CAMDEN GYMNASTICS PROGRAMME FACT SHEET

What the programme offers: The London Borough of Camden aims to provide a fully comprehensive gymnastics programme, which caters for the wider community. Our purpose built facility allows us to encourage, all ages and abilities to participate within the sport, valuing the diversity of all our users. Children and adults can benefit from a range of varied, but structured activities that will enhance their basic foundation skills. This will contribute towards an overall balance of physical development, confidence building and a sense of achievement. Fully qualified and experienced coaches help to run all our sessions. Their enthusiastic approach to teaching emphasises the fun aspect of the sport, in a safe and friendly environment. The club fully abides by Camden Council and British Gymnastics policies for Health and Safety, Equity and Child Protection. We currently hold GymMark and Camden Sports Academy Accreditation

Parent and Toddler: Duration 45 min or 1hr Drop In Age: 0 - 4yrs (Children who are walking will benefit more from these sessions) This is your toddler’s first opportunity to explore the delights of gymnastics activity through play. Closely supervised by parent/carers, it’s a safe introduction to soft play equipment, trampoline and other modified apparatus in the gymnastics hall. Music and a variety of hand apparatus all add to the fun of the sessions. Overseen by a qualified instructor, plus assistants. Parents are encouraged to enroll for pre-school classes once their child has turned 3 years of age. Ask at reception for enrolment dates.

Pre-school classes: Duration 45min Queue to book a place Age: 3 & 4yr s (Classes are pre-booked in advance each term) Your child will experience their first structured class in the gym, without parent/carer supervision. Your child will develop the essential, basic foundation skills and memory positions, in a fun and non-competitive environment. Children are coached in small groups, and should move up automatically to an afternoon or weekend slot when they start school*. (*Provided we are informed in advance that they will be starting school, or nursery). Existing gymnasts can book places for subsequent terms as long as it is before the closing date. British Gymnastics membership is essential to all participants.

Recreational classes: Duration 1hr Queue to book a place Age: 4 - 16yrs (Classes are pre-booked in advance each term) These structured lessons provide a wide range of activities for children. These classes promote the overall fitness levels, co-ordination, balance and flexibility, which build the confidence of your child. We utilise all the Olympic apparatus, including the trampoline to encourage variety and develop skill level, in a fun environment. Each term will be dedicated towards a particular goal, including badge work, and at least one friendly competition. These classes are extremely popular, and fill up very quickly; current gymnasts are given the opportunity to rebook each term. Their place is guaranteed if booked by the closing date. Any available places are then offered out to the public on special enrolment dates, when you are invited to queue for your required age group. Due to the popularity of the classes place are limited. British Gymnastics membership is essential to all participants.

CAMDEN GYMNASTICS PROGRAMME FACT SHEET

Intermediate/Advanced rec: Duration 1- 1.5hrs By invitation only Age: 5 yrs + (Classes are pre-booked in advance each term) Gymnasts are selected from the general gymnastics classes who may have the ability to try more advanced skills. This is once they have mastered the basic foundation skills required to progress a little further and who show enthusiasm towards the sport. Gymnasts may have the opportunity to compete in floor and vault invitational competitions. British gymnastics membership is essential to all participants.

Adult recreational classes: Duration 2hrs Drop In Age: 16yrs+ (Term time only) This is your chance to explore your real potential as a budding gymnast. Work steadily towards mastering specific skills you have always dreamed of. Beginners and advanced are welcome. These sessions are structured and adult users are to comply with the coaches instructions at all times. Apply for a “BETTER” card from reception to reduce the cost of these classes. British Gymnastics membership is a compulsory requirement for all participants of these sessions.

Development Squad: Duration 4- 6 hrs + (Monthly payment) Age: 5 - 10yrs (By invitation only) Any child showing potential from the general or advanced classes; will be encouraged to move on to slightly more focussed training. Each child will work towards developing and defining more technical skills, required in gymnastics. This leads to more progressive and complex elements. Your child will be constantly assessed for their suitability within the group. Criteria for selection includes attendance, a positive attitude to work, as well as ability are all aspects that are taken into consideration. Children may be entered for some low-key competitions at this stage

Boys/Girls Squads: Duration: 2.5 - 16hrs (Monthly payment) Age: 5 yrs + (By invitation only) Our squad gymnasts consist of boys and girls who are striving for higher level of participation within the sport. All gymnasts are competitive and regularly represent the borough in competitions and displays. These sessions require a lot of hard work, body conditioning and stamina in order to perfect the advanced skills required to compete at a high standard. These squads train, throughout the year, not just term time in order to fully prepare properly for their competition season. Our squad gymnasts have produced excellent results at regional, national and international tournaments.

Trampoline: Duration 1 hr Drop In - pay at reception Age: 5 yrs + (Term time only) We have a fully comprehensive trampoline section, catering for both recreational and competitive squads. Proficiency Awards are used as an introduction to this discipline.

Trampoline Squad: Duration 2 hrs + Pay at reception Age: 8 yrs + (By invitation only) Children must be able to front and back somersault to join these sessions. Children learn routines and skills in combination with the view to competing. We have competitors at national, regional and club level.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need to pay any fees? A: There is an annual subscription paid by coaches and gymnast to the national and regional governing body BG and LG. This is compulsory and not optional. The membership year runs from 1st October each year. Recreational classes are paid in advance each term and squads are paid on a monthly basis. “BETTER” card is operated on all payments; ask at reception for details.

Q: What does my child need to wear? (Club T-shirts and leotards are available) A: Appropriate kit MUST be worn at all times. T-Shirts, shorts, leotard, Tracksuit or jogging bottoms etc NO JEANS or baggy bottoms, which can be hazardous on the apparatus. All children MUST wear socks for the trampoline during their session, and have them when they arrive, to save time and avoid inconvenience for the coach, child or parent. No child will be allowed on the trampoline without socks.

Q: Can my child wear jewellery? A: British Gymnastics has specified that NO jewellery of any kind will be allowed during training. Children may be unable to participate in the class if this rule is not adhered to.

Q: Is food or drink allowed in the gymnastics hall? A: No, as it’s a specialist facility with fixed gym equipment, we cannot allow any food or drink to be consumed in the gymnastics hall in case of spillages and for hygiene purposes. Customers must abide by this rule to preserve these facilities.

Q: Can I watch my child’s class? A: Yes, there is viewing from the designated seating area situated in the juice bar on the upstairs balcony, Customers are politely asked not to use “Tree Tops” unless they have a child participating in the “Tree Tops” session.

Q: Is my child allowed to leave the gymnastics hall unaccompanied? A: No, if your child is under 8 they cannot leave gym alone at any time. They have to be supervised by an adult to go to the toilet. All children need to be dropped off and picked up from the gym doors by a parent/carer.

In the interest of health and safety, during our sessions we would like everyone to respect the following rules concerning the gymnasium:

Always be on time for the class, warm up and registration are most important. Never enter gym without a coach being present.

Always wear appropriate clothing, with long hair tied back securely

There is to be NO jumping on the trampoline without socks or direct supervision

No climbing on the apparatus without permission

No chewing gum, food or drink in the gymnasium

Listen to the coaches at all times

Always ask if you have to leave gym to use the toilet

No running in the gym unless told to by coaching staff

Bad language will not be tolerated

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable and will be dealt with accordingly If you have any questions about any of this information, please do not hesitate to speak to a Sports Development Support Officer or any of the available coaches.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENT/CARERS

We believe that the best environment for your child to learn in requires the full cooperation and support of all parents/carers. Therefore we ask that you read and abide by the following code of conduct.

Encourage your child to learn the rules and participate within them.

Discourage challenging behaviour/ arguing with coaches/ officials / staff.

Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.

Set a good example by recognising good sportsmanship and applauding the good performances of all.

Never force your child to take part in sport.

Always ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the activity and has plenty to drink.

Keep the club informed if your child is ill or unable to attend sessions.

Endeavour to establish good communications with the club, coaches and officials for the benefit of all.

Share any concerns or complaints about any aspect of the club through the approved channels.

Use correct and proper language at all times.

Never punish or belittle a child for poor performance or making mistakes.

Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.

Never try to coach or distract your child from the balcony.

Always collect your child promptly at the end of a session.

No photography is allowed for child protection purposes.

We thank you for taking the time to read through all the relevant information and look forward to welcoming your child into the club as a valued member.