Gymnastics is typically divided into two main competitive categories for younger athletes in the U.S.: compulsory and optional. These categories set the foundation for gymnasts’ skills, allowing them to progress from standardized routines to more personalized, complex performances as they advance.
Contents
Overview of Gymnastics Levels in the USA
In the United States, the Junior Olympic (JO) Program, governed by USA Gymnastics (USAG), is split into ten levels, with levels 1–5 considered compulsory and levels 6–10 labeled as optional.
- Compulsory Levels (Levels 1–5): These levels have standardized routines, meaning every gymnast performs the same skill set in the same order, regardless of gym or location. Each skill and sequence are prescribed by USAG, and athletes are judged based on how well they execute the specified routines.
- Optional Levels (Levels 6–10): At these levels, gymnasts have more freedom to create routines that showcase their strengths and unique skills. While certain requirements must still be met, gymnasts can vary their skills within routines, incorporating more advanced elements that cater to their abilities.
Gymnastics Compulsory Levels
Compulsory gymnastics encompasses Levels 1–5 of the USA Gymnastics (USAG) program. In this stage, all gymnasts perform identical routines, following specific skills, choreography, and timing set by USAG. This standardization ensures that all gymnasts develop foundational skills and execute consistent techniques before advancing to higher levels.
Skills and Requirements by Level
Compulsory gymnastics focuses on building a strong technical foundation. It also ensures that all gymnasts at a particular level have a standardized set of skills before moving on to more complex maneuvers.
- Level 1 and 2: Basic skills, including rolls, handstands, and fundamental dance elements. These levels are typically for younger gymnasts to introduce them to gymnastics in a structured manner.
- Level 3: Introduces more challenging skills like cartwheels on the beam and front hip circles on bars. This level continues to focus on core strength and basic movements.
- Level 4: Incorporates skills such as back walkovers, squat-ons on bars, and split leaps, requiring improved flexibility and body awareness.
- Level 5: The highest compulsory level, featuring back handsprings on floor, kips on bars, and more complex beam routines. These routines prepare gymnasts for the optional levels.
Scoring in Compulsory Levels
In compulsory gymnastics, scoring is highly focused on the execution and precision of movements rather than the difficulty of skills, as each gymnast at a given level performs the same routine.
This uniformity allows judges to evaluate all athletes based on identical routines, with scores reflecting how well a gymnast performs each required element.
Transition to Optional Levels
Once a gymnast has successfully mastered the skills in Level 5, they are eligible to transition to the optional levels. Moving to optional gymnastics represents a significant milestone, as it allows gymnasts greater freedom to design routines that highlight their strengths and personality.
Gymnastics Optional Levels
Once gymnasts reach Level 6, they enter the optional levels (Levels 6 through 10). Optional routines allow for personalization and creativity, as gymnasts perform unique routines tailored to their strengths and style.
Optional routines still require specific skills but offer greater flexibility in choreography and music choice, enabling gymnasts to perform routines that align with their personalities.
Skills and Requirements by Level
Optional routines often feature higher difficulty levels, with gymnasts performing advanced elements and combinations.
- Level 6: The entry-level optional level, where gymnasts begin experimenting with unique combinations. Skills are advanced but still somewhat simplified compared to higher levels.
- Level 7: Gymnasts are encouraged to demonstrate more complex tumbling passes, vaults, and bar transitions. The emphasis on form and execution remains, but gymnasts also begin to show their distinct performance style.
- Level 8: Requires higher-level skills and combinations, including more difficult acrobatic elements and flight skills. At this stage, gymnasts typically have a solid foundation in technique and an increased emphasis on artistry.
- Level 9 and 10: The most advanced optional levels, demanding intricate skills like double backflips, release moves on bars, and highly dynamic beam and floor routines. Level 10 routines often showcase the pinnacle of a gymnast’s capabilities.
Scoring in Optional Levels
Optional routines are evaluated on both difficulty and execution. Gymnasts are awarded points for skill difficulty and combinations, as well as for how cleanly they execute their routine. Judges assign a “start value” based on the level of difficulty in a routine, and the final score reflects both technical accuracy and artistic presentation.
Transitioning from Compulsory to Optional
The transition from compulsory to optional gymnastics is a significant milestone in a gymnast’s career. Gymnasts moving into optional levels must build on their basic skills while learning to integrate more difficult elements. For example, in the U.S., gymnasts must be at least 7 years old to compete at Level 4 and must achieve a minimum all-around score to advance to Level 5.
This transition often requires gymnasts to train more intensively and develop routines that meet the technical and artistic demands of optional competition.
Factors to Consider in the Transition:
- Skill Readiness: Gymnasts should have a solid foundation in compulsory skills and show readiness to handle more complex movements.
- Increased Training Intensity: The demands of optional gymnastics often require additional hours of practice to master new skills and routines.
- Choreography and Personal Style: Gymnasts work with coaches to design routines that reflect their individual strengths, balancing technical difficulty with artistic presentation.
Summary: Compulsory vs. Optional Levels in Gymnastics
| Aspect | Compulsory Levels | Optional Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Structure | Pre-determined, identical for all gymnasts | Custom, unique to each gymnast |
| Levels | Levels 1–5 | Levels 6–10 |
| Scoring Focus | Execution and uniformity | Execution, difficulty, and artistry |
| Skill Progression | Focus on foundational skills | Advanced skills, allowing for higher complexity |
| Judge Evaluation | Consistency and precision | Difficulty score (D-score) and execution |
| Athlete Freedom | Limited, standardized | High, encourages individuality |
Level 10 and Beyond
Level 10 is the highest level in Junior Olympic gymnastics. After Level 10, gymnasts may continue into elite gymnastics, which qualifies them for national and international competitions, including the Olympics. Reaching elite status requires mastery of complex optional skills and routines with exceptional execution.
In conclusion, compulsory gymnastics sets the stage for success by focusing on technique and precision, while optional gymnastics provides the freedom to explore, innovate, and elevate skills.
For gymnasts and their families, understanding this progression can aid in setting realistic goals and achieving long-term success in the sport.
