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Competitive Track Options
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The Greenfield YMCA offers two tracks for both boys and girls:
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Junior Olympic
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Xcel
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Junior Olympic (JO) Track
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JO Compulsory Levels (Levels 1-5)
Compulsory gymnastics consists of specific routines that the gymnast must learn with precision. In compulsory gymnastics every child in the same level does the exact same routine to the same music. This is done in JO levels 1-5. USA Gymnastics created the routines with the goal that the gymnasts have a strong gymnastics foundation before advancing to the optional levels. All of the skills in compulsory gymnastics are progressive. So after a gymnast learns the level 4 routine and masters it, the level 5 routine will build on the skills she has just mastered.
When competing in compulsory gymnastics, the downside is that if the gymnast performs all the skills perfectly, but makes an error in the specific routine, her score will be low. As a parent watching from the stands this can be confusing. A routine that looks much better can score much lower because of the very specific rules in compulsory gymnastics.
JO Optional Levels (Levels 6-10)
In optional gymnastics, there are a set of level requirements, and routines are built around these guidelines. Each gymnast will do different routines with their own music (on the Floor Exercise) and choreography. Their routines are built to show off strengths. Scores are based on how well they perform the skills in the routine, whether they have all the requirements and whether the overall routine is enjoyable to watch.
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Xcel Track
The Xcel Program was designed by USA Gymnastics with the goal to provide gymnasts of varying abilities and commitment levels the opportunity for a rewarding gymnastics experience.
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There are five divisions in the Xcel program: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. All of the Xcel divisions have all optional routines, which means gymnasts have their routine choreographed for their personality and individual strengths and weaknesses on all four apparatus.
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Xcel gymnasts practice with JO gymnasts, and attend the same meets.
To find out which program may be more suitable for your gymnast, please contact Caitlyn at dgarappolo@your-y.org or 413-773-3646.
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Recreational Gymnastics
The Greenfield YMCA also offers recreational classes for children who are not interested in a competitive program but still enjoy gymnastics. Visit the YMCA Greenfield website to learn more about our recreational classes.
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