IS there an age that is too young?

[poledad]

Hey all new to this game have an 9 year old boy who like to vault , run, long jump, and high jump. His pr's are 6 ft in vault. 11 ft in long jump, 3' 6" high jumps and 26.6 in the 100 yards. Just wondering when ever one started. Is this too young for pole vaulting. What are the risk as this young age. From what i can tell in the aau and usatf youth divisions vaulters do not even get to compete until they are 12 or 7th graders. He stands aobut 4 6 around 50 lbs. Would you recommend that he get involded in some time of competive area now? If so how do I get that started.

[CHC04Vault]

If he really likes the vault u should get him in gymnastics, i really wish i took gymnastics as a kid now

[Texasvaulter07]

If he really likes the vault u should get him in gymnastics, i really wish i took gymnastics as a kid now

Same here. and i think its great he got started so young. I know 7th graders that cant get 6 feet.

[poledad]

He has been in gym for aobut 3 years., He is a level 6 . For those of u out there gymnasitc is one of the best things for any child. It helps in all area strenght, speed, flexablity, and most important self confidence.

Keep those cards and letters comming guys this poor old dad needs all the help he can get

[ladyvolspvcoach]

Poledad in which part of Tennessee are you?

[poledad]

located in the jackson tn area

[SlickVT]

Poledad,

From experience, the only real advice that I could give you is that if he likes pole vaulting, thats wonderful, but never force a child to do something that he doesn't want to do.

Anything my parents tried forcing me to do as a kid I wanted to quit. Thats why I love vaulting, they really didnt know much about it and never pressured me to keep going, although they offered me never-ending support because they saw I loved it so much.

Just ask Jacob Davis about being forced to vault....

[rainbowgirl28]

I agree that the most important thing is that he is having fun! I think it's great when younger kids get the opportunity to vault.

[poledad]

Yea i agree i would not ever force this little man to do what he does not enjjoy. after begining around those crasy sport parent in gymnastic for 8 years and cheer moms I am appaled by there behavior. Kids need to be kids and when it stops begining fun then it is time to stop that sport.

Gymnastic became something he had to do not wont to do and that is when we stoped. When an 8 year old is working out 12 hurs a week, trying to go to school that leavelittle time for fun.

thanks for the imput guys