Intramural Coach-Gymnastics WMS

Program Overview

The Portage Middle School Gymnastics Coach is responsible for organizing, developing, and leading the middle school gymnastics program. The program provides experienced middle school gymnasts the opportunity to continue athletic development while preparing for future participation at the high school level. Emphasis is placed on skill progression, safety, sportsmanship, leadership, and competitive readiness. The team is designed for athletes with previous gymnastics experience.

Program Timeline

• Parent/Athlete Callout Meeting: Wednesday, August 13, 2026
• First Practice: Monday, August 17, 2026
• Practice Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00–6:00 PM
• Location: Portage High School Gymnastics Room

Coaching Responsibilities

• Organize and oversee all aspects of the middle school gymnastics program.
• Conduct safe, structured practices focused on skill development, conditioning, and competition preparation.
• Teach proper gymnastics technique, safety standards, and progressions for all four events: Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise.
• Choreograph and teach competitive routines for bars, beam, and floor while incorporating middle school requirements and high school-level progressions.
• Provide individualized instruction based on athlete skill level.
• Lead strength, flexibility, and conditioning activities.
• Prepare athletes through drills, routine refinement, mock meets, and competition readiness training.
• Communicate expectations, schedules, and updates with athletes, families, and the Athletic Department.
• Follow all Portage Township Schools and IHSAA/competition guidelines.

Competition Responsibilities

• Attend and supervise all scheduled competitions.
• Travel to all away meets as the coach and representative of Portage Township Schools.
• Cooky warm-ups, event rotations, lineups, and meet logistics.
• Provide coaching support and athlete supervision throughout each competition.
• Communicate meet expectations and timelines with families.

Parents/Guardians Responsibilities

• Provide transportation to and from all competitions for their student-athletes.

2026 Competition Schedule

• Saturday, September 8 – Lake Central
• Sunday, September 10 – Valparaiso
• Saturday, September 15 – LaPorte
• Saturday, September 24 – Merrillville
• Saturday, October 3 – Conference Championship (Valparaiso)

Program Objectives

• To develop athlete confidence, leadership, and teamwork.
• To improve strength, flexibility, body awareness, and event-specific skills.
• To promote sportsmanship and lifelong participation in athletics.
• To prepare athletes for successful transition to Portage High School Gymnastics.

Estimated Time Commitment

• Callout Meeting: Approximately 1 hour
• Practices: Approximately 16 practices (32 total hours)
• Competitions: Five meets (approximately 20 total hours)
• Additional responsibilities: Routine choreography and music preparation, Practice planning, Athlete evaluations, Parent communication, Meet preparation and lineup coordination

Program Accomplishments

• Established a competitive middle school gymnastics program.
• Fielded nine student-athletes, including eight competitive team members, during the previous season.
• Earned a 3rd Place Conference Championship finish in the program’s first year.
• Created a developmental pathway supporting future success in Portage High School Gymnastics.

SALARY

Coaches are paid a stipend according to the season of the assigned sport.

Physical Demands

• Ability to demonstrate the appropriate skills and techniques to be used by the athletes.
• Visually able to monitor athlete’s performance.
• Sitting, standing for periods of time, lifting, reaching and may require carrying of equipment (up to 50 pounds).

Disclaimer

Responsibilities and tasks outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the District. The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the school corporation. The employee is expected to adhere to and agrees to adhere to PTS Core Values, the PTS Strategic Plan, as well as all PTS District policies and guidelines including but not limited to the civility policy.