All-Star Leaving Gyms Because You Feel You Belong On A Certain Team?

[cheerluv]

I find it frustrating when cheerleaders leave gyms because they feel they belong on a certain level team? I fully understand if a gym does not have a certain level......but assuming you belong on a higher level without having all the skills needed for it really troubles me? I see this more and more and feel cheerleaders need to realize what skills are needed for a certain team, and age plays a big part as well with higher levels.

I feel some cheerleaders think just because they tumble that they will automatically move on to a higher team not realizing thats its a package. You need strong jumps, dance, stunt experience as well. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[cheermeup]

I'm sure there are some who leave because they are Susie.

Every situation is different though and it doesn't matter what we think of others situation. They and their parents are paying the bill and it's a business and they can spend their money where they want.

I'm a mom so I'm older but I've learned with most things in life it's way easier on me to only worry about my situation.

 

[SheCheers]

I actually don't find it frustrating. I find it humorous. maybe i'm assuming too much, but if they have an attitude about it like "if susie is not a flyer on level 4 this year, i'm leaving!" i'm sure the coaches/gym owner are more than happy to show them the door. and if they really do belong on a level 4 team and they go somewhere else and get that, well good.

 

[amanda]

I know what your talking about. I think the issue deep down inside is that kid thinks the other team is better.
i know you were not talking about this situation but A lot of kids move because they do have the skills but the gym doesn't offer that level.

 

[AllHeartxo3]

Oh yes, I know people like that. I know someone who thinks they are good enough to be on some of the worlds teams near us and she can barely get off the ground in her tuck. It's just an attitude thing and you can't help that, but they'll see the reality once they leave. Obviously, unless the other gym is desperate for people, they aren't going to placed on a team they aren't ready for.

 

[soFIERCE08]

to me, i think it's absolutely ridiculous for a cheerleader to expect to be put on a higher team even though their skills aren't up to par. in my opinion, it's better if they leave. i wouldn't want to cheer with someone who felt they were too good for their team.

 

[mollymags]

Here's what always gets me about this: If you don't have the skills to get placed on a certain team in your gym, wouldn't leaving and getting put on that level team in a different gym mean that new team has lower standards (and therefore are probably not as good)?

 

[liamusc]

tbh .. i could easily say i feel i 'belong' in TopGun.. cause i love them and aspire to be half of a cheerleader they are! But i find it quite gratifying to build up a team and watch it progress through levels. MY gym is like my family, leaving them for a team which may suit my skills more would be like casting out my brothers and sisters! Cheerleading doesnt build friendship... it builds family.

:rolleyes:,, has to be done.... WE ARE FAMILY... I GOT ALL MY SISTERS AND ME! ...

:p
x

 

[Fameous MOM]

I find it frustrating when cheerleaders leave gyms because they feel they belong on a certain level team? I fully understand if a gym does not have a certain level......but assuming you belong on a higher level without having all the skills needed for it really troubles me? I see this more and more and feel cheerleaders need to realize what skills are needed for a certain team, and age plays a big part as well with higher levels.

I feel some cheerleaders think just because they tumble that they will automatically move on to a higher team not realizing thats its a package. You need strong jumps, dance, stunt experience as well. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

I would not let my daughter leave because she did not make a certain team. Our gym is super competitive and you are right when it takes more than tumbling!

 

[newcheerdad]

We have been discussing this with our daughter for weeks now, explaining that she will be on whatever team the coaches think is the best fit for her - and trying to set her expectations accordingly. Sometimes I wonder if these parents and/or kids who complain are the ones who get their hopes up too high, and then when they don't get on the team they were expecting they get mad.

 

[tdittmar]

Here's what always gets me about this: If you don't have the skills to get placed on a certain team in your gym, wouldn't leaving and getting put on that level team in a different gym mean that new team has lower standards (and therefore are probably not as good)?

That's what I was thinking exactly! A team is only as strong as it's weakest link, and that may very well be the person who left.

 

[cheerleaderlauren2102]

I feel you should be happy with your team, and be thankful your even able to have this opportunity. Last year, I couldn't even cheer because of financial problems. This year, I have gotten a sponsorship and am lucky to be going to one of the best cheer gyms around. I will be happy with whatever team I am put on, I am just glad to even be on a team. :) You shouldnt complain, because other people wish to be able to do what you do.

 

[Level5Mom]

I find that usually the child is just happy to be cheering and the real issue is the parents.

 

[nhgurlnh]

While I agree that athletes should respect their coaches placements, I also see the other side of the situation.

When you sign up for all-star cheer, you are spending thousands of dollars for your child to become the best cheerleader they can be. While a coach should always have the best interest of the athlete at heart, sometimes, as I coach, I can't put an athlete on a certain team when they really should be. In the situation, I am not surprised nor angry when that family leaves.

An example would be last year, when my gym had 3 Junior teams, a Level 2, Level 3 Coed, and Level 4. I had an athlete (13 yr old girl) who was consistently throwing level 3 skill, but I also had 20 other athletes that were throwing the same. Because I knew she would SHINE on the level 2 team, I put her on the level 2 team and offered her an alternate spot on level 3 coed. I could not make the level 3 coed large because I didn't have enough athletes to be competitive in that division. Extremely disappointed, she switched gyms. I was heartbroken, because she was a sweet kid, but the other level 3 athletes were better than or equal to her, even though she was a true level 3 athlete. I tried my hardest to explain to the parents my reasoning, but they wanted the best for their kid. The best place for her was on a level 3 team, and that was simply not something I could offer her. When she switched, she made another level 3 team, and will be joining us back at my gym again this year after the successful year at the other gym, probablyon our level 4 team. In this situation, I would never be angry for an athlete leaving because they didn't make a certain team, because I could not offer her the spot she deserved.

Thoughts?

 

[cheermuse]

when a situation like the above where the gym doesnt offer a team (skill wise) for an athlete and they chose to go elsewhere is understandable. Seem like you ad the parent came to a sorta mutual understanding.

I have issues when parents demand or want their child on a specific level or team, knowing they dont have the skill set for that team. Then coaches/owners fall into their demands which inturn hurt s the team in general in the long run.