Gym Etiquette
How early should a coach arrive before their scheduled class time to ensure they are prepared and professional?
At least 15 minutes early and with class materials ready and prepared To start coaching.
List a reason jewelry should not be worn during class.
It can injure the coach or athlete, get caught on equipment, or scratch/pull skin.
Two athletes in your class are arguing over turns and it’s disrupting the station flow.
Calmly intervene and remind them of gym rules about sharing and waiting their turn. Redirect their attention by setting clear expectations and possibly implementing a visible rotation system. If needed, separate them to reduce conflict and maintain a positive environment.
During the T-shape drill against the wall, the athlete’s head keeps touching the mat and arms are not in line with the ears. What correction would you give?
Push through your shoulders / Straighten your arms / Squeeze ears with arms
The body begins in a tucked seated position. Momentum travels over the shoulders as the hands push against the floor near the ears, finishing on the feet.
Backward Roll
List three types of jewelry or accessories that should never be worn while coaching for safety and professionalism.
Watches, bracelets, and dangling earrings (also necklaces and rings).
You see a kid limping after a Skill. What’s your first step?
Stop the athlete immediately, check on them, and notify a supervisor or parent if needed.
Mid-class, you notice an athlete is repeatedly ignoring corrections and attempting skills outside of what you assigned, creating a safety risk.
Immediately stop the athlete and firmly explain the safety risks. Redirect them to appropriate progressions and reinforce why following instructions is critical. Document the behavior if repeated and communicate with parents if necessary.
If a child consistently drops one leg in a handstand, what might that indicate?
Lack of body awareness, weak hip flexors, weak core strength
This stationary position demonstrates straight legs pointed to the ceiling, hips lifted off the floor, and arms pressing down for support.
Candlesticks
Why is it unacceptable to tell a parent their child is the “best” in class or to speak negatively about another child?
It creates favoritism, damages trust, and is unprofessional; coaches must treat all athletes equally and speak positively.
What should a coach do if an athlete wants to try a skill they’re not ready for?
Redirect to progressions or drills that are safe and appropriate for their level.
A student wants to try a back handspring on the floor, but it’s still very undercut and inconsistent on the tumble track.
Advise continuing focused work on the tumble track until consistent and safe. Use progressions and drills to build confidence and control. Do not allow floor attempts without proper mats, spotting,and/or until the skill is solid on the tumble track to prevent injury.
Which type of learner benefits most from detailed verbal instructions and imagery?
Auditory Learner
A lateral locomotor skill where the hands and feet alternate in a four-step pattern, traveling sideways with legs staying straight.
Cartwheel
Name two examples of clothing length violations for coaches that are considered unprofessional in the gym environment.
Shorts that are too short, shirts that are too long (covering hands or limiting movement), or tops that reveal the stomach/back.
Why should coaches avoid sitting down during class?
It reduces supervision, slows class flow, and increases safety risks.
A parent says their child has been in Tier 2 for six months and should move to Tier 3, but the athlete hasn’t passed all Tier 2 skill requirements.
Politely explain the skill requirements for advancement and the importance of mastering them for safety and success. Offer a clear plan and timeline for reaching Tier 3 skills, and suggest ways to support the child’s progress.
What is a simple cue for fixing bent knees in a cartwheel?
Point your toes, Lock your knees
A dynamic skill that starts from a lunge, passes through vertical inversion with a controlled pause, and ends back in a lunge.
Handstand
What is the policy on using your phone to read lesson plans during class, and when is it acceptable to check them?
Phones should not be used during active class time; lesson plans can only be reviewed quickly during water breaks or before/after class.
Name one reason athletes should never chew gum in the gym.
It’s a choking hazard during activity.
A child comes to a private lesson wanting to learn a back handspring, but they cannot yet do a strong back walkover or have the needed strength.
Explain that the back walkover and strength are foundational for a safe back handspring. Focus private lessons on building these skills first with appropriate progressions and strength conditioning. Ensure safety by not rushing advanced skills.
Why might a child be scared to go backward into a bridge from standing?
Lack of trust in shoulder strength, spatial awareness, or fear of falling
The athlete begins in a lunge, drives through a lever motion into an inverted position, then shifts momentum forward to land flat with hips extended and arms by the ears on a cushioned surface
Handstand Flat Back