What leotards, jewelry and hair are allowed in competition?
Rule- USA
- USA Gymnastics
- Women's Development Program
- Levels 1-10
- Ages 4+
- 2026-27 Rules & Policies
- 2026-27 season
- Coaches
After an initial warning, each attire infraction is a 0.20 deduction.
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Full-sleeve and sleeveless leotards, with the leg cut below the hipbone | Backless and racerback leotards, unless the open area is filled with mesh or skin-tone fabric |
| Unitards (ankle or short length, with or without sleeves) | Spaghetti straps |
| Tights (capri length or longer) and shorts, under or over the leotard, in black, matching or skin tone, no embellishments | Bare midriffs, T-shirts, boxer or loose shorts |
| Gymnastics footwear | Tennis shoes |
| Bra straps that are black, matching, skin tone or clear | Deliberately exposed underwear |
| Stud earrings anywhere in the ear | All other piercings (must be removed) |
A leotard counts as backless if the open area extends more than about 2 inches below the bottom of the shoulder blade, or wider than the vertical midpoint of the shoulder blade.
Also:
- Hair must be secured away from the face so it doesn't block her view of the apparatus.
- Leotards and/or team warm-ups are worn for march-in and awards.
- No warming up or competing in a hard, non-removable cast.
Added 21 Oct 2026