ALL COACHES MUST BE TRAINED at the proper level they are coaching.

Member Clubs must register all CiT's and Coaches with Gymnastics Nova Scotia as close to September 1st as possible, with a deadline of October 15th. The registration period runs from September 1st-August 31st annually.

Registration occurs through Uplifter.

Coaches must attain minimum certifications in order to coach specific Competition levels (WAG/MAG and TTTG)

Exemptions may be granted for a coach for that competitive season only. Only a 1-tier level exemption will be granted.

Example: If you are a coach with Foundations training and require Competition Introduction training to coach P1 boys, that is a 2 tier level jump and that exemption will not be granted. In order to have a 1 tier level exemption, you would need to be Foundations certified to request this exemption.

Member clubs must ensure their coaches:

Have the proper coaching credentials: visit www.coach.ca and look at the Public Transcript in the Locker
Have Criminal Record Checks and Child Abuse Register checks that are valid within the past 3 years, for anyone 18 years and older. Dates are uploaded into their Uplifter profile
- Criminal Record Checks – these checks are required every 3 years and can be completed through MyBackCheck.com or your local police station. In order to be invited to do a police check through MyBackCheck, you can contact Gymnastics Nova Scotia.
- NS Child Abuse Registry Check – these checks are required every 3 years and are completed through NS Community Services. You can follow the link to the NS Child Abuse Registry to apply online.
Have up-to-date First Aid training if they are a Supervisory Coach.
Are registered with Gymnastics Nova Scotia (in Uplifter) in the correct category. Ex. WAG competitive coach, MAG developmental coach, Recreational Coach
Have a Respect in Sport certificate number and it is uploaded into their Uplifter Profile. Coaches can access Respect in Sport here. If you are a GNS member club coach, please contact gnscoach@sportnovascotia.ca for the access code so there is no cost for you to take this course.
NCCP number- uploaded into their Uplifter profile
Locker eLearning modules: Understanding the Rule of Two, Making Headway in Sport, Safe Sport Training

NCCP

Why Certify as a Gymnastics Foundations Coach?

Why Certify memo - DJB.pdf

Coach Evaluation Packages

List of Coach Evaluators:

Gymnastics Foundations Coach Evaluation Guide

Competition Intro (Comp 1)- Coach Evaluation Guidelines for Success

Competition Intro MAG/WAG Coach Evaluation Templates

Competition Intro- Coach Evaluation Templates Trampoline

Competition Intro Advanced (Comp 2) Coach Evaluation Guidelines for Success

Competition Intro Advanced (Comp 2) MAG/WAG Coach Evaluation Templates

Coach Level Requirements & Exemption Form

2026-2027 GNS Coaching Exemption Form.pdf

2026-2027 Coach Level Chart, Exemption Policy & Application

Certification	WAG Levels	MAG Levels	TG Levels
Gymnastics Foundations (GF) Certified	JO 3 with exemption if granted	P1 with exemption if granted	Pre-Provincial 1 (TG & DMT) TUM with exemption if granted
Competition Introduction (C1) Trained	JO3, JO4, Xcel Silver and Gold	P1, P2	Pre-Provincial 2, P1
Competition Introduction (C1) Certified	JO5, JO6, Xcel Platinum	P3	P2
Competition Introduction Advanced(C2) Trained Level 3 Trained (TG only)	JO7, JO8	P4, P5	P3, P4
Competition Introduction Advanced(C2) Certified or Competition Development (C3) Trained Level 3 Certified (TG only)	JO9, JO10, Xcel Diamond and Sapphire	Novice, Open	L5, L6, L7, JR, SR
Competition Development (C3) Certified	Novice, JR, SR	JR, SR

Exemption Policy

1. Coaches are permitted to coach one tier above their designated eligibility level if:

a) They are directly supervised by a coach of the required, or higher, level coach.

b) They have not passed up on an opportunity to take the required course offered in Nova Scotia.

c) They plan to achieve the necessary certification or complete the necessary course work within the next twelve months.

2. Requests for exemption to be made to the Competition Chair(s) at least two weeks prior to the first GNS sanctioned competition of the calendar year.

3. Exemptions will last for one competition season only; however, they can be reapplied for, provided the above criteria have been attempted to be achieved.

4. Exemptions are only applicable within Nova Scotia at GNS sanctioned competitions and are not valid at out of province or National events.

5. One-time, single day exemptions can be granted if the above criteria are met. These exemptions require the endorsement of the applying clubs’ head coach who will take direct responsibility for the coach and their actions. Any abuse (ie. Multiple applications, falsification of information, etc.) of this system will result in a $100 fine.

6. Any exemptions made for more than one tier will be brought before the GNS board of directors for consideration.

Coaching

Long Term Coach Development

Other Training and Certification

All gymnastics coaches are required to complete:

Respect in Sport Program – this trains coaches to deal with issues such as bullying, abuse of power, and harassment in sport. Please click on the link above or contact Gymnastics Nova Scotia for more specific information about this program and for GNS member club coaches, there is an access code so no cost is required from you to take this course.
Criminal Record Checks – these checks are required every 3 years and can be completed through MyBackCheck.com or your local police station. In order to be invited to do a police check through MyBackCheck, you can contact Gymnastics Nova Scotia.
NS Child Abuse Registry Check – these checks are required every 3 years and are completed through NS Community Services. You can follow the link to the NS Child Abuse Registry to apply online.

Become a Coach

Gymnastics Canada’s Coach Education Program adheres to the standards of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) as set out by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). With the Provincial/Territorial Gymnastics Organizations, Gymnastics Canada mandates that any individual coaching in a Gymnastics Canada member club must be a trained or certified coach under the NCCP for the gymnastics discipline in which they are coaching. Along with the development and delivery of the NCCP to coaches throughout the country, Gymnastics Canada works closely with the Provincial/Territorial Gymnastics Organizations (who are responsible for hosting and scheduling NCCP courses) to ensure that our member clubs continue to provide sound training programs in a safe learning environment that meet the needs of all gymnastics participants.

For more information about the specific training and certification levels required for coaches working with provincial/territorial recreational and competitive level gymnasts, please contact Gymnastics Nova Scotia. For more information about the specific training and certification levels required for coaches working with national level gymnasts, please refer to Gymnastics Canada’s respective program’s Technical Regulations (MAG, RG, TG and WAG programs).

Gymnastics Canada has offered NCCP training in Artistic, Trampoline and Rhythmic Gymnastics since the mid 1970s. Presently, our NCCP is undergoing a shift from a knowledge based training approach to a competency based educational and training (CBET) approach. As this transition is ongoing, coaches who completed NCCP courses prior to January 1st 2008 will be referred to the OLD NCCP (Level 1, 2, 3 and 4); individuals interested in becoming newly trained and certified gymnastics coaches will be referred to the NEW NCCP (Gymnastics Foundations).

As of January 1st 2010, all coaches who have completed a Level 1 NCCP component (Theory, Technical, Practical), will be granted an equivalent status as a ‘Gymnastics Foundations’ coach in their gymnastics sport (Active Start, Aerobic, Artistic, Rhythmic, or Trampoline).

What is the CIT (Coach in Training) Program?

A 1 or 2 year program that introduces young teens to the various aspects to coaching gymnastic sports and prepares them for entry into the NCCP when they reach the age of 15.
Includes individual study, mentorship & hands-on coaching experience under the supervision of a Tutor Coach.
A CIT who begins the program at the age of 13 has two years to complete all the requirements. A CIT who begins at age 14 or 15 must complete all requirements in one year.
Each club may use its own discretion regarding the employment vs. volunteer status of CITs.
All CIT candidates and Tutor Coaches must enter into a written agreement that stipulates their roles and responsibilities. This generic agreement is included in the CIT Tutor’s Guide and in the Coach Workbook.
Consists of weekly training modules with a Tutor Coach, which supports ongoing supervised coaching, officiating and administrative experiences.
CIT candidates may only assist a certified coach with programs for preschoolers or for children aged 6-8. A CIT must never be given sole responsibility for a group of children.
In year one, candidates will complete 15 hours of training modules, covering 10 topic areas.
In year two, candidates will complete and additional 15 hours of tasks related to coaching, officiating and administration.
Over the course of the two years, it is also expected that the CIT will remain an active gymnastic participant, completing a minimum of 15 hours of “gymming” time.

Who can be a CIT?

Anyone between the ages of 13 and 15 years who is interested in learning how to coach.
It is preferable to have had some ongoing gymnastics participation, which may be at either a recreational or competitive level.
All CITs must be registered members of the club and P/T Gymnastics Association.

Who can be a CIT Tutor Coach?

Any coach that is NCCP Level 1 Certified and is at least 18 years old.
Candidate must have sound knowledge of Preschool or Recreational programs.
Must be able to work with the CIT in the gym and during the training modules.

For further information on beginning the CIT program in your club, please contact Gymnastics Nova Scotia by email at gns@sportnovascotia.ca or by phone at (902) 425-5450, ext. 338.

GYMNASTICS FOUNDATIONS

The Gymnastics Foundations Program consists of 3 training courses and a 10-week practical coaching period (see Gymnastics Foundations Training Pathway). Coaches seeking certification will also need to complete an evaluation. The pre-requisite for this program is 15 years of age.

Gymnastics Foundations THEORY (MED and Planning a Practice) - 4 hours

The Theory course is a half-day course that covers content common to all gymnastics sports. After completing the THEORY course the coach is still considered “IN TRAINING” must be under the direct supervision of a certified coach. Following the Theory course ALL coaches must complete the Making Ethical Decisions online evaluation. See MED section for more details.

Gymnastics Foundations INTRODUCTION - 8 hours

This course is an in gym one-day course for ALL gym sports (Artistic, Trampoline, Active Start etc.)

After completing this one-day course the coach is considered to be ‘IN TRAINING’ and may assist a certified coach. Coaches “IN TRAINING” must be under the direct supervision of a certified coach.

*(Direct supervision means: Coaches with “In Training” status cannot have sole responsibility for a group of athletes and must be working side by side with a supervised by a CERTIFIED coach that is a minimum of 18 years of age).

Gymnastics Foundations SPORT SPECIFIC - 8 hours per sport

The Sport Specific courses are one-day courses that provide practical knowledge unique to each gym sport. The gym sports that are currently offered under the gymnastics umbrella are:

Active Start (Preschool) – Coaching children 6 years and under

Artistic Gymnastics – Recreational classes for children 6 and older

Trampoline - Recreational classes for children 6 and older

Coaches who complete the Gymnastics Foundations program and want to also coach another gymnastics sport (ie trampoline as well as artistic) can do so by attending the one day Discipline Specific course for that discipline. Coaches only have to complete the GF Intro and GF Theory courses ONCE.

After completing the Sport Specific course the coach is considered “TRAINED”

THEORY + INTRO + SPORT SPECIFIC (Artistic, Trampoline etc.) = TRAINED

“TRAINED” coaches may independently coach their own group of athletes as long as there is a “Certified” coach in the gym at all times. Coaches are encouraged to only coach athletes at their present level of training or below. “TRAINED” coaches may proceed through the coaching pathway and are eligible to take Level 2 Competitive Introduction courses in their specified discipline.

GYMNASTICS FOUNDATIONS CERTIFICATION

THEORY + INTRO + SPORT SPECIFIC + EVALUATION = CERTIFIED

Certification is finalized following successful completion of all courses, a coaching portfolio AND GF Evaluation. Click HERE for the Evaluation Package.

“CERTIFIED” coaches may independently coach their own group of athletes AND may supervise and mentor other coaches at or below their present certification level. Certified coaches that have mentorship or supervisory responsibilities should be a minimum of 18 years of age

COMPETITION 1 (INTRODUCTION):

WOMEN’S APPARATUS, MEN’S APPARATUS OR TRAMPOLINE

1. THEORY

Take a Comp 1 Theory course. Often offered online.

2. TECHNICAL

Attend and successfully complete the Competition Introduction technical courses in your Sport Specific Discipline (Women’s, Men’s, Trampoline). After completing the Technical course the coach is considered “TRAINED”. “TRAINED” coaches must be under the supervision of a Level 2 certified coach within that discipline.

3. PRACTICAL

Complete the Competition Introduction Portfolio and undergo Evaluation by a certified Coach Evaluator. Contact Gymnastics Nova Scotia for a list of Coach Evaluators near you.

4. You must COMPLETE and SUBMIT your Level 2 Practical Coaching Form to Gymnastics Nova Scotia. Make sure your supervisor completes the supervisor’s section and signs your form otherwise it will be returned to you. Keep a copy of the form in your Coaching Portfolio just in case you need it later.

THEORY + TECHNICAL + PRACTICAL HOURS = CERTIFIED

COMPETITION 2 (INTRODUCTION ADVANCED):

PROVINCIAL/NATIONAL ARTISTIC OR TRAMPOLINE GYMNASTICS

1. THEORY

Coaches are required to attain the multi-sport theory component which is the completion of four (4) of the six (6) Competition Development Modules. It is preferred that gymnastics coaches NOT complete the 'Leading Drug Free Sport' module, but it will be recognized as one (1) of the four (4) required modules if they do. To find the closest course module offerings in your area, please visit the Coaching Nova Scotia webpage by clicking HERE.

2. TECHNICAL

Attend and successfully complete the Competition 2 Introduction Advanced technical course in your Sport Specific Discipline (Women’s, Men’s, Trampoline). After completing the Technical course the coach is considered “TRAINED”. “TRAINED” coaches must be under the supervision of a Level 3 or Competition 3 Development certified coach within that discipline.

3. PRACTICAL - ARTISTIC MAG/WAG, TRAMPOLINE

In order to become Competition 2 Certified, coaches must complete their Competition 2 Portfolio and undergo an Evaluation by a certified Coach Evaluator.

THEORY + TECHNICAL + PRACTICAL = CERTIFIED

COMPETITION 3 (DEVELOPMENT):

- HIGH PERFORMANCE / INTERNATIONAL GYMNASTICS

Combines the principles and technical elements for more sophisticated gymnastics.
High level competitive coaches attend week-long intensive sessions and prepare extensive assignments to complete these levels, including training an athlete to the Canadian National Team.
For these levels a coach can only be invited to attend by Gymnastics Canada

COACHING EQUIVALENCY & EXEMPTION

In certain circumstances, some coaches and athletes are eligible for coaching equivalencies and/or exemptions. Please review the Coaching Equivalency and Exemption document.

Respect in Sport

Respect in Sport is a grassroots on-line training course for coaches and sport leaders. It is designed as a tool to assist coaches in identifying and dealing with abuse, neglect, harassment, and bullying in sport.

GNS requires that all club coaches complete the 3 hour Respect in Sport On-line Program. For more information on this program or to begin the course, please visit: Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders

Resources

Check coaching records (requires NCCP CC#) here. You should print a copy of your NCCP Database record for your Coaching Portfolio. If there are any discrepancies, please contact your Provincial/Territorial Gymnastics Organization.