Gymnast Gem is an independent resource created to make artistic gymnastics easier to understand.
Gymnastics can feel complicated at first. There are different levels, skill names, scoring systems, deductions, requirements, and rules depending on the program or competition.
Gymnast Gem helps make those topics clearer with practical, beginner-friendly explanations for gymnasts, parents, and fans.
What We Cover
Gymnast Gem focuses mainly on women’s artistic gymnastics (WAG) and men’s artistic gymnastics (MAG).
Our main topics include:
- Skills & Levels — skills, progressions, apparatus requirements, USAG Development Program levels, Xcel divisions, and men’s gymnastics levels
- Scoring & Rules — FIG, USAG, Xcel, and NCAA scoring, including D-Score, E-Score, Start Value, deductions, bonus, and judging
- Beginner Guides — helpful explanations for new gymnasts, parents, and first-time meet viewers
- NCAA Gymnastics — college scoring, competition formats, rules, and related topics
- Training & Technique — strength, conditioning, flexibility, drills, and skill development
- Gymnasts & Teams — athlete comparisons, height, age, teams, and other gymnast-focused topics
The goal is not just to explain what a gymnastics term means, but to help readers understand how it works and why it matters.
Who Gymnast Gem Is For
Gymnast Gem is for anyone who wants to understand gymnastics without having to work through complicated rulebooks or technical documents.
It is especially useful for parents whose children are starting gymnastics, beginner and recreational gymnasts, competitive athletes, and fans who want to better understand skills, levels, scoring, and competition rules.
When technical terms are needed, we explain them in plain language first.
How We Research Gymnastics Information
Gymnastics rules change over time, and different programs do not always follow the same scoring system.
For articles about scoring, deductions, requirements, competition formats, and judging, Gymnast Gem relies primarily on official and authoritative sources, including:
- World Gymnastics / FIG
- USA Gymnastics
- NCAA
- official Codes of Points and rule books
- technical updates and rule modifications
- official competition results when real examples are useful
We also review and update articles when rule changes affect the information.
Whenever possible, we clearly separate FIG, USAG Development Program, Xcel, and NCAA rules so readers can understand which system applies.
Training and Safety
Gymnast Gem provides educational information only. It is not a substitute for professional coaching, medical advice, or injury diagnosis.
Gymnastics skills should be learned with appropriate coaching, equipment, and supervision. Training should be suited to the gymnast’s age, experience, ability, and physical condition.
Contact Us
Have a question, suggestion, or gymnastics topic you would like to see covered?
Visit our Contact page. We welcome ideas and feedback from readers.