Coaches Nod and Smile

[dmytv]

I am really hoping USAG put out some sort of PSA for the parents about the changes coming. We are only 2 meets into this season and I am getting questions daily about the switch. I don't know if I should have something written up, or do a plan for each girl or just say idk nod and smile. I am trying to not have anyone repeat so I will be using AAU to JO to give the girls the feel they are moving up, also we are doing xcel in spring to help with the transition. I just am frustrated being asked every day what will my dd be next year. I don't quite know what to say to assure the parents that everything will be ok.

 

[chalkbowl]

We did a write-up towards the end of summer and explained the changes matter-of-factly. We just explained the level changes and that the skills in the current level 5 routines will essentially be the skills in the level 4 routines etc. I also sent out the Technique article that was posted by USAG, as we have parents that read the USAG site so I knew that information would be circulating and wanted everyone to have the facts. I did point out that our gym has mobility scores above and beyond those of USAG.

We have parent/athlete/coach meetings each year in August and that is when parents find out their athletes competition level for the next season, so I haven't yet had a parent ask what level their athlete will be next competition season. If you don't have something like that in place, maybe this year is a good year for it?

Here is the link to that USAG article: Link Removed

 

[Deleted member D3987]

and please send your money to me on paypal as i have special powers to predict what ALL gymnasts will be under the new system in 2013.

i'm certain none of you have those powers as coaches which is why you can't tell them when their "Suzy" will learn their kip!

[sigh...tongue in cheek...lol...]

 

[Jabba]

The new levels are essentially the same skills, just one number down. For example, the skills required at "Old" Level 5 this year will be required at "New" Level 4 next year. It's a little confusing, but I continuously use "new" and "old" to refer to levels with my parents/athletes. They seem to be getting it. Regardless, levels should be determined by if the gymnast has the skills to compete, not whether or not it's the same number as last year. Staying the same level actually means moving down in level number from this year to next. This may be a little bit of an ego bruise to a gymnast to seemingly have to repeat a level or even "move down," but it would be a total crush to her confidence (not to mention, unsafe) to put her in a level just to move her up a number when she doesn't have the skills and then doesn't score well. This is a sport where confidence is key. Get them excited to learn and master the skills of a level, not worry about the number attached.

 

[Natasha]

I have been emphasizing to parents that "what the levels are being called is changing." I am constantly reiterating that there will still be 3 levels of compulsory (at our gym) with the same skills with only minor changes and that the last level of compulsory will now be called L5. This seems to help parents keep perspective. I then tell them that USAG is adding an optional level and that this is to help with the issue of most girls repeating L8. We also talk about how the L9 and L10 skills are the same, so if a child's goal is L9 or L10, these changes will not have any effect on how quickly the kids get there. Likewise, the number changes will have no effect on how quickly girls get to optionals. So far the parents seem to be getting it and not stressing out.