related from bogwoppit on Chalk Bucket:
The first few links are specific to gym, the next are all about periods.
Sports and Menstrual Periods: The Female Athlete Triad
http://www2.usa-gymnastics.org/publications/technique/2004/5/hip.pdf
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original post:
Coaches can easily measure Peak Height Velocity (PDF), a very accurate indicator of maturity events.
Thanks ….try this.
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original post
Menarche is the first menstrual cycle, or first menstrual bleeding.
… Girls experience menarche at different ages. The timing of menarche is influenced by female biology, as well as genetic and environmental factors, especially nutritional factors. The average age of menarche has declined over the last century but the magnitude of the decline and the factors responsible remain subjects of contention.
The average age of menarche is 11.75 years. It is about 12.5 years in the United States …
Of course with gymnasts menarche is often later. Intense training can delay it. And coaches tend to select late maturing girls as gymnasts.
There’s an interesting post on this topic on the Chalk Bucket forum.
As a male, I’m oblivious. The female coaches council the girls on menarche, one of life’s turning points.
Leave a comment if you have advice on best practice when the time comes.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 