Types of gymnastics meets, explained
From in-house meets to national championships: every kind of meet a club gymnast might see, and how a season builds.
A gymnastics season is a ladder: lots of smaller meets early on, building toward championships at the end. Here's every kind of meet your gymnast might see, from the first in-house meet to nationals. For the basics of meet day, scoring, and etiquette, see the ultimate guide to gymnastics meets.
In-house and mock meets
Many gyms host in-house or mock meets for their own gymnasts. They look like a real meet, with judges, scores, and sometimes awards, in a familiar gym with a friendly crowd. They're a great first taste of competing.
Invitationals
Invitationals make up most of a club season. A host gym invites teams from other gyms, and many have a theme, a holiday twist, or a big venue. Some draw a handful of teams; the largest run all weekend across many levels. Browse this season's invitationals on Vault's meet calendar.
Qualifying meets
During the season, gymnasts work toward a qualifying score that earns a spot at their state championships. Which meets count, and what score is needed, depends on the program, level, and state. Your coach will know.
State championships
State championships close out the regular season. Gymnasts who qualified compete against the best at their level in their state, and top finishers can move on to regionals.
Regional championships
USA Gymnastics groups states into eight regions, and regional championships bring together qualifiers from across each region. Find your region's meets in our guides: Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4, Region 5, Region 6, Region 7, and Region 8.
National championships
At the top of the Development Program, the season can continue past regionals:
- Level 9 Eastern and Western Championships. Regions 1 to 4 compete at the Western Championships, and Regions 5 to 8 at the Eastern Championships (USA Gymnastics, 2026).
- Level 10 national championships. Level 10 is the top of the Development Program, and its best gymnasts qualify to compete nationally.
By program
- Development Program. Levels 1 to 10. The early levels share set routines; optional levels (6 to 10) perform routines built by their coaches.
- Xcel. Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Sapphire, with routines built around requirements and a more flexible training load.
- Other organizations. AAU, NGA, YMCA, and high school gymnastics run their own meets and championships.
How meets are run
Meets also differ in format. Some hold timed warm-ups on every event before competing; others have each group warm up on an event right before competing on it. Most award individual placings by level and age group, and many add team awards. The meet's information packet, or its page on Vault, will tell you what to expect.
Next up: how to sign up for a gymnastics meet and what a meet costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is an invitational in gymnastics?
An invitational is a meet hosted by a gym that invites teams from other gyms. Invitationals make up most of a club gymnastics season.
How do gymnasts qualify for state championships?
By earning a qualifying score at meets during the season. The required score and which meets count vary by program, level, and state, so ask your coach.
Which regions go to the Level 9 Western and Eastern Championships?
Regions 1 to 4 compete at the Western Championships, and Regions 5 to 8 at the Eastern Championships.