Policies and Procedures

Gymnast Code of Conduct

All gymnasts are expected to:

• Treat coaches, judges, officials, and fellow gymnasts with respect at all times.
• Follow all instructions given by coaching staff promptly and appropriately.
• Demonstrate teamwork by supporting and encouraging fellow gymnasts.
• Maintain a positive attitude and commitment to training.
• Strive to perform all skills with correct technique and effort.
• Use and care for club equipment responsibly.
• Take pride in the club environment and help maintain a clean, safe, and tidy facility.
• Stay appropriately hydrated during training (water or non-carbonated, non-caffeinated drinks only).
• Understand that coaching time is dedicated to training; any communication between parents and coaches should take place before or after sessions unless urgent.

Parent/Carer Code of Conduct

Parents and carers play a vital role in creating a positive environment. You are expected to:

• Support your child’s participation in gymnastics, ensuring it remains enjoyable and voluntary.
• Focus on effort, progress, and enjoyment rather than outcomes or competition results.
• Encourage your child to understand and follow club rules.
• Ensure your child attends sessions appropriately dressed and equipped, including bringing a water bottle.
• Notify the club in advance of any absences where possible.
• Park responsibly and considerately.
• Respect facility rules, including no footwear or food in the gym area.
• Remain in designated viewing/waiting areas unless authorised by coaching staff.
• Maintain cleanliness in all viewing and waiting areas.
• Supervise children in waiting areas at all times.
• Keep noise levels to a minimum during sessions.
• Avoid communicating with gymnasts during training unless in an emergency.
• Show respect and appreciation for coaches, volunteers, officials, and other families.
• Refrain from criticism of gymnasts, coaches, or other parents.
• Avoid negative discussions about the club or individuals in front of children.
• Use appropriate and respectful language at all times.
• Demonstrate positive behaviour and good sportsmanship as a role model.
• Respect all decisions made by coaches and officials.
• Raise any concerns through the appropriate channels (see Complaints Procedure).
• Collect children promptly and ensure they understand collection arrangements.
• Keep all contact and medical information up to date.
• Ensure fees are paid promptly in accordance with club terms.

Communication with Coaches:
To ensure sessions remain focused and safe, discussions with coaches should take place before or after sessions, via email, or by prior arrangement.

Gymnast and Parent Guidelines

• Long hair must be securely tied back.
• Appropriate attire must be worn (leotard or suitable sportswear such as a t-shirt and shorts).
• No jewellery is permitted during training or competition, in line with governing body safety requirements.
• Gymnasts should arrive on time and participate fully in warm-ups to reduce injury risk.
• Children must not be left unattended before sessions begin. Responsibility transfers to the coach only at the session start time.
• Parents/carers must collect children promptly and ensure they remain inside the building until collected.
• Any prolonged absence (2+ weeks) should be communicated to the club.
• Changes to medical, contact, or personal details must be reported immediately.

Complaints and Concerns Procedure

The club is committed to resolving concerns fairly, promptly, and transparently.

Raising a Concern

• Wherever possible, concerns should first be addressed informally with the relevant individual.
• If the issue cannot be resolved informally, a formal complaint should be submitted via email to the club.
• Complaints should ideally be raised within 14 days of the incident.

Formal Process

• Written complaints should be addressed to the Club Welfare Officer.
• An acknowledgement will be issued promptly.
• The club aims to investigate and respond within 14 days.
• All complaints will be recorded and handled confidentially in line with data protection requirements.

Important Notes

• Parents/carers must not approach coaches during sessions.
• Club matters are managed by the committee, not individual coaches.
• Concerns relating to safeguarding will be escalated immediately following safeguarding procedures.

Safeguarding and Welfare Policy

Airborne Gymnastics Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults. The club operates in line with the latest safeguarding guidance from British Gymnastics and UK legislation, including the Children Act and Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance.

Our Commitments

We will:

• Provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants.
• Implement robust safeguarding procedures to protect all members from harm, abuse, or exploitation.
• Respect and promote the rights, wellbeing, and dignity of all individuals.
• Ensure safe recruitment practices, including appropriate background checks (e.g. DBS checks) for staff and volunteers.
• Appoint a trained Club Welfare Officer as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding and health & safety training.
• Maintain appropriate supervision levels, with a minimum of two responsible adults present during activities where required.
• Clearly communicate policies regarding photography, filming, and digital communications.
• Operate a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, abuse, discrimination, or poor practice.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to all concerns, disclosures, or allegations.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with UK data protection legislation (including GDPR).

Photography, Filming and Digital Communication

• Parents/carers and participants will be informed of any photography or filming.
• Consent will be obtained where required.
• Images will be used in line with safeguarding and data protection policies.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The club is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and free from discrimination. All members will be treated fairly regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, or background.

Review and Updates

These policies and procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with current legislation and governing body guidance.

For full details of the Child Protection Policy please visit the British Gymnastics website.