Frequently Asked Questions

  • ActiveNet

    • What is ActiveNet?

      ActiveNet is a secure online registration system offered by AGF to member clubs.

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    • Who is ActiveNet for?

      Any AGF member club can apply to AGF to use the system.

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    • What are the benefits of ActiveNet?

      ActiveNet is a fully hosted and supported online registration system that allows member clubs to offer online registration to their customers in a secure, convenient and cost-effective way.

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    • My local club uses the ActiveNet online registration system. If I have problems registering online, who should I contact?

      You should always contact your local club first, as they will be able to guide you through the registration process.

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    • When is the ActiveNet Store expected to open?

      The [ActiveNet](/membership/activenet/) store is being created to allow you to register for upcoming events, renew your membership, and receive important updates. Although we do not have an official release date, rest assured we're working on it so we can give our members the information and support they need. Stay tuned for further updates. To order program materials today, download the [program materials price list](/resource_orderform__pricelist.pdf).

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    • Why am I being charged a convenience fee when I register?

      A convenience fee is typical of some internet sales. This allows you to enroll at your convenience from home or anywhere that offers internet service, as opposed to waiting in line. This fee is comprised of both a credit card fee and a transaction fee, which is charged by our software provider – ActiveNet. The amount is calculated based upon a percentage of the total fee.

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    • How can ActiveNet help my club?

      If your registration process is paper based then you probably have binders full of registration forms, each one of which you have had to process manually. With ActiveNet much of your process becomes automated. Not only are you able to offer your customers the convenience of registering online, but you have all your information on classes, customers and registrations in one comprehensive database.

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    • How can I find out more information about ActiveNet to see if it might be an appropriate tool for my club?

      Contact Gail Kabbeke, the ActiveNet Coordinator for AGF. Gail can visit you onsite to review your current needs and to provide a demonstration of the system. That will allow you to determine if ActiveNet is right for you.

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    • Is there a fee for joining ActiveNet?

      No. AGF offers this system to its clubs as a very unique member benefit. All initial training and set-up is provided free of charge.

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    • Do I have to download ActiveNet onto my computer?

      No. ActiveNet is a fully hosted program, so there is no software to set up and maintain on club computers (or to have to worry about if your computers crash).

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    • What support is provided after we go live?

      The AGF ActiveNet Coordinator provides the initial training and ongoing support for the club users. This is in addition to a support line provided by the Active Network, which is operated by technical experts 10 hours per day, Monday to Friday.

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    • What else can ActiveNet do for me?

      There is also a well-developed reporting module within the system that allows you pull information on Registration, Membership and financials among other things.

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    • My customers are concerned about Internet security. How can I reassure them that ActiveNet has a secure payment method?

      ActiveNet is hosted on a secure PCI compliant server which is provided and maintained by The Active Network. To read more about PCI compliance, please click here.

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    • What are the customer benefits of using ActiveNet?

      With online registration there is no more standing in line for long periods of time, or trying repeatedly to get through on the telephone to register for your classes. Customers have the convenience of being able to register from any computer anywhere, whether that is in the comfort of their own home, or while on vacation.

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  • Coaching

    • Where can I get NCCP receipts and notification of my place within a course?

      NCCP course receipts will automatically be sent to the registered participant within one week of the course. Confirmation of enrollment needs to be confirmed through the AGF office with the NCCP Coordinator.

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    • I lost my coaching certification number. How can I find it?

    • I need to change my name or address. How do I notify the Coaching Association of Canada?

    • I want to host an NCCP course or workshop at my club. How can I apply to be a host club & what are the requirements?

    • I am registered in a course. Can I cancel my registration?

      Yes. Notification of withdrawal from a course must be received by AGF no later than 5 business days prior to the course. Failure to send notification will result in forfeit of the course registration fee. No shows are still subject to payment of full registration fee.

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    • How do I check my coaching records or transcripts?

      Visit the Coaching Association of Canada to view your coaching transcripts. You will be required to provide your Coaching Certification number (CC#) and your last name to access your records.

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    • How am I assigned a Coaching Certification number (CC#)?

      After completing your first course (Gymnastics Foundations Introduction), AGF will submit your information to the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). CAC will send you a Coaching Passport in the mail that will include your CC#.

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    • How long does it take to get my Coaching Certification number (CC#)?

      It can take between 30-90 days to get your CC#. The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) is responsible for inputting data for ALL Canadian sport organizations. Your wait time depends upon the volume of data received by CAC.

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    • Do I need to take NCCP training to coach gymnastics?

      Yes, all coaches need to take NCCP training courses and be mentored by a supervisory coach. We want to ensure our participants and coaches enjoy a safe positive experience –-training is mandatory.

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    • How do I become a gymnastics coach?

      Complete the following courses: Gymnastics Foundations Introduction, Theory, and Sport Specific training (Artistic Gymnastics, Trampoline Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics etc.).

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    • The course registration deadline has past. Can I still register for a course?

      Unfortunately, no. AGF makes every effort to post the courses well in advance, allowing at least two weeks for coaches to register for most courses. If you miss a course, keep checking the Become a Coach page, as new courses are posted regularly.

      Please note: Only registered participants will be permitted to attend courses. Participants are registered once payment AND registration form has been received at AGF by the stated deadline. Learning Facilitators are not permitted to accept registrations or payment on the day of the course.

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    • What age can I start my coach education training?

      At age 13 or 14 you can join the Apprentice Training Program. This is a mentorship program that involves working with a Tutor Coach. Upon completing the program you may enroll in the Gymnastics Foundation courses at age 15 rather than having to wait until you are 16 years old. Individuals who have not completed the apprentice or Pre-Coach in Training program will have to wait until their 16th birthday until they can enroll in Gymnastics Foundations program.

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    • I want to be a Tutor Coach and train new coaches. Do I need to be certified?

      Yes, all Tutor Coaches must be certified before mentoring beginner coaches.

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    • I’ve taken Gymnastic Foundations Intro (Part 1)… What’s next?

      Complete your workbook (found at the back of your Gymnastics Foundations Introduction Manual). Sign up for Gymnastics Foundations Theory and Gymnastics Foundation specialty (e.g. Artistic Gymnastics, Trampoline Gymnastics, Active Start etc). Make sure your workbook is complete upon attending Gymnastics Theory and the Sport Specialty course. You will need to show your workbook to the Learning Facilitator at these courses. Incomplete workbooks will not be accepted and you will be denied entry into the course, no refunds will be issued.

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    • When can I take Gymnastics Foundations Theory (Part 2)?

      Once you have completed the Gymnastics Foundations Introduction course and your workbook.

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    • What is the average hourly wage for coaches?

      Each gym club is unique & may offer a variety of benefits and salary ranges. However, every gym club is legally required to pay minimum wage, which is determined by the government of Alberta.

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    • Do I need to take the NCCP courses in order (Part 1, 2 & 3)?

      Yes. Gymnastics Foundations courses need to be taken in the following sequence...

      1.  Introduction
      2. Theory
      3. Sport Specific Course (Artistic Gymnastics, Trampoline Gymnastics, Active Start etc.)

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    • What is a "Coach-in-Training”?

      This means that you have only completed the Gymnastics Foundations Introduction and Theory courses. Coaches-in-Training are required to be under the [direct supervision](/faq156) of a certified coach.

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    • What is a “Trained" coach?

      A Trained coach is one that has completed Gymnastics Introduction, Theory, and Sport Specific courses (e.g. Artistic Gymnastics or Trampoline Gymnastics or Active Start etc). Trained coaches may coach under the [indirect supervision](/faq157) of a certified coach.

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    • I’m "In Training.” I’ve completed the Gymnastics Foundations Intro, can I coach my own group?

      No. You are still a Coach-in-Training so you need to work under the direct supervision of a mentor coach (certified coach). Complete the Gymnastics Theory and the Sport Specific course and you can coach your own group (under the indirect supervision of a certified coach)!

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    • I’m a Trained coach. I’ve completed Gymnastics Foundations Introduction, Theory, and Sport Specific (Artistic, T& T etc.). Can I coach my own group?

      Absolutely. Just make sure you are being indirectly supervised by a certified coach.

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    • What is ‘direct supervision’?

      Direct supervision occurs when a certified coach can supervise a maximum of two (2) coaches “in training”, who are coaching two separate groups. The supervisor coach is directly involved, monitoring the groups very closely, and is immediately available to help guide the coaches and participants. Those who directly supervise others should be at least 18 years of age.

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    • What is ‘indirect supervision’?

      Indirect supervision occurs when a certified coach supervises a maximum of 10 trained coaches who are monitoring groups of ten athletes at one time. Coaches can also monitor their own group at the same time.

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    • I’m “Trained.” Can I supervise and mentor others?

      No. Only certified coaches can supervise and mentor other coaches. Individuals responsible for supervising & mentoring others must be at least 18 years of age.

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    • I’m Trained in the Artistic Gymnastics specialty. What is the highest level in CANGYM program that I can coach?

      You may coach CANGYM level burgundy through purple badges as a Trained coach under the indirect supervision of a Gymnastics Foundations certified coach or L1 certified coach. Coaching of blue through silver badges occurs under the indirect supervision of a Level 2 gymnastics coach.

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    • What training do I need to coach the CANJUMP program?

      All coaches wishing to use the trampoline or CANJUMP program must be trained in the Gymnastics Foundations Trampoline Gymnastics (or Level 1 Trampoline) specialty.

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    • I want to coach preschoolers. What training do I need to take?

      You will be required to complete a workbook and the following 3 training courses:

      1. Gymnastics Foundations Introduction
      2. Gymnastics Foundations Theory
      3. Gymnastics Foundations Active Start

      For more information, contact AGF.

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    • I want to supervise/mentor others. What training do I need to take?

      You will need to be certified in the specialty that you wish to supervise (eg. a certified Trampoline Gymnastics coach can supervise and mentor Trampoline coaches). In order to be certified, you will need to be evaluated. Download the Gymnastics Foundations Evaluation package.

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    • I want to become certified in the Gymnastics Foundations Program. What do I need to do?

      Download and complete the Gymnastics Foundations Evaluation document. This document will give you the additional information you need to complete your Coaching Portfolio and tips on how to create your coaching video! In order to be evaluated and certified you must send AGF your coaching portfolio, video (DVD or VHS format) of your class and payment of $110 (payable to Alberta Gymnastics Federation). AGF will send your video and portfolio to one of our Learning Evaluators. They will review your video and portfolio within 30 days. Upon completion they will send your portfolio and video back to AGF with their evaluation comments and determine your coaching competency.

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    • I am a Trained Artistic Gymnastics coach, but now I am interested in coaching Trampoline & Tumbling as well. What course(s) do I need to take?

      All you need to take is Gymnastics Foundations Trampoline Gymnastics course (1 day), and you will be considered “trained” in the Trampoline Gymnastics specialty. Remember to bring a copy of your workbook to the course. Make sure you make alterations to your workbook so it is applicable to Trampoline Gymnastics!

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    • I lost my Gymnastics Foundations Workbook. How do I get a new one?

    • What happens if I am unsuccessful during the evaluation process?

      If the Learning Evaluator deems your portfolio and video “Below Expectations”, you may choose to review their comments and make the changes. Upon completion, resubmit your video and portfolio to AGF and we will have a Learning Evaluator review your documents once again. Coaches are required to pay $110 plus tax for resubmissions.

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    • Do I need to have a First Aid/CPR certification to be a coach?

      It is strongly recommended by AGF that all coaches possess current First Aid/CPR certification. Please check with your club’s policies as well.

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    • I have been trained in Artistic Gymnastics. Can I take my athletes on the trampoline? Even if it is just for a warm up?

      No. You can only coach your participants on equipment that you have been trained to use. If you wish to use trampoline equipment you must take the Gymnastics Foundations Trampoline course. If you are not trained properly on a piece of equipment you and your club will be liable for any accident that might occur.

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    • Do I need to be Gymnastics Foundations certified to move on to Level 2 Gymnastics or Trampoline training?

      No. You only need to be a Trained coach. For example a coach with Gymnastics Foundations Intro, Theory, and Trampoline Gymnastics can enroll in Level 2 Trampoline Gymnastics.

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    • What are the benefits of being Gymnastics Foundations certified?

      Many coaches that choose to be evaluated and certified have job duties that require them to supervise and mentor others. Other times they are required to work without indirect supervision (eg. rural communities may not have a head coach on the floor at all times). Many individuals that choose the certification route are Recreation Coordinators/Directors who have job requirements that involve supervisory or mentorship duties.

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    • How do I complete the Making Ethical Decisions online module?

      Following the Gymnastics Foundations Theory course, coaches must complete the Making Ethical Decisions (MED) online evaluation. The online evaluation is free and coaches are offered two attempts to achieve a grade of 80% or higher on the evaluation.

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    • How do I complete my Respect in Sport training?

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  • General

    • How old should my daughter be before she starts competing?

      In Alberta, a gymnast is not allowed to compete until she is 9 years old, unless she will be turning nine during the competitive year. Often clubs will choose not let their gymnasts compete until age nine or ten, to allow them more time to develop their strength and skills.

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    • How can I post a job ad or classified posting on the website? How much does it cost?

    • How do I order resources?

      Visit the Resources page to view a list of free and purchasable resources. Feel free to download the ones available. Note: We’re in the process of creating a store for online resources, where materials can be ordered through ActiveNet. In the meantime, contact the AGF office for more information.

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  • Insurance

    • Who should be registered with the Alberta Gymnastics Federation?

      All Member Clubs need to register each individual member with Alberta Gymnastics including recreational gymnasts, athletes, coaches, support staff, judges, together with directors, executive and supporters who provide the full member club with volunteer help and services on a regular basis.

      Failure to register all members will be considered and act of misrepresentation and will have adverse effects on the Club’s membership status and more importantly, unregistered individuals will note be covered by any insurance policy. Don’t risk it!

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    • Do we have to register all of our members/participants with the AGF?

      Yes. It is a condition of membership in the AGF that clubs register all of their competitive athletes and recreation participants. Insurance coverage could be jeopardized if an individual who is not registered is injured. However, each participant only needs to be registered once per season (July-June).

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    • If we rent our facility to another organization or group, do we require any additional insurance coverage (eg. birthday parties, aerobic classes)?

      No, not usually. Assuming that your club has obtained adequate Tenants Liability insurance you should be able to sub-let your premises without concern. We do recommend, however, that you execute a written rental agreement with the group in which you stipulate that they must obtain their own General Commercial Liability Insurance coverage. You should also check with your landlord to ensure that there are no restrictions in your lease that would prevent you from renting it out.

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    • Is our club insured for promotional/special activities such as “Bring-a-Friend Day" & “Open House”?

      Yes, assuming that the club charges no additional fee. These types of activities are held within the normal operating parameters and are considered “promotional”. Note however, that the event cannot involve more than three (3) hours of instructional time. New: For insurance purposes, all names of the participants must be recorded and submitted to the AGF office (upon completion of the program). Contact AGF for more information.

      View the Insurance Bulletin for more information.

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    • Is our club insured for “drop-in-classes” on a regular basis throughout the year with an NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) certified coach as the instructor?

      Yes, providing the same person is not attending more than three consecutive times. A total of three hours is permitted for each participant (child/youth/adult) on a one-time basis. For insurance purposes, all names of the participants must be recorded and submitted to the AGF office (upon completion of the program). Forms are available from the AGF office.

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    • Can athletes and chaperones travel to a gymnastics competition outside of Canada?

      Yes, they are insured as long as they have requested sanction and obtained approval from Gymnastics Canada to participate in the competition that they wish to attend outside of Canada.

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    • Is anyone covered under the AGF insurance policy who is not a direct member of a registered club?

      Yes, AGF’s insurance coverage always extends to parents of registered members, as well as the board of directors of the club. Parents acting as chaperones are also covered providing they are involved in an activity related to the member club.

      * A Parent or Guardian of a minor whose name is contained in the register of members of a Member Club shall be considered a member of the Society. A member so associated shall, subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors, have the same rights and obligations as an Associated Member

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    • AGF’s Refund Policy – At what point do you accept a refund?

      COMPETITIVE: If a competitive or elite athlete has trained for a period of 30 days (one month) or less, the club would be eligible for a refund of half the registration fee. Note that GST or insurance fees are not reimbursed.

      RECREATIONAL: If a recreational member has trained for a period of 14 days (2 weeks) or less, the club would be eligible for a refund of half the registration fee. Note that GST or insurance fees are not reimbursed.

      Please feel free to contact AGF [link to contact page] if you have any questions regarding specific situations.

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    • Are ambulance rides covered?

      Ambulance trips are paid for. Simply submit your invoice for payment; or alternatively, your receipt for reimbursement.

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  • Membership

    • I want a membership. How do I apply?

      Currently independent memberships are not available. If you are registered with a member club, you are already an AGF member. Check with your club for your membership status and number. Registered judges are the only independent AGF members not associated with a club.

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    • I have a membership. How do I renew it?

      Renewing your membership is easy. Simply download the Excel template (stay tuned for this document), complete the form with your club’s info and athlete demographics, and upload it. Judges, view the Become a Judge or Membership pages to submit your membership renewal. We’ll process it upon receipt of your renewal fee and you’re great for another year! For more information, visit our membership page [link to membership page] or contact AGF.

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    • What are the deadlines for membership registration?

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