In the United States, most competitive gymnasts progress through the USA Gymnastics Development Program, which runs from Level 1 to Level 10, or through the Xcel program, a more flexible competitive path. In the women’s Development Program, the early levels are compulsory, where every gymnast performs the same set routines, while the upper levels are optional, where gymnasts create their own routines that meet skill requirements. The most advanced athletes may move on to Elite, which uses the international FIG Code of Points and feeds national and international teams. Xcel offers divisions named after metals and gems. Specific rules and level structures change periodically, so check the current USA Gymnastics rules for exact details.
Why gymnastics has levels
Levels organize gymnasts by skill so they compete against others at a similar stage of development. Each level has requirements for skills and routines, which helps coaches plan progressions and ensures athletes build a strong foundation before attempting harder elements. Levels also provide clear goals and milestones, which can be motivating for young gymnasts and helpful for parents trying to understand their child’s progress.
USA Gymnastics Development Program
| Levels | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Entry | Basic skills, often non-competitive or in-house events |
| 3 to 5 | Compulsory | Everyone performs the same set routines |
| 6 to 10 | Optional | Gymnasts create routines that meet skill requirements |
| Elite | International rules | Uses the FIG Code of Points; path to national teams |
The Development Program was previously known as the Junior Olympic program. The men’s program uses its own level structure and requirements, which differ from the women’s program. Level details, age rules and qualifying scores are updated by USA Gymnastics, so always confirm the current rules with your club.
Compulsory levels
At compulsory levels, every gymnast performs the same choreography and skills on each apparatus. This makes judging focused on execution: how cleanly, accurately and confidently each gymnast performs the set routine. Compulsory levels build fundamental skills and body positions, such as handstands, cartwheels, round-offs, back walkovers and basic bar skills. Many gymnasts spend one or more seasons at each compulsory level while they develop strength and consistency.
Optional levels
At optional levels, gymnasts and coaches design routines that meet specific requirements for difficulty and composition. Routines become more individual, and gymnasts can showcase their strengths. Skills progress from basic saltos and twisting elements at the lower optional levels to advanced releases on bars, flight series on beam and multiple saltos on floor at Level 10. Level 10 is also the level from which many gymnasts are recruited to compete in college gymnastics programs.
The Xcel program
| Division | General level |
|---|---|
| Bronze | Introductory skills |
| Silver | Basic competitive skills |
| Gold | Intermediate skills |
| Platinum | Advanced intermediate skills |
| Diamond | Advanced skills |
| Sapphire | Highest Xcel division |
Xcel offers a more flexible and often lower-cost competitive path. Gymnasts usually train fewer hours than in the upper Development Program levels and still enjoy competition. Xcel allows more choice in routine construction, which can suit gymnasts who join the sport later, want a balance with other activities, or prefer a less intense schedule.
Moving up levels step by step
- Master the required skills for your current level on each apparatus.
- Compete and achieve qualifying scores, if your level requires them to move up.
- Build strength and flexibility for the next level’s skills.
- Learn new skills through progressions with your coach.
- Discuss readiness with your coach, who considers skills, consistency and confidence.
- Move up when ready, rather than rushing to skip levels.
Development Program vs Xcel
| Feature | Development Program | Xcel |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Levels 1 to 10, compulsory then optional | Divisions from Bronze to Sapphire |
| Training hours | Often higher, especially at upper levels | Usually fewer |
| Routine flexibility | Set routines at compulsory levels | More choice from the start |
| Pathway | Can lead to college and elite gymnastics | Recreational to competitive, with more flexibility |
| Cost | Often higher | Often lower |
How long gymnasts stay at each level
There is no fixed timeline for moving through the levels. Some gymnasts advance a level each season during the early compulsory stages, while others repeat a level to build confidence and consistency. At the optional levels, progress often slows because the skills become much more complex and demanding. Factors such as age, training hours, coaching, physical development, injuries and motivation all influence how quickly a gymnast moves up. Coaches generally focus on long-term development and safety rather than speed, since rushing into harder skills without a solid foundation can increase injury risk and lead to burnout.
Choosing the right path for your gymnast
Parents and gymnasts often wonder whether the Development Program or Xcel is the better fit. The Development Program suits gymnasts who are committed to a higher training volume and may be interested in college or elite gymnastics in the future. Xcel suits gymnasts who want to compete but also value time for school, other sports or activities, as well as those who begin gymnastics later. Many clubs allow athletes to move between programs as their goals change. Discussing goals, schedule and budget with your coach helps you choose the path that fits your family.
College gymnastics
College gymnastics in the United States is a major pathway for Level 10 and some Elite gymnasts. NCAA women’s gymnastics uses its own scoring rules, with routines generally scored out of a maximum of 10.0, and teams compete in regular season meets and championships. Many gymnasts find college gymnastics rewarding because of its team atmosphere and the chance to combine the sport with a university education. Recruitment typically begins while gymnasts are in high school, based on scores, skills and video.
Understanding scores at different levels
At compulsory levels, routines start from a set value and judges take deductions for execution errors. At optional levels, the starting value depends on meeting special requirements and including enough difficulty, with execution deductions taken from there. Elite gymnastics uses the open-ended FIG system, with separate difficulty and execution scores. These differences mean that scores are not directly comparable across levels, so it is best to compare a gymnast’s scores only with others at the same level.
Elite and beyond
Elite is the highest level of competitive gymnastics in the United States. Elite gymnasts compete under the FIG Code of Points at national championships and international events, and they may be selected for national teams, world championships and the Olympic Games. Reaching Elite usually requires years of intensive training, qualifying scores at specific competitions and a high level of difficulty. Many top Level 10 gymnasts choose college gymnastics instead of Elite, competing for university teams.
Levels in other countries
Other countries use their own systems. The UK, Canada and Australia, for example, have national programs with grades or levels that differ from the US structure. International elite competition, however, uses the FIG rules worldwide. If you are outside the US, check your national federation for its level system.
Common misconceptions
- Higher levels are always better. The right level depends on skills, goals and time commitment.
- Xcel is not real competition. Xcel is a full competitive program with its own championships.
- Gymnasts must move up every year. Many spend multiple seasons at a level.
- Level 10 and Elite are the same. Elite uses international rules and a different pathway.
Rules note: level structures and requirements described here are based on USA Gymnastics programs and the FIG Code of Points; details change over time, so consult current official rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest level in gymnastics?
In the United States, Elite is the highest level, above Level 10 in the Development Program.
What is the difference between compulsory and optional levels?
Compulsory levels use set routines for everyone, while optional levels let gymnasts design their own routines within requirements.
What is Xcel gymnastics?
A USA Gymnastics competitive program with divisions such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Sapphire.
