When parents first hear about competitive gymnastics in the U.S., two programs often come up: Xcel and the Development Program (DP, formerly known as JO, or Junior Olympic). Both are governed by USA Gymnastics, but they serve different purposes, athletes, and long-term goals.
The Purpose of Each Program
Xcel
The Xcel Program was designed to provide a fun, flexible, and affordable path for gymnasts of all ages and ability levels. It allows athletes to compete with customized routines that showcase their strengths while still meeting division-specific requirements. Xcel is perfect for gymnasts who:
- Want to balance gymnastics with school or other activities.
- Started gymnastics later and don’t plan to pursue elite or college gymnastics.
- Prefer more creative routines and less rigid progression.
Development Program (DP/JO)
The Development Program is the traditional pathway, previously called Junior Olympic (JO). It is a structured, progressive system with clear skill and score requirements at each level. This program is the main feeder into college gymnastics and elite competition. It’s best suited for gymnasts who:
- Train multiple hours per week and aim for long-term advancement.
- Enjoy the challenge of set routines and strict scoring standards.
- Have aspirations of competing at a high level, such as Nationals or NCAA gymnastics.
Structure: Levels vs. Divisions
| Feature | Development Program (DP/JO) | Xcel Program |
|---|---|---|
| Progression | Levels 1–10, increasing in skill and difficulty | Divisions Bronze → Sapphire |
| Routine Type | Compulsory (Lv 1–5) → Optional (Lv 6–10) | Optional/custom routines from the start |
| Age Minimums | Level 4 = 7 years | Bronze = 5 years, Sapphire = 12 years |
| Mobility | Advancement requires set AA or IES scores at sanctioned meets | Coaches have more discretion; not strictly score-based |
| End Point | Level 10 Nationals, Elite track | State & Regional Championships (Sapphire = top) |
Mobility and Advancement
Development Program (DP)
In the DP, athletes move up by earning minimum all-around (AA) scores at sanctioned meets. Each level has a set threshold to ensure readiness before advancing.
- Skipping Levels: Some levels may be skipped. For instance, a gymnast who earns two 36.00 AA scores at Level 4 can bypass Level 5 and move directly to Level 6.
- Optional Levels (7–10): Gymnasts may advance through the traditional All-Around (AA) route or via the Individual Event Specialist (IES) route, which allows movement up based on strong event-specific scores.
Xcel
Mobility works differently in Xcel. Advancement from one division to the next (e.g., Bronze → Silver → Gold) is based more on coach discretion and program guidelines than strict score thresholds. This gives gyms flexibility to place athletes where they will be most successful.
Unlike DP, Xcel divisions have fewer age restrictions, making it especially appealing for older beginners or athletes returning to the sport.
Between Programs
- From Xcel to DP: Scores from Xcel cannot be used to satisfy DP mobility. Athletes moving into DP typically enter at Level 4, unless a petition places them higher.
- From DP to Xcel: Gymnasts transitioning into Xcel are usually placed in the division that best matches their previous competitive experience, ensuring a smooth transition.
Routines and Scoring
Xcel
Every gymnast in Xcel performs a unique routine within her division’s guidelines. This flexibility allows athletes to highlight strengths while still meeting required elements. For example, one Silver gymnast might choose a cartwheel dismount on beam, while another might perform a round-off dismount. Creativity is encouraged, but routines must meet special requirements to receive a full 10.0 start value.
Development Program – Compulsory (Levels 1–5)
At compulsory levels, gymnasts perform the same routine on each event. These routines focus on fundamentals, body shapes, and rhythm. Because all athletes are judged against the same standard, scoring can feel strict, with deductions applied for even small errors.
Development Program – Optional (Levels 6–10)
Optional levels introduce freedom: coaches and athletes choreograph individualized routines within specific skill and composition rules. As gymnasts advance, routines must show difficulty, variety, and artistry. By Level 10, the expectation is for gymnasts to perform high-difficulty skills with clean execution to remain competitive at the national level.
Xcel vs. JO Level Comparison
| Xcel Division | Approx. DP/JO Equivalent | Focus & Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | JO Levels 1–2 | Introduces fundamentals with beginner routines; focus on shapes, safety, and confidence. |
| Silver | JO Level 3 | Adds simple acro and dance skills; gymnasts work on form, rhythm, and independence. |
| Gold | JO Levels 4–5 | Introduces optional-style routines, tumbling, and choreography with stronger basics. |
| Platinum | JO Levels 5–6 | Requires advanced elements, stronger performance quality, and refined technique. |
| Diamond | JO Levels 6–7 | Includes optional acro/dance series, artistry, and higher-level difficulty. |
| Sapphire | JO Levels 8–9+ | Involves elite-level optional skills; the newest division, limited in availability. |
Competition and Championships
Xcel
Xcel offers gymnasts the thrill of competition without the intensity of DP. Most athletes compete at local and state meets, and in many regions, they may also qualify for regional championships. Because the postseason structure varies by region, states and clubs have flexibility in how they organize events.
This makes Xcel ideal for families looking for a lighter competitive season with less travel and cost, while still giving gymnasts the chance to shine on the competition floor.
Development Program (DP)
The DP postseason follows a clearly defined ladder:
Local → State → Regional → National.
- Level 9: Gymnasts may qualify for Eastern or Western Championships, the culminating meet for this level.
- Level 10: The goal is DP Nationals, one of the most prestigious meets in the U.S. It serves as a key recruiting ground for college gymnastics programs and a stepping stone toward Elite gymnastics.
This postseason is more competitive and prestigious, but also demands a higher time, training, and travel commitment.
Training Commitment
Xcel
The Xcel Program generally requires fewer weekly training hours, which makes it easier to balance gymnastics with school, family, or other sports. Many gyms use it as a parallel track for athletes who love competing but prefer a lower-intensity schedule than DP.
Development Program (DP)
Training demands grow as gymnasts advance through DP. While compulsory levels may require a moderate schedule, athletes at Levels 8–10 often train 20+ hours per week to remain competitive nationally. This commitment is one of the key reasons DP is the primary pathway for gymnasts with college or elite aspirations.
FAQs: Parents’ Common Questions
Can my child move between Xcel and DP?
Yes. Athletes can switch between programs, but scores do not transfer. Coaches determine the best placement based on skill level.
Is Xcel easier than DP?
Not always. Lower Xcel divisions (Bronze–Gold) are generally less demanding than DP compulsories, but Diamond and Sapphire can rival DP Levels 7–10 in difficulty.
Which program is cheaper?
Xcel is usually less expensive due to fewer hours, lighter travel, and shorter competitive seasons.
Which is better for college gymnastics?
DP Level 10 is the main NCAA pipeline, though standout Xcel gymnasts at Diamond or Sapphire occasionally secure walk-on or partial scholarship opportunities.
Can my athlete skip levels in DP?
Yes. For example, a gymnast who scores two 36.00 AAs at Level 4 can skip Level 5 and move directly to Level 6. State policies may vary.
Can Xcel results be used to move up in DP?
No. The two programs are separate. Xcel gymnasts entering DP usually start at Level 4, with limited petitions into higher levels.
What about the IES route in DP?
It’s real. Gymnasts at optional levels can advance via All-Around scores or through the Individual Event Specialist route (e.g., scoring an 8.5+ on a single event).
Does Xcel have Regionals?
Yes, but formats differ by region. Families should check their region’s Rules & Policies each season.
Bottom Line
The choice between Xcel and the Development Program depends on your child’s goals and lifestyle.
- If your gymnast dreams of college or Elite gymnastics, the Development Program is the proven pathway.
- If your gymnast wants a flexible, fun, and creative experience, or needs a schedule that balances with other priorities, Xcel may be the better fit.
Both programs are valuable. Most importantly, the right choice is the one that keeps your gymnast happy, healthy, and motivated to enjoy the sport for years to come.
