Is it to Late or to early?

Question

Is a child who is 6 to late to compete as in age wise in free style 5 or 6. Or is it to early?

Answer 1

It's the perfect age! I wish that I could've been able to compete in freestyle 5 or 6 when I was 6. =/

But I'm 13 and I'm probably doing freestyle 4 or 5 for my next competition. D:

And a 6 year old in the novice level is possible. Wait do you mean the novice level in USFSA levels? Like double jumps? Or the elite styles, triple jumps?

I think a 6 year old will be able to do doubles, maaaaaaaybe double axel, start on triple sal if she is reeeeally talented. But give her a couple more years she could start landing triples!

Answer 2

It's not a matter of age, it's ability. No one will hold a 6-year-old back from reaching FS 5 or 6 if they can do the jumps and spins. However, a six year old has to work REALLY hard to be able to skate with any power, and it's a rare 6-year-old that can.  We have very young skaters at our rink and they tend to top out at FS 3 or 4 because of the power issue.  Their waltz jumps look more like waltz steps because they just don't have the muscle to get very far off the ice.  

But occasionally you do see a kid who can do it. If they have the ability, there's no age limit.  If you're asking in general if that's the typical level for a 6 YO, it's a bit advanced for that age.

Answer 3

That is the perfect age to start freestyle skating.

Answer 4

I think that age 6 is just fine to participate in freestyle 5/6 levels, as long as he or she is enjoying the sport.  I would even ask the child's opinion of whether or not he/she wants to compete.  I don't think that it should be solely the parent or coach's agenda to have the child compete if he or she does not feel comfortable doing so.  

Another thing that should be taken into consideration is how much time is being spent on the ice.  Too often, I see parents trying to push their children up to higher levels by having them skate 4 or more times a week.  Unfortunately, their academics suffer and they don't get to spend time just playing outside with their friends.  Even though the child may want to skate, it is also important for parents to set healthy limits.  

Bottom line:  Find out how the child really feels about competing and make sure that skating isn't taking away from other aspects of the child's life.  If these things aren't an issue, then go for it!!!  

Happy skating!

Miche