Gymnast Welfare, Safety & Code of Conduct

Welfare Officer – Jennie Chadwick- jenniechadwick85@gmail.com

First Aiders – Adam Coogans, Ben Robinson, Jennie Chadwick. Nicole Brodigan, Freya Lee, Fergus Laird-Williams, Grace McCormack, Francesca Burton, Evie Bibby, Anna Marsh, Eleana Matos & Rohan Doherty.

SCROLL for for Accident Policy

Gymnasts code of conduct:

  • We ask all gymnasts to wear appropriate sports clothing. Leotards, T-shirt, shorts, joggers, leggings. No Jeans. No Hoodies during the session, jumpers without hood can be warm during the session. (gymnast will be asked to participate in bare feet unless told otherwise, Grip socks can be worn)
  • We please ask for Gymnasts to have visited the toilet before their class to minimise disruption.
  • Trampolining – for trampoline classes socks are to be worn & long sleeves top & bottom are recommended.
  • Long hair to be tied up and out of the face. NO Jewellery: earrings, neckless, bracelets, belly and nose piercings. If earrings can’t be taken out then they must be covered with tape.
  • Please bring a drink. No fizzy drinks.
  • All gymnasts must follow the coach’s instructions and may not use any equipment without a coach’s permission
  • If a child’s behaviour poses a risk to themselves or others, they may be asked to stop or leave the class
  • To be Kind and inclusive to everyone- other gymnasts, coaches and parents.
  • Mobile phone to be left with parents or with their belongings. Not to be used during the session.

 

ACE Coaching – Photography Rules for Parents

At ACE Coaching, keeping every child safe is our top priority.
Because our sessions involve close spotting, constant movement, and lots of children in the background, we follow strict safeguarding guidance from IGA, British Gymnastics and our leisure centre.

Our Policy on Photography During Training

To protect all gymnasts:

Parents are not permitted to take photos or videos during normal training sessions.

Even if you only want a picture of your own child, other gymnasts will almost always be in the background, so we cannot guarantee privacy or consent for every family.

This includes:

  • Training sessions
  • Warm-ups
  • Cool-downs
  • General group activities

Why we have this rule

  • Many children have restricted photo permissions for safeguarding reasons.
  • We can’t control where images might end up (social media, group chats, family sharing etc.).
  • Leisure centres and national governing bodies (IGA/BG) strongly discourage photography during training for these reasons.
  • Children deserve the right to feel safe and comfortable while learning.

We do allow photography at:

Displays, Events & Competitions

Photos are permitted in controlled conditions, where expectations are clear.

Coach-Taken Photos 

With your permission, coaches may take occasional photos or videos for:

  • progress tracking
  • ACE Coaching social media (only with your consent)

These will always follow safeguarding guidelines.

PAYMENT –

If payments are missed on an ongoing basis, we may need to temporarily stop your child taking part until the account is settled.

Subscriptions: Payments are taken on the 1st of the month in advance for the classes set to run that month. The classes run 38 weeks per year and Fees are worked out on a Pro-Rata basis.

Dates will be given out before the start of each term.

If sessions have been attended before the first payment is taken, a covering payment may be added.

Cancel at anytime with 21 days notice.

ACE COACHING ACCIDENT & INCIDENT POLICY

  1. Purpose

ACE Coaching is committed to providing a safe environment for all children and staff.
This policy outlines the procedures followed in the event of an accident or incident during ACE Coaching activities.

  1. Scope

This policy applies to all ACE Coaching sessions delivered in schools, leisure centres, and other venues, including after-school clubs, PE lessons, holiday courses, and any other gymnastics related activities.

  1. Prevention
  • Risk assessments are carried out for activities and venues where appropriate
  • Equipment used is suitable for children and age-appropriate
  • Sessions are led by qualified coaches
  • Children are supervised at all times
  • Safety rules are explained and reinforced during sessions
  1. Procedure in the Event of an Accident or Incident

If an accident or incident occurs, the following steps are taken:

  1. Activity is stopped immediately where necessary
  2. The child is assessed by a qualified first aider
  3. Appropriate first aid is administered if required
  4. The child is monitored for the remainder of the session
  5. The incident is recorded on an ACE Coaching Accident / Incident Record
  6. Head or Facial Injuries

For any bump to the head or face:

  • The child is monitored closely
  • Parents / carers are informed on the day
  • Parents are advised to observe their child at home
  • A Head Injury Advice slip is issued where appropriate
  • Parents are advised to seek medical advice if symptoms develop

ACE Coaching staff do not diagnose medical conditions.

  1. Recording and Reporting
  • All accidents and incidents are recorded using the ACE Coaching Accident / Incident Record
  • Records include details of the injury, action taken, and parental notification
  • Accident records are stored securely in line with data protection requirements
  • Copies can be provided to parents or schools upon request
  1. Informing Parents / Carers
  • Parents are informed as soon as reasonably practicable, and always on the same day
  • Information shared includes:
    • What happened
    • What first aid was given
    • Any advice provided
  1. Medical Escalation
  • Parents are responsible for seeking further medical advice (GP / NHS 111 / A&E) if symptoms develop
  • Emergency services will be contacted immediately if a child requires urgent medical attention while in ACE Coaching’s care
  1. First Aid Provision
  • ACE Coaching staff hold appropriate First Aid training
  • First aid kits are available at all sessions and typically include:
    • Gloves
    • Dressings and plasters
    • Bandages
    • Wipes
    • Ice packs

 

Safeguarding & Anti-Bullying

As we are a member of IGA we follow their policies for our classes-

Safeguarding: https://www.independentgymnastics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IGA20Safeguarding20Policy-2-compressed.pdf

Anti-bullying: https://www.independentgymnastics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Anti-Bullying20Document24.04.2025-compressed.pdf