Singapore Gymnastics (SG) has reworked a 3 day Face-To-Face (F2F) course into a blended course with 2 days of online learning on Ju;y 25 and 2 and a day of F2F practical session on August 2 at CCAB.

This is our 6th run of the Fundamental course, every run has its own "version update" where we periodically fine-tune it to make it better and smoother. However this run is not just another updated version, it is more like a "version upgrade" with new enhancement added. It is also a much bigger process to upgrade the course as compared to updating the course, particularly in the delivery.

Some of the enhancement that have been in the making from before is finally up and running:

• This course is now blended, with a online and Face-To-Face practical portion. This would also mean all materials have to be digitalised and optimised for e-learning
• Singapore Gymnastics is partnering Republic Polytechnic (RP) and that means we are able to tap into RP's learning management system to manage all registrations and upload learning materials and submissions
• Participants are able to use their SkillsFuture credits to pay for the Fundamental Course

This whole COVID situation has opened up new opportunities:

1. By going online, we can now learn from the comforts of our own home. Likewise, us the course presenters can also deliver from our homes with a cup of tea in hand.
2. Using Microsoft Teams (picture below for illustration only), participants can chat, discuss, see each other, access documents and files instantly, collaborate and even share their ideas via their screens on the go. 
3. Meetings are now mobile. Ideally you should be in a condusive environment to learn but you can access the meetings in the car, walking from room to room or even while queueing up for that much needed break time bubble tea.
4. We are able to use alternative collaborative platforms such as Padlet (picture below for illustration only) to help with formative learning and assessment, opening up discussions on what works and what else can be improved through every individual input. Best thing, all changes are made live!

There are also challenges:

1. This is ultimately a course about physical activity. We can explain coachin theory and discuss fitness ideas and concepts but nothing beats actively testing it out in person.
2. Talking key coaching points with a mask can physically take some of your breath away but hey, welcome to the new normal and a big salute to all the coaches out there who are out there giving their best to their athletes behind their masks.
3. With the COVID restrictions in place, we do as much as we can to keep everyone well spaced so that can limit friendly collaborations and partner work but for now, we do what we can and hopefully we will keep brainstorming more creative ways to practise coaching. If you have any good ideas, shout it our way at sgoffice@singaporegymnastics.org.sg

However that said, this whiole distancing also pushes us to think about the way we coach. Do we always need to be physically assisting or spotting the athletes, can we do it otherwise through verbal cues, better physical preparation, drills using tools and equipment, the cultivation and practise of body awareness etc? In the words of George Hery (1995), the ultimate goal is not spotting at all! It all goes back to what our Fundamental Coaching course aims to convey, the key to developing skills without spotting is through the use of the DMPs and progressions. Effective circuits including conditioning, shaping and lead-up activities that are closely supervised and progressive will lead to solid mastery of skills.

We think the blended delviery of Fundamental Coaching Course will be here to stay for awhile and it is something we look to update and improve for the next few subsequent runs. The immediate next run will be some time in September, there is no pre-requisite to join the course other than being above 16 years old. For more information, you can write in to sgoffice@singaporegymnastics.org.sg and keep your eyes out for updates on our social media coming soon. We look forward to seeing all interested friends at the course!