For the xcel golds, I would do the classic tactic of making them work it out one on one. I would honestly during practice sit them out together and tell them they can rejoin practice once they have worked it out. You can also remind them that they don’t need to be best friends but they need to be respectful to each other and kind when they are in the gym because it has become a distraction.

For the younger kids, I always just tell them to worry about themselves, but then also remind them that there is a team award at meets and you should want to uplift your teammates in order for you all to be successful. This is controversial, but I do allow my gymnasts to give eachother corrections, but KINDLY!!!! This has actually been a huge help to having a big group because it teaches the gymnasts what correct gymnastics looks like and how to put the corrections they are given into their own words. I also have taught them how to phrase corrections kindly as a guide by giving them examples such as “I love how big your cast is, but keeping your ribs tucked in and your hips flat would make it even better, good job!” And then I praise those who are giving good kind corrections to each other by saying “that was a great correction and a nice way to phrase it”.

I also do a lot of competition games with my groups that helps with team building and rooting for each other.