Gymnasts Code of Conduct



  • Always wear the correct attire i.e. tracksuit, leotard ,T-shirt ,Shorts, leggings . Do not wear jewellery or body piercings. Hair must be tied back
  • Do not run in the gym (unless warming up or working on the floor). Beware of uneven surfaces
  • Do not lie down on or in-between mats when you are waiting for further instructions
  • Co-operate at all times with the coaches and other gymnasts, behave in a courteous and civil manner, and maintain high standards of sportsmanship
  • Respect your coach at all times
  • Make sure that you know when you are being given instructions and listen to them
  • No pushing, pulling or fighting with other club members
  • Do not cheat in training as the only person who loses out is you
  • Do not bring food into the gym area. A drink is permitted to be with the gymnast at all times. (Not cans)
  • Do not bring canned or fizzy drinks
  • Bad language will not be tolerated
  • Treat the equipment with respect
  • Gymnasts must participate within the rules and respect coaches, judges and their decisions
  • Gymnasts must inform the head coach of any injuries or illness they may have before the warm-up begins
  • Gymnasts should remain with coaches at the end of a session until collected by their parent or guardian
  • Never post anything on social media that could be hurtful or harmful to others



Parents code of conduct



  • Help us to keep your child safe by encouraging them to learn the rules about safety and acceptable behaviour and to participate within them
  • Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results. Praise your child for effort and achievement, never punish or belittle a child for poor performance or making mistakes.
  • Be a positive role model by recognising good sportsmanship and applauding the performances of all. Accept officials decisions in competition, addressing any queries through the Head Coach
  • Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport
  • Always ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the activity, no jewellery or body piercings (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
  • Always ensure your child brings plenty to drink. (Not fizzy drinks)
  • Keep us informed if your child is ill or unable to attend sessions and notify pre-existing injuries or illness to the Head Coach
  • Ensure children arrive and are collected on time. Always come in to the gym to deliver and collect your child
  • Offensive language or aggressive or offensive behaviour will not be tolerated
  • All session fees, competition entry fees and British Gymnastic Membership fees must be paid in time



THE CLUB HAS THE RIGHT TO ASK ANYONE NOT COMPLYING WITH THE CODE OF CONDUCT TO LEAVE A CLUB SESSION TO LEAVE THE CLUB



Club code of conduct



Shantallow Gymnastics Academy is a member of British and Northern Ireland Gymnastics Associations.

British Gymnastics Membership Number : 40179

The Club abides by the British Gymnastics Health, Safety and Welfare Policy for Coaches and Clubs.

The Club recognises it has a duty of care towards its members and is committed to providing the appropriate support and guidance to its members to ensure these matters are addressed.

The Club believes it is important that all members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others.

Members are encouraged to be open at all times and share concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with the club Welfare Officer.

Our coaches undergo their training through the British Gymnastics UKCC scheme and hold valid coaching licenses, Child Protection Certificates which are renewed as recommended by British Gymnastics.



Our Guidance to Coaches



  • Consider the well‐being and safety of participants before the development of performance
  • Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers based on mutual trust and respect
  • Hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover
  • Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part and ensure all participants are suitably prepared physically and mentally when learning new skills
  • Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance, dressing suitably and not using inappropriate language at any time whilst involved with club activities
  • Obtain prior agreement from the parent/guardian of performers before transporting them anywhere (training/competitions)
  • Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward
  • Always report any incidents, referrals or disclosures immediately, following the appropriate guidelines set out in the British Gymnastics Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy
  • Never condone rule violations or use of prohibited substances
  • Make sure that confidential information is not divulged unless there is a necessity to do so for the safety of the individual
  • Promote the positive aspects of the sport
  • Encourage Gymnasts to value their performances and not just result
  • Do not make any commitments on the club’s behalf without prior discussion and agreement with the Head of Coaching



Anti-Bullying


It is our aim to provide all our Members with a happy, safe and fulfilling experience when attending Shantallow Gymnastics Academy

We hope to help all our gymnasts achieve their potential by raising self-esteem, giving positive feedback and ensuring all our sessions are structured and fun.

We aim for all to work as a team, we do not tolerate competitive individual behaviour as every gymnast learns at different paces and all participants have varying skills.

There are different types of bullying:

Physical : hitting, kicking, taking or hiding belongings, including money

Verbal : name-calling, teasing, insulting, writing unkind notes

Emotional : being unfriendly, tormenting, spreading rumours, looks

Bullying is an anti-social behaviour which will not be tolerated in our club, it undermines the confidence, self-esteem and happiness of gymnasts and can lead to lack of concentration, depression and, in some cases, leaving the club.

Any concerns regarding bullying can be reported directly to our Welfare Officer or communicated to any Coach.

Concerns will be dealt with immediately. We will listen to both sides in private and record information to report to the parents of children involved.

We will involve the parents and children in deciding the outcome and any sanctions which may need to take place to ensure the person accused of bullying changes their behaviour.

In cases where bullying continues after warnings and sanctions, the person accused of bullying will be asked to leave the club.