Choosing a Club: Enrolling Your Child In Gymnastics

© 2011 Karrie Emms

When parents consider gymnastics lessons for their child, there are some things they should look for in a local club.  It is important for parents to consider all aspects of any gym, especially if the child is a little older and hopes to compete someday.  It is vital parents consider all the demands gymnastics can put on a family, because when a child decides to enter competitions it truly becomes a family affair. 

What Is An Age Appropriate Program?

Age appropriate programs vary from club to club, and in many cases it really depends on the maturity and ability of the child.  In general, a child can usually start gymnastics at one year to 18 months of age or as soon as they can walk.  Children who begin early usually start off in child/parent classes.  In these programs one parent is on the floor with the child at all times. 

From these classes children progress into various levels based on age and ability.  These classes usually begin around age three or four.  Older children who show an aptitude and ability for the sport can often enter one of the various competitive streams.  Entering a competitive program should be carefully considered, because it often means long hours at the gym, missed family events, and a substantial financial commitment. 

It is important for parents to consider what they want their child to learn from gymnastics classes.  The sport is wonderful for developing balance, agility, and flexibility, but it also helps teach skills like time management and good sportsmanship.  Often children who are involved in competitive gymnastics also excel at school, because of the strong work ethic they learn. 

Choosing a Gym In Your Community

There are some important things to consider when choosing a gymnastics club.  The first thing parents should look for is whether a gym insured by a gymnastics federation.  Affiliation with a federation ensures the quality of the programming and that top safety guidelines are followed.  In addition, coaches employed by the gym will be certified through the federation and up to date with teaching philosophies and techniques.

Parents and children should visit local clubs before picking one to attend.  Many clubs offer trial classes to potential students.  During a visit, parents should look at the equipment used and the safety protocols in use.  They should also ask if the club has a visitor’s viewing area, and the facilities should be clean and in good repair.  Most clubs will have an office or floor manager who can address administrative issues and answer questions about equipment and scheduling. 

Gymnastics can become a lifelong sport and a source of employment for teenagers who stay with it and love it. In the end gymnastics is a great way to help kids learn basic skills while having fun. 

What to Expect at a Gymnastics Meet

In the last post we looked at important things to pack for a gymnastics meet and some basic ettiqitte to follow at meets.  Today I thought we would have a look at what to expect at a gymnastics meet.  This should be a good guide especially if it is your child's first meet.  

What to expect at a gymnastics meet

• The entrance fees to a meet can vary so be prepared to pay anywhere from $5.00 - $10.00 per person.
• Gymnast become the coaches responsibility once they enter the gym so do not try to talk to or go see your gymnast for any reason.  
• When a gymnast gets to a meet she should find her coach and let him/her know she is there.
• ‘Register’ – find the registration table to get their number.  They usually write the number a gymnasts hand.
• Make sure your gymnast has everything she needs because there is very little chance to contact your gymnast until the end of the meet.
• If you have any questions ask them before the meet.  Do not try to signal or contact your gymnast or coach during the meet.
• Never speak with or approach any judges at any time – if you meet one, be super nice!
• Gymnasts cannot go buy food or snacks during a meet. It is important to make sure they have what they need in their bag.
• Meets can last anywhere between 4 and 5 hours.
• Buy a program (they aren't terribly expensive)- you can see when other girls are competing and keep track of scores.
• Flash photography is a big NO during meets. It is a huge safety risk for the athletes.  Be sure your flash is off and remember your camera may reset to a flash on position if it has been turned off and back on.  Do not assume it is off. 
• Find a seat with a good view and be there early so you can get your seat when the flights are changing.  
• It can be warm at a meet so be sure to dress appropriately.
• There is usually a march in where the gymnasts are introduced by club.
• There are four events in womens gymnastics be sure to find out which event your gymnast is starting on.  
• A gymnastics meet has rotations be sure to follow your gymnast so you know where they are at all times.  
• Warm ups usually happen in two ways, there is a general floor warm up for all gymnasts and event warm ups just prior to competing.  
• Cheering is allowed and even encouraged but try to save it for the time when the team is rotating otherwise it could be distracting to the athletes. 

Things to consider after a gymnastics meet

• At fun meets there is usually a fun team competition like a crazy dance or costume wear.
• There are usually awards for each event and an all around medal.  There are often special judges awards as well for things like stuck landings or dynamic routines.  Be sure to congratulate your gymnast regardless of standings.  
• Plan on dinner out because your gymnast has probably made plans with team mates.  Dinner out with other gymnasts and their families are really a great way to end a meet on a high note.  

***All in all, enjoy the experience and be proud of your gymnast.  It takes a lot of guts to compete and be scored on every little thing you do.  Remember to let the coaches and the judges do the scoring and at home just be mom or dad, supportive and proud!***

Competition Tips For Parents, Athletes and Spectators

We are just entering our competitive season here in Northern Ontario.  Our first meet sees us travelling to Kitchener in Southern Ontario at the end of January.  You can already tell things are starting to get a little more serious around the club and you can actually see the girls getting more and more excited with each passing practice.  I thought it may be a good plan to offer some tips for attending competitions to all those first time moms and competitors this year.  Here are some great tips and tricks for competition day:


Make sure you arrive at the meet ON TIME!

Judges, competitors,and organizers are not going to wait for you to arrive if you are late.  It is sad, but true the show must go on.  Follow these suggestions to make sure your gymnast has every chance to compete.

1. Plan to stay overnight.  This will eliminate any travel or weather delays and ensure your gymnast is well rested. 
2. Have everything organized the night before, know how long it takes to get to the venue and the registration and start times.  
3. Check and double check with your coaches.  Is there a time they want your child at the venue for?
4. Timing is key!  Give yourself plenty of time to get ready, eat a good breakfast and take care of any housekeeping items before heading to the venue.  
5. Be sure your gymnast is rested and has a good dinner the night before the meet and a good breakfast on meet day.  (Meets can be very, very long!)
6. Do your gymnasts hair before you get to the venue, there is nothing like fighting for mirror time with 30 girls!  Dress in warm up and leo's instead of changing where there may be frustrating line ups that can cause delays.  
7. Avoid discussing the meet on the way to the meet.  You don't want to be the coach, encourage your child to just have fun.  
8. Do not allow your child to sense your nerves.  

Make sure you pack all of the meet essentials!


When attending a meet you need to make sure your gymnast has what she needs in her gym bag and you have what you need in another bag.  Once you drop your gymnast off she is no longer your responsibility and you will not be able to talk to her so having what she needs is important.  Here is a list of parent needs and gymnast needs:

Gymnast

1. A gym bag with her initials or name on it
2. A warm up leo and her competitive leo
3. Grips and wristbands for bars as well as any braces
4. Hair accessories
5. A drink (water preferably) and snacks. These should be healthy and finger foods.
6. Warm up suit with name
7. Personal items like hairspray, deodorant, athletic tape etc

Parents

1. Camera with no flash or video camera
2. Snacks and drinks
3. Money for goodies and souvenirs
4. Cell phone to let people know how your gymnast is doing
5. Activities for other children
6. Tylenol
7. A book or puzzle... there is a lot of waiting
8. Cushion for your seat

In my next post we'll look at what to expect on meet day!