How to become A Gymnastics Coach

Behind every Simon Biles and Nadia Comăneci that seeks to excel in this fascinating sport, there is a passionate and talented Gymnastics Coach who drives their pupil to overcome myriad challenges and reach new heights.

• Gymnastics Instructor
• Gymnastics Coordinator

What do Gymnastics Coaches do?

A Gymnastics Coach would typically need to:

• Work with budding gymnasts of all age and skill levels so they can demonstrate their talents, challenge themselves appropriately, and fully realise their potential
• Observe the gymnasts under their charge and assess their strengths and opportunities
• Ensure the gymnast is capable of mastering the specific skills required for a particular type of gymnastics, such as trampoline, tumbling, or team
• Figure out how to help the gymnast develop skills specific to their chosen field 
• Help the gymnast build strength and conditioning so as to enhance their performance while avoiding injuries
• Lead the gymnast through various moves meant for exhibitions and competitions to further hone their skills and develop their competence
• Develop and choreograph unique routines that display the gymnast’s prowess to its best advantage in a competitive environment
• Design and conduct training sessions that may include acrobatics, ballet, trampoline, diving, tumbling, and synchronised swimming
• Look for and choose events that can best showcase the gymnastic capability of their charges
• Factor in the gymnast’s current schedule and how easy/tough the competition will be to make the event one that will not tax the gymnast unduly
• Offer authentic feedback and constructive criticism to motivate and encourage the gymnast
• Videotape the gymnast’s practices and performances to provide a better understanding of their performance and adjust their training regiment, if needed
• Set themselves up as models of good sportsmanship and effective leadership, so the gymnast is always inspired to give their best on and off the arena
• Help the gymnast become physically, mentally and emotionally resilient so they can face challenges and take wins and losses in their stride 
• Make the gym area safe for beginners and younger learners; train new instructors and coaches; administer first aid and emergency care, when required
• Develop and maintain computerised records of coaching-related activities and participants
• Ensure all equipment is set up before, and cleaned properly and stored after a training session
• Ensure travel to competitions is secure; assist in supervision of the gymnasts during an event, if necessary

Gymnastics Coaches generally work in gymnasiums, training institutes and educational entities where they need to be physically and mentally alert. They are often required to travel with their teams and stay overnight for competitions.

Gymnastics Coaches work an average of 30 hours a week but are often required to work overtime in the evening and on weekends. Hours may be flexible as long as they accommodate the schedules of gymnasts and competitions and factor in the time taken to travel and plan training sessions.

Finding a new job may be challenging. Gymnastics Coaches can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Gymnastics Coaches are generally employed by:

• Schools, colleges or universities
• Professional gymnasiums
• Health & fitness centres
• Training institutes

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG), are crucial for Gymnastics Coaches interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in a federation affiliated with FIG adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Emotional stress due to the amount of accountability for the gymnast’s success and acceptable behaviour in and outside the gymnasium
• Frequent experience of emotional rollercoasters dependent on the wins and losses of trainee gymnasts
• Exhaustion due to an irregular work schedule revolving around the gymnasts’ practice and the events they need to attend
• A physically demanding career comprising extensive travel, lugging around heavy equipment, and executing complicated choreography and stunts while teaching student gymnasts
• Low probability of an attractive salary, especially in the early stages of the career
• Lack of work-life balance due to an erratic work schedule and demands of the job

Any academic program that a potential Gymnastics Coach takes up typically requires a period of supervised practical experience where you get to learn and internalise discipline-specific skills and techniques. 

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Most gymnasts venture into coaching once they are done with active competitions. Applicants with only a high school diploma to their credit may need at least two years of experience in gymnastics coaching. 

Employers usually offer all their fresh recruits on-the-job safety and first aid training. Sufficient familiarity with music, movement, rhythm, and teamwork will be handy when creating routines for your charges.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow coaches working in gymnastics to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Gymnastics Coaches typically need a bachelor’s degree in physical education or kinesiology, including coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics. 

Some gymnastics coaching jobs may only require a high school diploma with a couple of years of experience. However, educational institutes and competitive gymnasiums may stipulate teaching skills and knowledge of child development and physical education in addition to expertise in gymnastics. 

Some countries may require a Level 1 gymnastics qualification to be eligible for an entry-level job as an assistant coach in general gymnastics. An ideal course will teach the students how to coach and familiarise them with theoretical knowledge of emotions and social and biomechanical development.

Aspiring Gymnastics Coaches who have done due diligence may opt for courses in a chosen discipline, such as trampolining, acrobatic, freestyle, rhythmic, tumbling, parkour, team, or artistic gymnastics. Contact your local sport and gymnastics organisation for more information.

Certifications demonstrate a Gymnastics Coach’s professional competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programmes protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Most Gymnastics Coaches require accredited certification in first aid and CPR. In addition, your employer may mandate the completion of progressive certificate programmes ranging from introductory to advanced levels in certain types of gymnastics coaching. 

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can reassure the participants and their parents that any programmes you offer are bound to be challenging while remaining safe.

Although it does not certify or licence Gymnastics Coaches, FIG (The Federation of International Gymnastics) offers a coach education programme comprising a comprehensive analysis of human growth and development concerning training, as well as best practices, and a strong “athlete-centred” philosophy.

Coaches of all countries have access to a shared knowledge base that guarantees the safe and systematic training of gymnasts in all disciplines so their performance leaves no room for error or regret.

The gymnastics federations of individual countries may enter at one of the three levels in sync with their domestic gymnastics coaching education programmes and international competition success. Each of the seven-day programmes includes one-third theory and two-thirds practical lectures.

FIG provides the examination results of each participating coach to their respective federation which will then decide the specific status it wishes to confer on its coaches. So far, the FIG Coaches’ Brevet, the finest certification, has been awarded to 383 Gymnastics Coaches worldwide.

You may also need to undergo an employment background check to become a Gymnastics Coach can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, and medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Gymnastics Coaches who can become Head Coaches and Choreographers.

Coaches of renown can be invited to work with larger gymnasiums and educational institutes, train and mentor less-experienced colleagues, or judge competitions. Suppose your country is a member of FIG and has access to its Academy Programme and curriculum material. In that case, experienced members of your national gymnastics federation may be chosen to teach the programme to upcoming Gymnastics Coaches.

Finally, coaches with adequate resources and professional contacts may open a gymnasium or run a clinic. 

Candidates with a post-secondary qualification in physical education or kinesiology and real-time experience in gymnastics training and coaching have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Gymnastics Coach build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning.

Educational institutions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, several years of experience in coaching gymnastics, and a teaching certificate. You may need to complete a training programme and pass a written exam to qualify as a judge for professional competitions.

Notwithstanding their technical skills, forward-looking Gymnastics Coaches must continuously hone interpersonal skills, such as positive and empathetic interaction with gymnasts and their parents, coaches, and other staff members.

In addition, your students should look up to you as an exemplary tower house of integrity, patience, observation, planning, organising, analytical reasoning, and tough decision-making. 

The Current Scenario

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, gymnastics has become a favoured option to fulfil competitive aspirations and to achieve health and wellness goals. 

Consequently, Gymnastics Coaches well-versed in nutrition, mental health, and physical therapy are increasingly sought by health and fitness centres, professional gymnasiums, and training institutes.

A projected rise in post-COVID school enrollment augurs well for the number of school athletes and a subsequent increase in requirement for coaches in related athletic programmes. 

Participation in college and university sports is also projected to increase; therefore, more of these institutions are also likely to recruit coaches, and Gymnastics Coaches could also see a rise in demand.

Artistic Sources of Motivation

Movies like Stick It (2006) and Full Out (2015) showcase uplifting stories of gymnasts who overcame obstacles and found their purpose in the sport with the help of their coaches. Gymnasts and Gymnastics Coaches alike can draw inspiration from such movies.

Shared Effort

Gymnasts and their coaches spend considerable time together in the name of practice sessions and competitions. Only a relationship built on mutual trust can serve its purpose of developing the gymnast into a great athlete. Only a Gymnastics Coach who can be a role model and mentor to the gymnast can offer the most appreciated psychological support and motivation. Only a cooperative approach can bring about a partnership where mutual respect is the bottom line. And only a Coach who is disciplined, inspirational, and accessible can help gymnasts realise their true potential.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Gymnastics Coaches have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of their work and can select their students per their schedule. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Gymnastics Coach has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their seniors. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time Gymnastics Coach, consider the pros and cons to see what works best.

Bela Karolyi, the most successful Gymnastics Coach in history, coached 28 Olympic gymnasts - 9 of whom were champions, 15 world champions, and 12 European medalists and U.S. national champions.

Gymnastics Coaches who genuinely care for their gymnasts push, discipline and demand the best from them until fear, falling and failure are transformed into memorable moments of confidence, perseverance, and success.

“If you don’t leap, you’ll never know what it’s like to fly.” 

– Guy Finley, The Secret of Letting Go