optional

Question for gyms who compete Xcel for compulsory levels and DP Levels 6-10 for optional. How does a gymnast progress from Xcel Gold to Level 6? Do they have to score out doing DP Level 4 & 5 bar/beam/floor routines or can they score out using Xcel routines consisting of required skills? Are...

I feel like with the USAG season changing to just having one giant Level 3-10 state meet in the spring this year that we will have some interesting turnout situations arise. All the top gymnasts in SoCal usually compete 4 or 5 states in the fall and then jump to Level 6 or 7 in the spring. If...

Not even sure what I am looking for with this post, but after watching my 9-year old daughter work her tail off to score out of levels 4 and 5, she is back to Xcel. She spent most of the summer training with her new team (combined level 5/6) and she was MISERABLE. The coaches were so nice, very...

When are decisions usually made for setting optionals levels for the spring season? Is it usually by the end of summer? Or more into the fall?

So, despite having done this for a few years with my older kid, the last two seasons she competed were so impacted by COVID that there was very limited travel involved. That said, can you all remind me of approximately how far in advance the bigger meets (WOGA, Hill's, etc) publish the schedule...

I'm just curious to hear your experiences with the difference between watching the complusory levels vs optionals. I'm really looking forward to getting to hear a little more variety in music but I think it will be harder for me to tell if a routine was good. I'm terrible at judging how her...

We are starting to notice that several gymnasts are quitting gymnastics after level 8. Different reasons though - injuries, skills are just too hard, tired of the level of commitment that gymnastics takes, etc. Are you seeing a similar trend at your gym?

My daughter is 11 and just finished level 5. She started the season scoring 33s and ended scoring 35s. She did 2 years of level 4 before 5. She competed a BHS on the beam all year in level 5 and she has her giant layout flyaway by herself on the uneven bars and a beautiful BWO BHS on the high...

My gymnast is now training for level 8. The past few months, I’ve had a few parents of compulsory and preteam gymnasts asking for advice. I thought this would be a great place for parents of optional level gymnasts to share some valuable wisdom that we have learned over the years. So optional...

So I saw the new Optional code of points is out - are there any major or significant changes?

Hi parents! My daughter is currently wrapping up her level 7 season and will be training level 8 this summer. She trains 16 hours now; 3 weekdays 4-8pm and Saturdays from 9-1 and will be adding another day next year. We've contemplated switching gyms but the 2 other options in our area have...

Looking back, which level was the most fun or exciting for you to watch as a parent? Which level do you think your kid enjoyed the most? Was just curious about this as meet season is about to start.

With the new rules, our gym said they are doing something called modified optionals for boys team program silver which is like level 4 gold which is like level 5 and platinum after that Does anyone have any more details regarding the modified optionals, is it similar to the compulsory levels...

Hi, my daughter will be a first year optional in Jan '22, won't know for sure what level until October, but we are assuming 7. Curious when do your girls usually choose music and get routines choreographed for the season? I had asked our coach about choosing music a couple weeks ago and was told...

Does anyone have a link for a list of skills by value (A, B, C, etc.) for USAG women's developmental program optional levels? I have searched and searched and can't find one. Or is there at least a list of skills commonly seen on each event at each level?

I know someone who is really nervous about training optional, competed 5 last season, any tips? If anyone knows any confidence boosting books or anything like that I would love that.

Does anyone know how Optional State Championships will work? I know some states still have many restrictions, while others are opened up and running seasons. Does that mean only some states will have championships? Also, does anyone know if qualifications to state have changed? I think my kiddo...

How many hours does your level 8, 9 and 10 train a week now verses before covid? What do you feel is the ideal amount of training hours?

American Twisters is in the unique position of actually looking to hire coaches during this crazy time! Please click the link for more info and to apply. We are located in Coconut Creek, Florida. We have a huge up to date facility and have one of the nation's largest groups of level 10...

I know there are various reasons in general to move JO optionals to the fall, but I’m thinking now might be just the time to do it. Regardless of how this thing plays out, it will likely take the athletes some time to get their skills back, and maybe it would be safer to have the next season...