After having read through this whole thread here's my stance on the subject.
1: I completely agree with
Rudags
The purpose of this rule is to prevent gym hopping and especially in instances where an athlete is not in good standing with their primary organization
If you move to another program fine, that's your prerogative, but to speak ill of your primary program after the fact and manipulate the situation in an attempt to get what you want. Maintain a level of professionalism. You will warn much more respect that way.
Also the way I see it most programs have try-out between may (just before worlds) and end of April early may. From that point you have all of June, July/ August (about a month and a half/ two months)when you get choreography and then 'til about mid September or October when competition season is in full swing. That's 6/7 months BEFORE you begin competing. In that time, IMHO, one knows whether or not (s)he is happy at a program or with ones team placement at a program. And during that time one is welcome to leave if they feel that is the best course of action. That's not to say that one can not quit mid season, BUT this rule is far from new. While I I ow it can be difficult to understand the specifics at times I feel that most if not all parties involved are aware and if one is not then someone should have been doing their homework. To become involved in something not knowing the rules is not a course of action I would advise for anyone. You know what the governing body of your sport is. And all rules are outline and can be found on that go earning bodies website.
There is a general list, safety rules by level, rules exclusive to worlds ( and therefore worlds athletes) and anything you could possibly need to know.
If one doesn't take the time to be sure of what they are getting into then one has no other person to blame for the situation they are left in but themselves. Plain and simple.
Worlds is an HONOR and a PRIVILEGE. One does not simply get to go because they want to or because one is a member on an eligible team. That's why we have the BID PROCESS. You have to EARN it. Plain and simple.
As coaches and mentors aside from the actual competitive aspect of the sport it is our job to teach these kids valuable life lessons and responsibility. When you really get down to t that's what we're doing. They learn hard work, they learn to work with others as a team, they learn to face their fears with their heads held high, they learn that if you truly want something you fight for it and work til you have it they learn that success doesn't always mean winning, and they learn what it means to make commitment to something.
Back to what I was saying earlier the summer training season is plenty of time to decide if you like where you are before becoming fully committed. As parents you should be holding your children responsible for their actions. They made a commitment to x gym then they will finish the season at x gym and if the need to move is still an issue, then next season do as you will. If the safety of your child or another is the issue then that should be brought up to those in charge and if nothing is done to correct it then you may leave, but just know that you still made that commitment and you will be held to it. So whether you stay or go you will be held accountable.
It's a different story if a child moves out of the area or a gym closes or anything of the sort. In that respect there should be an appeals process, but the vast majority of those wishing to be released are not in that situation. They just can't let go and get over their own egos.
For those who think this rule does not protect your child it does nothing but and it is one of very few enforceable rules. I feel like when it comes to this people have that whole sense of entitlement.
Get over yourself. No one is entitled to anything and no one deserves anything. You earn it. You work for what you want. Jumping ship to go somewhere that has already earned their place without you.... Well there's no pride in that now is there. "I worked all of one week switching gyms so I could go to worlds" sorry not happening. AND this team you just joined has to go out and get a new bid because of it.
On that note as a gym owner or coach I would never want to take an athlete like that mid season. You left your primary gym because of what? How do I know you won't turn around and do the same thing here. Not taking the chance on some random new Susie when the 20 that have been here working, committed and dedicated the whole time will pay the price in the end. There are valid arguments for both sides. But in the whole it is usually the athlete that's in the wrong in this situation and consumed with their ego can not accept that.
I hope I stayed on track with this post. But that's just some of the things I think when I read the next new thread about releasing a child that pops up every other...
Many gyms do not and will not release athletes. As long as the reasons are just, it might not be your cup of tea, but... Suck it up. Life goes on.
Take it for what it is and use it to grow as an individual. Learn.i swear every time one of these threads pops up I just feel like ".......this again.... Why is Susie in so deserving of his/ her realease mr./ mrs. Susie. Please enlighten me and keep the BS to yourself. Thanks. "
Growing up there are a lot of things people won't like or agree with and sometimes it just is what it is.
Lets not teach our kids to be disrespectful or self-centered brats who think they can get whatever they want just by b!tching about we. We all know that we all hate that person. It's like when I see a child yelling at their parents in the gym or at competition. I. Would. Never... Allow such a thing. And the fact that it still happens makes them think they can do as they please and nothing will come of it. WRONG. Sorry Susie, but you're in for a bit of a reality check.
