The decision to enter competitive gymnastics is an important and exciting step in the life of your child!
You are to be congratulated because you are taking the time to think through the consequences of team membership. Many parents are so thrilled when their child is invited to be on the team that they do not take the time to assess what the consequences will be on the rest of their lives. Please take into consideration that sometimes, travel is required for competition. And Events may take place in another state in upper level gymnastics.
We believe that gymnastics is the greatest overall body conditioning activity in which your child could be involved. However, competitive gymnastics is a unique sport requiring the backing and support of the entire family for any gymnast to be successful. Therefore, when making the selection for team gymnasts, we also look closely at the team parents. Can they make a commitment to the program? This should not be a difficult or demanding task, only one that shows each family is interested in and committed to providing their child with a positive learning experience through the competitive aspect of gymnastics!
Level 2
Level 2 – (approx 2-3 hours a week)
This is an introductory team level that competes in 1-4 meets per year. This level is used as a stepping stone into Level 3 and 4 programs. The gymnast must be at least 4 to be on Level 2 team. They will compete in AAU competitions.
Level 3
Level 3 – (approx 2-3 hours a week)
Level 3 competes in 1-4 meets per year. They will also start training a modified Level 4. They will be prepared to compete the Level 4 the following season. They will compete in AAU competitions.
Level 4
Level 4 – (approx 10-12 hours a week)
An entry level for a full season of competitive gymnastics. Beginner level compulsory routines are performed on all four events. The gymnast must have reached her 6th birthday to be eligible to compete in USA competitions. If they are not of age, they can compete AAU.
Level 5
Level 5 - (approx 10-12 hours a week)
An intermediate compulsory level offered by USA and AAU Gymnastics. That routines that the gymnasts perform are advanced versions of level 4 and simplified versions of Level 6. The gymnast must have reached her 7th birthday to compete. If they are not of age, they can compete AAU.
Level 6
Level 6 – (approx. 15-20 hours per week)
This is the most advanced level in compulsory. The routines were designed as a transition to Level 7. The gymnast must be at least 7 years old.
Level 7
Level 7 – Prep Optional/Modified Optional (approx. 15-20 hours per week)
This is a compulsory/optional level designed to let the gymnasts get a taste of optional gymnastics while still having compulsory requirements. This is the first level where optional music is used. Again a gymnast must be 7 years of age. State Championships is the final meet of the season.
Level 8
Level 8 – (approx. 15-20 hours per week)
This is the first true optional level. There are minimum requirements that the gymnast must perform on each event. There are also difficulty restrictions. The athlete must have successfully completed levels 4-7 and be at least 8 years of age. Regional Championships is the final meet for this level if they qualify.
Level 9
Level 9 – (approx. 15-20 hours per week)
This is similar to level 8 but does not have difficulty restrictions. This level of competition is very high. The gymnast must be at least 8 years of age. They have both Regionals and Nationals if they qualify.
Level 10
Level 10 – (approx. 15-20 hours per week)
This is the highest Junior Olympic level. High level of proficiency is needed in Level 9 to proceed to level 10. The gymnast must be at least 8 years of age. This level also finishes with Regionals and Nationals if they qualify.
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