At USA Gymnastics compulsory levels, every gymnast performs the same written routine, and almost every routine starts from a 10.0 Start Value. The one exception is a Level 5 bars alternate dismount, which starts at 9.50. Judges then take off tenths in two ways. The first is for what was performed: a skill changed, replaced, left out or not finished. The second is for how it was performed: form, amplitude, rhythm, landings and following the written text. For 2026–27 the routines didn’t change, but a few rules did. They’re listed below.
Compulsory vs. optional in one minute
Levels 1–3 are developmental, Levels 4–5 are compulsory competition, and Levels 6–10 are optional, where routines are built for each gymnast. If your gymnast is in optionals, see our skill credit guide.
Where the 10.0 comes from
Every prescribed routine starts from 10.0. The exception is the Level 5 bars alternate dismount option (tap swing forward with ½ turn dismount), which USA Gymnastics lists with a Start Value of 9.50 (USAG compulsory replacement pages, L5 Bars–15).
Changed, missing or incomplete skills
USA Gymnastics’ General Faults & Penalties, as summarized by GymnastGem, works like this for a hypothetical skill worth 0.40:
| What happened | Deduction |
|---|---|
| Performed a variation of the skill | its value (0.40) |
| Replaced it with a different skill, or left it out | double its value (0.80) |
| Attempted but didn’t complete it | up to its value (0.40) |
These are alternatives, not added together. (Verify the exact wording with your coach. The compulsory book is a paid USAG product.)
Why a routine with no fall still loses tenths
Compulsory judges also score the “text”: arm positions, foot placement, connections and rhythm as written. Hypothetical example: 10.00 − 0.40 form − 0.20 amplitude − 0.10 text − 0.50 fall = 8.80. A fall is 0.50.
Vault has its own table
Vault isn’t scored with the same skill-change rules. It has its own table covering the run, board contact, flight and landing. One example: failing to punch the board with both feet together costs 0.20 (USAG replacement pages).
What changed for 2026–27
| Change | Who | What you might notice |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling to handstand instead of push-up position in the floor backward roll now costs 0.30 (was 0.60) | Level 2 | Smaller deduction for the same error |
| Back kick-over text specifies a 120° split; each extra kick to reach vertical costs 0.30 | Level 3 | Coaches may adjust the skill |
| To skip Level 5, two 36.00 all-around scores at Level 4 can come from the current or previous season | Level 4 | Confirm with your gym |
| If floor music fails during a routine, the gymnast keeps going, with no music deductions for that section | All | No restart |
| Chief Judge must tell the coach if any judge voided a vault | All | Coach gets told |
| Video review may use slow motion or freeze frame (where review is allowed) | All | — |
| Springboard allowed on an 8″ mat for mounting; supplemental mats may be removed mid-routine | All | — |
(Sources: USA Gymnastics 2026–2027 Development Program Update; compulsory replacement pages July 13 2026; 2026–27 Rules & Policies.)
Reading the score sheet after a meet
Pick one event and one deduction you want to understand, and ask the coach about that. Our meet score guide and deductions guide explain the parts.
Tracking toward a mobility score
Log each meet in the free meet score tracker. Enter the target your coach gave you.
FAQ
- Does every compulsory routine start from 10.0?
- Yes, except the Level 5 bars alternate dismount, which starts at 9.50.
- How much is a fall in gymnastics?
- A fall is a 0.50 deduction.
- Can a gymnast add a harder skill for extra points at compulsory levels?
- No. Compulsories have no bonus, and unapproved changes can cost tenths.
- What happens if the floor music stops during a compulsory routine?
- She keeps going, with no music deductions for that section.
- What does a Level 4 need to skip Level 5?
- Two 36.00 all-around scores, from the current or previous season. Confirm with your gym.
Rules checked against USA Gymnastics 2026–2027 materials on 2026-10-16. Confirm with your coach; USAG may issue corrections during the season.