In USA Gymnastics optional levels (6–10), every skill has a difficulty letter. For Value Parts, an A is worth 0.10, a B 0.30 and a C 0.50. Each level requires a set number of each letter. If the routine is short one of them, judges take that value off the Start Value before execution is even scored. That’s why a routine full of hard-looking skills can still start below where you expected.
What a “value part” is
A value part is a skill that counts toward the routine’s difficulty requirement. The USAG Development Program Code of Points gives each skill a letter value. Judges count the highest-value skills that meet the level’s rules, up to the number required.
How many each level needs (bars example, 2026–30 charts)
| Level | Required value parts (bars) |
|---|---|
| 8 | 4 A + 4 B (a C counts as a B) |
| 9 | 3 A + 4 B + 1 C |
| 10 | 3 A + 3 B + 2 C |
Other events have their own charts. Your coach has the event-by-event list. (Source: USA Gymnastics 2026–30 Event Rules Charts, Levels 6–10.)
Why a missing B or C hurts more than you’d think
Value comes off the Start Value, before execution. Here’s a hypothetical: a Level 9 bar routine has the A’s and the C, but one of the B skills isn’t credited, perhaps because of a missed handstand or a connection that broke. That B’s 0.30 comes off the Start Value. A clean routine afterwards can’t win it back.
Restricted skills: harder isn’t always better
Levels 6–9 limit how hard skills can be. Per the charts, a restricted element beyond what the level allows costs 0.50 off the Start Value and may earn no value-part credit. Ask the coach before assuming an upgrade helps.
Value parts vs. Special Requirements vs. Composition Credit
- Value parts: how much difficulty is in the routine.
- Special Requirements: specific kinds of skills the routine must contain. Each one missing costs 0.50 (see our Special Requirements guide).
- Composition Credit / Bonus: what Levels 8–10 need on top of those to reach a full 10.0 Start Value (see our Composition Credit guide).
After the meet
Ask the coach one question: “Was any skill not credited for value?” If you film where your meet allows, rewatching practice video together can help you see which skill fell short.
FAQ
- What is a B skill worth in gymnastics?
- A B skill is worth 0.30 toward value parts.
- Does a C count as a B at Level 8?
- Yes, on the Level 8 bars chart.
- Can extra hard skills make up for a missing one?
- Only within the level's rules. Restricted elements can cost 0.50.
Rules checked against USA Gymnastics 2026–30 Development Program event charts on 2026-10-16. Confirm details with your coach; USAG may issue corrections during the season.