About Advanced Optional Practice Group

Athletes in the Advanced Optional (formally known as Optional C) group are currently competitive in USAG Junior Olympic levels 7, 8, and 9. Xcel Diamond and Platinum Levels also work out in this group. These are optional levels in which athletes have individually choreographed routines based on the progressive difficulty requirements for their level. Competition season includes meets within Ohio as well as out of state, and climaxes with State Championships. Level 8 and 9 athletes have the opportunity to qualify and advance from state to Regional Championships based on all around score, and Level 9 athletes have opportunity to advance to Nationals, based on placement at Regionals.  These athletes practice 3, 4, or 5 days per week based on their individual practice needs, skill levels, and desired level of commitment. Gymnasts are responsible for designing their own Bar, Beam and Floor routines as well as selecting their Vault. Gymnasts are responsible for obtaining their own floor music.
  • Rachel Andler is Emeth’s dance instructor and should be involved in the choreographing of the floor routine. To schedule a private session with Rachel click here, or use the parent resource page for more information. Dance classes are included in the curriculum for Advance Optional C levels.
  • Heather Leshovsky, Nikki Arnold and Cailyn Klarich help design and choreograph the Bar and Beam routines as well as selecting the proper vault skill. To schedule a private session with them click here, or use the parent resource page for more information.
  • Important dates to remember during the off season for designing your routines are found on our parent resource page or here.

Junior Olympic competitions are conducted throughout the United States and are organized by the USA Gymnastics State and Regional Administrative Committees. Each state has the jurisdiction to determine its state calendar, according to the needs of its members.

A Jr. Olympic COMPETITIVE YEAR is defined as the period from August 1 through July 31. See the complete schedule for this competition season.

 

JO to  Xcel Comparison
Level 10
Level 9 Xcel Diamond
(7 – 9)
Level 8
Level 7 Xcel Platinum
Level 6 Xcel Gold (5 – 7)
Level 5 Xcel Silver (3 – 6)
Level 4 (2 – 5)
Level 3 Bronze
(2 – 3)
Level 2

 

 

Level Description Competition required, and Skill Category Difficulty Requirements Minimum Age
6 Beginner Optional No, Only Skill category A & B 1B, 5A 7
7 Advanced Beginner Optional Yes, Only Skill category A & B 2B, 5A 7
8 Intermediate Optional Yes, A, B and only 1 C Skill category, all C skill category allowed for Dance 4B, 4A 8
9 Advanced Intermediate Optional Yes, A, B, C and only 1 D Skill category, all D/E skill category allowed for Dance 1C, 4B, 3A 8
10 Advanced Optional No Restrictions 2C, 3B, 3A 9

 

For more information about Skills required for this level please review Skills, and for a definition of skills. Code of points cheat sheet from USAG and complete requirements guide can be located here.

Practice Schedule

Optional C gymnasts practice 3 days a week, some gymnasts may opt to add an extra day(s) of practice to their practice routine for up to a total of 5 days a week.

Click for a full practice schedule

Advanced Optional Practice Coaches

  • Heather will be head coach on Vault & Bars, Nikki will be head coach on Beam & Floor
  • Other coaches will work with you as scheduled, under direction of Heather & Nikki
  • Dance instruction with Miss Rachel will be included in your schedule as well.

If you wish to schedule a private lesson with your coach, please feel free to Schedule one

Meet the Advanced Optional Team

2015 Optional CsEmeth’s Advanced Optional Team includes girls in gymnastics levels 7, 8, 9 and Xcel Diamond . Although they vary greatly in age and years of experience, these girls share passion and commitment for their sport. These girls not only put in plenty of hours at Emeth, but are dedicated students as well. They often stay up late and get up early to study and to finish homework assignments. They all agree that they always make it a priority to use study halls effectively.

We wish the best of luck these hardworking and disciplined young women of character as they begin this new competition season.  They are already champions in our book!

Highlighted Gymnast or Accomplishments

For a complete list of all of our gymnasts accomplishments, click here