I know this one will be a little different, but I think it still probably needs to be said.  Be researched.  What I mean is do your research.  This one hits on a few different levels.  

First, new gyms.  Please do you research before moving to another gym… the grass is not always greener.  I can’t tell you how many stories I hear about people who have moved gyms and then want to come back.  Now realize I am not saying don’t move, I am saying do your research.  Ask around, ask on many, many different social media sites or facebooks groups, and read the reviews.  (Small note here… leaving a gym can be hard. I had a friend that related leaving a gym to a divorce.  After thinking about it, it really is.  Especially if your kid has been there for a long time.) 

Sidenote here… don’t tryout for 2 different gyms to see which will give you better placement.  It’s just going to cause more animosity throughout the season with both gyms and can lead to more stress for your athlete (and potential bullying) 

Second, tryout season. Read the paperwork.  Don’t just quickly sign a contract without knowing what is in it, because you are in line on tryout day.  Read the details.  Find out what the rules are.  This goes from everything to what happens if your kid is sick on competition day to if you get kicked out of the gym, do you still have to pay for the rest of the season?  This is extremely important.  Also, seriously, find out what the rules are if you get behind in payments.  Covid has taught us a lot about what can happen in an instant.