All-Star Words Of Advice For Gym Party Reveal

[SL&AM]

I guess, Oklahoma is trying to steal the cheerleading title for being "Cuckoo for Coco Pops" from Texas...But don't worry Texas, a Mom plotting to pay someone to kill another Mom, so her daughter would not try out, still trump the taser Mom and Coach...But what is wrong with these people, it is just CHEERLEADING!

LOL, this is so sad, but so true.

I'm honestly a little surprised at the reveal party idea, tbh, from what I've heard normally the coach posts it and turns her phone off so this is a huge change. I hope she doesn't need a bodyguard---though I think I've finally drilled into CP's head that she is either going to accept her fate or give up cheering for a season. Since the second idea is so repulsive, it's helping with the first---and the one girl she was close to showed up to the second clinic date and she also has a close to cut-off birthday so they can commiserate together if need be.

 

[all4sarah]

These "parties" are super awkward. For children and parents. Also for people new to the program. Meeting people for the first time when an athlete or parent is handling disappointment can set a bad tone for the whole season.
Further awkward when athlete gets to the first practice and realizes others have already quit or joined another gym from the five they tried out for. More drama.
Gyms, please let athletes know privately and have a much more fun party later.

Then why?? Why do gyms do it? It's getting more popular it seems so there must be a plus side I'm missing!

 

[SL&AM]

Then why?? Why do gyms do it? It's getting more popular it seems so there must be a plus side I'm missing!

I would assume that the argument for some gyms, especially smaller ones or ones where athletes don't cross over as much, would be that the majority of their kids know where they'll go anyway. It seems like, for our gym, it'd being marketed as a party to start off the season---I imagine that the reactions of athletes will dictate whether or not they do it again next year.

 

[Pebbles49]

IDK why gyms reveal their teams in this manner and like I stated in my 2nd message, my daughter's team her 1st year, had the coaches read off their team rosters and the athletes found out this way, but this reveal was not totally public, the reveal was only in front of the athletes. The athletes then come out after teams were placed and reveal their team placements to their parents...
However, my daughter's 2nd year, the placement reveals were a lot calmer and pleasant, the athletes were moved into groups and not told which team they were placed on... However, many of the new athletes figured out their placement based on the veteran athletes in their groups. I like this method because I witnessed less crying, angered and athletes came out with more smiles, plus, many athletes were told of the possibilities of movements up or down based on their work over time or during the Summer.

 

[KDCheerMom]

I think a great compromise is to have posted/email reveals and then have a gym orientation/team party a day or two later. One still may not know all athletes on the team so the party gives everyone a chance to see and get to know each other (coaches and athletes a like). Also gives parents a chance to meet everyone. Just a thought

 

[catlady]

Then why?? Why do gyms do it? It's getting more popular it seems so there must be a plus side I'm missing!

I will be so bold to say this is a owner/coach way of avoiding confrontation. A disappointed kid and parent are going to leave immediately and the coaches and owners are left with those that are elated. In a couple of days, the disappointment and anger will subside for most, many kids/parents will accept the placement and some will leave. The coaches and owners can then return the calls of those they want to talk to, as well as, ignore the ones they could care less about. I admire those gyms that make the individual calls, it tells me they care about the kids and their business enough to make it personal. Just a coach saying, "I'm so sorry you're disappointed but, I really want and need you on this team" goes a long way with a child and a parent. If they choose to argue, they can the politely say, "Your safety and success are our first priority, I hope you will change your mind." Kudo's to those gym owners that don't take the easy way out.

 

[oncecoolcoachnowmom]

I think a great compromise is to have posted/email reveals and then have a gym orientation/team party a day or two later. One still may not know all athletes on the team so the party gives everyone a chance to see and get to know each other (coaches and athletes a like). Also gives parents a chance to meet everyone. Just a thought

This is what I do with my high school squad.

We do emails. In the email, you get the time and date for our first meeting, which is mandatory for kids and parents. After that meeting, the kids usually go out to a hibachi place to celebrate.

 

[SL&AM]

I will be so bold to say this is a owner/coach way of avoiding confrontation. A disappointed kid and parent are going to leave immediately and the coaches and owners are left with those that are elated. In a couple of days, the disappointment and anger will subside for most, many kids/parents will accept the placement and some will leave. The coaches and owners can then return the calls of those they want to talk to, as well as, ignore the ones they could care less about. I admire those gyms that make the individual calls, it tells me they care about the kids and their business enough to make it personal. Just a coach saying, "I'm so sorry you're disappointed but, I really want and need you on this team" goes a long way with a child and a parent. If they choose to argue, they can the politely say, "Your safety and success are our first priority, I hope you will change your mind." Kudo's to those gym owners that don't take the easy way out.

I admire this too, especially like @BlueCat & Co. who have probably 400+ athletes to get in touch with.

 

[Just-a-Mom]

I admire this too, especially like @BlueCat & Co. who have probably 400+ athletes to get in touch with.

I think it's actually more than double that, but I could be wrong. Pretty sure I saw somewhere that they have 800-1000 athletes in their program. (but maybe I imagined that)

 

[TealShades]

I think it's actually more than double that, but I could be wrong. Pretty sure I saw somewhere that they have 800-1000 athletes in their program. (but maybe I imagined that)

Yes I think it was those numbers, but 400 is still a lot lol to me. I think the coaches give those calls?

 

[SL&AM]

I think it's actually more than double that, but I could be wrong. Pretty sure I saw somewhere that they have 800-1000 athletes in their program. (but maybe I imagined that)

I knew it was a lot, but wasn't sure exactly how many. That just doubles my admiration! If we lived in the area, CA is definitely the type of program I'd want to bring CP to.

 

[SL&AM]

Well, we found out tonight that the gym isn't fielding a Mini's team at all this season which immediately placed her on Tiny's. She managed to leave the gym with only a few fallen tears, but cried herself to sleep in the car on the way home. At this point, she's supposed to start practice this week and I've put the ball in her court---I'm not sure she's going to be cheering this year. :(

 

[FaithOverFear!]

Well, we found out tonight that the gym isn't fielding a Mini's team at all this season which immediately placed her on Tiny's. She managed to leave the gym with only a few fallen tears, but cried herself to sleep in the car on the way home. At this point, she's supposed to start practice this week and I've put the ball in her court---I'm not sure she's going to be cheering this year. :(

Aww! Best wishes for you and your CP, it really sucks to not get placed where you want to be, no matter your age.

 

[catlady]

@SL&AM I'm so sorry. :(

 

[Senior5Allie]

@SL&AM awww I'm so sorry she's upset and I hope whatever decision she makes is one that makes her happy. I can understand her disappointment.