Big or small isn't the most important question. Small gyms can be run by screaming coaches as likely as big gyms. It's the philosophy of the gym, rather than size, that will determine fit.
Here are things I'd look at if selecting a gym:
High on the list should be, what fits the personality of your child? There are huggy gyms, with coaches who influence by handing out hugs and platitudes. There are professional gyms, with business-like coaches who focus on technique. There are screamer gyms, run by tyrants who intimidate the athletes into shape. There are hands-on gyms that do a lot of spotting, and others that provide the means for the child to learn without a lot of hands-on spotting. And there's everything in between. Any can be effective if it's a good match for your child.
Look at the track record. Have they historically developed the type of gymnast and young woman you hope your daughter will become? What they've done in the past is as good an indicator as you'll have on how they might do in the future.
Reputation. How are they thought of throughout the state? How long have they been around? Do kids stay there for many years or leave after a few? How many stay through HS graduation?
Experience counts for a lot. I don't want inexperienced coaches learning via my child. It's not fair to her. If they don't teach things properly, your child will pay a heavy price though limited accomplishment, and through a painful process of re-learning proper technique if she ever moves to another gym.
Gymnastics is a sport that builds off of strong fundamentals. If good technique is not learned at the early levels, the child will find it difficult or impossible to learn higher level skills properly. It's always sad to see a promising child whose accomplishments were limited by ineffective coaching.
 |
 |
 |
|
Quote:
|
|
the coaches are maybe not too experienced
|
We all want to believe that our coaches are as capable as any. But the simple truth is that some are better than others. And the gap can be wide, and can be seen through the performances of the children. The kids don't learn what they learn by accident. Where have the coaches studied? Do they continue their education through yearly seminars and conferences? Are they able to teach and spot the high-level skills? Do they know the progressions that lead from the early skills to the advanced ones?
Find role models for your child within the sport--local girls who developed into fine young women and gymnasts. Whoever trained them is worth a look.