What information do you get about your child's progress in gymnastics?

[TheFowlAndThePussycat]

Both my daughters do recreational gymnastics at a very established club, that trains internationally competitive gymnasts. The eldest (6yo) also does a development class. They love it, they seem with my untrained eye to be progressing, it gives them bags of confidence, so far so good.

But the organisation of the place drives me nuts! Particularly the fact that they do not communicate with parents at all - I have no idea what progress they think the DDs are making, no idea what skills they are aiming at, or what might move them on a level. The first coach of the development group used to give general comments about the whole group, like 'the girls were a bit chatty today' or 'good work everyone' but she went on maternity leave and the new one has literally not said a single word to me - or any of the other parents for 6 months! If you try to ask a question you get monosyllabic answers, if you try to start a conversation you get the distinct impression that you are being marked down as a pushy trouble maker.

I could go on, but it will get ranty! This isn't right though is it? Surely the club should talk to us occasionally? There are some parents who seem to be in the know, but their kids are in the competitive teams. Perhaps there is some sort of initiation ceremony for parents when the kids get picked !

I'd be grateful to hear what happens at other clubs to have something to compare.

[lade]

My DDs do competitive gymnastics and DD1 is stepping into the world of competitive dancing too. This is just from my experience:

I think most gym / dance schools are like this. At my DDs gym club, the main feedback we get is through passing their badges / grades. The club sends out postcards if the children do really well at something, and the coach will speak to you if there is a concern. However, catching a coach at the end of a session is usually not great because they're so busy. However, at my club, if you have questions, we email the coach and she will happily give us an update / feedback if asked. However, IME we work on the principle that they're doing fine, and if not, you'll hear about it! If the coaches have a problem, they will catch you and speak to you about it. The same is true of my daughter's ballet too. Apart from exams, I don't really know how she is getting on. Now that she is having private lessons, I am getting a bit more feedback, but really if I need to know information, then I have to email and ask. Again, I find working on the principle of no news is good news works fine.

As for how it all works, yeah, I'd say it is so complex, and BG are always changing the rules, so most parents find out how it all works by asking the other parents. My eldest DD is 10 now, so I often get other parents asking me how the grades work etc. Your best bet is to find a parent and ask. These things are long and complicated, and often can't just be explained in the 30 seconds the coach has got at the start /end of a session.

Hth

[TheFowlAndThePussycat]

Thanks lade, it does help, at least I feel there isn't something I'm missing. I still think that even just a quick chat or note once a term or something would just let us see the direction of travel.

It seems like I should try to chat to some of the team members mums, see if they can explain it to me.

Thanks again.

[monopoly123]

We get very little communication, parents are discouraged from watching (as it distracts them), but I go with the no news is good news approach.
I asked the coach recently about when they were getting their badges (we'd been given slips of what badge they'd got & had to pay but no sign of the Certs/badges yet) & I got some feedback on the girls progress.
My eldest has done a couple of Rec comps and the coach spoke to us about how she'd done, but I think that's about all the direct feedback we've had.
So from what you're saying it sounds pretty normal.

[lljkk]

Ours are given opportunities twice a yr (roughly) to aim for certain badges. We don't pay attention because DD just does it for fun.

[NoComet]

No idea, Club web site doesn't even have a email address.

I pay the money and DD2 seems to really enjoy it.

Evidence of progress, the odd badge and evermore frightening somersaults on the trampoline and in the garden.

[TheFowlAndThePussycat]

Ok, well clearly it's the norm! I just thought if I was paying for swimming lessons, or music lessons or teaching in some other skill, I would expect to get feedback on their progress in those things.

I shall work on the 'no news is good news' principle.