The USA Gymnastics Women’s Development Program is divided into three major segments:
- Developmental Program (Levels 1–3)
- Compulsory Program (Levels 4–5)
- Optional Program (Levels 6–10)
The Optional Program is the only phase where routines are fully individually choreographed. Gymnasts build their own Start Values (SV) through a combination of skill difficulty and composition bonuses. While Levels 6–9 still have some skill restrictions in place to promote safety and progression, Level 10 is wide open, with no cap on difficulty.
In artistic gymnastics, the Optional Program refers to the competitive levels where gymnasts perform custom routines rather than standardized ones. Unlike compulsory gymnastics—where every athlete follows the same choreography—the optional levels allow gymnasts and their coaches to design routines that showcase their strengths, personality, and creativity.
What “Optional” Really Means
The word “optional” doesn’t mean that routines are optional to perform—only that gymnasts have the option to choose which skills to include. Gymnasts and coaches choreograph the entire routine: selecting skills, setting the order, designing the transitions, and, in the case of floor routines, even choosing the music.
There is no longer a national script to follow. Instead, judges assign a Start Value (SV) based on the skills performed. Higher-difficulty elements and connections raise the SV, up to a maximum of 10.0. The final score is calculated by subtracting execution, artistry, and composition deductions from that SV.
Levels 6–10: Overview and Progression
The competition path varies slightly by level, with each tier offering its own peak meet structure:
- Levels 6–7: Athletes compete at local and state meets. Some regions may offer a Regional Championship, but this is optional and decided at the regional level.
- Level 8: Gymnasts advance from local to state and then to Regional Championships. This is the final step for Level 8 to help limit travel and expenses.
- Level 9: Athletes move from local and state meets to regionals and can qualify for the Eastern or Western Championships, which serve as bi-coastal national-level competitions.
- Level 10: This level includes the full meet structure—local, state, regional—and culminates in the Development Program National Championships, the highest domestic competition before elite (usagym.org).
Where Optionals Live in the U.S. Development Program
The optional levels in the USA Gymnastics Women’s Development Program span Levels 6 through 10, with each level progressively increasing in difficulty and requirements. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each level includes:
| Level | Nickname | Value Parts and Start Value* | Typical Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Intro Optional | 4 A + 2 B; Start Value 10.0 | Local → State |
| 7 | Advanced Beginner | 4 A + 3 B; Start Value 10.0 | Local → State |
| 8 | Intermediate | 4 A + 4 B; 9.8, plus up to 0.20 Composition Credit | Local → State → Regionals |
| 9 | Advanced | 3 A + 4 B + 1 C; 9.5, plus 0.20 Composition Credit and 0.30 bonus | Local → State → Regionals → Eastern/Western Championships |
| 10 | Pre-Elite | 3 A + 3 B + 2 C; 9.2, plus 0.30 Composition Credit and 0.50 bonus | Local → State → Regionals → Development Nationals |
*From USA Gymnastics’ 2026–2030 summaries for Levels 6–8 and Levels 9–10. At Levels 6–8, an allowable C counts as a B. For full special requirements, refer to the USA Gymnastics Optional Code of Points.
Age & Mobility Gates
All optional levels follow a consistent structure when it comes to age eligibility and mobility checkpoints. Gymnasts must meet both criteria before moving up the ladder.
- Minimum Age Requirements (the birthday must come before her first sanctioned meet at that level):
- Level 6: 7 years old
- Level 7: 7 years old
- Level 8: 8 years old
- Level 9: 8 years old
- Level 10: 9 years old
- Mobility Scores (All-Around):
- Level 5 → 6: 32.00 AA
- Level 6 → 7: 32.00 AA
- Level 7 → 8: 32.00 AA
- Level 8 → 9: 34.00 AA
- Level 9 → 10: 34.00 AA
These requirements are outlined in the 2026–27 USA Gymnastics Rules & Policies (Ch. 9, p. 58).
How Optional Routines Are Scored
Unlike compulsory gymnastics, where every gymnast starts with the same 10.0 base score, optional gymnasts build their own Start Value, up to a maximum of 10.0. Judges then take deductions from it:
- Start Value (SV): This includes all the elements factored into SV math—required value parts, special requirements, Composition Credit and, at Levels 9–10, bonus points. The highest possible Start Value is 10.0.
- Execution and artistry deductions: Judges subtract for faults such as bent knees, poor form, balance checks, low amplitude, and lack of rhythm or artistry. A fall costs 0.50.
- Neutral Deductions: These are taken by the Chief Judge from the judges’ average score and aren’t tied to performance quality, such as overtime, stepping out of bounds, attire violations, or floor music with words.
Final Score Calculation
Final Score = Start Value – Execution and Artistry Deductions – Neutral Deductions
At Level 10 there is one addition: a routine that qualifies for the extra 0.10 bonus has it added on top of this, so a Level 10 score can reach 10.10.
For example, a beam routine starting at 10.0 that loses 0.8 for execution errors and includes a fall would earn:
10.0 – 0.8 – 0.5 = 8.7
This scoring model rewards difficulty and clean execution while penalizing mistakes and missed connections, making routine construction and performance equally important.
How an Optional Routine Is Built
Designing an optional routine is both a strategic and creative process. Each level has specific requirements that shape how routines are constructed.
Value Parts: Every skill is assigned a difficulty rating from A (easiest) to E (most difficult). Each level requires a set number of these skills—for example, Level 6 requires four A-level and two B-level skills. Additionally, each routine must include four special requirements, each worth 0.5 points toward the Start Value (SV).
Start Value Math:
- The base Start Value is 10.0 for Levels 6–7, 9.8 for Level 8, 9.5 for Level 9, and 9.2 for Level 10.
- From Level 8, gymnasts build their SV back up with Composition Credit (up to 0.20 at Levels 8–9 and 0.30 at Level 10).
- At Levels 9–10, they can also add bonus points, which come from:
- Difficulty Bonus for including C, D, or E-level skills (Levels 9–10).
- Connection Bonus for smoothly linking specific skills together.
- At Level 9, gymnasts need 0.20 Composition Credit and 0.30 bonus to reach a 10.0 SV. At Level 10, they need 0.30 Composition Credit and 0.50 bonus.
Composition Deductions: Judges may subtract points if a routine lacks variety or fails to meet composition guidelines. For example, repeating the same salto family, not using both directions on beam, or ending every bar element in a handstand could each result in 0.10–0.30 deductions. Well-designed routines highlight the gymnast’s strengths while minimizing exposure to weaknesses.
Optional Program as a Pathway
Level 10 optionals play a key role in preparing athletes for both collegiate and elite-level gymnastics.
The elite level is a separate pathway, and Level 10 scores don’t qualify a gymnast for it. She must first score 35.00 all-around in elite compulsories at a National Qualifier, then earn elite optional scores at qualifying meets: in 2026, 50.50 all-around for seniors or 48.50 for juniors to reach the American Classic, U.S. Classic or Winter Cup (2026 Elite Qualification Chart). Elite competitions are governed by the FIG Code of Points.
For college gymnastics, coaches actively scout Level 10 athletes by reviewing optional routine videos. They look for gymnasts who consistently demonstrate solid execution, competitive difficulty, and the potential to contribute to NCAA lineups.
In conclusion, optionals “live” in Levels 6‑10—the bridge between foundational technique and the unbounded artistry of elite and NCAA gymnastics. It gives athletes the freedom to grow beyond the basics and truly make routines their own.