Gliders Gymnastics InternAt — Gliders Gymnastics

Gymnastics Training, Gymnastics competition event volunteer (Feb 7-9 2025)

Our gymnastics coaching intern would gain hands-on experience working with young gymnasts across various skill levels. The internship offers a unique opportunity to work with children ranging from 2 to 18 years of age, assisting in classes from mommy-and-me sessions to recreational gymnastics, and shadowing competitive coaches to develop a deeper understanding of higher-level gymnastics. The intern will also be involved in helping create and organize training assignments for our competitive athletes, as well as communication and organization for hosted competitive events.

Tasks:

Tasks would be dependent on the fit and desire of the student. Examples could vary from volunteer work at our large hosted competition at Ontario Convention Center, to in-program shadowing and assistant as a gymnastics coach.

Class instruction: Assist in leading and coaching gymnastics classes for children aged 2-18. Support mommy-and-me classes in our baby gym, engaging with parents and young children in age-appropriate activities. Provide guidance and instruction in beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes within our recreational gym. Ensure a safe, supportive, and positive environment for all participants.

Competitive Coaching Shadowing: Observe and learn from experienced competitive coaches to gain insights into advanced gymnastics techniques and coaching strategies.

Training Assignment Organization: Collaborate with competitive coaches to develop and implement training assignments tailored to the athletes' training phases. Create and organize assignments for various gymnastics events including vault, bars, beam, and floor routines. Develop stretching and conditioning routines to enhance overall athletic performance and injury prevention.

Administrative Support: Assist in maintaining records of athlete progress and performance. Help with scheduling and organizing training sessions and events. Support the gym’s communication with parents and athletes regarding class updates and progress.

Professional Development: Participate n training sessions, workshops, and meetings to enhance coaching skills and knowledge of gymnastics. Seek and incorporate feedback from coaches and peers to improve performance.

Training: 

Training would be dependent on the fit and desire of the student. Examples could vary from volunteer work at our large hosted competition at Ontario Convention Center, to in-program shadowing and assistant as a gymnastics coach.

1. Job Shadowing and Observation:

Frequency:

The intern will engage in job shadowing sessions with competitive

coaches 3 times a week. Each session will last approximately 2 hours, allowing ample time for observation and interaction.

Content:

During job shadowing, the intern will observe advanced coaching techniques, including:

Detailed instruction on skill progression for competitive gymnasts.

Analysis of athlete performances and feedback sessions.

Planning and executing training drills for vault, bars, beam, and floor.

Strategic adjustments based on individual athlete needs and training phases.

Learning Objectives: Intern will gain insight into:

Gymnastics techniques and choreography for recreation levels as well as competitive levels.

Effective coaching strategies and athlete motivation techniques.

Real-time problem-solving and decision-making in a competitive training environment.

2. Mandatory Training and Orientation:

• Frequency:
•  Initial orientation will take place during the first week of the internship, with follow-up mandatory training sessions scheduled bi-weekly throughout the internship duration.
• Content:

Mandatory training will cover:

Safety Procedures: Comprehensive safety training will be included, focusing on emergency protocols, first aid, and safe coaching practices. Intern will be required to complete the Safe Sport certification from USA Gymnastics as well as go through a background check and be CPR certified.

Coaching Techniques: Introduction to fundamental coaching principles, including instructional strategies, effective communication with young athletes, and age-appropriate activity planning.

Gymnastics Skill Development: Basic training on spotting techniques, correct form and technique for various gymnastics events, and the use of gym equipment.

• • • Administrative Procedures:
    •  Guidance on managing class schedules, maintaining records of athlete progress, and communicating with parents.

• 3. One-on-One Meetings and Feedback:

• Frequency:
•  One-on-one meetings between the intern and the supervisor will be held weekly. Each meeting will last approximately 30-45 minutes.
• Content:
•  These meetings will focus on:
• Progress
•  Review: Discussing the intern’s performance, addressing any challenges faced, and evaluating
•  their understanding of coaching techniques.
• Feedback:
•  Providing constructive feedback on instructional methods, class management, and interaction with athletes.
• Goal
•  Setting: Setting specific learning objectives for the upcoming week, based on observed
•  performance and areas for improvement.
• Questions and Clarifications:
•  Offering a platform for the intern to ask questions, seek advice, and clarify any uncertainties regarding their coaching role or techniques.

 4. Direct Instruction and Practical Experience:

• Frequency:
•  Direct instruction will occur as needed, with practical demonstrations and hands-on training integrated into the weekly schedule.
• Content:
•  This includes:
• Demonstrations:
•  The supervisor will conduct live demonstrations of different skills and coaching methods, explaining the rationale and technique behind each.

 Guided Practice: The intern will be given opportunities to lead practice sessions under the supervisor’s

•  guidance, applying learned techniques and receiving immediate feedback.
• Skill Drills:
•  Hands-on training sessions where the intern will practice spotting, correcting technique, and providing feedback to athletes, under the direct supervision of the coach. 

Learning Outcome:

- Gain knowledge of gymnastics event organization (1800 competitor event)
- Setup/Teardown of event, volunteer security or hospitality during event
- Option to train as assistant on gymnastics instruction within our program. Learn basic movement exercises
- Study program management and team management
- Study customer and parent communication

The intern will be working with myself or another manager for administrative work. The intern will never be left alone with our clients. For coaching, they will always be partnered with a recreational gymnastics coach or myself.