Typical USAG Xcel Season Meet Schedule

Below is an overview of the general meets throughout a typical USAG Xcel gymnastics season. Specific dates and locations vary by year.

Judges Critique / Prep Meet

First Meet of the Season

This is the season opener where gymnasts perform their routines in front of judges who provide constructive feedback. It's a low-pressure environment designed to help athletes refine their skills before official competition begins.

Key Purpose: Receive detailed feedback from judges to improve routines before competitive scoring begins
  • Timing: Early in the season (typically late fall/early winter)
  • Format: Informal scoring with detailed critiques
  • Atmosphere: Low-pressure, learning-focused environment

Regular Season Meets

4 Competitive Meets

Throughout the season, gymnasts compete in approximately four regular meets. These competitions allow athletes to showcase their skills, earn scores, and gain valuable competitive experience.

  • Location: Typically within a 2-3 hour drive of State College, PA
  • Format: Official USAG Xcel competition with scoring
  • Purpose: Build skills, gain experience, and qualify for championship meets
  • Timing: Spread throughout the winter season (December - February)

Fly Away Meet

Optional Destination Competition

Optional: Participation is NOT required - this is an exciting opportunity for those who want to travel!

The Fly Away Meet is an optional competition held at a more distant location, offering gymnasts the opportunity to compete in a different environment and make it a fun team trip.

  • Location Examples: Phoenix, Arizona • Tampa, Florida • Other destination cities
  • Benefits: Team bonding, new competition experience, and travel opportunity
  • Timing: Typically mid-season

State Championship

Pennsylvania State Competition

The State Championship brings together Pennsylvania gymnasts from all Xcel levels. All levels compete at States, making it an inclusive championship event.

All Levels Compete: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Sapphire all participate in States!
  • Location: Always held in Pennsylvania

Qualification Scores

(Current season - verify with PA USAG for updates)

Bronze 32.00 All-Around*
Silver 35.00 All-Around
Gold 35.00 All-Around
Platinum 35.00 All-Around
Diamond 34.00 All-Around
Sapphire 32.00 All-Around
*Important Note about Bronze: Bronze gymnasts must achieve a 32.00 AA score to qualify for States. However, all Senior gymnasts (in any level including Bronze) automatically qualify regardless of score.
  • Important: Qualifying scores may change each season - always verify current requirements with PA Women's Gymnastics
  • Timing: Late winter/early spring (typically March/April)

Regional Championship

Multi-State Competition

Gymnasts in Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Sapphire levels who qualify at the State Championship advance to compete against athletes from other states in their region.

Our Region: Pennsylvania is in Region 7
States included: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and District of Columbia
  • Location: Rotates among Region 7 states

Eligible Levels

Gold Must achieve qualifying AA score at States
Platinum Must achieve qualifying AA score at States
Diamond Must achieve qualifying AA score at States
Sapphire Must achieve qualifying AA score at States
Bronze and Silver: Do NOT advance to Regionals - their season culminates at the State Championship
  • Qualification: Specific qualifying scores from States are set by each region and may vary by year
  • Timing: Spring (typically April/May)

About National Championships

Understanding Xcel Competition Structure

Important Note: There is currently NO USAG Xcel National Championship. For Xcel gymnasts, the Regional Championship is the culminating competition of the season.

Season Culmination by Level

Bronze Ends at: State Championship
Silver Ends at: State Championship
Gold Ends at: Regional Championship
Platinum Ends at: Regional Championship
Diamond Ends at: Regional Championship
Sapphire Ends at: Regional Championship
About Xcel vs. Development Program:
  • Xcel Program: Competitive season ends at Regionals (no Nationals)
  • Development Program (DP): Levels 9 and 10 compete at National Championships

The Xcel program is designed to provide gymnasts with a competitive experience while offering more flexibility than the Development Program. Regional Championships showcase the highest level of Xcel competition in each region.

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