This unfortunately is not limited to just college gym. I sat through a team meeting (team and parents) not that long ago. Parents knew there were some major problems with this particular team - kids literally pushing their way to the front of the line, nasty mean comments, friendships divided, girls who could not stand each other. There were parents who had very very thinly veiled relief to see someone else's kid fall off the beam, because they were so desperate for their kid to do better than others. This was not a top team in the state, not even close.
Sat in a parent meeting listening to the coaches says these girls were TOO friendly and all got along too well, and that they should tell each other to work harder not give hugs. That they were too supportive of each others' mediocrity. Sat there in silence thinking these are two of the most clueless "donkeys" I have ever had to deal with when it comes to motivativating kids and getting the best out of each of them. They had zero clue what was going on and what the real problems were among these kids. Of course this gym was not one of those asking for parent feedback in surveys.
Their favorite game was to pick one bad cop and one good cop for any meetings/conferences with parents and kids, one tells the kid how awful they are doing and how they want to move them to xcel etc etc. The other is nice and says what a great kid they are and that they think they have potential. It became a running joke among both parents and kids. Toxic environment with no checks and balances. Gymnastics can be a pretty insulated environment with lots of power in the hands of the coaches. Some amazing programs out there. Some not so much.
