Code of conduct for participants

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all our members. The club believes it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with either Fiona or Gina.

As a member of RAANS Gymnastics Club you are expected to abide by the following club rules:

1. All members must participate within the rules and respect coaches, judges and their decisions.
2. All members must respect opponents and fellow club members.
3. Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach, or if they are going to be late.
4. Members must wear suitable attire for training and events as agreed with the coach. Keep all long hair tied back. Remove all body jewellery.
5. Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly.
6. Members must not smoke, consume alcohol or take drugs of any kind whilst representing the club at competitions or other events.
7. Members should treat all equipment with respect.
8. Members must inform the head coach of any injuries or illness they may have before the warm-up begins.
9. Members should not at or chew gum during a session.
10. Members must not use bad language.
11. Members should remain with coaches at the end of a session until collected by their parent or guardian.

 

Discipline Policy

Disruptive or threatening behaviour of any kind including bullying is unacceptable in this gym club and will not be tolerated.

RAANS Gymnastics Club operates a strict three strikes policy:

1. Any gymnast failing to meet behaviour standards will receive a verbal warning.
2. If the behaviour continues a written warning will be issued to the gymnast and their parents.
3. If the written warning has no effect the gymnast will be suspended or expelled from the club at the discretion of the committee.

For Parents & Guardians

1. Encourage your child to learn the rules and participate within them.
2. Discourage challenging / arguing with officials.
3. Publicly accept officials' judgements.
4. Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
5. Set a good example by recognising good sportsmanship and applauding the good performances of all.
6. Never force your child to take part in sport.
7. Always ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the activity and has plenty to drink.
8. Keep the club informed if your child is ill or unable to attend sessions.
9. Endeavour to establish good communications with the club, coaches and officials for the benefit of all.
10. Share any concerns or complaints about any aspect of the club through the approved channels.
11. Use correct and proper language at all times.
12. Never punish or belittle a child for poor performance or making mistakes.
13. Always collect your child promptly at the end of a session.
14. Support your child's involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.

Equity policy

RAANS Gymnastics Club is committed to exemplary standards of conduct through the principles of equity and good moral and ethical frameworks.

The club will encourage individuals from all communities to become involved at all levels of participation, coaching, officiating and management. The club will ensure that all members and staff adhere to the following equity principles,

1. All persons must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being.
2. All individuals must be treated fairly and equally regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religion or political persuasion or disability.
3. Equity must permeate throughout strategic and development plans.
4. An equal professional service will be provided for all participants and discrimination through race, gender or disability will not be tolerated.
5. Sexual and racial harassment and discrimination will be prohibited.

Child Protection Policy

RAANS Gymnastics Club is committed to ensuring that those working with children and vulnerable adults adopt best practice to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the participants and staff.

The club will endeavour to promote the highest standards of care for all members, staff and officials by:

1. The adoption of the British Gymnastics (BG) Health, Safety and Welfare guidelines.
2. The adoption of the BG guidelines for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable adults.
3. The appointment of a Welfare Officer and Child Protection Officer to whom grievances or complaints can be made confidentially.
4. Ensuring that staff are suitably trained in Child Protection and Health, Safety and Welfare issues.
5. Ensuring that coaches and officials have been screened to confirm their suitability to work with children. Where appropriate this will include Criminal Record Bureau disclosure.
6. Ensuring that best coaching practice guidelines are followed at all times.
7. Ensuring that grievances or complaints are dealt with promptly and in accordance with the grievance procedures.
8. Ensuring that a minimum of two responsible adults are present at all training sessions or events.
9. Ensuring that the participants and/or parents are aware of the purpose of videoing, filming or photography during training or events.
10. Having a zero tolerance level or poor practice, bullying or any potential form of abuse

The club's Child Protection Officer is Gina Songhurst and its Welfare Officer is Fiona Lee.

Grievance Procedure

RAANS Gymnastics Club is a small club that has been running successfully for many years. We'd like to continue with this open friendly approach where parents are welcome to stay and watch their children's classes. As has always been the case at RAANS it is important that if you do have any concerns - whether about a Health, Safety and Welfare issue or the conduct of a coach or volunteer - you come and talk to us as soon as you can.

We endeavour to promote the highest standards of care for participants and have codes of conduct that must be adhered to by all members of the club.

In line with British Gymnastics best practice we have appointed a Welfare Officer, Fiona Lee, and a Child Protection Officer, Gina Songhurst. They are available to listen, be supportive and take appropriate action on any welfare matter arising within the club. All matters will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

In the event of a matter not being resolved by speaking to Fiona or Gina the following procedure should be followed:

1. The issue must be must be detailed in writing to the Club Secretary.
2. The Secretary will inform the person against whom the complaint is made and give him/her seven days notice to attend committee meeting.

Once a course of action has been determined the accused person will be notified in writing of the course of action to be taken and the person making the complaint will be informed about the outcome of the enquiry.