What is the difference between the Mason Dixon League & USAG Gymnastics?

MdGymMom01 · #1 05-27-2008, 07:48 PM

My 9 year old dd just got moved up from Pre-Team to the Level 4 Mason Dixon League (MDL) starting in June. What exactly is the main difference between the MDL and USAG gymnastics? In the gym handbook it says that the MDL generally goes by the USAG standards except there are about 6 competitions a year for the MDL instead of 12 for USAG and the MDL is not as "strict" in their judging.

My dd is going from 6 hours 2 days a week for pre-team to 11 hours 3 days a week for the MDL Level 4. So, in my opinion that is still pretty intense for a gymnast just starting out.

I just wanted to get more details on this and hear anyone's experiences with either of these gymnastics programs.

awposey1 · #2 05-27-2008, 08:43 PM

I never heard of MDL...I have heard of USAG, AAU, USIAG, Y League but that is a new one to me!

gymdog · #3 05-27-2008, 09:22 PM

MDL is a regional thing, as you might guess from the name, in the R7 area. It's like MD, PA. So a lot of people probably haven't heard about it.

I don't have much experience with it (R7, but VA), but I would say it's a similar idea to some of the other alternate leagues, it's kind of considered more relaxed and as USAG L2 and 3 competition isn't really going on much anymore around here(same for prep opt, AAU...though prep-opt seems to cropping up? I can't really figure the situation out yet), I would guess that some gyms are using it as the bridge between pre-team and USAG L4. At least, that's what it sounds like for your gym, at least in part. I've seen gyms use it as a more recreational alternative, for example if the gymnast wants to commit to less hours, she can choose this league rather than being left with no competitive option when she is too advanced for classes.

MdGymMom01 · #4 05-28-2008, 06:59 AM

Thanks Gymdog. I found a website on it and you are right in that it is regional and comprises MD, VA, PA and maybe more states (I guess the area near the Mason Dixon line). I do remember now the coach saying that they use the MDL at the gym for the newcomers into the program who have just started gymnastics to get their feet wet to competition. They compete 6 comps per year instead of 12 so it is less intense. She also said that it is geared more towards fun, friendship and recreation without losing the "competition aspect", where they give medals and ribbons farther down in the placements so that every kid gets a chance to get something when they first start competing. I think that is awesome!!! What a great way to introduce kids to the sport of gymnastics and competition!!!
I'm looking forward to the season :-)

Thanks for the info gymdog!!!

Scout's Mom · #5 05-28-2008, 07:51 AM

In Texas the largest "alternate" is called TAAF (Texas Amateur Athletic Federation).

Some gyms use it as a "get your feet wet" competition experience. Some compete it exclusively (it goes up to Level 8--although very (comparatively) few Optionals compete in it). Some use it to keep competition skills sharp as their Compulsory season is in the spring while USAG Compulsories are in the fall. Other gyms put you on a "track"--USAG if your daughter has got "it" (whatevery "it" is) and TAAF if your daughter doesn't have "it."

TAAF has interesting "mandate" rules. If a child scores a 35 or above twice in one season, they must go on to the next level the next season.

There are no age groups in TAAF. In levels 5 through 7, girls work their way up "divisions" within each level via their AA scores. The theory is that they end up competing against girls of similar ability. Level 4's get ribbons based on scores--like blues for 9's, reds for 8's--no placements. There are not enough 8's for divisions.

The idea is great for girls who want to do other sports, want to have a life outside the sport, and who don't have any particular goals for the sport. However, as in anything, the playing field isn't level.

I think you're smart to ask questions. Be aware of the "track" your daughter is on before it's too late--either way!

gymdog · #6 05-28-2008, 05:57 PM

I didn't know any VA gyms did it. That's interesting. There's kind of an informal rec competitive arrangement around NoVa.

Granny Smith · #7 05-29-2008, 07:22 AM

Just thought that I'd throw out there that NJ has JOGA, which sounds very similiar to the Texas TAAF.

JOGA basically only competes in NJ and I know that there is something about moving up after scoring, not sure of the exacts.

In our gym the difference is JOGA is competitive rec, where as USAG requires more hours and more dedication (no time for other sports.)

Scout's Mom · #8 05-29-2008, 07:53 AM


Quote:
Originally Posted by Granny Smith In our gym the difference is JOGA is competitive rec, where as USAG requires more hours and more dedication (no time for other sports.)

So, in your gym, who makes the choice--the athlete, the parents, the coaches, or some combination?

flippymonkeysmom · #9 05-29-2008, 07:56 AM

I really like that idea. I wish it were more common. A lot of girls stop doing gymnastics altogether as they get older b/c they want to try other things as well. With HS gymnastics disappearing more and more, it would be nice for girls to have other options. By us we have no other options - it is usag or nothing. For now my dd loves it.

Granny Smith · #10 05-29-2008, 07:58 AM


Quote:
Originally Posted by Scout's Mom So, in your gym, who makes the choice--the athlete, the parents, the coaches, or some combination?

Usually the gymnast/parents. I can speak for dd's gym only, but if you start out USAG you can go to JOGA, but you can not come back to USAG - coach's rule. If you wanted to do USAG again you would leave and go to another gym. There are times when HC/O will tell a USAG gymnast that they need to go to JOGA. HC/O may feel that the gymnast lacks commitment or has plateaued - having had to repeat compulsory levels a few yrs and the gymnast is not getting the skills necessary to compete at the next level.

I know this seems harsh, but all of us parents know what the deal is and accept it.