Gymnastics South Africa’s updated Level 1A courses rolled out to all nine Provinces

Gymnastics South Africa’s eagerly awaited updated Level 1A courses are being rolled out to all nine Provinces this quarter.

First up are the Olympic disciplines, including Women and Men’s Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline. Acrobatics Level A courses will be introduced from April. Aerobics, Rope Skipping and Tumbling Level 1 A courses will form part of phase two of the roll-out and will be available during the second half of 2023.

 The main objectives of the updated courses are to train coaches to work with gymnasts participating in Gymnastics SA’s Level 1, 2 and 3 competitive programs. These new practical courses are also aimed at enabling coaches to gain experience in coaching basic skills in their relevant discipline.

 The courses are designed by the best experts of each discipline in consultation with Gymnastics SA Development and Education Manager, Marti Heri.

Each course includes the following:

·        Intermediate skills and teaching progressions

·        Skill cards of all skills of Level 1, 2, 3(4) programs

·        Continued practical experience in mentor club

·        Final practical assessment submitted by video

Outcomes from each course:

·        Specific warm up for the discipline

·        Specific conditioning for the discipline

·        Skills specific flexibility training

·        Coaching of all skills grouped by movement family, incorporating:

•                  Demonstration of correct technique /Movement Analysis

•                  Pre-requisites

•                  Teaching progressions/ Stations

•                  Spotting

•                  Common errors and its correction

·        Preparation work (i.e. ballet, trampoline, basic use of music)

·        Combination of elements incorporating Level 1-2-3 program

·        Safety: apparatus specific

·        Injury prevention -common injuries in the discipline specific to certain skills

·        Cool down (incl. rehabilitation)

·        Planning for events:

•                  Basic judging requirements

•                  Competition rules

•                  Coaches’ responsibilities

Coaches wishing to take part in this training need to complete the Level 1A Generic Course, as well as the Safeguarding Training. Coaches participating in the new Level 1A course will be required to complete a minimum of three months’ workplace experience in a mentor club and obtain a Level 1 First Aid training, before being issued with their certificate of competence.

A group of course facilitators were selected and are being trained to ensure that the new discipline specific courses will be hosted in all nine provinces.

To find out when and where these courses are taking place in your province contact your provincial office.