I was talking to a friend this morning, she is not a CB'er but has had kids in the US system. She told me of a serial gym hopping family in a Western State (that is as specific as I will get) that had taken their 8 year old through 8 gyms in three years. Leaving mostly because gyms were not progressing their child the way they thought she should be progressed. The Dad it seems is the lead instigator in the moves and he is sure his kid is the next big thing.
Somehow they have even gone back to one gym twice. Not sure how that works?
SO here are my questions.
Coaches - As a coach/owner how much gym hopping is too much, expecially when we are not talking about moves due to work? How long do you think it takes a child to adjust to a new gym and new coaching styles? What do you say to a parent who thinks their child is the next Nastia, but clearly isn't?
Parents. Have you gym hopped? If so how many times and why? Have you ever been told that your child needs to repeat and then left? If you have gym hopped, do you believe it was beneficial to your child and their advancement in the sport?
To all. DO gym hoppers get talked about in the back rooms, either in the viewing area or in the coaches room? Is this talked about at meets? Do clubs all know who the hoppers are in their region? DO you watch out for them?
Lastly, and most importantly, what do you think the effect on the child will be?
THis is just a topic open for discussion, I was totally floored this morning and want to know if this hopping is normal, it just doesn't happen here and I cannot imagine that any child can adapt to so many changes without huge mental issues.
Somehow they have even gone back to one gym twice. Not sure how that works?
SO here are my questions.
Coaches - As a coach/owner how much gym hopping is too much, expecially when we are not talking about moves due to work? How long do you think it takes a child to adjust to a new gym and new coaching styles? What do you say to a parent who thinks their child is the next Nastia, but clearly isn't?
Parents. Have you gym hopped? If so how many times and why? Have you ever been told that your child needs to repeat and then left? If you have gym hopped, do you believe it was beneficial to your child and their advancement in the sport?
To all. DO gym hoppers get talked about in the back rooms, either in the viewing area or in the coaches room? Is this talked about at meets? Do clubs all know who the hoppers are in their region? DO you watch out for them?
Lastly, and most importantly, what do you think the effect on the child will be?
THis is just a topic open for discussion, I was totally floored this morning and want to know if this hopping is normal, it just doesn't happen here and I cannot imagine that any child can adapt to so many changes without huge mental issues.