Gymnastics Activity Instructor
The gymnastics activity instructor accreditation is a comprehensive four-day training course. Once completed, instructors can deliver fun and safe gymnastics-based physical activity to school-aged children and adults.
This instructor accreditation provides an alternative to the traditional coaching pathway. It allows anyone without previous gymnastics knowledge to up-skill and be involved in the sport. You can lead delivery of low-level gymnastics skills to recreational participants, supervise others, and support the growing demand for recreational gymnastics activity in clubs, leisure centres or schools.
| 1 APRIL 2025 – Disclosure Scotland | Legislation Change! It is an offence for an individual to be in a regulated role or participate in training for the role without PVG scheme membership. From 1 April 2025, all learners deployed in Scotland (member or non-member) must have a PVG disclosure to attend Scottish Gymnastics courses and assessments. Scottish Gymnastics members are not able to book on without a current PVG disclosure on MyBG. You must also have a current PVG disclosure at the time of your assessment or we cannot allow you to attend your assessment and may receive an assessment charge. Not a Scottish Gymnastics member but live in Scotland: You must complete a ‘PVG scheme membership confirmation form’ before booking on to your course or assessment. You need to submit your PVG scheme number, certificate issue date, who you got your PVG through and who you are coaching with. This may be checked with Disclosure Scotland. If found to be incorrect, we must remove you from the course/assessment and you will not be eligible for a refund. Not coaching any vulnerable groups (over 18s): You must complete the ‘adult activity coach agreement’ before booking on your course or assessment. If found to be incorrect, we must remove you from the course or assessment and you will not be eligible for a refund. Learner living out with Scotland: As you are not based in Scotland, you do not require a PVG disclosure to attend this course. You must have the equivalent criminal records check for where you live and work. |
Gymnastics Activity Instructor Course Information
The gymnastics activity instructor course does not require any gymnastic experience and is open to those aged 18 and over who would like to deliver gymnastics in clubs, leisure centres or schools. It is a stand-alone course that is a great choice for those new to delivering gymnastics, volunteers or parent helpers who wish to become accredited. It is also an option for coaches with a UKCC Level 1 (or equivalent) who wish to lead delivery, and those who might not be ready to choose which path to take.
The training covers the responsibilities when delivering in different gymnastics environments and includes practical sessions, exploring fundamental shapes, positions and movements in gymnastics, such as jumping and balancing, and how to use different pieces of apparatus such as benches and wall bars. You do not need to bring participants with you to be course demonstrators, you do not need a mentor. However, learners are required to participate in practical activities throughout the course if they are able.
Learners will be assessed by their tutor through on-course continual assessment on
Attendance
Engagement
Demonstration of knowledge and understanding
Instructing skills
Safe practice
Those found competent at the end of the course will be accredited as a gymnastics activity instructor and can start delivering sessions straight away within any Scottish Gymnastics recognised environment.
You must have Scottish Gymnastics memberships (Join, renew/upgrade or find out about the Scottish Gymnastics membership categories).
Instructors must complete the Positive Coaching e-module through British Gymnastics, and Best Practice in Flexibility Training eLearning. You will not be able to renew your membership until this has been completed.
You must have a PVG record linked to Scottish Gymnastics and have a current Scottish Gymnastics wellbeing & protection award before you start mentoring within your club. If you need any assistance, please contact your club’s safeguarding officer or safeguarding@scottishgymnastics.org.
Find a gymnastics activity instructor course
Cost to Scottish Gymnastics members: £410
Non-member fee: £540
- To access the member course fee please ensure you have a minimum of silver membership. If currently a bronze member, you can upgrade during the enrolment process. Once you have successfully completed your course you must have Gold membership to instruct within a Scottish Gymnastics club.
- If you intend to coach within a Scottish Gymnastics registered club, it is a mandatory requirement for you to attend a wellbeing & protection course and access a PVG through Scottish Gymnastics.
- Please read the Scottish Gymnastics terms and conditions and payment policy. You are agreeing to both the terms and conditions and payment policy by enrolling onto the course.
- Scottish Gymnastics members may qualify for a sportscotland coach education subsidy for this course.