Safety Policy

For Members:

  1. Attire:
    All participants must wear suitable clothing. Any items that could cause injury, such as jewelry, must be removed, and long hair should be tied back.

  2. Arrival and Changing:
    It is the policy of The Gymnast Fit Classes that all participants arrive suitably attired for the activity. Please note that designated changing areas are not provided at our venues.

  3. Eating and Drinking:
    No eating or drinking is permitted in any of the venues, except for water. Only plastic or metal bottles with resealable lids may be brought into the hall. Cans, glass bottles, and food are not allowed.

  4. Toilet Use:
    Members should use the toilet before the start of the class. If a minor needs to use the toilet during class, they must be accompanied to the toilet hallway by their parent/guardian or a Gymnast Fit coach if there is no clear line of sight to the toilet door.

  5. Class Attendance:
    Members are expected to remain in the hall for the duration of the class, except in cases of emergency or when using the toilet as specified.

  6. Medical Exemptions:
    Participants with the following medical conditions are regrettably not able to participate in classes:

    • Detaching retina

    • Rodded backs/spinal rods

    • Brittle bones

    • Pregnancy

    • Down's Syndrome (due to the risk of atlanto-axial instability)

    • Achondroplasia (or other forms of dwarfism)

  7. Inclusivity and Limitations:
    While we are a relatively small gymnastics club, we recognize our limitations in catering to students with learning difficulties and disabilities. We encourage those with specific needs to contact British Gymnastics for assistance in finding a suitable club.

For Coaches:

  1. Attire and Safety:
    All coaches must wear suitable clothing. Any items that could cause injury, such as jewelry, must be removed, and long hair should be tied back.

  2. Toilet Supervision:
    When a parent or guardian is not present, coaches are responsible for accompanying minors to the toilet hallway if there is no clear line of sight to the toilet door. Parents/guardians should ensure that children use the toilet before class begins.

  3. Register and Documentation:
    Accurate registers must be maintained using the electronic tablets or phones provided to Head Coaches. Any injuries incurred during class, unless extremely minor, must be reported in writing through the Accident Report Form available on The Gymnast Fit Registers app.

  4. Safety Awareness:
    Coaches must always prioritize safety during activities. When allowing children to perform advanced moves such as somersaults, backflips, or handsprings, coaches must provide manual support if there is any doubt about the child's ability to perform the move safely.

  5. Coaching Qualifications and Checks:
    All Head Coaches must hold a recognized coaching qualification. Coaches over the age of 16 must undergo an enhanced DBS check every three years to ensure the safety and well-being of the members.

  6. Use of Equipment:
    Coaches must exercise extreme care when setting up and putting away equipment. Class members, regardless of age, must not be allowed to assist and should be kept at a safe distance.

  7. Prohibited Activities:
    Rough or physical games must not be included in gymnastic warm-ups, as they pose a safety risk.

  8. New Members:
    Coaches should ensure that safety procedures are clearly explained to children joining a class for the first time. Activities should be appropriate to the age, ability, and experience of the participants, following the "Progress Booklet" methodically.