Registration is open for the 2026 USA Gymnastics National and Regional Congress events! Join us for these premier, multi-day educational experiences designed for coaches, judges, club owners, and other gymnastics professionals. Led by the sport’s top experts, each event features interactive lectures, live demonstrations, and hands-on training on a variety of topics including coaching, judging, business, sport science, professional development and more. From preschool to elite - there’s something for everyone! Register today and save with early bird pricing!

Trampoline coaches and club owners: The IOC recently produced a video on emergency trampoline extraction which was developed with significant input from USA Gymnastics’ medical providers. Please share this video with your local EMTs and event medical providers. We encourage you to invite your local EMTs/Firefighters to come to your facility to practice this extraction technique with you!

Our first 2 articles this month address some issues around clean sport. Every member of USA Gymnastics at every level must be committed to upholding clean sport principles that are set forth by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Supplements can be very risky to athletes as they are not regulated and can contain dangerous substances. For more information on clean sport and safer use of supplements, please visit the USADA website.

Coaches: 

5 Common Questions about Supplements and How Coaches Should Answer Them: Coaches should avoid recommending supplements and instead educate athletes on the risks of trendy products, emphasizing proper nutrition, rest, and recovery as the safest path to performance.

Athletes: 

Why Athletes Should Steer Clear of Online Peptides: Athletes should avoid purchasing injectable peptides online due to serious health risks, lack of regulation, and potential for banned substances, focusing instead on safe, evidence-based practices.

Body Image in Gymnastics: Keeping It Healthy: Athletes—especially gymnasts—need to be supported in developing a positive body image by prioritizing healthy fueling over weight monitoring, embracing their natural bodies as strong and athletic, and tapping into multidisciplinary professionals rather than restrictive cultural pressures.

Back Pain in Gymnastics: Athletes experiencing acute (injury-related) or chronic back pain—often due to factors like core weakness, repetitive hyperextension or hyperflexion, or spine conditions such as spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, and discogenic issues—should seek medical evaluation and focus on prevention through improved core stability, flexibility, posture, and strength before safely returning to training.

Meet season is here, and January sets the tone. Clear roles, consistent communication, and calm leadership go a long way during busy weekends. As schedules fill up, a quick check on preparedness, expectations, and response plans can prevent small issues from becoming big ones.

This is a good time for clubs and coaches to review policies that guide everyday meet-day situations—like how coaches interact with athletes during downtime at competitions, or how boundaries are maintained in conversations with parents before, during, and after meets. These aren’t about being rigid or distant; they’re about clarity, consistency, and protecting everyone involved.

USA Gymnastics Safety and Response Policy (formerly known as the USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Policy) is the foundation for athlete safety and the prevention of abuse and is enforceable during all USA Gymnastics sanctioned activities. The policy requires mandatory reporting, defines misconduct, and sets boundaries for interaction between Adult Participants and Minor Athletes. USA Gymnastics encourages all Participants to familiarize themselves with the Safety and Response Policy.

Reporting: Adult Participants have a duty to report misconduct or child abuse as defined by the USA Gymnastics Safety and Response Policy and SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. Reports of violations of the Safety and Response Policy that fall within USA Gymnastics’ jurisdiction will be reviewed pursuant to the Response and Resolution Procedures found here.

To make a report:

• Report sexual misconduct or child abuse immediately to law enforcement and to the U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center) and report other violations of the Code to the Center here or by calling 833.587.7233. 
• Report emotional misconduct, physical misconduct, or other violations of USAG's Safety and Response Policy or MAAPP Prevention Policies to USA Gymnastics here or by calling 833.844.7233.
• If prohibited conduct has occurred at an Olympic or Paralympic Training Center (OPTC) or any third-party sponsored event in which the USOPC sends a delegation, promptly report to the USOPC Security & Athlete Safety Office here or by calling 719.866.3869.

Parent and Minor Athlete Training: The U.S. Center for SafeSport provides important training for parents and minor athletes. These age-appropriate courses and materials address the prevention and reporting of child abuse, including “Parent’s Guide to Misconduct in Sport,” “SafeSport for Youth Athletes (ages 13-17),” and “SafeSport for Kids (ages 5-12).” Minor athletes must have parental consent to participate. To view these courses or to share them with athletes and parents, please visit safesporttrained.org.

All Adult (18+) Members and any adult in a Member Club who has regular contact with or authority over minors must be background checked and complete annual SafeSport Training which is a collection of free courses that are free to all individuals who are required to complete it.

The USOPC, all NGBs and all LAOs must comply with the policies and procedures within the 2026 SafeSport Code.

Upcoming Webinars:

Coaching the Coaches: Teaching Professionalism to the Next Generation: Many gymnastics clubs rely on young coaches, often in their very first job. We’re usually good at teaching them how to coach skills. We’re not always as intentional about teaching them how to be professionals. This webinar focuses on that gap, exploring how clubs can intentionally teach expectations around communication, reliability, accountability, appropriate conduct, and appearance. These aren’t “soft skills.” They’re foundational skills and they don’t automatically develop just because someone can coach a skill. Register today.

• Wednesday, January 28 3:00p.m. ET

When Winning Becomes Identity, Burnout Follows: Coaching at any level comes with nonstop pressure and uncompromising expectations. Over time, wins and losses can begin to define identity—leaving little room for balance or longevity. This dialogue, led by Adam Lomax and Meaghan Muller, MS, LPC, blends first-hand elite experience with evidence-based tools coaches can use immediately. Learn how to separate outcomes from self-worth, set sustainable boundaries, and lead with steadiness under pressure—without burnout. Register here.

• Wednesday, February 4 12:00p.m. ET

Overview of the Health Care and Voluntary Medical Insurance Plans: Join our upcoming webinar to learn more about the USAG Member Insurance Program. This information webinar explains plans that are available and how to enroll for individual members/families and for club owners. Useful information will be presented such as key dates for enrollment, how to research the perfect plan for you or your team, how to find out if your provider participates, how to enroll, and most importantly, ask any questions. Register today.

• Thursday, February 12 at 11:00a.m. ET

Before the Crisis: Building a Plan That Works When It Matters: Every club needs a clear, usable crisis plan — not because emergencies happen every day, but because when they do, the stakes are high and the window to respond is small. This 50-minute webinar focuses on what makes a crisis plan effective: simple steps, clear roles, strong communication, and a staff that knows exactly what to do when things get messy. We’ll walk through the key elements of a solid plan, the common gaps organizations overlook, and practical ways to strengthen your response long before you ever need it. Register here.

• Wednesday, February 18 12:30p.m. ET

Recorded Webinars:

• Academics, Recruiting, and Confidence Beyond the Mat: Strategies for Gymnasts
• USA Gymnastics Parent Webinar
• From Phone to Platforms: Smart Tech Boundaries for Coaches
• HUGS - Explore Inclusive Opportunities for All Gymnasts!

View all webinars.

Classified Ads:

• Coaches Needed/Other Employment
• Equipment
• Gyms for Sale

Resource Articles:

• Pre-Season Meeting Agenda
• Mental Health Tips for High School Athletes

View all articles.