Gymnastics

Gymnastic routines require the use of mobility, the movement of the gymnast from one level to the next.

USA Gymnastics (USAG) has established rules of mobility. Each gymnast is placed relative to their fulfillment of the criteria that USAG has established. Gymnastic mobility is based solely on scores achieved in USAG sanctioned competitions.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that gymnastics is a very technical, perfection-oriented sport. Advancement in the sport depends solely on how well the basics are mastered. Similar to a pyramid, the larger a base of support (basics), the higher the pyramid will stand (ultimate goal level). The following criterion helps decide the placement of each gymnast:

Physical Preparedness
An assessment is made of the gymnasts strength, flexibility, endurance, agility, quickness, and suppleness.

Emotional and Psychological Readiness of the Gymnast
These attributes are observable in a subjective way, as opposed to an objective manner. They readily indicate the gymnasts ability to overcome reasonable fears, to make quick, yet sound judgments, plus self-motivation, and dedication to achieving their gymnastic goals.

Present Gymnastics Skill Level
By asking the gymnast to have acquired the skills needed in the next level routines before being considered to move up, the gymnastics skills and routine readiness for the coming competitive season can be projected.
By combining all of the above factors, plus day-to-day experiences with that gymnast, the gymnastics coach will determine the most successful level. To be successful at gymnastics competitions a gymnast must train at 100% and be able to compete at 80%.

USA GYMNASTICS PROGRAM

Competency Levels

There are 11 competency levels to the USAG women's program. Levels 1-3 are non-competitive levels that center on teaching the basic core skills for each of the the four Olympic events. They consist of doing individual skills and small routines while showing proficiency on four main points of each skill. When the gymnast successfully completes each skill and routines required on an event, she may move on to the next level.

Compulsory Levels

The first competitive level is Level 4 and it consists entirely of compulsory routines. Compulsory routines are a pre-choreographed series of skills that each competitor must perform. Once again they are made up of core skills needed for each event built on the skills from a previous level. The philosophy of these routines is for the athletes to practice toward perfection of these basics. The minimum age for this level is six and there is no maximum age. At level 4 and 5 awards are given in achievement and places. Level 6 is also a compulsory level of competition. Each level builds on the skills of the previous level and likewise is judged with higher expectations. The USAG structure is based on a progressive "step by step" building of physical, emotional and psychological skills. Proficiency of all aspects of the gymnast at each level is expected and required to insure a safe, smooth movement through the levels. The minimum age for this level of competition is seven.

Optional Levels

Optional competition consists of each gymnast performing her own routines for each event. The Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) produces the optional rules every four years in conjunction with the Olympics. This book dictates what each routine needs to contain (compositions), the value of what is done (difficulty), and how to evaluate how well it is done (execution). There are four optional levels and they are Levels 7, 8, 9, and 10. The first level of competition begins with Level 7 and minimum age for Level 7 is seven. The minimum age for Level 8 and 9 is eight while for Level 10 is nine. The requirements and expectations from one level to the next increases and the same is true with the compulsory levels. Level 8 is the second level of optional competition. Its difficulty requirements and expectations are harder than Level 7. The third level of optional competition begins with Level 9. Level 10 is considered a pre-elite level and for the truly dedicated and motivated gymnast.

Elite is Level 11 of competition and like Level 10 it is for the truly dedicated athletes. The Elite Level is broken up into two categories and they are the national and international, Child National Elite (10-12 years old) and Junior National Elite (13-15 years old), and they compete skill testing and optional routines. Senior National Elite (16 + years) compete optional only; Junior International Elite (11-15 years old) compete optional only, and Senior International Elite compete at the Olympics and World Championship if they are chosen for the teams.

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Nicole is a veteran of gymnastics. A level 7 girls gymnast in Oregon, Nicole answers many of the questions gymnastics parents have. Visit Nicole's gymnastics information site at http://www.gymnastics411.com

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