USA Gymnastics serves as the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States, establishing rules and guidelines for not only competitions but also athlete development. USA Gymnastics divides gymnasts into 10 skill levels, with level 4 being the first level in which young gymnasts may participate in official competitions. In order to qualify for level 4, gymnasts must perform a predetermined set of maneuvers. For instance, a level 4 balance beam routine, which lasts for 50 seconds, must include certain moves to demonstrate the gymnast's improving skills.
Mount
Level 4 gymnasts mount the balance beam with a leg swing, meaning they swing their leg over the beam and turn 180 degrees in one smooth continuous motion to end straddling the beam. The gymnast then sits on the beam with her knees bent, her feet planted flat and her hands braced behind her. From there, she extends her legs in the air in a V position. After reaching through her legs to grab the beam, the gymnast then swings her legs down and behind her, waiting for her legs to be straight out behind her and over the beam before pulling them in beneath her and standing.
Turn
Once standing, level 4 gymnasts must execute a heel-snap turn. To do so, the gymnast will first step in coupe, which means she places the raised foot next to the ankle with the toes pointing down. The gymnast will then rise on the toes of her planted foot, holding this releve position, before snapping around 180 degrees and planting the heel back down on the balance beam.
Leap
Level 4 gymnasts must also perform a leap, landing on the balance beam in arabesque position. When performing the leap, the gymnast will hold her arms out in front of her for balance and raise one leg straight ahead. She will then leap off the base leg, achieving at least 60 degrees of separation between her legs while in the air. When landing on the forward leg, the gymnast will keep the back leg raised at least 45 degrees and hold the position, known as arabesque, for at least one second.
Handstand
Another gymnastics staple, the handstand must be present in all level 4 balance beam routines. In performing the handstand, the gymnast must keep her legs closed and vertical while maintaining a long, stretched position. Level 4 gymnasts must also grab the balance beam with their hands side by side. Rules prohibit grabbing the beam with one hand in front of the other.
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