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The purpose of the certification program is to set minimum
education standards for the sport, provide sport-specific
training as well as training in other domains, and help
gymnastics professionals grow and in turn develop well-trained
athletes. Going back to our mission, education and certification help to provide safe, fun, and successful environments
for participation in the sport of gymnastics.
Certification is not intended to be the culmination of learning. Instead
it is the beginning. Gymnastics professionals are encouraged
to seek certification and continuing educational opportunities
to keep them at the top of their game.
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click for larger version of certification structure |
Certification through USA Gymnastics University is based
on the completion of multiple courses, not simply one
single course. Each level of certification serves as
a foundation of education and a stepping stone to the
next level.
Certification will be available within four colleges:
program, recreational, judge, and business. Each college
is comprised of five levels of certification. To earn
certification, gymnastics professionals must take designated
courses from the University curriculum and complete
other requirements.
Colleges / Areas of Study:
The Certification Program is comprised of four colleges:
- Program College
- For gymnastics coaches working with pre-team,
compulsory, optional, and elite athletes. Includes
majors in each gymnastics discipline: Women's
Artistic, Men's Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline
& Tumbling, Acrobatic Gymnastics, and General
Gymnastics.
- Judges
College - For gymnastics judges at all levels
and in each discipline. Intended as an additional level
of training and education to compliment judging certification requirements defined by each program.
- Recreational
College - For gymnastics instructors and
teachers working with athletes in preschool, recreational,
and school-aged programs in gymnastics clubs, community
centers, schools, and other places.
- Business
College - For club owners and program administrators.
Course work focuses on business issues, leadership, and
program development.
Levels of Certification
Within each college, there are five levels of certification.
Completion of stated requirements is necessary to earn
certification.
Level 1 provides a educational foundation for all gymnastics
professionals and each level progresses from there.
(Note: the names of the certification levels, i.e. Level
1, Level 2, Level 3 and so forth, do not correspond
directly with the competitive levels in the sport.)
USA Gymnastics University Certification Program is similar
to any college or university degree program. Level 1
could be considered a prerequisite or college prep level;
Level 2 similar to a freshman; Level 3, sophomore; Level
4, junior; and Level 5, the highest level of certification,
senior.
Type
of Course Work:
Each level of certification requires a certain number of credits
obtained from three requirement areas:
- Core courses
are courses and content developed specifically for
the college and certification level. These courses
provide a knowledge base for the given level and focusing
on key areas, such as safety, first aid, coaching
principles, or skill basics. Core requirements will
most often be in the form of live or online courses.
- Practical experience
is derived from experience-based learning versus course
work or book study. Practical experience is defined per
college and certification level. Examples of practical
experience may include:
- Coaching at a variety of program competitions, such
as Level 5, 6 and/or 7 State Championships; Level
8, 9 and/or 10 Regional Championships; National Qualifier
and/or USA Championships
- Minimum three years work experience as a preschool
gymnastics teacher
- Instructor or presenter at a live course or Congress
- Elective
courses provide the learner with educational
choices that will supplement the core education. Individuals
may choose courses based on area of interest or their
desire to broaden their knowledge base. Examples of elective
courses may include:
- USA Gymnastics National and Regional Congresses
- CPR certification
- USA Gymnastics Business Seminars
- Sport science and sport management courses offered
through USA Gymnastics University or approved
vendors
- Core courses from other USA Gymnastics University
colleges
- Attendance at Visa Championships, Tyson American
Cup, world-level international competitions or
Olympic Games
- Designated courses from accredited post-secondary
institutions (i.e. Michigan State University,
Boston College, etc.)
General Information:
Certification is valid for four years. Continuing education
will be required to maintain certification. Continuing education
provides a means for professionals to stay current with
new rules, ever-changing techniques, new research and studies,
updated medical information and trends as well as refresh
their existing knowledge. Continuing education requirements
may be completed at any time throughout the four-year period.
As a means to providing standardized education, bringing
value to the certification program, and guaranteeing the
level of training for participants, all course work and
practical experience applied towards certification must
be earned through USA Gymnastics courses, sanctioned events,
and/or approved providers. This also enables USA Gymnastics
to track and verify the completion of requirements.
Note: Curriculum and courses continue
to be developed as part of USA Gymnastics University.
All courses for Level 1 Certification are scheduled
to be available by the end of 2008. Additional levels
will follow.
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