Originally Posted by ColinsMum
So there's a crude sense in which, if you have to ask, you aren't competitive anyway; and in that case, why not just do each competition for fun whenever you qualify and not worry about it?

I am fairly certain that my son is probably not going to be winning any big math competitions, but he does like to do them for fun and keeping him at a level more in line with his age will also keep them fun for him.

Many thanks to everyone who has responded so far. You have given me much to think about.