AboutRik Feeney Expertise I can answer questions regarding all levels of the sport of women's gymnastics, the business of gymnastics, and the marketing of gymnastics programs.
Experience I am the author of "Gymnastics: A Guide for Parents and Athletes" currently being published by McGraw-Hill. I am also a ghostwriter and co-author of the Gymcert series of books "Levels 1-3 Gymnastics Coaches Certifications Manuals" for recreational gymnasts, and the "Levels 4 - 6 Skills and Drills" books as well as Safety Basics for Gymnastics Instructors. I have written several other books on the sport of gymnastics for Richardson Publishing, the latest of which is titled, "Back Handsprings: The Secret Techniques." Oh, and by the way, I was a competitive gymnast through high school and college (Temple University), gymnastics club owner for 10 years, and women's gymnastics coach for 30 years working with gymnasts at all competitive levels
Organizations USA Gymnastics
National Writer's union
Florida Writer's Association
Publications USA Gymnastics magazine
Technique magazine
International Gymnast magazine
several newspaper articles
Education/Credentials Temple University - Health Physical Education, Recreation & Dance
Norwich University - Bachelors of Arts in Writing & Literature
Awards and Honors Several state and national level gymnastics champions in different systems of competition.
Past/Present clients Gymnasts, coaches, and club owners nation-wide.
Question Our elementary school has no after school sports programs. I would love to see a gymnastic program started (just the basics) for them. I want to bring it up to the gym teacher, but don't have any information on what it takes to put such a program in place. Can you help? Thanks.
Answer Hi Krista,
I may be wrong, but I get the impression that you are looking for a fun program - not competitive, right?
Many schools have dropped gymnastics because of the expensive specialized equipment needed and because of the unique knowledge needed to run a safe and progressive program.
I could recommend where to get information to start a gymnastics program, but that is more business oriented material. If you are looking for that, please let me know in another post.
If you are looking for a recreational gymnastics program, you may want to contact local gymnastics clubs who may have "mobile gymnastics" or "Tumble Bus" style programs that they bring right to the school with equipment and coaches.
Some clubs also have after school programs where they pick your child up, take them to the gym for some fun gymnastics activities and then allow the students to work on homework or have a snack in a special waiting area until the parent picks them up.
Call around to your local gym clubs first to see what is available.
