The Definitive Guide: How To Become A Gymnastics Coach

What is a Gymnastics Coach?

If you’ve got a passion for gymnastics and want to share your wisdom and talent with others then you should consider becoming a gymnastics coach…

Not sure if it’s for you? You don’t have to have an Olympic medal to be able to teach others - many coaches start out as gymnasts, however some are parents, or people already engaged with the sport. These are the people that have been involved in the gymnastics world for a long time and want to help others to achieve great things. Some people choose to explore coaching before deciding their next steps, whereas others know coaching is for them and have chosen the discipline they want to pursue. There are many types of gymnastics you could coach such as trampolining, acrobatics, freestyle, rhythmic and many more. Have you got the dedication to be a brilliant coach?

What is a Gymnastics Coach?

• Job Description

  Being a coach is a constant challenge. You’ll be helping blossoming gymnasts to overcome barriers and achieve new skills. They will be putting their trust in you – which makes it extremely rewarding when you see their progress and their success. Aside from teaching them gymnastics skills, you’ll be helping them to grow their confidence and mould their mind into becoming the person that they want to be. Whether you are coaching children, adults, beginners or elites you will be a huge contribution to their success – both personal and professional.
  
  As a coach, you’ll need to go the extra mile to ensure you are providing guidance and support to budding gymnasts, helping them to develop their skills and techniques, whilst encouraging them to be the best they can be.

• Hours of Work

  You can either work full time hours or part time – (just like you are) hours are usually quite flexible and they will vary depending on where you are coaching and to which level. You can expect to work evenings and weekends though, so be prepared to lose some of your free time. Some people are shocked at just how many hours coaches put into their job, and it’s not only the actual physical coaching side of things, there’s much more to it such as planning sessions, travelling, scheduling, offering support and putting in true dedication because you want to – not because you have to.
  
  Full time hours are around 25-30 hours per week.

• Main Responsibilities

  So, what will your main responsibilities be as a Gymnastics Coach?
  
  Duties typically include:

  • Planning and organising training programs
  • Mentoring and inspiring individuals
  • Setting up and packing away equipment
  • Developing gymnasts both physically and mentally
  • Making travel arrangements and attending competitions

Key Gymnastics Coach qualifications

Do you have the qualifications to get the job?

You will need to have at least a level 1 gymnastics qualification to get a job as a gymnastics coach. You can gain this qualification and many others through British Gymnastics. There are courses for all types of gymnastics including trampolining, freestyle, rhythmic, artistic and many others. For higher levels of coaching you will need to have more qualifications. Here is a list of some that you could look into:

• Intro to coaching (age 11-17)
• UKCC Level 1
• Level 3 coaching theory

You will also be required to pass a DBS check if you are working with children.

How to become a Gymnastics Coach?

Now that you know what a Gymnastics Coach does, how do you become one?

Most gymnastic coaches come from a gymnastic background or are involved in some way – this includes parents of gymnasts. It is much easier to get into this career once you are familiar with the environment and the practices. You could also volunteer at a gymnastics club first to gain experience.

How to develop your Gymnastics Coach career

You can now develop your career by becoming a squad coach. You will be coaching multiple people as well as leading junior coaches. This role will involve more responsibility – which means more hours (and more money!!)

Career Opportunities

• You can find some of the best Gymnastics Coach roles with brands such as The Little Gym, Camp Leaders, Serco Leisure and many more.

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