My introduction

[Learning Parent GB]

I just thought I should say hello. I'm one of those 'long time browsers' that has finally registered so that I can post. We live in England and my DD is 8 and is training at BG level 5. She trains 7 hours a week, which is the most available to us in an easy travelling distance, but a lot less than other gyms in the county, which apparently is noticeable at competitions! I have 2 boys as well with their own interests, so this is the best option for us. DD loves gymnastics (I bet we can all say that) and works really hard on conditioning exercises at home to improve her strength. At the moment she is struggling with a fear of doing her round off flick without someone next to her. And she also has that typical problem of the cartwheel on beam - as the beam gets higher, she goes less vertical and therefore falls off. Her competition is at the end of June so we are hoping for a sudden breakthrough of confidence...

 

[bogwoppit]

Welcome to the CB, there are lots of great GB parents here. I am sure you will fit in great.

 

[Learning Parent GB]

But will I ever understand the British system.....? :hyper:

 

[bogwoppit]

You know I am from the NW of England originally and I have to say I get more and more confused by the English system as time goes by. We have a current thread discussing the novice level and how it is very different in the regions. As you said your gymmie doing 7 hours a week for level 5 is very low compared to many kids on here. Gym is an oddity!

 

[Iwannabemargo]

I think each gym chooses a system that works for them Bog. I have just looked at the entries in the next comp we are in and we will be competing against tiny clubs from cornwall - one from wales who I know turns out regular welsh champions and city of Bristol and Heathrow ! Gulp ! I would say that this Competition is more Intermediate than Novice.

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[Learning Parent GB]

In your comp, will the girls be grouped by levels then margo? If that were the case then it wouldn't be scary though, so I'm guessing by age? Bogwoppit, my DD moved gyms earlier in the year because she could only do a max of 4 hours at the previous club. So 7 hours was exciting to start with - now she just wants to do more. The other club do well for girls in the older age groups - it just naturally takes them a lot longer to get to the same level. And can someone please tell me how to start a new paragraph? Pretty please

 

[Flossyduck]

Hi there. My dd is 8 too, competing level 4. I hope you get a lot out of chalkbucket, it's been an eye-opener for me. This is a vast and varied community, with differing priorities, opinions and experiences. A small handful of Brits. In answer to your question - I actually thought I finally had a pretty good grasp of the UK gymnastics system, the different routes, the ages, levels, grades and rec competitions too. Silly me! The other thread about novice comps just opened up a whole new world of 'what the heck?'

 

[bogwoppit]

I think each gym chooses a system that works for them Bog. I have just looked at the entries in the next comp we are in and we will be competing against tiny clubs from cornwall - one from wales who I know turns out regular welsh champions and city of Bristol and Heathrow ! Gulp ! I would say that this Competition is more Intermediate than Novice.

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Now that does sound a bit daunting.

 

[bogwoppit]

The other thread about novice comps just opened up a whole new world of 'what the heck?'

That is exactly what I thought. I felt pretty up on the UK levels etc, but now I know that I know nothing!!!

 

[Iwannabemargo]

Yep they are competing in and out of age - so she is in the 9 & 10 out of age session.

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[bogwoppit]

Yep they are competing in and out of age - so she is in the 9 & 10 out of age session.

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I learn something new again. SO you can compete two different sessions?

 

[Flossyduck]

Good luck to her Margo. It sounds like it will be a great experience. My daughter plays a bit of tennis, but only an hour a week. When she enters tournaments against those big tennis centre kids I tell her that, given how many hours of coaching they get and how much one on one time their parents pay for, every point she takes off them is actually worth several. I really hope she enjoys it.

 

[Iwannabemargo]

No Bog, the are groups are split into in and out of age, mini-me is competing out of age

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[Jenny]

Good luck! Sounds a tough competition

 

[Gymmom495]

I am not from the UK but my best friend is. Both of our daughters are gymnasts. It's fun to hear how she's doing! She is from Devon. I know the UK system is very different from ours here in the states. It took me quite a few threads to figure out that not everyone was from the US. I love it that I can read about girls and boys from all over the world. Welcome to the CB!!


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