For many gymnasts, the goal of moving from Xcel to the Junior Olympic (JO) or Developmental Program represents an exciting new chapter in their careers. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know. By following these steps, you’ll not only ease your way into the JO program but also set yourself up for long-term success.
Assess Current Skill Level
Evaluate your current skills to determine the appropriate entry point into the Development Program. This assessment ensures that you enter the appropriate level, aligning with your abilities and facilitating a smooth progression.
Typical Entry Point: Level 4
In the Development Program, Level 4 is generally the standard entry point for gymnasts. To compete at this level, gymnasts must be at least 7 years old and have mastered specific skills across all apparatuses. The routines at this level are compulsory, meaning all gymnasts perform standardized routines designed to build foundational skills.
Level 4 Skill Requirements
| Apparatus | Required Skills |
|---|---|
| Vault | Front handspring |
| Uneven Bars | – Straddle or pike glide kip- Cast to horizontal- Back hip circle- Squat-on/pike-on or backward sole circle- Long hang kip- Tap swing with ½ turn dismount |
| Balance Beam | – Cartwheel- Split leap and split jump with 120-degree leg separation- Cross handstand- 180° squat turn- Cartwheel to side handstand with ¼ turn dismount |
| Floor Exercise | – Straddle jump with 120-degree split- Back extension roll- Straight jump with 180-degree turn- Round-off followed by two back handsprings- Front handspring to two feet- Back walkover- Leap with 120-degree leg separation |
Mastery of these skills is essential for a successful transition into Level 4.
Alternative Entry Point: Petitioning for Level 7
For gymnasts aged 12 or older with prior competitive experience, such as participation in the Xcel Program, there is an opportunity to petition for entry into Level 7 or below. This pathway acknowledges the advanced skills and experience that some gymnasts may possess, allowing them to bypass lower levels.
Level 7 Skill Requirements
| Apparatus | Required Skills |
| Vault | Advanced front handspring |
| Uneven Bars | – Cast to handstand (minimum 45°)- Two 360° clear circling elements (one must be ‘B’ difficulty)- Salto dismount (‘A’ difficulty or higher) |
| Balance Beam | – Acro series (with or without flight)- One leap/jump requiring 180° split- Minimum 360° turn on one foot- Aerial or salto dismount (‘A’ difficulty or higher) |
| Floor Exercise | – Two acro passes (one must include a back layout)- Dance pass with minimum of two elements, one being a leap with 180° split- Minimum 360° turn on one foot- Forward salto or aerial required |
These requirements emphasize a higher level of difficulty and execution, reflecting the advanced nature of Level 7.
Familiarize with Mobility Requirements
Mobility requirements are set by USA Gymnastics to ensure that gymnasts demonstrate sufficient overall competence—typically measured by an All-Around (AA) score—before advancing to the next level. These scores are earned at sanctioned competitions and reflect a gymnast’s combined performance on all four apparatus (vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise).
General Mobility Guidelines:
- Sequential Advancement: Gymnasts are generally required to progress through levels sequentially, ensuring they develop the necessary skills and experience at each stage.
- Minimum Age Requirements: Each level has a minimum age requirement that gymnasts must meet to be eligible for competition.
Specific Mobility Requirements
- Levels 1–3: These developmental levels focus on fundamental skills. There are no official mobility scores for these levels, and advancement is based on the gymnast’s proficiency and readiness, as determined by their coach.
- Level 4: This is the entry point into compulsory competitive gymnastics. To advance to Level 5, a gymnast must achieve an All-Around (AA) score of 34.00 or higher at a sanctioned competition.
- Level 5: To progress to Level 6 or Level 7, a gymnast must attain an AA score of 32.00 or higher at Level 5. Notably, Level 6 may be skipped if this score is achieved, allowing direct advancement to Level 7.
- Level 6: A gymnast must secure an AA score of 32.00 or higher to move to Level 7. Alternatively, as mentioned, gymnasts can bypass Level 6 by meeting the Level 5 criteria.
- Level 7: Advancement to Level 8 requires an AA score of 32.00 or higher.
- Level 8: To progress to Level 9, a gymnast needs an AA score of 34.00 or higher.
- Level 9: Advancement to Level 10 necessitates an AA score of 34.00 or higher.
Additional Considerations
- Skipping Levels: While sequential progression is standard, exceptions exist. For example, achieving the necessary score at Level 5 allows a gymnast to skip Level 6 and advance directly to Level 7.
- Mobility Between Levels 5 and 6: Gymnasts are permitted to move between Levels 5 and 6 without undergoing a petitioning process, provided they meet the required scores.
Age Requirements:
- Level 4: Gymnasts must be at least 7 years old to compete.
- Level 5: Minimum age of 7 years.
- Level 6: Minimum age of 8 years.
- Level 7: Minimum age of 9 years.
- Level 8: Minimum age of 10 years.
- Level 9: Minimum age of 11 years.
- Level 10: Minimum age of 12 years.
These age requirements ensure that gymnasts are developmentally prepared for the skills and challenges at each level.
Prepare a Petition (If Applicable)
If you are 12 years or older and wish to enter at Level 7 or below without progressing sequentially from Level 4, you must submit a petition to the State Administrative Committee.
Athletes aged 12 or older with prior competitive experience, such as participation in the Xcel Program or other organizations like AAU or NGA, may petition to enter at Level 7 or below without following the standard progression.
What to Include in Your Petition
Athlete Information:
- Full Name: Provide your complete legal name.
- USA Gymnastics Member Number: Include your membership identification for verification.
- Birthdate: State your date of birth to confirm your age eligibility.
Competitive Experience:
- Background Overview: Summarize your gymnastics history, including how long you have been training and competing in the Xcel program.
- Level History: Detail your progression through the Xcel levels, highlighting key milestones and accomplishments.
- Injury and Time Off Information: Explain any significant injuries or periods when you were unable to train or compete. Include how you recovered and what steps you have taken to ensure your readiness for higher-level competition.
- Coaching Input: If applicable, include a brief statement or recommendation from your coach that outlines your strengths and readiness to transition into JO competition.
Demonstration of Skill Competency:
- Video Portfolio: Include clear, high-quality videos that demonstrate your proficiency in the skills required at the desired JO level. Focus on routines or elements across all apparatus (vault, bars, beam, floor) that are essential for that level.
- Specific Skill Highlight: If there are particular skills where you excel (or need to showcase improvement), point these out in your documentation.
Submission Process:
Petitions should be submitted by the athlete’s coach to the State Administrative Committee Chair (SACC) via email. The petition must be accompanied by the necessary documentation and videos demonstrating the athlete’s skill level.
The State Administrative Committee will review the petition, considering the athlete’s experience, skill proficiency, and readiness for the desired level. The committee will then determine the athlete’s eligibility to enter at the requested level.
Participate in Mobility Competitions
To achieve the mobility scores, gymnasts should participate in USA Gymnastics-sanctioned events. These competitions adhere to the standards set by the governing body, ensuring that performances are evaluated consistently and fairly.
Consistent participation in these sanctioned events is essential for achieving the required All-Around (AA) scores and smoothly progressing through the levels of the Development Program, ultimately setting gymnasts on the path to further success in their gymnastics careers.