Thinking about signing your child up for competitive gymnastics? If you’re new to this world, terms like “Development Program,” “Xcel,” or “Elite” may seem overwhelming.
Each of these programs has its own purpose, structure, and path, designed to support gymnasts at different skill levels and goals.
The Development Program (DP)
The Development Program, formerly known as the Junior Olympic (JO) Program, is USA Gymnastics’ main competitive track for artistic gymnasts. It guides athletes from their earliest training years up to near-elite levels. The program is available to both girls and boys, usually beginning around age 6, and follows a level-based progression from Level 1 to Level 10.
Program Structure (Women’s Overview)
Levels 1–3: Developmental
These are introductory levels focused on basic skills, flexibility, strength, and coordination. Many clubs use these levels for pre-team training. Competition is optional, and routines are standardized.
Levels 4–5: Compulsory
At these levels, all gymnasts perform the same routines created by USA Gymnastics. The emphasis is on technical precision and mastering core movements. To move up, gymnasts must meet minimum scores at sanctioned meets.
Levels 6–10: Optional
In the optional levels, gymnasts create their routines using approved skills from a difficulty rating system (A to E).
- Level 6 introduces optional choreography.
- Levels 7–10 add complexity, with Level 10 being the highest in the program before Elite.
💡 Note: Level 6 can sometimes be skipped if certain criteria are met.
Competition Opportunities
The DP provides increasing levels of competition as athletes progress:
- Levels 4–5: Local and state championships
- Levels 6–8: State and regional championships
- Level 9: Eastern or Western Championships
- Level 10: Development Program National Championships (formerly JO Nationals)
In addition, the National Development Program Championships are held each May and include top gymnasts from Level 10 (girls and boys) and Levels 8–9 (boys only). For example, the 2025 Nationals will take place May 8–11 in Sandy, Utah.
The Xcel Program
The Xcel Program is a competitive gymnastics pathway designed to offer more flexibility than the traditional Development Program (DP). It’s ideal for gymnasts who want to compete and express their creativity—without the high training hours and intensity required for DP.
Xcel is open to a wide range of ages and skill levels. Whether a gymnast is just starting out or returning to the sport later in life, the Xcel Program makes competition more accessible and enjoyable.
Divisions in Xcel
The program is divided into six divisions based on skill level:
- Bronze – for beginners just learning core gymnastics skills.
- Silver – slightly more advanced skills with better control.
- Gold – builds strength and combines skills into short routines.
- Platinum – higher-level skills with added difficulty and execution.
- Diamond – advanced gymnasts with strong technique and creativity.
- Sapphire – a pilot division that bridges the gap between Xcel and DP Level 9/10.
Unlike the Development Program, all Xcel divisions allow gymnasts to create their own routines using skills that suit their strengths.
Competition and Progression
Xcel gymnasts compete in meets at local, state, and sometimes regional levels. Progression through the divisions is based on performance and coach recommendation. Though most clubs follow general guidelines, there’s no fixed age or score requirement to move up.
The Elite Program (USA Gymnastics)
The Elite Program is the highest level of competitive gymnastics in the United States. It’s designed for gymnasts aiming to compete on the national team, represent the U.S. internationally, and eventually reach the Olympic Games or World Championships.
Gymnasts must qualify into the program by meeting strict score requirements at designated events called Elite Compulsory and Elite Optional Qualifiers.
There are two main divisions:
- Junior Elite – for gymnasts ages 11 to 15
- Senior Elite – for gymnasts age 16 and older
These age groups align with international competition standards set by the FIG (International Gymnastics Federation).
How to Enter the Elite Program
To reach Elite, gymnasts usually begin in the Development Program, typically at Level 10. From there, they must:
- Compete at an Elite Qualifier
They perform both compulsory and optional routines designed specifically for Elite entry. - Earn the Minimum Qualifying Score
If successful, they receive Elite status and may begin competing in elite-level meets.
Many gymnasts remain in Level 10 while working toward Elite qualifications. It’s not uncommon for athletes to try multiple times before qualifying.
Elite Competitions
Once in the program, gymnasts compete at some of the most prestigious events in the country:
- American Classic and U.S. Classic – key qualifying meets
- U.S. Championships – the national championships for elite gymnasts
- Winter Cup – an early-season competition that helps select national team members
- Olympic Trials and World Team Trials – for choosing athletes to represent Team USA
Top finishers may be named to the U.S. National Team, giving them access to special training camps, coaching support, and international assignments.
4. NCAA Gymnastics (College Gymnastics)
NCAA gymnastics is the college-level version of competitive artistic gymnastics in the United States. It allows gymnasts to continue their careers after high school, often while earning a college degree and competing as part of a team.
There are programs for both women and men, but women’s NCAA gymnastics is more widely available and has become one of the most popular college sports in recent years.
Women’s NCAA Gymnastics
Women’s NCAA gymnastics is divided into three divisions (I, II, and III), but the top-level competition mainly happens in Division I. Every spring, college teams from across the country compete for a spot at the NCAA National Championships.
The competition format includes:
- Regular Season: Teams compete in dual or multi-team meets.
- Regionals: Top teams qualify based on season scores.
- Nationals: The final eight teams face off in the semifinals, with the top four advancing to the championship round—known as the “Four on the Floor.”
Gymnasts compete on the same four events as in club gymnastics: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor. The routines follow a modified version of Level 10 rules with a stronger focus on execution, artistry, and consistency.
| Program | Levels | Path To | Judging System | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development Program (DP) | Levels 1–10 | Level 10 → NCAA or Elite | FIG-based for Level 10 | Gymnasts aiming for advanced skills or college |
| Xcel Program | Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Sapphire | Recreational or Level 6/DP | Modified USAG judging | Kids seeking fun and variety without high pressure |
| Elite Program | Junior Elite, Senior Elite | National Team → World/Olympic level | FIG Code of Points | Talented gymnasts training year-round for elite competition |
| NCAA Gymnastics | Collegiate level (no levels; former Level 10/Elite) | NCAA Championships & Scholarships | Modified 10.0 system | Former Level 10 or Elite gymnasts continuing in college |
