Exciting news for older gymnasts who are in the Xcel program that wish to continue past the Diamond level! The addition of the Xcel Sapphire level will help to prepare gymnasts for college intramural programs or NCAA Acrobatics & Tumbling programs. Here is what we know so far (rules continue to be updated).
Eligibility
Gymnasts who have already competed as an Xcel Diamond (with a minimum score of 34.00 AA at a sanctioned Xcel Diamond competition) are eligible to compete as a Sapphire gymnast as well as gymnasts who have competed in skills past the Diamond level from other leagues. Former Level 8, 9 & 10 gymnasts are also eligible to participate in the Xcel Sapphire level. The minimum age requirement for Xcel Sapphire is 12 years of age by the first competition date.
Vault Requirements
Sapphire gymnasts must perform a minimum of a front handspring vault.
Bars Requirements
- 3 “A”, 3 “B”, and 1 “C” valued skills (“C” is eligible for bonus)
- Circling Skill – minimum of a “B” value
- Release, turn, or a 2nd circling skill (different from the initial circling skill)
- “B” dismount OR a “C” connection to a salto
Beam Requirements
- 3 “A”, 3 “B”, and 1 “C” valued skills (“C” is eligible for bonus)
- Minimum of 1/1 (360°) turn on one foot
- Dance series with 2 skills (including a leap or jump with 180º angle (in a series or isolated)
- One acro series with a minimum of of 1 flight skill
- “B” dismount OR an acro flight skill connected to a salto/aerial dismount
Floor Requirements
- 3 “A”, 3 “B”, and 1 “C” valued skills (“C” is eligible for bonus)
- One acro pass with 2 saltos (same or different)
- Three different saltos (1 with a minimum of “B” value)
- A dance passage with a minimum of two different leaps, jumps or hops, one of which is a leap with a 180° cross or side split — they can be directly or indirectly connected
- Minimum of “B” turn on one foot ( A 540 degree turn is a “B”)
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