The first competitive level is Level Five. It consists entirely of compulsory routines. Compulsory routines are a pre-choreographed series of skills that each competitor must perform. Once again they are made up of core skills needed for each event, built on the skills from a previous level. The philosophy of these routines is for the athletes to practice toward perfection of these basics. The minimum age for this level is 7 and there is no maximum age. The athletes are arranged in age groups at competitions. At Level 5 awards are given in ranges rather than places.
Level Six is also compulsory only level of competition. Each level builds on the skills of the previous level and likewise is judged with higher expectations. The USA GYMNASTICS structure is based on a progressive "step by step" building of physical, emotional and psychological skills. Proficiency of all aspects of the gymnast at each level is expected and required to insure a safe smooth movement through the levels. The minimum age for this level of competition is 8.
