Teams

Competitive team is for the child who wants more of the sport of gymnastics than can be achieved in the Recreational Program. Membership in our Team Program results when a child has completed a testing process and is invited to the team. Competitive team requires more dedication and commitment on the part of the child, parent, and the coaching staff. 

Our national governing body, USA Gymnastics (USAG), directs competitive gymnastics. USAG has two programs that we use Junior Olympic and Xcel. The Junior Olympic program is made up of levels 1 through 10 and is a developmental program in which over 98% of gymnasts train and compete. The Xcel Program is a national USA Gymnastics program of gymnastics levels that runs alongside the Junior Olympic (JO) program. There are five divisions in the Xcel program: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. All of the Xcel divisions have the same rules as the optional skill levels. 

At C.A.T.S. Xcel Bronze, Silver, levels 1 through 3 and begining level 4 skills can be accomplished by participation in our Recreational Program. Our  “Competitive Team” starts with athletes who are ready to compete Xcel Bronze. 

At level Xcel Bronze athletes are part of our Bronze Team. This is the entry level group for our competitive team.  

At level Xcel Silver athletes are part of our Silver Team.

At levels 4, 5, and Xcel gold athletes are part of our Compulsory Team (lower level). A core of nationally respected coaches and judges have designed the compulsory program. Routines in this level establish sound fundamentals. Each athlete performs the same routine prescribed criterion. She who performs the closest to the criterion scores the highest. 

At levels 6 through 10 and Xcel Platinum through Sapphire athletes are part of our Optional Team (upper level). At this level Gymnasts are required to use their own creativity to design their own routines. Routines are designed around the gymnast’s strengths and away from their weaknesses. Gymnasts and coaches collaborate to make up their routines; however, they must include certain basic elements. The gymnast who performs the required elements with the greatest amplitude, form, and style will score the best.