I subscribe to Tom Burgdorf’s Parenting An Athlete Newsletter. Good advice, delivered by email.
You can sign up to get Tom’s Parenting Newsletter from the GymNetSport.com Gymnastics Business Newsletter page. It’s free.
Tom feels the price levied to compete is getting too high. I agree.
How does cost in your region compare with Tom’s hypothetical USA gym club?
The $5650 Commitment
12 months of team gymnastics, Level 5 gymnast – $180 a month = $2160.
Leotard and warm ups = $100.
4 Local meets a year = $250 in total family expenses.
2 travel meets within the state with overnight accommodations needed = $600 for a family.
1 big meet trip with air fare = $1000 with 1 parent going.
Gas to the gym for a year = $500.
Team goes to a summer camp together = $800
6 private lessons during the year = $240
Total commitment = $5650
… My question is, can we have team and cut back anywhere above and still offer a terrific team program? Sometimes I feel like we add and add and add to the team commitment with hours and costs without keeping an eye on our community and the expenses for a family. We will lose some very nice kids because of the costs if we are not careful.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 