Women’s Artistic – Level 1

Course Description
Attaining a Women’s Artistic Level 1 certification will enable you to serve as an assistant coach in this particular discipline. This certification will allow you to enhance your skills in providing support to gymnasts across different age groups and on various equipment. As an assistant coach, you will have the opportunity to assist coaches at Level 2 or higher in this discipline. Additionally, you will be responsible for a group of up to 8 athletes under the supervision of the senior coach.

As a Level 1, you do not possess the certification to independently conduct classes, However in 2026 Level 1 coaches will be able to attend to assist a Level 2 at specific competitions.

Competition Eligibility:

WAG Regional and National Pathway – Level 10 and 9 only

WAG National Pathway – Gems Grades Ruby and Topaz only

GFA Competitions

Duration
Our Women’s Artistic Level 1 course is a full-day in-person program that involves ongoing assessment throughout the duration of the course.

Pre-Requisites
Course Attendees Must:

• Be at least 14 years old
• Hold an IGA Coach Membership
• Provide a minimum of one gymnast per club.

• Introduction to Women’s Artistic Gymnastics
• Introduction to Coaching Philosophy
• Safeguarding Children in Gymnastics
• Talent Identification
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Positive Coaching & Feedback
• Safe Flexibility Training

Gymnast Preparation:

• Warm Up
• Conditioning and understanding it’s importance
• Safe Flexibility Techniques
• Cool Down

Floor Skills:

• Developing key shapes including Dish/Arch and Handstand Shaping
• Understanding body tension and it’s importance to gymnastics development
• Entry to Handstand/Cartwheel
• Handstand
• Cartwheel
• Round Off Entry
• Round Off in preparation for Flick
• Bridge Kickover
• Handstand Bridge to stand
• Backward/Forward Walkover
• Forward/Backward Rolls

Vault Skills:

• Run up and running technique required for good vault practice
• Take off hurdle step and jump from the board
• Take off position on board and it’s importance
• Kick to handstand flat lie
• Handspring to flatback

A Bar Skills:

• Bar equipment – Why, What and When.
• Understanding different Bar Grasps
• Dish/Arch/Straight Hang
• Arch Taps
• Swings
• Chin Up Circle Over
• Backward Hip Circle
• Cast to land
• Cast to horizontal
• Straddle Shoot

Here are the expectations for coaches attending a Level 1 course and what is required to pass the assessment:

• Active Participation: Be fully involved in all practical sessions, group activities, and discussions.
• Ability to host a Warm Up and Cool Down: Coaches will be expected to show they have the confidence to host a warm up and cool down effectively.
• Confidence in Supporting: Demonstrate safe and confident support of all required skills.
• Engagement: Ask and answer questions about techniques, skills, and progressions.
• Understanding: Show a solid understanding of coaching fundamentals and apply feedback effectively.
• Communication: Interact clearly and professionally with peers and gymnasts.
• Safety Awareness: Follow all safety guidelines throughout the course.
• Positive Attitude: Display enthusiasm and a genuine interest in learning and coaching development.