Coaches When a gymnast wants to change gym

[MarcoPauGym]

Was wondering what your best pratice is, when a talented kid is being taken away from your gym by her parents, thinking they would find a better program in another gym close by.

Would you set a private meet, between gym owner / director and family, with or without coach? Or maybe you would just let go?

In case you would go for the meet, how would you set the conversation with the family? Would you exploit the situation to "market" your gym and maybe try to hold them, or maybe just greet them and say they are welcome back any time if the girl doesn't like new coach / group or whatever reason?

What are your leanings?

Thanks for sharing!

 

[&bs]

For me it depends on if the other program is a better program for them. We will tell girls who want to pursue elite that they need to move gyms, and let them know what options are available to help inform their decision.
You need to be willing to look at the situation as an outsider and be objective about if the other program will help them be more successful and achieve their goals. It’s always nice to coach a talented kid but you shouldn’t put your own ambition above the best interest of the child. If the other program is stronger than yours or a better fit, wish them well on their journey and let them know that they are always welcome back if things don’t work out. If their program is at a similar level to yours, have a meeting if you like, ask if there is something you could do differently that would change their mind, if not then wish them well and again let them know they are always welcome back. If their program is weaker than yours, it depends on the parents. If they are lovely and just want the best for their child, let them know your concerns if you like. If they are just chasing results, they won’t listen anyway so I wouldn’t waste your breath.

 

[Coach Kate]

We actually helped facilitate some transitions! Our gym got rid of our DP program post COVID so if we had kids we thought would thrive in that program, we sat down with them, explained the differences, and helped them explore their options. We had some leave and then come back even a few years later because they decided they wanted to do Xcel and would rather come back with us for that. There were also good relationships with other local gyms that helped with this process.

 

[Gymgirl84]

I usually just let go of them. Also offer kind of an open door if they reconsider (if that's something you think is good for your gym).
Our gym attracts gymnast from a couple of clubs nearby and usually they have a hard time with it. We've also had some gymnast leave for a couple of gyms, some of them came back to us, other didn't.