Portage Middle School Gymnastics Coach 

Position 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. During the previous season, the program consisted of nine student-athletes, including eight competitive team members. Many athletes also participate in competitive gymnastics outside of school.

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

The coach will:

• 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
• Provide vault instruction including sprint mechanics, hurdle technique, springboard contact, blocking, body position, and safe landings.
• 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

The coach will:

• Attend and supervise all scheduled competitions.
• Travel to all away meets as the coach and representative of Portage Township Schools.
• Coordinate 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 are responsible for providing transportation to and from all competitions for their student-athletes.

2026 Competition Schedule

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

Each competition is approximately four hours, including warm-ups, competition, and awards.

Program Objectives

The goals of the program are to:

• Develop athlete confidence, leadership, and teamwork.
• Improve strength, flexibility, body awareness, and event-specific skills.
• Promote sportsmanship and lifelong participation in athletics.
• 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.

Summary

The Portage Middle School Gymnastics Coach plays an important role in developing young athletes and building a foundation for the future of Portage High School Gymnastics. Through instruction, mentorship, and competition preparation, the coach provides athletes with a meaningful and competitive experience while helping them develop the skills needed for long-term success.

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

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.