The World of Gymnastics

Archive for the ‘OPTIONAL GYMNASTICS’ Category

USAG has established 10 levels of gymnastics, 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. Gymnastics level 1-6 are known as compulsory levels. Compulsory gymnastics mean each gymnast competes the same routine on all events and has the same gymnastics floor music. Compulsory gymnastics is set up to have a steady progression of skills that start out from the basics and build until a gymnast reaches levels 7. Level 7-10 are called optional gymnastics levels.

One a gymnast reaches level 7 they are known as optional gymnasts. Optional means that the routines and music are no longer the same. Each routine is original and choreographed to fit the gymnast’s individuality, style, skill and gymnastics dance ability. Not having a standard routine allows gymnasts to display their talents, strengths and personality while decreasing their weaknesses. Optional gymnasts are also allowed to pick their own gymnastics floor music. Make sure to pick music that fits with your style of gymnastics dance.

Gymnastics level 7-10 have a few required skills and a specific degree of difficulty they must put into each routine to avoid deductions and receive a start value of a 10.00. Optional level skills have 5 categories, A, B, C,D and E. The skills are categorized by difficulty, A being the easiest and E being the hardest. Levels 7-10 have a specific amount of skills from particular categories that they are required to incorporate in their routines. For example, a level 7 must include 5 A’s and  2 B’s in their balance beam routine to have a 10.00 start value.

Optional levels 7 and 8 do have skill and difficulty restrictions. One small example is a level 7 and 8 are not allowed to perform any E skills in their routine. If they do they will receive a huge deduction. Gymnastics level 9 and 10 do not have any skill restrictions. They are allowed to put any skill in their routine as long as they meet the requirements. There is also age and score requirements for each level.

In order to compete as a level 7, a gymnast must have reach her 7^th birthday and had to receive an all-around (AA) score of a 31.00 as a level 6 at a sanctioned gymnastics meet. To compete as a level 8, the gymnast must reach her 8^th birthday and have received a minimum AA score of a 31.00  as a level 7 at a sanctioned meet. To be a gymnastics level 9, a gymnast must also be at least 8 years old and had to have received an AA score of a 34.00 as a level 8 at a sanctioned meet. A level 10 must be at least 9 years of age and had to receive an AA score of 34.00 at a sanctioned level 9 meet to be able to compete.

All of these rules and guidelines are established by USAG.