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USAG Requirements
Xcel Sapphire USAG Requirements
Everything a gymnast needs on each event for Xcel Sapphire — the official-style requirement list, broken down the way a coach actually teaches it.
Vault
- Minimum front handspring vault over the table -- see current Xcel vault chart for options and start values
Bars
- 3 "A" + 3 "B" + 1 "C" value skills
- One "B" value 360° circling skill (not mount/dismount)
- Minimum "B" skill finishing in clear support at vertical (handstand)
- "B" turn OR second "B" 360° circling skill
- "B" dismount OR a "C" connection into a salto dismount
Beam
- 3 "A" + 3 "B" + 1 "C" value skills
- Minimum 360° turn on one foot
- Dance series with two elements including a leap or jump showing 180° split
- Acro series with at least one flight skill -- one must pass through/achieve vertical OR be salto/aerial
- "B" dismount OR flight acro directly connected to salto/aerial dismount
Floor
- 3 "A" + 3 "B" + 1 "C" value skills
- One acro pass with two saltos (same or different)
- 3 different saltos total -- at least one "B"
- Dance passage with two different elements including a leap with 180° split
- Minimum "B" turn on one foot (e.g., 540°)
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What are the USAG Xcel Sapphire requirements?
Xcel Sapphire requires specific skills on Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor set by USA Gymnastics. This page lists every required skill by event, and KINETIC breaks down exactly how to teach each one — cues, drills, common errors, and spotting.
Is Xcel Sapphire compulsory or optional?
Xcel Sapphire is part of the USAG Xcel program. Compulsory levels (1–5) use set routines; optional levels (6–10) and Xcel let gymnasts build their own routines within the requirements.
How do you move up from Xcel Sapphire?
Xcel gymnasts move up at their coach’s discretion once they meet the division’s requirements and scores.
How do I teach the Xcel Sapphire skills?
Open Xcel Sapphire in KINETIC free to see each skill’s teaching progression — the correct position, coaching cues, drills, and error fixes. Level 1 is free; unlock every level for $4.99/mo.
Common Xcel Sapphire deductions
Judges take small deductions for form on almost every skill. These are the basics to clean up first — they apply across vault, bars, beam, and floor:
- Bent legs — keep the legs straight and squeezed together.
- Bent arms — lock the elbows on handstands, casts, swings, and supports.
- Toes not pointed — point the feet on every jump, leap, hold, and landing.
- Legs or feet apart — keep legs together unless the skill calls for a split.
- Loss of balance — wobbles, extra arm swings, or a foot coming off the beam.
- Steps or hops on landing — stick the landing — a step, hop, or lunge is a deduction.
- Low chest or poor posture — stay tall and lifted through the whole routine.
- Not enough height or extension — show full amplitude and finished, stretched shapes.
KINETIC breaks down the exact deductions and error-fixes for every Xcel Sapphire skill — with the drills to fix them.