The Gymnastics Guide

Helping gymnasts and coaches to be their best every day!
What’s New in the Dev Program in 2023?

What’s New in the Dev Program in 2023?


Every four years, USA Gymnastics makes changes to the rules for the Development Program (Dev Program). The most recent rules changes took place in 2022. (Click here to read about them.) However, each year, the committees meet and determine if smaller-scale changes need to be made to address issues that have been brought up. Those […]

Level 8 Beam Routine Requirements


Level 8 beam routines continue to build on the skills learned in Levels 6 and 7. Level 8 is the third optional level in gymnastics. Optional gymnastics means that the gymnast gets to use their own choreography, and select skills that meet the requirements for the level. Today we will look at the Level 8 […]

Level 10 Floor Routine Requirements


Level 10 floor is so much fun! These are some of the most exciting routines to watch. Level 10 is the fifth, and highest, of the five optional levels in gymnastics. Optional gymnastics means that the gymnast gets to use their own choreography. Level 10 floor music can be chosen by the gymnast and coach. […]

Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Gymnasts

Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Gymnasts


Valentine’s Day is such a fun holiday for kids! Heart-shaped everything, new stuffed friends to snuggle, and of course candy! But what to get for your gymnast for Valentine’s Day? Let’s look at some fun Valentine’s Day gifts for gymnasts. Gymnastics-Related Valentine’s Gifts For the gymnast who loves to accessorize, this beautiful pendant will show […]

Level 9 Floor Routine Requirements


Level 9 – the first level where bonus is needed to start from a 10! Level 9 is the fourth of five optional levels in gymnastics. Optional gymnastics means that the gymnast gets to use their own choreography. Level 9 floor music can be chosen by the gymnast and coach. Today we will look at […]

Level 8 Floor Routine Requirements


Level 8 floor routines start to get a bit more difficult, compared with Levels 6 and 7. Level 8 is the third optional level in gymnastics. Optional gymnastics means that the gymnast gets to use their own choreography. Level 8 floor music can be chosen by the gymnast and coach. Today we will look at […]

How Does Scoring Work in College Gymnastics?

How Does Scoring Work in College Gymnastics?


It’s the start of collegiate gymnastics season, and we are so fortunate to have our sport broadcast on many different TV networks! Of course, part of the fun of watching is trying to figure out the scores. That brings up the question, how does scoring work in college gymnastics? General NCAA Scoring Information NCAA competitions […]

Black Friday Gymnastics Deals 2024


It’s Black Friday shopping time! What are you looking for this year? If you’re looking for gifts for gymnasts, at a discount, you’re in the right place. Here, I’m going to publish all of the gymnastics-related discounts I find during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Keep checking back for updates! This post may contain affiliate […]

What’s New in the Xcel Program in 2022-23?

What’s New in the Xcel Program in 2022-23?


Every four years, the Xcel rules change. The new rules came out in late June of 2022, and the materials are available through USA Gymnastics. What’s new in the Xcel program this year? Let’s take a look. General Changes for the Xcel Program in 2022 All divisions now have Value Part Requirements on Bars, Beam, […]