Gymnastics is a popular sport for school-aged children;, according to a 2008 study by The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital. More than 600,000 kids in the U.S. participate in organized gymnastics each year. Whether in the school gym or as part of a gymnastics club, if your child wishes to participate in gymnastics, it's a good idea to understand the pros and cons of this often overlooked sport.
Identification
Gymnastics is an Olympic sport and requires significant training and practice to improve skills. While many children are exposed to basic gymnastics in their school physical education program, to reach a completitive level of skill, gymnasts must train and practice at an outside gymnastics club. Class levels typically range from a starter class for beginning toddlers to learn basic tumbling to advanced levels where students compete on regional, state and national platforms. To compete, a gym must hold membership in United States of America Gymnastics, the governing body that sets policies and rules for organized gymnastics in the U.S. for Olympic and international competitions.
Benefits
Participating in gymnastics can teach a child self discipline, self confidence and teamwork in addition to building their coordination and physique. Children in gymnastics learn to recognize a goal and then follow through with the practice and determination to bring that goal to fruition.
Injury Facts
Gymnastics has a high degree of injuries, second only to ice hockey for children. In April 2008 Pediatrics Journal states that an average of 27,000 gymnastics-related injuries are reported in emergency rooms each year, which is about one in every five participants. In children 6 to 11 years old, the majority of injuries are dislocations and fractures; in children 12 to 17, the most common injuries are sprains and strains. While injuries to females are more likely to occur in the upper extremities, males are more likely to have neck and head injuries.
Safety
The primary keys to injury prevention is education of the gymnastic trainers themselves as well as proper placement of mats and other safety equipment.. Parents should confirm that the trainers have been completed the USAG's Safety Certification Program, and that trainers and spotters are supervising the gymnast activity at all times. It's also important that parents not pressure their kids to perform beyond their capabilities but rather allow the children to progress according to their individual talents and abilities.
Long-Term Outlook
Children that pursue gymnastics may become over involved to the point that their lives revolves around the gym, practice and competitions. While dedicated and talented gymnasts may earn college scholarships and continue to compete after high school, parents should recognize that some children will lack the interest, dedication and basic body style to continue competitively in the sport of gymnastics. Because gymnastics is considered a high-level sport it is imperative that kids not be pushed too hard by their parents or coaches lest the sport take away the fun of childhood.
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