Competitive gymnastics consist of several categories of gymnastic events. Besides the artistic category, gymnastics features the rhythmic, acrobatic (acro), trampoline and tumbling, and group categories. The artistic category is split into men's and women's. Gymnasts perform various events within the artistic category and, depending on skill and ability, are grouped into certain levels. A gymnast can be promoted or demoted from one level to another if her skills and ability change.
Artistic Levels
The women's artistic gymnastic program is organized and operated by USA Gymnastics, the national governing body for the sport in the United States. USA Gymnastics offers four artistic gymnastic levels for women and three for men. Each level represents a different stage of gymnastic experience and skill, and provides various opportunities for athletes to compete.
Elite Program
The Elite Program is designed to provide up-and-coming male and female gymnasts, who aspire to compete on the national team or the pre-elite training squad, with competitive experiences. National team members are selected during the annual USA Championships. If selected to the national team, gymnasts represent the United States at international competitions, including the Olympics. The pre-elite training squad members serve as backups for the national team and can be called upon if a national team member is unable to compete.
Prep Op Programs
The Prep Op Program is a female-only level that was established by USA Gymnastics to provide a broad-based and affordable gymnastics experience in a competitive environment outside of the traditional Junior Olympics program. The aim of this program is to ensure that gymnastics in the United States is represented through a diverse group of athletes. Prep Op competitions are open to previous Junior Olympic gymnasts, as well as gymnasts who have never been involved with USA Gymnastics.
TOP Level
The TOP level, or Talent Opportunity Program, is another female-only artistic gymnastic level that serves as a talent search for aspiring gymnasts. USA Gymnastics evaluates 7- to 10-year-old gymnasts at special summer camps. Gymnasts who catch the attention of coaches might be invited back for a national TOP test in the fall. Gymnasts are tested on physical abilities, as well as basic gymnastic skills.
Junior Olympics
The Junior Olympics level was developed to ensure that Olympic hopefuls are properly equipped with a strong foundation of gymnastic skills before advancing to the Elite Program level. This level focuses on the fundamentals of gymnastics rather than on the potential a gymnast might possess. The Junior Olympics level is open to both male and female athletes.
Future Stars
The men's Future Stars level is a national team initiative that develops young, talented gymnasts. It also provides educational programming for young gymnasts to build a good understanding of gymnastic fundamentals. The Future Stars level is open to five age groups: 8- to 9-year-olds, 10-year-olds, 11-year-olds, 12-year-olds and 13-year olds. Gymnasts compete at an annual Future Stars Championship, where they are evaluated on basic gymnastics skills.
Member Comments