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TOPSWhat does ‘TOPS’
stand for?
- ‘TOPS’ is short for Talent Opportunity
Program.
Who is in charge of TOPS?
- TOPS is a nation-wide program run through the national
offices of USA Gymnastics. The program is currently directed by
Gary Warren (the Women’s Program Director for USA Gymnastics)
and administered in each State by State Managers (the list of
State Managers is available on the TOPS website).
What is the purpose of the TOPS program?
- The TOPS program was started by USA Gymnastics to help
encourage, educate, and identify talented young athletes
throughout the country (along with their coaches and parents).
The first stage of the TOPS program is physical ability testing.
Gymnasts are evaluated with nine different exercises: 1) sprint,
2) vertical jump, 3) leg lifts, 4) cast handstands, 5) rope
climb, 6) press handstands, 7) handstand hold, 8) splits, and 9)
shoulder flexibility.
Who can participate in the TOPS program?
- The first stage (physical ability testing) of the TOPS
program is open to gymnasts from 7-8 years old. The second stage
of the TOPS program incrementally increases the difficulty of
the physical ability tests and adds basic gymnastics skill
requirements on all four olympic events. The second stage of the
TOPS program is open to gymnasts from 9-11 years old.
Can my daughter join TOPS?
- The only requirements for entering a TOPS Test are that the
athlete is registered with USA Gymnastics (if she has competed
in a USAG sanctioned meet, this is already covered) and is
between the ages of 7 and 11 years old. Though some gymnasts
start attending TOPS Tests at the age of 7, it is not too late
to attend your first TOPS Test as long as you are 11 years old
or younger!
Why are there TOPS Tests?
- State TOPS Tests are run throughout the country every year
beginning in June and running through the end of July. The State
Tests cover the nine physical ability exercises. Anyone of the
proper age may participate in any test, regardless of where you
live or where your gym is located. State Tests are administered
by State TOPS Managers.
What is the HOPES Division?
- HOPES is modified pre-elite program dedicated to potential
gymnasts 10-12 years old.
CLICK HERE
for more info.
If you have any
other questions concerning the TOPS program, please contact Matt Yellis at
matthewyellis@me.com
For more information on the Regional
TOPS Program, go to
www.region6usag.org/elite.htm
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