Most gymnasts start out at the "Fun Meet" level. Fun Meets are a great introduction to gymnastics. There is no pressure to get a certain score, as ribbons are awarded based upon the score range. Gymnasts who score a 9.0 and above receive a blue ribbon, 8.0 and above receive a red ribbon, 7.0 and above receive a white ribbon and lower scores generally receive a yellow or rainbow ribbon. These meets are a great opportunity for girls to become friends with their team members, without the pressure of competing against them for higher scores.
Eventually, most gymnasts move on to the competitive level. The standard transition for gymnasts is to next move to the Junior Olympic competitive track. Gymnasts compete in Levels 3-10. Most gymnasts will begin in Level 3, but some will advance the first year to Level 4.
The biggest change you will see during this transition isn't necessarily at the competitions. Practices change significantly, as there is more emphasis on technical correctness. Many programs will also add conditioning or significantly increase it at this level.
In addition to receiving scores, awards are given to 40-50% of gymnasts. Some competitors do well the first time out, while other gymnasts struggle. Going to a first competitive meet can be difficult for a child who doesn't perform well and heartbreaking for a parent. Regardless of how your gymnast performs, it is important to offer encouragement and support.
One of my daughters struggled when she first began competing. She failed to place at competitions and was demoralized when she saw here teammates do well. We began focusing on the positive things she was doing. For instance, if her scores increased from meet to meet, we celebrated that. Eventually, she did place on a couple of events during the season, once even making it to the podium! It was a slow and arduous process, but she eventually advanced to a performance level she was happier with.
Just because a gymnast doesn't place at a competition doesn't mean they don't have a future in gymnastics. My first coaching job was for the coach for whose team I had competed. Her philosophy was that gymnasts with some aptitude and a good work ethic were often more likely to succeed than a gymnast with a ton of natural talent. The reason is simple--some gymnasts with natural talent may take the ability to do well for granted. Also, gymnasts would generally evolve to a level where a work ethic is required.
As long as your daughter is enjoying gymnastics, encourage her to stay with it. Gymnastics is not just about performance. There are many things to be learned from being involved in gymnastics that will help shape your daughter's future. Above all, it should be a fun activity.
Eventually, most gymnasts move on to the competitive level. The standard transition for gymnasts is to next move to the Junior Olympic competitive track. Gymnasts compete in Levels 3-10. Most gymnasts will begin in Level 3, but some will advance the first year to Level 4.
The biggest change you will see during this transition isn't necessarily at the competitions. Practices change significantly, as there is more emphasis on technical correctness. Many programs will also add conditioning or significantly increase it at this level.
In addition to receiving scores, awards are given to 40-50% of gymnasts. Some competitors do well the first time out, while other gymnasts struggle. Going to a first competitive meet can be difficult for a child who doesn't perform well and heartbreaking for a parent. Regardless of how your gymnast performs, it is important to offer encouragement and support.
One of my daughters struggled when she first began competing. She failed to place at competitions and was demoralized when she saw here teammates do well. We began focusing on the positive things she was doing. For instance, if her scores increased from meet to meet, we celebrated that. Eventually, she did place on a couple of events during the season, once even making it to the podium! It was a slow and arduous process, but she eventually advanced to a performance level she was happier with.
Just because a gymnast doesn't place at a competition doesn't mean they don't have a future in gymnastics. My first coaching job was for the coach for whose team I had competed. Her philosophy was that gymnasts with some aptitude and a good work ethic were often more likely to succeed than a gymnast with a ton of natural talent. The reason is simple--some gymnasts with natural talent may take the ability to do well for granted. Also, gymnasts would generally evolve to a level where a work ethic is required.
As long as your daughter is enjoying gymnastics, encourage her to stay with it. Gymnastics is not just about performance. There are many things to be learned from being involved in gymnastics that will help shape your daughter's future. Above all, it should be a fun activity.