RULES & POINTS SYSTEM

The Elite Developmental Circuit (EDC) follows the exact same routine requirements, composition expectations, and skill regulations established by USA Gymnastics for Hopes and Elite athletes.

EDC does not change or modify any USAG Elite rules.
Athletes compete the same routines required for:

• Hopes
• Elite Compulsory
• Elite Optional

Judging is based on:

• USAG Hopes rules
• FIG-based Elite judging criteria
• USAG Elite Technical Regulations

This ensures every routine performed in the EDC aligns with the standards needed for progression toward:
American Classic → U.S. Classic → National Championships.

Each EDC Series 1 event will consist of one day of competition with two separate sessions:

Athletes perform their Elite Optional routines following all USAG/FIG Elite rules.

Placement in this session contributes to the athlete’s EDC Optional Points.

Athletes perform their Elite Compulsory routines.
Placement in this session contributes to the athlete’s EDC Compulsory Points.

Both sessions are judged using the appropriate USAG/FIG Elite criteria.

Athletes will earn points in each session, allowing them to accumulate across both compulsory and optional competition.

• All-Around placement in the Optional Session
• All-Around placement in the Compulsory Session
• Event Champion Bonus Points 

These points combine into the athlete’s overall EDC Series ranking.

While routine rules remain identical to USAG standards, the EDC introduces a season-long points and ranking system to create a true competitive circuit.

Rankings determine:

• Overall standings
• Series awards
• Invitations to Series Finals
• Top-gym recognitions

This system provides athletes with meaningful competition opportunities throughout the season and prepares them for high-pressure USAG elite events.

The EDC does not replace official USAG Elite compulsory or optional qualifiers.

Athletes must still:

• Attend official USAG Elite qualifiers
• Achieve required mobility scores
• Follow USAG’s advancement procedures

The EDC exists to give athletes a competitive runway where they can gain more experience, more routine repetitions, and more exposure to elite-level judging before stepping onto the official qualification floor.

A clearer path for athletes working toward Hopes, Junior Elite, and future national competition.