To think gymnastics is a ridiculous sport

[jenniferalisonphillipasue]

I don't mean in terms of the actual doing of the sport. It requires huge amounts of skill and strength and I have the upmost respect for gymnasts. However...
My ds (9) and dd (6) have been doing recreational gymnastics for the last 2 years. It is a small local club (we live in a rural area) but there appeared to be a progressional route I.e. They got invited to do more hours and be part of development squads. When we went to other venues and saw other gym clubs training I realised however that they were both behind in terms of their skills compared to other kids their age.
In order for them to actually be able to compete (which they would like to do) we have looked at alternative clubs. Having talked to them on the phone none of them are willing to take my ds on. At his age and level he will apparently be too far behind. He is strong and athletic and although not the best in terms of his ability he will work really hard for anyone who gives him the time. But no, that's it. If he wanted to be a competitive gymnast he needed to start properly at 4. He can stay doing rec gym but there isn't anything for him in terms of competition (we have no Teamgym nearby).
I am heart broken for him. He was entranced by the gymnastics at the Commonwealth Games and this is what he'll say he wants to be when he grows up.

I think it is ridiculous that a sport can write children off by the age of 9 for being too old.

So AIBU???

I thought this was going to be a thread about Tumble - now that does make gymnastics look ridiculous..!

I think no sport/activity for any child is ridiculous. You would only think so if you really want your child to over-succeed (ie, to competition level).

Sport for sports' sake is wonderful. Activity for its' own sake is wonderful. Encourage your child to take part. It is not compulsory to get to competition level - just for enjoyment level, is reward enough, surely?? An encouraging a healthy lifestyle

My DS 7 started last year as was very strong and capable, was very pleased when his coach said he clearly was beyond the beginners class and they would send me details about 'next stage'.

Received an email saying he would go from 1 hour on a Saturday morning to two 1.5hour sessions a week after school. I have tried my best to accommodate, but with living half an hour away and working and having two other children, there is no way I can devote 3 and a 1/2 hours for him. twice a week, no matter how much he enjoys it. They have said if he doesn't want to do this then he is quite happy to continue with the Saturday mornings for the next year. But after that not sure what happens as still won't be able to take him to two long sessions a week.

I know that some people want to pursue it to professional level, but like the OP there doesn't seem to be a class for children who enjoy (and are good at it) but don't want to be in the Olympics?!

Oh I agree hooby my point was more it was sad that the op's children have been written off because they didn't start at 4

I played tennis to an international level as a teen - I didn't start until I was 9 but it took over my whole entire life until I jacked it in at 20(much to my mothers dismay even now 13yrs later!) my uni dissertation was on burnout in female junior athletes - it can be just far too much too young for most people. My 7yo DD is showing a bit of promise at tennis now but I really really don't want her going down the same route I did!

It makes me sad that children could feel like a failure so young.

And it makes me worry that I've failed as a parent by not providing opportunities for this sort of thing yet. DD has a lot of strength and flexibility and is now at age 7 confident enough to actually want to go to classes. But it feels like it'd be pointless now because all her peers have been doing it for so long already (they attend a school where most children do loads of extra curricular stuff - this hasn't been possible for us) and she will be miles behind - even though she could have talent.

I wasn't allowed to do sports when I was young (very much looked down on by my parents) and I want my DCs to be able to do sport for fun, but the early emphasis on competition worries me TBH.

As an aside what I really want her to try properly (going by what she loves doing already) is parkour :o but they don't start classes til age 10 here, which is a shame.

Look into tumbling, Acro or double mini-trampoline. DD is a competitive provincial level tumbler (we're in Canada) and she only began doing that at age 10 (she was a very keen trampoline-er at home and recreational gymnast prior to this). Boys are especially in demand for Acro as they excel at being 'Bigs' (supporting gymnasts).

We've been having a similar conversation about tennis this evening. Ds enjoys matches, but we are very happy that it's a hobby (only around 7 hours this week,) and not more serious.

I have a friend whose daughter is going down the elite gymnast route. She's 10, and trains 26 hours per week. That's a huge commitment.

My local gymnastics club (there is only one, no alternative clubs to go to) won't even let you join the waiting list until the child has turned 6 and the waiting list is at least a year long. However, they do have kids who compete (and even a couple who win when they compete) so it seems crazy to say that if you're not competing at the age of 4 there is no point competing at all. I don't think any of them will be Olympic gymnasts, but then you could go round hundreds of gymnastics clubs in the UK and still not stumble across a future Olympian.

I suggest you get him into ballet, you won't regret it.
(my DD is at vocational school doing ballet now and it is hard, hard, hard but fantastic).

Thanks Oscar, you've reminded me to check out a different club I'd heard of. It's more focused on fun than competition. I'd thought I'd see how difficult it would be to get to as it's in a different town (no car) but it turns out there's now gymnastics and trampolining classes at the local secondary school, I had no idea! So tomorrow I'll email and ask to go on the waiting list :)

My dd is a canoeist - flat water sprint and marathon .
Gymnasts make great paddlers, good core a must . It's an Olympic sport that's enjoyable and doable for all your life . It's cheap too . I'd recommend it to any youngster who is looking to keep fit and race competitively or for fun .
Look at the British canoe unions website . You can do it on any stretch of water- canals included .

There will always be children who come later to a sport and still reach professional level because they are hugely talented. What this club is very clearly saying to you is that your ds is not good enough to perform at a competitive level. You need to accept this and either let him keep enjoying himself in his current club or find something else he is better at that he can channel his energies into. You would be doing him no favours pushing with the gymnastics if he is not capable of performing to the required level, and it's not just a question of coaching, if he had the natural ability and potential they would have taken him, age 7 or not.

Actually XiCi the clubs assessment is based on a phone call so they have no idea of his ability only his history. Yes they are clearly saying he is not good enough to compete - but that is purely based on the fact that no one has taught him the necessary skills and now no one will. I will not push him with gymnastics, I just feel that it is such a shame that by the age of 9 he has no option but to continue in his rec class, which although he enjoys lacks the further progression he wants and needs to improve.
I am hoping that the dc will lose interest soon so that we can move on and find another activity which actively encourages them rather than puts obstacles in the way.

Oh OK, well if they haven't even seen him then that's just ridiculous. Sounds like you just don't have access to decent clubs and coaching I'm your area which is a shame if he's really keen.

Another suggestion: diving. Gymnastics/trampolining/diving all seem to want similar shaped children with transferable skills - do you have any diving clubs near you?

Another vote for ballet here, i just started my almost 5yo son at ballet and he loves it. It encourages good posture and muscle control and strength.

My cousin was in the BT. Ridiculous hours spent at training, meets and competitions. His body is now knackered.

Good athletes shine through. It's (or it shouldn't be) not about the age you start but about how quickly you progress, ie your natural talent and ability to develop.

But the starting very, very young isn't just happening in sport. Some countries are churning out very robotic accomplished musicians. Almost production line.

Can I suggest trampolining? His gym skills would really help him there.