2014
Saint’s Gym
Club Inc.
Handbook for Members
1
Contents
Club Mission Statement .............................................. 5
State Peak Body .......................................................... 5
Welcome to Saint’s Gym Club Inc. .............................. 6
Our Club Personnel ..................................................... 7
The Management Committee............................................................... 7
Administration ...................................................................................... 7
Coaching Staff ....................................................................................... 7
Expectations of the Levels Gymnast ........................... 8
Uniform Requirements ......................................................................... 8
Training ................................................................................................. 8
Competition Attendance ...................................................................... 8
Organisational Chart ................................................. 10
Our Club Programs.................................................... 11
Gym For All/Recreation Gym .............................................................. 11
Pre-Levels ............................................................................................ 11
Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) ....................................................... 11
Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) ................................................. 11
Competitive Vs Recreational Gymnastics ........................................... 12
Expectations ........................................................................................ 12
Fees Policy ................................................................ 13
Club Membership and Registration .................................................... 13
Fee Payments ...................................................................................... 13
Priority Re-registering System ............................................................ 13
Hours of Training ...................................................... 14
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Term Length.............................................................. 14
Training Session Cancellations .................................. 14
Make up Classes ....................................................... 14
Public Holidays .......................................................... 14
Other Activities, Extra Training ................................. 15
Competition Entry Fees ...................................................................... 15
Refund Policy ...................................................................................... 15
Clothing ............................................................................................... 15
Other Procedures And Information .......................... 16
Hot Weather Policy ............................................................................. 16
Notification of Changes to Medical and Contact Details .................... 16
Medical Clearance............................................................................... 16
Dropping off and Picking up Gymnasts ............................................... 16
School Holiday Classes ........................................................................ 17
Changes to Coaching Staff .................................................................. 17
Positions in Classes and Program Content ......................................... 18
Fire & Emergency Procedure .................................... 18
Procedure for Gymnasts ..................................................................... 18
Procedure for Parents & Spectators ................................................... 18
Safety Rules .............................................................. 19
Assumption of risk .................................................... 20
Hand care.................................................................. 20
Lost property ............................................................ 21
Viewing from inside the gym .................................... 21
Fundraising ............................................................... 21
Sponsorship .............................................................. 21
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Media Liaison ............................................................ 22
Feedback................................................................... 22
Privacy Statement ..................................................... 22
Grievance Procedure ................................................ 23
Administrative & Payment Related Matters....................................... 23
Coaching Related Matters .................................................................. 23
Saint’s Gym Club Member Protection Policy ............ 23
Gymnasts Code of Conduct ....................................... 24
Parents Code of Conduct........................................... 25
Coaches Code of Conduct ......................................... 26
Judges Code of Conduct............................................ 27
Waiver ...................................................................... 28
Our Policies ............................................................... 29
Useful Links ............................................................... 29
4
Club Mission Statement
To encourage every gymnast to maximise their gymnastic potential,
reaching the highest levels of artistry and performance
to which they are capable and to which they aspire.
State Peak Body
Gymnastics South Australia (GymSA)
National Peak Body
Australian Gymnastics Federation (GA)
International Peak Body
Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG)
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Welcome to Saint’s Gym Club Inc.
Saints Gym Club is a volunteer led, community based club which has
been operating since 1980. We provide fun and safe gymnastics
training for girls and boys at the gymnasium at Saint Peters Collegiate
Girls’ School, Stonyfell Road, Stonyfell.
Saints Gym Club is an incorporated body run by the Saints Gym Club
Management committee. Committee members can be identified at
training sessions by the white and light blue badge. The committee is
made up of volunteer parents of gymnasts and other interested people.
Office bearers are elected at the Annual General Meeting in March each
year. Membership of the management committee is an opportunity for
interested parents to support their children’s participation in sport and
to develop a range of skills. As well as membership of the committee
parents are strongly encouraged to support their children’s
participation in Gym-sport by performing a number of other tasks. Any
interested parents are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting
(AGM), join as a general committee member, train as a judge or become
involved in event organisation for the club. Please speak to a
committee member about how you can support the club.
The rules and conditions in this Handbook are those which the gymnast
and parents/guardians agree to comply with by enrolling at Saints.
However, the committee are always open to suggestions about future
conditions and policies.
Contact Details:
Saints Gym Club PO Box 1192
Kensington SA 5068
saintsgymclub@yahoo.com.au
Mobile: 0433 392 352
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Our Club Personnel
The Management Committee
The Management Committee meets monthly.
All matters for the general m e e t i n g m u s t be in writing to the Club
one week beforehand. Non-agenda items will not be discussed at this
meeting. Although o u r co ach in g & set up staff a r e paid
professionals, our management committee and other helpers are
volunteers who offer their time for the benefit of the club. Some of
these positions demand a great deal of time and effort.
Understanding and patience is appreciated when dealing with club
matters.
The Saint’s Gym Club Management Committee is elected by the club
members every year at the AGM and we are always looking for
enthusiastic, creative people to join the committee. If you would like to be
involved in this area please contact our Club President/s.
Administration
The Club phone and email is attended from during normal business
hours.
Coaching Staff
All senior coaches hold a minimum qualification of Level 1 under the
Australian Coaching Council’s National Coaches Accreditation Scheme
(NCAS) or are in the process of gaining accreditation. Coaches who are
in training are under the supervision of a qualified coach. Accreditation
procedures also require that coaches hold a current senior First Aid
certificate or equivalent.
We also employ younger coaches who are often current or ex
competition gymnasts & possess high levels of up to date technical
expertise in gymnastics. For this reason they are employed in the area
of Recreation and sometimes as assistants in the Competition streams.
Don’t be fooled by their size as most gymnasts are older than they look.
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Expectations of the Levels Gymnast
Uniform Requirements
The Levels Gymnasts both MAG & WAG are expected to arrange and
purchase the club competition outfit/leotard. In communication with
your child’s coach & the Uniform Officer you will need to purchase the
correct leotard depending on if you are a female Level 1-3 (blue & white
leotard) or Level 4 female gymnast and above (navy & gold leotard) or a
MAG gymnast.
All gymnasts are expected to have and wear the SAINTS Club Jacket, bag
and black pants. Gymnasts walk on the floor and compete barefooted;
hence there are no shoe requirements. Hair styles and ribbons are
communicated by the coach prior to the Competition. Girls are not to
wear underpants under their leotards.
Training
Once the gymnast is offered and accepted into the Levels program
there is a significant increase of training time. Attendance at all training
sessions and a satisfactory level of commitment to training is expected
from every gymnast. The gymnasts shall abide by the Club’s code of
conduct and will at all times display a positive team spirit. Saints
members are expected to show respect to their team mates, coaching
staff and members of other clubs.
Competition Attendance
Throughout the year there are several competitions held at Marion and
some country events are also offered. Attendance is expected at these
competitions. Circumstances may be such that require discussion well in
advance of the upcoming competitions as to the contrary. If a gymnast
cannot attend a competition post the entries being submitted a refund
will only be given on the grounds of a medical certificate produced. This
must be received within 10 days of the competition being held. The
gymnast shall be entered and paid for by the club and families will be
invoiced for the cost of the competition entry prior to the entry closing
dates. The club attempts to keep the cost of entries to competitions to a
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minimum. We aim to only cover the entry cost and the cost of having
coaching staff in attendance.
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Organisational Chart
Management Committee
President &/or Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary,
Registrations Officer, Communication Manager,
Uniform Officer and General Members
MAG Head Coach
Squad Leaders
Gym For All
Head Coach
Junior Coaches
WAG Head Coach
Squad Leaders
Junior Coaches
Set-Up Manager
Set-Up Crew
Other people around the gym:
As a leading gymnastics club we frequently have coaches from
other clubs observing or assisting with training as a means of
meeting their compulsory annual updating requirements for the
National Coaches Accreditation Scheme (NCAS). These coaches
are under the supervision of our own coaching staff.
We also sometimes have coaches and gymnasts from other clubs
visiting to take advantage of our facility and experienced
coaches.
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Our Club Programs
Gym For All/Recreation Gym
This is a fun and exciting class in which to learn basic skills in a friendly
environment. This program can provide sufficient challenge for all
gymnasts, by introducing new skills involving coordination, balance,
strength and flexibility. Gymnasts attend classes of the appropriate age
bracket (5-7, 8-12 and 10 +) once per week. Warm up is done as a class;
gymnasts are then divided into groups (max. 8 per coach) to complete
activities around the gym. Four rotations are completed per session.
Pre-Levels
Pre Levels is a transitional program for girls under 8, focusing on
preparation for Level 1. Gymnasts learn more complex gymnastics skills
and correct techniques. Training sessions will incorporate more specific
skills, including foundation and developmental skills, as well as
introducing strength, conditioning and flexibility training. Skills covered
include those required for entry into the Level 1 program. However,
invitation to join Pre Levels does not guarantee a subsequent position in
the Levels Program. Both Pre Levels & Levels entry is by invite and Head
Coach assessment only.
Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG)
Is comprised of gymnastics skills and routines of progressively
increasing difficulty on six apparatus; Vault, Pommel Horse, High Bar,
Parallel Bars, Floor Exercise and Rings. MAG training is offered &
attendance expected twice a week, on Thursdays and Fridays.
Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG)
Gymnastics skills and routines of progressively increasing difficulty.
There are 4 apparatus: Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam and Floor
Exercise. Level 1-7 State and National streams are offered & expected
on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
In line with the National guidelines the ‘State Stream’ of competition
will be gradually phased out.
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Competitive Vs Recreational Gymnastics
Our club recognises a clear distinction between recreational and
competitive gymnastics. From Recreation, gymnasts who are suitable to
pursue competitive gymnastics may be invited into a competitive
training group.
The content and delivery of training programs is different for
competitive and recreational groups. Recreational groups have a
philosophy of fun, fitness, friendship and fundamentals. These
programs aim to give a broad introduction to gymnastics equipment
and activities and allow children to progress at their own pace.
In competitive training groups there are high expectations placed on the
gymnasts to work hard and improve their physical abilities and skills.
Positions in competitive groups are offered on the understanding that
the gymnast aspires to high levels of performance and intends to fully
meet all of the training commitments of that group.
Expectations
What can the gymnasts and parents expect from Saint ’s Gym Club?
The gymnast can expect the dedication of their coaches to the task of
developing their gymnastic ability to their maximum potential.
Additionally they can expect that the coaching staff will abide by
professional and ethical standards of the highest degree. No
guarantees can be made regarding the outcomes of competitions or
the level of competence to which a gymnast will rise. We can only
assure you that the programs we put in place will give your child the
best chance to maximise their own potential if correctly followed
with effort, persistence and determination.
What are the expectations of a gymnast & parent when joining a class?
The gymnasts will be expected to arrive on time, follow instructions,
and apply themselves to the program. Parents are expected to be
supportive, ensure that adequate sleep and a nutritious diet are
provided, and ensure that their child arrives at the appropriate time
and is picked up on time. Both children and parents are expected to
abide by their respective rules at the back of this book.
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Fees Policy
Club Membership and Registration
The Club Membership package includes Club Membership, Gymnastics
South Australia Registration and Sports Insurance. This is nonrefundable. The GymSA registration and Sports Insurance is transferable
between clubs but not from one gymnast to another. The GymSA
registration is valid from the date of payment until the end of December
of that year. A family discount of 10% applies for the 2nd and
subsequent family members for Membership fees only. Membership
fees are renewable each term and must be paid prior to your child's first
class, this includes new registrations.
Fee Payments
Class fees pay for your child's position in a class. Non-attendance does
not qualify you for a refund or credit except under special
circumstances, where an application must be made to the President. All
term fees are due in their entirety prior to your child’s first lesson.
Priority Re-registering System
Re-registering allows us to be fully prepared for the following term's
classes, maintaining our low gymnast to coach ratios and staffing with
the best available and most suitable coaches. Reregistering emails will
be sent out towards the end of term. Reregistering can be done at the
gym. Our priority reregistering system affords first priority to those who
are already in a class when rebooking for the new term. After the
priority reregistering week however, positions are open for anybody to
book into any suitable class where a vacancy exists. It is important
therefore, that if you wish to retain your place in the class for the new
term, you should rebook during the priority reregistering week. If for
some reason you cancel your booking you will forfeit 2 weeks of fees.
The President may consider special circumstances. Rebooking is not
compulsory, however if you don't you may lose your child's position in
that class. Rebooking fees will not be accepted until any prior
outstanding debts to our club or any other club have been finalised.
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Hours of Training
If gymnasts leave early or arrive late this does not entitle a discount on
fees as all the club's costs are the same regardless of gymnast leaving.
Term Length
Fees are calculated on a term basis, with typically 9-11 weeks in each
term and approximately 40 weeks per year, generally aligned with the
public school terms. New gymnasts starting part way through the term
are charged on a pro rata basis.
Training Session Cancellations
Any session cancelled by the head coach or club will be made up for at a
later date or a credit applied to your account.
Make up Classes
Gymnasts are allocated 2 make up classes per term to be used in the
event of their child being unable to attend their class. You must inform
the club that your child will not be attending prior to their class starting
to be able to claim a makeup. The make up lessons are offered only if a
position is available in that particular type of class and must be taken
during the current term. If a child is unable to attend for two or more
weeks due to illness or injury, a refund for missed classes can be
obtained by presenting the President with an appropriate medical
certificate for the period.
Public Holidays
There are classes on public holidays.
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Other Activities, Extra Training
Competitions and extra training sessions, etc are to be paid for at the
time of booking; however club fees must be completely up to date in
order to book for one of these activities.
Competition Entry Fees
Competition fees are partly dependent on the entry fees charged by the
hosting body. MAG and WAG will be invoiced for each competition in
advance and must be fully paid prior to the entry closing date. Non
payment will result in gymnasts being unable to attend the event.
Refund Policy
Please note that State or Nationally Sanctioned Events or events
organised by other clubs, will have closing dates and refund policies as
set by those organisations.
Circumstances not covered in this handbook will be dealt with on a
case-by-case basis by the Head Coach, President or the Club's
Management Committee.
Clothing
Gymnasts representing the club at GymSA competitions wear a club
leotard, black long pants and a club jacket. Junior Levels leotards are
made by Jem Designs, 128 Main North Rd. Prospect. Club leotards are
made to order and can take up to 8 weeks to be ready. Senior Levels
(4+) leotards are purchased online. Details are available from the
Uniform Officer. The club jacket is available from the Uniform Officer
and black, full length jazz pants may be purchased from any retail
outlet.
For Recreational gymnasts that compete at Gym For All competitions,
the club uniform is our Club t-shirt and black bike pants. Please see the
Uniform Officer.
Please Note:
NO Bobby Pins are allowed to be used as it can be dangerous.
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Other Procedures And Information
Hot Weather Policy
If the forecast temperature (or gymnasium temperature) is 38 degrees
or over then all gym sessions will be cancelled on that day.
If the forecast temperature is 36 degrees or over then a modified gym
program will be conducted on that day.
Parents should also assess their own child’s individual tolerance to heat;
and make their own decision as to whether it is appropriate for their
child to exercise in hotter weather. If the child appears distressed or
complains of feeling unwell, they should stop exercising.
Make up classes (for cancelled classes) will be offered where possible.
Alternatively, the following term fees will be adjusted.
Notification of Changes to Medical and Contact Details
Parents must immediately notify the Club of any change in address,
email or telephone contact details or any medical or disability
information which may be significant to the coaching of the child. You
may be required to fill in a new membership form indicating the new
conditions. All medical conditions require an action plan. Please collect
a form with your registration. Having an email address and mobile
phone number on our file will enable you to receive more information
and earlier notification. Enrolment forms & associated medical plans are
to be renewed annually for new & existing club members.
Medical Clearance
Gymnasts may at some time be required to produce a medical
certificate confirming their fitness for classes or their general health
status prior to being permitted to participate.
Dropping off and Picking up Gymnasts
Parents are required to come into the foyer to drop off and pick up their
children. The club is not responsible for the safety of your child before &
after their designated class. Please remind your children to wait inside
the gym for you after class. Please be 5 minutes early to drop off and on
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time to pick up your children. If you will be late to pick up or drop off,
please contact the gym and advise of your expected arrival time. If
somebody other than usual will be picking up your child please notify
the office or their coach beforehand. If there is a specific person/s not
permitted to pick up your child, please notify the club in writing.
School Holiday Classes
Classes are at times offered during the school holidays. You will be
advised towards the end of the term if these training will be occurring
and these classes are charged for separately.
Changes to Coaching Staff
While we attempt to give the children consistency in coaching staff the
club reserves the right to change coaching staff without prior notice.
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Positions in Classes and Program Content
Positions in any Levels class are offered at the discretion of the Head
Coach and may be withdrawn by the Head Coach. Coaches are the
correct people to make decisions about any gymnast's readiness to
progress, the content of a program or any other coaching related
matter.
Fire & Emergency Procedure
Please read the Fire and Emergency Procedure and explain it to your
child.
Procedure for Gymnasts
1. Stop all gymnastic activities
2. Follow the directions of the coach or person in charge
3. Leave the building via the nearest safe exit in a calm, orderly
manner
4. Wait in the Parking area on the northern side of the
administration building for further instructions.
Procedure for Parents & Spectators
1. Leave the building via the nearest safe exit in a calm orderly
manner
2. Wait in the Parking area on the northern side of the
administration building for further instructions.
3. The coaching staff will take the children to the nearest exit so
please do not attempt to take your own children out of the
building.
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Safety Rules
The following are the club’s safety rules which must be followed by
gymnasts, parents and siblings:
1. No running in foyer area of the gym AT ANY TIME.
2. After class, the gymnast must remain in the foyer area until
collected by their parent/guardian.
3. Equipment may only be used by gymnasts under the supervision
of a coach.
4. During class, the gymnast is to walk between pieces of
equipment and run on the floor only when asked by the coach.
5. Gymnasts are to seek permission to leave the class at all times. If
the gymnast is leaving early, please ensure the coach is aware of
this.
6. Food or drinks are not permitted in the gym floor area. Regular
drink breaks will be provided to enable gymnasts to have a drink
within the foyer area. This will particularly be the case in hot
weather (see separate hot weather policy).
7. No photography or videoing during training, unless permission
has been granted from the management committee.
8. All bags and personal effects are to be neatly stored in the cubby
holes and not present a trip hazard to other gymnasts and
visitors to the club.
9. Please keep the foyer area free of clutter and rubbish. Put
rubbish in bins provided.
10. If a gymnast is feeling unwell or is injured, please report this
immediately to the coach. First aid equipment is available onsite.
11. In an emergency, coaches will try to contact parents but if
necessary, the most appropriate medical assistance will be
called upon including an ambulance (at the gymnast’s expense),
if deemed needed.
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12. Saints Gymnastics Club is a SMOKEFREE environment and no
alcohol is allowed on the gym premises.
13. Dogs are not allowed on the school grounds.
14. Saints Gym Club is a nut free club. Please do not bring any
food/snacks that might contain nuts. If your child is allergic to
nuts, please provide an up-to-date action plan with the medical
form and ensure an Epi-pen or medication is given to your coach
at every training.
Assumption of risk
Like any sport or physical activity, participation in gymnastics carries an
inherent risk of injury. Because many gymnastics activities require
inversion (turning upside down) of the body, the sport by its nature
carries a risk of head and spinal injury. This risk is greatly controlled in a
supervised class with a qualified and experienced instructor. Parents
should explain this risk to their children prior to accepting membership.
Hand care
Swinging by the hands often causes blisters. A blister which has broken
while swinging is called a rip. Because the superficial layer of skin has
been removed in the case of a rip, there is potential for infection. The
hands should always be washed thoroughly following training to
remove all chalk and dirt. Blisters should not be broken. If a blister has
broken the area should be kept clean. To avoid hardening of the area
which may cause cracking of the skin, vitamin E oil or cream should be
applied to the area. This must be completely washed off before the
gymnast comes into class. If the area appears to become infected please
consult your doctor.
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Lost property
Lost property is placed in the lost property basket in the foyer. Items
may not be removed from here unless they belong to you. At the end of
each term the lost property is donated to charity.
Remember that if your child has gymnastics gear/clothing there is a
great likelihood that there are identical to other gymnasts in the club.
We strongly suggest that you label all clothing and equipment with your
child's name. The club accepts no responsibility for any items left
behind at the gym. We strongly advise that you do not leave valuables
unattended in the foyer, cubby holes, toilets or car park. Gymnasts
should not bring valuables to the gym.
Viewing from inside the gym
Please do not allow other children to wander into the training area or
touch any equipment. Children or adults who may accidentally wander
into the path of a gymnast risk serious injury to themselves and the
gymnast. Viewing from the foyer is permitted but please do not enter
the gym floor at any time. Your co-operation regarding this matter helps
us to better look after the personal safety of the children.
Fundraising
All fundraising activities at the club must be approved in advance by the
management committee.
Sponsorship
Our club has many benefits to offer a potential sponsor. If you would
like to advertise your business in our monthly newsletter, or if you know
of any business owners or companies who may be interested in
sponsoring the club please contact the Executive Committee.
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Media Liaison
All media liaison which mentions the club, its programs, gymnasts, staff
or management committee must first be cleared with the Executive
Committee to ensure that information is appropriate and accurate.
Feedback
The committee and staff welcome your feedback on improving our club.
Privacy Statement
In accordance with the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act (2000),
the information we collect about you will be used primarily for matters
specifically related to participating in gymnastics and/or if a secondary
purpose is related to the primary purpose and one could reasonably
expect such use or disclosure. To assist in providing our services, the
organisations to which we disclose information include outsourced
service providers who manage the services we provide to you,
including:

Gymnastics SA

Gymnastics Australia

Insurers

Sport Education Section (ASC)

Our professional advisors, including our accountants, auditors
and lawyers

Government and regulatory authorities and other organisations,
as required or authorised by law
We limit the use and disclosure of any personal information provided by
us to such organisations for the specific purpose for which we supplied
it.
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Grievance Procedure
Administrative & Payment Related Matters
In the first instance such matters should be discussed with the Club's
President. If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction then you
may write to the Management Committee who will consider your case.
Coaching Related Matters
In the first instance such matters should be brought to the attention of
the Head coach of your child's program. If the matter is not resolved to
your satisfaction then you should speak or write to the Executive
Committee.
You may ask to be present at a committee meeting to present your
case, however you may be asked to leave while the committee
discusses and decides on your matter.
No complaint or request will be considered unless the correct grievance
procedure is followed.
Saint’s Gym Club Member Protection Policy
This policy has been developed to ensure that our members are
provided with a safe and respectful sporting environment whilst
participating in activities run by this club. The Saint’s Gym Club is
committed to providing a safe environment for children that is free
from harassment and abuse for everyone, and promotes respectful and
positive behaviour and values.
This policy provides a code of conduct forming the basis of appropriate
and ethical conduct which everyone must abide by. This is an essential
part of our organisation's proactive and preventative approach to
tackling inappropriate behaviour. The Management of this organisation
is committed to ensuring that everyone associated with the Saint’s Gym
Club complies with this policy at all times. The full policy can be found at
our club or by request from the Management Committee.
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Gymnasts Code of Conduct
1. Gymnasts must participate within these club rules and the
general class safety rules.
2. Gymnasts must respect all Saints Gym coaches and helpers by
listening and paying attention to what they are being asked and
expected to do. Gymnasts are encouraged to give suggestions
and feedback to their coaches but not to argue.
3. Gymnasts must respect opponents in competition by praising
and applauding all efforts and achievements.
4. Gymnasts must respect judge’s decisions in competition.
5. Their coach will seek clarification of any questionable results.
6. Gymnasts must respect fellow club members by being kind to
each other, taking turns fairly, helping each other and providing
encouragement i.e.; saying well done.
7. Bullying is never acceptable and will not be tolerated at Saint’s
Gym.
8. Gymnasts must wear suitable clothing. Our dress code is bare
feet, leotards, fitted shorts and T-shirts (no baggy clothing.)
Track suit bottoms may only be worn during the warm up
exercises & they should be of ankle length & have an elasticised
waist. Hair needs to be tied back wherever possible and all
jewellery removed, earrings for newly pierced ears can remain in
place but need to be protected by plasters or tape. The Head
Coach must be advised of all jewellery or body adornments worn
for religious or medical reasons so that a risk assessment can be
made regarding personal safety.
9. Gymnasts should help to take care of all the equipment and only
use it as instructed by the coaches and helpers. Gymnasts must
never use equipment when they are unsupervised by a coach.
10. Gymnasts must concentrate on what they are doing when
performing a skill in order to keep themselves safe.
11. Gymnasts must make sure that the Head Coach has been
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informed of any existing injuries or illness they have before the
warm up begins.
12. Gymnasts must not eat any food or chew gum during training.
13. Gymnasts must not use bad or offensive language
14. Gymnasts must remain with coaches at the end of a class until
collected by their parent or guardian.
Parents Code of Conduct
As a parent/guardian of an athlete/participant in any activity held by or
under the auspices of Saint’s Gym, you must meet the following
requirements in regard to your conduct during any such activity or
event:
1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others.
2. Remember that your child participates in sport for their own
enjoyment, not yours.
3. Focus on your child’s effort and performance rather than
winning or losing.
4. Parents must not exert undue influence to obtain personal
benefit or reward.
5. Never ridicule or yell at your child and/or other children for
making a mistake or losing a competition.
6. Show appreciation for good performance and skilful display by
all athletes (including opposing athletes).
7. Parents must develop an appropriate supportive relationship
with both the coach and their child based on mutual trust and
respect.
8. Parents should at the outset and where appropriate seek
clarification with the coach, exactly what is expected of them
and their gymnast and also what they are entitled to expect
from the coach.
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9. Parents must co-operate fully with specialists (e.g. other
coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in
their own interest.
10. Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise.
11. Demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility especially
when dealing with or in the vicinity of persons under 18 years of
age, as your words and actions are an example.
12. Do not physically or verbally abuse or harass anyone associated
with the sport (other parents, gymnasts, coaches, judges,
administrators and so on).
13. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person
regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or
religion.
14. Be a positive role model.
15. Understand the repercussions if you breach, or are aware of any
breaches of, this code of conduct.
16. Parents/guardians have the responsibility to ensure that the
child is dropped off and collected from the gym and not at the
carpark.
Coaches Code of Conduct
1. Set a good example which others can follow.
2. Think Safe – act safe – be safe (you are responsible for the safety
of your gymnasts).
3. Arrive in plenty of time to set up your activities.
4. Remember always that children also participate for pleasure winning is only part of the fun.
5. Keep yourself informed about sound coaching practices and the
principles of children’s growth and development.
6. Be reasonable in your demands on children’s time, energy and
enthusiasm - they need other interests too.
7. The successful coach invests in the well-being and interests of
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their gymnasts and does not place undue emphasis on their
win/loss record.
8. Teach your group that honest effort is more important than
victory so that the result of each training session and event is
accepted without undue disappointment.
9. Never ridicule or shout at a child for making a mistake or losing.
10. Divide your time equally between all standards of gymnasts.
11. Ensure you and your gymnasts have respect for their opponents,
the officials and opposing coaches and supporters.
12. Follow advice from a professional when determining if an
injured gymnast is ready to come back into the gym to train or
compete.
13. Take responsibility for the young people in your care until they
have safely left the training session or competition.
14. Be responsible for updating and developing your knowledge and
skills in relation to being a coach and keeping records of the
courses attended.
Judges Code of Conduct
1. Interpret rules and regulations fairly and to the best of your
abilities.
2. Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling all infractions.
3. Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the
principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.
4. Actions speak louder than words. Ensure that both on and off
the floor your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good
sportsmanship.
5. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of any
new or changing judging requirements and the principles of
growth and development of children.
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6. Help the education process in gymnastics. Judges can help
gymnasts and coaches learn to maximize gymnasts potential by
ensuring requirements are understood, and by encouraging
good sportsmanship.
Waiver
This handbook, its references and attachments are general in nature
and their brevity could lead to misinterpretation. No responsibility can
be accepted for those who act on their contents without first
consulting the Executive Committee to obtain specific advice.
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Our Policies
Our complete policies are available on request from the Management
Committee:

Member and Child Protection Policy

Privacy Policy

Fees Policy

Health and Safety Policy

Acquiring Images of Children Policy
Useful Links
Gymnastics Australia - www.gymnastics.org.au
Gymnastics SA - www.gymsa.com.au
Jem Design - 128 Main North Rd. Prospect
Australian Sports Commission - www.ausport.gov.au
Office of Sport & Recreation - www.recsport.sa.gov.au
Australian Institute of Sport -www.ais.org.au
AIS Nutrition - www.ais.org.au/nutrition
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