Anon Xcel to Level as Older gymnast

[Anonymous (8db0)]

If you are looking to go from xcel to level as an older (16) gymnast - do you begin at level 7 and then move up or score out?
Has anyone moved from xcel to level being an older gymnast? What was your experience?
What would be the advantages and disadvantages/challenges for moving over?

 

[Anonymous (6c99)]

Your coach can petition in to level 7 if you have the skills.

 

[Anonymous (a31e)]

If they are Xcel Diamond or Sapphire, it would be easier to transition smoothly.
Challenges/Disadvantages and Advantages will depend on how their gym handles Xcel versus DP, or how their current gym handles Xcel versus how the new gym handles Xcel and DP.

Challenges/Disadvantages (especially if transitioning from Platinum or below):
-> Cast angle deductions are bigger (and are taken on ALL casts except cast squat or pike on).
-> Split angle requirements are higher (180º) and deductions are taken if too low.
-> Level 7 Vault to the mat stack. This isn't as big a deal if they are just scoring out of L7 to move on to L8 from Diamond or Sapphire. Mine didn't petition into L6 because of the vault.
-> Potentially a big jump in hours while navigating high school
-> Potentially higher costs and more travel meets

Advantages (especially if transitioning from Diamond or Sapphire):
-> Potentially more competition
-> The possibility to advance (with the necessary skills) to DP Level 9 or 10 before graduating High School (and the possibility of attending L9 Easterns/Westerns or L10 Nationals).
-> Potentially more time in the gym
-> Potentially more travel meets