A development athlete in the T&T Program is defined as any athlete competing in the Development Program (Level 1-10 and Open) in either Individual Trampoline, Tumbling, or Double Mini Trampoline.

The USA Gymnastics Development Program is an integrated program designed to give a structured plan for training an athlete from the day they enter the gym, through Open level competition.  Athletes can choose to mobilize into the Elite Program from Development Level 10 and Open, or remain in the Development Program throughout their career.

The USA Gymnastics Development Program has two stages: Levels 1-7 and Levels 8-10/Open.  Levels 1-7 are compulsory levels designed to build basics in a safe and progressive way.  Students learn basic techniques and progressions to enhance their abilities to execute skills properly and safely.  Since these are compulsory levels, athletes perform the same, prescribed routines with little to no variation.  Levels 8-10 and Open are optional levels with additional flexibility to tailor routines to an individual athlete's strengths and preferences while following preset guidelines dependent upon level.  These levels promote the systematic development of more advanced skills and techniques.

An elite athlete in the T&T Program is defined as any athlete competing in the Elite Program (Youth Elite, Junior Elite, and Senior Elite), in either Individual Trampoline, Tumbling or Double Mini Trampoline.

The USA Gymnastics Elite Program is designed to provide those athletes hoping to compete on the international stage a more challenging plan to progress to top-level performance, benchmarked against international standards.

This program has three stages: Senior Elite (ages 17 and older), Junior Elite (ages 15-16), and Elite Development Program (EDP), also known as Youth Elite (ages 11-12 and 13-14).  The Senior Elite level is designed to prepare athletes for senior international competition and top-level performance.  The Junior Elite level serves as a progression to the Senior Elite level and to develop a pool of talented athletes for national and international competitions.  EDP is designed to identify talent and introduce younger athletes and coaches to elite training and competition, developing skills and techniques while fostering enjoyment of the sport.

Elite competition is governed by FIG (Federation Internationale de Gymnastiques) and is bound by the FIG Code of Points.  FIG is an international committee that oversees elite competitions all over the world, including the Olympics, World Cup, World Championships, and World Games.