Gymnastic Training Certification

Gymnastics has the potential to be a dangerous sport. Training certification programs provide coaches with information on safety, strength and flexibility training, skill progression and the physical and emotional development of gymnasts. There are several options for certificate programs, with the most well-respected being the program run by USA Gymnastics.

  1. USA Gymnastics University

    • USA Gymnastics, the governing body for the sport of gymnastics in the United States, opened the USA Gymnastics University in 2004. The University offers online courses leading to different levels of certification. Available courses include first aid, fundamentals of gymnastics, preschool fundamentals, trampoline and tumbling, safety/risk management and skill development.

    Gym.net

    • Led by Michael Taylor, Gym.net offers a variety of safety services, including certification courses, for gymnastics professionals. Taylor offers some of the USA Gymnastics courses in a live environment, in place of the online versions available directly from the organization. Taylor's qualifications include being a USA Gymnastics National Safety Instructor.

    Gymnastics Stuff

    • The Gymnastics Stuff certification program will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2011. Developed by renowned gymnastics author Karen Goeller, this program comes with six detailed books, test preparation materials and a final test. Participants complete the course at their own pace and submit the test for external review. Goeller recommends that this course be followed as an adjunct to, not as a replacement for, the USA Gymnastics program.

    CrossFit Gymnastics

    • The CrossFit Gymnastics Certification program takes place over a period of two days. Participants learn about proper progression of skills, strength training and safety. The program consists of general gymnastics information applicable for both female and male gymnasts; however, half of the program is devoted to rings and parallel bars, used solely by male gymnasts.