All-Star Your Daughter Won't Fly Forever

[Quotation]

Sorry but what is "little girl syndrome"? I've never heard that saying before. Is it just what it sounds like?

i've also heard it called "tiny top syndrome"

 

[BlueCat]

Basically when a flyer knows they are tiny and thinks that means they don't have to be tight, because they think the bases can hold them up anyway.

This theoretically works for bases, too. An exceptionally physically strong base (or tall back spot) could still power through and make a difficult stunt work without strong technique.

 

[cheerspirit]

The smallest flyers are usually given the smallest bases. Most flyers at one time were petite. It is probable when they were younger they took a more mature flyer's spot. It's not fun to be on the other side. Posters can hate but, this will continue unless age limits are raised.

 

[BlueCat]

The smallest flyers are usually given the smallest bases. Most flyers at one time were petite. It is probable when they were younger they took a more mature flyer's spot. It's not fun to be on the other side. Posters can hate but, this will continue unless age limits are raised.

It should be noted that raising age limits doesn't mean there are suddenly more people are in the air. It is sort of a zero-sum-game situation. This change would potentially extend the flying careers of some flyers, but it would cut others short. (Some 12-13 year olds would be made bases sooner instead of flying on senior teams.).

 

[cheerspirit]

True there is always a domino effect. If the Worlds age was raised we would see more mature flyers, but not everyone can fly. Teams need bases.

 

[cheer25mom]

I have told many fellow parents over the years, only 1/4 of the team can fly. 3/4 of the team will be on the ground.


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[mecheermom]

It should be noted that raising age limits doesn't mean there are suddenly more people are in the air. It is sort of a zero-sum-game situation. This change would potentially extend the flying careers of some flyers, but it would cut others short. (Some 12-13 year olds would be made bases sooner instead of flying on senior teams.).

Theoretically this may lead to stronger bases-- basing more age appropriate kids on a junior team instead of flying on a senior team.


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[BlueCat]

Theoretically this may lead to stronger bases-- basing more age appropriate kids on a junior team instead of flying on a senior team.

It is hard to predict the exact result of raising the age floor. I believe that you would generally see stunt difficulty decline a small amount among all-girl groups and a significant amount in coed (single-base) groups. 12-year-olds tend to be lighter than 14-year-olds and, like it or not, (base) strength to (flyer) weight ratio plays a large part in determining stunt success rates. (It isn't the only factor. Losing too much weight or losing weight too quickly is bad for all of the regular reasons PLUS it actually works against stunt success. etc...)

I don't predict that the age floor will go up for 2 main reasons:

1. Most small gyms don't want it to. Narrower age ranges make it a challenge for gyms with smaller enrollment to form teams of athletes with similar abilities. Most large gyms prefer that everyone were required to have tighter age ranges for other reasons, but they don't face some of the same difficulties making rosters.

2. Narrowing the age range cuts down the potential attendees for Worlds. Worlds is a primary source of funding for USASF and cutting out 25% of the senior age group wouldn't help their budget.