State Level

Background Information:

For this blog, we will be following the JO (junior olympic) level program. Before we talk about state competitions, we have to understand some basic information about the JO program. The JO program consists of levels 3-10, however, most gyms only compete levels 3 and up. We will strictly be focusing on levels 3+. The JO program allows gymnasts to prep for the collegiate and olympic levels.

Levels 3-5 are known as compulsory levels since they consist of the same basic routines made by USAG (United States Association of Gymnastics). Levels 6+ are known as optional, at this point, gymnasts have unique routines that are created by their coach. Now, let's talk about State competitions.

State competitions:

State for gymnastics is like state for most other sports. After regular competition season, you can qualify to compete at State. To qualify, a gymnast must hit a certain all-around score. The all-around score is the sum of the four individual event scores. Events scores are out of 10. Event scores are decided by a panel of 1 or more judges (most competitions have at least 2). The qualifying all around score for states are determined by the amount of the gymnasts in that state as well as how competitive each state is. The more competitive the state, the higher the qualifying score. Most qualifying all around scores are a 34.0.

State FormatState is split by levels and age groups. Most States span over an entire weekend. From there, 1-3 levels compete over a single weekend. For example, levels 2-4 State would be from March13-15.

State is one of the most competitive competitions. Even with divisions from age groups, competition is very high. Scores at State competitions are always close. First place could be a 9.8 while 5th place can be a 9.7. In the event of tie(which can happen often at State), first place is awarded to the gymnast with the highest all around score. In the rare event that the all around scores are tied, first place is given to the gymnast with the highest event score.

States can be huge competitions. There would be no possibly way to have an entire level in the state of California compete all in one weekend. To counteract this, States can be divided by region. For example, in Pennsylvania, there's an eastern State and a western State. Placements are not combined for the entire State. So, one gymnast will win eastern State while another will win western State.

State is the last competition of the season for levels 3-6. However, for levels 7-10, competition at State can qualify them for Regionals. If a gymnast scores a high enough all around at State then they will qualify for Regionals.