Where I live there is a BIG shortage of gymnastics coaches. So last year Gymnastics Alberta did a survey of 48 coaches and judges, about half with 20yrs + experience.
Parent problems and Board of Director problems were highest on the chart for the coaches:
In Canada most clubs are run by volunteer elected parent Boards. This structure is flawed as — inevitably, sooner or later — a Board will butt heads with the Head Coach. In my experience this has been the #1 reason why coaches quit in Canada.
I much prefer the coach owned gyms.
About 23% said they would like to keep coaching for as long as possible. Of the judges, 41% stated they would like to keep judging as long as possible.
It’s a very good report despite the small sample.
download the document: Recruitment & Retention of Gymnastics Coaches and Judges in Alberta (PDF file)
It remains to be seen if the life of coaches and judges will be improved in my region as a result of this study. Recommended incentives to keep coaches longer: increased pay, educational opportunities, respect, benefits, recognition, professionalization, etc.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 