Offered a place on gym squad - what questions should I ask?

[DazzlePaintedBattlePants]

Daughter has been offered a place on her gymnastics club squad, subject to a 3 month trial period. I know nothing about gym or squad or anything, but have heard vague horror stories about the parents of squad members being toxic (not our club in particular, more gym parents in general), and obviously there has been the British Gymnastics scandal about how the gymnasts were treated.

Because of Covid, I have had minimal interaction with the coaches and you can’t view every session; there’s a rota for the viewing gallery and you get allocated a couple of slots each term where you can watch the classes. Coaches all seem lovely, there are safeguarding policies etc but what do you wish you knew before your child started more committed gym training? I am feeling quite ignorant - DD loves gymnastics, is good at it so I feel it’s time to educate myself a bit more. I don’t want to inadvertently sign her up for something that’s going to result in eating disorders and misery (over exaggerating but hopefully you know what I mean). Thanks!

It is worth looking up the Gymnasts Alliance (Becky and Ellie Downie have had a lot to do with this) for an idea of bad things so you can be alert for them.

Generally I'd say make sure she knows she can tell you if anyone makes her feel uncomfortable, or if she doesn't feel safe - if she is being pushed to do skills she isn't ready for particularly. Make sure she is never bodyshamed, or at least knows it isn't right to do that.

One of the problems which came out of the recent reports was that the gymnasts felt that so much had been invested into their training (financially, time by both them and their parents) that they couldn't complain or express discomfort.

It is an amazing sport with the right support and a good club!

There is a podcast on the subject here: shiftmovementscience.com/jenniferpinchesclaireheafford/

I am not sure whether I have listened to this one, but I have heard Jennifer Pinches interviewed on the subject a few times.

Thanks, those are great points - off to listen to the podcast now!

Try and find out what the hours increase to. My DD was offered pre squad of 2hrs a week at 4 which we were fine with. However we weren't aware that this would ramp up quickly to 4hrs a weeks, then 9hrs at age 7...... (she switched to a rec class at 5)

Make sure she's doing it because she enjoys it, not with any ideas or winning the Olympics etc, most talented girls won't be good enough to 'make it'.

There are squads at pretty much every gym. Very few of them have any likelihood of having any member competing internationally at any point. Many will want time commitments though, so be wary of that!

What does the club want to achieve? A club whose ambitions are to have some moderate success at regional competitions, gymnasts who stay in the sport, progress, have fun etc is great. One where they want internationally successful gymnasts will have an “up or out” culture of long hours & hard training.