THE GYMNAST GEM TOOLBOX · COMPARE

Gymnastics
Level Comparison

See what changes.
Compare the routine format, skill requirements and scoring behind two levels.

USAG women’s artistic · DP Levels 1–10 · Xcel Bronze–Sapphire

DP Level 1

Foundational shapes and short prescribed routines.

Routine format
Compulsory
Minimum competition age
4 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
Prescribed skills; no optional A/B/C quota.
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Prescribed routines are evaluated from 10.00. A specified alternative may have a lower starting maximum.

Vault

Two-part preparation on mats.

  • Stretch jump onto a mat, then a separate handstand-to-flat-back action.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Uneven bars

Pullover, cast and back hip circle.

  • The low-bar routine includes a back hip pullover, cast and back hip circle, followed by a permitted dismount.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Balance beam

Front-support mount and basic balance shapes.

  • Selected content includes the needle-leg kick and relevé lock stand.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Routine time limit: 35 seconds.

Floor exercise

Cartwheel, rolls and a three-quarter handstand.

  • The set routine includes a cartwheel, backward roll, forward roll and a three-quarter handstand.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

2021–2029 compulsory · reviewed 2026-09-23

DP Level 2

More control in rolling, balancing and basic bar work.

Routine format
Compulsory
Minimum competition age
5 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
Prescribed skills; no optional A/B/C quota.
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Prescribed routines are evaluated from 10.00. A specified alternative may have a lower starting maximum.

Vault

Jump to handstand and land flat on the back.

  • The prescribed jump-to-handstand vault uses a raised mat surface.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Uneven bars

Glide swing, pullover and repeated casts.

  • The prescribed low-bar content includes a glide swing and return, a pullover, two casts and a back hip circle.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Balance beam

Basic balance with a forward passé position.

  • The forward passé balance is part of the prescribed beam routine.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Routine time limit: 40 seconds.

Floor exercise

Cartwheel, straight-arm roll and bridge kick-over.

  • The prescribed backward roll finishes in a push-up position. A handstand and bridge kick-over also appear.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

2021–2029 compulsory · reviewed 2026-09-23

DP Level 3

Longer prescribed routines and connected basic elements.

Routine format
Compulsory
Minimum competition age
6 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
Prescribed skills; no optional A/B/C quota.
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Prescribed routines are evaluated from 10.00. A specified alternative may have a lower starting maximum.

Vault

Handspring over a raised mat surface.

  • Unlike Level 2’s flat-back action, this vault passes over the mat surface to land on the feet.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Uneven bars

Mount choice and two back hip circles.

  • The mount has a glide-and-pullover route or a glide-kip option. Two back hip circles are part of the prescribed routine.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Balance beam

Fish-pose mount and cross-handstand content.

  • The prescribed routine includes the front-support fish-pose mount and a cross handstand.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Routine time limit: 55 seconds.

Floor exercise

Handstand forward roll and bridge kick-over work.

  • A handstand forward roll, leap and split jump with 90° standards, and handstand-to-bridge/back-kick-over are selected routine elements.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

2021–2029 compulsory · reviewed 2026-09-23

DP Level 4

Compulsory work with kips, beam cartwheel and table vault.

Routine format
Compulsory
Minimum competition age
7 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
Prescribed skills; no optional A/B/C quota.
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Prescribed routines are evaluated from 10.00. A specified alternative may have a lower starting maximum.

Vault

Front handspring over the vault table.

  • The prescribed table vault is evaluated using Level 4 compulsory criteria.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Uneven bars

Kips and a cast to horizontal.

  • A glide kip, cast to horizontal and long-hang kip are among the prescribed elements.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Balance beam

Cartwheel, half turn and connected jumps.

  • The routine includes a cartwheel, half turn on one foot, and stretch-jump–split-jump connection.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Routine time limit: 65 seconds.

Floor exercise

Front handspring step-out and backward roll to handstand.

  • Selected content includes a back walkover, front handspring step-out, cartwheel and straight-arm backward roll to handstand.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

2021–2029 compulsory · reviewed 2026-09-23

DP Level 5

The final compulsory level, with advanced prescribed choices.

Routine format
Compulsory
Minimum competition age
7 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
Prescribed skills; no optional A/B/C quota.
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Prescribed routines are evaluated from 10.00. A specified alternative may have a lower starting maximum.

Vault

Front handspring over the vault table.

  • The prescribed table vault is evaluated using Level 5 compulsory criteria.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Uneven bars

Kip work and the prescribed dismount options.

  • The routine includes a glide kip and a cast above horizontal. The flyaway dismount route is shown from 10.00; the manual also specifies an alternative dismount route.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Balance beam

A prescribed acro choice within a set routine.

  • Choices at the acro position include a back walkover, specified backward roll, back handspring or front walkover. The rest of the routine remains prescribed.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

Routine time limit: 70 seconds.

Floor exercise

Salto or aerial choice and connected handsprings.

  • The forward acro position permits a front tuck or a specified aerial alternative. Other content includes two front handspring step-outs and a backward tucked salto.

Use the prescribed routine and its stated alternatives. These are selected highlights, not the full sequence or choreography.

2021–2029 compulsory · reviewed 2026-09-23

DP Level 6

The first optional level: choose skills within the event rules.

Routine format
Optional
Minimum competition age
7 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
4 A + 2 B
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Up to 10.00 with the required content; no bonus or Composition Credit.

Vault

Three permitted entry families to a raised mat stack.

  • Handspring, Tsukahara or Yurchenko entry under the Level 6/7 chart; the listed vaults start from 10.00.
  • The permitted Level 6 versions finish on the feet. Level 7 back-landing options do not apply.

Use the exact permitted vault and equipment setup. A vault outside the level chart is not allowed.

Uneven bars

Cast, bar change, clear circle and salto dismount.

  • Cast toward at least 45° above horizontal. Being above horizontal meets this content requirement, with angle deductions still possible.
  • At least one bar change; one full clear circle from Groups 3, 6 or 7 (hips do not touch the bar).
  • A salto dismount rated A or higher.

A/B bar skills without flight/release; one selected C clear hip, backward stalder or backward pike-sole circle to handstand is allowed as B. No bar-to-bar flight/release. Other C and all D/E elements are restricted.

Balance beam

A non-flight acro series OR one acro flight skill.

  • A non-flight acro series OR one acro flight skill. Mounts and dismounts do not replace this on-beam requirement.
  • A leap or jump requiring a 180° cross/side split, and a full turn on one foot.
  • A-or-harder aerial or salto dismount.

A/B elements plus one C dance element, credited as B. Other C dance and all C/D/E acrobatics are restricted.

Routine time limit: 80 seconds.

Floor exercise

Two different saltos with a choice for the second pass.

  • Two separate acro passes with different saltos. Each pass has at least two directly connected flight elements; an isolated B salto may replace the second pass.
  • A passage of two different dance elements from Group 1, including a leap requiring a 180° split.
  • At least a full turn on one foot.

A/B elements plus one C dance element, credited as B. Other C dance and all C/D/E acrobatics are restricted.

Routine time limit: 80 seconds.

2026–2030 optional · reviewed 2026-09-30

DP Level 7

More B skills, stronger circling work and specific tumbling directions.

Routine format
Optional
Minimum competition age
7 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
4 A + 3 B
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Up to 10.00 with the required content; no bonus or Composition Credit.

Vault

Three permitted entry families to a raised mat stack.

  • Handspring, Tsukahara or Yurchenko entry under the Level 6/7 chart; the listed vaults start from 10.00.
  • Level 6 finishes on the feet. Level 7 also permits back landings for the specified Tsukahara/Yurchenko-entry versions.

Use the exact permitted vault and equipment setup. A vault outside the level chart is not allowed.

Uneven bars

Two clear circles and a cast toward handstand.

  • Cast toward handstand; at least 45° above horizontal receives the content credit, with angle deductions still possible.
  • Two full clear circles, same or different: at least one B and at least one from Groups 3, 6 or 7.
  • A salto dismount rated A or higher.

A/B elements plus the listed C casts/circles to handstand and specified half-turn versions, credited as B. Other C and all D/E elements are restricted.

Balance beam

An acro series AND a flight skill; the flight may be inside the series or separate.

  • An acro series AND a flight skill; the flight may be inside the series or separate. Mounts and dismounts do not replace this on-beam requirement.
  • A leap or jump requiring a 180° cross/side split, and a full turn on one foot.
  • A-or-harder aerial or salto dismount.

A/B and C dance elements, with allowed C credited as B. D/E dance and C/D/E acrobatics are restricted.

Routine time limit: 80 seconds.

Floor exercise

Forward and backward saltos, including a stretched salto.

  • Two acro passes: a backward salto in a pass with at least two directly connected flight elements, and a forward salto pass.
  • At least one forward or backward salto is stretched, without twist, landing on two feet.
  • A passage of two different Group 1 dance elements, including a leap requiring a 180° split, plus a full turn on one foot.

A/B and C dance elements, with allowed C credited as B. D/E dance and C/D/E acrobatics are restricted.

Routine time limit: 80 seconds.

2026–2030 optional · reviewed 2026-09-30

DP Level 8

Connected flight and a larger B-skill mix; Composition Credit begins.

Routine format
Optional
Minimum competition age
8 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
4 A + 4 B
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
9.80 base + up to 0.20 Composition Credit.

Vault

Vaults from the separate Level 8 vault-value chart.

  • Choose a permitted Level 8 vault; its listed value determines the starting score.
  • The bars/beam/floor skill-count and starting-base figures do not apply to vault.

Use the current chart for this level. A similarly named vault may have a different value in another level or program.

Uneven bars

B flight or turn, a B clear circle and handstand content.

  • Cast to handstand.
  • Two B elements: a flight element (not the dismount) OR an element with a lengthwise turn (not the mount/dismount), AND a full clear circle from Groups 3, 6 or 7.
  • A salto dismount rated A or higher.

A/B and the listed C handstand/circle exceptions, plus one otherwise restricted C, credited as B. Additional restricted C and all D/E elements are restricted.

Balance beam

An acro series of at least two skills, including flight.

  • An acro series of at least two skills, including flight. Mounts and dismounts do not replace this on-beam requirement.
  • A leap or jump requiring a 180° cross/side split, and a full turn on one foot.
  • A-or-harder aerial or salto dismount.

A/B and C dance, plus one otherwise restricted C acrobatic element. Allowed C receives B credit. Additional C acrobatics and D/E elements are restricted.

Routine time limit: 90 seconds.

Floor exercise

A two-salto pass and three different saltos overall.

  • One acro pass contains two saltos, connected directly or through flight elements; three different saltos occur across the routine.
  • A passage of two different Group 1 dance elements, including a leap requiring a 180° split.
  • The last acro pass initiated contains an A-or-harder salto.

A/B and C dance, plus one otherwise restricted C acrobatic element. Allowed C receives B credit. Additional C acrobatics and D/E elements are restricted.

Routine time limit: 90 seconds.

2026–2030 optional · reviewed 2026-09-23

DP Level 9

C-level content, harder dismounts and eligible connection bonus.

Routine format
Optional
Minimum competition age
8 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
3 A + 4 B + 1 C
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
9.50 base + up to 0.20 Composition Credit and 0.30 eligible bonus.

Vault

Vaults from the separate Level 9 vault-value chart.

  • Choose a permitted Level 9 vault; its listed value determines the starting score.
  • The bars/beam/floor skill-count and starting-base figures do not apply to vault.

Use the current chart for this level. A similarly named vault may have a different value in another level or program.

Uneven bars

Two bar changes, flight/turn content and a B dismount.

  • At least two bar changes.
  • One B-or-harder flight plus a different C-or-harder flight OR a B-or-harder lengthwise turn. Flight cannot be the dismount; the turn cannot be the mount/dismount.
  • A salto dismount rated B or higher.

A/B/C plus the listed D/E turning-root exceptions and one otherwise restricted D/E, credited as C. Additional restricted D/E elements are not allowed.

Balance beam

At least two directly connected acro flight skills.

  • At least two directly connected acro flight skills. Mounts and dismounts do not replace this on-beam requirement.
  • A leap or jump requiring a 180° cross/side split, and a full turn on one foot.
  • B-or-harder aerial or salto dismount.

A/B/C and D/E dance, plus one otherwise restricted D/E acrobatic element. Allowed D/E receives C credit; additional restricted D/E acrobatics are not allowed.

Routine time limit: 90 seconds.

Floor exercise

A two-salto pass, three different saltos and a B finish.

  • One acro pass contains two saltos, connected directly or through flight elements; three different saltos occur across the routine.
  • A passage of two different Group 1 dance elements, including a leap requiring a 180° split.
  • The last acro pass initiated contains a B-or-harder salto.

A/B/C and D/E dance, plus one otherwise restricted D/E acrobatic element. Allowed D/E receives C credit; additional restricted D/E acrobatics are not allowed.

Routine time limit: 90 seconds.

2026–2030 optional · reviewed 2026-09-23

DP Level 10

The highest DP level: advanced content, connections and bonus.

Routine format
Optional
Minimum competition age
9 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
3 A + 3 B + 2 C
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
9.20 base + up to 0.30 Composition Credit and 0.50 eligible bonus. A separate 0.10 extra bonus has additional conditions.

Vault

Vaults from the separate Level 10 vault-value chart.

  • Choose a permitted Level 10 vault; its listed value determines the starting score.
  • The bars/beam/floor skill-count and starting-base figures do not apply to vault.

Use the current chart for this level. A similarly named vault may have a different value in another level or program.

Uneven bars

C flight and turning content, plus a C dismount.

  • A C-or-harder flight and a different B-or-harder flight, excluding the dismount.
  • A C-or-harder element with a lengthwise turn, excluding the mount and dismount.
  • A salto dismount rated C or higher.

No general difficulty restriction on skill choice; recognition and routine-construction rules still apply.

Balance beam

Two directly connected flight skills, at least one C; or the approved A non-flight linked to E flight alternative.

  • Two directly connected flight skills, at least one C; or the approved A non-flight linked to E flight alternative. Mounts and dismounts do not replace this on-beam requirement.
  • A leap or jump requiring a 180° cross/side split, and a full turn on one foot.
  • C-or-harder aerial/salto dismount, or an eligible B dismount directly connected to the specified C acro-series/acro-flight/dance content.

No general difficulty restriction on skill choice; recognition and routine-construction rules still apply.

Routine time limit: 90 seconds.

Floor exercise

A two-salto pass, three different saltos and a C finish.

  • One acro pass contains two saltos, connected directly or through flight elements; three different saltos occur across the routine.
  • A passage of two different Group 1 dance elements, including a leap requiring a 180° split.
  • The last acro pass initiated contains a C-or-harder salto.

No general difficulty restriction on skill choice; recognition and routine-construction rules still apply.

Routine time limit: 90 seconds.

2026–2030 optional · reviewed 2026-09-23

Xcel Bronze

Flexible routines built around fundamental skills.

Routine format
Optional
Minimum competition age
5 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
4 A
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Up to 10.00 with the required content; no bonus.

Vault

Two mat-vault choices with different starting values.

  • Stretch jump plus a separate handstand-to-flat-back action: 9.00 total.
  • Jump to handstand and flat back: 10.00.

Only the division’s listed vaults are permitted. Check the official chart for the full equipment and performance rules.

Uneven bars

Low-bar mount, cast, circle and dismount.

  • Begin on the low bar.
  • Hips leave the bar in a cast that is separate from the mount and dismount.
  • Include a 360° circling skill, separate from the mount and dismount.
  • Finish from the low bar without a salto.

A elements only; no high-bar skills, low-bar giants or salto dismounts.

Balance beam

Non-flight acro, simple turn and a jump/leap.

  • Complete at least a half turn on one or two feet.
  • Include a jump or leap within the routine, separate from the mount and dismount. No split angle is required.
  • Include a non-flight acrobatic skill that starts and finishes on the beam.
  • Finish with a permitted dismount; no saltos or aerials.

A elements only; no walkovers or salto/aerial dismounts.

Routine time limit: 45 seconds.

Floor exercise

Basic acro connections and a 60° leap standard.

  • Connect at least two acrobatic elements; flight is optional. The two acro requirements use separate passes.
  • Include another pass with at least one acrobatic element.
  • Include two different Group 1 leaps, jumps or hops, connected directly or indirectly. At least one must be a leap with the required split. Leap split standard: 60°.
  • Complete at least 180° on one foot.

A elements only, including the specified straddle-jump/side-leap exceptions. No saltos or aerials; at most two acrobatic flight elements.

Routine time limit: 45 seconds.

2022–2028 Xcel · August 2026 amendments · reviewed 2026-09-23

Xcel Silver

More elements, connected acrobatics and clearer dance positions.

Routine format
Optional
Minimum competition age
6 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
5 A
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Up to 10.00 with the required content; no bonus.

Vault

Two permitted vaults over a sideways mat stack.

  • Handspring, or the specified quarter/half-turn entry with repulsion to the feet. Both start from 10.00.

Only the division’s listed vaults are permitted. Check the official chart for the full equipment and performance rules.

Uneven bars

Higher cast target and a full circling skill.

  • Include a permitted mount.
  • A cast reaches at least 45° below horizontal, separate from the mount and dismount.
  • Include a 360° circling skill, separate from the mount and dismount.
  • Finish from either bar without a salto.

A elements only; no giants or salto dismounts.

Balance beam

One-foot half turn and a 90° split standard.

  • Complete at least 180° on one foot.
  • A qualifying jump or leap within the routine, separate from the mount and dismount. Split standard: 90°.
  • Include a non-flight acrobatic skill that starts and finishes on the beam.
  • Finish with a permitted dismount.

A elements and B dance; no B acrobatics or C and harder elements.

Routine time limit: 50 seconds.

Floor exercise

Flight in a tumbling connection and a full turn.

  • Connect at least two acrobatic elements, including flight. The two acro requirements use separate passes.
  • Use another connection of at least two acrobatic elements, or a separate flight acrobatic element.
  • Include two different Group 1 leaps, jumps or hops, connected directly or indirectly. At least one must be a leap with the required split. Leap split standard: 90°.
  • Complete at least 360° on one foot.

A elements and B dance; at most one salto or aerial. No B acrobatics or C and harder elements.

Routine time limit: 45 seconds.

2022–2028 Xcel · August 2026 amendments · reviewed 2026-09-23

Xcel Gold

Broader skill choices with event-specific connections.

Routine format
Optional
Minimum competition age
7 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
6 A
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Up to 10.00 with the required content; no bonus.

Vault

Vaults from the Xcel Gold chart.

  • Listed Gold vaults start from 10.00; use of the permitted alternative springboard changes the Start Value to 9.50.

Only the division’s listed vaults are permitted. Check the official chart for the full equipment and performance rules.

Uneven bars

Horizontal clear support and two qualifying circles.

  • A skill finishes in clear support at least horizontal; it cannot be the mount or dismount.
  • Include a full circling skill, separate from the mount and dismount.
  • Use two different circles; or connect two identical circles directly on either bar; or perform the same circle once on each bar. Mounts and dismounts do not count.
  • Finish from the high bar.

A and B elements; no giants or releases that change bars.

Balance beam

Two acro elements and a 120° split standard.

  • Complete at least 360° on one foot.
  • Two different Group 2 jumps, leaps or hops; one has the required cross or side split. They may be separate. Split standard: 120°.
  • Include two acrobatic elements, together or separately. At least one reaches or passes through inverted vertical. Both start and finish on the beam.
  • Finish with a permitted dismount.

A and B elements only.

Routine time limit: 60 seconds.

Floor exercise

Connected flight work and a 120° leap standard.

  • Connect at least two flight acrobatic elements. The two acro requirements use separate passes.
  • Use another connection of at least two flight acrobatic elements, or a separate salto or aerial.
  • Include two different Group 1 leaps, jumps or hops, connected directly or indirectly. At least one must be a leap with the required split. Leap split standard: 120°.
  • Complete at least 360° on one foot.

A and B elements, excluding B twisting saltos; no C and harder elements.

Routine time limit: 60 seconds.

2022–2028 Xcel · August 2026 amendments · reviewed 2026-09-23

Xcel Platinum

At least one B skill and new event demands, including a kip.

Routine format
Optional
Minimum competition age
8 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
6 A + 1 B
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Up to 10.00 with the required content; no bonus.

Vault

Vaults from the Xcel Platinum chart.

  • The separate Platinum chart sets the Start Value for each permitted vault. An alternative springboard is not allowed.

Only the division’s listed vaults are permitted. Check the official chart for the full equipment and performance rules.

Uneven bars

A kip, above-horizontal support and a high-bar dismount.

  • A skill finishes in clear support above horizontal; it cannot be the mount or dismount.
  • Include a 360° circling skill, separate from the mount and dismount.
  • Include a kip.
  • Finish from the high bar with an A or harder dismount.

A and B elements, with exceptions for clear-hip, backward stalder and backward pike-sole circles to handstand without a turn.

Balance beam

Acro flight OR a series, plus a dance series.

  • Complete at least 360° on one foot.
  • Connect two eligible dance elements, which may be the same, and include a qualifying split leap or jump within or outside the series. Split standard: 120°.
  • Include a flight acrobatic skill or an acrobatic series. At least one element reaches or passes through vertical. These elements start and finish on the beam.
  • Finish with a permitted dismount.

A and B elements plus C dance; no C acrobatics or D and harder elements.

Routine time limit: 75 seconds.

Floor exercise

A connected salto pass and a 155° leap standard.

  • Connect at least two flight acrobatic elements, including an A or B salto. The two acro requirements use separate passes.
  • Use another connection of at least two flight acrobatic elements, or a separate B salto.
  • Include two different Group 1 leaps, jumps or hops, connected directly or indirectly. At least one must be a leap with the required split. Leap split standard: 155°.
  • Complete at least 360° on one foot.

A and B elements plus C dance; no C acrobatics or D and harder elements.

Routine time limit: 75 seconds.

2022–2028 Xcel · August 2026 amendments · reviewed 2026-09-23

Xcel Diamond

At least two B skills and required flight on beam.

Routine format
Optional
Minimum competition age
9 years. Minimum age must already be reached; this is not a typical age or a readiness assessment.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
5 A + 2 B
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
Up to 10.00 with the required content; no bonus.

Vault

Vaults from the Xcel Diamond chart.

  • The separate Diamond chart sets the Start Value for each permitted vault. An alternative springboard is not allowed.

Only the division’s listed vaults are permitted. Check the official chart for the full equipment and performance rules.

Uneven bars

B circling content and support within 45° of vertical.

  • A skill finishes in clear support within 45° of vertical; it cannot be the mount or dismount.
  • Include a B or harder 360° circling skill, separate from the mount and dismount.
  • Include another B or harder turn, circle, or release. A second circle may be the same as the first. A turn or circle cannot be the mount or dismount; a release cannot be the dismount.
  • Use an A or harder salto or hecht, or another B or harder high-bar dismount.

A, B and C elements plus at most one D; no E elements.

Balance beam

An acro series AND flight, plus a salto/aerial dismount.

  • Complete at least 360° on one foot.
  • Connect two eligible dance elements, which may be the same, and include a qualifying split leap or jump within or outside the series. Split standard: 155°.
  • Include an acrobatic series with an element reaching or passing through vertical, plus an acrobatic flight skill, within or outside the series. These elements start and finish on the beam.
  • Finish with a salto or aerial dismount.

A through C plus at most one D; no E elements.

Routine time limit: 75 seconds.

Floor exercise

Two different saltos, at least one B, and a B turn.

  • Use two separate passes, each with at least two connected flight acrobatic elements; or one such pass and a separate C salto.
  • Include two different saltos, at least one B or harder. They may also satisfy the pass requirement.
  • Include two different Group 1 leaps, jumps or hops, connected directly or indirectly. At least one must be a leap with the required split. Leap split standard: 155°.
  • Include a B or harder turn on one foot.

A through C plus at most one D; no E elements.

Routine time limit: 90 seconds.

2022–2028 Xcel · August 2026 amendments · reviewed 2026-09-23

Xcel Sapphire

The highest Xcel division, with C content and eligible bonus.

Routine format
Optional
Minimum competition age
12 years. Standard minimum: reached age 12. A younger gymnast needs an approved petition; the exception is not automatic.
Required skill mix on bars, beam and floor
3 A + 3 B + 1 C
Starting structure on bars, beam and floor
9.60 base + up to 0.40 eligible bonus.

Vault

Vaults from the Xcel Sapphire chart.

  • The separate Sapphire chart sets the Start Value for each permitted vault. An alternative springboard is not allowed.

Only the division’s listed vaults are permitted. Check the official chart for the full equipment and performance rules.

Uneven bars

Vertical B support and more B/C content.

  • A B or harder skill finishes in clear support at vertical, separate from the mount and dismount.
  • Include a B or harder 360° circling skill, separate from the mount and dismount.
  • Include a B or harder turn, a different B or harder circle, or a B or harder release. A turn or circle cannot be the mount or dismount; a release cannot be the dismount.
  • Use a B or harder dismount, or connect a C skill directly to an A salto dismount.

A through D elements; no E elements.

Balance beam

Flight inside the acro series and harder dismount options.

  • Complete at least 360° on one foot.
  • Connect two eligible dance elements, which may be the same, and include a leap/jump requiring a 180° split within or outside the series.
  • Include an acrobatic series containing flight. At least one element reaches/passes through vertical or is a salto/aerial. The series starts and finishes on the beam.
  • Use a B or harder dismount, or connect a flight acrobatic skill directly to an A salto/aerial dismount.

A through D elements; no E elements.

Routine time limit: 90 seconds.

Floor exercise

A two-salto pass and three different saltos overall.

  • Include a pass with two saltos, which may be the same or different.
  • Include three different saltos, at least one B or harder.
  • Include two different Group 1 leaps, jumps or hops, connected directly or indirectly. At least one must be a leap with the required split. Leap split standard: 180°.
  • Include a B or harder turn on one foot.

A through D elements; no E elements.

Routine time limit: 90 seconds.

2022–2028 Xcel · August 2026 amendments · reviewed 2026-09-23

This compares selected competition requirements. It does not determine a gymnast’s level, readiness or permission to move up. Clubs set their own training schedules and preparation standards.

A QUICK START

How to use the comparison

  1. Choose two DP levels, two Xcel divisions, or one from each program.
  2. Read the overview, then choose an event or open its details.
  3. Use the sources and linked guides for the complete rules.

Example: Compare Platinum and Diamond, then open beam details. Platinum allows a flight skill or an acro series; Diamond requires a series and flight.

THE WORDS BEHIND THE RULES

A few useful terms

Optional routine
The coach chooses skills and choreography within the rules. The requirements still apply.
Value Parts: A, B, C…
Skill difficulty categories. They do not give every skill a fixed amount to add to the final score.
Acro, flight and salto
Acro means acrobatics. Flight means leaving the apparatus or floor. A salto is a somersault without hand support.
Start Value
The routine’s starting maximum before performance deductions. Vault uses its own value chart.

Read the explanation behind the comparison

Take a closer look

Find a skill name ↗Explore an Xcel event’s requirements ↗Check an Xcel routine’s main requirements ↗Work out a score ↗

Common questions

Does an Xcel division equal a DP level?

No exact equivalence exists. Individual skills may overlap, but routine construction, restrictions and entry rules differ. Comparing two selections does not make them equivalent.

Do minimum ages show when a gymnast should reach a level?

No. They are entry minimums, not targets or average ages. Age alone does not establish skill readiness or satisfy the other entry conditions.

Does this cover every rule?

No. The tool summarizes the main differences. Compulsory entries contain selected highlights rather than complete choreography. Optional entries do not reproduce every skill exception, credit tolerance, connection formula or deduction.

Sources, coverage and data updates

Women’s USAG DP and Xcel only. Men’s programs, NCAA and FIG elite are separate systems. DP compulsory references use the 2021–2029 cycle; DP optionals use 2026–2030. The Xcel Code is extended through July 2028, with the August 2026 amendments used here.

Split angles name the required standard. Credit tolerances and execution deductions are separate and must be checked in the Code. Skill counts assume permitted, recognized elements; repetition and substitution rules apply.

Reviewed 2026-09-30 · Data 20260930224309-13edab42

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