Understanding the USA Gymnastics Development Program
How compulsory, optional and advanced levels create a progressive competitive pathway.
A progressive pathway
The Development Program organizes competitive learning into levels. Early levels emphasize foundations and standard routines. Later levels allow athletes to compose routines that meet defined requirements.
Compulsory levels
Gymnasts perform prescribed routines so that essential positions, rhythms and basic skills can be evaluated consistently.
Optional levels
Optional routines give athletes and coaches more choice while requiring specific element groups, difficulty and composition.
Always check the current rules
Requirements and interpretations can change between seasons. Use this site to understand concepts, then confirm decisions with the current official rulebook and competition authority.