The one where a USAG Judge breaks down the rule changes coming to USAG Compulsory Levels 1-5!
Big changes are here for compulsory gymnasts for the 2025-26 season! As we gear up for a new season, USA Gymnastics has rolled out several updates to the rules for Levels 1–5. If you’re a parent, or athlete, or coach, staying up to date is key — and we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll break down what’s new, what’s changed, and how it all came to be. USAG reviews and adjusts rules every few years through a structured process involving coach feedback, judging input, and technical committees. The goal? To keep routines safe, age-appropriate, and aligned with athlete development. Let’s dive into what’s different this year and what it means for your gymnast.
Vault Updates
There is a new deduction for all levels. If the gymnast does not punch off the springboard or tramp simultaneously with two feet there is a deduction of 0.2. This can sometimes happen with the younger gymnasts when they do a hippity hop, skip, or just run up onto the springboard.
For level 3, if the gymnast’s hands hit the mat stack after vertical, there is a deduction of up to 1.0 depending on when the hands hit. If the hands touch the mat right past vertical, the deduction will be small, around 0.05. If the gymnast’s hands touch the mat when they are 45 degrees past vertical, the deduction will be 0.5. A larger angle will give a larger deduction. The purpose behind this is to prepare the gymnasts to get their hands on the table quickly, then have a strong block off the table when they are in a perfect handstand shape.
Uneven Bars Updates
For level 5 only, if the coach spots the flyaway dismount, there will only be a 0.5 deduction for the spot (plus any execution errors). Previously the gymnast also got deducted up to the value of the element (0.6) based on how much the coach facilitated the flyaway. The flyaway dismount can be very scary for many young gymnasts, and we want the gymnasts to continue to work on this skill as it is the basis for most optional dismounts.
Floor Updates
Level 3 backward roll – In the previous seasons, the backward roll needed to open to a minimum of 45 degrees above horizontal before lowering to the push-up position. Now the backward roll needs to open above horizontal. The deduction for not meeting the minimum requirement is still up to 0.2, but now the requirement is lower. The gymnast still cannot do a backward roll to handstand, or they will get a 0.2 deduction.
For all levels – a maximum of two mats may be on the floor exercise during the routine. You may have a 4” mat and another 4” mat. You may have a 4” mat and a sting mat. You may stack the two 4” mats to make 8” tall. You may stack the 4” mat and the sting mat. You may not use an 8” mat or have three total mats on the floor. The deduction for not following these rules is 0.3 for supplemental matting.
meetcritique Hot Tip: If it is the beginning of the season and you are coming back from an injury, or you have just learned a new skill and you are uncomfortable with the matting options allowed to you, put the mats where you want on the floor and take the 0.3 supplemental matting deduction until you are ready to compete without them. Keep yourself safe first!
See usagym.org for more details.
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