Is your gymnast interested in the Braves team? 

Here is some information to help your and your gymnast decide if the Braves team is right for her:

• The Braves team is for gymnasts of any ability level in grades 7-12 in the Mandan Public School District. If your athlete lives outside of this district, she may participate if a co-op exists with her school district.

  • If a co-op does not yet exist, contact us and we will work with the schools to create one.

  • If you attend school in the Bismarck Public School District, including private schools, you unfortunately cannot compete for the Braves team. However, DSG now offers USAG Xcel levels Gold through Diamond as a high school alternative for gymnasts in any community who love our coaches and want to continue participating in our program!

• The Braves team skill requirements are quite different than the USAG club levels, but your gymnast can certainly participate in both groups if so desired and requirements are met. She is not allowed to compete both teams at the same time, but she can "drop back" to Xcel or JO Optional levels after the high school season ends. 

• The Braves team offers an extremely affordable opportunity to compete gymnastics. There are no monthly tuition charges or meet fees during the official season; the majority of your gymnast's needs from November through February are included in her $60 activity fee paid to the school in November. 

• The Braves team offers a flexible competition roster, meaning that your gymnast may participate on all events or may only compete on 1-2 events depending on her current abilities. This means that she is able to compete even if she is not yet proficient on all four events, which is not an option in club levels.

 

If the Braves or Xcel teams feel right for you and your gymnast, here is some information to get her started:

• Your athlete may begin practicing with the Braves/Xcel/DSG Optional level team beginning as soon as the March session or as late as November!

• Year-round practice is very, very highly encouraged. Most teams throughout the state practice throughout the off-season to obtain higher level and safer gymnastics skills, so your gymnast practicing year-round helps her keep up with the competition as well as maintaining safe training standards.  (Please note: Xcel level gymnasts have specific requirements that must be demonstrated before competition registration is offered.)​

• During the off-season, your Braves gymnast is only required to practice three days per week. She will be required to practice 5 days per week during season. ​

​