injuries at level 5

[MoonKid]

There are always things that can be done at gym to work around injuries.

I used to do 15 hour weeks every summer. A few years ago I hurt my wrist 2 weeks before the end of summer but I kept coming everyday anyways. My coach was aware of the injury and just gave me lots of conditioning to do (my abs got sooo strong). I also did a lot of beam and floor complex and leaps.

[gym law mom]

Several concerns about your current situation. It really sounds like you don't trust the judgement of these new coaches regarding your dd's health and that may be due to having had a coach that it sounds like you loved for 4 yrs. I don't agree with telling your dd to call you about an injury. That puts her right in the middle between mom and the coach. I know many coaches don't like kids walking out to call mom/dad. Once one starts then others follow and the practices can turn into a revolving door. Also you're asking an 8yo to make a decision on how bad she is injured. At that age they simply don't know and she may very well pick up that you don't trust the coach and then she won't either. Same thing with keeping her home from gym until her ankle heals---to be perfectly honest that could be 2 weeks.

I have no problem with a coach taping my gymmie's ankle if she rolls it in practice, however I do expect the coach to come out and tell me what happened. Our gym does want notes from parents regarding an injury and what limitations the gymnast should have placed on them. Right now, my gymmie is fighting through heel pain related to growth and we have asked that she back off vault and tumble only on tumble trak for about 10 days. They have held her out of certain conditioning that stresses her heel. Yes, kids come to gym with ankle/knee braces etc., but all are recommended by a MD or physical therapist.

My best advice as a former RN is yes, do be concerned about injuries---they will happen in this sport. Keep an open line of communication with the coach. Ask when they feel a child should sit, they should tape an ankle etc. You can just word it as "we're still rather new etc........" If you still don't feel comfortable then stop and watch practice----are the girls acting dramatic(common at that age), are the coaches not paying attention to a girl who looks injured or ill? If you still don't feel comfortable with the situation, make an appointment to talk with the owner.