When a gymnast puts in the hours to perfect their routines, every score feels important, but not all scores carry the same weight.
In gymnastics, only sanctioned meets give athletes the chance to earn official scores that actually count toward moving up through the levels. These meets are the key to unlocking the next stage in a gymnast’s journey.
What Are Sanctioned Meets in Gymnastics?
A sanctioned meet is an official competition approved by USA Gymnastics (USAG) or another recognized governing body. These events follow all of USAG’s rules and standards. Most importantly, they’re the only type of meet where gymnasts can earn mobility scores, the scores needed to move up to the next level in the Development Program.
Sanctioned meets are different from local, in-house, or practice meets because they’re officially recognized. That means the scores earned are recorded in USAG’s system, and those results become part of a gymnast’s official record. If a meet isn’t sanctioned, the scores from that event won’t count toward level advancement.
Why Sanctioned Meets Matter for Level Advancement
In the Women’s Development Program, gymnasts must compete at sanctioned meets to earn the scores they need to move up. Here’s why these meets are so important:
1. Official Scoring and Mobility Scores
To advance to a higher level, a gymnast needs to earn a mobility score, which is the minimum All-Around (AA) total across all four events: Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor. This score has to be earned at a sanctioned meet—otherwise, it doesn’t count.
That’s the key: only sanctioned meets count for mobility. Intra-squad meets, mock competitions, or non-USAG events may help a gymnast gain experience, but the scores from those events won’t move them up to the next level. Sanctioned meets ensure all gymnasts are judged under fair and consistent conditions.
2. Official Validation of Skills and Standards
Sanctioned meets follow strict USAG rules, which helps maintain fairness across the board. That means:
- Certified judges follow the official Code of Points, so scoring is consistent and accurate.
- Equipment and procedures are standardized, so every gymnast competes in a professional, regulated environment—just like at higher-level meets.
Because of these standards, the scores earned at sanctioned meets are trusted as a true measure of a gymnast’s ability.
3. Tracking Progress and Moving Through Levels
The Development Program uses sanctioned meet scores to track how gymnasts progress from Level 1 to Level 10. As routines become more complex, gymnasts must hit certain mobility scores to move up.
For example:
- To move from Level 7 to Level 8, a gymnast must earn a 32.00 AA score at a sanctioned meet.
- To move from Level 8 to Level 9, they need a 34.00 AA score—again, from a sanctioned meet.
These numbers are the same across the country. USA Gymnastics sets these benchmarks to make sure all gymnasts are ready for the next level, no matter where they’re from.
Mobility Score Timeline Example
Let’s say a gymnast earns a 32.00 AA at a sanctioned meet during Level 7. That means they’re eligible to move up to Level 8.
Later, they earn a 34.00 AA during Level 8. That qualifies them for Level 9.
This process repeats with each level. The scores earned at sanctioned meets are the stepping stones to the next stage of a gymnast’s competitive path.
What Are the Different Types of Sanctioned Meets?
Sanctioned meets come in different forms, each playing an important role in a gymnast’s growth:
1. Local Meets
These smaller meets usually happen at local gyms or within regions. They’re great for building confidence and experience, and they give gymnasts their first chance to earn mobility scores.
2. State and Regional Meets
These are bigger, more competitive events. A strong performance at this level can help gymnasts earn higher mobility scores and prepare them for national-level competition.
3. National Meets
These are the highest level of sanctioned competitions. Gymnasts who make it here are often aiming for elite programs, college recruitment, or even Olympic pathways. These meets are where gymnasts make their mark on the national stage.
When Do Sanctioned Scores Expire?
In gymnastics, timing is everything—including for your mobility score. Once a gymnast earns a qualifying score at a sanctioned meet, it’s valid from August 1 through December 31 of the following year—about 17 months.
For example:
- A gymnast earns a 34.00 AA score in August 2025.
- That score is valid until December 31, 2026.
- If they don’t move up to the next level by then, the score expires, and they’ll need to requalify.
This system helps make sure gymnasts are progressing and staying active in the sport.
What If a Gymnast Doesn’t Meet the Mobility Score?
If a gymnast doesn’t get the score they need, they can’t move up—but that’s not the end of the road.
Here are two common options:
- Compete again: They can enter another sanctioned meet and try to hit the required score.
- Petition for a waiver: In rare cases—like an injury or unexpected life event—gymnasts may be allowed to petition for advancement. These are reviewed case-by-case.
By understanding the role these meets play, gymnasts and coaches can set clear goals, build smart competition plans, and move up with confidence.
