West Coast Gymnastics Handbook

All members are welcome at West Coast Gymnasts Incorporated, a non-profit organization run by an elected committee. This Club Handbook provides an overview of club and it is important that all members read and understand the contents. For further details of the Club structure refer to the Club Constitution available at the Office.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of West Coast Gymnasts is to provide all gymnasts with opportunities for social and physical development in an atmosphere of sportsmanship, through a well-managed program that is professionally staffed.

The Club is affiliated with Gymnastics WA, providing the members; -

• The opportunity to participate in State, National and International events;
• Pathways for advancement in coaching, administration and judging;
• Cost savings to the Club and members;
• Sharing of knowledge, skills and experience.

All club members are registered with Gymnastics WA, providing: -

• Personal accident insurance cover;
• Access to nationally approved and recognized gymnastics programs;
• Access to nationally accredited and insured coaches and judges;
• Eligibility to enter recreational and competitive sanctioned gymnastics events;
• Free access to the CAPS program;
• Opportunity to travel interstate and overseas;
• Membership to a gymnastic club that meets the quality assurance requirements of Gymnastics WA.

All coaching staff are accredited and affiliated Gymnastics Western Australia. Information on coaching, judging and club official’s staff is displayed in the foyer.

WEST COAST LEVELS PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Programs are provided in both Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG), Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) and Sports Acrobatics (ACRO).

ELITE LEVEL PROGRAM

The WA Institute of Sport (WAIS) runs an Elite Gymnastics Program and aims to produce Olympians.  West Coast Gymnasts actively participates in the identification of gymnasts suitable for the Elite Gymnastics Program.

GYMFEST

Gymfest is a non-competitive group display of gymnastics, dance and acrobatics to music. Costumes are compulsory. Local, interstate and international competitions and events are available.

KINDERGYM

Kindergym is a pre-school program available from 18 months to 4 years of age requiring parent participation. The program is designed to develop fine motor skills in a fun filled, innovative environment.

SCHOOLS PROGRAM

West Coast Gymnasts has an in-house gym fun program that can be run in the club or taken to the school site.

RECREATIONAL PROGRAM

The Recreational program is designed for boys and girls who wish to participate in a healthy, fun, safe and social environment.

• FEES - Paid per school term.
• HOURS - 1.5 to 3 hours training per week.
• DRESS - Gymnasts should wear tight comfortable clothing, leotards, bathers, shorts, bike pants, t-shirts, no shoes are to be worn during training. Club leotards are available from the office. Long hair should be tied up and neat and tidy. No jewellery.
• COMPETITIONS - Competitions are held at the end of second and last term each year. Gymnasts can be selected from the Recreational program for the Club or State Level programs at the coaches’ discretion.

CLUB LEVELS PROGRAM

Club Levels is a competitive stream requiring a minimum of 2.5 hours per week training.

• FEES - Paid per school term.
• HOURS  - A minimum of 2.5 hours training per week
• DRESS – A compulsory club leotard to be worn at competitions. Long hair should be tied up and neat and tidy. No jewellery.
• COMPETITIONS - 3 Gymnastics Western Australia sanctioned competitions per year, and inter and intra club competitions. Interstate competitions are available.

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

NDP is a program working to the Australian Gymnastics Federation set requirements.  Gymnasts with extraordinary potential at a young age have the opportunity to attend a trial at the Western Australian Institute of Sport.

• FEES - Per month to be paid by the second week of the month.
• HOURS - Minimum 5 hours training per week
• DRESS – A compulsory club leotard to be worn at competitions. Long hair should be tied up and neat and tidy. No jewellery.
• COMPETITIONS - Badge Test, Judges Invitational, Team Pennants, Winter Challenge and State Championships.  NO Interstate competitions are available.

NATIONAL LEVELS PROGRAM

National Levels is a program working to the Australian Gymnastics Federation set requirements.  Gymnasts with extraordinary potential at a young age have the opportunity to attend a trial at the Western Australian Institute of Sport.

• FEES - Per month to be paid by the second week of the month.
• HOURS - Minimum 4 hours training per week
• DRESS – A compulsory club leotard to be worn at competitions. Long hair should be tied up and neat and tidy. No jewellery.
• COMPETITIONS - Badge Test, Judges Invitational, Team Pennants, Winter Challenge and State Championships. Interstate competitions are available.

SPORTS ACROBATICS

A program combining men’s pairs, women’s pairs, women’s trio, men’s pairs mixed pairs and four men teams combining balance and dynamic skills.  The program requires participants to commit to team membership, as this program involves interstate travel.

• FEES - Paid per school term.
• HOURS - Minimum 2 hours training per week
• DRESS – A compulsory club leotard to be worn at competitions and events. Long hair should be tied up and neat and tidy. No jewellery.
• COMPETITIONS - State Championships and National Selection.  Interstate competitions are available.

CAPS PROGRAM

West Coast Gymnasts participates in the Challenge Achievements and Pathways in Sport (CAPS) program by providing CAPS members the opportunity to complete all aspects of the program.

CAPS is a sport and community based youth leadership program designed to improve the volunteer base within sporting clubs. Participants aged 12-20 years of age are provided with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in the pathway areas of: -

• sports administration;
• coaching;
• event/team management;
• sports health;
• participation;
• officiating;

Sportsfun and other Active Australia leadership programs.

Participants complete a required number of hours in their selected pathways under the direction of the nominated supervisor. In addition, participants receive recognition from their sport, develop lifelong skills, have lots of fun, and develop important networks within the sporting industry.

CLUB 10

Club 10 is a quality improvement accreditation process that rates gymnastics clubs in the following areas—

1. Management
2. Communication & Information
3. Planning
4. Technical Development
5. Membership
6. Facilities and Equipment
7. Quality of Service
8. Promotion and Marketing
9. Community Links
10. Leadership

The Management Committee is committed to maintaining and/or improving the Club 10 star rating for the benefit of all members.

VOLUNTEERS

All members and their families are invited to participate fully in the West Coast Gymnasts Club. The Club is dependant on volunteers to assist with the running of the club in many areas including administration, fundraising, judging, and coaching and event co-ordination. Calls for assistance with specific events and activities are placed on the notice board in the foyer or in the Club Newsletter. Parents are asked to complete their occupations on the enrolment form to assist the Club identify specific skills/talents/equipment, which may be called upon during their membership.

The Management Committee has developed a strategy to maintain and/or increase the current level of volunteers within the club. The strategy includes a reward and recognition scheme applicable to all members/volunteers who are valuable assets of the club. The Management Committee acknowledges that the scheme is designed to make the recipient “feel good” and recognizes their commitment to the club. Whilst volunteers are recognized on an ongoing basis the main venue to reward and recognize volunteer contributions is the Annual Trophy Day.

HEALTHY CLUB POLICY

SMOKING

West Coast Gymnasts Inc recognizes that smoking and passive smoking are hazardous to health. We will ensure a smoke free environment by:

• Ensuring all of the premises and in house club functions are smoke free.
• Prominently displaying non-smoking signage.

ALCOHOL

West Coast Gymnasts Inc does not permit the consumption of alcohol on the premises at any time.

• ‘Alcohol Free Venue’ signage.

OTHER DRUGS

West Coast Gymnasts Inc does not condone the use of illicit or performance enhancing drugs.

SUN PROTECTION

West Coast Gymnasts Inc will take all reasonable steps to address sun safe practices by, where possible:

• Scheduling activities outside the hours of 10.30 to 2.30 pm.
• Following the Cancer Foundation of Western Australia guidelines for SunSmart clothing, use of sunscreen and wearing of hats.

SPORT SAFETY

West Coast Gymnasts Inc actively promotes sports save strategies for all training and competition sessions at all levels. The Club will encourage all staff and members to adopt practices that seek to prevent injury by:

• Promoting the use of protective equipment, providing first aid equipment and accredited First Aiders/Sports Trainers at all training sessions and competitions.

HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES

West Coast Gymnasts Inc recognizes the importance of good nutrition for sports performance by:

• Providing adequate information on good nutrition and sports performance.
• Ensuring when food is provided, healthy alternatives are available.

SPORTS SAFE POLICY

The safety of all gymnasts is our primary concern. We actively seek to promote, encourage and support Sports Safe strategies for all training and competition sessions at all levels.

Where possible West Coast Gymnasts Inc will:

• Ensure that here is adequate public liability and gymnasts insurance.
• Adopt Sports Medicine Australia’s ‘Children in sports guidelines’.
• Encourage senior gymnasts, coaches, judges and officials to be Sports Safe role models and to be aware of their roles and responsibilities.
• Advise gymnasts (and parents) about Sports Safe Policy at registration and encourage them to comply with it.
• Ensure gymnasts complete an annual medical history form.
• Promote Sport Safe strategies through posters, newsletters and brochures.
• Ensure that an ‘emergency management plan’ is implemented. This includes:
  1. 1. Appointment of emergency co-ordinator.
     2. Access to details on emergency contact home numbers/location.
     3. Maintenance of first aid room adequately stocked first aid kit.
• Ensure accredited Sports Trainers and First Aiders are present at all training sessions, competitions and club events.
• Actively promote and encourage the use of protective equipment including additional safety matting, hand guards, magnesium carbonate, and safety harness and strapping where applicable.
• Encourage members and supporters to wear suitable clothing and footwear at all times.
• Include warm up, stretching and cool down activities for all training and competitions.
• Ensure all equipment is well maintained and in good working order.
• Advise gymnasts to replace fluids before, during and after training and competition sessions.
• Encourage any gymnast who has an illness or serious injury to seek a medical clearance before returning to training and competition.
• Consider the reasons for and appropriateness of any rules that prevent the implementation of Sport Safe strategies.
• Review the Sport Safe policy annually.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY

The Club abides by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1988, which puts the responsibility on employers and employees for making the workplace safe. We all have a duty of care and penalties are provided for contravention of the prescribed requirements of the Act. The main duties of the employers and employees are listed below.

Duties of Employers

• Provide and maintain a working environment in which employees are not exposed to hazards. This includes safe workplaces, plant and systems of work.
• Provide information, instruction, training and supervision.
• Provide adequate protective clothing and equipment wherever hazards cannot be avoided.
• Make arrangements for the safe use, cleaning, maintenance, transportation and disposal of substances and plant used in the workplace.
• Report serious accidents.

Duties of Employee

• Take reasonable care to ensure his/her own safety and health at work.
• Avoid adversely affecting the safety and health of any other person.
• Comply with employer’s instructions.
• Use protective clothing and equipment provided.
• Do not misuse or damage any equipment provided.
• Report immediately to the employer any possible hazards or injuries, which arise.
• Co-operate with the employer in regards to safety and health.

GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION POLICY

The Club endeavours to resolve all grievances equitably. In order to comply with the policy the Club will –

• Processes are documented, equitable, applied consistently and accessible to all employees in the Club.
• The process is not subject to unnecessary delays.
• Lodgment of a grievance must not result in unfair treatment of the complainant.
• Decisions and processes embody the principles of natural justice.
• Decisions are capable of review.
• Appropriate confidentiality is observed.

The grievance resolution policy applies to the management of employee concerns.

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To abide by the Club Rules and Regulations
• Pay fees on time. Term fees are due and payable by the 2nd class of each term and will automatically become overdue by the 3rd class unless prior arrangements have been made with the committee or office staff. Monthly fees have been calculated annually and divided by 12 payments. The 1st payment is due in January of each year and thereafter on the 1st of each month. They automatically become overdue by the 7th of each month.
• The Club does NOT refund fees. If a class is cancelled e.g. Public Holidays a substitute class will be offered. Should your child miss a class due to illness then a make up class will be offered (there are no make up classes for State & National Level programs).
• Should you remove your child from a program within the gym prior to the end of a term/month a refund will NOT be given.
• Parents of children in a club, state or national levels program are required to give West Coast Gymnasts Inc 1 months written notice if their child wishes to cease training at the Club. For extended illness of more than 1 week a doctor’s certificate is required if a credit is requested.
• Have your child at the gym prior to the commencement of class to ensure he/she does not miss warm up.
• Pick up your child on time.
• Parents and siblings are not permitted to enter the gym hall without permission from a coach or committee member.
• Information for parents is placed on the notice board in the foyer. Please check the notice board regularly.
• If you have any concerns or questions please ask the office staff.
• Coaches are not to be approached on the coaching floor. If you need to speak to a coach please ask the office staff to pass on a message or wait until after the training session.
• The Club will take no responsibility for unauthorized use of equipment by gymnasts or members of their family.
• Once your child enters the coaching area they are under the care of their coach and staff. Do not distract your child during training as this can lead to accidents and injury.
• If you have any concerns about your child’s training or other issues with the Club please contact office staff and request to speak to a Committee Member or the Administrator/Coach.
• At all events gymnasts participate in they are under the sole care of the club coaches and officials for the duration of the event.

COMPETITION ETIQUETTE

• Spectators are NOT permitted on the Competition area.
• Spectators are NOT permitted contact with the competitors, Judges, Event Personnel and Volunteers once the competitor enters the competition area e.g. talking, signalling
  (THE GYMNASTS WILL BE DEDUCTED).  If an urgent message needs to be relayed, contact the floor manager that will relay the message to the gymnasts’ coach.
• Spectators are asked to set an example by displaying good sportsmanship throughout the event.
• When taking photographs, do NOT use a flash.
• The scores flashed on the scoreboards may not be correct. Volunteers are used to do this job and mistakes can be made. It is wise to wait for the final results as they are announced.
• West Coast Gymnasts Inc enters the gymnasts into competitions. During the competition the Gymnasts are the sole responsibility of the Club and the Club Coaches.
• Show appreciation of volunteer officials and administrators. Without them, your children could not compete.
• Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning and losing. Remember that children learn best by example.

The protocol and procedures of events is decided by the Sports Management Committee (SMC) and not necessarily by those carrying out the duties.

Please Note: If an infringement occurs relating to the above rules this may lead to a penalty or disqualification for gymnasts competing.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Club maintains a fully stocked medical cabinet for emergencies. Coaching staff is not able to dispense medicines (including paracetamol) without the permission of a parent or guardian. Gymnasts requiring regular medication are required to notify their coach and provide written consent from their parent or guardian.

Gymnasts who require strapping to be applied for injuries

Or training must supply their own strapping tape.