Keeping your new recruits

You have worked hard to attract new pupils. Will they stay?
The following provides some useful tips on how administrators and coaches in some classes have kept their new recruits:

Induction Have a welcoming committee Personally introduce the family to the coach Offer 2 free classes as an introduction Provide club information booklets Allow parents to watch Do not overwhelm parents with all the costs Keeping parents interested Keep parents informed through newsletters, information sessions, open lines for questions Organise lots of assistance with sewing If someone offers to help, always give them a task Organise parents social events Having a dedicated coffee session at class Be organized Ask the section manager to speak to every parent every class

Class format Include games and activities to introduce elements of calisthenics Ensure variety Provide dress-ups in old costumes, fairy wings, hats etc Get costumes on the go as soon as possible Use popular music such as Hi 5, Wiggles for warm ups and dance Include walks to the zoo (imitation of animals) Conduct a Grandparents day Include trying out items that they don’t compete in (eg tinies trying clubs, juniors trying rhythmic) Have a “Bring a friend day” Organise birthday cards and cake Participate in local parades and demonstrations Provide achievement stickers, certificates, ribbons, bears etc Organise sleepovers, parties and social activities Recognise a drop in concentration and move onto a new item Provide feedback equally to all pupils Offer a small personal comment to each pupil each class

Make a person feel special and they will come back.
Make them feel unimportant to the group, they can readily leave.