The Women’s Development Program (WDP), formerly known as the Junior Olympic Program, is the primary training and competitive system for youth gymnasts in the United States, governed by USA Gymnastics (USAG). The program is designed to gradually develop skills, strength, flexibility, and artistry through a structured series of levels. Here's a breakdown of each stage and what gymnasts can expect as they progress.
Overview of the Program Structure
The Women’s Developmental Program can be divided into four main tiers:
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Developmental Levels (1–3)
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Compulsory Levels (4–5)
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Optional Levels (6–10)
- Elite Program (above Level 10)
Developmental Levels (1–3)
These are non-competitive or low-competition levels designed to introduce young athletes to the foundational skills of gymnastics.
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Level 1: Focuses on basic body positions (tuck, straddle, pike), strength, and coordination. Often part of a preschool or early recreational class.
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Level 2: Introduces beginner skills like forward rolls, cartwheels, and handstands. Still non-competitive.
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Level 3: Begins to resemble formal gymnastics training with skills like back hip circles on bars and handstand flatbacks on vault. Some gyms offer in-house competitions at this level.
These levels are typically evaluated internally by coaches, and progression is based on mastery of skills rather than competition results.
Compulsory Levels (4–5)
These levels are nationally regulated and involve standardized routines choreographed by USAG.
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Level 4: The first required competitive level. All gymnasts across the country perform the same routines on all apparatus (vault, bars, beam, and floor).
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Level 5: Builds on Level 4 with more complex skills and choreography. Like Level 4, routines are standardized to ensure fair judging and consistent development.
Judging emphasizes technique, precision, and consistency. Advancement from these levels usually requires achieving a minimum score at sanctioned competitions.
Optional Levels (6–10)
In these levels, gymnasts can create their own routines (within guidelines) to showcase their strengths. Difficulty increases and gymnasts must include certain skill elements to fulfill composition requirements.
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Level 6:
- Transitional level from compulsory to optional.
- Gymnasts must perform routines with set difficulty minimums but may choose skills.
- Used for further skill development, especially for those not ready for higher levels.
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Level 7:
- Introduces more complexity and skill variety.
- Gymnasts must show combinations and more advanced tumbling and release moves.
- Still considered a developmental level, but more competitive.
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Level 8:
- Routines must meet more demanding requirements.
- Gymnasts often train year-round and compete at state, regional, and even national levels.
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Level 9:
- Advanced optional level requiring high-level skills, artistry, and execution.
- National-level competitions are available (e.g., Level 9 Eastern Championships).
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Level 10:
- Highest level in the Development Program.
- Athletes often pursue college gymnastics or prepare for elite qualification.
- Gymnasts compete in prestigious events like the Level 10 National Championships.
Elite Program (Above Level 10)
Elite gymnastics is for athletes aiming for international competition, including the Olympics and World Championships.
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Gymnasts must pass a series of qualification meets, including the Hopes Program (pre-elite) and elite qualifiers.
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Routines include the highest difficulty and artistry requirements.
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Training is intensive, and athletes often work with specialized coaches and facilities.
Conclusion
The Women's Development Program provides a clear and supportive ladder for aspiring gymnasts to climb, beginning with foundational movements and culminating in opportunities for college scholarships or international competition. Whether a gymnast's goal is to compete at local meets or reach the Olympic stage, the WDP offers a comprehensive system tailored to every step of the journey.