Parents How to switch gym (L6)

[Kbomb]

Gym dad here and could really use some guidance. My daughter is a 12 year old in level 6 and is in a gym that is a bit toxic in terms of the ownership and coaching techniques/style. My daughter loves the sport and likes the gym but she is a big time people pleaser and I'm worried for her mental and physical wellbeing at this gym.

She was not competing as well at meets last season compared to level 5. She typically has had the highest scores at her gyms over the years. I was worried that the coach (younger person) wasn't able to help her reach her potential. I know that level transition is challenging.

I tried gently talking with my daughter about looking at other gyms at the end of last season (L6) but she was adamant about staying where she was at. She's very sociable and is really close with the other gymnasts. Mom (shared custody situation) was open with the change and also talked with her about interest in switching gyms but she had the same response. Daughter seemed happy and the lower scoring, although disappointing for her, wasn't overly bothersome because socially she was having a great time at the gym.

I put the topic to rest but this season, the coaching situation is the same and I'm more confident that it is holding her back. There has been some new drama among the gymnasts and it was handled poorly by the owner and the coach and that has interrupted the social benefits she was feeling at the gym. At a recent meet, the coach told the girls if they were unwilling to try a particular new skill on bars in practice she would require them to scratch bars at the meet as a consequence. This seems wrong but wasn't sure if this was considered acceptable practice?

Daughter continues to express interest in the sport and expresses interest in continuing into collegiate levels if possible. She is VERY committed to practices, never complains and works hard. She's very bright, talented and teachable. I'm feeling we are getting more towards the age where it's important to make a move now so she can continue to develop. Last week I again expressed how I felt that because she is very so hard working and talented and LOVES the sport that we look at exploring other gyms so she can get the best possible coaching. She seemed open to it.

The closest gym that appears to offer the benefits for developing collegiate gymnasts is about 45-60 min away so it would be a HUGE commitment for our family of 5.

My ultimate question is how do you transition to a new gym? Can you do trial practices typically? How do we determine if the gym is a good fit? I think if given the proper coaching she can really soar. At the end of the day all that ultimately matters is her mental and physical health. I would switch her to any activity to ensure that so I'm not married to a gymnastics dream unless it's her dream too.

 

[gym_dad32608]

Yes, most gyms will allow one or a week of trial practices. The typical disclaimer though that sometimes your current gym does not take too kindly to "trying out" another gym, so you have to read the environment on that and the best way to proceed. She is old enough that she should be able to start expressing what she likes or dislikes about training/practice. i.e. She likes a fun open environment, or she likes a business-type environment. Consider those things when potentially switching gyms because as you state, ultimately its about having the best environment for mental and physical health.

IF the college dream is real, then a couple of things to consider when looking at other gyms. Do the coaches (not the gym because coaches do move) have a track record of collegiate gymnasts? What is the current make-up of the optional team? Look at their L10s or look of the gym scores on mymeetscores. Obviously think about the family balance and if it fits for you. As far as convincing her, remember, you are the parent (but I appreciate the nuance of dealing with a 12yo lol). You can perhaps look up some college gymnasts that she likes and point out how they moved gyms throughout their DP career (of course not everyone has but plenty do). Good luck!