Mobilizing to the next level and qualifying for nationals

Every year about this time I post information about two big questions that parents and athletes, especially those new to T&T have: How does an athlete qualify for Nationals? and How does an athlete mobilize to the next level? The updated scores required for mobilizing and qualifying are available on the USAG website.
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Qualifying:

You can find this information, and more, in Section VI - Junior Olympic Program of the USAG Rules and Policies.

• The National Championships is the final event of the J.O. season. In order to be able to compete at Nationals, you must first qualify.
• There are two opportunities for athletes to qualify for Nationals: the State and Regional championships.
• To qualify, an athlete must achieve the minimum qualifying scores
• The athlete must compete in the State Championships or Regional Championships for the state/region in which the athlete's club is a member. It is not permissible to qualify in any state or regional competition, other than the athlete's own.
• Entries to the National Championships must be at the same level at which the athlete qualified at the last competition he/she attended. For example, if an athlete qualified at Level 8 in the first competition, but competed at Level 9 in the next competition and did not reach the qualifying score, then the athlete cannot enter the National Championships.
  
• This is important: if you qualify at State, don't compete at the next higher level at Regionals unless you are VERY confident that you can meet the qualifying scores.
• In order to compete at the State or Regional Championships, the athlete must obtain eligibility.
• An eligibility competition is any USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling sanctioned competition an athlete attends prior to the State or Regional Championships.
• Athletes must compete in at least two (2) USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling sanctioned competitions during the current competition season, prior to qualifying for the National Championships.
• The State and/or Regional Championships may not be used as an eligibility competition.
• Athletes may participate in State and Regional Championships without meeting eligibility requirements, but cannot qualify to National Championships.
• A State Chair may waive eligibility requirements for athletes who are unable to compete in the two required competitions prior to State and Regional Championships. Proof of injury, illness or family emergency is required. The State Chair is under no obligation to waive eligibility requirements if he/she feels it is not in the best interest of the athlete.
• The competitive season begins August 1 of each year.
• The athlete must compete in at least one (1) event at eligibility competitions. He/She does not have to compete in every event that may eventually be entered at the National Championships.
  

Mobilizing:

Here's the relevant info concerning mobility from the USAG Rules and Policies, Section VI. (Word of caution, the rules posted on the USAG website are from 2007 and don't reflect all of the changes made for the 2009 season.)

• To ensure proper progression from one level to another, athletes must achieve a designated mobility score at USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling sanctioned competition.
• Coaches must track mobility from Level 5 to Level 6, Level 6 to Level 7 and Level 7 to Level 8 using forms provided by the National Office.
• Beginning at Level 8, the State Chair, or a person designated by the State Board, will track mobility for each athlete.
• Coaches must submit a Mobility Request Form to the State Chair in order to move an athlete from Level 8 to Level 9, Level 9 to Level 10, Level 10 to Junior Elite and Junior Elite to Senior Elite. The State Chair must approve mobility before the athlete is eligible to compete at the higher level.
• Athletes may NOT skip levels.
• Mobility at Levels 1-4 is at the discretion of the coach; however, coaches are encouraged to use the compulsories to insure proper progressions.
• The highest level at which an athlete may enter the mobility system is Level 8 7 (in accordance with 2009 rules).
• The J.O. Program Committee may waive mobility requirements up to Level 10 for athletes from a strong gymnastics and/or trampoline and tumbling background, who demonstrate that they are capable of beginning competition at a higher level and file a petition with the request.
• [NEW]In addition to achieving the mobility score in trampoline, athletes must be able to successfully perform the 10 mobility skills listed for the current level prior to applying to the state director for mobility to the next level.
  

It's important to remember that there is much more to mobilizing than just having the right scores, and you shouldn't think about mobilizing until you and your coach think you are ready. Only your coach can help you make a plan for how you will progress, but it is important for each athlete (and their parents!) to understand the process so they can participate in that process. For more info, talk to your coach.
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If you have any questions about mobilizing or qualifying, or have updated info to provide, stop by the discussion forum on the Tramp and Tumble Network and let us all know.