Coaches 3-4 difference

[trackandfield6]

I am of the mind that level 4 is a rather large jump from level 3. I've seen kids win states at level 3 and then not do well at all at level four. How do you prepare parents for that reality? Is that even necessary, and if so how do you all go about that? I'm a big fan of being honest....LOL... that doesn't mean I put a kid in a box, because there are times when kids just take longer and they outdo my original impression of their ability. That being said I still think its a big jump! Thoughts?

 

[Dahlialover]

I have a boy but we have several levels that require explanation similar to level 3–>4 for girls. The big thing I think parents need to know is the progression beyond level 4. Does your gym do 4, 5, 6 or 4, 6 or 4, 5, 7 and what are the criteria for moving up? Families also need insight into the dynamics of The level 4 competition in your state. For instance, if you have a bunch of gyms that keep athletes in 4 until they are ready to score out to 7, then the kids who are on the 4, 5, 6, 7 plan will probably get demolished in level 4 and that will be normal and okay because the competition will be at a very different point in their gymnastics development. Or if your gym typically keeps your kids in level 4 for two years, explain that you expect the first year to be a growth year and the second year to be a performance year. Also let parents know that it is super important that they do not compare their child to other athletes. Every kid is different and they need to focus on their individual journey. Remind parents that medals are a poor way to judge performance and remind them not to pay their children for scores or placements!

Any communication is incredibly helpful!

 

[JBS]

How do you prepare parents for that reality?

We don't at all.

Is that even necessary

Not even a little bit.

 

[ORgymmom]

Our gym doesn’t say a word. Girls who have their kips during level 3 or are on fast track know they’ll test out of 4 (or more) and be on to 6 or 7 the next year. Girls who get their kip the summer before our winter compulsory season and have an ok vault can hope for level 5 after level 4.

In our area repeating 4 and going to 6 or 7 is what 80% of gyms do. Our gym repeats girls at 3 more than 4 and generally does all levels, so girls and parents realize by the time scores are posted at the first level 4 meet that they are competing against multi-year level 4s. It stings for that first meet and then everyone just keeps going. The tradeoff is less competition in level 5 and time to uptrain, and generally a very strong start to optionals.