This is my first post. Sorry it is such a long one.
My daughter started gymnastics at age 6.5 in a city recreation program. After about 6 months, she went to a private gym. After about 4 months, they invited her into their pre-team program at level B. The next level up is A, then the team. The coaches were constantly telling me that dd was very good. She moved up to level A and the coaches said she would move to the level 4 team in a few more months. Then during bridge walk, she lost her footing and hurt her back. It was sore for 2 months. We went to 2 orthopedic doctors, including a spine specialist who treats alot of gymnasts. (I am a worrier, but this was her pediatrician's idea, because the initial x-rays were not clear) The spine doctor said dd was fine and could resume gymnastics.
At first, dd did not want to resume gymnastics at all. I convinced her to enroll in a beginning recreation class at another gym (on the theory tht you should get back on a horse after you fall off, even if only once). DD liked the new gym and when they offered her a place on the pre-team, she took it. After a few months, she became frustrated with the perfectionism of the pre-term coaches. I talked to the program coordinator to see if there were any other options. The coordinator said dd had a huge amount of ability, but if dd wanted, she could go to the class for the exibition team, which is basically not as focused on perfection. I was worried because the class went pretty late, which would be a problem during the school year. The coordinator said dd was always welcome to return to the pre-team classes.
So, here, at long last, is my point. School has started for us. The class runs very late. DD cannot stay up that late. So I asked if dd could return to the pre-team. The coach said No. The reason? She is 8. (She turned 8 two monts ago). I feel pretty betrayed. The coach has only had glowing things to say about her ability and how hard she works.
I am not sure what to do. Is 8 really too old to be on a pre-team/developmental team? I don't expect her to go to the Olympics or anything, but dd loves gymnastics, would like to keep learning new skills, and clearly has some abililty to do so. I would appreciate any advice. Should I try to convince the gym to put her back on the pre-team? Should I look for a new gym? I guess I don't trust this gym very much at this point. Am I over-reacting?
Thanks!
My daughter started gymnastics at age 6.5 in a city recreation program. After about 6 months, she went to a private gym. After about 4 months, they invited her into their pre-team program at level B. The next level up is A, then the team. The coaches were constantly telling me that dd was very good. She moved up to level A and the coaches said she would move to the level 4 team in a few more months. Then during bridge walk, she lost her footing and hurt her back. It was sore for 2 months. We went to 2 orthopedic doctors, including a spine specialist who treats alot of gymnasts. (I am a worrier, but this was her pediatrician's idea, because the initial x-rays were not clear) The spine doctor said dd was fine and could resume gymnastics.
At first, dd did not want to resume gymnastics at all. I convinced her to enroll in a beginning recreation class at another gym (on the theory tht you should get back on a horse after you fall off, even if only once). DD liked the new gym and when they offered her a place on the pre-team, she took it. After a few months, she became frustrated with the perfectionism of the pre-term coaches. I talked to the program coordinator to see if there were any other options. The coordinator said dd had a huge amount of ability, but if dd wanted, she could go to the class for the exibition team, which is basically not as focused on perfection. I was worried because the class went pretty late, which would be a problem during the school year. The coordinator said dd was always welcome to return to the pre-team classes.
So, here, at long last, is my point. School has started for us. The class runs very late. DD cannot stay up that late. So I asked if dd could return to the pre-team. The coach said No. The reason? She is 8. (She turned 8 two monts ago). I feel pretty betrayed. The coach has only had glowing things to say about her ability and how hard she works.
I am not sure what to do. Is 8 really too old to be on a pre-team/developmental team? I don't expect her to go to the Olympics or anything, but dd loves gymnastics, would like to keep learning new skills, and clearly has some abililty to do so. I would appreciate any advice. Should I try to convince the gym to put her back on the pre-team? Should I look for a new gym? I guess I don't trust this gym very much at this point. Am I over-reacting?
Thanks!