A few observations from Long Beach on the American Men’s age group program:
The depth in American Men’s Gymnastics is amazing. Is there any other nation with this many gymnasts Level 10 and FIG?
In the sessions I watched, the gymnastics looked quite safe. Spotters are mandatory on 3 apparatus when competing.
I was watching, too, for ‘American traits‘: poor toe point, poor line, egregiously more difficulty than artistry.
Not so. There are plenty of young American guys with beautiful gymnastics.
Pommels and Rings are conspicuously the weakest events. But these boys are young. Rings will improve. I’m not so sure regarding Pommels.
Historically the American competitive system has pushed boys on to the horse with pommels too soon. The inevitable result has been muscled, piked swing.
It doesn’t help that North Americans are, on average, heavier and bigger than average.
… Leave a comment if you feel the problem with American pommel horse will improve in the next few years.
USAG:
… The levels are determined by age and skill level. Level 10 is split into two age groups, 14-15 years old and 16-18 years old, while Level 9 has only 12-13 years old.
The Junior Olympic National Championships are a qualifier for Level 10 gymnasts to advance to the Visa Championships (Aug. 17-20 in Saint Paul, Minn.), where the national teams for both age groups are determined. The top gymnasts in Level 9 are named to the Junior Olympic National Team. …
Gymnastics Coaching.com 