AAU vs USAG: A Gymnastics Comparison

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AAU vs USAG Parallel bars

AAU vs USAG – the two major organizations in US gymnastics, but what sets them apart? This comprehensive guide delves into the nuances and distinctions between the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and USA Gymnastics (USAG).

Discover the difference in philosophies, programs, and competition structures between the AAU and USAG and which pathway could work best for your child.

The Differences Between AAU and USAG

Both organizations oversee a program of gymnastics competitions in the US.

AAU is a multi-sport organization that oversees a wide range of amateur sports, while USAG focuses solely on gymnastics. USAG is recognized by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), giving it a higher level of authority in gymnastics.

USAG is therefore responsible for selecting the team to represent the US at the Olympics and World Championships due to it’s level of recognition by the FIG.

AAU is considered to provide a slightly more relaxed environment for competitions and training in comparison to USAG. Even so, the AAU programs still require a high level of commitment and dedication in order to be successful.

Aims and Goals of Each Organization

Each organization shares some common goals for example the promotion of sport and the education of the people working within its program. However there are also some differences.

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) promotes amateur sports and physical fitness programs across the United States. It’s main objectives include:

  1. The promotion if physical fitness and health among individuals of all ages.
  2. Providing opportunities for athletes to participate in sports programs and competitions at the local, regional, and national levels.
  3. Providing education and training for coaches, referees, and officials.
  4. To support the development of new and emerging sports.
  5. To provide a safe and fair environment for athletes to participate in sports programs and competitions.
  6. The promotion and support of the Olympic movement.
  7. To encourage and foster sportsmanship, character, and leadership development among athletes.

USA Gymnastics (USAG) is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States, focusing exclusively on developing the sport. Some of the main aims of USAG are:

  1. To promote and develop gymnastics at all levels and across all disciplines, including men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatics, and parkour.
  2. To provide educational and training opportunities for gymnastics coaches, judges, and athletes.
  3. To support the selection and training of teams to represent the United States in international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
  4. To promote the growth and development of gymnastics clubs, facilities, and programs across the country.
  5. To foster sportsmanship, teamwork, and ethical behavior among gymnastics participants.
  6. To ensure the safety and well-being of gymnastics participants, and to provide a safe and secure environment for gymnastics activities.
  7. To support and promote research and innovation in the sport of gymnastics.

Competitions

  1. Level of Competition: USAG competitions are generally more competitive, with higher expectations
  2. Routines: AAU allow more flexibility / adaption within competition routines. Gymnasts have more opportunities to substitute skills which they are not ready to compete. This is less common in USAG Levels.
  3. Judging Standards: Both organizations have high expectations of judges. Judges used by USAG have the opportunities to progress onto higher level events including the Olympics.
  4. Recognition and Awards: USAG competitions are recognized by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), while AAU competitions does not have the same level of recognition.
  5. Cost: USAG competitions may be more expensive to participate in due to higher fees and travel costs, while AAU competitions may be less expensive.

The Benefit of the AAU Pathway

The benefit of choosing to compete in the AAU route is that at lower levels there are more choices. Whereas USAG events focus on compulsory routines that must be achieved in order to move onwards and upwards.

The USAG compulsory levels are very unforgiving on those gymnasts who are missing one or two skills from their respective routines. Compulsory levels use routines which much be followed to an exact format. Every gymnast will compete exactly the same routine in the same order.

Even if a gymnast can perform 99% of the skills brilliantly, they will be held back from progressing to the next level due to the one skill which hasn’t been mastered.

Greater flexibility in the AAU routines for some younger gymnasts is a huge benefit, especially for the ones who are unable to master that one or two moves. They are often able to substitute that move for another, less challenging one without being heavily penalized.

Many will start off in AAU events before crossing over to USAG when they are older and have a better skill set.

Age requirements

Every junior level gymnastics competition will be run by age group no matter which organization is running the event.

Each level of competition has its own age requirements which include minimum and maximum age.

In USAG, the minimum age for competition varies based on the level of competition. For example, for the level 4 WDP Level competition, the minimum age is 7 years old, while for the Elite competition, the minimum age is 16 years old.

Due to the wide range of levels within each program it becomes very challenging to present an accurate comparison of levels and ages on offer.

aau gymnastics competition

It’s important to note that these age requirements are subject to change and may vary from one competition to another, so it’s always best to check the specific rules and regulations for each competition before participating.

Gymnastics Levels: AAU vs USAG

It is difficult to make a blanket statement that USA Gymnastics (USAG) levels are harder than those of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), as the level of difficulty also heightens at more advanced AAU levels.

However, USAG competitions are generally considered to be more competitive and challenging than AAU Gymnastics competitions. This is because USAG sets and enforces rules and regulations for gymnastics competition, and athletes must meet certain skill requirements to participate at each level.

usag gymnastics floor routine

Final Thoughts

Both organizations have a central role in developing young gymnasts in the sport and the differing philosophies complement each other well. Different gyms will align with one or weigh up the pros and cons of AAU vs USAG when the time is right.

FAQs

What does AAU gymnastics stand for?

AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union. The organisation was founded in 1888 to develop sports and fitness programs in the USA. There are over 40 programs on offer including Gymnastics, Volleyball and Basketball.

What does the USAG do?

The USAG is the National Governing body for gymnastics in the US. It is responsible for organizing competitions, coach education and selection for international events such as the Olympics.

What is the most prestigious gymnastics competition?

The most prestigious gymnastics competition is the Olympics which consists of Men’s Artistic, Women’s Artistic, Rhythmic and Trampoline competitions. Each of these disciplines also hold world championships as do the other non-Olympic disciplines – Tumbling, Acro and DMT.

Sources:

Amateur Athletic Union

USA Gymnastics

AAU Competition Requirements