Age eligibility for the Aspire program

[Corlena Patterson]

Quick question for those of you familiar with the Aspire program. I understand they've changed age eligibility from Dec 31 of competitive year to Jan 1 of the year in which the competition is held. But when I reference the new program manual (January, 2016), the description of age eligibility doesn't match the chart identifying eligible athletes for each competitive year. Is the text correct with Aspire 1 still 8-10 and Aspire 2 10-11? Or is the chart correct and Aspire 1 is 9-11 and Aspire 2 10-11? In either case, the eligible birth year for each competitive year isn't correct. Does anyone have the inside scoop? Thank you for your help!

 

[Kidsgym]

I know this year we had girls in Aspire 1 who are turning 11 this year and also we had 9 years old as well.

 

[Gymnasticsfun5555]

AGE ELIGIBILITY
Age of the athlete is based on their age as of December 31 in the year in which they are competing as per FIG.
The following chart will identify eligible athletes for the years 2015/2016 Aspire One (8-10) 2008, 2007, 2006
2016/2017
2009,2008,2007
2015/2016 Aspire Two (10-11) 2006, 2005
2016/2017
2007,2006
Hope that helps

 

[Bug's mom]

Very helpful, thank you!

 

[Kidsgym]

I am sure aspire 1 2015/2016 had girls born in 2005 so there is a mistake there

 

[Gymnasticsfun5555]

Yes I do agree it's a mistake and unfair. I saw a couple of 2005 Aspire 1's competing in the 2015-16 season according to the chart, which is wrong.

 

[gymmomx2]

This is what is on the Gymnastics Canada website as of today. It does look like Aspire 1 girls can be turning 11 year old in the year they compete. So for example, at Ontario Championships this year a girl born in 2005 (turning 11 this year) would have been eligible to compete Aspire 1. The chart seems correct

 

[Bug's mom]

Thanks @gymmomx2 . This is the chart I was referring to originally, which differs from the previous scheme. Unfortunately this chart doesn't jive with the text in the new program manual. I was trying to figure which is correct. IYO, is the chart the correct version? The chart itself has some inconsistencies...if an 11 year old can compete in Aspire Two, then a 2008 should be able to compete in 2018/19, shouldn't they?

 

[gymmomx2]

@Bug's mom This is from the Gymnastics Canada website so I assume it's the "official" one, though I don't know if the provinces can have different age eligibility rules. This is the file from which I got the chart: Link Removed

and you are right...the info for 2018/2019 doesn't seem correct...I didn't pay attention to that year because my gymmie will have aged out by then

 

[MyDD]

we were told by our coaches that the age requirement is changing for all levels next year - age is as of January 1st of the following year so all our DDs will compete one year older. documents/website has not been updated yet.

 

[claudidoll]

So my gymmie is 2008, next year she'd compete as a 9 year old, is that right?

 

[Bug's mom]

So my gymmie is 2008, next year she'd compete as a 9 year old, is that right?

My understanding is that if she turns 9 in the 2017 calendar year she competes as a 9 year old. My dd is 2008 as well.

 

[Gymnasticsfun5555]

Thanks @gymmomx2 . This is the chart I was referring to originally, which differs from the previous scheme. Unfortunately this chart doesn't jive with the text in the new program manual. I was trying to figure which is correct. IYO, is the chart the correct version? The chart itself has some inconsistencies...if an 11 year old can compete in Aspire Two, then a 2008 should be able to compete in 2018/19, shouldn't they?

What do you mean by scheme?

 

[Bug's mom]

@Gymnasticsfun5555, scheme as in the way it was arranged or organized.

 

[kitkat]

We were told that too. But the national stream is not changing. It all depends on what they consider Aspire. Its not national but its not provincial.

we were told by our coaches that the age requirement is changing for all levels next year - age is as of January 1st of the following year so all our DDs will compete one year older. documents/website has not been updated yet.