Xcel Platinum

Xcel Platinum is the fourth level of Xcel Gymnastics offered by USAG. Xcel Platinum gymnasts must have scored out of Xcel Gold before competing Platinum, unless they’re coming from the DP program with previous competition experience. The minimum age to compete Xcel Platinum is age 8 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 Platinum Scoring

In Xcel Platinum, scoring starts with the routine’s Start Value - which is based on Special 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 Platinum Beam

Xcel Platinum Beam Skills

For the first Special Requirement, a 1/1 turn on one foot, the most common option is a 1/1 turn in passé position. Other options include a one and a half turn, a wolf turn, or a 1/1 turn with leg below horizontal.

The second Special Requirement, a dance pass with a minimum of 2 skills (from groups 1, 2, or 3), can be fulfilled with many connections. For example:

• Split Jump + Stretch Jump

• Split Jump + Sissonne

• Straddle Jump + Tuck Jump

For the third Special Requirement, which is an acro flight skill OR an acro series, options to fulfill the Special Requirement include:

• Back Handspring

• Handstand + Back Walkover

• Front Walkover + Cartwheel

• Front Walkover + Handstand

The fourth and final Special Requirement, a dismount, can be fulfilled with so many dismounts:

• Back Tuck

• Front Tuck

• Back Layout

• Front Pike

• Front Handspring

• Round-Off

Xcel Platinum Floor

Xcel Platinum Floor Skills

For the first Special Requirement, two directly connected acro flight skills, one an "A" or "B" salto, options include a Round-Off + Back Tuck, Round-Off + Back Handspring + Back layout, Front Handspring + Front Tuck, Front Tuck + Round-Off, or Round-Off + Back Handspring + Back Layout 1/2 twist.

The second Special Requirement, a 2nd pass with either a 2nd acro flight connection (minimum 2 directly connected elements) OR a "B" salto, can be fulfilled with passes such as Front Handspring step-out + Front Handspring, Round-Off + Back Handspring + Back Layout 1/2 twist, Front Handspring + Front Layout, Front Handspring step-out + Side aerial, or Front aerial + Side aerial.

For the third Special Requirement, a dance pass with minimum 2 skills from Group 1 or the Xcel Platinum Skill chart, options include Sissonne + Split Leap, Split Leap + Switch Leap, Switch Leap + Side Leap, or Split Leap + Wolf Jump.

The fourth and final Special Requirement, a full turn (or more) on one foot, can be fulfilled with a 1/1 Turn, One and a half Turn, Double Turn, a Wolf Turn, or an Illusion.

Xcel Platinum Bars

Xcel Platinum Bars

For the first Special Requirement, a skill ending in clear support above horizontal, options include a Cast, a Clear Hip Circle to clear support or Handstand, a Sole Circle to clear support or Handstand, or a Stalder to clear support or Handstand.

The second special requirement, a 360º circling skill, can be fulfilled with a Clear Hip Circle, a Stalder, a Sole Circle, or a Back Hip Circle.

For the third special requirement, a Kip, well, there's not many options here. There is the standard Kip, a Kip to seat, and a Glide half turn into a Kip, among others.

The fourth and final Special Requirement, a dismount from the high bar, options include a Flyaway, an Underswing, a Reverse Flyaway, or an Underswing 1/1 turn.