Shelba Waldron
USA Gymnastics

Shelba's Regional Congress Sessions

Region 1 - Saturday
9:30 - 10:30am
Valley
From Awareness to Action: Best Practices for Reducing Risk and Strengthening Gymnastics Clubs
Region 1 Saturday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

This workshop focuses on essential tools and strategies to effectively manage risks in gymnastics clubs. It will cover creating safety protocols, injury prevention, emergency response planning, and staff training, with a focus on practical application. Participants will also explore the value of tabletop exercises—interactive scenarios that help teams practice real-time responses. Policy development will be emphasized as one of several tools within a broader risk management strategy, helping clubs identify and address potential risks while fostering a culture of safety and preparedness

1:15 - 3:00pm
California
Proactive Planning: Enhancing Communication for Unexpected Challenges
Region 1 Saturday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

This is an extended, 2-hour session.
This interactive workshop offers supplemental training aligned with the Communication section of the USA Gymnastics Member Club Best Practices Guide. The workshop is designed for club leadership and focuses on developing communication plans and response strategies for emergencies and unexpected challenges.  Learn how to train staff, clarify roles, and respond confidently to crises, from medical incidents to reputational issues. Be prepared. Communicate clearly. Lead with confidence.

Region 1 - Sunday
8:15 - 9:15am
Valley
Developing Young Talent: Best Practices for Hiring and Supervising Adolescent Coaches
Region 1 Sunday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

Teen coaches can bring energy, relatability, and a strong connection to your athletes—but only when they’re hired thoughtfully and supervised with intention. This session focuses on how to assess readiness during the hiring process, set clear expectations, and provide meaningful supervision that helps young staff develop professionalism, understand boundaries, and stay aligned with your club’s values. Learn strategies to support their growth while protecting the safety of athletes and reinforcing your club’s standards.

10:45 - 11:45am
Valley
Raising the Bar Without Crossing the Line: Understanding High Standards vs. Harmful Coaching Practices
Region 1 Sunday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

Coaching with high standards is essential for athlete success, but how can coaches push athletes to excel without crossing the line into harmful behaviors? This workshop delves into the fine line between acceptable demanding practices and demeaning coaching. Participants will explore effective strategies to challenge athletes while avoiding pitfalls like defensiveness, attention-seeking actions, and biting commentary. Learn to maintain high expectations with professionalism, foster trust and respect, and create a positive environment where athletes thrive under constructive, inspiring leadership.

Region 4 - Saturday
8:15 - 9:15am
Taft B
From Awareness to Action: Best Practices for Reducing Risk and Strengthening Gymnastics Clubs
Region 4 Saturday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

This workshop focuses on essential tools and strategies to effectively manage risks in gymnastics clubs. It will cover creating safety protocols, injury prevention, emergency response planning, and staff training, with a focus on practical application. Participants will also explore the value of tabletop exercises—interactive scenarios that help teams practice real-time responses. Policy development will be emphasized as one of several tools within a broader risk management strategy, helping clubs identify and address potential risks while fostering a culture of safety and preparedness.

9:30 - 10:30am
Taft B
Developing Young Talent: Best Practices for Hiring and Supervising Adolescent Coaches
Region 4 Saturday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

Teen coaches can bring energy, relatability, and a strong connection to your athletes—but only when they’re hired thoughtfully and supervised with intention. This session focuses on how to assess readiness during the hiring process, set clear expectations, and provide meaningful supervision that helps young staff develop professionalism, understand boundaries, and stay aligned with your club’s values. Learn strategies to support their growth while protecting the safety of athletes and reinforcing your club’s standards.

Region 4 - Sunday
9:30 - 11:30am
Room 304 (3rd Floor)
Proactive Planning: Enhancing Communication for Unexpected Challenges
Region 4 Sunday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

This is an extended, 2-hour session.
This interactive workshop offers supplemental training aligned with the Communication section of the USA Gymnastics Member Club Best Practices Guide. The workshop is designed for club leadership and focuses on developing communication plans and response strategies for emergencies and unexpected challenges.  Learn how to train staff, clarify roles, and respond confidently to crises, from medical incidents to reputational issues. Be prepared. Communicate clearly. Lead with confidence.

3:45 - 4:45pm
Taft B
Supporting and Coaching Neurodivergent Gymnasts
Region 4 Sunday Athlete Wellness
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

Neurodivergent gymnasts – athletes with conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or sensory processing differences – bring unique strengths and challenges to the gym. This session is designed to help coaches and gymnastics professionals better understand and support these athletes. We will explore what neurodivergence means, how it may impact a gymnast’s experience, and practical strategies to foster an inclusive, supportive environment. Learn how to adapt coaching techniques, communicate effectively, and empower every gymnast to thrive, no matter how they experience and interact with the world.

Region 5 - Saturday
3:00 - 4:00pm
Ema Spencer
Navigating Parent Relationships: Building Trust and Addressing Concerns
Region 5 Saturday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

This workshop provides coaches and gymnastics professionals with strategies to foster positive, productive relationships with parents. This program focuses on establishing trust, maintaining open lines of communication, and effectively addressing concerns in a respectful and constructive manner. Participants will explore techniques for managing challenging conversations, setting boundaries, and aligning with parents to support athletes’ development.

4:15 - 5:15pm
Ema Spencer
Raising the Bar without Crossing the Line: Understanding High Standards vs. Harmful Coaching Practices
Region 5 Saturday Athlete Wellness
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

Coaching with high standards is essential for athlete success, but how can coaches push athletes to excel without crossing the line into harmful behaviors? This workshop delves into the fine line between acceptable demanding practices and demeaning coaching. Participants will explore effective strategies to challenge athletes while avoiding pitfalls like defensiveness, attention-seeking actions, and biting commentary. Learn to maintain high expectations with professionalism, foster trust and respect, and create a positive environment where athletes thrive under constructive, inspiring leadership.

Region 5 - Sunday
8:30 - 9:30am
Ema Spencer
From Awareness to Action: Best Practices for Reducing Risk and Strengthening Gymnastics Clubs
Region 5 Sunday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

This workshop focuses on essential tools and strategies to effectively manage risks in gymnastics clubs. It will cover creating safety protocols, injury prevention, emergency response planning, and staff training, with a focus on practical application. Participants will also explore the value of tabletop exercises—interactive scenarios that help teams practice real-time responses. Policy development, while important, will be presented as one tool in a broader risk management strategy, helping clubs identify and address potential risks while fostering a culture of safety and preparedness.

9:45am - 12:00pm
Roman Johnson
Proactive Planning: Enhancing Communication for Unexpected Challenges
Region 5 Sunday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

This is an extended, 2-hour session.
This interactive workshop offers supplemental training aligned with the Communication section of the USA Gymnastics Member Club Best Practices Guide. The workshop is designed for club leadership and focuses on developing communication plans and response strategies for emergencies and unexpected challenges.  Learn how to train staff, clarify roles, and respond confidently to crises, from medical incidents to reputational issues. Be prepared. Communicate clearly. Lead with confidence.

Region 7 - Friday
1:45 - 2:45pm
Ruth
Navigating Parent Relationships: Building Trust and Addressing Concerns
Region 7 Friday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

This workshop provides coaches and gymnastics professionals with strategies to foster positive, productive relationships with parents. The program focuses on establishing trust, maintaining open lines of communication, and effectively addressing concerns in a respectful and constructive manner. Participants will explore techniques for managing challenging conversations, setting boundaries, and working collaboratively with parents to support athlete development.

3:00 - 4:00pm
Ruth
Raising the Bar Without Crossing the Line: Understanding High Standards vs. Harmful Coaching Practices
Region 7 Friday Women Coaching
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

Coaching with high standards is essential for athlete success, but how can coaches push athletes to excel without crossing the line into harmful behaviors? This workshop delves into the fine line between acceptable demanding practices and demeaning coaching. Participants will explore effective strategies to challenge athletes while avoiding pitfalls such as defensiveness, performative criticism, and biting remarks. Learn to maintain high expectations with professionalism, foster trust and respect, and create a positive environment where athletes thrive under constructive, inspiring leadership.

Region 7 - Saturday
11:15am - 12:15pm
Ruth
From Awareness to Action: Best Practices for Reducing Risk and Strengthening Gymnastics Clubs
Region 7 Saturday Business
Presenter(s): Shelba Waldron
Session Summary

This workshop focuses on essential tools and strategies to effectively manage risks in gymnastics clubs. It will cover creating safety protocols, injury prevention, emergency response planning, and staff training, with a focus on practical application. Participants will also explore the value of tabletop exercises—interactive scenarios that help teams practice real-time responses. Policy development will be emphasized as one of several tools within a broader risk management strategy, helping clubs identify and address potential risks while fostering a culture of safety and preparedness.