crying at Gymnastics

Anne Josephson:

Is pushing kids until they cry just a part of gymnastics?

Here is the answer: yes and no.

… there are times when kids cry for a host of reasons that are normal and acceptable, perhaps even good. Crying can release tension. It can cue us that what we are doing matters. It can let the adults around the child know that the child is in distress and may need comforting or further guidance.

So how is a parent to know when the tears are a warning sign versus when the tears are just a normal part of life? Here are some things to consider …

IS PUSHING KIDS UNTIL THEY CRY JUST A PART OF GYMNASTICS?

Sever’s Disease – growth related heel pain

… common symptoms of Sever’s Disease include:

Pain
Swelling
Redness
Tenderness especially towards the back of the heel
Tightness towards the back of the foot
Heel pain that begins after running or jumping
Pain that subsides with rest
Trouble walking, running, or jumping
Limping
Walking on toes to alleviate foot pain

Tawnya Housel – Understanding Sever’s Disease and Gymnastics

Responsible Coaching

Gymnastics Canada supports Coaching Association of Canada’s Responsible Coaching Movement:

Keeping Sport Fair, Fun, and Safe

Responsible coaching allows you to support your participants’ right to a safe, positive environment. Here are some ways to protect your athletes and yourself both on and off the field of play:

Engage in Safe Sport Training
Ensure your organization has taken the RCM Pledge.
Support your organization having key policies, like a Travel Policy and a Code of Conduct, and see that these are current and enforced.
Ensure that all coaches and volunteers are appropriately screened.
Encourage coaches and volunteers to take the Commit To Kids, Respect in Sport, and NCCP Make Ethical Decisions training.
Ask yourself, ‘What are some ways that I, as a coach, can support the Rule of Two?’

Verona van de Leur autobiography

Simply Verona: Breaking All the Rules

Published in hard cover March 19, 2020.

Verona was an excellent gymnast, named Dutch Sportswoman of the Year in 2002 after winning the all-around silver medal at that year’s European championships and the silver medal on floor exercise at the world championships.

After early retirement she had life threatening personal problems. Fell out with her family. Lived in a car with her boyfriend.

Eventually she had a conviction for blackmail and a prison sentence. She began performing in adult webcam shows and then in adult films.

Read a Guardian interview detailing her chaotic life story: