Gymnastics Leagues: Explained
- Pru McLaughlin
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
At our gym, we proudly participate in three different competitive gymnastics leagues in New Jersey: USAIGC, JOGA, and USAG (which includes the Xcel Program and the Developmental Program). Each league has its own structure, skill requirements, and opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of each:
USAIGC (United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs)
Overview: USAIGC offers an optional-only competitive program, emphasizing a balanced approach to gymnastics training, allowing athletes to pursue other interests alongside gymnastics.
Levels: Gems, Copper 1, Copper 2, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, Platinum, and Premier.
Key Features:
Eliminated compulsory routines to focus on optional routines, providing variety and flexibility in skill development.
Promotes long-term athlete development, encouraging gymnasts to remain at levels for multiple seasons to refine skills and build confidence.
International league Competitions include State, Regional, and World Championships.
Estimated Training Commitment:
Copper 1: 6-8 hours/week.
Copper 2: 6 -10 hours/week.
Bronze: 9-12 hours/week.
Silver: 13-15 hours/week.
Gold, platinum, premier 13-15+ hours/week
JOGA (Jersey Optional Gymnastics Association)
Overview: JOGA is a New Jersey-based league that allows gymnasts to compete at a high level while maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including participation in high school gymnastics and other activities.
Levels: JOGA Levels 1 through 8, with Level 1 being the highest and 8 being entry level.
Key Features
Follows the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules, aligning with high school gymnastics standards.
Gymnasts can “score out” of a level mid-season, allowing for advancement to a higher level based on performance.
Focuses on providing a competitive yet less intense environment, suitable for athletes seeking balance.
Training Commitment:
Typically 6–9 hours per week, with practices scheduled 2–3 times weekly.
USAG (USA Gymnastics) 🔹 Developmental Program (Formerly Junior Olympic Program)
Overview: The Developmental Program is a structured progression from basic to advanced gymnastics skills, leading up to elite competition levels.
Levels: Compulsory Levels: 1–5, where all gymnasts perform the same routines to build foundational skills.
Optional Levels: 6–10, allowing gymnasts to perform personalized routines that meet specific requirements.
Key Features:
Each level has specific skill requirements and minimum age criteria.
Progression requires achieving minimum all-around scores and mastering requisite skills.
Level 10 is the highest before entering the Elite Program, which includes national and international competitions.
Training Commitment:
Levels 1–3: 6-11 hours/week.
Levels 4–5: 13-16 hours/week.
Levels 6–8: 15-20 hours/week.
Levels 9–10: 15-20 hours/week
Xcel Program
Overview: The Xcel Program offers a flexible alternative to the Developmental Program, catering to gymnasts of varying abilities and commitment levels.
Divisions: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Sapphire.
Key Features:
Allows for personalized routines that highlight individual strengths.
Less stringent skill and time requirements compared to the Developmental Program.
Designed to provide a rewarding gymnastics experience without the intensity of the traditional track. Does not have a push for higher level skills due to the lack of content deductions.
Training Commitment:
Varies by division and individual goals, generally less than the Developmental Program.
Feature USAIGC JOGA USAG Developmental Program USAG Xcel Program Focus Balanced training and life or other sports High school alignment, flexibility for life and other sports Structured progression to elite. Less Flexible does not allow time to easily balance camps, sports other activities Flexible, personalized routines Levels/Divisions Gems to Premier Levels 1–8 Levels 1–10 Bronze to Sapphire Routine Type Optional only Optional, high school rules Compulsory (1–5), Optional (6–10) Optional Advancement Based on skill mastery Score-based advancement Score and skill-based progression. Can not advance without meeting strict requirements. Skill-based, flexible progression Training Hours 4–16 hours/week 6–9 hours/week –20 hours/week (level-dependent) Variable, generally less intensive Competition Scope State, Regional, World State-level competitions State to National Championships Local to Regional competitions |
Each of these programs offers unique benefits tailored to different athlete needs and goals. USAIGC emphasizes a well-rounded approach for longevity in the sport and follows collegiate gymnastics. JOGA aligns with high school gymnastics for those seeking balance, and USAG provides both a rigorous path to elite competition and a flexible alternative through the Xcel Program.
If you need further details or assistance in choosing the right path for your gymnast, feel free to ask!
Why Only Some Competitive Gymnasts Are Selected for USA Gymnastics (USAG) Programs
At our gym, we carefully evaluate each gymnast’s skills, goals, mindset, and readiness before placing them into a competitive program. While we offer multiple league options—USAIGC, JOGA, and USAG—only some athletes are placed into the USA Gymnastics (USAG) program, and here’s why:
1. Higher Time Commitment and Intensity
The USAG Developmental Program (Levels 1–10) requires a greater weekly training commitment—often 15 hours or more per week as the athlete progresses. Not every athlete or family is ready for this level of intensity, both physically and in terms of time and lifestyle. The gymnast must be naturally self-disciplined and have a strong work ethic.
2. Stricter Skill Progression
USAG athletes must master all required skills at their current level before advancing. The progression is based on technical precision and meeting strict qualifying scores. This pathway is best suited for gymnasts who show consistent progress, dedication, and a strong work ethic in all events. If a gymnast cannot obtain a skill for the next level this may mean having to drop out of the competition- or switching to a different program with more options.
3. More Demanding Judging Criteria
USAG uses tighter scoring guidelines, meaning athletes are held to more advanced technical standards. Even small errors can result in significant deductions. Athletes placed in this program must be able to handle this level of judging and stay motivated through the learning process. Dance lines, flexibility and strength must come naturally to progress through the levels.
4. Long-Term Goals
USAG is often the preferred path for gymnasts who:
Progress through skills quickly with naturally good form and flexibility.
Have a very hard work ethic and often put in extra time to practice before and after required practices. Do Private Lessons, Attend Clinics and Camps Regularly.
Often Do not play other sports, do not participate in many school activities, and commit to prioritizing the sport of gymnastics over social commitments.
If a gymnast expresses long-term goals that align with these tracks, and their skill development supports it, our coaches may recommend USAG.
5. Readiness and Mindset
Not all athletes thrive under the pressure of USAG expectations. Some may benefit more from the flexibility and balance offered by Xcel, USAIGC, or JOGA, where routines can be customized to strengths and athletes can progress at their own pace.
Our Goal Is the Best Fit—Not the Fastest Track. This prevents athletes from “burning out” or getting bored.
Every gymnast is unique, and success looks different for each one. We place gymnasts where they will grow, thrive, and enjoy the sport, based on their current skills, potential, commitment level, and personal goals. USAG is one of many paths to success—and we’re here to help find the one that fits best.
Comments