Olympic Gymnastics Scoring: How it Works


If you’re watching Olympic gymnastics, you may be wondering how, exactly, the judges come up with the scores. What’s a 14.333? Is that good or bad? Read on, and you’ll learn how Olympic gymnastics scoring works. General In Olympic competitions, FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) rules are in effect. FIG rules call for the combination of […]

USA Gymnastics Updates May 2021


Each year, USA Gymnastics makes updates and clarifications to the rules for competitive gymnastics. These updates typically take place in May during the annual meetings. Here is an overview of the USA Gymnastics updates from May 2021. This post was written July 13, 2021 and updated to reflect July 9 changes on July 20, 2021. […]

Level 7 Beam Routine Recommendations


This post has been updated to reflect the 2022-2026 Code of Points. Introduction to Level 7 Beam The Level 7 beam routines start to get a little more tricky! These routines require an acro series, a flight skill, and dance skills such as leaps, jumps, and turns. What does this look like in a Level […]

Level 6 Beam Routine Recommendations


This article has been updated to reflect the 2022-2026 DP Code of Points changes. Introduction to Level 6 Beam The Level 6 beam routines can be very quick, but they can also be a challenge! These routines combine basic acro skills, which can include flight skills or a series, along with dance skills such as […]

New Gymnastics Parents Guide to Competitive Gymnastics


So, your daughter was selected to join the gymnastics team? Congratulations and welcome to the world of competitive gymnastics! Now, you probably have a LOT of questions. What does being on a gymnastics team involve? What will gymnastics competitions be like? Here are answers to many common questions asked by new gymnastics parents. I’ll also […]

Level 7 Bar Routine Recommendations


This post has been updated to reflect the 2022-2026 Code of Points. Introduction to Level 7 Bars For a gymnast with a strong Level 6 bar routine, the transition to Level 7 bars isn’t too tough. But without a basic knowledge of casting and circling technique, it’s a challenge to get a big score! The […]

The Best Gymnastics Bars for Home in 2022


So, you’ve got a gymnast who swings from every railing that she sees? Are you looking for a safer way for her to practice her gymnastics skills? No worries, here you’ll find a guide to buying gymnastics bars for home, along with links to several recommended bars. This post may contain affiliate links. As an […]

Level 6 Bar Routine Recommendations


This post has been updated to reflect the 2022-2026 DP Code of Points. The Level 6 bar routines can seem simple, and that’s the idea. But it’s not always so simple to make them look good. These routines combine basic skills such as casting and circling, and the gymnast must keep a tight body shape […]

Xcel Diamond Gymnastics Requirements


The fifth, and second highest, level, or division, as it’s called in Xcel gymnastics, is Xcel Diamond. The requirements in Xcel Diamond continue to progress from those in the Platinum division. Gymnasts in the Xcel Diamond division typically have skills that are the equivalent of a DP Level 7 or higher. Each division has its […]