When it comes to competitive gymnastics in the U.S., athletes have two main programs to choose from: the Xcel Program and the USA Gymnastics Development Program (formerly known as the Junior Olympic or “JO” Program).
Both are sanctioned by USA Gymnastics (USAG) and offer well-structured competitive pathways—but they differ in flexibility, time commitment, and athlete goals.
Overview of the Development Program (Formerly “JO”)
Previously known as the Junior Olympic Program, the Development Program provides a traditional, structured path that emphasizes skill mastery through defined levels. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Levels 1–3: Focused on foundational skills and early training.
- Levels 4–5: Compulsory routines—every gymnast performs the exact same routine, judged by technical precision.
- Levels 6–10: Optional routines that allow gymnasts to choreograph their own routines, following strict composition rules.
Progression is determined by mastering required skills and earning minimum scores at sanctioned competitions. Athletes at Levels 6–10 often train many hours per week and may aim for regional or national competitions—and even college recruitment.
Overview of the Xcel Program
The Xcel Program is designed to provide more flexibility, especially for gymnasts who want to compete but may not have the time, goals, or resources to pursue the rigorous Development Program.
Xcel features six competitive divisions:
- Bronze: Beginner level (similar to JO Levels 1–2)
- Silver: Low-intermediate (similar to JO Level 3)
- Gold: Mid-intermediate (similar to JO Levels 4–5)
- Platinum: Upper-intermediate (similar to JO Levels 5–6)
- Diamond: Advanced level (similar to JO Levels 6–7)
- Sapphire: Elite-level optional skills (comparable to JO Levels 8–9+); introduced in 2022–23 and currently offered in select regions.
Sapphire gives experienced gymnasts in the Xcel track an opportunity to continue progressing with high-level routines.
Xcel vs. JO Level Comparison Table
| Xcel Division | Approx. JO Equivalent | Focus & Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | JO Levels 1–2 | Basic fundamentals, beginner routines, confidence-building |
| Silver | JO Level 3 | Simple acro/dance skills, cleaner form, growing independence |
| Gold | JO Levels 4–5 | Optional-style routines, more tumbling and choreography |
| Platinum | JO Levels 5–6 | Advanced elements, more refined performance, strength & technique |
| Diamond | JO Levels 6–7 | Optional acro/dance series, artistry, high-level difficulty |
| Sapphire | JO Levels 8–9+ | Elite-level optional skills, high difficulty, limited regional availability |
Skill Comparisons by Event
Let’s take a deeper look at how skills and structure differ across the four major events:
Vault
Development Program (JO):
- Structured progressions from simple vaults (Level 1–3) to handsprings (Level 4–5), then more advanced vaults like Yurchenkos, Tsuks, and twisting vaults (Levels 8–10).
- Every gymnast must perform the required vault at their level.
- Focus is on proper form, power, and consistent execution.
Xcel:
- Gymnasts select a vault from an approved list that matches their ability.
- Start values typically range from 9.6 to 10.0.
- Encourages clean execution over forced difficulty.
- More room for athletes to shine based on their strengths.
Uneven Bars
Development Program (JO):
- Compulsory Levels 1–5: All gymnasts perform identical routines featuring skills like back hip circles and squat-on dismounts.
- Optional Levels 6–10: Include skills like kips, clear hips, giants, pirouettes, release moves, and specific transition requirements.
Xcel:
- All levels are optional routines—gymnasts design their own.
- Routines must meet a set of Special Requirements (SRs) and Value Part (VP) expectations.
- Focus on rewarding clean skills, not requiring difficult transitions like bar changes unless in higher divisions.
Balance Beam
Development Program (JO):
- Levels 1–5 use standardized beam routines with split leaps, cartwheels, and dismounts.
- Optional levels require specific series, leaps to 180°, and harder dismounts.
- Judges enforce stricter standards on split angles and composition rules.
Xcel:
- Optional routines at all levels—freedom to choreograph based on strengths.
- Must include an acro skill, turn, and leap/jump.
- Slight deviations (like a 175° leap) are deducted less harshly than in JO.
- Higher Xcel levels (Diamond/Sapphire) resemble JO Level 8–9 routines in difficulty but still allow more creativity.
Floor Exercise
Development Program (JO):
- Levels 1–5 use compulsory routines with identical music and required passes.
- Levels 6–10: Choreographed optional routines that must meet strict acro and dance requirements.
- Judges evaluate difficulty, form, and composition closely.
Xcel:
- Fully optional routines with custom choreography, music, and expression.
- Special Requirements (SRs) ensure a minimum level of acro/dance complexity, but composition is less restrictive.
- Emphasizes performance quality, musicality, and reduced deductions for creativity or alternate skill paths.
References: izagymjudge.com, mountaingymnasticsacademy.com
| Event | JO Approach | Xcel Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Vault | Standardized vaults by level | Choose from approved vaults |
| Bars | Compulsory to optional with strict skill requirements | Optional from all levels, based on SRs and VP skills |
| Beam | Rigid early routines, strict split angles | Personalized routines, flexible leap deductions |
| Floor | Identical routines at early levels, strict composition rules later | Choreographed at all levels, more room for artistic expression |
Which Path Is Best?
The right program depends on your gymnast’s goals, schedule, and long-term interests:
- Xcel is ideal for gymnasts who enjoy the sport and want flexibility, creativity, and a lower-pressure environment.
- The Development Program is perfect for those aiming for high-level competition, advanced skills, and structured growth.
Each athlete is unique—and fortunately, USA Gymnastics provides room for everyone to find their path. For the most current rules and updates, visit usagym.org or consult your coach or gym program director.
