Parents XB to JO

[Cornelia527]

Hello! New XCEL mom here with some questions

My DD just started XCEL Bronze this summer — she’s 7 and has been doing gymnastics for about 2.5 years now. She absolutely loves it and, honestly, she seems to pick things up pretty naturally. She’s super motivated, always asking for more gym time, and dreams about gymnastics.

Lately she’s been asking me about the JO program, so I checked in with her coach to see if that might be an option down the line. I was told it’s not possible at our current gym — they select girls for JO really young and there aren’t tryouts or chances to move over later.

I’m feeling a little frustrated because I really want to give her all the opportunities I can, especially since she’s so passionate. So I’ve been thinking about looking into other gyms in our area, but I have a couple questions and was hoping for some advice from others who’ve been through this:

1. Should I start talking to other gyms now, or wait until she finishes her first XCEL season? I’ve heard it can be harder to switch to JO the longer you stay in XCEL, and something about having to “score out” — is that true even for the lower levels?
2. Has anyone made this kind of switch before (from XCEL to JO)? Was it hard to find a gym that would consider the move?

Any insight or experience would be so appreciated! I’m still learning the ropes here and just want to make the best decision for my daughter.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dahlialover]

Now would be the perfect time to look into other gyms. If your daughter wants to go the DP route, it’s best to get started right away.

 

[Cornelia527]

Now would be the perfect time to look into other gyms. If your daughter wants to go the DP route, it’s best to get

Just curious—if we've already signed an agreement with our current gym, will it be difficult to switch?

 

[ORgymmom]

Just curious—if we've already signed an agreement with our current gym, will it be difficult to switch?

Yes, unfortunately.

Some gyms won’t enforce a contract, but many will and/or will have you on the hook for at least your assessment/gear/meet fees/coach fees or whatever they call it. That money has already been spent as meet registrations are happening now or in the next couple of weeks, and gear has been ordered or will be soon. The gym will want to claw it back.

This is a tough time to switch if you’re in a state with a winter compulsory season, and basically impossible if you’re in a state with fall compulsories. There might be a gym that would take you on for a trial for JO, but it would have to be a gym with unexpected athlete departures, going through a transition, or that keeps a few spots for super talented girls who show up out of nowhere. Those open spots are more often available at level 4/5 and optionals than level 2/3, because the intro levels have so much interest but usually no attrition until after the girls’ first season.

The best time to make a switch is right after states and regionals when gyms are figuring out move-ups.

 

[Cornelia527]

Yes, unfortunately.

Some gyms won’t enforce a contract, but many will and/or will have you on the hook for at least your assessment/gear/meet fees/coach fees or whatever they call it. That money has already been spent as meet registrations are happening now or in the next couple of weeks, and gear has been ordered or will be soon. The gym will want to claw it back.

This is a tough time to switch if you’re in a state with a winter compulsory season, and basically impossible if you’re in a state with fall compulsories. There might be a gym that would take you on for a trial for JO, but it would have to be a gym with unexpected athlete departures, going through a transition, or that keeps a few spots for super talented girls who show up out of nowhere. Those open spots are more often available at level 4/5 and optionals than level 2/3, because the intro levels have so much interest but usually no attrition until after the girls’ first season.

The best time to make a switch is right after states and regionals when gyms are figuring out move-ups.

Thank you!

 

[Dahlialover]

Just curious—if we've already signed an agreement with our current gym, will it be difficult to switch?

It depends on what the agreement says. Our contract merely requires 1 month notice and you forfeit the meet fees you have already paid (but those don’t start until fall). Carefully read the fine print of what you signed. Did you make a longer commitment?

 

[BusyMomof2]

She's 7 years old! That is not too old for DP and I find it crazy that someone can tell you that with a straight face.

But yes - it's absolutely possible to switch over and I'd find a gym that has a more modern outlook on gymnastics. My 11-year old daughter is DP level 7 (training level 8) with an xcel foundation and is one of the stronger girls at her gym. She works really really hard and I think has some natural ability but it's absolutely possible - and she wasn't even on team until she was 8.

In terms of switching - as others have said you could be on the hook for things but likely only the month tuition. If you've already paid for meet fees, they probably haven't registered given the USAG deadline for gymnast memberships isn't even here until later this week, so I would politely but firmly ask for a refund. If you've paid for your Leo/warmup, see if you can sell it back to the gym.

 

[Lurker]

I don't think a year of bronze will derail her gymnastics future. Given the time of year I would see how she does with competitions and paying attention to the little details. Has she already learned routines? Does she enjoy her coaches and teammates?