Parenting a Gymnast: A guide for parents to support the dreams and realities of their young athletes “A million and one national anthems”

By Julie Fabsik-Swarts, MS, CFRE, CAP, CEAP

Parenting a Gymnast--a guide for parents to support the dreams and realities of their young athletes.

Gymnastics is a wonderful sport, but most parents don't know where to begin. More importantly, they don't know how to keep their children safe and to help them progress in the sport. Parenting a Gymnast is a book for parents that will answer all their questions and help them make intelligent, informed decisions. It is a must read for aspiring gymnasts and their parents.

The proof is in the pudding...gymnastics was revolutionized at the 1972 Munich Olympics by an unknown gymnast. Who knows what the future holds? Reading this book is a great start. (Olga Korbut, four-time Olympic gold medalist)

Parenting a Gymnast is a great overview of the sport of gymnastics. As a child, I fell in love with the movement of gymnastics and the fun of doing cartwheels and somersaults long before I ever thought about competition. When I did show an aptitude for the sport, it was a whirlwind of fast learning for my mom. This book breaks down the basics and provides a realistic guideline for newcomers. (Missy Marlowe, 1988 US Olympian, five-time NCAA champion)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9798890611918

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Foreword

Acknowledgment

Summary of Chapters

Note from the Author

Introduction

Getting Started

Chapter 1: Gymnastics: The Basis of All Sports

Chapter 2: Parental Commitment to the Sport of Gymnastics

Chapter 3: Choosing a Gym: A Big Decision

Key Issues for Your Gymnast in the Sport

Chapter 4: Safety and Your Child

Chapter 5: What Is the Structure of USA Gymnastics?

Chapter 6: Artistic Gymnastics and Its Structure under USA Gymnastics

Chapter 7: Artistic Gymnastics and the Optional/Advanced Level of Gymnastics

Chapter 8: Traveling with Your Gymnast

Chapter 9: New Programs: What Other Gymnastics Programs Are There?

Chapter 10: Historic Programs

Chapter 11: Gymnastics Summer Camps

Chapter 12: Booster Clubs

Chapter 13: What Else Is There to Purchase for a Gymnast?

Moving into the Upper Levels of Gymnastics

Chapter 14: Elite Gymnastics in the United States

Chapter 15: Identifying Talent in the United States

Chapter 16: International Gymnastics

Chapter 17: Additional Support Staff That a Gymnast Might Need

Chapter 18: Gymnastics Officials

Chapter 19: College Gymnastics and Your Child

Besides Olympic Gymnastics

Chapter 20: Besides the Olympics

Chapter 21: Lateral Sports

Conclusion

Appendix A: Questions to Ask When Finding a Gym

Questions to Ask When Finding a Gym

Appendix B: Questions to Ask About Coaching Qualifications

Questions to Ask About Coaching Qualifications

Appendix C: Questions to Ask on a Gym Club Reference

Questions to Ask on a Gym Club Reference

Appendix D: What a Child Should Wear to Gymnastics Class

What a Child Should Wear to Gymnastics Class

About the Author

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Parenting a Gymnast

A guide for parents to support the dreams and realities of their young athletes A million and one national anthems

Julie Fabsik-Swarts, MS, CFRE, CAP, CEAP

Copyright © 2024 Julie Fabsik-Swarts, MS, CFRE, CAP, CEAP

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2024

ISBN 979-8-89061-190-1 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89061-191-8 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

To the many gymnasts with whom I have been blessed to be involved. These athletes have kept me passionate about the pursuit of excellence and reinforce the belief that, when nurtured, youth can do amazing things.

Foreword

Julie, thank you for asking me to participate in your gymnastics journey, and I appreciate your dedication to the sport of gymnastics and your vision in writing Parenting a Gymnast.

After reading, I can say that each chapter has very important points. Gymnastics is the hardest sport in the world. Each chapter has valuable information and is, overall, very educational for both the parents and athletes.

A gymnast learning the sport needs the support of family, friends, and coaches. From diet to exercise, gymnastics is demanding but, with the proper guidance, can be very rewarding and can lead to a worldwide journey.

Please read each chapter, as this is a great guide on how to get started and involved in a wonderful sport and how to enjoy it, not just for you, but also for the gymnast. It's a wonderful ride.

The proof is in the pudding. Gymnastics was revolutionized at the 1972 Munich Olympics by an unknown gymnast. Who knows what the future holds? Reading this book is a great start.

Olga Korbut

1972 and 1976 Olympic gold medalist

Acknowledgment

I would like to thank many individuals for making this book possible. First and always, thanks to the love of my life, my husband, Mike Swarts. He has been a true friend and supporter through this entire process and throughout our lives together.

Second, I must thank my BFF, Susan Adamczyk. As a fellow gymnastics judge and editor, her comments, corrections, and insights into this publication have been invaluable.

I pay tribute to my parents, Heather, Herb, Larry, and Marilyn, and to my grandparents, Laura and Albert, who drove me to endless practices and competitions, sat through boring compulsory meets, survived my injuries, and were avid supporters through my athletic career.

I would also like to thank many of the former staff of USA Gymnastics and those who added material to this book. I especially want to credit Lynn Moskovitz, Loree Galimore, Lisa Mendel, and Kim Riley. Their input and knowledge have made this book possible.

I would like to mention the input from Tom Kovic of Victory Consulting, Mike Jacki, Lynne Dean, and Dan Bachman of NGJA. I appreciate their input and their contribution.

Thank you to all the gymnastics professionals with whom I have had the privilege to be involved throughout the years. From my coaches, Linda and Norbert Chencinski; to the judges and coaches who have spent much of their lives educating and supporting other professionals with little acknowledgement or riches, I am grateful to them all. They are the backbone of gymnastics in the United States, and the sport would not be what it is without them.

Summary of Chapters

Part 1: Getting Started

So your child wants to be a gymnast? Fasten your seatbelts; we are taking off!

Chapter 1: Gymnastics: The Basis of All Sport and Types of Gymnastics

From the ancient Greeks to the modern-day practice of this popular sport, gymnastics has been the foundation from which all sports arise. This chapter discusses the history of the sport, the rise of substantial historic organizations, and, during the last several decades, the explosion of the sport around the world.

The public is used to seeing the sport of artistic gymnastics. This is comprised of events for women and men where each athlete performs on the various apparatus. In addition to artistic gymnastics, there are a number of other disciplines that will be explained.

Chapter 2: Parental Commitment to the Sport of Gymnastics

What are the expectations and roles of parents as their young ones rise in the gymnastics ranks? From chauffeuring to finances, this chapter will give you key information about types of commitments your family might expect to make.

Chapter 3: Choosing a Gym: A Big Decision

One of the biggest decisions a parent and athlete will make is the selection of a gymnastics club for training. Understanding your options, knowing the right questions to ask, and becoming acquainted with what you should look for as you choose a gym are the main issues covered in this chapter.

Part 2: Key Issues for Your Gymnast in the Sport

You and your athlete should both gain an understanding of the structure of gymnastics in the United States, competition information, and program choices that are available. You'll learn about summer camp options, as well as the role of booster clubs and what might be expected of parent members.

Chapter 4: Safety and Your Child

Today, parents must be vigilant in protecting their children throughout their lives from a number of outside threats and influences. What are the major concerns of parents of gymnasts, and what steps can you take to support and protect your child? Everyone involved wants childhood gymnastics experiences to be as fun, exciting, and enjoyable as possible.

Chapter 5: What Is the Structure of USA Gymnastics?

The history of USA Gymnastics and the variety of disciplines within the sport are outlined in this chapter. Parents and athletes will learn the different aspects of the sport and the way USA Gymnastics oversees each one of them.

You'll learn more about how USA Gymnastics started and developed into the organization seen today. The variety of disciplines within the sport is explored further in this chapter. Parents and athletes will learn the diverse aspects of the sport and get a clearer picture about USA Gymnastics, how it oversees each one of them, and the impact on the sport.

Chapter 6: Artistic Gymnastics and Its Structure under USA Gymnastics

Overwhelmingly, women's and men's artistic gymnastics are the strength of the Olympic program. How do young gymnasts become competitive, and what are the first steps they take in becoming competitive gymnasts? This chapter also clarifies the role and purpose of compulsory routines that are now being used in multiple countries.

Chapter 7: Artistic Gymnastics and the Optional/Advanced Level of Gymnastics

What are the more advanced competitive steps that a gymnast will take in a rise to the national and international level? What is the Optional Program? An overview of the Talent Identification Programs for girls and boys under USA Gymnastics is included.

Chapter 8: Traveling with Your Gymnast

There are numerous logistic, financial, and safety issues associated with traveling. When a gymnastics club decides to participate in a competition out of town, it is crucial that parents be involved and ask the right questions. When preparation and planning are done well, the experience will be a positive one about which your children will tell their friends and relatives for years to come.

Chapter 9: New Programs: What Other Gymnastics Programs Are There?

While USA Gymnastics is the designated national governing body for gymnastics in the United States, there are other programs outside the USA Gymnastics structure. This chapter provides a look at various new and larger programs throughout the country and explains in detail about how they differ from the USA Gymnastics program. Parents in a club which utilizes one of these other structures will better understand the differences they will encounter.

Chapter 10: Historic Programs

USA Gymnastics did not become the national governing body for gymnastics until 1978. Leading up to this time, there were other programs that helped to develop gymnastics in the United States. This chapter provides a look at various historic programs. Readers will learn more about the development of gymnastics.

Chapter 11: Gymnastics Summer Camps

When summer rolls around, gymnasts have the option of participating in one of the wonderful gymnastics camps located around the United States. This chapter outlines the pros and cons of this participation and what financial commitments a parent can expect.

Chapter 12: Booster Clubs

What is a gymnastics booster club? Does your gymnastics club have one? What are some common pitfalls that can happen in these booster clubs? What benefits can parents expect when they actively participate in these organizations?

Chapter 13: What Else Is There to Purchase for a Gymnast?

What are the extras that parents may want to purchase for their up-and-coming gymnasts? You'll discover some helpful ideas for birthday and holiday gift buying. Additionally, you'll find names, descriptions, and contact information for several national companies that offer these extras.

Part 3: Moving into the Upper Levels of Gymnastics

From education about elite level gymnastics and the NCAA gymnastics program to gymnastics around the world, you will learn answers to many questions that emerge as athletes and their families seek to compete against the top athletes in the sport.

Chapter 14: Elite Gymnastics in the United States

The pinnacle of gymnastics is competition on the elite level. National and Olympic team members are chosen from this level. What are the pros and cons of competing at this apex level in each of the disciplines overseen by USA Gymnastics?

Chapter 15: Identifying Talent in the United States

Through program evolution, USA Gymnastics has developed a series of programs that seek to identify the most talented athletes and put a support system into place for their development. You'll learn more about the key programs, how athletes qualify for this support, and how these programs have begun to develop the elite level athletes who become the national team.

Chapter 16: International Gymnastics

This chapter reviews some of the highest-achieving international gymnastics programs throughout the world. Additionally, the centralized training system in both the United States and the top countries are discussed.

Chapter 17: Additional Support Staff That a Gymnast Might Need

What other potential professionals may be involved in your gymnast's career? In some clubs, fees for these professionals are paid by the gymnastics club or booster club. In some cases, parents are expected to cover these costs. You will gain an understanding of the types of support these professionals can provide and the benefits for both coaches and parents, as well as the gymnasts.

Chapter 18: Gymnastics Officials

How does an individual become a gymnastics judge for both men's and women's artistic gymnastics? What are a few of the high points and challenges in this profession?

Chapter 19: College Gymnastics and Your Child

What are the differences between the Developmental Program, formerly known as the Junior Olympic Program, and collegiate programs? This chapter reviews the primary differences between them and what a parent and athlete can expect from a collegiate experience. Also, you'll learn key action steps to take that can potentially lead to having your gymnast recruited to compete at this upper level.

Part 4: Besides Olympic Gymnastics

The odds will tell you that most gymnasts will not make a national or an Olympic team. Regardless, participation in the sport of gymnastics is worth it. This section discusses other choices and benefits gymnastics offers to a young athlete.

Chapter 20: Besides the Olympics

What are the big-picture benefits gymnastics can offer your child, even if your child does not make an Olympic team? While the odds of competing in the Olympics are incredibly small, parents and athletes will reap many other physical and social advantages from the sport, and those advantages carry through into gymnasts' adult lives.

Chapter 21: Lateral Sports

While not every athlete will make an Olympic team, there are lateral sports that a foundation in gymnastics can catapult an athlete in a new sport up to a higher level. From diving to parkour, gymnastics—the basis of all sports—provides athletes the skills and basics to make significant progress in these other athletic endeavors.

Conclusion

The world of gymnastics can be an exciting and fulfilling adventure. This wrap-up summarizes many key aspects of the sport and what you, as a parent, of a gymnast can expect during the journey.

Note from the Author

This book was originally written in 2014. When I had a falling out with my first publisher, it never went to press. A blessing in disguise, the scandal that later rocked USA Gymnastics and the USOPC and the lawsuits and charges that developed over volunteer and former doctor Larry Nassar.

Since that time, the former doctor has been convicted and is serving multiple life sentences in prison. The CEO of USA Gymnastics, Steve Penny, and the infamous Bela and Marta Karoyi have left their employment and no longer seem to be involved in gymnastics. USA Gymnastics settled a multimillion-dollar lawsuit with the abuse survivors and is trying to move forward in a positive direction.

This book is not focused on this tragedy but instead celebrates the sport. I hope you can take the lessons of this tragedy and move forward with the positive joy it offers. Gymnastics is the basis of all sports, and every child should get the thrill of feeling the air around them on a trampoline or the satisfaction of accomplishing a skill.

With love and respect to the victims, I salute their journey and mourn their loss.

Julie

Introduction

The Gymnast

Julie Fabsik, Age Fourteen

I come home and the sky is dark.

There is homework to do, tests to study for.

There is no time for rest.

My school friends ask

Is it worth it?

Why do I do it?

I could not answer them, so I sat and thought.

Is it the glory?

No, there is very little glory in sport.

Is it the art of total perfection?

No, very few are perfect.

So why then I asked myself?

And then I came upon the answer—

I had been looking in the wrong direction.

It was not glory nor perfection,

It was a love.

A love for a sport that one cannot live without.

Yes a love,

As if for life itself.

In 1970, President Richard Nixon made a trip to China. While there, he attended a performance by Chinese acrobats that was aired on American television. I viewed the telecast at age six and saw the athletes tumbling. All I could think about was that I wanted to do back handsprings too! It was an epiphany in my young life.

Then came Olga Korbut, and my world would never be the same! I knew what I was meant to do in life. While I never had the talent to become a world-class gymnast, I knew the path I was to follow and my purpose on this planet. From that day forward, I became a sponge to do my best and absorb everything there is to know about the sport of gymnastics.

Multi-Olympic medalist and gymnastics icon, Olga Korbut with Julie at a gymnastics conference.

As a child, I thought the sun rose and set on Olga Korbut. In 1974, the Russians came to New York to do an exhibition on a cold December day. I begged my parents to buy tickets. They did, and I went to see the legend perform and prance around the arena.

When the event was over, I, together with hundreds of squealing girls, pushed our way to the edge of the arena in Madison Square Garden. Olga and her teammates proudly marched around the arena, waving the flowers they had been handed. Suddenly, Olga threw her flowers into the crowd of frantic girls. We grabbed for them as if they were being thrown by Paul McCartney and the Beatles.

For years, I held on to the two roses I managed to catch. They held special meaning for me.

While in graduate school, I went to a regional gymnastics training seminar in New Hampshire to get my continuing education credits for judging. At the event was the one and only Olga Korbut. I actually chatted with her and gave her a sweatshirt from my school. My life was complete.

As I walked away from meeting Olga, I thought back to that December day when I managed to catch two roses from the star and realized that we were now colleagues. Today, we chat on Facebook. Gymnastics has a way of fulfilling dreams and equalizing all, eventually.

In 1975, I began training at a USA Gymnastics club and was blessed that my coach, Linda Chencinski, was an international (Brevet) women's gymnastics judge. Her work inspired me even more when I saw her in the background of national and international competitions on Saturday afternoon television. Both she and her husband, Norbert, challenged, inspired, and drove me to be the person I am today.

I was also blessed with coaching by the style-setting Maria Bakos. Mrs. Bakos was my dance coach. A Hungarian immigrant who had trained in the communist system of gymnastics, Mrs. Bakos made a tremendous impact upon me both as an athlete and as a gymnastics professional today. I will never forget her saying, "Girls, you have to suffer, suffer, suffer, suffer, suffer. You must streeeetch your body," in her shrill Hungarian high-pitched tone as she clapped her hands and drove us to dancing perfection.

At the time, I did not realize what phenomenal coaching I was privileged to have. Linda has had a tremendous impact on artistic gymnastics in the United States, and Mrs. Bakos, although she is no longer