Description
Overview
This CPD course supports coaches to apply the Gymnastics Ireland Stretching Policy (2026) safely and confidently in their club environment. It combines evidence-based theory with practical application through an assessed case study.
The course explains the rationale behind the policy's permitted and prohibited stretching techniques, equips coaches to communicate the changes positively to gymnasts and parents, and supports coaches to plan, deliver and evaluate flexibility programmes that align with current best practice.
Who this course is for?
- This course is recommended for all GI registered qualified coaches regardless of level.
- Mandatory for all GI registered and active Level 2 coaches and above must complete this course by 1st December 2026.
Course content:
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A 1-hour pre-recorded presentation
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30+ example videos demonstrating stretching techniques aligned with the policy
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Supporting articles from the scientific community
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A summary document of the GI Stretching Policy
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A theory knowledge check
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An assessed case study with coach and gymnast reflection
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Reviewer feedback against a published marking rubric
Time commitment
This is a self-paced course with a fixed 90-day window for case study submission. Realistic completion time is 10–12 weeks from enrolment, including a 6–8 week practical case study with a gymnast (or group of gymnasts) in your club.
90-day deadline
The case study must be uploaded within 90 days of enrolment. Failure to upload by this deadline results in the course being marked incomplete. Re-enrolment, including payment of the €30 fee, is required to continue.
Certification requirements
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Watch the recorded presentation in full
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Complete the theory knowledge check
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Plan and implement a 6–8 week flexibility enhancement programme with a group or individual gymnast in your club
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Reflect on the process and outcomes
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Upload the completed case study to LearnUpon within 90 days of enrolment
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Receive feedback against the marking rubric within four weeks of submission
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Receive certification of completion
Resubmission for failed case studies
- Coaches whose case study does not meet the marking rubric on first submission will have a single 30-day window to revise and resubmit. This applies to coaches who submit by the 1 December 2026 deadline.
- Where the resubmission also does not meet the rubric, the course is marked incomplete. Re-enrolment, including payment of the €30 fee, is required to continue.
- Coaches who do not submit a case study by 1 December 2026 are non-compliant with the GI Stretching Policy (2026).
Cost
€30 per coach. The fee may be paid by the individual coach or by the club, at each club's discretion.
Refunds are not available once enrolment is complete. Re-enrolment is required if the 90-day deadline is missed.
Ongoing support
On enrolment, candidates have access to support and review of their work throughout the completion process. Details on how to access this support are provided within the course.
Objectives
On completion of this course, coaches will be able to:
- Identify and distinguish between the different types of stretching used in gymnastics coaching practice
- Recognise the prohibited stretching techniques in the GI Stretching Policy (2026) and explain the rationale behind each policy decision
- Communicate policy changes positively to coaches, gymnasts and parents in their club environment
- Recognise the body structures affected by stretching and the common risks associated with unsafe stretching practice
- Compare the purposes of stretching for warm-up versus stretching for flexibility enhancement
- Design self-directed stretching tasks for gymnasts and use coaching cues to support correct technique without applying physical assistance or overpressure
- Plan a 6–8 week flexibility enhancement programme aligned with the policy and implement it with gymnasts in their club
- Record, monitor and evaluate the programme, involving the gymnast in age-appropriate ways
Certificate
By completing/passing this course, you will attain the certificate Stretching and Flexibility Enhancement
As a learner within the Gymnastics Ireland E-Learning Platform, I agree to the following:
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I agree to ensure all of my contact information is kept up to date to ensure information is shared with me in a timely manner.
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I understand that upon registration I have 30 days to complete the requirements, unless otherwise posted.
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