Any parents of competitive cheerleaders?

[missypie]

A a family new to the team, I would definitely stay at the same hotel. Not staying could be interpreted as saying "We're better than the rest of you." A friend's sons spent years playing on traveling baseball teams. The family spent many weekends at cheap hotels. But the hotels were chosen due to budget constraints of some of the team members. It would have created a class system in the team if some had "upgraded."

 

[Minnie824]

Thanks for all the opinions and information provided. I have talked to the organization and they said we could stay somewhere else, but it is strongly encouraged to stay at their hotel, which leads me to believe this would cause them losing their discount if too many people are not there. I personally, am not a 'group' person. I don't like vacationing with others, and hanging out with everyone every minute of the day. Plus my DD is only 6, so its not like she will be out and about with her friends..she'll be with me. One previous poster mentioned it would be impossible to get to practices, etc...I am a VERY organized person, so it wouldn't matter if we were 30 miles away, I'd have DD there on time. I know not everyone is like that which is why they have the rules but it really annoys me to be forced to stay somewhere we're paying for, especially when it appears to not be a nice hotel (or maybe just not up to my standards. haha). I haven't decided what to do yet...its aways away, but again, I do appreciate all the info. It helps me make the decision, and apparently if DD sticks with this, I'm going to have to just suck it up and get used to it.

 

[Jennasis]

Thanks for all the opinions and information provided. I have talked to the organization and they said we could stay somewhere else, but it is strongly encouraged to stay at their hotel, which leads me to believe this would cause them losing their discount if too many people are not there. I personally, am not a 'group' person. I don't like vacationing with others, and hanging out with everyone every minute of the day. Plus my DD is only 6, so its not like she will be out and about with her friends..she'll be with me. One previous poster mentioned it would be impossible to get to practices, etc...I am a VERY organized person, so it wouldn't matter if we were 30 miles away, I'd have DD there on time. I know not everyone is like that which is why they have the rules but it really annoys me to be forced to stay somewhere we're paying for, especially when it appears to not be a nice hotel (or maybe just not up to my standards. haha). I haven't decided what to do yet...its aways away, but again, I do appreciate all the info. It helps me make the decision, and apparently if DD sticks with this, I'm going to have to just suck it up and get used to it.

Looks like you have your answer. Staying elsewhere allowed but they'd prefer you with the group.

I would tread very carefully as far as the reasoning you give (if you give one) for why you are staying elsewhere. "not being a group vacationer" (keep in mind, these competitions AIN'T a vacation in any sense of the word!) or "the hotel isn't up to my standards" may very well have you coming off as elitist and cause the other members/families to think not so highly of you.

 

[goofy!]

Thanks for all the opinions and information provided. I have talked to the organization and they said we could stay somewhere else, but it is strongly encouraged to stay at their hotel, which leads me to believe this would cause them losing their discount if too many people are not there. I personally, am not a 'group' person. I don't like vacationing with others, and hanging out with everyone every minute of the day. Plus my DD is only 6, so its not like she will be out and about with her friends..she'll be with me. One previous poster mentioned it would be impossible to get to practices, etc...I am a VERY organized person, so it wouldn't matter if we were 30 miles away, I'd have DD there on time. I know not everyone is like that which is why they have the rules but it really annoys me to be forced to stay somewhere we're paying for, especially when it appears to not be a nice hotel (or maybe just not up to my standards. haha). I haven't decided what to do yet...its aways away, but again, I do appreciate all the info. It helps me make the decision, and apparently if DD sticks with this, I'm going to have to just suck it up and get used to it.

As Jennasis said, you have your answer. You have the option to stay elsewhere if you really want to.

However, if your gym recommends that you stay with them, I would consider it, at least for your first nationals. As mentioned, it is no where near a vacation

It is usually a frenzied and very often an overwhelming weekend, especially for the new families. And even if you are the most organized person, your gym or the cheer company may not be. Most of the time, the competitions and practices run like clockwork. But there have been occasions when things change. You may leave to go to your hotel thinking your child is cheering at 11:23 (yes, they go by the minute), but it might have changed while you traveled to your hotel. Your coaches might want to call an extra practice over and above what is already scheduled. It can be a bit crazy for new families.

For your first competition, it might be a good idea to be close to coaches and other parents in case you have questions and until you have your competition feet under you.

Then for the next one, you can decide whether staying with the team is worth it or not.

 

[mjkacmom]

Not gymnastics, but dd8 does irish dance. For the annual regional competition, they are encouraged to stay in a particular venue. For nationals this year, if you do not stay in a certain hotel (Swan/Dolphin - heads up to anyone staying here 4th of July weekend - thousands of wig wearing kids), you have to pay a fee ($75 a night?).