ANNE JOSEPHSON:
… Here’s the thing: Marriages break up. Siblings stop speaking. Life long friendships end. So we should hardly be surprised that family-gym relationships go south.
And while I do think that chronic gym hopping is a bad thing for an athlete’s development (and probably indicates something going on within the family), there are times when a family needs to think seriously about moving to a new club. …
So, how do you know if it’s time to move on? Here are eight things to consider:
1. Logistical Reasons
2. Financial Reasons
3. Safety Reasons
4. Inappropriate Behavior of Coaches
5. Major Disagreement with a Core Philosophy of Program
6. Need for a Different Type of Gym Program
7. Loss of Faith in Club or Coaches
8. Need for a Fresh StartSHOULD WE SWITCH GYMS? 8 WAYS OF KNOWING WHEN IT IS TIME TO MOVE ON
I most often advise parents and gymnasts against switching clubs. It doesn’t work, more often than not. Kids most often club hop right out of the sport.
There are a few exceptions including:
• If a child’s coach moves, the gymnast should consider moving with them.
• On graduating High School, consider moving to a College coach.
• If attempting to make National Team, consider moving to a program with other National Team members.
Gaby Douglas was a success story. She left her gym of 6 1/2 years for not all the right reasons. But Chow’s progress with her was extraordinary.
Let’s wait and see if her most recent club hop works.
