Understand the USA Gymnastics System (Like You’re in the USA)

A practical, step-by-step view of how American gyms use DP, Xcel, and Elite — even if you live outside the U.S.

1) How Families Start in the USA

In the United States, most families follow the same routine:
• Find a local USA Gymnastics (USAG) Member Club
• The club places the child into a rec class first, then pre-team
• From there, the gymnast enters either DP Levels or the Xcel Divisions

Find a Gym Near You

To start your gymnastics journey the same way families do in the United States, you can search for official USA Gymnastics Member Clubs in your area. These are gyms approved and registered with USA Gymnastics (USAG), ensuring certified coaches, safe training environments, and recognized competition programs.

🔗 Find a Gym — Official USA Gymnastics Search Tool

You can enter your city or ZIP code to view nearby clubs that follow the USA Gymnastics Development Program (DP) and the Xcel Program.

Tip for Parents: When you want to enroll your kids in a gymnastics club, always check if the gym is a USA Gymnastics Member Club. A good sign is when the gym says:

“We follow the USA Gymnastics Development Program and the Xcel Program.”

This means the gym trains and competes under the official U.S. structure, ensuring safe instruction, certified coaches, and recognized competitive levels for your child’s progress.

• Recreational classes: fun & basics, usually 1–2 years
• Pre-Team: small group learning official skills, ~6–8 hrs/week
• Competitive track: choose DP (more intensive) or Xcel (more flexible)

2) Development Program (DP) — “USA Levels”

The DP is the main competitive ladder in the U.S. It moves from national compulsory routines to optional custom routines.

• Levels 1–5 (Compulsory): same routine nationwide; focus on basics and form
• Levels 6–10 (Optional): unique choreography with required elements
• Level 10: gateway to NCAA (college) or Elite qualification

Typical hours: 12–20 per week • Season: local → state → regional → national (for upper levels)

3) Xcel Program — Flexible Competition

Xcel runs beside DP and is designed for balance and creativity. It uses divisions, not levels:

• Divisions: Bronze → Silver → Gold → Platinum → Diamond → Sapphire
• Nature: optional routines from the start; fewer hours (≈6–10/week)
• Alignment (approx.): Bronze ≈ DP 1–2 • Silver ≈ 3 • Gold ≈ 4 • Platinum ≈ 4–5 • Diamond ≈ 6–7 • Sapphire ≈ 8–10

Goal: keep athletes competing and enjoying the sport with a lighter schedule.

4) Elite Path — Hopes, Junior, Senior

Exceptional Level 10 athletes can test for Elite at sanctioned qualifiers. Within Elite, placement is by age:

• Hopes (10–13): pre-elite testing and development
• Junior Elite (≈11–15): national-level elite competitions
• Senior Elite (16+): international/Olympic level

Selection to the U.S. National Team is based on results at U.S. Classics and the U.S. Championships, plus consistency and readiness.

Only a very small fraction of gymnasts reach Elite; most advanced athletes target NCAA college teams.

5) What This Means If You’re Outside the USA

You can still structure your training “like in the USA” by using:
• DP compulsory/optional skill lists and mobility scores
• Xcel divisions for flexible competition
• Elite qualification charts as a high-performance reference

• Adopt DP Levels 1–10 for skill progressions
• Offer an Xcel-style track for balanced schedules
• Use Elite testing standards to guide advanced training

6) Quick Summary

• DP: Levels 1–10 — foundation to college or elite
• Xcel: Bronze–Sapphire — flexible, optional competition
• Elite: Hopes → Junior → Senior — national team & international meets
• Typical Path: Rec → Pre-Team → DP or Xcel → (Level 10) → Elite/NCAA

© 2025 Gymnasticss.com • Check current rules at usagym.org

🏅 Recommended Gymnastics Products from Amazon

Stelle Long Sleeve Ballet Leotard for Girls

Black gymnastics and ballet outfit made from soft, stretchy fabric. Designed for toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes — perfect for training or performance.

Buy on Amazon

OkiyiD Gymnastics 3D Night Light

Colorful 3D gymnastics lamp with 16 RGB colors, remote control, timer, and dimmer — a perfect gift and room décor for young gymnastics fans.

Buy on Amazon

I’m a Gymnast! (Little Golden Book)

A rhyming Little Golden Book introducing young readers to the sport of gymnastics. “Classes start this afternoon … I’ll become a gymnast soon!” :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Buy on Amazon

Rage Fitness Premium Gym Chalk – 1 lb Block

High-density, pure magnesium carbonate block chalk — ideal for gymnastics, weight-lifting, climbing. Reduces slip, enhances grip when it counts. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.