How to Build a Team That Actually Feels Like One

December is strange. You’re tired. Your staff is stretched. Your budget is gasping for air. Your athletes are either coasting or already counting down to break. You’re in between burnout and breakthrough. You’ve survived another season kick off—but have you grown through it? Most gym owners finish the fall by pushing through until break. They collapse. Unplug. Crash land into the holidays and promise themselves they’ll “figure things out in January.” ut what if the secret to transforming the year… starts with how you end this one? What if the most important meeting you have all year… is the one you schedule with yourself? Let’s Be Honest You probably: Didn’t hit every goal you set in January Said yes to too many things out of fear or obligation Carried more emotional weight than you care to admit Had moments you wondered if this whole thing was worth it And yet… You showed up. You kept going. You solved problems, built people, made magic, and held it all together. Before you look forward, you need to look back—not to criticize, but to learn . Here’s how. A 4-Part Framework for Reflecting Like a Real CEO Take 30 minutes. Grab your favorite drink. And go somewhere you won’t be interrupted. Write these out in a journal, on your iPad, or even record a voice note. Just make it real. 1. What Did I Build? Think beyond numbers. What did you actually build? New systems? A stronger culture? Leadership in your staff? More trust with parents or athletes? Ask: What am I proud of that wasn’t here 12 months ago? Even small wins matter. Especially the ones that only you know took everything to create. 2. What Broke (and What Did It Teach Me)? Don’t skip this part. Growth comes from honesty . What didn’t work? Where did you waste time, energy, or money? What did you overcomplicate? Where did your leadership fall short? Ask: What did I learn the hard way—and what will I never repeat? Breakdowns often lead to breakthroughs, if we’re willing to look them in the eye. 3. What (and Who) Helped Me Thrive? Burnout doesn’t just come from overworking. It comes from under-supporting. Who were your MVPs this year? What habits kept you sane? What partnerships, tools, or routines added value? Ask: What do I want to protect and expand in 2026? Because growth isn’t just about doing more . It’s about doubling down on what’s already working. 4. What Does the 2026 Version of Me Need? Finally, cast a vision—not just for your gym, but for you as a leader. What do you want your role to look like next year? What do you want less of? What do you want more of? What does future-you thank you for doing now ? Ask: If I lived 2026 with clarity, boundaries, and purpose… what would that change? Final Thought: Reflection Is a Business Strategy This isn’t fluff. Reflection is data . It’s vision. It’s fuel. Your competitors are planning programs. You’re planning transformation. And trust this: gym owners who reflect with honesty end up leading with confidence. Don’t wait for January. Build your next chapter now. Take the lessons. Celebrate the wins. Close the year with gratitude, clarity, and a little bit of fire. 2026 is waiting for a better version of your gym. But even more than that—it’s waiting for a stronger, clearer you . Key Moves to Make: Post With Purpose, Grow With Clarity Social media is your gym’s most powerful visibility tool Focus on showcasing people, serving value, and creating conversation Use a mix of videos, stories, spotlights, and community moments Don’t chase perfection — stay real, stay relevant Show who you are, and your audience will stick around Want to go deeper? Make a date with yourself. Or share this reflection process with your leadership team. You’ll be surprised how much clarity it brings—and how much vision it unlocks. Download this staff meeting exercise - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cojfH02VhmCRpi6zWrAyUzIVkGh1E30M7NW0_vqdVEM/edit?usp=sharing You’ve got this. Let’s close the year like the leaders we’re becoming.

In the cheer world, first impressions don’t just happen at the front desk — they happen on your feed. Before families tour your gym, they scroll your Instagram. Before athletes commit, they watch your Reels. And before parents enroll, they check to see if your online presence reflects the energy, excellence, and culture you’re promising. The best part? You don’t have to be a content machine or social media guru. You just need to be consistent, authentic, and intentional. Why Social Media Is Your Gym’s Digital Front Door Whether you’re recruiting, retaining, or just staying top-of-mind — your gym’s social presence matters. Here’s what it can do: Drive visibility: Parents always check social before reaching out. Build trust: A polished feed shows families you run a professional, well-managed program. Boost retention: Celebrating athletes online strengthens emotional connection. Attract talent: Coaches and athletes want to be part of programs that look the part. Grow community: Social media lets your gym’s culture extend beyond your walls. The 3 Core Pillars of Great Gym Content Showcase Your People Athletes. Coaches. Parents. These are your brand ambassadors. Feature them often and authentically. Educate & Inspire Share tips, motivation, and behind-the-scenes wisdom. Don’t just sell — serve. Invite Engagement Ask questions, run polls, and repost family content. Make your feed a conversation , not just a bulletin board. Content Ideas That Actually Work Plug these into your content calendar on repeat: Athlete of the Week Skill progressions (before/after) Coach introductions Birthday or milestone shoutouts Throwbacks from past seasons Parent testimonials Practice sneak peeks Motivational messages tied to your gym’s values Community events and outreach Game-day energy or comp prep highlights Pro Tip: If your athletes would share it, you’re on the right track. What Works Best (Without Burning Out) Consistency wins. You don’t need to post every day — just post regularly. Video is king. Reels and short-form clips perform better than static posts. Show faces. People connect with people, not logos or flyers. Engage back. Respond to comments, share tagged stories, and thank families for participating. Batch content. Save time by capturing multiple posts in one session What to Avoid on Your Feed All sales, no story. If it feels like a nonstop commercial, families tune out. Low-quality visuals. Grainy or unbranded posts damage credibility. Inconsistency. Long silences followed by random posts confuse your audience. Inauthentic trends. Stay relevant, but don’t copy what doesn’t reflect your gym. When You Post With Purpose, This Happens Athletes feel proud to share and repost Parents get a window into your culture — and build more trust Coaches feel seen and valued New families discover a gym that feels alive Your brand becomes magnetic — without spending a dime on ads The MotUS Lens At MotUS, we believe social media isn’t just marketing — it’s storytelling . Every post is a chance to show the heart of your gym: the people, the progress, the pride, and the purpose behind what you do. When done right, your feed doesn’t just grow your following — it grows your community. Key Moves to Make: Post With Purpose, Grow With Clarity Social media is your gym’s most powerful visibility tool Focus on showcasing people, serving value, and creating conversation Use a mix of videos, stories, spotlights, and community moments Don’t chase perfection — stay real, stay relevant Show who you are, and your audience will stick around Final Word  You don’t need trends, filters, or flashy edits to win on social media. What you need is consistency, authenticity, and connection. When your feed reflects your values, celebrates your people, and tells the real story of your gym — the right families, athletes, and coaches find their way to you. Because at the end of the day, social media doesn’t build brands — people do .

If you’ve ever left a convention center thinking “did I just walk 25 miles and emotionally age 10 years?”—same. In this week’s ModUS Edge, Stacy, Cole, Kevin, and Casey dig into the messy middle of navigating events: coaching highs and lows, talking with judges, handling parents, and keeping your staff culture intact when half the table is ordering celebratory cheesecake and the other half wants a rain check on life. Here’s your 3-minute, friendly, slightly caffeinated guide—peppered with real-world scripts you can steal. The Pressure Cooker Is Real (and Normal) Large events (CheerSport, NCA, CheerExpo Nashville, pick your monster) compress: Months of work → five minutes on the mat 10–15 hour days → 30,000–50,000 steps Pride + fatigue → spicy emotions Coaches come out either floating (“I am a genius!”) or spiraling (“Do I even know how to coach?”). Both are normal. Build a Day-After Protocol so the pendulum doesn’t decide your season. Day-After Protocol (steal this): Feel it (24-hour rule): Celebrate or sulk, but cap it. Frame it : “We trained well, we learned X, we’ll adjust Y.” Focus it : Three fixes for practice #1 back. Forward it : Team message by noon: “Proud of your effort. Here’s our plan.” Dad-joke breath: Which is faster, hot or cold? Hot—you can catch a cold. (…We’ll show ourselves out.) Expectations: Your Emotional Safety Net The difference between devastation and determination is often pre-framing . Newer programs: Define “win” as finals made , zero-deduct routines , or hitting a season-first skill on stage . Established programs: Confidence ≠ cockiness. If “champ or bust” is the only acceptable outcome, you’re one score slip away from a culture crisis. Huddle line you can use: “We play to win and to improve. If we hit our standard, we succeeded. If we also take home metal, that’s dessert.” Talking to Judges & Event Officials (Without Raising Your Blood Pressure) Judges want to get it right. They also don’t live inside your choreography brain. Before you walk up: Circle where they’re right on the sheet. (They usually are on something.) Pick one category to discuss (jumps, stunt difficulty, etc.). Bring a clip if allowed; keep it 2 minutes . Open with this: “Coach from [Gym], Level [X]. Thank you for your notes—especially on [specific]. Could you help me calibrate our [category] vs. the range you were seeing? Here’s a 15-sec clip.” Leave with this: “Got it—so if we [specific tweak], our target range becomes [X]. Appreciate your time.” No monologues. No sarcasm. No “my kids worked too hard” (everyone’s kids did). Parent Dynamics: From Squabbles to Support Squad Fatigue + money + travel = feelings. Set lanes before you load the bus. Pre-event parent note (edit and send): Priority Viewing = cheer zone, not debate stage. Scores & placements discussed by staff only . If emotions spike, text the team number “PAUSE” and we’ll regroup after awards. Your best job today: film smiles, pack snacks, high-five often. At the event: If tempers flare: “I hear you. We’ll review scores and the video and update by [time]. Right now we’ve got kids to coach.” When It Falls Apart in Warm-Up (and It Will Someday) An injury, a popped layout, a last-minute replacement—welcome to coaching. In-the-moment script: To the athlete: “You’re safe, we’ve got you. Breathe. To the team: “We adjust and execute. Count matters more than choreo.” To the score: “Clean > cute.” Strip to the reliable. Later, honor the athlete and the work. You’re building humans, not just routines. Dinner Table Diplomacy One end of the table is planning a victory lap; the other end is googling “new careers.” Seat by project , not placement. Pair a coach who’s flying high with one who needs perspective. Toast process wins (hit rate, upgraded stunt, best coverage) before placements. Feedback Is a Gift (Even When It Feels Like a Cactus) It stings because you care. Make “gift” your team’s reflex. Staff debrief template: 2 things the judges nailed 1 thing we disagree on (and why) 3 changes we’ll try by next practice Bonus tip: Record a 2-minute Loom (or phone video) summary for parents: what the sheet said, what we’re changing, how they can help (sleep, nutrition, mindset). Winning Changes Your Culture—Guard It Sustained winning sneaks in entitlement if you’re not ready. Celebrate standards , not just statuses . (“We hit our expectation for technique,” not “We’re Stingrays, of course we won.”) Rotate credit widely : stunt group of the week, unsung hero, best teammate. Make “Can I get help?” a strength , not a scarlet letter. Quick Event-Day Checklist ☐ Expectation email (athletes & parents) sent 48 hrs prior ☐ Coach roles for warm-up & mat (caller, fix, spot, calm) ☐ Judge plan : 1 category, 2 minutes, 1 ask ☐ Parent captain assigned (snacks, seats, smiles) ☐ Post-day message scheduled (pride + plan) ☐ Day-After Protocol on deck You’ll laugh, you’ll nod, you’ll steal at least two lines. For the full conversation (and more chapstick discourse than anyone expected), dive into the episode: The MotUS Edge Podcast – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themotusedge The MotUS Edge Podcast – Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-motus-edge/id1786597546 The MotUS Edge Podcast – Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63xUjmymxRiXHkSSEjlfOD?si=e5036453706148d9&nd=1&dlsi=02e897fb37a148ce

Let’s face it — “upselling” can sound slimy. Like you're trying to squeeze more dollars from parents. But that’s not how we do things at MotUS — and it shouldn’t be how you run your gym either. Upselling done right is simply helping families say “yes” to more value. It's not about pressure — it’s about partnership. When families win, athletes grow, and your gym becomes stronger. Rethinking the Word "Upsell" Upselling doesn’t mean pushing fluff. It means: Showing families programs they didn’t even know existed. Offering real tools to help athletes progress faster. Recommending opportunities that match a family’s goals. Making their overall gym experience better. Bottom line? Upselling is just another word for serving well Why It Matters for Your Gym When it’s done with heart, upselling: Boosts athlete development: Extra privates, clinics, and specialty classes can fast-track skills. Improves parent satisfaction: Families feel seen and supported when you recommend the right fit. Creates more coaching opportunities: New programs mean more hours, more buy-in, and happier staff. Strengthens your bottom line: Diversified income means you’re less vulnerable during slow seasons. This isn’t just about growth — it’s about sustainability. 5 Natural Moments to Offer More (Without the Ick) Looking for the right time to suggest something extra? Try these: At Registration: Offer class bundles, discounted add-ons, or starter gear packages. After Big Wins: Just landed a new skill? Recommend a private or advanced clinic. Seasonal Hype: Camps, workshops, or themed training are fun and easy yeses. During Parent Chats: Listen for concerns—confidence, conditioning, flexibility—and point them to solutions. In the Pro Shop: Spirit gear and accessories are upsells that build culture and revenue. The goal? Make the next step obvious and helpful. How to Offer More Without Feeling Salesy Here's the MotUS playbook for upselling with integrity: Only Recommend What You Believe In If it’s not truly valuable, don’t pitch it. Start with Questions Ask what families want, then connect the dots. Sell the Outcome, Not the Item Instead of “new class alert,” try: “This class will help your athlete get comp-ready faster.” Give Options, Not Ultimatums Offer choices. Let families feel empowered, not pressured. Train Your Team to Spot the Opportunity Every coach and front desk staffer should know how to guide, not push. When You Upsell with Heart, Here’s What Happens Athletes grow because they get more chances to train. Parents trust you because they feel heard and helped. Your team thrives because they get more buy-in and hours. Your business grows because the model supports long-term stability. From the MotUS Lens At MotUS, we don’t see upselling as “extra.” We see it as essential. It's a mindset shift—from selling to serving. And when you operate from that place, families will feel it. They’ll thank you for it. And your gym will be better because of it. TL;DR: Make the Upsell Easy to Say Yes To ✅ Think: add value, not pressure ✅ Focus on outcomes, not features ✅ Offer choices at natural moments ✅ Always, always lead with service Final Word Upselling doesn’t have to feel gross. In fact, it should feel like exactly what they needed. So next time you offer a class, camp, or product, ask yourself: “Does this help this athlete get more out of their journey?” If the answer is yes, then don’t hesitate to offer it — because that’s not sales. That’s service.

Let’s face it — “upselling” can sound slimy. Like you're trying to squeeze more dollars from parents. But that’s not how we do things at MotUS — and it shouldn’t be how you run your gym either. Upselling done right is simply helping families say “yes” to more value. It's not about pressure — it’s about partnership. When families win, athletes grow, and your gym becomes stronger. Rethinking the Word "Upsell" Upselling doesn’t mean pushing fluff. It means: Showing families programs they didn’t even know existed. Offering real tools to help athletes progress faster. Recommending opportunities that match a family’s goals. Making their overall gym experience better. Bottom line? Upselling is just another word for serving well Why It Matters for Your Gym When it’s done with heart, upselling: Boosts athlete development: Extra privates, clinics, and specialty classes can fast-track skills. Improves parent satisfaction: Families feel seen and supported when you recommend the right fit. Creates more coaching opportunities: New programs mean more hours, more buy-in, and happier staff. Strengthens your bottom line: Diversified income means you’re less vulnerable during slow seasons. This isn’t just about growth — it’s about sustainability. 5 Natural Moments to Offer More (Without the Ick) Looking for the right time to suggest something extra? Try these: At Registration: Offer class bundles, discounted add-ons, or starter gear packages. After Big Wins: Just landed a new skill? Recommend a private or advanced clinic. Seasonal Hype: Camps, workshops, or themed training are fun and easy yeses. During Parent Chats: Listen for concerns—confidence, conditioning, flexibility—and point them to solutions. In the Pro Shop: Spirit gear and accessories are upsells that build culture and revenue. The goal? Make the next step obvious and helpful. How to Offer More Without Feeling Salesy Here's the MotUS playbook for upselling with integrity: Only Recommend What You Believe In If it’s not truly valuable, don’t pitch it. Start with Questions Ask what families want, then connect the dots. Sell the Outcome, Not the Item Instead of “new class alert,” try: “This class will help your athlete get comp-ready faster.” Give Options, Not Ultimatums Offer choices. Let families feel empowered, not pressured. Train Your Team to Spot the Opportunity Every coach and front desk staffer should know how to guide, not push. When You Upsell with Heart, Here’s What Happens Athletes grow because they get more chances to train. Parents trust you because they feel heard and helped. Your team thrives because they get more buy-in and hours. Your business grows because the model supports long-term stability. From the MotUS Lens At MotUS, we don’t see upselling as “extra.” We see it as essential. It's a mindset shift—from selling to serving. And when you operate from that place, families will feel it. They’ll thank you for it. And your gym will be better because of it. TL;DR: Make the Upsell Easy to Say Yes To ✅ Think: add value, not pressure ✅ Focus on outcomes, not features ✅ Offer choices at natural moments ✅ Always, always lead with service Final Word Upselling doesn’t have to feel gross. In fact, it should feel like exactly what they needed. So next time you offer a class, camp, or product, ask yourself: “Does this help this athlete get more out of their journey?” If the answer is yes, then don’t hesitate to offer it — because that’s not sales. That’s service.

When you started your gym, it probably wasn’t just about trophies or tuition. You had a why — a purpose rooted in impact, growth, and creating a place where athletes could thrive. But let’s be honest — leadership gets heavy. Budgets. Burnout. Difficult parents. Staff challenges. The longer you’re in it, the easier it is to drift from your “why” and into survival mode. This is your reminder: leadership isn’t just about making it work — it’s about making it matter. The cheer gym leaders who create the biggest change are the ones who lead with heart What Leading with Heart Really Means Leading from the heart doesn’t mean being soft. It means being strong enough to care deeply. It looks like: Putting people over policies Leading with compassion — not control Seeing athletes and staff as full humans, not just roles Holding high standards, while offering understanding Leading with authenticity, not ego It’s not just about managing a program. It’s about inspiring one. Why Empathy Wins in the Cheer Industry Cheer isn’t like other industries. Our people are different — and so are their needs. Athletes are still growing. They need role models, not just instructors. Parents are deeply invested. They want to know their child is seen and supported. Coaches wear a thousand hats. They need more than instructions — they need belief. Empathetic leadership builds safety, trust, and motivation — which directly impacts loyalty, retention, and performance. Managing vs. Leading: Know the Difference Managing says: “Do this because it’s the rule.” Leading says: “Let’s do this because it aligns with who we are.” The difference? One controls behavior. The other inspires commitment. Gyms that manage get compliance. Gyms that lead build culture. 5 Ways to Lead from the Heart (Starting Now) Listen First Be the leader who asks questions and really hears the answers. Be Human Vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s connection. Share your challenges, too. Hold Standards + Show Grace You can coach hard and still lead gently. Accountability lands better with compassion. Celebrate People, Not Just Performances Recognize kindness, effort, and growth — not just 1st place wins. Model the Values You Expect How you speak, respond, and lead sets the tone for your entire gym. The Legacy of Leading with Heart When you lead with empathy and intention: Athletes grow in confidence and character Parents believe in your leadership beyond the mat Staff find purpose and stick around Your values echo throughout your entire community This is how you build a gym people talk about for years — not just a season. The MotUS Lens At MotUS, we know the cheer industry doesn’t need more policies — it needs more people-first leaders . The gyms that last — the ones that retain, grow, and stand out — are the ones built on care, connection, and courageous leadership. You don’t need to lead louder. You just need to lead real. Key Moves to Make: Lead with Heart, Lead for Impact True leadership starts with empathy — not authority Show up human. Your people don’t expect perfection — they expect presence Leading from the heart inspires deeper loyalty, trust, and resilience You’re not just building teams. You’re building people Lead with intention, and your impact will outlast every season Final Word  In the world of cheer, you don’t lead to be followed — you lead to serve . So serve well. Lead with heart. And build a gym where every athlete, coach, and parent feels seen, heard, and valued. Because the best leaders in this industry? They aren’t the toughest. They’re the ones who care the most.

When you started your gym, it probably wasn’t just about trophies or tuition. You had a why — a purpose rooted in impact, growth, and creating a place where athletes could thrive. But let’s be honest — leadership gets heavy. Budgets. Burnout. Difficult parents. Staff challenges. The longer you’re in it, the easier it is to drift from your “why” and into survival mode. This is your reminder: leadership isn’t just about making it work — it’s about making it matter. The cheer gym leaders who create the biggest change are the ones who lead with heart What Leading with Heart Really Means Leading from the heart doesn’t mean being soft. It means being strong enough to care deeply. It looks like: Putting people over policies Leading with compassion — not control Seeing athletes and staff as full humans, not just roles Holding high standards, while offering understanding Leading with authenticity, not ego It’s not just about managing a program. It’s about inspiring one. Why Empathy Wins in the Cheer Industry Cheer isn’t like other industries. Our people are different — and so are their needs. Athletes are still growing. They need role models, not just instructors. Parents are deeply invested. They want to know their child is seen and supported. Coaches wear a thousand hats. They need more than instructions — they need belief. Empathetic leadership builds safety, trust, and motivation — which directly impacts loyalty, retention, and performance. Managing vs. Leading: Know the Difference Managing says: “Do this because it’s the rule.” Leading says: “Let’s do this because it aligns with who we are.” The difference? One controls behavior. The other inspires commitment. Gyms that manage get compliance. Gyms that lead build culture. 5 Ways to Lead from the Heart (Starting Now) Listen First Be the leader who asks questions and really hears the answers. Be Human Vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s connection. Share your challenges, too. Hold Standards + Show Grace You can coach hard and still lead gently. Accountability lands better with compassion. Celebrate People, Not Just Performances Recognize kindness, effort, and growth — not just 1st place wins. Model the Values You Expect How you speak, respond, and lead sets the tone for your entire gym. The Legacy of Leading with Heart When you lead with empathy and intention: Athletes grow in confidence and character Parents believe in your leadership beyond the mat Staff find purpose and stick around Your values echo throughout your entire community This is how you build a gym people talk about for years — not just a season. The MotUS Lens At MotUS, we know the cheer industry doesn’t need more policies — it needs more people-first leaders . The gyms that last — the ones that retain, grow, and stand out — are the ones built on care, connection, and courageous leadership. You don’t need to lead louder. You just need to lead real. Key Moves to Make: Lead with Heart, Lead for Impact True leadership starts with empathy — not authority Show up human. Your people don’t expect perfection — they expect presence Leading from the heart inspires deeper loyalty, trust, and resilience You’re not just building teams. You’re building people Lead with intention, and your impact will outlast every season Final Word  In the world of cheer, you don’t lead to be followed — you lead to serve . So serve well. Lead with heart. And build a gym where every athlete, coach, and parent feels seen, heard, and valued. Because the best leaders in this industry? They aren’t the toughest. They’re the ones who care the most.

If you’ve ever stared at an empty sub list the night before comp and thought, “I wish I could clone a few of our best parents,” this one’s for you. In this Quick Edge episode, Stacy & Casey go full morning-radio energy (someone call 99.8 FM) to unpack the surprisingly great upside of hiring parents—plus the non-negotiable boundaries that keep it healthy for the team, the staff, and their kids. Why hiring parents can be a win Parents are already invested. They show up, they care, and they understand your gym’s rhythm better than most new hires. When you hire the right ones, you get: Built-in buy-in: They want the program to thrive because their kid is in it. Culture carriers: They know “how we do things here” and can model it for new families. Community glue: They bridge staff and stands, translating decisions into plain English when emotions run high. What Makes a Team Bonding Activity Work Not all team bonding is effective — or fun. Use these filters to make sure your activities land: Make it Fun: If it’s forced or boring, it backfires. Keep energy high. Keep it Inclusive: Make sure every athlete, regardless of role or personality, can participate. Spark Communication: Look for games that require athletes to talk, listen, and collaborate. Connect to Cheer: Bonus points if the activity mirrors teamwork, timing, or trust. Switch It Up: Use a mix of physical, creative, and reflective challenges to keep it fresh. But you need bright, bold boundary lines Enthusiasm without structure turns messy fast. Before any parent clocks in, cover these: 1) Role clarity: Are they front desk? Team admin? Assistant coach? Spell out tasks, hours, who they report to, and where their authority starts/ends. 2) Travel & perks: Parents-who-coach still have kids-who-travel. Decide (in writing) what’s covered: Room stipend or shared room? Is their athlete’s travel ever comped? (Usually no; if sometimes, define when/how.) If a parent’s team performs during their child’s routine, team duty wins . No surprises later. 3) Confidentiality (zero tolerance): If they can see billing or rosters, they can never discuss another family’s info. Treat it like HIPAA for tuition. One breach = loss of role. 4) Communication channels: Parent-friends will text them about team placements, stunt groups, center spots… all the things. Give your parent-employee a script: “Thanks for reaching out—please email the program inbox so leadership can help. I can’t address team decisions via text.” Then require a quick FYI to leadership so you’re never blindsided. 5) Social boundaries: Friendly? Yes. Entangled? No. Skip the late-night room hangs, bar meetups, and bestie group chats with athletes’ parents. Professional distance protects everyone—including them. The spiciest question: should a parent coach their own child? Rare exceptions aside, the consensus here: avoid it. Even great coaches slide into one of two traps: Too soft: Perceived favoritism nukes team culture. Too hard: Over-correcting to “prove” fairness hurts the athlete and morale. If you can’t avoid it (small market, limited staff), put guardrails in place: another coach makes playing-time/role decisions, a third party handles team placements, and the HC-parent recuses themselves from disciplinary calls involving their kid. Hidden gotchas (and easy fixes) Schedule collisions: Their team performs while their kid competes next hall over. Decide now: the coach stays with the team; another trusted adult films the child’s routine and escorts them. Clear. Calm. No guilt. Parent DMs at 10:42 p.m.: Build a “cooling off” policy—no placement or score discussions until noon the next day, via official inbox only. “But we’re small—we can’t afford stipends.” Totally fine. Pay fairly for work performed , not parent status. If budgets are tight, be transparent: “We can offer X hourly and Y staff discount, but no travel coverage this season.” Mini policy swipe-file (steal this!) Confidentiality: “Access to customer accounts is for job duties only. Sharing any details—financial, roster, or travel—outside the office is grounds for immediate removal.” Dual-hat rule: “If you’re contacting staff about your child, state ‘Parent Hat On’ and use the parent support inbox. Coaching chats never include your athlete’s situation.” Game day priority: “If your coaching assignment conflicts with your child’s performance, team duty takes precedence. We’ll coordinate an approved chaperone/video for your athlete.” Social lines: “No alcohol with parents/athletes at events, no private rooms/hotel hangouts, and no team decisions via text/DM.” Culture is the multiplier Hiring parents works best when the gym’s culture is explicit : how we treat kids, how we speak to refs/judges, how we handle loss, how we celebrate wins. As Casey put it, you want parent-staff who calm the water, not churn it—people who can say, “I know the process; here’s why it’s fair,” and mean it. The bottom line Parents can be your best hires if you give them firmer rails than any other role. Define expectations, protect privacy, draw social lines, and keep communications centralized. Do that, and you’ll gain committed, culture-aligned adults who make your program stronger on and off the mat. Also, yes, we’re now accepting fan mail for the Stacy & Casey Morning Show . First segment: “Where do baby cats learn to swim?” (Answer: the kiddie pool. We’ll see ourselves out. 😅) Catch the full episode here: The MotUS Edge Podcast – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themotusedge The MotUS Edge Podcast – Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-motus-edge/id1786597546 The MotUS Edge Podcast – Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63xUjmymxRiXHkSSEjlfOD?si=e5036453706148d9&nd=1&dlsi=02e897fb37a148ce

Cheerleading is more than routines, skills, and schedules — it’s about trust . Every flyer, base, and backspot relies on each other. And while technical training happens on the mat, real connection is built beyond it. Teams that bond off the floor perform stronger, recover faster, and stay committed longer. That’s where intentional team bonding becomes your secret weapon — not just for fun, but for building a gym culture that sticks. Why Team Bonding Builds More Than Chemistry A great cheer team isn’t just talented — it’s connected. Here’s what intentional bonding can unlock: Trust and Safety: Stunting success starts with trust. Off-the-mat connection builds safer athletes. Stronger Communication: Teams that know each other well communicate better under pressure. More Resilience: When mistakes happen, bonded teams recover instead of unravel. Higher Commitment: Athletes stick with the program when they feel they belong. Stronger Culture: Bonding activities reinforce the values that make your gym a great place to be. What Makes a Team Bonding Activity Work Not all team bonding is effective — or fun. Use these filters to make sure your activities land: Make it Fun: If it’s forced or boring, it backfires. Keep energy high. Keep it Inclusive: Make sure every athlete, regardless of role or personality, can participate. Spark Communication: Look for games that require athletes to talk, listen, and collaborate. Connect to Cheer: Bonus points if the activity mirrors teamwork, timing, or trust. Switch It Up: Use a mix of physical, creative, and reflective challenges to keep it fresh. Team Bonding Games That Build Connection Here are some favorite go-to’s for building trust and fun in the gym: Human Knot A classic. Athletes grab two different hands across a circle and work together to untangle. It’s messy, loud, and full of laughs — but also teaches patience and problem-solving. Trust Circle One athlete stands in the center of a tight circle and falls in any direction. The team gently catches and pushes them back. Builds literal and emotional trust. Cheer Scavenger Hunt Create a list like: “Make up a team chant,” “Snap a pyramid selfie,” or “Find something that represents teamwork.” Great for creativity, movement, and team bonding. Obstacle Course Relay Set up relay challenges with fun, cheer-related tasks — from balance challenges to holding a stunt for time. Builds teamwork under pressure. Two Truths and a Cheer Memory Each athlete shares two truths and one favorite cheer moment. The team guesses the memory. Simple, powerful way to connect beyond skills. Leadership Rotation Let athletes take turns leading a warm-up, drill, or game. Builds confidence and shows everyone’s role matters. When to Use Bonding Games for Maximum Impact Bonding shouldn’t be a one-off — it should be built into your gym’s rhythm: Season Kickoff: Set the tone for unity and trust from day one. Mid-Season Reset: Boost morale during long stretches of practice. Pre-Competition: Short bonding games can calm nerves and strengthen team focus. Celebrations & Events: Add meaning to parties, banquets, or big milestones. The Ripple Effect of Team Bonding When you build team chemistry intentionally, the results go beyond the mat: Parents notice. They see friendships forming and feel more connected to your community. Staff thrive. Coaching bonded athletes is more rewarding and more effective. Retention rises. Athletes stay where they feel supported — not just coached. Your gym reputation grows. Word spreads that your gym is where athletes grow and belong. What MotUS Believes At MotUS, we believe that a connected team is an unstoppable team. Bonding isn’t fluff — it’s a foundation. When athletes feel seen, heard, and included, they train harder, support each other more, and stay longer. You’re not just building teams. You’re building trust, character, and lifelong community Key Moves to Make: Build Teams That Feel Like Family Great teams are built off the mat, not just on it Strong bonds improve safety, resilience, and performance Use bonding games that are fun, inclusive, and cheer-connected Make bonding a regular rhythm — not a one-time event When athletes feel like family, everything changes Final Word Athletes may join your gym for the skills — but they stay for the connection. Team bonding is how you transform individuals into teammates, and teammates into a family. When athletes feel like they truly belong, they don’t just perform — they thrive.