If trying Xcel first is right for your family, then this can be a very good plan. Yes, age 9 or 10 is welcome in many (but definitely not all) JO programs. Assuming your DD compete 1 year of Xcel Bronze, here are some things to know if deciding to switch to JO after that...
- She will most likely have to formally try out/be evaluated for a JO program (not automatically accepted because of competing Xcel). Some gyms may accept her, but some may not. Depends on the competitiveness and range of gyms in your area.
- Most Xcel Bronze who switch over go on to compete L3, though some may compete higher or lower. Another recent thread has many thoughts about that.
- Scoring in Xcel is simply different, and typically more generous. Girls who move from Xcel into JO almost always take a 'scoring hit' for a year or two, so should be prepared for this likelihood.
- Preparation for Xcel and JO are also different. Overall, Xcel focuses a bit more on skill-building while JO focuses more than Xcel on perfecting form and technique (because there are not enough hours in Xcel to drill to perfection quite as much). For example, an Xcel girl might "have" a back tuck, an aerial, etc., but when moving to JO, not be able to compete these skills for a few years due to 1)the skill not being in the JO compulsory routine, and/or 2)the skill is not performed as precisely as is needed for JO 'readiness' (judges will deduct it heavily). This can be a disappointment for girls who are more excited to 'get' skills rather than 'perfect' skills. They may get bored or frustrated, and feel they are going 'backwards'.
- Related to above, JO athletes have more hours, and more of these hours are dedicated to conditioning. Conditioning is a primary factor in keeping tight form, and building toward upper level skills. Bars and vault, in particular, are places where Xcel athletes are usually 'behind' their JO counterparts, often due to lack of strength/conditioning that JO athletes began more rigorously back in pre-team. They can certainly catch up in time, but be prepared that there will be a time of adjusting to more rigorous conditioning, as well as usually some 'lag' on bars and vault.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the above as gyms, coaches, and athletes all have their own strengths and emphasis. But these are very common trends when making the switch. Switching after 1 year of Xcel Bronze can absolutely work well and be a great experience. It is just good to be informed ahead of time when evaluating your options. Good luck!
