Have to Be 16 to Be in the Olympics
This long-term view stems from philosophical and practical considerations.  High level international competition, including the Olympics, is available only to high level athletes over the age of 16.  When the average age of our gymnasts is between nine and ten, we must keep the long term perspective in view constantly, so that we and our program can retain gymnasts for that long a period.  Coaching negativism is the primary factor in burnout, followed by boring repetitiveness and apparent lack of progress.

“Man To Man”
 The most successful style of coaching is the one adopted for collegiate age male gymnasts.  Successful men’s collegiate coaches use feedback and are known as teachers.  They inform, educate, review, motivate and interact on a “man to man” level of  equal respect.  Attempted intimidation of a physical male adult would be uselessly counterproductive. 

Intimidation Only Works for So Long
The fact that it is possible to use intimidation on younger and female athletes does not speak for its ultimate or long range appropriateness, success or usefulness.   Other national programs, not withstanding, it is our experience and policy that such tactics are inappropriate and ultimately have a negative effect not only on the gymnast and their performance, but on the program.  Teenage gymnasts go through the same period of rebellion and challenge with their coaches that they commonly go through with their parents.  Without respectful treatment of the athletes’ inputs, motivations and feelings, a high percentage will exit the program needlessly.  Losing the talents of such athletes who may have trained for years hurts the team and the gym competitively and financially.

Train, Train, Train
 Training can involve first aid, CPR and emergency medical training, regional and national gymnastic clinic participation, ACEP (American Coaches Effectiveness Program) training and certification, safety learning and certification, USAG Coaches Level certification, meet director certification, in house staff training sessions and clinics.  It should be expected that every employee and staff member will be actively working to improve the level of their training, especially as a prerequisite to career ladder movement and pay increases.

Employee Cross Training and Adaptability
 Adaptability is a measure of productivity in an employee and cross training, task and goal oriented job assignments and frequent employee reassignment are factors in the success of a business in adapting to the current competitive climate.  In terms of the gym, staff members need to be trained and cognizant of all of the factors necessary for the success of the gym as a business.  This means that each and every employee should understand the correct procedures for inbound telemarketing (how to successfully take phone calls, recruit callers to sign up for free lessons, answer questions and schedule birthday parties). 

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