Competitive Levels
Above: The level 1 floor routine performed by an older gymnast.
Above: A level 9 bar routine.
A level 10 beam routine.
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In the United States, USA Gymnastics (USAG) is the governing body that runs the prevalent competitive system. This system is called the Junior Olympic, or J.O., system. The ultimate goal of J.O. is to create elite-level athletes. In order to reach the upper echelon of J.O., gymnasts must pass through ten levels. The women’s J.O. system is divided into compulsory and optional levels. In order to move from one level to the next, the gymnast must achieve a required all-around score.
Levels 1-4 are the compulsory levels in which every athlete within a level competes in the same routine. For example, a Level 4 in Arizona has the same beam routine as a Level 4 from New York. The degree of difficulty in these routines increases at each level. Some states hold competitions for levels 3 and under. Generally, gymnasts begin competing at Level 4 or 5, with state championship competitions held for Levels 5 and 6. An athlete must be at least six years old to compete in Level 4 events and seven years old for Level 5. Level 7 is the bridge between compulsories and optional. USAG mandates certain skills (for example, a back layout on floor), while restricting other skills that are considered too difficult. Beyond meeting those requirements, the gymnast is free to have her own choreography and arrange the skills in her routine as she and her coach see fit. Levels 8-10 are considered optional levels. Level 8 also has skill restrictions. Once a gymnast makes it to Level 9 and 10, however, there are no restrictions. Gymnasts are also eligible for receiving connection value, or bonus points, in Level 9 and 10. Many college gymnasts are former Level 9, 10, or Elite competitors. If you’ve watched the Olympics, you’ve seen elite gymnasts. Elites are divided into junior (ages 11-15) and senior (ages 16 and up). These athletes have the opportunity to be selected for the National Team, which competes domestically and internationally. |
Recreational Gymnastics
In contrast, recreational gymnastics is much easier. The sport is still difficult and requires a lot of dedication, but not nearly as much as if you were a competitive gymnast. Recreational gymnastics classes often meet once or twice a week for 1-2 hours at a time. Students still work on skills on each event. The progressions of levels tend to differ as well. This is the difference between competitive and recreational gymnastics.
Here is an ad for the gym Miss Kilgore used to coach recreational gymnastics out of!