Parents XCEL at lower levels, then JO

[CluelessGymMom]

Hello! My daughter is in a very small gym with small teams and only a couple of team coaches. I want to start by saying, we LOVE this gym and the coaches! An absolutely fantastic gym! The gym offers only XCEL until level 6. I've never asked why, but I imagine it is due to the size of the gym and the teams. The gym has successful level 6+ gymnasts too.

Recently, a coach from another gym said our daughter should be in JO due to her ability. Note he was not trying to get her to his gym, he lives in another state.

The questions: does it matter if a girl does XCEL until level 6? Is it hard to go JO from XCEL? I am learning from being on this board that JO seems to be higher esteemed. But my daughter trains more hours in XCEL than most other gyms at the compatible JO level train. She wants to go all the way through level 10 (her goals). XCEL won't hurt that, right?

 

[&bs]

It doesn’t matter what she is competing, what matters is the coaching she is receiving. If she is being coached in a development program that can produce competitive Level 10’s, then that is what is important.
She could be competing DP in a club that never gets gymnasts past Level 8, which wouldn’t do her any good at all.
If you look at the top gymnasts in your club and they are achieving at the level of your daughter’s goals, then as long as you are happy with her current situation, then I think you can trust the process of your current gym. If she has the ability and work ethic, she should also be able to achieve In your gym.

 

[Coach Kate]

Many gyms are actually using Xcel in place of compulsories, it's very normal. Some gyms prefer to work on the skill progressions and artistry without the confines of compulsory routines.