How does everyone feel about privates?
Are CP's who don't have them at a disadvantage?
How much is too much to pay for a skill?
What about the families that can't afford a private?
What about families that can't fit them into their busy schedules?
Do coaches tend to bond more with the CP's that they work with in a private?
Not neccesarily. It all depends on how the gym sets up their tumbling classes and open gyms, the quality and quantity of instructors availible and most importantly the drive of the athlete. An athlete that is motivated to get their tumbling that has the head and heart to learn will usually do so regardless.
Ugh major pet peeve. If I could put a price on a skill to pay for it, I could retire in two years. I have no desire to "milk" a parent for private lessons. I give free lessons away every month and will often do lessons at no charge for those that are struggling with lost skills, coming back from injury or are in true financial binds. I also give frequent private discounts for those who dont wait till tryouts or when they about to get place on a lower level team for not having a skill before getting privates. Also keep in mind you don't just pay for a skill. You pay for the building, the utilities which many gyms take a cut of whatever the private is. Even if you pay the instructor directly he or she may be paying the gym for the right to use the building. So that overhead if charged should also be factored into how much you pay. The quality of the instructor also matter. Do you just want someone who will say do it again or joke around 1/2 of the private without no learning taking place or someone that can actually fix what the problems are and prepare them for the next skills they need to learn?
While I give away privates through raffles or just telling people to come in, you gotta be careful. If you do it for Suzie, then you know Betty, Jane, and Tyekwandaleshia wants it too. If you don't give it to them then they will cry favoritism and the drama begins. Again keep in mind that the instructor may be paying to use the building so he or she gotta know at what price point they have to stop giving lessons away. My thing is if you can't afford it, pull me to the side and talk to me privately. If I can help you and it does not go against the policy of the gym I will but you gotta keep your mouth shut. I will work with anybodies budget but if you run your mouth the deal is off and you just ruined it for countless other kids in the same position as yours.
Scheduling issues and conflicts can usually be worked out if you let me know.
I would say that bonding is usually better but a lot of that depends on the coach, parent, and cheerleader. If you see it as a simple pay for service and the coach does as well, then probably not. If you see it as an opportunity to build positive relationships and great overall technique beyond the learning of one skill then probably so.