[EXAMPLE] Class Structure¶

Example content

This document is a placeholder written as a realistic example. It will be replaced with the actual SOP once written. Do not follow these instructions in practice.

This document outlines the standard 60-minute class structure for youth ninja classes (ages 6-12) at Second Summit Stafford. Consistent class structure helps athletes know what to expect while ensuring comprehensive skill development.

Purpose¶

A structured class format maximizes learning, maintains safety, and provides positive experiences for all participants. Each segment serves specific developmental and engagement goals while building toward weekly skill objectives.

Class Overview¶

Total Duration: 60 minutes
Maximum Class Size: 12 participants
Coach-to-Athlete Ratio: 1:6 (assistant coach required for 7+ athletes)

Segment Breakdown¶

1. Welcome & Warm-up (10 minutes)¶

Greeting (2 minutes)¶

Athletes line up at entrance - Wait for coach signal to enter
Name game or check-in - Recognize each athlete individually
Introduce new participants - Help them feel welcomed and included
Review class objectives - "Today we're working on precision and power!"

Dynamic Warm-up (8 minutes)¶

Locomotor movements - Bear crawl, crab walk, duck walk across gym
Joint mobility - Arm circles, leg swings, ankle rolls
Activation exercises - Jumping jacks, high knees, butt kickers
Ninja-specific prep - Wall runs, precision jumps, quick feet

Engagement Strategy

Make warm-up fun with animal movements and creative challenges. "Can you crab walk as quietly as a ninja?" keeps athletes engaged while building strength.

2. Skill Stations (25 minutes)¶

Station Rotation Format¶

3 stations, 8 minutes each - Plus 1 minute transition time
Small groups - Maximum 4 athletes per station
Progressive difficulty - Each station offers multiple skill levels
Coach supervision - One coach per high-risk station (warped wall, obstacles)

Sample Station Layout¶

Station	Focus Area	Key Skills	Safety Notes
Precision Course	Balance & accuracy	Rail walks, precision jumps, crawl-throughs	Mats at all landing areas
Warped Wall	Upper body strength	Wall runs, rope climbs, pegboard	Mandatory spotting, crash mats
Obstacle Flow	Coordination	Swing-to-climb transitions, traverse walls	Check connections, grip strength

Skill Progression Guidelines¶

Beginner athletes: Focus on form over speed or height
Intermediate athletes: Add complexity and combination movements
Advanced athletes: Increase difficulty and introduce competition elements

3. Group Challenge/Game (15 minutes)¶

Weekly Themes¶

Week 1: Team building and cooperation games
Week 2: Individual skill challenges with peer support
Week 3: Relay races incorporating weekly skills
Week 4: Creative obstacle course design by athletes

Sample Activities¶

Ninja Tag - Modified tag using specific movement patterns
Relay Races - Teams compete through obstacle sequences
Skill Challenges - Individual goals with group encouragement
Collaborative Course Building - Athletes design their own challenges

Competitive Balance

Structure games so everyone can succeed while still providing challenge. Celebrate effort and creativity as much as performance.

4. Cool Down & Wrap-up (10 minutes)¶

Physical Cool Down (5 minutes)¶

Stretching sequence - Focus on major muscle groups used in class
Breathing exercises - Deep breathing to lower heart rate
Relaxation poses - Child's pose, seated stretches
Hydration break - Encourage water intake

Class Closure (5 minutes)¶

Skill review - "What did we learn today?"
Individual recognition - Acknowledge effort and improvement
Preview next class - Build excitement for upcoming skills
Lineup for exit - Organized dismissal to parents

Age-Specific Modifications¶

Younger Athletes (Ages 6-8)¶

Shorter attention spans: 5-6 minute station rotations
More demonstration: Show skills multiple times
Simpler instructions: One-step directions only
Extra encouragement: Frequent positive reinforcement

Older Athletes (Ages 9-12)¶

Increased complexity: Multi-step skill combinations
Leadership opportunities: Help demonstrate or assist peers
Goal setting: Individual skill targets and tracking
Competitive elements: Friendly challenges and achievements

Safety Integration¶

Continuous Safety Reminders¶

Listen first, move second - Always get coach approval
Buddy system - Watch out for teammates
Equipment respect - Proper use and care of obstacles
Body awareness - Understand personal limits and boundaries

Emergency Procedures During Class¶

Stop all activity - Immediate freeze command for all athletes
Assess situation - Determine if injury is serious
Secure area - Move other athletes to safe location
Provide care - First aid if trained, call for help if needed
Document incident - Complete incident report after class

Class Management Strategies¶

Attention Signals¶

Whistle blast - Stop and look at coach immediately
Clap pattern - Athletes repeat pattern to show readiness
Countdown - "5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ninja focus!"
Hand signal - Raised fist means freeze in place

Behavioral Guidelines¶

Positive reinforcement - Catch athletes doing things right
Clear expectations - Review rules at start of each class
Consistent consequences - Time-out for safety violations
Parent communication - Discuss concerns after class

Safety Override

Any coach can stop class activity immediately if safety is compromised. Resume only after hazard is addressed and all athletes are re-focused.

Equipment Needs¶

Pre-Class Setup (15 minutes before)¶

Safety inspection - Check all equipment for wear or damage
Mat placement - Position crash mats and safety padding
Station preparation - Set up props and markers for activities
Music system - Test audio for energy and instruction

Post-Class Breakdown (10 minutes after)¶

Equipment reset - Return items to storage positions
Damage check - Report any issues to Sarah (GM)
Area cleaning - Wipe down touched surfaces
Setup for next class - Prepare space for following session

Assessment and Progress Tracking¶

Weekly Skill Focus¶

Each week targets specific ninja competencies: - Precision: Accuracy in movement and landing - Power: Explosive movement and strength application
- Flow: Smooth transitions between obstacles - Creativity: Problem-solving and innovative approaches

Individual Progress Notes¶

Skill achievements - Document when athletes master new skills
Areas for growth - Note challenges to address in future classes
Safety concerns - Record any risk factors or limitations
Parent updates - Share progress highlights regularly

Coaching Excellence

The best classes feel effortless to participants but require careful planning and preparation. Invest time in setup to deliver smooth, engaging experiences for every athlete.