🇺🇸 USA Gymnastics – Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Not sure if it still counts as the skill but I will say that it’s really difficult to get enough power in the drop to lift to handstand with your feet apart. Most athletes need to do the step down toe on or the whip version where you bring your toes on late.

💬 Still waiting

💬 Yes, gymnasts can wear tape grips (DIY grips made from athletic tape) at meets for hand protection, especially on bars, but they must be securely fastened, non-intrusive in color (like flesh-toned or black), and follow specific governing body rules (like USA Gymnastics rules for color/fit). While traditional leather grips are common, tape grips offer a budget-friendly alternative for preventing rips, though coaches might prefer gymnasts develop natural calluses for some skills before relying heavily on them. In summary, tape grips are a widely accepted tool, but ensure they meet competition standards and work with your coach to determine the best approach for your skill level and event.

💬 The USAG Development Program includes 10 levels plus the Elite level:

Levels 1–3: Developmental — basic body positions and skills

Levels 4–5: Compulsory — all gymnasts perform identical routines

Levels 6–10: Optional — gymnasts perform unique routines with chosen skills

Elite: Advanced — national and international competition level

This progression helps athletes move from beginner foundations to national and Olympic-level performance.

💬 In 2024, U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles was stripped of her Olympic bronze medal in the women’s floor event after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that her coach’s scoring inquiry was filed after the deadline.

Although rare, medals can be revoked for:

Late or invalid score inquiries

Rule or procedural violations

Doping or eligibility infractions

This case highlights how precise and time-sensitive gymnastics judging procedures are at the international level.

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Both AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) and USAG (USA Gymnastics) offer gymnastics programs in the U.S., but they differ in structure and goals:

USAG is the official governing body for gymnastics in the U.S. and leads to national and international competitions.

AAU offers a more recreational and flexible environment, focusing on general amateur sports and accessibility.

USAG follows a formal level system (DP Levels 1–10 and Elite), while AAU often provides a less-intensive progression path.

USAG competitions are generally more standardized, with official judges and routines aligned with FIG rules.

In short, USAG suits gymnasts pursuing competitive pathways, while AAU works better for recreational participation.

💬 USAG stands for USA Gymnastics — the official national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in the United States. It oversees artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic, trampoline & tumbling, and other gymnastics disciplines. USAG is recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and affiliated with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).

💬 Up to Level deductions? These passes will not incur any UTL deductions

💬 They will have to take a safe sport online class and get a USAG athlete number.

💬 Yes if over 2 seconds between the pullover and the cast double back hip circle.