Gymnastics Coach

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Head Gymnastics Coach, the Gymnastics Coach teaches, trains, and develops gymnasts by delivering safe, structured, and age‑appropriate instruction in a positive learning environment. This role focuses on building proper technique, strength, flexibility, and confidence while promoting discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The Gymnastics Coach plans and leads practices, ensures athlete safety, tracks skill progression, and supports individual and team development to achieve program and competitive goals.

• Instruct athletes in gymnastics skills by using proper techniques, equipment, spotting, and progressive skill development in order to ensure athletes learn safely and can advance at an appropriate pace.
• Maintain a safe training environment by enforcing safety rules, conducting proper warm‑ups, inspecting equipment, applying correct spotting techniques, and following program guidelines to reduce the risk of injury and promote athlete well‑being.
• Plan and lead structured practices by designing goal‑oriented training sessions aligned with athlete ability levels in order to prepare athletes for current competition requirements and support progression toward future skills.
• Implement conditioning activities by providing age‑appropriate strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination exercises while monitoring physical limitations to support athletic development and prevent overuse or fatigue.
• Support athlete confidence and emotional development by providing constructive feedback, encouragement, and recognition of effort to help athletes manage fear, stress, and competition‑related pressure.
• Assess athlete skill progression regularly by observing performance, documenting development, and identifying strengths and improvement areas in order to adjust training plans and support continuous growth.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders by sharing timely, clear, and professional information with athletes, parents, the coaching team, and YMCA staff to ensure alignment and positive program experiences.
• Promote a positive team culture by modeling YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility to foster a supportive, inclusive, and respectful environment.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; must be at least 16 years of age (or turning 16 within 30 days of application).
• Minimum of one (1) year of prior experience teaching gymnastics required.
• Knowledge of basic gymnastics progressions and spotting techniques required.
• First Aid/CPR, USAG Safe Sport (ages 18+), and USAG Safety & Risk Management certifications required within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to positively engage with school‑age children and teens.
• Strong listening and communication skills to interact effectively with athletes, parents, and coworkers.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and flexible in a fast‑paced environment.

• Accountability:
  Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and results. Follows through on commitments and accepts responsibility. Completes assigned tasks on time and accepts feedback without defensiveness. Adheres to established policies and procedures.
• Teamwork:
  Works cooperatively with other coaches and staff by sharing information, assisting when needed, and contributing to a supportive team environment.
• Communication:
  Communicates clearly and respectfully with athletes, parents, and coworkers by providing basic instruction, feedback, and updates in a timely manner.
• Motivating:
  Encourages athletes by recognizing effort, celebrating progress, and maintaining a positive attitude during practices and competitions.
• Leadership:
  Demonstrates positive role‑model behavior by following YMCA policies, setting appropriate boundaries, and reinforcing expectations for conduct and effort.
• Coaching:
  
  Applies fundamental coaching techniques by teaching basic skills, correcting form, and using appropriate progressions to support athlete learning.
• Relationship-Building:
  Builds positive relationships with athletes and families by being approachable, respectful, and responsive to questions or concerns.

• Frequent bending, kneeling, quick movements, and spotting during instruction and demonstrations.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work schedule primarily includes evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel to gymnastics competitions throughout the state of Wisconsin.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support organizational goals. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.