Gymnastics competition: Where should I start?
Your first job will be locating a gymnastics program whether it is a private club, a YMCA, a recreation center, of a multi-sport complex that has a competitive gymnastics program.
The qualities of of a safe and effective gymnastics program will be discussed in another blog.
In the United States, the governing body for the sport of gymnastics is USA Gymnastics (United Staes Gymnastics Federation). Many competitions that lead to championship meet are sanctioned by USAG.
The JO or Junior Olympic program is a system of training / competition that starts at Level 1 and progresses through Level 10.
Level 1 is the beginning or novice level with skills you may associate with class level programs. Level 2 is the beginner level of competition sponsored by USA Gymnastics and seems most popular in states that have strong AAU (American Athletic Union) programs, although directors of Invitational Competitions are adding in competition at Levels 2, 3, & 4 nationwide because there are so many athletes enrolled at these levels.
Level 4 is the first competitive level where a gymnast will perform a back handspring on the floor - a milestone for any gymnast. Level’s 4,5, & 6 require compulsory routines - that is - specific skills are arranged in a sequence with point values assigned for each that the gymnast must perform in front of a panel of judges at a USAG sanctioned meet.
Level 7 is the first chance at performing optional routines, although there are still some specific skills and guidelines that must be followed.
Level’s 8,9, and 10 are considered truly optional in that the coach and gymnast can now work to the gymnast’s strengths, in regard to skills performed, although there are still guidelines applied to create routines that can have a start value of up to 10 points. Gymnast’s at these levels have put in many hours of hard work and are quite talented.
Most gyms throughout the country are involved in the “Junior Olympic” program so that is not a special selling point by any means.
In future blogs, special training programs like the Hopes and TOPS programs will be discussed.
For more information visit www.usa-gymnastics.org.
