How to onboard new gymnastics coaches: a practical checklist

Most gyms hire coaches in waves: before a new season, after a competition year, or whenever a class fills up. Each wave needs the same things explained: how the gym runs, what's safe, and what you expect on the floor. Done by word of mouth, every coach ends up with a slightly different version. This checklist gives every new coach the same start.

1. Decide what every coach must know before their first class

Separate must-knows from things they'll pick up over time. A short must-know list is easier to teach and easier to check. For most gyms it looks like this:

• Floor and equipment safety rules, including which equipment needs a coach present
• Your spotting expectations: which skills always get spotted, and by whom
• What to do when an athlete is hurt, and who to tell
• Pick-up, drop-off, and parent communication rules
• How a class at your gym is structured, from warm-up to cool-down

2. Record each topic once

Explaining your injury procedure live to every new coach takes time and changes a little each time. Record it once instead: a 2–5 minute video per topic, filmed on a phone in the gym, is enough. Show the real equipment and say exactly what you expect.

• Keep each video to one topic, so it's easy to update later.
• Film in the space where it happens. "Stand here when spotting" lands better than a slide.
• Say the rule, show it, then say it again at the end.

3. Check understanding, not attendance

Sending a video link only proves the link was sent. A few questions at key moments show whether the coach understood. Ask about decisions they'll actually make: "An athlete says their wrist hurts during warm-up. What do you do first?" is more useful than "What's our policy called?"

When someone gets a question wrong, show the right answer and why. That's often where the real learning happens.

4. Set a deadline before their first unsupervised class

Give a clear finish-by date, ideally before the coach runs any class alone. Check who has finished a few days before, so you have time to chase anyone who hasn't.

5. Use in-person time for what video can't do

Shadowing and hands-on practice are still essential, especially for spotting. Covering rules and procedures on video first means the in-person time goes to practice instead of repeating rules.

6. Keep a record

Note who completed which training and when. If a parent, a head coach, or your insurer ever asks, you can answer straight away. It also tells you who needs retraining when a procedure changes.

A simple first-week plan

1. Day 1: send the training link and the finish-by date.
2. Days 1–3: the coach completes the must-know videos and questions.
3. Day 3: check completion and follow up on any wrong answers.
4. Days 4–7: shadow two or three classes, focused on hands-on skills.
5. End of week: sign off in person on anything that has to be seen, such as spotting.

Coaching Explained is built for exactly this. Upload your gym videos, add questions that pause the video, assign the course with a due date, and see who has finished. It started inside a gymnastics gym for this reason.