- Sep 16, 2014
- 758
- 1,745
Posted this in Coaches Room but decided it wouldn't hurt to post here too... Please don't hurt me!!! lol
So after coaching rec cheering for 5 years and resigning right at the start of this season, after much thinking, researching, studying, etc... I've decided I definitely want to start my own program. Now I know many have probably posted the same question before me and I have searched but some of the posts go on and on about things that I'm not ready to do yet... For instance having my own facility. (I wish - If I come across one I would consider renting possibly but figured it might not be necessary if I'm just starting out). Thats where I am asking for advice. Apart from the business aspect (I help my family run a small business in 2 states so maybe its a medium business and very well knowledgable on bookkeeping and necessary state licenses etc), I want to know about just kick starting the program. For example some of my questions include:
1- Can I start the program from my home for instance as my business address but hold practices at a gymnastics or cheer facility that offers mat time for rent etc? (I've heard of other all star programs that might have started like this but I'm not 100% sure - I don't want to rent or buy a facility until I have a decent amount of athletes that I know their tuition would cover rental/lease/mortgage costs)
2- assuming question 1 is yes, does this mean that i have to certify my "gym" or program with USASF as a gym or just the athletes so they can compete at nationals etc (if they were even ready for nationals depending on tryouts and how many kids actually join etc)
3- Getting my USASF credential... I know I can possibly ask USASF by email but if I'm credentialing myself with no actual "gym" per say, how does that work? Trust me I know that rec and all star are very different, however for rec i only followed USASF rules and I'm confident enough in possibly credentialing for up to level 3.
4- Insurance is my other question, and I know that I might have to speak to an insurance agent, but if I don't have a private facility, would the Insurance that I get to cover my program be different than lets say a private all star gym? or are they all basically the same?
I know I definitely have to get the word out, and parents would be taking a gamble on me... one good thing is this: I wasn't just a coach, I was a cheer mom as well, since I resigned my daughter is with an all star program, and sitting full time as a cheer mom has definitely taught me things that I would not do with my own program. I helped my former rec team with their own organization once I joined because as a parent I get it... I get the frustration with lack of communication, with lack of organization and such.... So I hope being familiar especially in my town as the former coach, and familiar in the neighboring towns, word of mouth will be good and I will have a decent turnout... not looking for 50 girls but a decent 20 for a first season team would be awesome!!!
With that said these are just some thoughts that have come to mind as I am sitting here on google and other websites trying to jot things down and such.... any information would be greatly appreciated, whether its pessimistic or optimistic... lol
And yes I do want to have a successful program but I am also very realistic on that it will not happen over night.... Top Gun has been open 20 years as well as other teams that have been in existence for 15+ years... I can only hope that in 20 years (or 15 lol) my program will be just as recognized as theirs and as big as theirs.... I'm ready to work until I'm old and decrepit lol so that not only do i have a business but my kids (especially my daughter) have something to continue to grow with.... So yes, its not only my love and respect for the sport (which is up there) I'm also thinking about my kid's future.... My parents started a business for me and my brother, yes I help but its not my calling... cheer is... i will continue to help because it is the hand that feeds me and my kids and hubby lol but I also want to do something I LOVE!!! Thanks for your advice and please be easy/kind/gentle with comments LOL
So after coaching rec cheering for 5 years and resigning right at the start of this season, after much thinking, researching, studying, etc... I've decided I definitely want to start my own program. Now I know many have probably posted the same question before me and I have searched but some of the posts go on and on about things that I'm not ready to do yet... For instance having my own facility. (I wish - If I come across one I would consider renting possibly but figured it might not be necessary if I'm just starting out). Thats where I am asking for advice. Apart from the business aspect (I help my family run a small business in 2 states so maybe its a medium business and very well knowledgable on bookkeeping and necessary state licenses etc), I want to know about just kick starting the program. For example some of my questions include:
1- Can I start the program from my home for instance as my business address but hold practices at a gymnastics or cheer facility that offers mat time for rent etc? (I've heard of other all star programs that might have started like this but I'm not 100% sure - I don't want to rent or buy a facility until I have a decent amount of athletes that I know their tuition would cover rental/lease/mortgage costs)
2- assuming question 1 is yes, does this mean that i have to certify my "gym" or program with USASF as a gym or just the athletes so they can compete at nationals etc (if they were even ready for nationals depending on tryouts and how many kids actually join etc)
3- Getting my USASF credential... I know I can possibly ask USASF by email but if I'm credentialing myself with no actual "gym" per say, how does that work? Trust me I know that rec and all star are very different, however for rec i only followed USASF rules and I'm confident enough in possibly credentialing for up to level 3.
4- Insurance is my other question, and I know that I might have to speak to an insurance agent, but if I don't have a private facility, would the Insurance that I get to cover my program be different than lets say a private all star gym? or are they all basically the same?
I know I definitely have to get the word out, and parents would be taking a gamble on me... one good thing is this: I wasn't just a coach, I was a cheer mom as well, since I resigned my daughter is with an all star program, and sitting full time as a cheer mom has definitely taught me things that I would not do with my own program. I helped my former rec team with their own organization once I joined because as a parent I get it... I get the frustration with lack of communication, with lack of organization and such.... So I hope being familiar especially in my town as the former coach, and familiar in the neighboring towns, word of mouth will be good and I will have a decent turnout... not looking for 50 girls but a decent 20 for a first season team would be awesome!!!
With that said these are just some thoughts that have come to mind as I am sitting here on google and other websites trying to jot things down and such.... any information would be greatly appreciated, whether its pessimistic or optimistic... lol
And yes I do want to have a successful program but I am also very realistic on that it will not happen over night.... Top Gun has been open 20 years as well as other teams that have been in existence for 15+ years... I can only hope that in 20 years (or 15 lol) my program will be just as recognized as theirs and as big as theirs.... I'm ready to work until I'm old and decrepit lol so that not only do i have a business but my kids (especially my daughter) have something to continue to grow with.... So yes, its not only my love and respect for the sport (which is up there) I'm also thinking about my kid's future.... My parents started a business for me and my brother, yes I help but its not my calling... cheer is... i will continue to help because it is the hand that feeds me and my kids and hubby lol but I also want to do something I LOVE!!! Thanks for your advice and please be easy/kind/gentle with comments LOL
