Gymnastics Team Head Coach

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Gymnastics Team Head Coach provides leadership for the Edwardsville YMCA Competitive Gymnastics Team by planning and leading practices, preparing athletes for competition, mentoring assistant coaches, and fostering a safe, supportive, and positive team culture. Working collaboratively with the Director of Gymnastics, this position supports the continued growth and success of the competitive gymnastics program while promoting the YMCA mission, core values, and commitment to youth development.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

We are WELCOMING: We are open to all and create spaces where everyone belongs.

We are GENUINE: We value you and embrace your individuality.

We are HOPEFUL: We believe in your potential and support you in achieving your goals.

We are NURTURING: We foster meaningful relationships built on trust, compassion, and respect.

We are DETERMINED: Above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead and implement coaching plans for Bronze and Above team practices and Partner with the Director of Gymnastics to establish the vision, culture, and competitive goals of the YMCA gymnastics team while serving as the technical leader of the competitive program.
• Plan, organize, and lead team practices that develop confident, skilled athletes while fostering teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and personal growth.
• Develop athletes through progressive instruction, proper technique, conditioning, and safe skill progression appropriate to each athlete's age and ability.
• Prepare athletes for competitions by developing routines, evaluating readiness, and providing leadership and coaching during meets.
• Supervise, mentor, and support assistant coaches by establishing consistent coaching standards, providing technical instruction, conducting regular feedback, and promoting a positive, athlete-centered coaching culture.
• Evaluate athlete progress and collaborate with the Director of Gymnastics regarding team placement, advancement, and long-term athlete development.
• Identify and encourage athletes with competitive potential while supporting evaluations, placements, and the continued growth of the YMCA competitive gymnastics program.
• Foster positive relationships with athletes and families to promote athlete development, retention, and an exceptional YMCA experience through professional communication and outstanding customer service.
• Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, USA Gymnastics rules, SafeSport requirements, and all applicable safety standards.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, athlete information, competition registrations, and other required documentation.
• Assist with team exhibitions, camps, clinics, fundraising activities, and special events that promote and strengthen the competitive gymnastics program.
• Inspect equipment and training areas regularly, reporting maintenance or safety concerns promptly to ensure a safe environment for participants and staff.
• Attend staff meetings, competitions, professional development opportunities, and required certification trainings.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

• Advancing Our Mission and Cause
• Building Relationships
• Leading Operations
• Developing and Inspiring People

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's or bachelor's degree in recreation, kinesiology, education, sports management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of competitive gymnastics coaching experience required.
• Previous experience coaching USA Gymnastics competitive athletes preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of USA Gymnastics rules, gymnastics skill progressions, spotting techniques, and athlete safety.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Current USA Gymnastics Professional Membership and SafeSport certification required or ability to obtain prior to coaching.
• Current CPR/AED, First Aid, Child Abuse Prevention, and all other YMCA-required certifications required or ability to obtain within established timeframes.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the required essential functions. 

• Regularly stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, reach, climb, and move throughout the gymnastics facility.
• Frequently demonstrate gymnastics skills and provide physical spotting assistance to athletes.
• Frequently lift, carry, move, and set up equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Possess the visual and auditory ability to supervise participants, identify safety concerns, and respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Work in an active environment with moderate to loud noise levels.
• Be available to work evenings, weekends, competitions, and special events as needed.
• Maintain the physical stamina necessary to actively coach throughout practices, competitions, and special events.