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YMCA OF BRISBANE

Victoria Point Gymnastics Handbook

YMCA Victoria Point 128 Link Road, Victoria Point, 4165

Telephone: (07) 3820 5300

Centre Manager: Adrien Fitzpatrick Mobile: 0407 640 438

E-mail: [email protected]

Gymnastics Coaching/Teaching Coordinator: Peter Dowdell Mobile: 0414 517 385

mailto:[email protected]

YMCA OF BRISBANE


Gymnastics Handbook for Parents - Victoria Point Gymnastics Updated November 2016

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Table of Contents Welcome ................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Some Facts about the YMCA ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 Our Y Values .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Our Objectives .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 YMCA Victoria Point Gymnastics Guiding Principles ................................................................................................................. 5 About YMCA Victoria Point ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Fundamental Beliefs about Gymnastics .................................................................................................................................... 5 Affiliation ................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Our Coaches .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Management Structure ............................................................................................................................................................. 7 Programs Offered ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Our Club Program Syllabus ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 Club Structure and Pathways .................................................................................................................................................... 8 What are the Non-competitive program STEP classes? ............................................................................................................ 8 How do you pick a STEP class OR move up to a STEP class? ..................................................................................................... 9 What are the competitive TEAM classes? ................................................................................................................................. 9 How do you gain entry to a TEAM classes OR move up to a TEAM class? ................................................................................ 9 What are the Cross-sport classes and Adult Gymnastic fitness classes? ................................................................................ 10 Child Protection ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Uniform Requirements ........................................................................................................................................................... 10 Enrolment and Payment Policy ............................................................................................................................................... 11 WAG Levels 4 -10 Fee Policy ................................................................................................................................................... 12 General Information ............................................................................................................................................................... 13 Rules of the Gymnasium ......................................................................................................................................................... 16 Code of Behaviour for Gymnasts ............................................................................................................................................ 17 Code of Behaviour for Parents and Guardians........................................................................................................................ 17 Code of Behaviour for Coaches ............................................................................................................................................... 17 Code of Behaviour for Judges ................................................................................................................................................. 18 Code of Behaviour for Administrators .................................................................................................................................... 18 Club Discipline Policy .............................................................................................................................................................. 18 Competition General Information .......................................................................................................................................... 19 Competition Information Involving Travel .............................................................................................................................. 21 Gymnastics – A Brief History ................................................................................................................................................... 24 Recommended Sports Medicine Practitioners and Suppliers ................................................................................................. 27 YMCA Victoria Point - Injury Prevention Program .................................................................................................................. 29 Hand Guards, Hand Care and Use of Gloves and Loops ......................................................................................................... 30 My First Competition .............................................................................................................................................................. 35 Leave Request ......................................................................................................................................................................... 37

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Welcome

Welcome to our club and the sport of gymnastics. We aim to teach gymnastics in a safe environment with emphasis on fun, fitness and friendship.

We hope your time as a member of our club will be an enjoyable one.

Some Facts about the YMCA

The YMCA was established in England in 1844 and now conducts activities in 94 countries with more than 26 million members and participants. The first Australian YMCA was established in Adelaide. It was the seventh YMCA to be formed and the first outside Europe. YMCA of Brisbane was established in 1864.

Not all members and participants are of the Christian faith; however the Movement has retained the Christian basis of its community service work.

Each YMCA is a not for profit community service organisation, working under the control of a Board of Directors, or a Committee of Management elected from within its own community.

Queensland’s YMCAs are normally incorporated bodies, each with a high degree of autonomy but linked to the other YMCAs through the State Council of Australia.

The objectives of each YMCA are to establish opportunities for citizens to: a. develop a way of life based on the Christian faith; b. develop self-confidence and self-respect; c. develop a healthy mind and body and to appreciate physical and mental fitness; d. grow as responsible family and community members; e. recognise each person’s worth and to develop and improve understanding and relationships between races and

nations; f. develop their capacity for leadership and to use these talents in their groups and in the community; and g. participate in social welfare and community development.

It is the YMCA’s policy that the establishment of new facilities: a. must meet definite needs within the community; b. must not jeopardise the activities of other responsible community groups; and c. must have the support of the community concerned, and must accept responsibility for the control of their

Association’s affairs, even if it is with help from a delegated YMCA employee, or as a local Committee of Management or Board of Directors.

Examples of YMCA facilities in Queensland include: a. the management of youth camps, child care centres, gymnasiums, fitness centres, squash courts and pools; b. coaching colleges for secondary school students; c. youth leadership training; d. specialist and general purpose clubs for pre-schoolers through to senior citizens; and e. work with the disadvantaged and minority groups.

The YMCA’s strength lies in our community base, our capacity to change with the times, our preparedness to establish a program and then to withdraw to other areas of endeavour and above all, the retention of our Christian identity.

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Our Y Values

Our Objectives

Our objectives of the program include:

• To develop a professionally resourced “School of Gymnastics” at Victoria Point YMCA.

• Our valued clients (you and your children) have an expectation for an education based gymnastics program that

will allow every member to achieve their personal objectives whether they be participation based or competitive

performance.

• Our School of Gymnastics will be defined by:

• A complete curriculum with content and teaching method;

• Enhanced creative teaching through better use of lesson plans;

• Improving physical ability development;

• Clear learning and progress pathways through our program; and

• Progressive development of a successful WAG L1-10 competition program with clear objectives to perform

competitively at a State and National level.

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YMCA Victoria Point Gymnastics Guiding Principles

Mission

To encourage and assist all YMCA gymnasts, members and associates to achieve their maximum potential and reach

their personal goals in the sport of gymnastics by the following means: 1. Provision of qualified gymnastics programs for all members, based on a sound educational foundation.

2. Provision of a broad range of gymnastics education experiences, including:

• Preschool and kinder classes;

• Participatory/recreational classes for primary boys and girls and secondary aged girls;

• Competition classes for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics with performance expectation at a state and national

level. 3. The progressive growth and development of YMCA Victoria Point as a leading Brisbane YMCA gymnastics

program.

4. Provision for our members of a learning environment and program activities that are challenging, rewarding and

enjoyable.

Purpose

The YMCA Victoria Point is in the business of lifelong education, personal and physical development via child centred

programs.

Motto

DREAM – BELIEVE – CREATE – SUCCEED ®

About YMCA Victoria Point

YMCA Victoria Point Gymnastics became a Registered Gymnastics Queensland Gymnastic Program at the start of

Term 2, 2014. Gymnastics offers many physical, emotional and intellectual benefits for growing children and adults,

and our club caters for most levels of age, ability and aspiration from toddlers to adults, from beginner gymnasts to

high level competitive gymnasts.

Fundamental Beliefs about Gymnastics

• We believe that gymnastics is among the best physical education a person can receive.

• We believe that gymnastics is the foundation to all human movement, and by extension, to other sports.

• We believe that gymnastics is a fundamental performance art and is important to the cultural life of the

community.

• We believe that all young people should expect a quality gymnastics experience that is inclusive, challenging and

inspirational.

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Affiliation

YMCA Victoria Point Gymnastics is affiliated with Gymnastics Queensland and Gymnastics Australia. Our coaches are

registered, accredited instructors (or in the process of becoming so). All our members are required to be registered

with Gymnastics Australia through payment of an annual Registration Fee.

Affiliation / Registration Membership benefits include:

Club Benefits:

• Use of National Levels program and National Team Cheer program

• Use of resources for all National Gym Sport programs

• Recognition as a Kindergym provider

• Coach and Judge training workshops and accreditation courses

• Use of Gymnastics Australia Club Database program

• Receipt of State and National Bulletins and other newsletters

Member Benefits:

• Access to National Insurance scheme

• Receipt of National Membership Benefits package (e.g. Kindergym passport, membership card, year badge)

• Participation in Invitational, Regional, State and National events

Our Coaches

Our club provides excellent coaching staff. All classes are supervised by accredited coaches who hold a minimum

qualification of intermediate (or who are seeking the qualification) under the Australian Coaching Council’s National

Accreditation scheme and are registered with Gymnastics Australia.

To ensure they keep up-to-date with the latest information and safest coaching techniques, they are required to

attend regular updating courses (e.g. First Aid Training, Gymnastic Safety Courses, and Skill Development

Workshops).

A Trainee Coach Training Program is also in place. Suitable candidates are selected into this program by the Programs

Manager and are placed under the direct supervision of an accredited coach. The supervising coach is responsible for

mentoring the trainee, passing on technical and management skills to prepare them for formal accreditation.

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Management Structure

Programs Offered

Students of any age & gender can experience a seamless pathway of gymnastics development across four programs:

Under 5s A movement education program for toddlers, infants and preps. Children attend with a participating parent up to 3 years of age. Skill learning is experiential, age-based and developmental.

Non-competitive Classes Six STEPS of non-competitive skill learning and incredible fitness development.

Competitive Teams Five STEPS of ability based competitive skill development including the National Levels 3-10 and above. This program initially has classes for competitive women’s gymnastics.

Cross-sport fitness and Life-long performance & fitness Tumbling, Adult Gymnastics, Gym Fit for girls/boys and Team Gym.

Our Club Program Syllabus

Each of our four programs is developed and presented to our students based on a comprehensive program of instruction (a syllabus). Our syllabi skills lists are regularly published in our club newsletters for our client’s information.

Junior Trainee Coaches

Coaching and Teaching

Coordinator

Centre Manager

Adrien Fitzpatrick

WAG Pre Level 1 and

Level 1-10 Coordinator

Under 5 Coordinator

and WAG Coach

Senior Gymnastics

Coaches

Gymnastics Coaches

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Club Structure and Pathways

Our club’s program provides a seamless pathway through to any level of gymnastics participation. Our pathways ensure our members can remain in our programs for a lifetime if so desired. Our programs STEPs are colour coded to allow easy reference. All students (Steps 1-6) receive STEP reports each term indicating skills achievements and improvements.

PROGRAM Steps

Under 5s Non-competitive STEPS 1-2-3

Non-competitive STEPS 2-3-4-5-6

Competitive Levels (STEPS 5-10)

Under 5s To 3 years old 6-7 years 8 years plus • Introductory classes • Schools classes

7 years plus • School classes • Adult classes • Team gym • Tumbling • Gym Fit for boys and girls

7 years plus • Women’s artistic

gymnastics Under 5s 3 years old

Under 5s 4 years old

STEP 1 4-5 years old - Preps

Green Award

STEP 2 Blue Award Blue Award

STEP 3 Red Award Red Award

STEP 4 Bronze Award

STEP 5 Silver Award Level 2

STEP 6 Gold Award Level 3

STEP 7 Levels 1-2-3-4 Awards Level 4

STEP 8 Life-long participation programs Level 5

STEP 9 Level 6

STEP 10 Levels 7-10

What are the Non-competitive program STEP classes?

STEP class Class Description

STEP 1 (4-5 yrs) 1 per wk

A beginner class for young members (4-5 years – prep) without any gymnastics experience. Classes are 60mins long, held one day per week. Classes focus on basic tumbling & vaulting, conditioning and climbing.

STEP 2 (6-7 yrs+) 1 per wk

A beginner class for 6-7 yrs plus (any age above), or for young members (6yrs+) with some experience (passed STEP 1). Classes are 60mins long and held once per week. Classes focus on basic tumbling & vaulting, and basic conditioning & climbing.

STEP 3 (7yrs +) 1 per wk

A class for members who have completed STEPs 1 & 2, or for experienced older students. Classes are 90 mins long and held once per week. Classes focus on basic tumbling, vaulting, bars skills, balance beam skills and conditioning & climbing.

STEP 4 1 class per wk

(min.age = 6 yrs)

A class for members who have completed STEPs 2 & 3, or for experienced older students. Classes are 2 hours and held once per week. Classes focus on conditioning, climbing, intermediate tumbling & vaulting (introduction of flight & walkovers).

STEP 5 2 classes per wk

A class for members who have completed STEPs 3 & 4, or gymnasts with a National Level 1 badge. Classes are 2 hours long and held twice per week. Classes focus on intermediate conditioning, intermediate tumbling & vaulting. (handsprings–walkovers), introductory Balance Beam.

STEP 6 2 classes per wk

A class for members who have completed STEP 5 or gymnasts with a National Level 2 badge. Classes are 2-3 hours long and held twice per week. Classes focus on intermediate conditioning, intermediate tumbling & vaulting. (handsprings–saltos), Balance Beam, Uneven Bars. Introductory competitive experience occurs at Step 6, with our Step 6 (WAG Level 3) gymnasts eligible to compete in local/invitation events.

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How do you pick a STEP class OR move up to a STEP class?

Start STEP 1 (4-5 yrs) 1 per week

• You are a beginner gymnast aged 4-5 years

Go to STEP 2 (6-7 yr+) 1 per week

• You are a beginner gymnasts aged 6-7 years plus, OR • If you have completed STEP 1

Go to STEP 3 (7yrs +) 1 per week

• You have completed STEP 2, OR • You have previous gymnastics experience to National Level 1

Go to STEP 4 1 class per week

• You have completed STEP 3 and are at least 6 years old, OR • You have previous gymnastics experience to National Level 1-2

Go to STEP 5 2 classes per week

• You have completed STEP 4, OR • You have previous gymnastics experience to National Level 2

Go to STEP 6 3 classes per week

• You have completed STEP 5, OR • You have previous gymnastics experience to National Level 2-3

What are the competitive TEAM classes? Our competitive teams programs provide an opportunity for members, who wish to train, perform and compete in the Australian National Levels (Level 3-10) at local, regional, state, national, and international tour events. Classes provided for Women’s competitive gymnastics. Training hours are increased progressively as members move up the competitive levels, and these classes are highly subsidised by the entire club program. As such, class attendance is a privilege and carries with it many benefits and responsibilities.

Class Level (STEP 7-10) Class Description

Girls Team - Level 3 3 classes per week ( 7 hours)

Gymnasts who meet the competitive team membership criteria (see below) have the privilege of training for competitive performance. Girls in this Team attend three classes per week. They compete a designated schedule of local and regional competition in National Levels 3. Many club social activities are also included.

Girls Team- Level 4-10 4 - 5 classes per week (12 - 20 hours)

Gymnasts who meet the competitive team membership criteria (see below) have the privilege of training for competitive performance. Girls in this Team attend a minimum of four classes per week. They compete a designated schedule of local, regional, state, national and tour competitions in National Levels 4-10. Many club social activities are also included.

How do you gain entry to a TEAM classes OR move up to a TEAM class?

Girls Team - Level 3 3 classes per week (7 hours)

• You are 7yrs+ of age, and have completed STEP 5, OR

• You have passed National Level 2, AND

• You are currently competing WAG Level 3

Girls Team- Level 4-10 4 - 5 classes per week (12 - 20 hours)

• You are 8yrs+ of age, and have completed STEP 6, OR

• You have passed National Level 3 AND

• You are currently competing WAG Level 4-10

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What are the Cross-sport classes and Adult Gymnastic fitness classes?

Gymnastics training is a highly effective vehicle for fitness development for other sports and performance arts. It is

ideal for dancers, athletes and cross-sport participants. Gymnastics participation is also a wonderful life-time fitness

activity for any person. The variety of activities and “fields of play” are broad and ideal for adults from teens to seniors.

Class Class Description

Adult Gymnastics

These classes are for beginner or experienced adult members who wish to benefit from the fitness developed through gymnastics classes.

Team Gym

Team Gym is for teams of between 6 and 12 gymnasts over three apparatus: floor, tumbling and mini tramp. While it is a team event, the competition structure allows for individual expertise to shine. Team Gym is a great program for gymnasts to maintain fitness and skills while training and performing with their friends.

Tumbling A structured gymnastic class focussing on the learning of Acrobatic and Tumbling skills. Three sequenced classes are offered to cater for a wide range of ability for boys and girls.

Gym Fit for Boys (primary and early secondary) Gym Fit for Girls (late primary and secondary)

These classes are for beginner and/or more experienced primary/early secondary boys; and late primary/secondary girls who wish to benefit from the unique fitness development skill learning that participating in gymnastics can offer.

Child Protection

The YMCA regards its role in the protection of children in their care as of the utmost importance. The YMCA has a

range of policies and procedures to keep children and young people safe. Details of these policies are available at

www.brisbaneymca.org. Please take the time to read these policies to better understand our guiding principles and

how you can report child safety concerns that you may have. Your feedback is always appreciated.

The YMCA has a moral and legal duty to care for children associated with the service whilst not in the care of their

parents/guardians or primary carers. Proactive strategies are implemented including the promotion of protective

behaviours for children.

All staff hold a blue card to work with children and have been made aware of and trained in the Safeguarding Children

and Young People Policy of the YMCA of Brisbane.

Uniform Requirements

Gymnasts should wear comfortable, close fitting clothing during gymnastics classes as listed below. For safety

reasons students should not wear clothing with denim, hoods, buttons, zips or belts. Please note that the gym can

get quite warm in summer and cold in winter and gymnasts should dress accordingly. Long sleeved tops are

recommended in winter. Please label all clothing and remind your child to collect all belongings before leaving the

gym.

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Our current class uniform is:

• GIRLS: any leotard & shorts-tights OR t-shirt and shorts-tights. Crop tops are NOT to be worn except under t-shirts.

• BOYS: t-shirt and shorts.

• All female members are encouraged to wear our YMCA club leotard from GK Elite.

• WAG Level 1-10 – leotards and bike pants are required for all training sessions. Hair must be tidy and presentable at all times, with long hair securely tied back. Watches and jewellery, except ear studs, are not to be worn during gymnastics activity.

• Please bring your own water bottle to EVERY class, also bring a smile and an eagerness to learn new things and to be challenged.

Enrolment and Payment Policy Term Fees Fees are calculated on a term basis, with typically 9-11 weeks in each term and approximately 40 weeks per year, generally aligned with the public school terms. Students starting part way through the term are charged on a pro rata basis for the remaining weeks in the term. Each participant is required to pay the term fundraising levy. In most cases, fees are payable upon booking. Re-Booking Information This needs to be done each term. Complete a re-enrolment form with all the details and you can provide credit card details for ease of payment. Notification of re-enrolment occurs via email or signs around reception. It is ‘first in, best dressed’ when it comes to the next term availability of classes. Payment of Fees Fees are to be paid prior to or upon commencement of week 1 of the new term, or • A payment plan is completed with your credit card details and signed. All fields need to be completed on this

form. The payment plan will have three set dates for deductions. If a payment is declined, a $20 administration fee will automatically be added and you will be contacted regarding payment.

• If there is no attendance on the first week and no fees have been paid, your booking will automatically be cancelled and your position offered to another gymnast.

Unpaid Fees at the end of Term Any unpaid fees at the end of term will be sent to our third party debt collection and the account will be charge an administration fee of $100. Missing Classes If a student misses class, leaves early or arrives late, this does not entitle you to a discount or refund on fees. Your fees pay for a position in a class and the cost to the club remains the same whether you attend or not. Make-up classes are available. This is the equivalent of 1 week’s classes. If there is a longer time the student is to be absent – due to illness or injury – a doctor’s certificate must be presented.

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There are no make-up lessons for WAG Levels 4 and up. Please note: The ONLY exception to full payment of fees is if a student misses more than 2 weeks of classes consecutively for a medical/illness or injury. A medical certificate will need to be provided.

Cease at your Request

If you decide not to continue, your account will be settled on a pro-rata basis from the date that written advice was

received of discontinuation. Cancellation forms can be obtained from the Programs Reception and must be approved

by the Programs Manager. Forms must be completed and submitted with a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice.

Club Membership and Registration – Gymnastics

The club membership package includes: Club Membership, Gymnastics Queensland registration, sports insurance and

a club t-shirt. The membership and registration package is non-refundable. The Gymnastics Australia registration and

sports insurance component is transferable between clubs but not from one gymnast to another. The club

membership and Gymnastics Australia registration is valid from the date of payment until the 31st December of that

calendar year. All questions regarding fee amounts should be directed to the Programs Administration Office. Please

do not approach coaches regarding fees. Questions related to payment of fees, outstanding fees, etc need to be

directed only to the Programs Administration Office.

WAG Levels 4 -10 Fee Policy

Monthly Fees

Fees are payable in full upon enrolment, or by a direct debit option.

WAG4 plus are offered the option to pay fees on an in house manual direct debit system. All information is available

from the Programs Administration Office. This is based over the “school term” period. Non-attendance does not

qualify you for a refund or credit. Fees include all training, extra time for competitions, public holidays, team holidays,

rest days and any extra training that might be scheduled from time to time. No adjustments will be made for training

days changed or cancelled by the club. New gymnasts starting part way through the term are charged on a pro rata

basis.

Rejected Direct Debit incurs a $20 Admin Fee.

Other Costs

Besides the annual registration and monthly tuition fees, competitive gymnasts can expect to incur costs for

competitions and travel, clothing, hand guards, consumables and choreography. These costs tend to increase with

the training hours and level of the gymnast.

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Adjusted Training Hours, Sickness and Injury

In the case of an injured gymnast with adjusted training hours, or a new gymnast beginning on reduced hours, or

where the coordinator has set reduced hours for the gymnast. This process will require a correctly completed injury

rehabilitation form from the doctor or physiotherapist.

An Absence Form must be completed. Absence due to illness or injury must be supported by a medical certificate to

qualify for a pro rata credit. There are no make-up sessions in competitive teams.

Please note: The ONLY exception to full payment of fees is if a student misses more than 2 weeks of classes

consecutively for a medical/illness or injury. A medical certificate will need to be provided.

Entry Fees for Competitions and Events In order to organise an event, including the sessions, groups, rotations, coaches, judges and support staff, the Event Manager needs to begin with the number of competitors in each level and division. For this reason we have strict closing dates and maximum numbers. If an event is not full after the closing date, in some cases, the event manager may accept late entries from a waiting list, with a late fee in addition to the entry. Event Refund Policy Refunds after the closing date will be given at the discretion of the Event Manager and will require a valid and relevant medical certificate. Refunds will be calculated to exclude any expenses incurred by the club on your behalf, which cannot be recovered. Specific refund policy information is published with each event’s information.

General Information Assumption of Risk Like any sport or physical activity, participation in gym sports offered at YMCA Victoria Point carries an inherent risk of injury. Because many members’ activities require inversion (turning upside down) of the body, the sports by their very nature carry a risk of head and spinal injury. The risk is carefully controlled in a supervised class with a qualified and experienced instructor. Insurance In the event that your child is injured in their class and requires non Medicare treatment, a claim may be lodged with the relevant insurance agency. In the first instance, please contact the Gymnastics Administrator who will arranged for claim forms to be sent directly to you. Notification of claim must be made within 30 days of the injury occurring. Social Media YMCA Victoria Point does not condone the mentioning of our club or any incidents involved with the club through social media outlets. Furthermore, no students are to connect with YMCA staff members through social media.

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Provision of Assistance A goal of Brisbane YMCA Youth Services Inc is to ensure that no person is turned away from our programs due to inability to pay. There are many ways in which the YMCA can assist in cases of hardship. Parents (guardians) or individuals, who do not have the present ability to pay the advertised fee, may apply for a concession, exemption or other help by the completion of an application form for due consideration (in a non-discriminatory way) by the Gymnastics Administrator. Application forms are available at reception. Any requests or discussions will be treated as ‘strictly confidential’. Should any guidance be required, please do not hesitate to request a private interview with the Centre Manager. Medical Assistance By joining a YMCA program you authorise the YMCA Staff to obtain for your child any necessary medical attention at your expense and understand you will be notified as soon as possible. You give YMCA permission to call an ambulance if staff deems it necessary. Medical Conditions Any child who has symptoms of illness, a heavy cold or infectious disease must not attend. In order to prevent the

rapid spread of contagious disease, we follow the exclusion periods as recommended by the Department of Health:

• Chicken Pox: Exclude until fully recovered or at least 5 days after the first eruptions appeared.

• Conjunctivitis: Can return after 3 days of antibiotic treatment and discharge has stopped.

• Diarrhoea and/or vomiting: exclude for at least 24 hours after the last vomit or bowel motion

• High temperature (+38oc): exclude for at least 24 hours

• Measles: exclude for at least 4 days from appearance of the rash

• Rubella: exclude for at least 4 days from appearance of the rash

• Mumps: exclude for at least 9 days from the onset of symptoms

• Ringworm: exclude until the day after treatment has commenced

• Head lice: exclude until live lice and eggs are gone

• Cold sores: exclude while lesions weeping

• Hepatitis A: exclude for at least 7 days from the onset of the jaundice. Return on receipt of medical certificate.

• Hepatitis B: return on receipt of medical certificate

• Whooping Cough: exclude until 5 days of a 14 day antibiotic course has been completed

• Impetigo: exclude until treatment has commenced

• Nasal Discharge: heavy green discharge must be under treatment of a GP or remain excluded until discharge is clear

NOTE: Never leave medication in a child’s bag. Always hand to a staff member in the original packaging which includes the child’s name and dosage. Notification of Changes to Medical or Contact Details Parents must notify the Centre Manager or Gymnastics Coordinator of any change of address or telephone contact details; or any medical or disability information which may be significant to the coaching of their child. It may be necessary to fill in a new enrolment form indicating the new conditions.

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Feedback Management and staff welcome your feedback on improving our program. Suggestions can be placed in the member’s feedback box on the reception counter. Supervision Students must enter, and leave, the venue with their parent or nominated guardian. Children are under the supervision of their parent or guardian until class begins. Children are not permitted to enter the gymnastics floor until invited by the gymnastics coach. Please wait in the waiting area (provided seating) before class. Parents are welcome to wait with their child in the provided seating until class begins, at which time they may observe the class form the mezzanine seating area. The car park is a potentially dangerous place for children. Please instruct your child to wait for you inside the YMCA Gymnastics area. Please note that children will not be supervised after their class’ scheduled finish time. Viewing of Classes Parents are welcome to observe classes at any time, from the seating area. Lost Property Please remind your child to collect all belongings at the end of each gym session. A lost property basket is located at the entrance to the venue. Please check for lost items regularly. At the end of each term all remaining items will be donated to charity. Fire Drills As a safety requirement, YMCA Victoria Point is required to conduct random fire drills. Staff and children will be aware of, and practised in, Emergency and Evacuation Procedures. We ask for your cooperation during these times in order to provide the safest possible environment. We ask that all participants and their family familiarise themselves with our Emergency Evacuation Procedure. In the case of a fire drill, or an emergency, we recommend our trained YMCA Staff maintain responsibility for all children during evacuation. This is the safest way to ensure all participants are accounted for. YMCA Staff are responsible for announcing evacuation instructions 1. Exit via nearest safe exit in a calm orderly fashion 2. Assemble in the car park at designated Fire Assembly Area 3. Cooperate with staff whilst administering any first aid and conducting roll call 4. DO NOT re-enter the building until staff/officials declare it is safe to do so Communication We are always aware of the importance of parent communication. Our main method of communication is via term newsletters and notices sent home via the gymnasts or via e-mails.

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Coaches are unavailable to talk with parents during class as their responsibility is to remain focused on their gymnasts. Coaches are approachable at the conclusion of the class. Grievances Procedure • Administrative and Payment Related Matters

It is important that grievances & concerns are not discussed in the presence of gymnasts or other parents. In the first instance such matters should be discussed with the Gymnastics Administrator. If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction then you may contact the Centre Manager who will address your case.

• Coaching Related Matters

In the first instance such matters should be brought to the attention of the coach of your child’s program. If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should approach the Gymnastics Coordinator. If the matter is still not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the Centre Manager to express your concerns.

All grievance issues shall remain confidential.

Rules of the Gymnasium • Please do not leave children unattended at the Centre before or after class. • Running in the Centre is not permitted. • Admission to the gymnastics hall and use of equipment is strictly forbidden unless under the direct supervision of

a gymnastics coach. • Students are required to follow directions from their coach. • Students are expected to be polite to coaches and other gymnasts, and not disrupt other classes. • Students are expected to be punctual for class. If late, the coach should be advised of the reason, and the gymnast

should then proceed to warm-up before commencing the activities. • Students should not run in the gymnastics hall other than in a designated area at the request of their coach. • No horseplay shall be permitted in the Centre or at any event or venue at which the Club is being represented. • Aggressive behaviour or bullying of any sort will not be tolerated. • Students should never use equipment found to be faulty. The coach should be notified immediately. • For safety reasons, no jewellery or dummies (pacifiers) are allowed inside the gymnastics hall. • Students should never perform or attempt to perform a skill they have not been taught. • Any accident or injury, no matter how minor, must be reported to the coach in charge immediately. • Gymnasts must wait inside the gymnastics hall area for their guardian, not in the car park. • It is forbidden to play in the car park, or any area around the building. • Gymnasts are asked to show respect for the premises and the equipment. • Food is not to be consumed in the gymnastics hall. • Due to the large number of students with allergies we ask parents not to bring in birthday cakes.

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Code of Behaviour for Gymnasts • Compete by the rules. • Never argue with officials. If you require clarification have your coach make an enquiry. • Work equally hard for yourself and your club (Team). • Be a good sport; applaud good performances by your team mates and opposition alike. • Show respect to and acknowledge your opposition and officials. (i.e. shake hands & wish other athletes good luck,

thank your coach and the officials). • Co-operate with your coach, team mates and opponents. • Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not to please others. • Be fair - no verbal abuse of officials, nastiness or vilification. • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or

religion.

Code of Behaviour for Parents and Guardians • Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment not yours. • Encourage children to participate in sport, do not force them. • Focus on your child’s individual efforts, not on whether they win or not. • Never ridicule a child for making a mistake. • Always encourage your child to respect their coach and other officials. • Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and treat others with respect. • Respect the decisions made by coaches & judges and use appropriate methods of expressing concern. • Show appreciation for all coaches, judges and administrators - without them your child could not participate.

Code of Behaviour for Coaches • Remember that young people participate for pleasure and results are only one part of that fun.

• Give all gymnasts your best, regardless of their aptitude.

• Create opportunities for gymnasts to learn appropriate sportsmanship as well as basic skills.

• Give priority to fun activities and skill development over highly structured competition in recreational classes.

• Keep up-to-date with coaching practices and qualifications including the principles of physical and mental growth and development.

• Promote a culturally tolerant environment.

• Help young gymnasts to understand that obeying the rules is their responsibility.

• Encourage young people to participate in administration, coaching and judging in addition to their gymnastics.

• Operate within the spirit of the rules and teach your gymnasts to do the same.

• Ensure that any physical contact with a gymnast is appropriate to the situation and necessary for skill development and safety.

• Implement relevant sport safety policies and practices.

• Implement policy and practices (and lead by example) in relation to the responsible use of alcohol and in relation to recreational and performance enhancing drugs.

• Listen to your gymnasts and ensure that the time they spend with you is a positive experience.

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or

religion.

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Code of Behaviour for Judges • Be true to the judge’s oath.

• Apply rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people and to make participation more fun.

• Compliment and encourage all gymnasts, you are a role model and a source of gymnasts’ confidence building.

• Be consistent, objective and courteous.

• Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all.

• Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.


• Implement policy and practices (and lead by example) in relation to responsible use of alcohol and in relation to recreational and performance enhancing drugs.

• Ensure the equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all gymnasts.

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Code of Behaviour for Administrators • Make your club environment more user friendly by providing equal opportunities for all to participate.

• Create pathways for young people to participate in sport, not just as an athlete but as judges, coaches and administrators.

• Ensure that the types of programs, rules, equipment and training times are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of young players.

• Ensure that everyone emphasises participation and improvement, not only scores.

• Give a code of behaviour sheet to all club members and encourage them to follow it.

• Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.

• Maximise child safety by conducting volunteer screenings and other child protection strategies.

• Implement policy and practices (and lead by example) in relation to responsible use of alcohol and in relation to recreational and performance enhancing drugs.

• Adopt and implement relevant sport safely policies and practices.


• Listen to your gymnasts and involve them in decisions, leadership, planning, and evaluation related to the club.

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Club Discipline Policy YMCA Victoria Point has a firm commitment to providing a secure environment for all members, employees and visitors. All reasonable steps will be taken to ensure this is maintained. It is the responsibility of each gymnastics member or staff person to report any unwanted or disruptive behaviour. It is the right of every member of the Club to expect a safe and productive training environment. It is the right of the coach to expect courtesy and cooperation from each member of the class. It is the right of every parent to expect a safe training environment for their child and value for money in their classes.

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It is important that all parents play a significant part in the communication process of any discipline problem and that they are kept up to date on the progress of their child.

The following policy will be enacted in the case of a breach of discipline:

1. The gymnast will be reminded of their set responsibilities (as listed under Gym Rules and YMCA Core Values).

2. If further disregard to responsibilities occurs then the gymnast will be asked to sit out for a period of the training session. The parents of the gymnast will be informed as to why a non-training period was enforced.

3. Failing a favourable outcome after the above process, the gymnast will again be asked to sit out for a limited period of time and parents advised of the child’s unacceptable behaviour and possible consequences of continued disregard of rules (e.g. suspension from class).

4. Continued disruption to classes and serious unacceptable behaviour will result in a meeting with all concerned parties to discuss a suitable outcome. A recommendation may be made to the Gymnastics Coordinator at this point regarding the possible expulsion of the member from our program.

Time delegated to a ‘cooling-off’ period will be at the coach’s discretion. No gymnast may re-enter the class without first seeking the coach’s direction with regard to warm-up.

Criminal behaviour such as theft, assault or vandalism will result in immediate suspension and the police may be involved.

Members and coaches representing the Club at local, state or national level are expected to represent the Club in a responsible and professional manner. Inappropriate behaviour that reflects negatively on the Club, or provides an inappropriate role model for younger members may result in suspension or dismissal from the Club.

Competition General Information

Preparation

Gymnastics training involves both preparation for competition and skill development for future higher levels. The two are to some extent mutually exclusive. How much of each type of training a gymnast is doing will depend on the stage of competition season they are at and the importance of the upcoming competitions.

All apparatus are not always equally prepared for as a competition approaches. This may be because one apparatus requires more work that another to be safe and competent. This may also be because a coach feels that they can make greater improvements on one apparatus over another, or that a gymnast or team has a chance of winning a medal in one area but not in another.

Selection for Club Team Events

Positions offered in representative teams and readiness to compete are based on some of the following criteria:

• Rules and requirements for the competition

• Current skill level and quality of training

• Previous competition results including practice competitions

• Current physical ability levels (strength and flexibility)

• Psychological readiness

• Attendance record

At the discretion of the Head Coach, a selection trial or practice competition may be held to determine positions offered.

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Entries As most competitions have a closing date one month prior to the competition, entry fees will need to be paid by the due date for the Events Coordinator to finalise the entry. Entry fees that are due in that month will be required to be paid in full by the designated date. The club will not pay the entry fee on your behalf. If your entry fee is late you risk missing the competition or incurring late fees. Club fees must be completely up to date in order to book in for a competition. If you are unable to participate in the event/competition please make sure you advise your gymnastics coach. Attire Unless otherwise notified, gymnasts will be required to attend competitions with the full club tracksuit, full competition attire and a bag in which to carry their accessories. Accessories which may be required could include hand guards, music, chalk, water, strapping tape, socks, straps, gym shoes, bandages, supports or vault markers. Competition attire and tracksuits can be ordered through the office. Competition Guidelines for Gymnasts • Be quiet, neat and orderly at all times. • Follow the directions of the coach at all times • Do not speak to judges unless asked a question • Do not speak while other gymnasts are competing • If you have a problem that requires immediate attention, ask your coach Gymnasts may be withdrawn from all or part of a competition for reasons of safety, health concerns or unsportsmanlike behaviour. Competition Guidelines for Parents Once the gymnasts are in the hands of the judges and coaches, there should be no contact between parents and their children until after presentations are complete. Any such contact could incur a deduction against the individual or team score. In some competitions, gymnasts are allowed to see their parents between the end of the competition and the presentations but please wait to be informed of this. There should be no contact between parents and judges at any time. Parents should not contact coaches during competition time. In the event of an emergency, the parent should contact the coach via the floor manager. Please demonstrate good sportsmanship: • Encourage and applaud the efforts of gymnasts. • Show unconditional support for the gymnasts regardless of the outcome of the competition. Criticism or

correction should be left up to the coaches. • Do not criticise the officials or other gymnasts. Questions about scores or official decisions can be directed to the coach following the completion of the competition – not to officials during the competition.

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Competition Information Involving Travel The club’s policies regarding competitions which involve travel and accommodation as a team are detailed. This is to ensure that we give our gymnasts the opportunity to perform to their best capabilities in the competition. It will also facilitate a more organised and safer trip and reflect well on our club as a professional organisation. The following policies refer to all competitions or tours where gymnasts will travel, stay overnight and compete, representing the YMCA. In the case of State or National team trips, the appropriate Gymnastics Queensland or Gymnastics Australia policy will apply in place of this club’s policy except that relating to training fees. Once an offer of a position has been made, the parents and gymnast must agree to abide by this policy for the gymnast to be accepted into the touring party. If your family or your child is not willing to meet the criteria described here, you may decline a position in a travelling team with no prejudice. These rules however will not be waived to suit your child or your family. The Touring Party The touring party will consist of gymnasts and officials (coaches, judges, manager, chaperones) and will travel and stay as a group. The touring party is limited to include only these positions. No extra parents, friends or siblings will be permitted to stay with or travel with the touring party. The purpose of having a clearly defined touring party is to facilitate a safe, simple, enjoyable tour and to enable the best competitive result for our gymnasts. This method of operation also prepares gymnasts for the conditions they will face in a State or National team. Gymnasts Gymnast positions on the touring party will only be given to gymnasts who have been selected to compete at the competition. In some cases, where required, one or two reserves may also be chosen who will hold a gymnast position on the touring party. Gymnasts who hold positions in a squad or a training group are not assured positions on a touring team. These positions are earned and will be determined by the coordinators by the means described under ‘Selection’. Chaperones Chaperone positions are usually held by parents. Chaperone roles are primarily to organise meals, activities and travel around the competition and training schedule. Full descriptions of the duties involved are available upon request. All applicants must hold a current Blue Card or apply for one, and a current driver’s licence. Any parents who hold official positions on the touring party do so from a neutral position to care for all children on the tour and are not on the touring party to act as a parent to their child. Chaperones are usually not accommodated with their own child and may miss the competition if other duties prevail, however we do endeavour to ensure that all chaperones do see their own child compete. These positions are usually partly funded.

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Travel and Accommodation Arrangements Gymnasts who are in the touring party must travel with and stay with the touring party at all times. Room allocations, bed times, sightseeing tours, eating arrangements and discipline are the responsibility of the touring party officials. Any special dietary or medical concerns must be given to the chaperones in writing; on the tour parent documents; prior to departure. Gymnasts are considered to be under the direction and supervision of the touring party officials from the time of leaving the airport, gym or bus terminal until the time of return to same. Contact with Parents, Relatives and Friends Parents who are not in the ‘Touring Party’ sometimes travel independently to the competition to see their child. Sometimes there may be relatives or family friends who the parents would like to be able to spend some time with the gymnast. Relatives and friends should not stay in the same accommodation as the touring party. Relatives and friends may visit the gymnast or take the gymnast away from the touring party only by arrangement agreed to by the Event Manager prior to departure. Relatives and friends must respect the position of touring party officials who are deemed to be in charge of the child at all times, including visits. Discipline Parents must ensure that their children understand that they may be sent home or withdrawn from the competition for reasons of disregard for safety, misbehaviour, unsatisfactory training or unsportsmanlike behaviour. No refunds will be given in any such case. Any additional expense of sending the gymnast home or repairing damage caused by the gymnast will be paid by the parents of that gymnast. Calculating Costs for the Trip Costs will be calculated by the Events Coordinator and will include: • Travel (airfares, car/minibus hire and petrol, transfer, refundable deposits, etc) • Accommodation • Food (groceries, takeaways, restaurants, etc) • Competition Entry Fee • Coaches/Judges Costs • Chaperone Costs Many factors can affect the cost of a trip, some of which become apparent in the days leading up to or during the trip. Costs are estimated by the Events Coordinator prior to the trip. Final costs are calculated at the end of the trip and any excess funds returned or excess costs billed. Payments Costs for the trip must be paid by the due dates as advised by the Events Coordinator. Failure to pay by the due date may jeopardise your child’s position on the team.

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Cancellation / Refund Policy Refunds will be calculated to exclude any expenses incurred by the club on your behalf which cannot be recovered. Specific refund policy information is published with each event’s information. Spending Money, Sightseeing and Unexpected Costs Spending money will be advised depending on the itinerary. While the touring party officials will make every effort to minimise the costs of the trip, some unexpected costs may be incurred. As a matter of courtesy, parents are expected to reimburse any outstanding funds to the club or individual concerned as soon as is practically possible after the return of the group. Sightseeing activities are second in priority to training and competition needs. Sightseeing activities will be organised if the training and competition schedule allows and costs are reasonable. All officials including coaches are responsible for their own spending money and sightseeing costs.

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Gymnastics – A Brief History (Courtesy: Dr Trevor Dowdell, Caloundra YMCA)

History of Gymnastics Everyone knows competitive gymnastics from watching the amazing performers at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. But gymnastics is much more than skills on the competitive apparatus…gymnastics involves all kinds of acrobatics, dance and rhythmic activities, group based skills and performance displays with or without apparatus. Gymnastics provides foundational movement skills for life. Gymnastics has been, and still is, the basic physical education for children. Learning to control your body through time, space with height and flight and with or without apparatus is at the heart of this comprehensive activity. The word gymnastics derives from the Greek verb gymnazo = to exercise. All exercise or physical training was known as gymnastics. Derivation is also from the 16th century Latin gymnasticus, and again from the Greek gymnazein “to exercise or train” (this became our common words of gym or gymnasium). So, in a way, all people who exercise or play sport do gymnastics! Gymnastics has been a part of human civilisation for millennia. • The first recorded performances of gymnastic events go back nearly 4000 years to the ancient civilisations in

Greece, Persia, Egypt, China and India. • A well-known ancient gymnastics ceremony and performance were the “bull vaulters” of Crete (Minoan

civilisations 27th – 15th Century BC). • A famous quote from Plato – The Republic – Book III, “God, I should say, has given men two arts…music and

gymnastics”. Alexander the Great and his Macedonians practised mounting and dismounting on wooden horses (the fore runners of our vaulting table and the pommel horse). In the 4th century Vegetius describes Roman soldiers using wooden horses for practice in his “Overview of the Roman Army”. Somebody must have remembered Vegetius’ work in the 17th century and expanded what was originally part of the military training into a sporting activity. The Still Rings, hanging on a rope and meant to swing, have ancient origins. Their former name “Roman Rings” indicates early Italian origins and included ropes and poles. Jugglers and acrobats of the late Hellenistic (Greek) and early Chinese times, and even Eskimos, performed giant swings on wooden “horizontal bars”. In 1577, Girolamo Mercuriale (Italy) wrote “De Arte Gymnastica” where he brought his studies of the attitudes of the ancients towards diet, exercise and hygiene. With its explanations concerning the principles of physical exercise, “De Arte Gymnastica” is considered the first book on sports medicine. The Italian acrobat Tuccaro (1536-1616) at the French Royal Court wrote a 400 page book about “Ariel Jumps” which was published in Paris in 1599. The book is richly illustrated and describes acrobatic routines on the floor and the apparatus. Tuccaro also instructed King Henry III in floor exercise and was awarded the title of “Court Jumper (Saltarin).

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James Naismith, a gymnast and footballer from McGill University (Canada) was to invent the game of basketball in 1891 while on the faculty of the Springfield College, USA. From the early 1890s – 1950s gymnastics competitions included rope climb, track and field events and once or twice, swimming. National Gymnastics Associations began to appear in the early eighteenth century, and were the earliest examples of national sporting associations in the world. Two examples are the Swiss Federal Gymnastics Society (founded in 1832) and the British Amateur Gymnastics Association which was founded in 1888. Gymnastics was the first International Sports Federation of the World, founded in 1881. It was a foundation sport of the modern Olympics in 1896 and has featured ever since. On July 23, 1881, Nicholas J Cuperus, the president of the Belgium Federation organised the first international convention including representatives from Holland, France and Belgium. From these first hesitant steps grew the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). In the 19th century, Germany’s Johann Friedrich Jahn and Sweden’s Pehr Henrik Ling first became known as the founding fathers of gymnastics. Jahn is known foremost for his development of routines for apparatus gymnastics and for establishing the German Gymnastic Association in 1816. The Federation Internationale de Gymnastique is the oldest of the world’s sports federations (1881). The FIG is the governing body for seven different disciplines, four of which are Olympic (WAG, MAG, RG and Trampoline). The FIG headquarters is located in Moutier, a small town of 7,000 people in the Swiss Jura region. The FIG has 140 affiliated national federations with 60 million gymnastic participants worldwide. The largest single sports participation event in the world is Gymnaestrada. With over 20,000 athletes, the World Gymnaestrada is the largest single sports participation event in the world. The Gymnaestrada is the official general gymnastics world event of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). Over seven days, gymnasts of all ages, abilities and backgrounds meet to share their passion and their talent in all domains of gymnastics. This non-competitive event takes place every four years in the country of one of the affiliated federations of the FIG. Last held in Lausanne (2011), it attracted over 22,000 participants from all over the world. Gymnastics in Queensland The first interschool sports event held in Queensland was a gymnastics competition in 1915. While gymnastic activity was present in Queensland clubs and organisations since the mid-1800s, the Queensland Gymnastics Association was formed in 1949. Gymnastics is the third largest participation sport for girls and eighth largest for boys in Australia (and in Queensland). There are over 40,000 registered gymnasts in Queensland, from eight regions and 116 clubs.

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Gymnastics in Australia Gymnastics began in the mid-19th century in clubs in NSW and Victoria. The Australian Gymnastics Federation was not formed until 1949. Australia has had world champions in Women’s Floor Exercise (Lauren Mitchell) and Men’s High Bar (Phillip Rizzo), with many other medallists at World Championships and World Cup events. Australia is ranked the 14th nation in Women’s Gymnastics from a world-wide group of 140 competitive nations. In Australia, competitive gymnastics is organised through TEN levels (1-10) for Women’s Gymnastics (WG) and Men’s Gymnastics (MG). Level 1-2 are beginner levels, Levels 3-6 are junior sport levels, while levels 7-10 are senior sport levels. The link between gymnastics as art, and gymnastics as sport, has continued throughout history. Proof of this lies with famous sculptures of gymnasts, paintings and the strong association it holds with the art from of ballet and music. “By watching gymnastics or absorbing ourselves in art forms that associate themselves with gymnastics we, the spectator, together with artist or the great athlete can live an eternity by proxy and, to exist, forget ourselves in the life of the stars”.

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Recommended Sports Medicine Practitioners and Suppliers Medical – Sports Medicine Practitioner Dr Cameron Osborne (Monday, Friday) OR (Tuesday, Thursday) 1st Floor, Milton Shopping Village Greenslopes Family Practice Baroona Road, Milton, 4064 7 Plimsoll Street, Greenslopes, 4120 Phone: 3369 5133 Phone: 3397 1875 Dr Mathew Hislop / Dr Luke Eggleston Brisbane Sports and Exercise Medicine Specialists 87 Riding Road, Hawthorne, 4171 Phone: 3899 0659 Nutritionist / Sports Dietician Ms Lauren James 0411 741 059 [email protected] Physiotherapy Practitioners Mr Dale McCall Physio Works 189 Old Cleveland Road, Capalaba, 4158 Phone: 3245 4532 Mr Andrew Gough Physio and Rehab Clinic Clem Jones Centre 56 Zahel Street, Carina, 4152 Phone: 3395 1400 Purchase of Rigid Athletic Tape Hart Sport 605 Zillmere Road, Aspley, 4034 Hart Rigid Strapping Tape (white) PO Box 379, Virginia BC, 4014 * 13.5 long, 38mm Phone: 1300 764 719 * Tube of 8 Fax: 1300 764 767 *Code 12-503 Email: [email protected] * $35 Website: www.hartsport.com.au

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Purchase of ASO Ankle Brace Alpha Sport 28 Smallwood Street, Underwood, 4119 Phone: 3341 8033 Website: www.alphsport.com.au GKD Gymnastics and Dance Qld Distributer * Resisport Ladies Buckle Uneven Bars Grips Vanessa Zeilinga * Gibson Tulis Cheetah Heel Protector 0409 064 788 * US Glove Tiger Paw Wrist Support * Adidas Tracksuit and Polo Shirts Jim and Brenda Davie * GK Elite Leotards Unit 7/3 Vuiko Place * Training / Club Podium Warriewood, NSW 2102 * Competition Leotards Phone: 02 9970 5189 Fax: 02 9970 5168 Website: www.gkdgymnastics.com

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YMCA Victoria Point - Injury Prevention Program • The most important time is the first 24 – 48 hours following an injury.

• Where possible institute R.I.C.E.

• R – Rest

• I – Ice

• C – Compression

• E – Elevation

• Ice 20-25 minutes every 1½ - 2 hrs

• IMPORTANT! (First 24-48 hours)

AVOID :

• Heat

• Heat Rub/Liniment

• Alcohol

• Excessive Activity

• Vigorous Massage

• If there are any concerns about the extent of the injury, contact a physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy / Overall Management is to:

• minimise the extent of the initial damage;

• limit associated pain and inflammation;

• promote healing of damaged structures;

• maintain or restore flexibility, strength, proprioception and overall condition during the healing phase;

• functionally rehabilitate the injured athlete to hasten return to sport; and

• assess and correct any predisposing factors, attempting to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

When is an injury worth mentioning to your coach / physio?

• When the pain scores > 3/10 (pain is interfering with normal training and performance movement patterns)

• Sudden onset of pain – specific incident causing injury

• Losing training time / training limitations.

Andrew McGough BPhty (Qld), MsportsPhty, APA Sports Physiotherapist

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Hand Guards, Hand Care and Use of Gloves and Loops (Courtesy: Dr Trevor Dowdell, Caloundra YMCA)

All gymnasts will, at some time, require the use of handguards while training and competing on all Bars apparatus and Rings. The types of guards are:

1. Palm guards – commercially produced leather guards running flat across the palm from the base of middle two fingers to the wrist.

2. Tape guards - “home-made” strips of athletic strapping tape folded to form a strip palm guard that loops over the middle finger and runs flat to the wrist where they are taped in place by further strapping tape. Tape guards ALWAYS loop and run vertically on the palm.

3. “Loop” or cloth guards – “home-made” strips of cloth or leather that loop over the middle finger and tie around the wrist.

4. Dowel guards – commercially produced leather guards with a small piece of dowel rod sewn into the guard just below the finger holes. This guard is worn on the top finger (distal) finger joints, and is attached firmly to the wrist by buckles or Velcro straps. The dowel forms a permanent fold in the guard which “hooks” onto the bar or rings. WAG and MAG dowel guards differ and are designed for each apparatus.

1. Palm guards 2. Tape hand guards

3. Loop or cloth guards 4. Dowel hand guards

All guards serve the purpose of limiting the frictional forces acting on the hands, and thus reducing the occurrence or severity of blisters and “rips”. The selection and use of hand guards depends on the needs and characteristics of the individual user. For example, while the use of dowel guards are biomechanically demanded for the men’s events of Still Rings and on horizontal bar, there is no exacting reason why dowel guards must be worn on Uneven Bars. Some gymnasts will go through their entire gymnastics career without the need for hand guards.

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However, most gymnasts will have to consider when and how to use guards, and if the choice is dowel guards, some considerations are important. These are: 1. Hand and grip strength 2. Stepping in to the use of dowel guards 3. Ensure correct hang an swing wrist angle, and 4. Be aware of possible risks.

Let’s look at each of these topics:

1. Hand and Grip Strength It is of critical importance that the young gymnast develops sufficient hand and forearm strength BEFORE using dowel hand guards. This will involve establishing a level of upper body strength and allowing some time to learn to swing on bars. The authors recommend that the gymnast be able to perform ten top grip chin-ups and confidently demonstrate large swings on bars with grip re-adjustment and a strong bar “pressure” (pushing the bar with straight arms). Early use of dowel guards may contribute to the young gymnast (with small hands) not being able to “feel the bar”.

2. Stepping into the use of dowel guards The young gymnast may better adapt to dowel handguards if there is first a period swinging with a palm guard. This will accustom the gymnast swinging on bars with a leather strip between the hand and the bar.

3. Ensure correct hang and swing wrist angle Correct fitting of dowel hand guards is critical to safe swinging on bars. Firstly, a correctly fitted dowel guard should allow the hand to open fully with guard lying flat on the hand as the dowel fold is extended. Secondly, when hanging and swinging on the bar, the guard MUST be of sufficient length to allow the dowel fold to loop over the bar and have a straight wrist angle in hang.

4. Be aware of possible risks Inappropriate or early use of dowel guards can lead to unplanned releases (“rip offs”) from the Horizontal Bar or Uneven Bars. Aside from the potential injury risk to the gymnast this can sap the confidence of a young gymnast. a) There are different types of dowel guards for Uneven Bars, Still Rings and Horizontal Bar. This MUST NEVER be

exchanged as serious wrist and arm injuries can result. b) Guards that are stretched, cracked or torn should be discarded. Guards that have damaged wrist strap joins

MUST be immediately repaired to new condition. Performing with guards in poor condition can contribute to unintended release and falls.

c) Water and hand guards – many gymnasts use water with hand guards to enhance grip. Do NOT over wet hand guards as this will, over time, cause damage to the guards. Women gymnasts should lightly spray the bards with water where needed. Many gymnasts find that SUGAR WATER is best for bars application and promotes the best grip.

d) Caution is advised in the use of dowel hand guards in skeletally immature gymnasts. Yong Hing et al (1988) speculated that a chronic injury to the distal radial epiphysis in one 13 year old gymnast was due to the tensile forces produced during swinging with the use of dowel grips. Although cause and effect cannot be established from this study, a separate investigation showed that hand guards allowed greater tensile forces to act across the wrist during giant swings on bars compared with bare hands alone (Neal et al (1995)).

e) Acute injuries associated with dowel grips usually occur when the grips used by the gymnasts become locked on the bar as the gymnast’s momentum continues on through the skill being performed. These “grip lock injuries” are mainly a risk in men’s gymnastics and may be caused by grips that are too large, worn stretched, or slide up the wrist (Samuelson et al, (1996)).

Correct length of dowel hand guards

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Recommended Hand Care for Gymnasts

1. Keep your hands clean and moisturised (soft)

Before and after each training session, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. After training and when

your hands are clean, moisturise your palm, hand and wrist areas with a quality moisturising product that works

for your skin type. Remember – dry, hard skin will crack and more easily rip.

2. Use hand guards

Hand guards will provide a layer of material between the bar and your hand. Be aware that hand guards can rub

against the skin and be a cause of a blister or a rip. Use wrist or sweat bands under the hand guard wrist straps.

Heavier neoprene rubber wrist bands are used to prevent rips on the wrists from the use of dowel hand guards.

3. Use a pumice stone on the skin to reduce the build-up of calluses.

However, don’t overuse callus trimming, as this method can risk rubbing a callus raw. A little pumice rubbing on

areas showing excess callusing will be helpful. This will ensure a medium-softness of your hands AND prevent

callus build up which can “catch” and cause a rip.

Recommended Treatment for Rips

Prevention of infection is the first thing to consider when treating a rip (which is a wound or tear of the skin). The

most important thing to do after a rip occurs is to thoroughly wash the hand with warm water and a mild soap.

Once the rip has been washed and dried to prevent infection, then a sterile bandage should be applied. The type of

sterile bandage depends on the severity of the rip and the costs of treating the wound. Change the bandage when it

becomes wet. Please let the hand wound heal over a 2-3 day period. A tape hand guard (made out of sports tape)

placed under a standard leather hand guard to protect a just healed rip is a useful practice.

No matter what type of dressing is used to cover a wound, signs of infection need to be assessed. These signs of

infection include: pus or yellowish discharge (exudate), redness (erythema), and fever. If these signs develop the

wound should be evaluated by a physician for further cleaning and the use of antibiotics.

How to tape your hands for gymnastics

This has proven to be a most effective method of taping hands as a preventative to tears or after one has already torn.

If you tape horizontally the tape rolls up and IT DOESN’T LAST.

Use rigid athletic tape – the cheap stuff and plastic tape DO NOT WORK.

This technique available really makes a huge difference because you can still swing, even if you have a tear with this

set up.

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OR – use a tape guard which is exactly the same taping method, but the tape is not adhered to the skin – the tape guard sits under the normal guard.

The Safe Use of Loops and Gloves

Use of loops for WAG Gymnasts on men’s high bar

Young gymnasts will often use loops (straps) on men’s high bar as a learning tool at the developmental level. They have small hands and are often unable to have a strong grip around the bar when learning higher level skills. Teaching your gymnasts in loops (straps) also enable them to learn swinging and circle skills with more confidence.

There are two types of loops (straps) systems: 1. Loops with tight fitting woollen gloves. 2. Loops with piping (no gloves are worn).

We will discuss System 1 – Loops WITH gloves on clean metal bar

Top grip in loops and gloves Reverse grip in loops and gloves

Straps must NOT be used without supervision and as an Intermediate Coach you must ensure gymnasts are taught how to use wrist straps safely and are NOT encouraged to perform skills they are not physically prepared just because they are strapped into the bar.

Using wrist straps on a men’s high bar is a great teaching tool because: • They let the gymnast with small hands get their whole hand around the bar. • They provide a ‘frictionless environment’. The gymnast can use their whole energy in swinging. • Provided they are used correctly, gloves and loops are safe for the gymnast to use.

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Follow these safety tips when using loops: • First – always check the apparatus and matting, for safety. Check that there is adequate matting around the bars.

It is recommend that the high bar is only just high enough that the gymnast can clear their feet. • The loops MUST be made from seat belt webbing – this material will not stretch or tear. • The gymnasts should check their straps and gloves for wear and tear every time prior to using them. Straps may

wear at the stitching or in the middle of the material. • All care must be taken when using wrist straps. Straps that are too tight or put on incorrectly can lead to injury to

the gymnast. Gymnasts should not use their straps unsupervised! • Coaches need to explicitly teach gymnasts to turn their wrists correctly in straps. • Straight arms need to be emphasised strongly when working in straps, both from a technical and safety

perspective. Bent arms are not only a major deduction but a hindrance to learning more advanced skills. • Ensure that the gymnast is wearing clothing that cannot fall down around her hands as she is swinging and her hair

will not touch the bar while she is swinging. • The bar itself should have no magnesium build-up on it and should be completely smooth. If there is magnesium

on the bar, this can act as a rough spot and ‘catch’ the gymnast’s glove and prevent her hand sliding around the bar, which may lead to injury.

• NEVER use water or wet cloths to clean the bar. The bar must be completely dry. • As a general rule, use a foam pad. • Remind the gymnasts that they cannot ‘half turn’ their body and they just need to stay straight. • Damaged or stretched loops should be discarded. Putting on the loops with gloves

Step 1 – untwisted loops

placed over the bar Step 2 – gloves in Step 3 – Turn inwards Step 4 – full grip and check

References Hutchinson J.J. Prevalence of wound infection under occlusive dressings: A collective survey or report research. Wounds. 1989; 1:123-124 Nassar L. (1998) The Treatment of “RIPS” on the Hands, Technique, May/June Neal RJ, Kippers V, Plooy D, et al. (1995) The influence of hand guards on forces and muscle activity during giant swings on the high bar. Med Sci Sport Exerc, 27:1550-6 Samuelson M, Reider B, Weiss D. (1996) Grip lock injuries to the forearm in male gymnasts. Am J Sports Med, 24:15-18 Yong-Hing K, Wedge JH, Bowen CV (1998) Chronic injury to the distal ulnar and radial growth plates in an adolescent gymnast. A case report. J Bone Joint Surg (Am) 70:1087-9

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My First Competition At YMCA Victoria Point, we believe in making every competitive event a worthwhile, educational and enjoyable experience for our gymnasts. To ensure your child’s competitive experience is a positive one, please read through the following information so you and your gymnast know what to expect from their competitive experiences. What should I expect? • Gymnasts to meet their coaches 15 minutes prior to warm up commencement to prepare for competition. • Gymnasts will have a 20 minute general warm up and a short apparatus warm up before they perform their

competition routine. • Judging panels will be seated at all apparatus and gymnasts will perform their routines for the judges. • Scores will be shown after each routine. • A presentation ceremony will be held at the end of competition. What do I need to wear for the competition? Competition attire for YMCA Victoria Point differs depending on your child’s level. Refer to the table below for our uniform requirements. Please direct any additional uniform questions to the competitive leader.

LEVEL EVENT OPPORTUNITIES UNIFORM REQUIREMENT

1-2 Circuit competitions Training leotard

3 Local invitationals, Junior Regionals Training leotard, YMCA polo shirt, black bike shorts, white socks, running shoes

4-5 Local Invitationals, Junior Regionals, Qld Club Championships, Junior State Championships

Short sleeve competitive leotard, polo shirt, tracksuit, running shoes, white socks

6-10 Local Invitationals, Junior/Senior Regionals, Qld Club Championships, Junior/Senior State Championships, National Club Championships

Long sleeve competitive leotard, training leotard, polo shirt, tracksuit, running shoes, white socks

Competition Checklist Please use the checklist below when preparing for competition:

Leotard/training leotard Polo shirt (Level 3+) Tracksuit (Level 4+) White socks Running shoes Hand guards Strapping tape (if required) Panda paws (if required) Extra hair ties / bobby pins

YMCA bag (Level 3+) Water bottle Small healthy snack Spare copy of floor music (Levels 7-10) No jewellery (small stud earrings are acceptable) No nail polish, make up or spray tans Hair is neatly and securely fastened with YMCA Club

ribbons

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Frequently Asked Questions Can I take photos/videos of my child during competition? You are welcome to take photos and videos of your child during competition. Please be advised that flash photography is prohibited at all competitions as it is a safety concern for the performing gymnasts. Also please ensure you are only photographing your own child at competition. What are the scores being flashed? After each gymnast competes, their score for that apparatus will be flashed near the judges’ table or on a television screen around the venue. Scores for Junior (L3-6) events are judged out of 10.00, however we ask gymnasts and parents to focus on the experience the competition will provide for future development and learning in the sport rather than what score was achieved. Will my child receive an award? Not all the time. Depending on the event, number of competitors and individual performance, there may be times a child misses out on an award. At YMCA Victoria Point, we see competitions as learning and developmental experiences rather than opportunities to win awards. Coaches will encourage all gymnasts to focus on the strengths in their performances and what they can strive toward in training to continue developing their gymnastics skills and competitive outcomes. As a parent we also ask you to be encouraging and supportive to all gymnasts not just your own. Can I talk to my child during competition? It is important for parents to understand they are not to talk or communicate with their child once they have been handed over to the coach for warm up /competition. Parents are not allowed to communicate with coaches until the completion of the competition. Parents must not speak with judges at any time (before, during or after a competition). Gymnasts can be disqualified if they are seen making contact with their parents or the audience. Parents can also cause disqualification of their daughter if they do not abide by the rules stated above.

Phone:3820 5300

[email protected]

Absence Information

Child’s Name:

Level: (WAG 4-10)

Parent’s Name:

Date Applied:

Signature:

Type of Absence Requested:

Other

Illness (requires medical certificate)

Injury (requires medical certificate)

Dates of Absence: From: / / To: / /

Comments:

You must submit requests for absences, other than sick leave, two weeks prior to the first day of absence

Parent Signature Date

Office Use

Approved

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