Gymnastics Overview

In general, most people have heard of gymnastics. It's a common sport that's entertaining to watch and fun to do. If you're looking to learn more about gymnastics, this is the read for you. This is an overview of Women's Artistic Gymnastics: 


The Level System

The levels for the US Junior Olympics range from 2-10. After Level 10 there is Elite Compulsory and then Elite. Levels 2-5 are Compulsory and they have set routines that all gymnasts must perform in order to move up levels. Levels 6-10 are called Optional and the routines vary, but the skill set must be in accordance with the USAG guidelines in order for the routine to start at a 10.0. Each skill is assigned a letter and the same skill can vary in letter from event to event. For example, a switch half on beam is a 'D', but on floor it is an 'C'. In order to start from a 10.0, the gymnast must have all of the skill requirements. 

However, in level 9 and 10, even if the gymnasts has all of the requirements, she will still start lower than a 10.0. This is so that gymnasts are motivated to make connections that will give them bonus points. 


The Skill Letter System

The easiest skills are A's. As we go down the alphabet, the skills are considered to be more and more difficult. In every level, the gymnast must have a certain number of skills that are valued at a particular letter in order to start at a 10.0. For example, in level 9 the gymnast must have  3 “A” valued skills, 4 “B” valued skills and 1 “C” valued skill. The gymnast is allowed "D" skills, but they are counted as C's. Some coaches push their gymnasts to do D skills in level 9 because this sets up the gymnast for level 10. In level 10, D skills are worth bonus points. 


The Scoring System

The scoring for US Junior Olympics is out of 10 points. Gymnasts can get points deducted for form breaks, lack of skill level, falls, wobbles, artistry, etc. 

Elite gymnastics is a different story. Execution starts at a 10.0 and points can be deducted similarly to US Junior Olympics. The gymnast also has a "difficulty score." They can get difficulty points in their routine for harder-level skills and challenging connections. So the score can be higher than a 10.0, and in most cases it is. 


Artistic vs. Rhythmic Gymnastics

Women's Artistic Gymnastics includes four events: Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor. Each event in US Junior Olympics is scored out of 10.0 points, producing a maximum All-Around score of 40.0 points. 

Women's Rhythmic Gymnastics includes five events, all located on the floor: Hoop, Ball, Clubs, Ribbon, and Rope. Similar to Elite Artistic Gymnastics, the difficulty score is open-ended with no maximum score, while the execution score has a 10.0 starting value. 


DON'T Ask: "What events do you do?"

In general, gymnasts don't like being asked this question, because they do all events. In some cases, there are gymnasts that specialize in one particular event, but they still know how to do the rest of the events. In order to move up levels, gymnasts must be able to do all events. Those who specialize could be injured, which prevents them from doing all events, or the level that they are at only requires them to compete their strongest event. 

Instead of this question, ask "What is your favorite event?" The gymnast will generally respond more positively and enthusiastically when asked this question compared to the question above. 


DON'T Ask: "Are you going to the Olympics?"

A lot of gymnasts dislike this question because it assumes that the gymnast's goal for gymnastics is to go to the Olympics, and most gymnasts do not have this goal in mind. A better question to ask would be, "What is your goal in gymnastics?" 


I hope this was a good overview of gymnastics. Comment below if you would like me to go more in-depth about a particular area. Or if I missed anything you feel is important, feel free to let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!

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