The USA Gymnastics Developmental Program is based on 10 levels using levels 1 to 10. This level system provides great long term benefits aimed at keeping athletes motivated with smoother transitions from level to level and improved progression within one level.

It was developed with the belief that all athletes, regardless of their potential, must have a solid foundation of basic skills in order to advance safely. The program allows the gymnast to advance at her own pace, competing in more than one level in a year if she achieves a mobility score and  if she and her coaches so choose. (USAG)

The Developmental Program is divided in three major segments:

Learn the Basics: Levels 1 to 3

• Levels 1 to 3 are compulsory routines with set choreography and music. They allow gymnasts to develop good and strong basics and can be used as a club non-competitive and achievement-oriented program or as an introduction to competition. Levels 1 and 2 are used as an introduction to competition and attend fewer gym meets than higher levels.

• Level 3 gymnasts will have the opportunity to qualify to go to the Arkansas State Gym Meet.

Compulsories: Level 4 and 5

• Levels 4-5 continue to use compulsory routines and choreography. Both of these levels are progressive in nature, building upon the skills required at the previous level.

• Level 5 is often recognized as being more difficult that the Level 6, because it focuses on impeccable basics. This is an excellent preparation for athletes who want to go into the Pre-Novice categories.

• Competitive opportunities exist at invitational meets and at the Arkansas State Gym Meet.

Optional: Levels 6 to 10

• Levels 6-10 are competitive programs using optional routines. 

•  Levels 6, 7, 8, and 9 have difficulty restrictions, while Level 10 has no restrictions in the skill choice.

• Level 6 has competitive opportunities up to and including State Championships

• Additional competitive opportunities are provided for Levels 7-10.

  • Level 7 and 8 at the Regional Championships 

  • Level 9 at the Western Championships

  • Level 10 competitive season culminating at the National Championships.

Xcel Bronze and Silver

• Xcel Bronze is comparable to level 1 and some of level 2. There is no set written routine for the gymnast, but the gym may vary on having a set routine to showcase that level as long as they meet the requirements sets by USAG.

• Xcel Silver is comparable to levels 2, 3, and some 4. As stated before, the is no set skill routine like compulsory. Gymnast may compete different skills than their fellow teammates for optimal scores as long as they meet the requirements set by USAG.

• Xcel Bronze and Silver do not have a State Championship meet to qualify for,  but they do have an All-Star meet for the end of season. 

Xcel Gold and Platinum

• Xcel Gold  is comparable to levels 4,5, and some 6. Each gymnast will have their own routines to showcase their talent and abilities. Xcel Platinum is comparable to levels 6 and 7.

• Additional competitive opportunities are provided for these levels, such as State Championships. 

• At State Meet, they may qualify for Regional Championships if they meet the required score. Regional Championships vary every year on where they may compete. 

Xcel Diamond and Sapphire 

• Xcel Diamond is comparable to levels 7, 8, and some level 9.  Xcel Sapphire is comparable to levels 9 and 10. 

• These levels also have the opportunity for additional competitions after  State Championships. 

• If they meet the required score at State Championships, they may qualify got Regional Championships. As stated before, Regionals vary on where they might compete for that meet.