Mobility is the movement of the gymnasts from one level to the next. USA GYMNASTICS and The AGTC TEAM program both have established rules of mobility. Each gymnast will be placed relative to their fulfillment of the criteria that USA GYMNASTICS and Atlantic Gymnastics have established. USA GYMNASTICS mobility is based solely on scores achieved in USA GYMNASTICS sanctioned competitions.
It is becoming increasingly obvious that gymnastics is very a technical, perfection-oriented sport. Advancement in the sport depends solely on how well the basics are mastered. Similar to a pyramid, the larger a base of support (basics), the higher the pyramid will stand (ultimate goal level). With this in mind, it seems rather ridiculous to assume that gymnasts should merely achieve their mobility score and move to the next level. Programs which do that set up the athletes to eventually "hit the wall", that is they stop learning because of missing mastery of the basic compulsory elements.
The scores established by USA GYMNASTICS create a VERY BASIC proficiency level to attain before moving. IN NO WAY DOES IT AUTOMATICALLY MOVE THE GYMNAST TO THE NEXT LEVEL. The AGTC Team has established national standards for level placement. These standards are based on what the best clubs in the country are doing, not by what is being done in New Hampshire or New England. We feel that it is very important for a child to feel successful at gymnastics. One way we accomplish this is by having the gymnasts compete at a level that they are comfortable at. This allows them to work the necessary basic elements that will help them in the future.
REMEMBER: Being at a higher level does not make you a better gymnast....executing skills more precisely makes you a better gymnast. The following criteria helps us decide the placement of each gymnast:
Physical Preparedness: an assessment is made of strength, flexibility, endurance, agility, quickness and suppleness. Emotional, Psychological Readiness: these attributes are observable in a subjective way, as opposed to an objective manner. They readily indicate the child's ability to overcome reasonable fears, to make quick yet sound judgments, and their self motivation and dedication to achieving their goals.
Present Skill Level: by asking them to have acquired the skills needed in the next level routines before being considered to move up. By looking at this, we can project your skill and routine readiness for the coming competitive season.
By combining all the above factors plus our day to day experiences with that child, we can pretty well determine at what level they will be the most successful. We have always believed that to be successful at competitions one must train at 100 percent and be able to compete at 80 percent. It is important to remember that we must train at the level we want to be, not necessarily the level we are at.
