Artistic gymnastics in the United States  Artistic gymnastics is a type of gymnastics in which athletes compete with short routines on various equipment, including bars, beams, rings, pommel horses, vaulting tables, and on a sprung floor. Gymnastics is well-established in the United States, where available programs range from recreational classes, casual summer camps, and children's leagues; to highly competitive collegiate leagues and four national teams (a junior and senior men's team and a junior and senior women's team). Although this is not unique to the United States, due to the physically demanding nature of the sport there are fewer options for adult gymnastics outside the elite level, although local parks and recreation departments often have limited offerings. USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for several gymnastics disciplines in the United States: artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampolining, tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics, "Gymnastics for All", and parkour). Since its establishment in 1963, USAG has been responsible for selecting national teams, providing training facilities, encouraging participation and building a strong gymnastics program that involves all types of athletes. USA Gymnastics is a member of the continental "Pan American Gymnastics Union", referred to as "PAGU" and is also part of the international governing body for gymnastics, International Federation of Gymnastics. The international elite level is the highest level one can reach in USA Gymnastics for artistic gymnastics, permitting gymnasts to compete in domestic elite competitions, be recruited to U.S. national teams and represent the United States at the World Championships and the Olympic Games. It is estimated that a competitive gymnast's chances of reaching this level are 1-5%. To qualify for elite status, there are various criteria a gymnast must meet. As of 2015, first-year elite trialists must score 51.500 (Junior) or 53.000 (Senior) in the 2015 National Elite Qualifier event to gain international elite status. For returning elite participants, gymnasts must have competed at the previous year's U.S. Nationals. To qualify for the 2015 U.S. Nationals, there are no automatic qualifiers for Juniors and qualification spots are decided from 2014 scores or results from 2015 Classic. For seniors, they receive automatic qualification if they represented the U.S. during the season or at the 2014 World Championships. In the men's program, gymnasts qualify to the National Championships through a National Qualifier event.