Read the Wiki, the USASF pages, and just browse the forum..I'm not a parent, but particularly in the 'off season' (aka right now when people are just doing camps and summer stuff) we tend to have some good discussions about various stuff that makes for interesting learning. If there are various regional meetings, and you can watch them online, do (last year during rule proposals you could watch filmed clips of meetings). If you can read summaries from them, do it. Read the Rays, CEA, and CA rumors threads..they give great insight into how 3 of the top gyms in the country operate (and it demystifies a number of rumors/procedures and gives you something to think on). And browse back through the threads for as far as you can. Some postings are fluff, but we've had some good discussions that are worth reading through (avoid the arguments haha).
Oddly enough, (because I'm a weirdo) I'll sometimes go on gym's websites and see if they post a tryout packet/athlete handbook online. It gives you an insight into some gyms practices/policies so you get a feel for what's working or how things 'should' be. HINT: many of the successful, respected gyms tend to have similar basic policies. Even if they're not your 'competition', I always find it helpful to know what's going on throughout the country in different places. Puts things in perspective.
My number one rule of thumb: If you have a question: ask @
ACEDAD . If you want a laugh, find @
SharkDad . If the board is malfunctioning/you want to bother someone on Rays for the 10,000th time about the Orange Bob Cult, ask @
kingston . Or find any of the Fiercemoms @
Weezy , @
Just-a-Mom , @
Mamarazzi , @
mstealtoyou , etc. They're all pretty helpful, funny, and wise.