The first level of optional competition begins with Level Seven. Optional competition consists of each gymnast performing her own routines for each event. The Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) produces the optional rules every 4 years in conjunction with the Olympics. This book dictates what each routine needs to contain, (composition), the value of what is done, (difficulty), and how to evaluate how well it is done, (execution). There are four optional only levels 7,8,9,10. The minimum age for level 8 is 8 , while for levels 9 and 10 it is 9. As with the compulsory levels, the requirements and expectations from one level to the next increases.
Level 9 is the third level of optional competition. Its difficulty requirements and expectations are harder than at level 8. Level 10 is considered a Pre-Elite Level and for the truly dedicated and motivated gymnast.
Elite is the 11th level of competition. Like level 10 it is for the truly dedicated athletes. The Elite level is broken up into 2 categories. National and International. JR. National Elites compete skill testing and optional routines. SR National competes optional only; JR. International competes optional only while SR International competes both compulsory and optional. It is from the INTERNATIONAL rank that our Olympic and World Championship teams are chosen.
