Xcel Bronze

Xcel Bronze is the first level of Xcel Gymnastics offered by USAG. Xcel Bronze allows beginner gymnasts to compete in a safe and fun environment. Xcel Bronze encourages good form in gymnastics progressions. The minimum age to compete Xcel Bronze is age 5 by the date of the gymnastics meet.

In Xcel, all levels are Optionals. Optionals gymnastics means each gymnast can perform a unique routine customized to their strengths, that meet specific Special Requirements and Value Part Requirements.

By allowing gymnasts to create their own choreography, Xcel offers flexibility and creativity not found in the compulsory Developmental Program, where every gymnast in a specific level does the exact same compulsory routine. Xcel encourages gymnasts to highlight their strengths, while working on their weaknesses. Basing routines on Special Requirements instead of specific skills allows gymnasts the flexibility to be themselves, while showcasing their unique abilities.

Xcel Bronze Scoring

In Xcel, scoring starts with the routine’s Start Value - which is based on Special Requirements, Value Part Requirements, and Execution and Artistry Points, minus total Deductions (which is the total of Execution Deductions, General Deductions, and Chief Deductions).

Special Requirements

In each Xcel level, Bars, Beam, and Floor each have 4 Special Requirements that must be met to start with a 10.0 Start Value.

Each missing Special Requirement will deduct 0.50 points from the Starting Value (SV). Missing all the Special Requirements in a routine would lower the Start Value to 8.00 in Xcel.

Xcel Bronze Beam Skills

In Xcel Bronze, gymnasts must have a beam mount as part of their beam routine. There is a lot of flexibility in beam mounts for Xcel Bronze. Some gymnasts may do a leg swing mount, while others may do a pushup to front support mount.

At Xcel Bronze, the most typical acro skills on the beam include a lever to touch the beam, and a partial handstand where both legs come off the beam, but only one leg has to get to 45º above the beam to count as a partial handstand. Other options include a forward roll, shoulder roll, or a one-second bridge from lying down on the beam.

Common Xcel Bronze turns on the beam include a pivot turn on two feet or a half turn on one foot, although that is much harder to do cleanly.

Typical Xcel Bronze jumps on the beam include a stretch or straight jump, or a split jump. Rarely do you see a tuck jump or split leap, although both are allowed at the Xcel Bronze level.

For a dismount, most Xcel Bronze gymnasts jump off the beam. Common jumps for dismounts include a stretch jump, split jump or tuck jump. Some Xcel Bronze gymnasts do a partial handstand or handstand dismount.

Xcel Bronze Floor Skills

On floor, the first Xcel Bronze Special Requirement requires at least two directly connected acro skills.

Some examples of two skills that can be directly connected include forward roll + forward roll, backward roll + backward roll, forward roll step-out + cartwheel, or cartwheel + backward roll. Of course, Xcel Bronze gymnasts can also do a round-off, rebound, backward roll to satisfy the two directly connected acro skill special requirement.

In addition to the connected acro pass described in the first Special Requirement, Xcel Bronze gymnasts need a second pass with at least one acro skill. The single acro skill could be a forward or backward roll, cartwheel, roundoff, bridge kickover, or a partial handstand. For a partial handstand to count at the Xcel Bronze level, gymnasts need to close both legs together at least 45º above horizontal.

Xcel Bronze gymnasts may have a split leap or split jump in their floor routine, along with another jump such as a tuck jump, split jump, straddle jump or even a cat leap. The third Special Requirement for Xcel Bronze on Floor requires two different leaps or jumps, one of which must show a split of at least 60º. Most commonly, this is a split jump or split leap at the Xcel Bronze level.

For the fourth Special Requirement in Xcel Bronze Floor, gymnasts need at least a half turn on one foot, such as a heel-snap turn or 1/2 turn with free leg in passé or coupé position.

Xcel Bronze Bars Skills

At Xcel Bronze level, common bars mounts include the jump to front support, kickover, or a pullover mount. Rarely will you see an Xcel Bronze gymnast compete a kip of any type, although single leg jam kips are allowed along with glide or straddle kips.

The most common circling skill at Xcel Bronze is a back hip circle, although other skills include a front hip circle, stride/mill circle (forward or backward) and a single leg basket swing. Remember, the basket swing doesn’t meet the 360º circling requirement.

Some typical bars dismounts for Xcel Bronze gymnasts include cast off to stand, a three-quarter front circle to stand, and an underswing or toe-on dismount.

Xcel Bronze Cards

Download the Xcel Bronze cards for Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor.