Athletes at Level 4 and above begin to make a more serious commitment to their gymnastics. Level 4 athletes train 12 hours weekly preparing themselves for the competitive Texas Gymnastics arena. Level 4 athletes will compete "Achievement" for approximately five meets in the fall season, and "Placement" for two Invitational meets in the spring. Achievement athletes compete for a score range with corresponding awards. They are basically competing "against themself" and a benchmark. The Placement athlete will compete against other athletes at the same level, for a "place" on the podium (or ranked).
The Level 5 gymnast begins to seriously consider gymnastics "her sport". Training increases to 15 hours per week, with skills, form, presentation and physical fitness their focus. Typically, Level 5 is a two-year commitment -- one year at the Achievement level and one year at the Placement level. The season, like Level 4, is split with five to six meets in the fall and two Invitational meets in the spring. An additional facet introduced at this time is TOP strength and flexibility training. An overview of this program can be found at www.usa-gymnastics.org. Athletes who excel at this type of training may be invited to participate in Regional and National testing opportunities.
As the athlete approaches Level 6, their maturity level has dramatically increased from the time of their Level 4 introduction to competition. Typically, our Level 6 athlete will compete Placement for one year. Skills for the Level 6 gymnast increase in difficulty, and an even greater emphasis is placed on the presentation aspect of competition. Training is adjusted by 3 hours, as the athletes hone their skills for competitive season, as well as begin their preparation for Optional Level 7 skills to come. Most Level 6 athletes will receive their first optional routines directly following the spring Invitational meets, and perfect both skills and routines through the summer and fall, with their Level 7 competitive season a full year later.
