Code of Conduct for Coaches,Gymnasts and Parents

Coaches

It is expected that they will:

• Keep coaching skills current, attending appropriate courses and clinics (inc’ First Aid), and remain open to new ideas, in order to provide high quality coaching that is knowledgeable, up to date and safe.

• Understand and Implement all club policies; E.g. Health and Safety.

Ensure the safety of gymnasts at all times; for example; gymnasts who are performing new skills for the first time require extra safety measures. Coaches need to listen to gymnasts if they feel unsafe, or concerned about injury and balance this with encouragement and motivation.

• Set rules and guidelines for each class at the start of term, so everyone understands the boundaries. This will include evacuations procedures.
• Demonstrate calm leadership, self-control and fairness in dealing with inappropriate behaviour.
• Treat all gymnasts equally.
• Provide a range of feedback; positive reinforcement, tone variation, visual and manipulation reinforcement. Use appropriate language; e.g.; no swearing. (Negative criticism is occasionally acceptable but USE WITH CAUTION being aware of its mental and emotional effects).
• Ask a senior coach for help if you need it for; coaching, spotting and technique etc.
• Be a good role model to gymnasts and parents.
• Monitor attendance register– ensure attendance, lateness or absence is recorded at the start of each class.
• Let parents know of any issues and additional training and/or competitions coming up, with reasonable notice.
• Respect others and their religious and cultural beliefs. 
• No smoking or alcohol at the training venue, or during coaching times. 
• Keep it fun.

Gymnasts

• Be on time to training and assemble together before beginning of start time.
• Respect all coaches in the gym – no answering back, rudeness or tantrums, etc.
• Gymnasts (or parents) to let coaches know when sick or injured – coaches may send gymnasts home if they prove to be too sick to train.
• Respect the gym's and others' property (eg lockers, kitchen, gym equipment).
• Show support, respect and be friendly to other gymnasts, in conjunction with fair play.  For example, no criticisms or backbiting.
• Bullying will not be tolerated

Parents

• Support fair play.
• Competitive parents need to participate in the Club through volunteer work and competition duties.  Accept that gymnasts can’t train and/or compete without family involvement and support.
• Show respect to all involved – gymnasts, coaches, judges, committee members and other parents.
• Accept that it is the coach’s decision as to whether sessions (coaching or competing) should continue for a gymnast with regards to discipline,( inc’ absenteeism), and injury (subject to medical approval where necessary).
• Remain on the spectator side of the barrier; look after all children not doing gym and keep them off the floor and gym equipment.
• Don’t call/attract attention from a gymnast during training,except during breaks.
• Encourage gymnasts, but don’t put overdue pressure on them to perform.
• Support gymnasts need to be ready at training at least 5 minutes before the start time, appropriately clothed.Support gymnast’s requirements to follow a healthy diet,especially before, during and after training, and around competitions.
• If you have issues about coaching/training/competition results, raise these with the gymnast’s coach and then the head coach. If you need further assistance talk to the Centre Manager.
• Make sure gymnasts know how best to contact you if they need to during a training session. Keep the club informed of any change of contact details.
• Pay all club subscriptions, fees and expenses on time.  If not, the club may exercise the right to suspend or withdraw any gymnast/s from our gym programme or competition events.