Compulsory Teams – Optional Teams – Tops, Hopes, and College Prep

Compulsory Teams

Level 4

Selection for this class is by try-outs and invitational class only.
This is the entry level for a full season of competitive gymnastics. Beginner level compulsory routines are performed on all four events. The gymnast must have reached her 6th birthday to be eligible to compete, however selection is based on the coach’s discretion. The Level 4 season includes a State Championship held every December.

Level 5

Selection for this class is by try-outs and invitational class only.
This is the intermediate compulsory level of competitive gymnastics. Routines are more advanced and are progressions toward optional development. The gymnast must have reached her 7th birthday to compete. The Level 5 season includes a State Championship held every December

Level 6

Selection for this class is by try-outs and invitational class only.
This is the most advanced compulsory level. The routines were designed with transition to Level 7 in mind. The gymnast must be at least 7 years old to compete. The Level 6 season also includes a State Championship held every December

Optional Teams

Level 7

Selection for this class is by try-outs and invitational class only.
This is a compulsory/optional level designed to let the gymnasts get the experience of optional gymnastics while still having compulsory requirements. This is the first level where optional music is used. The gymnast must be 7 years old to compete. The optional competition season starts in January and the State Championship is held in March.

Level 8

This is the first truly optional level. There are minimum requirements that must be met on each event. There are also difficulty restrictions. The gymnast must have successfully completed levels 4-7 and be at least 8 years old. If the gymnast qualifies, she can represent Texas at the Regional Championships held in April.

Level 9

Similar to Level 8, only optional routines are performed, also with minimum requirements. Unlike Level 8, there are no difficulty restrictions. The level of competition is very elevated. The gymnast must be at least 8 years old to compete. If the gymnast qualifies, she can represent Region III at Western Nationals held in April.

Level 10

This is the highest Junior Olympic level. A high level of proficiency at Level 9 must be demonstrated for successful transition into Level 10. The gymnast must be at least 8 years old to compete. If the gymnast qualifies, she can represent Region III at the National Championships held in April/May.

Tops, Hopes, and College Prep

Selection for this class is by try-outs and invitational class only.
Hopes and Pre-elite The USA Gymnastics “Elite” program is a fast-track, highly intense progression system designed to produce champions. The Hopes program is considered the starting gate for athletes interested in getting their foot in that program.

HOPES provides athletes with an opportunity to compete the traditional Elite compulsory and a modified FIG Optional routine and includes an opportunity to qualify to the Challenge (HOPES division only). It is a ‘Pre’ Pre-Elite program. Athletes compete in the same qualifiers as their Elite teammates and earn their way up the ranks.