Coaches | Rhythmic Gymnastics Alberta

Coaching & Judging

Become A Coach

Coaches are highly regarded, and their time is always in demand. At the same time, they enjoy flexible schedules. Coaches may spend just a few hours a week working with athletes to build their skills or have a full schedule, training athletes for competitive or performance events both locally and internationally. The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) has developed the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) as a coach training and certification program for all coaches. The new NCCP is moving towards a competency-based approach where coaches are trained and evaluated in several core competencies.

Find all upcoming RGA Coaching Courses on our Calendar page.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Alberta coaching graphic

NCCP Training Pathways

Gymnastics Foundations (GF)

Certification in Foundations of Gymnastics is the first step in becoming an exceptional coach. In this series of courses, you will learn the cornerstone concepts of sound coaching practices as well as how to teach the fundamental skills of gymnastics. Participants must be at least 15 years old to register for this course.

This level is comprised of the following courses:

GF Theory – included Making Ethical Decisions Module (4 hours)
GF Introduction (9 hours)
GF Discipline Specific - Rhythmic, Active Start, Artistic or Trampoline (9 hours)

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GF Theory and Introduction can be taken separately or are often offered as a package over one weekend. They are offered by both Rhythmic Gymnastics Alberta and the Alberta Gymnastics Federation. Dates for upcoming courses can be found on our calendar The Rhythmic Discipline Specific course is offered only by RGA and can also be found on our calendar. In addition, the following ONLINE modules are also required to complete the training for Gymnastics Foundations:

Making Ethical Decisions Evaluation – found on The Locker
Respect In Sports (RiS) - https://gymnasticscanada.respectgroupinc.com/start.jsp

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Once these courses are completed, you will be considered Gymnastics Foundations ‘TRAINED’. ‘Trained’ coaches may independently coach their own group of athletes as long as there is a ‘CERTIFIED’ coach in the gym at all times. ‘TRAINED’ coaches may proceed through the Level 2 Competitive Introduction courses in their specified disciplines.

Certification

Gymnastics Foundations (GF)

Certification required the completion of all in-person and online course work and an EVALUATION. An evaluation is coaching portfolio AND a lesson observation, either in person or via a video analysis. Contact the RGA office at rgalberta@gmail.com when you are ready for certification to arrange an evaluation.

‘CERTIFIED’ coaches may independently coach AND may supervise and mentor other coaches. Certified coaches who have mentorship or supervisory responsibilities should be a minimum of 18 years old.

Competition 1 (Introduction)

The Competition 1 (Introduction) course provides the coach with the theoretical and technical knowledge required to prepare them to coach athletes developmental, pre-competitive and basic competitive programs

Objectives of the course:

Learn how to plan a training session
Learn how to develop a yearly training plan that integrates training priorities and athlete development
Learn how to give athletes basic nutritional guidance
Learn how to help athletes be mentally prepared for competition
Acquire the level of teaching and technical competencies to apply at this level of rhythmic gymnastics

Prerequisites

Coaches 16 years and older who are 'TRAINED' in Gymnastics Foundations and want to coach to learn how to coach:

Developmental athletes
Pre-competitive athletes
Beginner Provincial level athletes

Certification

Evaluation for this course is currently in the pilot phase. Please contact us at info@rgalberta to discuss the evaluation process.

Level 3 – Competitive Development

Provincial/National Level Coaching

Level 3 is required for coaches wishing to train high level Provincial and National level athletes. There is significant, multi-sport theory coursework involved so it is advisable to start on those courses PRIOR to registering for the Technical course as it is usually only offered once every 2 years and is typically out of Province. Upcoming courses can be found on the calendar in your LOCKER account on the Coach.ca website. Competitive Development NCCP Multi-Sport Modules:

Coaching & Leading Effectively
Prevention & Recovery of Injury
Managing Conflict
Psychology of Performance
Developing Athletic Ability

Level 3 Technical Course

This course is typically 4 days in duration and held once every 2 years. RGA will advise clubs of any upcoming Level 3 Technical Courses when they are announced by Gymnastics Canada.

Practical + Evaluation – there is a practical and evaluation component to Level, the details of which are provided at the Level 3 Technical course. Please contact rgalberta@gmail.com for more information.

Certification

Theory + Technical + Practical + Evaluation = Level 3 Certified