Xcel Diamond

Xcel Diamond is the fifth level of Xcel Gymnastics offered by USAG. Xcel Diamond gymnasts must have scored out of Xcel Platinum before competing Diamond, unless they’re coming from the DP program with previous competition experience. The minimum age to compete Xcel Diamond is age 9 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, allow gymnasts the flexibility to be themselves, while showcasing their unique abilities.

Xcel Diamond Scoring

In Xcel Diamond, 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 Diamond Beam

For beam, we'll walk you through the skills in an example Xcel Diamond beam routine that has a 10.0 start value.

Firstly, a full turn, which fulfills SR #1. Then, a Split Jump + Stretch Jump connection, which fulfills SR #2. Next, a Handstand + Back Handspring connection, which fulfills SR #3. Then, a flutter jump, to meet VP requirements, then finally, a back tuck dismount, which fulfills SR #4.

Xcel Diamond Floor

For floor, we'll walk you through the skills in an example Xcel Diamond floor routine that has a 10.0 start value.

First in the routine is a 1 1/2 turn (540º), which fulfills SR #4. Next, is a Front Handspring + Front Pike connection, which helps fulfill SR #1 and #2, along with the second acro pass. Then, after the Front Handspring + Front Pike, is a Split Leap + Tuck Jump connection. Finally, to fulfill SR #1 and #2 along with the first acro pass (Front Handspring + Front Pike), is a Round-off + Back Tuck pass.

Xcel Diamond Bars

For bars, we'll walk you through an example Xcel Diamond bars routine with a 10.0 start value.

The first skill is a kip, followed by a cast to handstand (fulfills SR #1), then a clear hip circle (fulfills SR #2). Then, another kip, into a cast squat on, jump to high bar. Yet another kip on the high bar, into a cast handstand. Then, a giant (fulfills SR #3) then a flyaway (fulfills SR #4).