USAG JO Program
Optional Levels
Level 8
Level 8 is an optional level, governed by USAG JO Program rules.
Age Groups
- 13-15
- 16-18
Level 8 gymnasts compete in the above age groups up to the Regional level.
Start Value
The start value of a routine is the sum of all it's parts.
2.0 Difficulty + 1.0 Element Groups + 7.0 Presentation + 0.5 Special Bonus = 10.5 (Maximum Start Value)
The maximum overall score can not exceed 10.0.
Difficulty:
Level 8 gymnasts are required to have at least 7 skills in each of their routines (except Vault). There is an unlimited number of all valued skills for Level 8 gymnasts, as they are considered to be an "Open Optional" level. This means they recieved credit for each value part; there are no requirements as to specific difficulty.
There is no deduction for exceeding 7 skills in a routine, but if a routine is short of the required number of skills there is a 0.5 deduction per missing skill from the exercise presentation.
Any skill that is recognizable as a legitimate gymnastics skill but is not currently listed in the FIG Code of Points, official FIG Men's Technical Committee newsletters or NGJA/USAG Interpretations, should be given an A value.
Element Groups:
Level 8 gymnasts can complete any of the 5 FIG element groups (worth 0.2 each) with skill of minimum B value.
The junior program will not recognize the FIG non-commensurate dismount deductions. Dismounts are required to be of A value or higher for all optional levels. Dismounts that are not of A value (no dismount), or dismounts that are partially shown would receive the appropriate FIG deduction. Level 10 athletes who demonstrate an A value dismount will lose only 0.2 for not fulfilling Element Group 5 with skill of B or higher value.
Bonus (Special):
There are four separate ways to receive special bonus:
- Virtuosity Bonus = up to 0.2 (maximum 0.1 per skill) as a result of:
· Flawless execution
· Any flawless skill performed with extreme amplitude - Stick Bonus = 0.1
Only dismounts of C value or higher that are stuck may receive this bonus. - General Performance Award (GPA) = 0.1 (except Vault)
Earned when the cumulative deductions in execution are ≤ 0.5. The maximum with any execution errors is 9.95 - Originality Bonus = 0.1
Earned for an original or rare skill or sequence, determined by the age and level of the gymnast. The skill can be of any difficulty value.
