When it comes to competitive gymnastics, athletes in the United States have two main programs to consider: the Xcel Program and the USA Gymnastics Development Program (formerly known as the Junior Olympic or “JO” Program).
Both are offered by USA Gymnastics and provide structured competitive pathways—but they serve slightly different needs, skill levels, and time commitments.
Overview of the Development Program (Formerly “JO”)
Previously called the Junior Olympic (JO) Program, the Development Program maintains the same core levels and progression:
- Levels 1–3: Developmental levels focusing on fundamental skills.
- Levels 4–5: Compulsory levels where all routines are standardized.
- Levels 6–10: Optional levels allowing gymnasts to create personalized routines.
Advancement is based on mastering required skills and achieving minimum scores at sanctioned competitions. Gymnasts in these higher levels often train more hours per week and aim to qualify for local, regional, and even national-level competitions.
Overview of the Xcel Program
The Xcel Program is designed for athletes who want to compete but may not have the time, desire, or resources for the rigorous demands often associated with the Development Program. Xcel offers six divisions (levels), each with its own skill and difficulty range:
- Bronze – Beginner level (roughly equivalent to Levels 1–2 in the Development Program).
- Silver – Low-intermediate level (roughly equivalent to Levels 2–3).
- Gold – Mid-intermediate level (roughly equivalent to Levels 4–5).
- Platinum – Upper-intermediate level (roughly equivalent to Levels 5–6).
- Diamond – Advanced level (roughly equivalent to Levels 6–8).
- Sapphire – Introduced in select regions in 2022–23 (often compared to Levels 8–9+).
Note: Xcel Sapphire is relatively new and not yet offered in every state or region; it extends the program for those who demonstrate skill levels comparable to upper-level optional routines in the Development Program.
Xcel vs JO Gymnastics Chart
| Xcel Level | Comparable JO Level | Key Features |
| Bronze | JO Levels 1–2 | Basic skills, focus on mastering fundamental elements |
| Silver | JO Level 3 | Introduction to more complex skills and routines |
| Gold | JO Levels 4–5 | More advanced skills and routines, focus on creativity |
| Platinum | JO Levels 5–6 | Challenging skills, combination of compulsory and optional |
| Diamond | JO Levels 6–7 | High-level skills, advanced acrobatics, and artistry |
| Sapphire | JO Levels 8–9+ | Elite-level optional skills, offered in select regions (newest division) |
Skill Comparisons Between Xcel and the Development Program
Both programs have unique skill progressions and expectations. Below is an overview of how skills evolve across the four main events (Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor)—based on the latest updates.
Vault
Junior Olympic (JO) Program:
- Progression & Specificity:
In JO, vault progression is structured into clear developmental stages. Early levels (1–3) require very basic vaults with minimal difficulty. By Level 4, gymnasts are expected to perform a handspring vault, and Level 5 introduces more complexity—such as handspring front vaults—while higher levels (8–10) demand advanced vaults like Yurchenkos, twisting vaults, or even double layouts. - Uniform Standards:
All gymnasts at a given level must perform the prescribed vault elements, ensuring that technical precision, form, and landing accuracy are consistent across competitors.
Xcel Program:
- Flexibility & Choice:
Xcel gymnasts have the freedom to choose vaults that best match their abilities. For example, a Bronze-level gymnast might perform a basic handspring vault similar to JO, but at Diamond or Sapphire, gymnasts may opt for vaults that showcase their strengths (e.g., twisting or high-flying vaults). - Scoring Approach:
Start values in Xcel vaults typically range from 9.6 to 10.0. While the technical demands are similar in high-level Xcel routines, the program allows gymnasts to select a vault that minimizes their weaknesses, often reducing the risk of deductions for form errors.
Uneven Bars
Junior Olympic (JO) Program:
- Compulsory Routines (Levels 1–5):
Early JO levels require gymnasts to perform the same fixed routines on the bars—such as chin-up pullovers, back hip circles, and set dismounts. This uniformity helps judges assess each gymnast against the same criteria. - Advanced Elements (Levels 6–10):
As gymnasts advance, JO demands more technical elements including release moves, giants, and intricate transitions. These routines have very specific requirements (e.g., number and type of circling skills) that must be met.
Xcel Program:
- Customized Routines:
In Xcel, routines are optional rather than compulsory. Gymnasts have the freedom to build routines that play to their strengths. For instance, lower-level Xcel routines focus on basic swinging and mounting techniques, while higher levels require advanced elements—such as multiple release moves and complex dismounts—similar to JO. - Skill Requirements:
Instead of a fixed skill list, Xcel uses “Special Requirements” (SRs) and Value Part (VP) criteria. For example, at the Diamond level, a gymnast might need to perform a specified number of “A” and “B” value skills. Additionally, there are flat deductions if a cast or clear support element does not meet a set angle, which encourages proper technique without prescribing exact skills.
Balance Beam
Junior Olympic (JO) Program:
- Standardized Compulsory Elements:
In JO, early levels have compulsory routines that include specific acrobatic elements, leaps, turns, and dismounts. Gymnasts must perform these elements exactly as written. This rigidity ensures that all athletes are evaluated on the same basic beam skills. - Progression in Optional Levels:
As gymnasts move to optional levels (6–10), JO routines require increasingly technical acrobatic series, precise leaps with prescribed split angles, and challenging dismounts, leaving little room for individual variation.
Xcel Program:
- Flexible Routine Construction:
Xcel beam routines are entirely optional. Gymnasts have the flexibility to select their skills based on personal strengths. Although fundamental beam skills such as mounts and simple acrobatic elements are still essential at lower levels (Bronze/Silver), higher levels allow for creative choreography and individual style. - Updated Element Values:
Recent rule updates have increased the value of certain beam elements. For instance, the value for a 1 1⁄4 turn on back in kip position has been raised from “C” to “D,” reflecting the increased difficulty expected in higher Xcel levels. - Angle & Deduction Flexibility:
While JO routines demand a specific split angle for leaps, Xcel routines may allow a small variance with only a flat deduction rather than a complete loss of credit—giving gymnasts some leeway in execution.
Floor Exercise
Junior Olympic (JO) Program:
- Compulsory Floor Routines:
JO’s lower levels feature compulsory floor routines with set tumbling passes that every gymnast must perform identically. This approach standardizes scoring and emphasizes consistent technique across competitors. - Advanced Optional Routines:
In optional levels (6–10), gymnasts design their routines using a prescribed skill list that increases in difficulty. Elements like handsprings, multiple acro passes, and leaps with defined split requirements are expected. Routines are judged not only on execution but also on the composition and choreography based on strict criteria.
Xcel Program:
- Personalized Routine Construction:
In Xcel, gymnasts are free to choreograph routines that highlight their individual strengths. The focus is on seamless execution, artistic expression, and reducing deductions by avoiding skills that do not match the gymnast’s proficiency. - Fewer Composition Penalties:
Unlike JO, Xcel does not penalize for missing specific compulsory elements. Instead, each event has a set of Special Requirements that, if not met, result in flat deductions (typically 0.50 points per missing element) but still allow for creative routine building. - Execution Emphasis:
While both programs deduct for errors in form or insufficient split angles in leaps, Xcel’s scoring is more forgiving regarding routine composition—emphasizing a balance between technical execution and artistic presentation.
References:
Which Path is Best?
- Xcel is well-suited for gymnasts who want a competitive experience with more flexibility in training hours and skill choices. It can also be a long-term pathway for athletes who love the sport but do not wish to train at the highest intensities.
- The Development Program is the more traditional track for those aiming to reach advanced optional levels (6–10) and potentially compete at regional or national championships. It requires mastery of compulsory routines in Levels 1–5 and typically involves more training hours and higher technical demands.
Ultimately, the choice depends on each gymnast’s goals, level of commitment, and how they respond to different training structures. With the addition of Xcel Sapphire in some regions, athletes who thrive on optional-style routines now have an even broader range of opportunities within the Xcel framework.
For the most accurate and up-to-date rules and requirements, always refer to the official USA Gymnastics resources and communicate with your gym’s coaching staff.