Anon Xcel to compulsory

[Anonymous (441b)]

My daughter has the opportunity to move from bronze to level 3 at the same gym. I'm not sure how to evaluate making this move. My daughter wants to do it, but I want to consider all angles.

I have asked all the obvious questions - hours, cost, competitions. What elae should I think about or ask the coaches?

 

[Anonymous (4cf0)]

• Does your daughter have to stop all other activities to do their compulsory program?
• Is there a future home school requirement in order to keep advancing?
• Is this the only way to do optionals at the gym?

Unless you already know you sort of want to feel out what you are getting into past L3, for a lot of families the early requirements/expectations aren't an issue, it's the future ones that are problematic.

 

[Anonymous (f5c2)]

Good questions so far! I'd also ask questions about the future after L3. Such as how many hours for each level. Approximate percentage of kids who have to repeat levels. How do they do move ups (additional criteria beside USAG min scores). Price increases associated with each level. Ask about the balance between family life/gymnastics. Do they encourage families to travel during the times the gym is closed and/or occasional missed practices for birthdays and other special events.

My opinion is that kids repeating L3-L6 should be the exception vs the norm. My other opinion is that family time and time with friends for special events should not be entirely sacrificed for gymnastics. Minimal absences is important but it's a balance too with 'life'. I didn't realize how quickly my DD would be a higher level optional. When you are a L4, L8 seems so far away but it goes quick! This sport has a way of sucking up family energy if you allow it which his why I suggest asking questions to make sure the gym's philosophy is aligned with your family values and attitudes with how children should be treated.

 

[Anonymous (441b)]

Good questions! We are already at this gym, so I know the answer to some of these since DP and Xcel have the same team handbook. But I didn't consider that there may be differences in attendance expectations for DP vs Xcel.

 

[Anonymous (3f6e)]

Good questions so far! I'd also ask questions about the future after L3. Such as how many hours for each level. Approximate percentage of kids who have to repeat levels. How do they do move ups (additional criteria beside USAG min scores). Price increases associated with each level. Ask about the balance between family life/gymnastics. Do they encourage families to travel during the times the gym is closed and/or occasional missed practices for birthdays and other special events.

My opinion is that kids repeating L3-L6 should be the exception vs the norm. My other opinion is that family time and time with friends for special events should not be entirely sacrificed for gymnastics. Minimal absences is important but it's a balance too with 'life'. I didn't realize how quickly my DD would be a higher level optional. When you are a L4, L8 seems so far away but it goes quick! This sport has a way of sucking up family energy if you allow it which his why I suggest asking questions to make sure the gym's philosophy is aligned with your family values and attitudes with how children should be treated.

In how many years did your DD move from L4-L8? Did she skip any Ls and were the coaches supportive?