New course set to revitalise gymnastics coaching

As a way of evolving the sport to meet the needs of the next generation of coaches, Gymnastics Australia has released its new Fundamental Gymnastics Coach Accreditation, which equips individuals with the tools to design an inclusive environment for children to learn fundamental movement skills.

Co-designed by Gymnastics Australia, the State and Territory Associations, affiliated clubs and with the support of the Australian Sports Commission, the first stage in the development of our Coach Education Framework aims to streamline a new coach’s training to enable coaching supervision allowing for more individuals to enter clubs across the country. 

Emphasising the effectiveness of on-the-job training, the course starts trainee coaches on the path to practicing behaviour management strategies, class management techniques and progression and regression design whilst learning in their real-world club environment.

Advising that this is just the first step in the evolution of our coaching framework, Gymnastics Australia Chief Executive, Alexandra Ash (pictured below) stated "the development and co-design of this framework with our clubs has paved the way for impactful, effective accreditation design which truly speaks to the role and requirements of a fundamental movement coach.

“The importance of independent accreditation of coaches ensures gymnastics across the country is safe, reliable and supports our affiliated clubs’ ability to provide a positive environment for their members.”

For club owner Megan Moss who participated in the pilot program, the course has transformed how they think about coach accreditation and is a welcome change for sport. 

Moss explains “through our participation in the pilot over the past few months, we have seen 8 of our coaches learn, grow and develop their skills to become engaged members of our team who have had their training tailored to our club operations and philosophy.

“We look forward to more of our coaching team engaging in the new framework as it is rolled out."

As a key stakeholder in the development of the course, Executive General Manager of AIS Performance, Matti Clements also recognised the significant achievement of launching the new course. 

Clements noted "on behalf of the Australian Sports Commission, I would like to congratulate Gymnastics Australia on the launch of their new coaching guidelines and their emphasis in creating a contemporary and psychologically safe environment where both athletes and coaches can thrive.

“The entire Australian high performance system is united in creating an environment where we can win well, where athletes and coaches can achieve sustainable success both in sport and in life. The ASC looks forward to continuing to work with Gymnastics Australia to achieve this.”

Gymnastics Australia is set to release more information about the next steps in this new era for coaching recreational sport.