I just got done with a very long day at the Texas State Capitol with some of the most passionate and influential people in the Texas gymnastics community fighting for support of the Committee Substitute version of House Bill 1393. This version of the Bill, if passed, will make gymnastics and other skill-based programs (such as marital arts, soccer, etc.) exempt from being classified as "Daycare Centers".
As a member of the gymnastics community you understand the absurdity of a gym being considered a daycare center. However, the people making decisions at the state level simply don't understand our industry. They have no concept of the amount of time athletes must train to excel at gymnastics, the way gyms operate, how our coaches are trained, etc. For example, Beth Gardner was saying that when she went to speak with a legislator regarding the issue, she was very respectful and willing to work with her, but the legislator thought it was perfectly reasonable to train just 10 hours per week for our sport. While this is laughable to all of us (even a level 4 trains more than that!) she just had no idea.?Gyms simply can not function under the laws that govern daycares. If we are classified as daycares we will not be allowed to have bars or beams in the gym, because these are "climbing structures".
Realizing the severity of this, about 50 members of the Texas gymnastics community showed up at the Capitol today in support of the cause. We all gathered in a small hearing room and waited patiently through about 4 hours of testimonies for or against other Bills. When they FINALLY got to our bill, the Head Representative asked for everyone present regarding that bill to raise their hands, and all 50 of our hands shot up. Everyone else in the room, including the State Representatives, was astounded by the amount of people there in support of this bill. That was a proud moment for Texas Gymnastics.
Of those 50, we had almost 20 individuals who got up to testify and explain why it is important to support the Committee Substitute version of House Bill 1393. I was truly impressed with what everyone had to say. It was evident that everyone spoke from the heart and I believe they got through to the Representatives.?
The variety of speakers included 2004 and 2008 Olympic Head Coach Kevin Mazeika, Texas State Chairman Dianne Callison, GAT Educational Director Cheryl Jarrett and ITP Director Beth Gardner to name a few. There were various other gym owners, coaches, and even parents there to support the cause. Dianne actually tallied it up, and there was a total of 650 years of coaching experience packed in that small room in the Capitol Building!
Unfortunately the Committee Substitute version of House Bill 1393 that we are in support of did not pass today. It is still under review, but things look hopeful. Our passion was evident and we loaded them with political pressure. State representatives will now re-review the Bill and there should be another hearing soon. But we can not let up. If you are a resident of Texas call, email, or fax your state representative and tell him/her that "you support and demand that they support the Committee Substitute version of the House Bill"?
It is a scary time right now for Texas gymnastics, but when I was leaving the hearing today I heard a man say, "I've never been more proud to be a part of the gymnastics community". I felt the same way.
