USAG or USAIGC

[JessMom]

I've been told . . . USAIGC is a College Bound Competitive Program. I've also been told that a gymnast that wants to compete in college needs USAG experience.

I thought I'd try this Forum - thoughts? opinions?

TIA

[gymkat]

For what it's worth, I have never heard of a gymnast being recruited after only competing USAIGC.

[coachmolly]

USAIGC offers the College Bound meet which is an opportunity for high schoolers to compete in front of college coaches. However, most girls who are competing for scholarships compete USAG and join USAIGC for the sole purpose of competing in the College Bound meet. USAG is much more competitive and that is where college coaches focus their attention.

[gymdog]

USAIGC technically provides competition through a skill level that would be about equivalent to USAG 10, as far as I know. The thing is, gyms with high levels competitive programs in the US (i.e. gyms preparing for NCAA level competition) almost exclusively use the USAG system in the US now. The highest level ones I've seen from USAIGC meets (I'm judging by youtube and message boards, this isn't very scientific) also seem to compete USAG and just use USAIGC as another outlet, to do something like national meets, or maybe some optional meets while competing USAG compulsories.

[bribri514]

hmm i don't know much about USAIGC. i looked them up and saw they don't have a single club in my state or any neighboring states, lol, guess that's why. i don't ever hear about girls from USAIGC making big name schools. also it looks like they're cancelling their college bound invite b/c JO nationals is the same weekend and all the coaches are going to the JO meet. so i guess that shows if you want to compete college, JO is probably your best bet.

[gymnast695]

I compete USAIGC, however my gym has both. I prefer USAIGC because it's not as stressful, and not everyone competes the same floor routine :P The meets are a little more layed back, and the gymnasts/coaches are not as intense. However we do train alot of hours and improve and there are levels to move up to. We just have a lot of fun doing it! A girl on my team competed usaigc all her life and she is now doing college gymnastics. So i think both leagues are good!

[gymalex]

USAG is a much more competitive program, and the best gymnasts are USAG athletes. The college recruiters attend JO Nationals and elite meets, which are USAG sanctioned meets. USAIGC is newer, and an earlier poster said it-- it's much more laid back. College coaches are looking for the best prepared, highest level athletes they can get, so they're going to look at kids from the better program- USAG in this case. If your only option is USAIGC, go for it, but if you have a choice and are willing to put in the work, you'll have a much better shot with USAG.

[Gymdad2]

One more vote in favor of USAG if a scholarship is your goal.