> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gymart.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gymart.org/competitions/create-subdivisions.md).

# Create subdivisions

You have more gymnasts in a competition than can fit in one session. Here's how to split them into groups for scheduling.

## Prerequisites

* [Create a level](/levels/create-a-level.md)
* Decide your structure: see [Age groups vs subdivisions](/competitions/choose-age-groups-vs-subdivisions.md)

## Steps

1. From the meet admin, go to **Levels** and select your level.
2. Navigate to **Age Groups** for the level.
3. Select the competition you want to subdivide (the "All Ages" competition if no age groups, or a specific age group).
4. Click **Add Subdivision**.
5. Optionally give the subdivision a name (for example, "Group A", "Saturday AM", or "Flight 1").
6. Assign gymnasts to each subdivision.
7. Repeat to create additional subdivisions as needed.

## What Subdivisions Control

Subdivisions are for scheduling. Each subdivision can be assigned to a different session, which determines when those gymnasts compete. Gymnasts within a subdivision compete together in rotations during their assigned session.

Rankings and awards are based on the full competition, not on individual subdivisions. All gymnasts in the same competition are ranked together regardless of which subdivision they are in.

## Default Behavior

Every competition starts with one subdivision containing all its gymnasts. You only need to add more subdivisions when you want to split gymnasts across multiple sessions.

## Subdivision Naming

Names are optional but helpful for coaches and organizers. Common conventions:

* By session: "Saturday AM", "Saturday PM"
* By letter: "Group A", "Group B"
* By number: "Subdivision 1", "Subdivision 2"

If you leave the name blank, subdivisions are shown by their order number.

Subdivisions can have different numbers of gymnasts. They do not need to be equal. You can move gymnasts between subdivisions at any time before competition starts. After [assigning subdivisions to sessions](/competitions/assign-subdivisions-to-sessions.md), changing membership may affect session assignments.

## What's Next

* [Assign subdivisions to sessions](/competitions/assign-subdivisions-to-sessions.md)

## Related

* [How to create age groups](/competitions/create-age-groups.md)
* [How do competitions, age groups, and subdivisions work?](/competitions/index.md)
* [Create a session](/scheduling/create-a-session.md)