1. AIMS

We are committed to ensuring that we adopt best practice to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all children taking part in gymnastics classes. All children regardless of age, culture, disability, gender and racial origin have a right to protection from abuse.

2. PRACTICES

2.1 General

1. The adoption of Independent Gymnastics Association (IGA) guidelines for health, safety and welfare and the protection of children and vulnerable adults (for more information see https://www.independentgymnastics.com/safe-sport/).

2. The appointment of a welfare officer Tracey Jordan to whom all issues can be discussed with in confidence.

3. There will be zero tolerance for bullying and abuse both physical and verbal. Any suspicions and allegations will be taken very seriously and responded to swiftly.

4. Any accidents requiring medical attention and incidents occurring will be recorded in a logbook.

2.2 Staff

1. Ensuring that all staff and adult volunteers are suitably trained and regularly updated on child protection, health and safety issues.

2. Ensuring that all staff and adult volunteers have adequate training and/or qualifications to conduct their roles competently and follow coaching guidelines.

3. Ensuring that all staff and adult volunteers have been screened where appropriate to confirm their suitability to work with children. This may include Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

2.3 Training sessions

1. There will always be a minimum of 2 responsible persons at each training session and a person with emergency first aid training present.

2. Photography or videoing during training or events will not be undertaken without prior consent from parents, guardians and participants.

3. Training will take place in an open environment where all staff and gymnasts are always in full view of each other.

4. Sessions will be fun, enjoyable and develop children’s gymnastics potential. Some gymnastics moves may require close physical contact between coach and gymnast and where this provided it will done in accordance to Independent Gymnastics Association coaching guidelines. It will be ensured that gymnasts are happy to receive manual support otherwise coaches will refrain and offer an alternative coaching method.

5. The coach to gymnast ratio will be in accordance to Independent Gymnastics Association guidelines.