Gymnastics Coach Requirements

Gymnastics has grown in popularity since it became a competitive sport in the 1800s. As the sport has evolved, so has the difficulty of the moves performed by gymnasts both male and female. It is important to have a strong coach to teach gymnasts new skills and make sure they are safe while learning and performing those skills. USA Gymnastics is the national governing body of the sport, and it provides the training and certification needed for coaching.

  1. Core Courses

    • USA Gymnastics University offers a certification program that has established minimum education standards and training in gymnastics and related areas. There are five levels of certification in the university, which will meet needs at different skill levels, such as compulsory gymnastics up to elite gymnastics. There are core courses at each level, starting with fundamentals of instruction, safety/risk management and basic skill development in Level 1. Core courses at higher levels include trampoline and tumbling, acrobatics and intensives for both women’s and men’s programs.

    Practical Experience

    • Practical experience is gained through hands-on activity or study. Coaches must have a minimum of three years' work experience as a preschool gymnastics teacher as part of their practical. Moving through the upper levels, there are different types of practical experience required. Some examples would be coaching at different levels and types of competitions, such as Level 7 State Championships or Level 10 Regional Championships. Gymnasts perform more difficult skills at higher levels; therefore, the coach must work through levels in a similar way.

    Safety Certification

    • A very important part of certification is safety, which has been mandatory since 1998. USA Gymnastics has a required Safety Certification course for introductory coaches. Coaches must learn to teach proper technique and proper spotting for their gymnasts. Because the sport has added more and more difficult moves over the years, coaches must continually be updated as well, in order to provide the safest environment. Medical knowledge updates are encouraged through continuing education requirements. Along with the safety certification, coaches are also required to take courses such as first-aid basics.

    Continuing Education

    • As mentioned, coaches must continually learn the new skills developing in the sport and new rules, research and studies. Similar to other professions, gymnastics coaches are required to maintain their certification through continuing-education courses. There are different requirements for credits depending on the level of certification--for example, five credits are required every four years for Level 1 certification, while 25 credits are required every four years for Level 5 certification. These requirements help coaches stay up to date with the international sport and provide the optimal environment for their gymnasts to improve their skills safely.