We were able to see that actual proposal submitted to the IHSA and it does request that ALL gymnastic co-ops be eliminated. This is the stated reasoning: "Rationale of Submitter: Coop teams have formed in gymnastics in large suburban schools creating all-star teams that have dominated in the state series. These teams still could compete as separate schools, using the same coach and facility under current IHSA provisions. This practice is already in use by the Highland Park and Deerfield High School boy's gymnastics teams. In the event there were not enough athletes from a school to form a team (4/Girls, 3/Boys) those athletes would still be allowed to participate in the state series as an individual." Our initial objections stand: 1. Assumption that a larger student body equals athletic superiority and success is incorrect. 2. Motive appears to be to eliminate the competition. Some may say the motive is to "level the playing field" by disbanding larger co-op teams but that doesn't change the fact that there will always be larger teams vs. smaller teams. Without co-ops, the larger schools will be Lincolnshire (Stevenson, 3,934 students), Neuqua Valley (3,764 students)Barrington (3,008 students) vs. smaller schools like our school Prairie Ridge (1,480 students). But having seen the actual proposal, we strongly disagree with the belief (or appeasement) that individual participation is an acceptable substitute to team participation. It is NOT and this is the true heart of the matter. • Supporters of this proposal rationalize that since gymnastics is typically an individual sport, team participation is not necessary. We argue that since gymnastics is traditionally an individual sport, high school is their ONLY opportunity to experience team participation. o Unlike most sports, gymnastics is an all-year commitment. Our girls are not able to participate meaningfully in other high school sports or teams. For example, after football season, those high school players can then play basketball, and then run in track, thus belonging to 3 different high school teams in 1 year. Gymnastics requires continued dedication and practice. Even 1 week off for summer vacation sets gymnasts back and they have to train harder to regain their skills. Gymnasts have only gymnastics as their sport. o High School Gymnastics provides our girls a unique and treasured opportunity to be a part of a team, to feel like they belong, and know they are accepted. This is the experience we as parents are fighting for.  From a parent: “I know for my daughter she won’t want to compete in high school on her own. Her enjoyment comes from training with her team: going to the meets (riding on the bus), having pre-meet pasta parties with her teammates, making gift bags, hanging out and going to eat after the meets are done, that what she loves. She’s never played team sports and was just going to do Club (gymnastics) her freshman year but I’m glad she joined Prairie Ridge’s co-op team. She grew emotionally so much from being on that team. She bonded with the juniors and seniors as the season went on. Realistically, I don’t care if they win or lose, I just want her to experience the good, the ups, the downs and make bonds with girls in a high school team setting. That’s why she came back this year when she could easily stayed with Club gymnastics. She wanted to be a part of a team.”  Our co-op accepts all students regardless of their skill level. Though co-ops are allowed to “cut” players (see pg. 29 of IHSA By-Laws), our co-op does not.  Several new team members this year are beginner gymnasts. One has never participated in gymnastics before. Our coach believes anyone who wants to be part of our team should be allowed to do so. He welcomed her and the girls followed suit. Everyone deserves to belong to a team and the girls are learning how to be accepting of everyone, despite what they can or cannot do. Truthfully we do not expect to win State this year. As with all athletic teams, success is cyclic. Our team is not as strong as it was last year, we lost 3 talented seniors. Who knows, it may take another 108 years until we win again but a trophy is not what we seek. Ultimately we want our daughters to grow to be women of character, filled with determination and compassion for others. We believe their high school co-op team is teaching them this. Unlike Deerfield and Highland Park, our schools are unable to commit to an individual school gymnastics team. If the co-op is eliminated, our daughters will not have a team to turn to. This is why we are raising our voice. Thank you for helping us be heard.