Updated for 2025-2028 Cycle

Entering the World of Tenths

Gymnastics scoring is a subjective application of objective physics. It is a subtractive art form where perfection is the baseline. We're here to explain why a 9.2 is actually amazing.

Explain the Math See Levels

The Ecosystem

Before understanding how she is scored, you must know who is scoring her. The US landscape is fragmented into three main bodies.

USAG

Gold Standard

The Olympic pipeline. Strict standards, high hours, and the primary path to NCAA scholarships.

  • DP Track: Traditional, intense, linear (Level 1-10).
  • Xcel Track: Flexible, retains athletes, custom routines.

NGA

Holistic

A newer alternative focusing on "style" over rigid text errors. Simplified deductions.

  • Unified Deductions: Same rules for all levels (1N-10N).
  • Focus: Performance & athleticism over "text" errors.

AAU

Grassroots

The most accessible entry point. Lower cost, lower pressure, coach autonomy.

  • Mobility: Coach discretion (no mandatory scores).
  • Inclusivity: Great for recreational competitive teams.

The Scoring Equation

The final score is simple subtraction. We start at the ceiling and chip away.

The Formula
Start Value - Execution = Final Score
1

Start Value (SV)

Usually 10.0 for Compulsories & Xcel. If she misses a "Special Requirement" (like a second flip), this drops to 9.5 instantly.

2

Execution (E-Score)

The subjective part. Bent knees, steps, falls, and artistry. This is where the tenths are lost.

Math is hard.

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Hierarchy of Deductions

Catastrophic
2.00
Short Exercise

Routine too short or missing major parts.

Major Error
1.00
The Fall

Falling off apparatus or landing on hands/knees.

Severe
0.50
Spot / Missing Req

Coach touches athlete OR missing a required skill.

Large Error
0.30
Extra Swing / Squat

Deep squat on landing, large wobble, or extra swing on bars.

Medium
0.20
Step on landing, Leg separation.
Small
0.10
Small hop, bent arms, out of bounds.
Micro
0.05
Flexed feet, slight posture errors. These add up fast!

Choose Your Track

USAG offers two distinct pathways.

DP

Development Program

Often pre-team. Focus on basic shapes (tuck, pike), handstands, and cartwheels. Scores are often lenient to encourage participation.

The "Gatekeeper" levels. Everyone does the exact same routine.

Level 4: Requires the Kip (bars) and round-off back handsprings.

Level 5: Requires the flyaway dismount and front tuck on floor.

Note: Text errors (head turned wrong way) are heavily deducted here.

Custom routines with their own music. Start values may vary based on difficulty.

Level 7: Giants on bars. Layouts on floor.

Level 10: The NCAA recruiting pool. Professional caliber skills.

X

Xcel Program

Bronze: Foundational. Handstands, cartwheels. Fun entry point.

Silver: The biggest division. Requires 2-skill tumbling pass and a pullover on bars. Equivalent to DP Level 3 skills.

Gold: Vault goes over the table. 32-34 second floor routine.

Platinum: Kip required on bars. Comparable to DP Level 5/6.

Diamond: Release moves on bars. Two separate floor passes with 2 flight elements.

Sapphire (New 2025): The "Elite-Lite". For advanced gymnasts wanting to compete Level 8-10 difficulty without DP constraints. Offers bonus points!

Event Watchlist

Vault

It happens in seconds. The "Blind" Event.

  • -0.30 Lack of Dynamics: If it looks slow or low.
  • -1.00 One-Arm: Touching table with only one hand.

Bars

Geometry and Angles. Handstands must be vertical.

  • -0.30 Extra Swing: Swinging legs without doing a skill.
  • -0.10 Handstand Angle: 11-20 degrees short of vertical.

Beam

The Confidence Event. Rhythm is key.

  • -0.20 Pause: Waiting more than 2 seconds before a skill.
  • -0.30 Grasping: Grabbing the beam to avoid a fall.

Floor

Performance and Artistry.

  • -0.30 Chest Low: Landing a flip with chest below waist.
  • -0.30 Artistry: Failure to perform to the audience/music.

Be the Expert Parent

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Calculates AA, Mobility & Xcel Scores instantly.