Men Moved to Regional (Canada) - practice during school hours

[irunika]

I’m looking for some insight and experiences from other parents. My son (8 y.o.) is currently training twice a week (8 hours total) and did not compete this year. Our gym is now moving him up to the next level — they call it “Regional,” though I realize the naming might differ since we’re in Canada and many here seem to be from the U.S.
At this new level, the team trains 3 times a week (12 hours total), and one of those practices is during school hours. That would mean missing about 4 hours of school one day a week.
I understand this kind of schedule at the national or elite level, where athletes train 5+ days a week, but I’m not sure how common it is at this earlier stage.

For those of you with younger athletes:
- Do your gyms have daytime practices?
- If your child misses school, how do they manage staying on top of schoolwork — especially as they move into higher grades?
I’m also guessing that this schedule might be due to limited gym space and coach availability, but would love to hear how other families and gyms navigate this.
Thanks in advance!

 

[skschlag]

My son started day time practices in high school. He was fortunate enough to have a school that worked with him on his schedule. He went to school from about 7:30-12 then drove an hour to practice which was from 2-6, then the hour drive home.

WHile this seems like a lot, it was amazing. He was home every night by 7. We were able to eat dinner as a family and he had time to do his homework if he had any. It also allowed hi more time to sleep. We loved the day time hours.

I would say to talk to your school. We would have done this schedule sooner had it been an option, but it was not an option when he was younger.

Good luck!!