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Women's Development Program
The Women’s Development Program (WDP) was created with the belief that all athletes, regardless of their potential, must have a solid foundation of basic skills to advance safely. The program allows the gymnast to advance at her own pace,competing in more than one level in a year, if she so chooses.
The WDP is divided into three major segments; developmental, compulsory, and optionals.
To learn more:
Developmental
The first segment consists of Levels 1 through 3.
Compulsory
The second segment consists of Levels 4 and 5. Both levels are progressive in nature, building upon
the skills required at the previous level.
Optionals
The third segment is Levels 6-10. Levels 6, 7, 8, and 9 have difficulty restrictions, while Level 10 has no
restrictions in the skill choice. Composition is evaluated at Levels 8, 9, and 10.
Xcel Program Overview
The USA Gymnastics Xcel program was developed as an alternative competitive program offering individual flexibility to coaches and gymnasts. The goal of Xcel is to provide gymnasts of varying abilities and commitment levels the opportunity for a rewarding gymnastics experience. The program allows a wide choice in skills to meet requirements so selection may be based on an individual athlete's strengths.
The focus of the Xcel program is sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, and fun. The emphasis in the Xcel program is on correct technique, form, and performance.
Xcel has levels Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, with difficulty progressing in each level. All levels of Xcel are considered Optionals, allowing gymnasts to perform routines that meet specific requirements instead of requiring specific skills at each level.
To learn more:
Bronze/Silver
The first segment is designed to teach beginner gymnasts form and technique.
Gold
The second segment is designed to grow the gymnasts skills through specific skill requirements during competitions. Must meet/exceed 31 All Around in the Silver division.
Platinum
The third segment will continue to challenge the gymnasts with higher level skill requirements performed in competition. Must meed/exceed 31 All Around in the Gold division.
WDP/Xcel Comparison
The biggest difference between WDP and Xcel is that where WDP has very strict requirements, Xcel's are more relaxed and allow the gymnast more of a range of skills, as well as more room to train and progress at their own pace.
