Can a gymnast drop back to a lower level?

Q: Can a gymnast drop back to a lower level?

Only in limited cases, and usually by petition: Declaration date: a State Administrative Committee (SAC) may set a declaration date before the season. Once a gymnast competes a sanctioned meet after that date, she can't drop back a level that season. Didn't qualify to State: you may petition to drop her back one level at the start of the next season (to the SACC for Levels 8 and below, the RACC for Levels 9-10). Competed at State Championships: she can't drop back without a "reason for change" petition (injury, illness or other extenuating circumstances), and then only one level. Moving back and forth between Levels 5 and 6 is allowed without a petition. Inactive for a year or more: she can stay at her last level, move up one level if she scored the mobility score in her last season, or move down one level without petitioning. The coach or club administrator submits petitions on the athlete's behalf.

Question

Accepted Answer

Only in limited cases, and usually by petition:

Declaration date: a State Administrative Committee (SAC) may set a declaration date before the season. Once a gymnast competes a sanctioned meet after that date, she can't drop back a level that season.
Didn't qualify to State: you may petition to drop her back one level at the start of the next season (to the SACC for Levels 8 and below, the RACC for Levels 9-10).
Competed at State Championships: she can't drop back without a "reason for change" petition (injury, illness or other extenuating circumstances), and then only one level. Moving back and forth between Levels 5 and 6 is allowed without a petition.
Inactive for a year or more: she can stay at her last level, move up one level if she scored the mobility score in her last season, or move down one level without petitioning.

The coach or club administrator submits petitions on the athlete's behalf.