Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) in the United States is structured under the USA Gymnastics Men’s Development Program (2021–2029 cycle). Levels 1–10 form a progression that begins with basic movement literacy and builds toward NCAA and Junior Elite competition.
Here’s a breakdown of what each level requires, from the very first shapes and rolls to advanced optional routines.
Overview: Men’s Gymnastics Apparatus
- Floor Exercise (FX) – Tumbling, strength, and flexibility.
- Pommel Horse (PH) – Circles, flairs, scissors, and travel skills.
- Still Rings (SR) – Strength holds, swings, and dismounts.
- Vault (VT) – Sprint speed, body position, and landing control.
- Parallel Bars (PB) – Support swings, handstands, and releases.
- High Bar (HB) – Kips, swings, release moves, and dismounts.
Levels 1–2 (Pre-Competitive / Essential Elements)
- Purpose: Develop movement literacy — shapes, rolls, handstands, safe landings, basic swings, and strength/flexibility habits.
- Events: Floor, Mushroom/basic circle prep, Rings support and swing basics, Vault board contact, Parallel Bars support swings, Horizontal Bar hangs and kip preparation.
- Notes: Typically used in gyms as a foundation stage before boys enter formal competition at Level 3.
Level 3 (First Competitive Compulsory)
- Style: All athletes perform the same compulsory routines. Emphasis is on posture, body lines, holds, and rebound control.
- Event Highlights:
- Floor: Handstands, rolls, cartwheel/round-off mechanics.
- Pommel/Mushroom: Double-leg circle basics.
- Rings: Support shapes, inverted hangs, swing shapes.
- Vault: Straight jump vault with focus on run, hurdle, and board contact.
- Parallel Bars & High Bar: Support swings, shoulder stands, long-hang swings.
- Scoring: Compulsory model — base score + virtuosity + stick bonus.
Level 4 (Compulsory)
- Progression: Builds on Level 3 with back extension rolls, forward handsprings, stronger handstand control, and improved vault mechanics.
- Event Advances:
- Pommel: More circle volume, early travel concepts.
- Rings: Stable supports, controlled inversions.
- Vault: Handstand flatback vault (handspring over table not yet introduced).
- Goal: Refine mechanics while reinforcing compulsory standards.
Level 5 (Compulsory)
- Progression: Routines expand — round-off → back handspring connections become consistent; pommel introduces full circles and scissors with turns.
- Event Highlights:
- Floor: Dive rolls, press handstands to L-sit.
- Pommel: Circles with scissors and turns.
- Rings: Swing to handstand, early strength prep.
- Vault: Front handspring over the table (first true table vault).
- Parallel Bars: Swings to handstand, basket swings.
- High Bar: Long-hang swings, flyaway dismount.
- Judging: Same compulsory scoring, but execution expectations climb — sharper shapes, amplitude, and rhythm required.
Level 6 (Capstone Compulsory)
- Purpose: Final compulsory level before optionals.
- Focus:
- Floor: Clean tumbling lines (e.g., RO–BHS–BHS).
- Pommel: Stronger circle/flair base.
- Rings: Confident swings with basic strength holds.
- Vault: Consistent handspring-style vaults.
- Parallel Bars & High Bar: Connected swing work preparing for giants and transitions.
- Note: Some gyms use this level, while others advance directly from Level 5 to Level 7 depending on athlete readiness.
Level 7 (Simplified Optional)
- Routine Requirements:
- 6 counting skills.
- 3 Element Groups (EGs) worth 1.5 total.
- Must include a FIG “A” dismount for EG IV credit.
- No Start Value or vault bonuses at this level.
- Event Highlights:
- Floor: Single salto passes, BHS connections, basic spins/leaps.
- Pommel: Circles with limited travel, mushroom-to-horse transitions.
- Rings: Swings above horizontal, tuck planche or L-hold.
- Vault: Handspring front/pike vaults (no twisting Yurchenkos or multiple saltos).
- Parallel Bars: Support swings, Stutz or giant to support.
- High Bar: Giants, taps, early release prep.
Level 8 (Full Optional, Pommel-less Horse)
- Unique Rule: Competes on a Pommel-less Horse, emphasizing circle, flair, and rhythm development.
- Routine Rules: Junior FIG Code applies with modifications — rings swing-to-handstand not required; HB in-bar/flight tweaks. No Start Value or vault bonuses.
- Event Highlights:
- Floor: D+B (or higher) acro connections earn bonus; twisting layouts.
- Pommel-less Horse: Circles, travels, turns, flairs.
- Rings: Higher swing amplitude, stronger strength positions.
- Vault: Handspring front pike/layout families.
- Parallel Bars: Giants, Stutz to support.
- High Bar: Swing work, early release timing under level mods.
Level 9 (Junior FIG-style Optionals)
- General: Adopts Junior FIG rules with USAG modifications. Vault may allow two attempts; the best score counts.
- Routine Rules: 8 counting skills across all EGs (I–IV, including dismount). Start Value bonuses possible for meeting event benchmarks.
- Event Highlights:
- Floor: Double back saltos, twisting layouts, acro + non-acro connections.
- Pommel: Multiple circles, Stocklis, travel sequences.
- Rings: Swing to HS, strength-to-swing transitions, double salto dismount.
- Vault: Tsukahara and Kasamatsu families (tuck/pike layouts).
- Parallel Bars: Giants, back toss, early Healy-family skills.
- High Bar: Giants both ways, Jaeger/Tkatchev releases, twisting flyaways.
Level 10 (Top of Development Program)
- General: Junior FIG routines with additional bonus opportunities.
- Routine Rules: 8 counting skills across EGs; more demanding composition and dismount expectations. Vault allows a second attempt if SV ≥ 4.8, with +0.2 bonus possible.
- Event Highlights:
- Floor: Double saltos in tuck/pike/layout, twisting series, double doubles.
- Pommel: Russians, Stocklis, high-volume circles, combined sequences.
- Rings: Cross, planche, Yamawaki, double-double dismounts.
- Vault: Tsuk/Kas/Yurchenko layouts with ½–1/1 twists; handspring front full.
- Parallel Bars: Giants, Healy/Diamidov families, peach baskets, double salto dismounts.
- High Bar: Release combos (Jaeger, Tkatchev, Kovacs), twisting double dismounts or higher.
Ages, Mobility, and Divisions: What to Know
Progressing through men’s gymnastics is not only about learning new skills. It also depends on age requirements, mobility scores, and the type of division an athlete competes in.
Minimum Age Requirements
Age eligibility prevents athletes from jumping into advanced levels before they are physically and mentally ready. For the optional levels (7–10), USA Gymnastics has strict rules:
- Levels 7–8: Must turn 12 or older within the competition year.
- Level 9: Must turn 14 or older within the competition year.
- Level 10: Must turn 16 or older within the competition year.
For compulsory levels (1–6), the general minimum age is 5 years old for Level 1, with typical progression through Levels 2–6 between ages 6–12. However, advancement is more about readiness and scores than exact age until optionals.
Mobility: How Gymnasts Move Up Levels
Mobility scores are the gatekeepers for level advancement. They ensure that athletes don’t progress before they are consistently capable of competing routines at their current level.
- Compulsory Levels (1–5):
Advancement is based on achieving a minimum All-Around (AA) score at a sanctioned meet. For example:- Level 4 → 5: ~27.00 AA
- Level 5 → 6: ~28.00–30.00 AA
- Optional Levels (6–10):
Both mobility scores and routine difficulty (D-score) factor in. Gymnasts must meet AA thresholds like:- Level 6 → 7: ~32.00 AA
- Level 7 → 8: ~34.00 AA
- Level 8 → 9: ~34.50 AA
- Level 9 → 10: ~35.00 AA
Even if a gymnast can perform high-difficulty skills, they must demonstrate consistency in competition before moving up.
Junior National (JN) vs. Junior Elite (JE)
Starting at Level 8, gymnasts choose one of two competitive tracks depending on their goals:
| Division | Description |
|---|---|
| JN (Junior National) | Standard Development Program track. Includes bonus points in scoring, making it ideal for gymnasts focused on NCAA or high-level DP competition. |
| JE (Junior Elite) | A higher-difficulty track that follows Junior FIG rules. Gymnasts must perform technical sequences at championships. Designed for athletes aiming for future elite or international competition. |
Common Questions (Fast Answers)
Do boys compete Levels 1–2 like girls?
No. Levels 1–2 in MAG are Essential Elements, used as pre-competitive prep. Most gyms start competition at Level 3.
What changed in 2025–2028?
The new cycle introduced refreshed compulsory routines and rule clarifications — such as adjustments to the 50% rule (element fulfillment). Always check the 2025–2028 MDP Competition Manual and newsletters for updates.
How many skills “count” in optionals?
Level 7: 6 counting skills + 3 Element Groups (1.5 total EG); FIG “A” dismount needed for EG IV credit.
Levels 9–10: 8 counting skills using FIG junior values.
Where can I find official age groups and procedures?
All age groups, awards, and meet procedures are outlined in the Men’s Rules & Policies (R&P) — updated yearly (most recent April 2025).
Source notes (official & current)
- USAG Men’s Rules & Policies (Apr 24, 2025) — age groups, meet procedures. USA Gymnastics
- USAG MDP 2025–2028 Competition Manual (purchase/roll-out page). members.usagym.org
