- Dec 9, 2008
- 404
- 203
Background: In my little gym, our level 2 and 3's compete three times a year--a December in-house fun meet, then usually one outside meet in Feb and one in March or April. We just like the kids to get the experience, its not the focus of our program. Last year, I think we only did one the in-house and then one the first week in April because of the ice storm...but I digress.
Anyway, the first meet was Saturday. First off, I must say, my girls rocked. Top spots, all age groups, both levels (even the little tiny five-year-old in the 6-7 age group! She took third!). It was a great learning experience for them, and their parents. It was a small gym, and wow, it was packed. So for these young kids to get out there and perform in front of all those people is an accomplishment in itself.
My issue though, is that the scoring was wonky, and the "judges" weren't actually judges. The vault judge, after our rotation, came up to me and said "was that ok? I'm not really a judge, just a coach here. Did those scores seem right?" SERIOUSLY?? Then on bars, an absolutely beautiful bar routine scored an 8.3, and a girl with questionable form and 2 falls scored an 8.4. This wasn't a gym difference or favoritism issue--both are from my gym. I was confused, the kids were confused, and the parents were confused. Needless to say, we won't be back to that meet. Has anyone ever dealt with something like this?
I just needed to brag and vent. Thanks
Anyway, the first meet was Saturday. First off, I must say, my girls rocked. Top spots, all age groups, both levels (even the little tiny five-year-old in the 6-7 age group! She took third!). It was a great learning experience for them, and their parents. It was a small gym, and wow, it was packed. So for these young kids to get out there and perform in front of all those people is an accomplishment in itself.
My issue though, is that the scoring was wonky, and the "judges" weren't actually judges. The vault judge, after our rotation, came up to me and said "was that ok? I'm not really a judge, just a coach here. Did those scores seem right?" SERIOUSLY?? Then on bars, an absolutely beautiful bar routine scored an 8.3, and a girl with questionable form and 2 falls scored an 8.4. This wasn't a gym difference or favoritism issue--both are from my gym. I was confused, the kids were confused, and the parents were confused. Needless to say, we won't be back to that meet. Has anyone ever dealt with something like this?
I just needed to brag and vent. Thanks