It is our goal to bring every young athlete to her fullest potential in competitive gymnastics. The Stars & Stripes staff is extremely passionate about their role in guiding gymnasts through training and helping them develop into strong, disciplined athletes both mentally and physically. We hope to install emotional strength that will help them excel in the sport and beyond. Our program puts an emphasis on discipline, perseverance, mental awareness and team unity. We are dedicated to offering every gymnast the best professional instruction in an organized program that sets a high standard. We will strive to bring out the best in every gymnast.

    USAG (United States of America Gymnastics) is the governing body of gymnastics in the United States. Their duty is to promote the advancement and success of gymnastics in the United States. They provide coaches and club owners with clinics and other educational opportunities to further their knowledge of the sport, promote safety and more efficient, successful gym clubs.
    The Junior Olympic Program is the competitive program mandated by USA Gymnastics. They set guidelines for competition including a code of points, prerequisites for gymnast's advancement through the levels, proper training and certifications for coaches. In order for a coach to participate they must be safety certified and a professional USA Gymnastics member. For gymnasts to participate in competition they must be USA Gymnastics Athlete Member and must be able to successfully perform 100% of the skills in their particular level. The program provides skill progressions for pre-competitive levels 1 through 3, then compulsory routines for beginning competitive levels 4 through 6. There is an optional program that begins with level 7 and continues through level 10. Gymnasts are able to perform their own unique routines, however there are still skill requirements and guidelines that progress with each level. There is an Elite level for gymnasts who may be Olympic bound or capable of competing in gymnastics internationally. About .001% of all gymnasts compete at this level.
    Gymnasts are selected for the Competitive Team Program from the Stars & Stripes Recreational Gymnastics Program. The team director and instructors base their selection on the gymnasts overall potential, ability to use constructive criticism, work ethic, attitude and age. There is not a specific class a gymnast must be in or age limitations. We will extend an invitation for a team trial when we feel someone is ready. We do not offer tryouts. If a gymnast from another gymnastics club is interested in joining the Stars & Stripes Team, they must contact the Team Director for a consultation and tryout.

 These beginning levels cover the basic, necessary skills required for long-term productivity. Strength and flexibility training are extremely emphasized at these beginning levels. They are non-competitive, however the main objective of the program is to prepare gymnasts for the competitive team.

Hot Shots Practice Schedule:
Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-6:00pm

 These levels are considered compulsory levels. USA Gymnastics designs the routines used in these levels to develop required skills and technique for long-term success in competitive gymnastics. The Level 4, 5 & 6 routines are all progressive to one another. Routines are very intricate with little room for variation. Proper skill execution is vital. At Stars & Stripes gymnasts will compete at the state level and at travel meets within the state and Ohio. We feel it is necessary to move slowly through these levels in order to fine-tune the basics. Once a gymnasts can master the core skills covered in the Level 4, 5 & 6 routines, they can continue their success at an optional level.

Level 4 Practice Schedule:
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 4:30-7:30pm

Level 5 Practice Schedule:
Monday 5:00-8:30pm
Tuesday & Thursday 6:00-9:00pm
Saturday 9:00-1:00pm

Level 6 Practice Schedule:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-8:30pm
Saturday 9:00-1:00pm

  Optional gymnasts compete optional routines, meaning that the routines performed are created for each individual and should enhance her strengths. Beginning with Level 7, routines are designed specifically for the individual athlete, however there are still skill requirements that must be included in each routine on every event. Time commitments will increase, along with more frequent travel meets including competitions held out of state.

Level 7 Practice Schedule:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-8:30pm
Saturday 9:00-1:00pm

Level 8 Practice Schedule:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-8:30pm
Friday 4:30-7:30pm
Saturday 9:00-1:00pm

For more information about the Competitive Team Program please E-mail or call the Team Director-Cassie Davis at (248)625-3547.