USA Gymnastics is the governing body for competitive-level gymnastics in the United States. We will participate within this organization and follow their guidelines. Our gymnasts will compete at the appropriate class level. They will ascend to the next level only when the qualifying criteria have been successfully reached, as outlined in this team handbook and as determined by the coaching staff. We will rely on a combination of empirical data and over 50 years of experienced coaching gymnasts of all ages and abilities to make placements that will be in the best interest of the developing gymnast.

The competitive program is broadly grouped into 5 main working groups. As a gymnast increases her skill and proficiency level, it dictates more time and focus in the gym.

Pre-Team – This is the first step in the competitive team series. It is generally for 5 – 8 year old gymnasts. Athletes from a young age showing good strength, flexibility and general aptitude for the sport will be selected to participate in this group. The main focus is to develop the core fundamentals, e.g. body awareness, straight lines, good form, toe point, development of strength in legs, arms, and abdomen, as well as foster, good stretching for flexibility. These young athletes will be in the USAG program levels 1 – 3.

Lions – Level 4 is designed to introduce new young gymnasts to the competitive environment. The base fundamentals are to broaden the athlete’s rudimentary skills into full routines. This will promote the development of the mind and body. As each routine is between 40 seconds and one minute, the young athletes begin to develop focus and more discipline to developing their awareness of not just one skill but a series of skills. With young athletes this is a challenging time as they learn new skills and must learn to focus for lengthier duration both with practice times and specific events. Athletes at this level can expect to spend 1 -2 years at this level.

Cheetahs – Level 5 athletes progress in skill and routine difficulty. The goal for level 5 athletes will be to compete at all NEG dictated sanctioned meets as either an Achievement Athlete or a Placement Athlete. Base skills such as round-off, back-handsprings on floor, cartwheels and handstands on beam, kips on bars, and a front handspring on vault are all taught and mastered to be successful at this level. Athletes at this level can expect to spend 1 – 2 years at this level.

Jaguars – This begins to combine compulsory and optional level athletes. As athletes progress to level 6, the highest level for compulsory athletes, they are taught the true base fundamental skills on all events that help them build into an optional athlete should they continue to progress in the sport. Thus, there is a substantial training commitment jump in the athlete’s training time. Routines become more comprehensive with more advanced and difficult skills. To be successful as a high level 6 athlete, the gymnast is required, to master tuck front and back saltos on floor, 180 degree split leap on floor and beam, back walk-over on beam, cast handstands on bars, and fly-away dismounts off bars, and a front handspring vault with strong pre-flight and after-flight. Unlike other sports, gymnasts must be competent with all 4 events to be able to move from level to level. To advance to the optional level 7, gymnasts need to show the self-determination and desire for being a competitive athlete. Routines are now creative and unique to the individual athlete, which each gymnast should begin to foster their development and career aspirations. Coaches will assist the athletes to bring their goals and desires to fruition; however, optional athletes are truly the drivers of their careers. At level 7, athletes begin to develop the following skills, tuck Tsuks on vault, free-hip circles to handstand and giant swings on bars, back handsprings and a connection of skills on beam, advanced dance with layout front and back saltos on floor. Athletes at this level can expect to spend 1 to 3 years at this level.

Tigers – Level 7 (cont.) – Level 10 athletes show strong propensity and determination toward being exceptional young gymnasts. Many athletes in this group show aspiration to competing as an Elite National competitor, or going to college and competing NCAA at Division I, II, or III schools. The commitment for the athletes at this level is substantial. At these levels, athletes, not only focus on gymnastics, but core fundamentals, which support the sport of gymnastics, e.g. ballet, running, and weight training will all be incorporated to develop the athletes talent. Training may also incorporate training twice a day. In order to be successful at the optional level, athletes and parents must be fully committed to the time, training, competition, and travel and expenses that are incurred.

Elite – The athletes at this level are true self-drivers to their goals. With the changes in the FIG code and expectations on an elite athlete, this must be the goal of the athlete to make the commitment. The gym will definitely take precedence over other “common teen-age” commitments. Should an athlete qualify as a National or International team member, there will be a great deal of travel and expense incurred by traveling to the National Training Camps, 4 and 5 day competitions in and out of the country, clinics, etc.