Parents Should she move?

[Shoebug]

Okay, just joined here, need some advice. My DD started level 4 in the summer of 2009, and quickly moved up to 5 in January 2010. This past summer she moved up to a 6, but now the coaches say she should move up to a 7. She is only 8 yo right now, will turn 9 in mid January. The only skill she does not have routinely is her giants, which she gets with a spot.

Here is my dilemma: I have read on here that some people would recommend that she move out of level 6 as soon as possible, and I feel the same way. She has had two meets so far as a 6, she took 2 AA in the first and 5th AA in the second.

Is there a benefit to moving up to a 7 at such an early age? Most 7's in the area are 11-14 yo, and she is the youngest level 6 on her team. Any insight you may provide would be much appreciated.

 

[busymomof4]

I think if she has everything in level 6 ( which she must with doing well at the meets) and everything for level 7 (with good form) except for a spot on giants then she should go ahead and move up to level 7. Yes, she is young as is my DD, but she still has a couple of months to continue working on her giants before possibly competing level 7. If your focus is on placement at meets and getting 1st all around then she should stay in level 6. She can always compete 2 seasons as a level 7 if necessary. How does your DD feel about moving up to level 7? As far as a benefit to moving up at such an early age depends on what her coaches, your DD and you have in mind for her future in the sport. Are the coaches thinking they want to put her on an elite track?

 

[Shoebug]

She is kinda hesitant to moving, but not for any specific reason. She likes the idea of picking her own music and helping to choreo her own routine, but she, for one reason or another, always seems to have a hitch. I think her big thing is that she is not around girls her own age, and as a matter of fact, the only other girl in the area that is in her division that is her age is the one that took 1st AA in both meets so far this year.
DW and I are very optimistic of her future and would like to open up as many options for her future as we can. I believe that her coaches are optimistic of her chances of making elite in the future, but no official talks have taken place in the matter. Her coach seems to have decent experience in the matter, and I trust her judgement. We have her at one of the less "competitive" gyms, which allows her to hone her skills at a pace suitable for her and without the psychotic pressure applied by some of the other gyms on their gymnasts. But they seem to be putting a little extra pressure on my DD, as if they see something there that they want to work harder on. I don't mind the extra pressure, but one reason we are at this location is to keep the sport fun for her.

 

[Bobby]

You're happy with the gym, you trust the coach, and the coach recommends moving up. Unless your DD would clearly would rather not, or there's something you object to as a family (more hours, more costly meets, etc) then moving on up seems an obvious call.
Did your DD and the other younger girl manage to find each other at the meets? As a parent I'd be inclined to intro myself to her parents if I got the chance. They have a lot in common and may really enjoy eachother's company outside their respective gyms. And I imagine it'd be nice for you too to know other parents in the same unusual position.

 

[Shoebug]

Sad thing is that this little girl also went to the same gym as my DD before we joined team, but her parents took her out to attend a more "stringent" gym. My DD does enjoy the company of the older girls on the team, and since she is about 18" shorter than the rest, they treat her like a kid sister. She does still talk to the girls that she started with during practice, but she does not get to compete with them due to level differences. I think we will try to make the jump. Tryouts are Tuesday. Worse case, she stays a 6. If she makes 7, she can still compete 6 until she feels ready for 7.

 

[gymnut1]

If she stays in level 6 a while longer she could concentrate on form and extension, time never wasted.

Is she competing level 6 to the max? Do all her casts and freehip go to handstand on bars? Does she layout flyaway. Do all her leaps go to 180 split on floor and beam. Does she hit 180 split in her BWO on beam and floor. Does she do her back tuck above her head height and kick it out. Does her scale reach near split on beam. These are all things that she could work on in level 6 which will benefit her immensely in level 7 for when she has her giants.

Does she have all her level 7 skills to a very good standard. Doing giants with a spot in your home gym is very different than competing giant flyaway in a competition on different bars etc.

I wouldn't personally move a child so young to level 7 without solid giants. Why? Not necessary - she has plenty of time. Not having solid skills leads to downturn in confidence. And - as a young level 7 she could well be grouped in an age group of 11 and under which could be tough.

And you have already noticed that the social mix in level 6 is not optimum. If you want her to enjoy gymnastics long term she needs children close enough in age to build long term friendships with. Would she get that more in level 7 or level 6.

Personally I would either have her compete level 6 (and try and max out the skills) until she has every level 7 skill needed with confidence and to a good standard and then move to level 7 -

- or - not to compete at all until she has everything in level 7 and then start competing level 7.

Good luck she sounds very talented and you sound a very thoughtful parent.