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Q: What is USA Gymnastics University?
A: USA Gymnastics University is a collection of
educational resources, courses, and a professional certification
program. The University will provide greater educational
opportunities and a standardized program for gymnastics
professionals at all levels. All of USA Gymnastics' current
and future educational courses will fall under the University
umbrella. Professional certification will also be available
through the University.
Q: What are the benefits of continuing education and
certification?
A: The benefits include:
- Providing a safer, healthier environment for gymnastics
participation
- Enhances athlete development, contributes to well-rounded
athletes with greater opportunities for success
- Obtaining national-level professional recognition
and acknowledgment of competency, which aids employers
in evaluating current employees and future hires,
helps the public evaluate and distinguish between
gymnastics clubs, and allows professionals to stand
out among peers
- Helping to make the gymnastics professional's job
more satisfying
- Contributing to employment opportunities, job advancement
and increased salaries
- Keeping gymnastics coaches and instructors at the
top of their game
- Showing commitment to professionalism and lifelong
learning
- Enhancing skills and training and expanding knowledge
- Helping to reduce personal and institutional liability
- Providing a means for new coaches, judges, and teachers
to get involved with the sport
Q:
What is the difference between USA Gymnastics University
courses and the certification program?
A: USA Gymnastics offers a variety of educational
opportunities through the University - live and online
courses, Regional and National Congresses, as well as
clinics, workshops and camps in each discipline. All
of these could be considered USA Gymnastics University
courses.
The certification program defines required education
and awards recognition of completion. Individuals will
complete various course work, defined for each level
of certification, in order to earn certification. In
most cases, multiple courses and/or practical experiences
are required to earn a level of certification.
It is possible for individuals to take educational courses
through USA Gymnastics University, but not be working
towards certification.
Q: What are the requirements of certification?
A: Certification is available in four different
areas of study: Program, Judging, Recreational Gymnastics,
and Business/Administrative. Within each college, certification
requirements are defined for each of the five levels
of certification. Check out the requirements for Level
1 certification.
Q: Why should I be certified?
A:
USA Gymnastics believes that education is important
to providing quality conditions and training environments
for gymnastics participants. Safety, child development,
correct skill technique, injury prevention, conditioning
and progressions, and overall athlete preparation are
just some of the areas of education that will help coaches,
instructors, judges, and administrators provide safe,
fun environments for all. Certification helps to prepare
gymnastics professionals for their role in the sport
and raise the level of the sport across the country.
By earning certification you are refreshing and expanding
your knowledge and highlighting your professional credentials.
Q: What does it mean to be certified by USA Gymnastics?
A: Certification through USA Gymnastics University
verifies an individual's completion of core education
requirements and practical experience. Certification
provides proof of an individual's training and preparation
for his/her work in the field. Certification is intended
to provide a base-level of education, a minimum standard
for gymnastics professionals.
Q: When will the certification program be available?
A: All core requirements for Level 1 certification
are scheduled to be available by the end of 2008. Core
courses for higher levels of certification will be developed
following the completion of Level 1.
The first two courses for Level 1 certification are
currently available - Safety/Risk
Management Certification and First
Aid Basics. Plus, several other educational
courses, congresses, and workshops are now
available. Get started or continue with your education
today!
Q: How do I get started with my certification?
A: First, become a member of USA Gymnastics!!
You must be a member to earn certification. Also, USA
Gymnastics members receive discounts on educational
courses.
Second, start learning!! Begin with certification at
Level
1. Two of the required courses are now available.
Register for these courses today! The third course required
for Level 1 certification is scheduled for completion
by the end of 2008.
Q: I am a veteran coach, where do I start?
A: All individuals who wish to obtain USA Gymnastics
University certification will be required to begin with
and complete Level 1, regardless of prior certifications,
experience, college degrees, etc. Level 1 is the foundation
of the University, providing a solid basis for all gymnastics
professionals.
After completion of Level 1, individuals may be eligible
to apply for qualification to higher levels of certification.
The process and associated requirements will be defined
for each college and each level. Qualification to higher
levels will be based on experience, training and accomplishments,
not necessarily time in the sport. If an individual
is approved for qualification to a higher level, he/she
may jump immediately to that level.
Q: Do I have to have a certification in order to
coach?
A: Currently, certification is not required.
Educational courses and certification are provided by
USA Gymnastics as a means for gymnastics professionals
to review, increase, and diversify their knowledge;
to help new coaches get started in the sport; to continually
provide the latest information in a variety of areas;
and to recognize professionals for their commitment
to their profession and to the sport.
Q: When and where are courses offered?
A: Some University courses are offered online
and some as live courses. Online courses are available
over the Internet 24/7. Live courses are held at various
locations around the country. A listing of available
courses can be found at Course
Offerings and Registration. Click on the
course name for more information about the course including
schedules and ways to register.
If you are interested in hosting a live course at your
facility, contact a National
Instructor in your area to schedule a course.
Q: What is the cost of certification?
A: Cost are defined for each course, not by certification
level. Please see the respective course
description for costs.
Q: Can I count other education towards certification
through USA Gymnastics University?
A: All certification requirements must be earned
through USA Gymnastics educational courses, clinics,
workshops, sanctioned events, or approved providers.
This is important to be able to provide standardized
education, bring value to the certification program,
and guarantee the level of training for all participants.
This also enables USA Gymnastics to track and verify
the completion of requirements.
Q: How long is the certification valid?
A: Certification is valid for 4 years from the
month of certification completion. Continuing education
requirements will be defined and required to maintain
certification. Completion of continuing education requirements
may occur at any time during the 4-year period.
Q: Must I take a test to earn my certification?
A: Testing is incorporated into the course work.
There are no comprehensive tests required to complete
a level.
Q: I have previous USA Gymnastics certifications,
will they count towards USA Gymnastics University certification?
A: In most cases, yes, previous USA Gymnastics
certifications will be incorporated into the University.
USA Gymnastics maintains records for those completing
Safety/Risk Management Certification, Preschool Fundamentals
courses, KAT, MELPD, PDP, Women's Level 1 PDCP Certification,
and T&T Level 1 Certification. University credits
and/or core requirements will be given for this course
work. Other USA Gymnastics University courses, including
attendance at Regional and National Congresses, from
here on out will also count towards University credits
and certification.
USA Gymnastics is a leader in area of education with
our Safety/Risk Management Certification course, preschool
education, business workshops, sport-specific clinics
and workshops, judges accreditation and more. All of
these existing education programs are now part of USA
Gymnastics University.
Q: Do I have to be a member of USA Gymnastics to
earn certification?
A: Yes. Individuals must be a Professional, Junior
Professional, or Instructor member of USA Gymnastics
in order to become certified. However, individual courses
are offered to anyone in the gymnastics community, including
nonmembers.
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