Optional Routines

Optional routines are put together by the gymnast and her coach and must consist of the requirements set by USA Gymnastics for that particular event and level. These are individualized routines and they allow the gymnast to show her own style.

All gymnastics skills, both dance and acrobatic are rated according to their difficulty. There are five levels of difficulty- A skills, B's, C's, D's, And E's, E skills being the most difficult. In optional competition, routines are required to contain both A's and B's. Level 9 gymnasts also need one C skill, and Level 10 gymnasts need 2.