Post on 07-Jun-2020
Rules Review
Claudia Kretschmer - National Xcel Chair
One Nation…. One set of Rules
National XCEL Committee
National Chair: Claudia Kretschmer
Region 1: Jill Preston
Region 2: Dianne Palmer
Region 3: Louise Janecky
Region 4: Paige Roth
Region 5: Nancy Gibson
Region 6: David Auger
Region 7: Jane Caruso
Region 8: Elaine Wulf
Questions regarding the XCEL program should be directed to your State Chair or Regional XCEL Chair.
Program Description
Xcel is an alternative USA Gymnastics competitive program offering individual flexibility to coaches and gymnasts. The goal of Xcel is to provide gymnasts of varying abilities and commitment levels, the opportunity for a rewarding gymnastics experience.
Program Benefits
•USA Gymnastics Program •Retain athletes •Flexible and less demanding •Diverse group of Athletes •Competitive Experience •FUN •Build lifelong friendships
Membership Requirements There are five Divisions in the XCEL Program:
• BRONZE – athletes must be 5 years old
• SILVER – athletes must be 6 years old
• GOLD – athletes must be 7 years old
• PLATINUM – athletes must be 8 years
• DIAMOND – athletes must be 9 years old • Athletes must be registered with USA Gymnastics to
compete in USA Gymnastics sanctioned XCEL competitions. May register as an Introductory Athlete $15 online.
MOBILITY • Since this program is an alternative program it
CANNOT BE USED TO SATISFY MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS IN THE JO PROGRAM.
• Bronze, Silver and Gold are entry divisions. Gymnasts must score a 31.00 AA or an 8.0 IES to move from Gold to Platinum or from Platinum to Diamond.
• Level 7 and 8 JO gymnasts must enter in either the Platinum or Diamond Divisions. Level 9 JO gymnasts must enter at the Diamond Division. • Level 7, 8, or 9 gymnasts may not compete in Bronze,
Silver or Gold divisions.
• For this year only gymnasts entering from other gymnastics programs (HS, AAU, etc..) may enter directly into the Platinum or Diamond divisions without petitioning. • Coaches should use their best judgment in placing the
athletes in the appropriate division.
Entry Requirements
A little about the program… • Gymnasts may move up divisions within a season. • May only compete in ONE state meet per season. • There are five divisions –
•Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond •There are 4 Special Requirements at each division.
Special Requirements • Each event has 4 Special Requirements worth 0.50 each. • Elements performed that are not allowed due to difficulty restrictions
may not be used to fulfill Special Requirements. • If an element is not awarded Value-Part credit, it may NOT be used to
fulfill a Special Requirement. • One Skill or VP element MAY fulfill more than one Special
Requirement, unless otherwise specified.
Rules and Requirements
Vault Bronze: There is a choice of two vaults, both with a Start Value of 10.0.
The alternative springboard apparatus is allowed. Vault 1: Stretch Jump onto min. of 16” mat & then kick to handstand and fall to flat back. OR Vault 2: Jump to handstand – fall to flat back on min. of 16” mat (no repulsion required).
Silver: Start Value: 10.0 The alternative springboard apparatus is allowed. Handspring onto table with repulsion to flat back landing on stacked mats equal to or up to 8” above the table. A sting mat may be used on the landing mat only
Spotting Deductions: • Spot on landing 0.50 • Spot during any other
phase of the vault 1.00 • Maximum spot
deduction 1.50
UNUSUAL JUDGING SITUATIONS
• In the Bronze division, if the athlete is attempting to perform the Stretch Jump to a minimum 16” mats and fails to hurdle and do a stretch jump (i.e. runs off the board and onto the mat) she would score a “0” for that portion of the vault.
The gymnast is still able to do the Kick to Handstand fall to flat back. Her maximum score would be 5.0.
• In the Bronze division can the gymnast step back on the board before kicking to handstand?
Yes, as long as she still places her hands on the mat for the handstand.
• In the Silver division, if upon landing the vault, the gymnast has any part/portion of her body on/touching the table, apply the following deduction:
Body part hitting/brushing table upon landing - up to 0.20 Other Support Phase and Post Handstand Phase deductions may also apply.
Gold & Platinum Divisions All vaults are valued at 10.0 for the Gold and Platinum Division. For the Gold Division, if the alternative springboard apparatus is used,
The alternative springboard apparatus is NOT ALLOWED in the Platinum Division. Performance of an unallowable vault will result in an EVENT score of “0” (VOID).
Vault Number Vault 1.101 Handspring
1.102 Handspring – ½ twist off
1.103 Yamashita
1.104 Yamashita – ½ twist off
1.105 ½ twist on – ½ twist off OR ¼ twist on – ¾ twist off
1.106 ¼ to ½ twist on – repulsion (with flight to feet) off
1.201 Handspring – 1/1 twist
1.203 Yamashita – 1/1 twist
1.206 ½ on - 1/1 twist off OR ¼ on - 1 ¼ twist off
1.207 1/1 twist on – Handspring or Yamashita off
1.208 1/1 twist on – ½ twist off
Diamond Division Name of Specific Allowable Vault:
Value:
1.101 Handspring 9.6
1.102 Handspring – ½ twist off 9.6
1.103 Yamashita 9.6
1.104 Yamashita – ½ twist off 9.6
1.105 ½ twist on – ½ twist off OR ¼ twist on - ¾ twist off
9.6
1.106 ¼ - ½ twist on – repulsion (with flight to feet) off
9.6
1.201 Handspring – 1/1 twist 10.0
1.202 Handspring – 1 ½ twist 10.0
1.203 Yamashita – 1/1 twist 10.0
1.205 ½ twist on – 1 ½ twist off OR ¼ twist on – 1 ¾ twist off
10.0
1.206 ½ on - 1/1 twist off OR ¼ on - 1 ¼ twist off
10.0
1.207 1/1 twist on – Handspring or Yami off
10.0
1.208 1/1 twist on – ½ twist off 10.0
Name of Specific Allowable Vault:
Value:
1.301 Handspring – 2/1 twist off 10.0
1.306 ½ twist on – 2/1 twist off OR ¼ twist on – 2 ¼ twist off
10.0
3.201 Tsukahara Tuck 10.0
3.303 Tsukahara Pike 10.0
4.101 RO, FF on – Repulsion (with flight to feet) off
9.6
4.102 Ro, FF on – Repulsion ½ off 9.6
4.201 RO, FF on – 1/1 twist off 10.0
4.202 RO, FF on – 1 ½ twist off (Allen)
10.0
4.203 RO, FF on – Back Tuck 10.0
4.304 RO, FF on – Back Pike 10.0
5.101 RO, FF ½ on - Handspring 9.6
5.201 RO, FF ½ on – 1/1 twist off 10.0
5.202 RO, FF ½ on – 1 ½ twist off 10.0
Alternative Springboard is not allowed.
ADDITIONAL FAQ’S VAULT
• Do we apply the Dynamics deduction for vault?
YES for all Divisions, Up to 0.30.
• Since the total maximum spotting deduction is 1.50 (for Xcel). If the majority of the vault is spotted would that void the vault?
NO just take the 1.50 (all divisions)
• In the Silver division, if the gymnast walks on her hands across the table what is the deduction?
Up to 0.30 for additional hand placements
• In the Silver division, if the gymnast lands in a sitting position on the mat, what is the deduction?
Apply a flat 0.50 deduction
Rules and Requirements
Allowable Skills
In the Bronze, Silver and Gold divisions gymnasts may perform all “A” skills as listed in the Code of Points.
In addition they may perform any skill on the Allowable Skills Chart for their division.
Allowable Skill Charts are for Bars, Beam & Floor
Bars – General • May use any “A” VP listed in the JO Code of Points • When a skill is preceded by a cast both the cast and the skill receive “A” VP credit • JO cast angle deductions will not be used in any division • Unallowable skills 0.50 deduction • There are 4 Special Requirements – deduct 0.50 for missing SR
BRONZE & SILVER BARS • No “B” or higher VP • No Salto dismounts • In the Bronze division there are no skills on the high bar. Silver may use the hb. • In the Silver division if the same circling skill is performed on the low bar & high bar it counts as two different value parts.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Bronze Silver 1. 4 “A” VP 1. 5 “A” VP 2. Cast (hips must leave the bar) 2. Cast (hips must leave the bar) 3. Circling skill (no mount or dismt)3. Circling skill (no mount or dismount) 4. Dismount 4. Dismount
Warm-up time 20 sec. Warm-up time 45 sec.
Bars – Gold Division • May use any “A” or “B” VP listed in the JO Code of Points • May use any allowable “A” from the Xcel Skills Chart • When a skill is preceded by a cast both the cast and the skill receive “A” VP credit • No “C” or higher VP • No Giants • No “C” or higher VP. Exception: Clear hip HS • Unallowable skills 0.50 deduction • There are 4 Special Requirements – deduct 0.50 for missing SR
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 1. Minimum of 6 “A” VP/Skills 2. Cast to horizontal 3. Circling skill (no mount or dismount) 4. Dismount on the high bar
Warm-up time: 1:00
Bars- Platinum and Diamond Platinum Diamond •Any “A” or “B” VP listed in the JO Code. Any “A”, “B” or “C” listed in the JO Code •6 “A” & 1 “B” VP 5 “A” & 2 “B” VP Exceptions: Exceptions: One Tap Swing = “A” VP. Cast (45 to 21 from vertical) Cast (90 to 21 from vertical) = “A” VP. = “A” VP.
A long hang pull-over is only considered a circling skill if preceded by a cast.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 1. Cast to Horizontal or above 1. Cast to 45’ from vertical 2. Circling skill 2. Min “B” Circling skill 3. Kip 3. Release, pirouette OR 2nd different circling skill min “B” 4. Dismount – High Bar 4. Salto Dismount – High Bar
warm-up time for both 1:30
Clarifications:
If the same circling skill
is performed on the low bar and high bar, it counts
as two different skills/VP.
Uneven Bars - FAQ Bronze, Silver, Gold Q: Does cast to squat on fulfill the cast Special Requirement (SR)? A: Yes. Cast (“A” VP), squat on (“A”) VP. Likewise for cast, single leg shoot through; or cast, sole circle dismount; or cast, back hip circle. In each of these cases, there are 2 “A” elements. Q: Gymnast does a single leg squat through to a forward stride circle. Do we use the flat 0.20 compulsory deduction for failure to simultaneously change both hands to reverse grip? A: No. See Xcel Uneven Bars deductions. Apply up to 0.10 for poor rhythm in elements/connections if applicable.
Rules and Requirements
In each division there are 4 Special Requirements.
All acro skills must start and finish on the beam. Handstands, regardless of angle achieved, are considered the same skill.
Skills that can be used to fulfill “A” VP Bronze – Balance Beam
Turns: Pivot turn (180) ½ heel snap turn ½ turn on one foot Bwd swing turn
Leaps/Jumps Stag or stride leap (no min degree) Split jump (no min degree) Cross straddle jump (no min degree)
Acro Skills: Partial handstand (feet must close together) min 45 from vertical
Vertical cross or side handstand (no hold - legs any position)
From lying position, push up to bridge (hold 1 sec)
From lying position, push-up to bridge, kick over.
From lying position, push up/arch up to head-kick over
Dismounts: Cartwheel handstand (45 no hold req.), land facing the beam (JO level 2). Cartwheel to handstand (mark), ¼ turn dismount. Any jump from feet in any body position w/up to 360 turn.
Bronze Division Value Parts: Any “A” VP listed in Code. Any skill listed on the Xcel Bronze Skill Chart.
Difficulty Restrictions: No “B” or higher VP No Salto or Aerial dismounts No walkovers If an unallowable skill is performed the deduction is 0.50.
Special Requirements: 1. Min. ½ turn on one foot or two feet.
2. One jump or leap (not in the mount or
dismount.)
3. One acro skill (non-flight).
4. Dismount (no Saltos or Aerials). Deduct 0.50 for each missing Special Requirement.
Routine Time Limit: 45 seconds, there is no minimum time limit.
Warm Up Time: 20 seconds
Clarifications: Cross split jump/straddle jump will receive “A” VP credit.
Skills that can be used to fulfill “A” VP Silver – Balance Beam
Turns: ½ Heel snap turn
½ turn on one foot
Bwd swing turn
Leaps/Jumps Stag or stride leap (90) Split jump (90) Cross straddle jump (90)
Acro Skills: Partial handstand (feet must close together) min 45 from vertical
Vertical cross or side Handstand (legs any position) From lying position, push up to bridge (hold 1 sec)
From lying position, push-up to bridge, kick over.
From lying position, push up/arch up to head- kick over
Dismounts: Cartwheel to partial handstand (45 no hold req.) land facing the beam. Cartwheel to handstand (mark), ¼ turn dismount
Any jump from feet in any body position w/up to 360 turn.
Silver Division Value Parts: Any “A” VP listed in Code. Any “B” dance VP. Any skills listed on the Xcel Silver Chart.
Clarifications: “B” dance VP are allowed.
Difficulty Restrictions: No “B” acro VP No “C” or higher VP If an unallowable skill is performed the deduction is 0.50.
Special Requirements: 1. Min. ½ turn on one foot
2. One jump or leap with a 90° min.
cross or side split
3. One acro skill (non-flight)
4. Dismount
Deduct 0.50 for each missing Special Requirement.
Warm-Up Time: 45 seconds Time limit: 50 seconds-there
is no minimum time.
Skills that can be used to fulfill “A” VP Gold – Balance Beam
Leaps/Jumps Stag or stride leap (90) Split jump (90)
Cross straddle jump (90)
Acro Skills: Partial Handstand (feet must close together) min 45 from vertical
Vertical cross or side hs (legs any position) From lying position, push-up to bridge, kick over.
From lying position, push up/arch up to head- kick over
Dismounts: Cartwheel to Handstand (mark), ¼ turn dismount
Gold Division Value Parts: Any “A” or “B” VP listed in Code. Any skills listed on the Xcel Gold Skill Chart.
Difficulty Restrictions: No “C” or higher VP If an unallowable skill is performed the deduction is 0.50.
Special Requirements: 1. Min. 1/1 turn on one
2. Dance series – min. 2 skills (same or diff.) –
AND one leap or jump with a min. of 90° cross or side split (isolated or included in the dance series)
3. Two acro skills – one must achieve vertical
with or without flight (isolated or in series)
4. Dismount Deduct 0.50 for each missing Special Requirement.
Warm-up time: 1:00 Time limit: 1:00 - there is no
minimum time.
Platinum Division Value Parts: 6 “A” and 1 “B” VP All counting skills must come from the Code of Points.
Clarifications: “C” dance VP are allowed
Difficulty Restrictions: No “C” acro VP No “D” or higher VP If an unallowable skill is performed the deduction is 0.50.
Special Requirements: 1. Min. 1/1 turn on one foot
2. Dance Series – min. 2 skills (same or different) –
AND one leap or jump with a min. of 120° cross or side split (isolated or included in the dance series)
3. One acro skill with flight OR an acro series with or
without flight
4. Dismount
Deduct 0.50 for each missing Special Requirement.
Routine time limit: 1:15 - there is no minimum time
Warm-up time: 1:30
Diamond Division Value Parts: 5 “A” and 2 “B” Value Parts All counting skills must come from the Code of Points.
Clarifications: All “C” VP are allowed
Difficulty Restrictions: No “D” or higher VP If an unallowable skill is performed the deduction is 0.50.
Special Requirements: 1. Min. 1/1 turn on one foot 2. Dance Series – min. 2 skills (same or
diff.) – AND one leap or jump with a min. of 150° cross or side split (isolated or in the series)
3. One acro skill with flight (can be
included in the series or alone) AND an Acro series with or without flight
4. Dismount – must be a Salto or Aerial
Deduct 0.50 for each missing Special Requirement.
Routine time limit: 1:15 – there is no
minimum time limit.
Warm-up time: 1:30
Rules & Requirements
Bronze Silver Gold
Grp1: Leap, Jump & Hops Split jump (60) Straight leg leap (60) Straddle jump (60) Leg swing hop w/free leg horz. or above
Grp1: Leap, Jump & Hops Split jump (min 90) Straight leg leap (min 90) Straddle jump (min 90) Leg swing hop (w/free leg horz or above)
Grp1: Leap, Jump & Hops Split jump (120) Straight leg leap (120) Straddle jump (120) Leg swing hop (w/free leg horz or above) Switch leg leap (120)
Acro Skills: Partial handstand (min 45 from vertical) Bridge, kick over (either from stand or lying position)
Acro Skills: Handstand (vertical- mark) Bridge, kick over (either from stand or lying position)
Acro Skills: Handstand (vertical) Bridge, kick over (either from stand or lying position)
Turns: ½ Turn on one foot (any leg position) Bwd swing turn
Clarifications for all Divisions
A Dive Roll Does NOT fulfill the flight Special Requirement.
Bronze Division Value Parts: Any “A” VP listed in Code. Any skills listed on the Xcel Bronze chart.
Clarifications: Round-off rebound – backward roll does fulfill the Min. 2 directly connected acro skill Special Requirement. Floor time limit: 45 seconds,
there is no minimum time
Warm-up time: 20 seconds
Difficulty Restrictions:
No “B” or higher VP
No Saltos or Aerials
Maximum 2 flight skills in exercise
Special Requirements: 1. Min. 2 directly connected acro skills –
with or without flight
2. One acro skill with or without flight (not included in SR#1)
3. Dance passage with a min. of 2 diff. Grp. 1VP or Grp. 1 Xcel Bronze chart skills (directly or indirectly conn.) – one of which is a LEAP with a min. 60° cross or side split.
4. Min. ½ turn on one foot
Deduct 0.50 for each missing Special Requirement.
Silver Division Value Parts: Any “A” VP listed in Code. Any “B” dance VP. Any skills listed on the Xcel Silver chart.
Clarifications:
“B” dance VP are allowed. Round-off rebound – backward roll does fulfill the Min. 2 directly connected acro skill Special Requirement.
Floor time limit: 1:00, there is no
minimum time
Warm-up time: 45 seconds
Difficulty Restrictions:
No “B” acro VP
No “C” or higher VP
Special Requirements: 1. Min. 2 directly connected acro skills – one
must have flight
2. One acro skill with flight (not included in
SR#1) OR a 2nd acro connection with or without flight
3. Dance passage with a min. of 2 diff. Grp. 1VP or Grp. 1 Xcel Silver chart skills (directly or indirectly conn.) – one of which is a LEAP with a min. 90° cross or side split.
4. Min. 1/1 turn on one foot
Deduct 0.50 for each missing Special Requirement.
Gold Division Value Parts: Any “A” or “B” VP listed in Code.
Any skills listed on the Xcel Gold chart.
Warm-up time: 1:00 Time limit: 1:00, there is no
minimum time
Difficulty Restrictions:
No “B” VP Saltos
No “C” or higher VP
Special Requirements: 1. Min. 2 directly connected acro flight
skills
2. An Aerial or Salto (not in SR#1) OR a second acro connection min. 2 directly connected acro flight skills
3. Dance passage with a min. of 2 diff. Grp. 1VP or Grp. 1 Xcel Gold chart skills (directly or indirectly conn.) – one of which is a LEAP with a min. 120° cross or side split.
4. Min. 1/1 turn on one foot
Deduct 0.50 for each missing Special Requirement.
Platinum Division Value Parts: 6 “A” and 1 “B” VP All counting skills must come from the Code of Points.
Clarifications:
“C” dance VP are allowed.
Warm-up time: 1:30 Time limit: 1:30, there is no
minimum time
Difficulty Restrictions:
No “C” acro VP
No “D” or higher VP
Special Requirements: 1. Min. 2 directly connected acro flight skills 1. 2nd acro connection Min. 2 directly
connected acro flight skills – one must be an “A” or “B” salto.
2. Dance passage with a min. of 2 diff. Grp. 1VP (directly or indirectly conn.) – one of which is a LEAP with a min. 150° cross or side split.
1. Min. 1/1 turn on one foot
Deduct 0.50 for each missing Special Requirement.
Diamond Division Value Parts: 5 “A” and 2 “B” VP All counting skills must come from the Code of Points.
Clarifications:
All “C” VP are allowed
Warm-up time: 1:30 Time limit: 1:30, there is no
minimum time
Difficulty Restrictions:
No “D” or higher VP
Special Requirements: 1. Two different saltos within the routine –
one must be a “B” VP
2. Min. 2 acro connections w/in the exercise, one with a Min. 2 directly connected acro flight
3. Dance passage with a min. of 2 diff. Grp. 1VP (directly or indirectly conn.) – one of which is a LEAP with a min. 150° cross or side split.
4. One turn, min. “B” VP on one foot
Deduct 0.50 for each missing Special Requirement.
Floor Tumbling Clarifications GOLD DIVISION: • Pass 1: round-off back handspring, back tuck. • This acro connection may be used to fulfill SR #1 OR SR #2. The gymnast will
still need to perform another 2 flight skill acro connection • Example Pass 2: front handspring step-out, front handspring OR
• an aerial or salto • Example Pass 2: front tuck
• It would be acceptable to include another salto in the second pass as well • Example Pass 2: front handspring, front tuck
PLATINUM DIVISION: • Pass 1: front handspring step-out (“A”), front handspring (“A”) • Pass 2: round-off (“A”), back tuck (“A”) • Both SR #1 and #2 are fulfilled
• Pass 1: front pike (“B”) • Pass 2: front tuck step-out (“A”), round-off (“A”) • Both SR #1 and SR #2 are fulfilled
Floor Tumbling Clarifications DIAMOND DIVISION: Routines requires 2 separate acro connections of 2 flight skills AND 2 saltos in the routine – one salto must be a “B”
EXAMPLES: • Pass 1: Run punch front tuck (“A”) • Pass 2: Run punch front layout (“B”) • Pass 3: Round-off (“A”), back handspring (“A”) • Pass 4: Front handspring step out (“A”), front handspring to two feet (“A”) • SR #1 and SR #2 are fulfilled
• Pass 1: Front Handspring, Front Pike • Pass 2: Round-off, Back Tuck • SR #1 and SR #2 are fulfilled
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