The way athletes behave on and off the mat... Including social media??
If this is the case, then I would think the line is very thin and comparing one gym to the next would be extremely biased or one sided, especially if you're not immersed in the cheer world completely.
Here's what I consider classy:
Gyms compete but during and after comps athletes coaches and fans/parents are enthusiastic not just about their own teams/themselves as athletes but enthusiastic about the opportunity being presented; of attending some of the most prestigious competitions in the country. I know the idea of poor sportsmanship comes to mind but to me poor sportsmanship is a different topic completely. At local or smaller comps I see the same enthusiasm from an entire gym. Locals are not just "small comps" but also an opportunity for gyms to showcase talent to the local area, to share the competition experience with friends and family who can't attend the bigger prestigious ones for many reasons. Cheering for winners from other teams and showing respect for all teams by waiting until the end, until the final award is given.
This is classy, treating every comp the same... Athletes Behaving appropriately with your competitors... Where coaches respect each other during all parts of a competition and even off the mat.
So now comes the thought well what's not classy.... If I went into detail I might be cast off so Unclassy behavior can be left to someone's own interpretation.
However social media is an enemy when it comes to class because posts, tweets, and the like can be misconstrued and can or will offend many in the cheer world. I'm not innocent of this but I am very careful or at least try to be careful with wording so as not to offend others.
I just feel that for Susie's mom/sister/aunt (whatever) to say that gym b is classier than gym a, and Susie attends gym c just shows that the eyes see what they want to see.
With this I've taught the following to my CP:
1- never be rude to anyone including those from other gyms (former gyms included)
2- never post anything belittling condescending or insulting on social media (cheer or non cheer related)
3- always be polite to everyone because just like it's said be careful what you say cause anyone can be listening, be careful how you behave because you wear a uniform and it can and will come back to you.
4- never speak ill of your coaches even if your mad because they made the team condition more or run more or whatever. (You are just upset and you will get over it)
5- always be a role model to those younger than you and have a mutual respect with other teammates and teams.
I think I'm ok for now telling her these things and there's probably a few I've left out. As of now she has displayed this exact behavior which I do see from many athletes at her gym and other gyms. If this isn't classy behavior then the cheer world in my mind is doomed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So recently I was speaking to someone about gyms in my area and so forth and the topic of class came up. This person had overheard another conversation where a person stated: the difference between gym A and gym B is that B is classier.
So of course this got me thinking... In the cheer world, honestly what does one consider to be class or classy behavior? The way an entire gym presents itself at an event including fans/parents/etc? The way coaches behave during event/warm up/performance/and after? The way athletes behave on and off the mat... Including social media??
If this is the case, then I would think the line is very thin and comparing one gym to the next would be extremely biased or one sided, especially if you're not immersed in the cheer world completely.
Here's what I consider classy:
Gyms compete but during and after comps athletes coaches and fans/parents are enthusiastic not just about their own teams/themselves as athletes but enthusiastic about the opportunity being presented; of attending some of the most prestigious competitions in the country. I know the idea of poor sportsmanship comes to mind but to me poor sportsmanship is a different topic completely. At local or smaller comps I see the same enthusiasm from an entire gym. Locals are not just "small comps" but also an opportunity for gyms to showcase talent to the local area, to share the competition experience with friends and family who can't attend the bigger prestigious ones for many reasons. Cheering for winners from other teams and showing respect for all teams by waiting until the end, until the final award is given.
This is classy, treating every comp the same... Athletes Behaving appropriately with your competitors... Where coaches respect each other during all parts of a competition and even off the mat.
So now comes the thought well what's not classy.... If I went into detail I might be cast off so Unclassy behavior can be left to someone's own interpretation.
However social media is an enemy when it comes to class because posts, tweets, and the like can be misconstrued and can or will offend many in the cheer world. I'm not innocent of this but I am very careful or at least try to be careful with wording so as not to offend others.
I just feel that for Susie's mom/sister/aunt (whatever) to say that gym b is classier than gym a, and Susie attends gym c just shows that the eyes see what they want to see.
With this I've taught the following to my CP:
1- never be rude to anyone including those from other gyms (former gyms included)
2- never post anything belittling condescending or insulting on social media (cheer or non cheer related)
3- always be polite to everyone because just like it's said be careful what you say cause anyone can be listening, be careful how you behave because you wear a uniform and it can and will come back to you.
4- never speak ill of your coaches even if your mad because they made the team condition more or run more or whatever. (You are just upset and you will get over it)
5- always be a role model to those younger than you and have a mutual respect with other teammates and teams.
I think I'm ok for now telling her these things and there's probably a few I've left out. As of now she has displayed this exact behavior which I do see from many athletes at her gym and other gyms. If this isn't classy behavior then the cheer world in my mind is doomed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk