advantages/disadvantages of "skipping" level 6

[domesticatedone]

I agree...doing at least one level 6 meet would give her some benefit and confidence doing the more difficult tumbling.

 

[gymcoach34]

This is tough-I used to move kids fast & skip levels. But I found that it eventually catches up with MOST kids- either by doing 2 years of a level later on, being out with an injury, or having fear issues to slow them down. I now move most kids through every level, and its working, but we are training up and just competing at the lower level. They do probably 2 compulsory routines a night, but the rest of the time work on uptraining. It works for us- and I can really focus on developing excellent basics, form & technique. It also concerns me how short a time your daughter has been in gym--why not slow down & perfect those basics? I also have a 9 yo TOPs kid I am currently coaching & she has all her L7 skills-giants, bhs on beam, cartwheel dismount, etc, but she will compete L6. For this athlete its is very important for her to stay with her friends, and she has trouble w/ flexibility so we are concentrating on that aspect, as well as the dance & presentation aspect. I'm thinking it will help her be a better gymnast in the long run! I hope it all works out for your DD.

 

[drivingmom]

This all gets so confusing especially when the levels and skills are changing in a few years. Our children's path should be based on the skills they are competent at , the skills they are working to get and the child themselves. Not on what a compulsory routine dictates and the scores. If they have their skills move them up and if they don't or the skills are just okay do level 6.