Docksiders Boys' Parents Association, Inc.

Parent Organization for Docksiders Boys' Gymnastics

When your athlete decides to join Docksiders gymnastics, he will be placed in a class according to his age and ability. If he shows an interest in and has athletic potential for being on the boys' competitive team, one of our cooaches will evaluate him to determine his readiness for team.

Below is the progression Docksiders offers from a very early age for young gymnasts. Each child is different, and some children may show an ability to thrive in the team environment sooner than others. Some male athletes start gymnastics much later than the progression shown here and are able to move quickly to team. Your athlete's coahces and instructors can best determine his potential as a gymnast and will place him in the Docksiders program where he will achieve the most success.

Our youngest athletes start in Tadpoles. Tadpole classes are for ages 18 months to 3 1/2 years old and require parent participation. The class is designed for the teacher to help you assist your child in learning gymnastics. We explore basic motor development through songs, warm-ups, and the use of many instructional circuits that are set up for you. The class is structured and learning takes place in a comfortable environment that promotes socialization and smiling. Return to Class List.

Our 3 year old class is usually the first solo class experience for many little ones. Part of the class is geared toward learning how to take a class without a parent present. Repetition of skills such as waiting for your turn, marching in line, listening, and following directions are worked on in every class. The skills are similar to those in the Tadpole program, only the child relies on the teacher to help them instead of a parent. A small student/teacher ratio provides the perfect atmosphere for Guppie fun. Return to Class List.

The Minnows & Starfish classes are our pre-school classes for 4 and 5 year olds. These classes take advantage of an older child's ability to follow directions and move with a quicker pace. New skills are introduced more frequently and noticeable progress is made. This can be a two year level. Return to Class List.

In our 5 1/2 & 6 year old classes the structure moves more toward station work and away from circuits. Boys are separated to work on the Olympic events. Skills are presented with an older, school aged, and motor skill developed child in mind. Waiting in line and following directions are expected. Return to Class List.

An invitation only class for boys with a structure that moves toward station work and away from circuits. Boys are separated to work on the Olympic events. Skills are more advanced than the beginning level classes and begin to prepare boys to move into our Boys' Team program. Waiting in line and following directions are expected. Return to Class List.

Sharks is our beginner/intermediate level class for boys ages 7 and up. This class uses the men's Olympic events and stresses the importance of strength. Return to Class List.

Barracudas is our intermediate/advanced level class for boys ages 7 and up. This class uses the men's Olympic events and stresses the importance of strength while working on more advanced skills. For more advanced boys' gymnastics we have our boys' team program that boys are welcome to try out for. Return to Class List.

We currently have team levels 4 to 10 for our male athletes. Once an athlete shows the interest and athletic potential for team, he will be invited to try out for team and will be placed at the appropriate level. Return to Class List.