Xcel Silver

Xcel Silver is the second level of Xcel Gymnastics offered by USAG. Xcel Silver is the first required level in the Xcel program, and gymnasts must achieve a minimum score in Xcel Silver before moving to the next level. The minimum age to compete Xcel Silver is age 6 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 Silver Scoring

In Xcel Silver, 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 Silver Bars Skills

At Xcel Silver level, typical bars mounts includes the kickover, pullover or a glide swing + pullover mount. If an Xcel Silver gymnast has a clean and straight-arm glide or straddle kip, they may choose to compete that instead.

The most common circling skill at Xcel Silver is a back hip circle, although other skills include a front hip circle, and stride/mill circle (forward or backward). Another option, although rarely used at Xcel Silver, is a long-hang pullover from a long swing.

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

Xcel Silver Beam Skills

In Xcel Silver, gymnasts must have a beam mount as part of their beam routine. There is a lot of flexibility in beam mounts for Xcel Silver. Some typical Xcel Silver mounts include a whip-swing mount or a front support to kneel mount.

At Xcel Silver, the most common acro skills on the beam include a partial handstand. In Xcel Silver, for a partial handstand on beam to count, the gymnast’s feet must close together at least 45º from vertical. Other options include a vertical handstand, forward roll, shoulder roll, or a one-second bridge from lying down on the beam.

Typical Xcel Silver turns include a full turn on one foot with their free leg in either the coupé or passé position. Please note, any free leg position is allowed.

Typical jumps at Xcel Silver include a split jump to meet Special Requirement number two. Other jumps include a straight jump or a tuck jump.

For a dismount, Xcel Silver gymnasts can jump off the beam. Common jumps for dismounts include a stretch jump, split jump or tuck jump. Many Xcel Silver gymnasts choose to do a harder dismount, such as a partial handstand or handstand dismount, or a cartwheel 1/4 turn dismount.

Xcel Silver Floor Skills

On floor, Xcel Silver gymnasts will compete a variety of skills.

For the first Special Requirement, most Xcel Silver gymnasts compete a round-off (rebound) backward roll, or a round-off back handspring for the required acro connection of at least two directly connected skills, one of which must be a flight skill.

Other options include a round-off back tuck or front handspring step-out cartwheel combination.

In addition to the first Special Requirement, Xcel Silver gymnasts need another flight skill, or an acro pass with at least two directly connected skills.

Xcel Silver gymnasts could do a cartwheel + backward roll or a forward roll + forward roll combination to satisfy the two directly connected acro skills. Or, they could do a front handspring, back handspring, round-off or salto in their floor exercise to satisfy the second Special Requirement.

Remember, there are numerous combinations that satisfy the Special Requirements, so your gymnast’s skills may vary - that’s the benefit of Xcel!

Xcel Silver gymnasts should have a split leap and another jump, such as a tuck jump or split jump, in a dance passage.

For a turn, most Xcel Silver gymnasts compete a full turn on one foot with their free leg in either the coupé or passé position. Please note, any free leg position is allowed.