I need help

[superflipgirl]

Okay, I have a problem. You see, for the past 2 or 3 years, I have been on a recreational optional gymnastics team, it is kind of like prep optional but there are no requirements it's pretty much for team level gymnasts who want to be somewhat competitive, but not train as much as competitive gymnasts. I have always liked it, but over the summer, I've started to change my thoughts slightly. Not that I want to quit, but some competitions we attend are ridiculous. Last year, at a few of the meets, they made it seem like we didn't exist at all, it seemed like they wanted the meets to be really short, they only lasted like 2 hours, and then they only gave us all around awards and then thanked us for coming and sent us home. Also, not all gyms in our state have rec teams, and I just found out that some of the gyms who have had rec teams in the past are switching their gymnasts to prep optional, so we barely have anyone to compete against. I have a meet next weekend, and I found out that there are only going to be 2 other teams there, and it will only last like an hour and a half or something. Our gym decided not to do prep optional because the meets are on the same days as the competitive gymnasts and it would be too confusing. I really don't want to quit or switch to another gym, gymnastics is my favorite sport and I have been really good friends with my teammates. But I wish somehow we could be more competitive. I wish that all the gyms in the state would have rec teams, or all the gyms who have rec teams, including us, would switch over to prep optional and be able to compete on different days as the competitive gymnasts. Can anyone please try to help me?

 

[GymVamp]

is there a reason you don't want to be a competitive gymnast besides the fact that you will have to go more days a week?

 

[superflipgirl]

Yes! I will have to practice at least 9 hours a week, and it will interfere with my schoolwork and friends, which I do not want to happen. Also, I am really good friends with the people on my rec team.

 

[Tumblequeensmom]

Just an idea... have you and your teammates given any thought to you ALL switching to a prep op. team? They're really promoting the prep op. teams in Virginia this year. My DD switched from Level 7 to Prep Op. for some of the very reasons you stated. She just started high school, didn't want to spend 16+ hrs. at the gym each week, etc. She's really enjoying the prep optional team. AND they DO go to some of the same meets as the regular Level girls do. BUT with Prep Op. the meets are OPTIONAL. So... if you a conflict, it's not a big deal like was was on the regular teams.

Good luck with trying to figure this one out!

 

[gymchick14]

I did rec. gymnastics at the YMCA and we didn't compete. If you don't like competition than you could try a class, or a level that doesn't compete at your gym ( ex. level 2) or our gym has Petite Elite for girls who are level3/4 but don't want to compete. Or you could wait to High School and do the hs gymnastics team. I am a highschool gymnast and on off season we pratice 5 hours a week and during season we practice 10 1/2.

 

[superflipgirl]

Thanks. I am going to do gymnastics in high school, but that's not for another year. But I still do want to compete. Any more suggestions?

 

[cathiann]

There's really not much you can do--if your gym won't do prep-op and you don't want to switch to another gym or do USAG. It's only a year until high school, so not too long a wait for you. You can try talking to the coaches again about your frustrations--maybe they'll take another look at doing prep-op.