Anonymous Cheer Mom: Treating Our Athletes Right

Disclaimer: This is an anonymous submission from a cheer mom and reflects her personal opinions and experiences.

As a cheer mom, I know I’m not alone when I say: I HATE cheer tryouts! And no, it’s not just the stress or the nerves that come with watching our kids put their hearts on the mat. It’s everything else that makes each cheer season a nightmare for so many of us parents.

I HATE overlapping schedules. Trying to balance multiple tryouts, practices, and showcases is like playing a game of Tetris with our lives. The lack of coordination between gyms means our kids are often running from one tryout to the next with barely a moment to breathe.

I HATE not getting feedback. After all the effort, time, and money we pour into this sport, is it too much to ask for some constructive criticism? We want to know how our kids can improve, what they did well, and where they stand. It feels like we’re left in the dark, and our athletes are the ones who suffer.

But what I truly despise the most is the stigma around trying out at multiple gyms. Why is it frowned upon? Why are our kids made to feel like they’re betraying their gym if they explore their options? At the end of the day, cheerleading gyms need to remember that our athletes are not their property. They are customers. Our kids should be encouraged to find the best fit for them, not guilted into loyalty.

Adding to the mess are the tacky tactics some coaches and gym owners employ, offering incentives and rebates to lure athletes away from their current gyms. It’s distasteful and unethical, messaging other gyms’ kids and dangling perks in front of them. This kind of behavior only fuels the toxic competition between gyms and leaves our children caught in the crossfire. It’s time for these practices to stop and for gym owners to focus on building their programs through integrity and quality, not underhanded deals.

I HATE not knowing what the owners and coaches are thinking for callbacks, especially when the levels are unknown or different than what we anticipated. The lack of transparency is frustrating and unfair to our kids who work tirelessly to make the team.

Moreover, there’s a desperate need for an off-season. Can you imagine the amount of stress our children go through, running from a year-end event just a couple of weeks ago to tryouts this week? They need a break to rest, recover, and simply be kids. An off-season would not only benefit their physical health but also their mental well-being. The relentless grind is unsustainable and unfair to these young athletes.

Despite all these frustrations, let me be clear: I LOVE my cheerleader. I love seeing her do what she loves, the sparkle in her eye when she hits a perfect stunt, and the sense of accomplishment she feels after nailing a routine. I love the friends we make along the way, the community we build, and the incredible experiences that come with being part of the cheer family.

It’s time for cheer gyms to step up and treat our athletes with the respect they deserve. They are not just performers; they are young individuals with dreams, talents, and the right to choose what’s best for them. Let’s foster an environment where they are encouraged to explore their potential and find the best fit without fear of judgment or backlash.

Parents, I know you feel me. Let’s advocate for our kids and remind the cheer world that our athletes are more than just members of a gym—they are cherished customers deserving of respect, transparency, and an environment that nurtures their growth, both on and off the mat.

– Anonymous Cheer Mom

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