Parents Need advice...

[lovemygymnast]

I don't know anything about gymnastics except the little I've learned over the past 1 1/2 my DD has competed. She started on preteam at 3, by 3 1/2 was moved to a higher preteam and by 4 1/2 was on AAU 3 (now 2) & started competing when she turned 5 (which was then the minimum age). She scored 1st, 2nd or 3rd every time. She's a very determined child. This year she's competed AAU new level 3 (old 4). Her scores haven't been as high because she's competing with her kip (which was bent arms until recently). She's scoring 35's. Our dilemma is she wants to move to USAG 4. She has all the skills already but the rest of her teammates are choosing to stay level 3 (none have the kip yet). When I ask DD if this changes her wanting to move up, it doesn't. I realize she's only 6 & the hours worry me too. I've had conversations with different coaches, 1 adamant that she move up, 1 on the fence, 1 that believes repeating levels 3 & 4 should be for all gymnasts because it teaches form. We love our gym and love our coaches and trust them but this is hard. It's kind of been left up to us to decide. My husband wants her to move up. I wanted her to also but am now questioning this. She has low bar & high bar kip, front hand spring but needs to polish, has vaulted front handspring off table but will also need to polish. They don't start competing until January though. I feel like everyone is thinking we're pushing her. We don't push her but because she sets her own goals and pushes herself to attain them, we feel we should be supportive. I just don't know what to do. The coach saying she should move up, said exactly what we feel, that if we keep her in 3, she'll think she's not good and want to quit. That's my worst fear since I know she absolutely loves it!! I know this is long but suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gymdog]

When will she turn 7? Is USAG level 3 and 4 more competitive than AAU in your state?

 

[lovemygymnast]

She will be 7 prior to competition. I'm not sure about whether it's more competitive. Do you mean do they score them harder? I believe they do but I don't know first hand though. I'm sorry to seem like an idiot but I'm not sure.

 

[Shoebug]

My opinion, talk it over with the gymnast. Make sure she realizes it is a step up in not only the amount of work required but the time of work also. My dd started level 4 about her age and she loved it. If she has a so-so year, you can have her repeat lvl 4 next year. The biggest thing for my daughter at that age and on up was that she didn't get to go to certain events that her friends went to due to the increased practice time.

 

[Faith]

How is her form? How long do you have to decide?

She's 6. She has plenty of time, and if she wants to move higher it's important her basics are clean. I often see coaches going really slowly with the talented little ones, getting everything perfect. If a kid has an OK BHS they'll be safe enough to BT and LO out of it, but they'll never double back unless that BHS is spot on….

I'd maybe tell her she either repeats 3, or repeats 4. She's not repeating because she's no good, she's repeating because she wants to be better in the long term so can't take short cuts now. She can learn to swim, try other stuff, before deciding do commit next year.

Actually, is it an option for her not to compete this year? Spend a year on form and up training, maybe do a few invitationals, then hit level 4 running next year…Even if you take levels and competition off the table now, can you review later to see which level she'd be best in?

 

[gracyomalley]

DD trained old 5/new 4 at 7 and competed it at 8. (no Level 3/old 4 at her gym). Lots of fundamentals to polish in that level, although with your DD already kipping she may not need the 2 years. Hate to see a kid who already has a kip stay Level 3 - although I don't know if being Level 3 at your gym means training lots of higher level skills while polishing Level 3 routines...if she would still get to work level 4 and up skills consistently then nothing is lost staying level 3 with her friends.

At her age you need to balance proper training/progression with keeping it fun. There's a long road ahead. Some kids need to medal for it to be fun - if that's the case and she hasn't done USAG yet - I'd think about repeat 3 and uptrain as much as possible. If she has more fun learning new things and gets bored with doing the same routines, or if the gym doesn't up train much then Level 4 with the idea that it could be for one or more years...

 

[lovemygymnast]

How is her form? How long do you have to decide?

She's 6. She has plenty of time, and if she wants to move higher it's important her basics are clean. I often see coaches going really slowly with the talented little ones, getting everything perfect. If a kid has an OK BHS they'll be safe enough to BT and LO out of it, but they'll never double back unless that BHS is spot on….

I'd maybe tell her she either repeats 3, or repeats 4. She's not repeating because she's no good, she's repeating because she wants to be better in the long term so can't take short cuts now. She can learn to swim, try other stuff, before deciding do commit next year.

Actually, is it an option for her not to compete this year? Spend a year on form and up training, maybe do a few invitationals, then hit level 4 running next year…Even if you take levels and competition off the table now, can you review later to see which level she'd be best in?

I don't believe there's an option not to compete. If you are on team, it includes competition and honestly, my DD loves that part most so I'm not sure she would be happy with that either. Her BHS is pretty spot on, and her form is good but it was suggested she take ballet for line improvement. So she was excited about that and taking lessons. I guess that's what I need to explain to her, that repeating doesn't mean she doesn't have the talent. She just already thinks she's the worst on her team, yet she's very far from it. I don't know how she's able to stay so positive about gymnastics and yet feel this way. Maybe that's what keeps her so focused and makes her try so hard?

 

[lovemygymnast]

My opinion, talk it over with the gymnast. Make sure she realizes it is a step up in not only the amount of work required but the time of work also. My dd started level 4 about her age and she loved it. If she has a so-so year, you can have her repeat lvl 4 next year. The biggest thing for my daughter at that age and on up was that she didn't get to go to certain events that her friends went to due to the increased practice time.

I definitely talked to her about the time. She didn't even blink! I think if she could live there, she would! Lol. I believe the hours will be fine since I was very worried about the 9 hours for level 3 and she was fine, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned. It's good to know you have been in the same position and your daughter loved it. That helps!! Thank you!

 

[gymdog]

She will be 7 prior to competition. I'm not sure about whether it's more competitive. Do you mean do they score them harder? I believe they do but I don't know first hand though. I'm sorry to seem like an idiot but I'm not sure.

Hmm. I don't live in an area with AAU and it does vary so I don't really know either, but if you think the scoring is harder, is it possible for her to do a few early meets at USAG 3? Then again in some places since she's so young, in the 7 year old age group she may place well even with 33-34 and one good event. In other places that age group could be fiercely competitive and require 37-38. Do you think she will be bothered if she goes to meets and doesn't place at all?

 

[lovemygymnast]

DD trained old 5/new 4 at 7 and competed it at 8. (no Level 3/old 4 at her gym). Lots of fundamentals to polish in that level, although with your DD already kipping she may not need the 2 years. Hate to see a kid who already has a kip stay Level 3 - although I don't know if being Level 3 at your gym means training lots of higher level skills while polishing Level 3 routines...if she would still get to work level 4 and up skills consistently then nothing is lost staying level 3 with her friends.

At her age you need to balance proper training/progression with keeping it fun. There's a long road ahead. Some kids need to medal for it to be fun - if that's the case and she hasn't done USAG yet - I'd think about repeat 3 and uptrain as much as possible. If she has more fun learning new things and gets bored with doing the same routines, or if the gym doesn't up train much then Level 4 with the idea that it could be for one or more years...

The gym hasn't done much up training in the past which is my biggest worry if she stays in 3. She gets very bored doing the same thing over and over and gets so excited working new skills and picks them up quick. I'm not sure about how she really feels about the medaling because she always has since she's always in the youngest groups but not sure how it's done compared with usag?

 

[lovemygymnast]

Hmm. I don't live in an area with AAU and it does vary so I don't really know either, but if you think the scoring is harder, is it possible for her to do a few early meets at USAG 3? Then again in some places since she's so young, in the 7 year old age group she may place well even with 33-34 and one good event. In other places that age group could be fiercely competitive and require 37-38. Do you think she will be bothered if she goes to meets and doesn't place at all?

Do you mean from aau 3 do usag 3 instead? I absolutely know she would not be happy since aau 3 allows her to kip to squat on and jump to high bar but usag 3 does the shoot through to windmill. I actually told her maybe she could just try usag 4 for summer but if it wasn't working out we could move her back to aau 3. Her reply was ,"if they let me try it, I ain't moving back." Lol. That's what I mean about her determination. I don't know how she'll take not getting medals but I know her determination and would say it would make her probably work harder even so that she could medal. I guess I need to look at our area usag 4 scores in her age group, I don't even know what their aa scores have been. I'm sure everybody thinks I'm crazy, after all, it's JUST level 3 but I just feel if we make the wrong decision, it might change her determined nature.

 

[Fliptwisttumble]

My daughter competed old L5/new L4 when she was 7.

It was a huge leap in hours for her that year..... From 9 to 16. It was a rough first couple of months, but then she really flourished.

She wanted to.... She was bored in her little class when she was 6. In the end we both thought it was worth it, but she does need to fully understand what she's getting into. It went from all fun to lots of work that year.

 

[Sasha]

Personally, if she has a chance to skip JO L3 and go right to L4, I would let her try since she already has a kip. Try it out, monitor her ability to handle the longer hours and balance school, etc. She will probably be fine, but if she does show stress and lack of readiness, then you could approach dropping back to L3. I know she says she wouldn't go back, but she's a 6 year old, and you obviously have to make sure she is happy and getting enough sleep, etc., and in a training program that is the best fit for her.

I have seen 6-8 year olds in our gym crack once hours moved from pre-team or L3 (6-9 hours) up to L4 (12-16), and I have seen others flourish. Mostly the ones that weren't happy couldn't deal with the added conditioning in the extra hours. They became a bit cranky or sullen, complained of soreness, tiredness, and told their moms they didn't want to go to gym some days (I know from talking with their moms, and some observation of class). Others (my DD included) love it. If I suggested to my DD to take a day off gym or reduce hours, she would think the world was ending(!)

You know your child best, so if she can handle the hours, and her form is at least OK (not horrendous) I would suggest L4 since that seems to be most in line with her skills.

Hope it works out!

 

[GYM0M]

In my area, the youngest age group is the MOST competitive. My DD competed usag JO level 4 (new) last fall as a 7 year old. Less than half of the girls qualify for states (takes a 35 or 36) & to be competitive at states you need at least 9.5 on each event. We don't have AAU in our area, but I assume it's similar to another program we have & it is not at all comparable to the usag JO scoring. I do not know if you live in an area where AAU is competitive or not, but I don't think I would switch programs with my 7 year old and move up a level at the same time. Be cautious that it's not too much too fast. Are the routines for AAU level 4 the same as JO level 4?

 

[lovemygymnast]

Personally, if she has a chance to skip JO L3 and go right to L4, I would let her try since she already has a kip. Try it out, monitor her ability to handle the longer hours and balance school, etc. She will probably be fine, but if she does show stress and lack of readiness, then you could approach dropping back to L3. I know she says she wouldn't go back, but she's a 6 year old, and you obviously have to make sure she is happy and getting enough sleep, etc., and in a training program that is the best fit for her.

I have seen 6-8 year olds in our gym crack once hours moved from pre-team or L3 (6-9 hours) up to L4 (12-16), and I have seen others flourish. Mostly the ones that weren't happy couldn't deal with the added conditioning in the extra hours. They became a bit cranky or sullen, complained of soreness, tiredness, and told their moms they didn't want to go to gym some days (I know from talking with their moms, and some observation of class). Others (my DD included) love it. If I suggested to my DD to take a day off gym or reduce hours, she would think the world was ending(!)

You know your child best, so if she can handle the hours, and her form is at least OK (not horrendous) I would suggest L4 since that seems to be most in line with her skills.

Hope it works out!

Thank you! My daughter is the same way! She cries that she can't go when she's sick. It's pitiful!! Lol.

 

[lovemygymnast]

In my area, the youngest age group is the MOST competitive. My DD competed usag JO level 4 (new) last fall as a 7 year old. Less than half of the girls qualify for states (takes a 35 or 36) & to be competitive at states you need at least 9.5 on each event. We don't have AAU in our area, but I assume it's similar to another program we have & it is not at all comparable to the usag JO scoring. I do not know if you live in an area where AAU is competitive or not, but I don't think I would switch programs with my 7 year old and move up a level at the same time. Be cautious that it's not too much too fast. Are the routines for AAU level 4 the same as JO level 4?

AAU 3 has a kip option on bars to squat on to high bar to tap swings. She already does the bar routine. Aau 3 took the cartwheel out for beam but she still can do it. I think the big changes are the front HS & DBHS. And of course, front handspring on vault which she can do also. Our gym doesn't offer aau 4. I wish there was something offered in between but there's not. It's really hard to figure out what's going to be too much for her. I really thought the 9 hours a week was too much but she was begging for more and coming home doing hours more. Thanks for the advice!

 

[GYM0M]

AAU 3 has a kip option on bars to squat on to high bar to tap swings. She already does the bar routine. Aau 3 took the cartwheel out for beam but she still can do it. I think the big changes are the front HS & DBHS. And of course, front handspring on vault which she can do also. Our gym doesn't offer aau 4. I wish there was something offered in between but there's not. It's really hard to figure out what's going to be too much for her. I really thought the 9 hours a week was too much but she was begging for more and coming home doing hours more. Thanks for the advice!

Eh,it's been my experience that they adjust to hours. I believe my kiddo was training upwards of 15 hours. She's 8 now & trains about 22.5 per week. She'll adjust. But I have seen my dd go from the top and it's not pretty. It's kinda expected as they move up, especially the younger ones bc that age group range grows and grows. As a matter of fact, she competed new level 5 in January as a 7 year old in the 8-9 year old age division. I would worry more about she would take it if for some reason she did fall to the bottom of the pack for a couple meets esp since you said her confidence kinda shallow now.

 

[lovemygymnast]

Eh,it's been my experience that they adjust to hours. I believe my kiddo was training upwards of 15 hours. She's 8 now & trains about 22.5 per week. She'll adjust. But I have seen my dd go from the top and it's not pretty. It's kinda expected as they move up, especially the younger ones bc that age group range grows and grows. As a matter of fact, she competed new level 5 in January as a 7 year old in the 8-9 year old age division. I would worry more about she would take it if for some reason she did fall to the bottom of the pack for a couple meets esp since you said her confidence kinda shallow now.

I don't mean she's not confident, just humble. I think she knows she's a good gymnast, especially for her age but she's not one of those that gets a big head from getting medals or being in first place, does that make sense? Usag 4 is 12 hours and holy cow, 22.5 I can't imagine. Do you homeschool? I'm curious because when I mentioned 12 seemed like a lot, the coach said to homeschool. I'm not quite ready for that but I do see that coming in a few years maybe. And the bottom of the pack, I think might be tough but I really think it makes her try harder. At the beginning of this season she wanted to compete with her kip, which wasn't perfect yet and got low scores but has worked hard and gotten them back up to high scores. Bars are her favorite so it was tough not getting good scores the first 2 meets. She didn't like it. Thanks for your advice!!

 

[Ali'sMom]

I still feel new at this, so I won't give a strong "opinion" of what you should do, but I will tell you what we are going through.

DD competed AAU2 and AAU3 in fall/spring of 4th grade (old L #s). 5th grade (this school year), she moved up to new L3, and also to USAG. She did "okay" at states in December. I planned to keep her L3 for fall of 6th grade, so she could go back to states and feel confident. Well, a lot of girls have been working on their kips in open gym for a while, so when the time came, I thought "Okay, she doesn't have it, so she'll be happy to stay L3". When I mentiooned that to her she went instantly to tears.
So, she busted her butt and "just" got her kip, and May 1st starts training with L4.

All that said, she's now jumping in hours. instead of 2X a week after school plus Saturday, she'll be going 4 times a week afterschool. and in 3 months she'll be starting middle school... We aren't sure if she'll be able to handle it all. (I'm glad she is moving up with one month still left in school, because she'll get a taste of leaving school and going straight to gym 4X/week right now, it won't be so crazy in the fall. I hope.)

So, part of me wishes she'd jumped up her time a little younger, so that by middle school it wouldn't be such a change for her, and it would be second nature.

That's just my 2 cents about the hours

Good luck no matter which way you go!

 

[2G1B]

I know that AAU is different in each area; but from our experience with it, I definitely wouldn't think that going from AAU to USAG and level 3 to 4 would be too much.

Last year my girls were old level 2 and 3 with AAU. This year they were new level 2 and 3 USAG. They actually scored better this year in USAG than they did last year in AAU. For this coming season my youngest DD is changing to a gym that is a better fit for her (older DD is staying where she is) and she will be going back to AAU. I'm actually pretty happy about it as I much prefer the AAU L3 bar routine to the USAG L3 bar routine. If she moves up from L3 she will swap back to USAG. It is pretty normally in our area to do AAU for levels 2 and 3 and to then swap to USAG for level 4.

From what you have said, if it were me, I'd let my DD move up.