Skip to content
Close notice

Our website uses cookies to give you the best possible experience. Cookies are unique identifiers that we transfer to your device to enable our systems to remember your session and how you interacted with the website. They are not there to identify you personally. To find out more about the cookies we use, click here.

A A A
Keeping Safe Getting
Involved Results
Open Menu
Getting
Involved
Keeping Safe
Results

As we move to Alert Level 0 of the roadmap, the government is moving away from stringent restrictions on everyone’s day-to-day lives, towards advising people on how to protect themselves and others. This includes enabling the public to make informed decisions through guidance, rather than laws.  

As a result of moving to Level 0, this will mean that there will be no legal restrictions on the number of people that can gather indoors. The only legal requirements will be for each organisation to have a risk assessment and for individuals to wear a face covering in a public place. At this time, leisure and gym facilities are recognised as public places.   

All those responsible for premises open to the public, workplaces, activity organisers and organisations must carry out a Covid risk assessment and continue to take reasonable measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to coronavirus. Reasonable measures are defined in the Alert Level 0 guidance. The Alert Level 0 sets out a range of mitigations gymnastics clubs and providers should consider including Indoor sport and leisure facilities: potential reasonable measures action card (coronavirus) | GOV.WALES:  
 
• Maintaining appropriate cleaning regimes and cleaning surfaces that people touch regularly  
• Keeping occupied spaces well ventilated and identifying poorly-ventilated areas in the venue and taking steps to improve air flow  
• Good hand hygiene practices  
• Ensuring that staff and customers who are unwell do not attend the workplace or venue  
• Encouraging regular lateral flow testing to those who are eligible, encouraging double vaccination and continuing the pre-attendance symptom checking   
*The above is not an exhaustive list of the Reasonable Measures that clubs should consider, please follow link to Welsh Government a list. 

The risk is greatest where these factors overlap, for example in crowded indoor spaces where people are raising their voices. Welsh Gymnastics encourages a phased and gradual approach, and whilst these are no longer legal requirements, we would encourage clubs and providers to consider:  
• planning relaxations to social distancing within sessions cautiously. Continue mitigate risk with pre-planned close contact between gymnast and coaches and only where necessary 
• continue to minimise the number of close contacts that coaches and gymnasts have and continue to utilise fixed groups 
• implementing capacity restrictions for areas which are prone to crowding or poorly ventilated (i.e. entrance and exits, changing facilities and toilets) 

We hope you find this information useful and the team at Welsh Gymnastics are always here to help if you need to get in touch with us at contactus@welshgymnastics.org  or development@welshgymnastics.org 

 

Step Forward Plan

step-forward-plan-button.png

The ‘Step Forward Plan’ is built around four key pillars of support; protection, people, places and programmes and will be delivered in phases designed around the Welsh Government restrictions currently in place.  

It is important to note that the step one, two and three in each section refer to prepare, resume and rebuild. We will only move through the steps as Welsh Government inform us that it is safe to do so. 

Step forward   

Protection – everything we’re building to support a safe return to gymnastics – the protection and safety of all of our members is of paramount importance . 

People – supporting the people who deliver gymnastics, run clubs and participate in our sport, including a focus on protecting the health and wellbeing of coaches, gymnasts and their families.  

Places – providing specific guidance to facilities on how to introduce the new recommended safety measures. And supporting clubs in identifying and applying for available funding, fundraising and financial planning.  

Programmes – guidance on how to adapt activity programmes and deliver gymnastics safely within the social distancing guidelines. 

Highlights of the plan include:  

  • Working with British Gymnastics and their Foundation, our Access Gymnastics Fund and other stakeholders to provide increased investment in participant hardship grants that will give financial support to gymnasts affected by Covid-19.  
  • Free Covid-19 Club resources pack available through our new marketing hub including, but not limited to, posters and digital content around social distancing, hygiene and keeping your gymnastics environment safe for coaches, gymnasts, and parents.  
  • Discounts on targeted coaching courses (when they resume) to ensure you have the workforce to meet the needs of your programmes. 
  • Development of a series of guides, webinars and support tools for clubs and coaches with key topics including: Health and Safety, Risk Assessments, Business Planning, Returning Staff to Work, Communicating with Members, Activity Set-up and Navigating Through the New World of Coaching.  

You can read more about our Step Forward Plan in the attached document. 

Club Support

Club Support

Guidance and resources for the Step Forward Plan will be released on a weekly basis, so please make sure that you check the Club Support Area.

Who can I talk to moving forward? 

  1. Talk to Business Wales. The Business Wales helpline number is 03000 603 000. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 08:30am to 05:30pm.
  2. Welsh Sports Association – 02920 334 972 are offering clubs support, regular updates and webinars.
  3. Keep in contact with your landlord or facility provider to discuss your situation
  4. Talk to Agility UK for any Health and Safety guidance 01527 571615
  5. Talk to DAS Law for any legal advice 0117 933 0617.
  6. Talk to your insurance provider and check your policy wording.
  7. DAS Law operate a free 24-7 counselling helpline for all members over 18. Any information shared will remain strictly confidential between DAS Law and the member. 0117 934 2121

Talk to a member of the Welsh Gymnastics team, we are here to listen and advise as best as possible in this constantly changing situation. Please also see below a list of Quick Links to websites that may prove useful to you for up to date advice and guidance.

Quick Links

 Returning to Training 

Indoor Activities

Return to Contact Coaching 

The Return to Contact Coaching  framework can be utilised when clubs are completing their risk assessments. 

Clubs must complete a risk assessment .

The following have been produced as part of the Step Forward Plan to share with your gymnasts and parents:

  1. Club Letter
  2. Opt-In Agreement
  3. Code of Behaviour
  4. Self Screening
  5. Parent and Gymnast Guide

For clubs you also have access to: Coach Contact Scenarios and Host Venue Information.

Key points that could be considered:

  1. Groups being fixed
  2. Limiting contact per day with individuals identified
  3. Social distancing at all other times
  4. Additional hand-hygiene
  5. Activity being pre-planned and Opt in basis

Event Guidance

As we are now able to return to indoor competition and events. The Welsh Government have provided reasonable measures that WG and the community should consider if they would like to run an event.

This action card provides advice on measures that are likely to be reasonable to take to minimise the risk of coronavirus at event settings.

It should be used in conjunction with current Welsh Government regulations and other (more general) guidance.

You have a legal obligation to provide information to those entering or working at your premises about how to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus. This includes, in particular, information to all those present about their risk of exposure to coronavirus identified in the risk assessment and the measures to be taken at the premises to minimise this risk.

This could include announcements, clear signage (e.g. signs, floor tape or paint) for limits on the number people present in a particular area or room, queuing systems and one way systems. Ensuring people do not have symptoms prior to attending and promoting double vaccination and use of lateral flow testing. Understanding a venues capacity and regulations, whilst cleaning and maintaining ventilation. Information can also be provided before the event.

Events: potential reasonable measures action card (coronavirus) [HTML] | GOV.WALES

Return to Pits Guidance

Following the results of research that included the use of foam and the transmission of Covid-19, BG have consulted with our Chief Medical Officer and Health and Safety Experts; Agility, regarding the reintroduction of foam pits as it concluded that the risk of Covid transmission in foam was low after one minute. The use of foam pits will now be permitted in line with the guidance.

The ‘Reintroduction of foam pits’ guide provides information on the safe use of pits to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. Gymnastics deliverers wishing to use pitted areas should implement the control measures contained within this guidance in conjunction with their existing risk assessments, cleaning protocols and operational procedures.

TeamSport Framework

Gymnasts are now able to resume disciplines which require close proximity to one another. Clubs are required to complete a risk assessment and may utilise the TeamSport Framework. Some consideration may be:

  1. Following the checklist for return to TeamSport.
  2. Communicating with their parents and members of those involved in close proximity to share the risk assessment and provide opportunity for all those involved to opt in.
  3. Continue to utilise the self screening survey, code of behaviour, opt in agreement.
  4. Utilise the template club letter and a parents and gymnast guide.

Key points that could be utilised are:

  1. Pairs/Groups being fixed
  2. Limiting contact per day
  3. Social distancing where required
  4. Activity being pre-planned
  5. Opt in basis utilised

If you have any queries, please contact your Development Officer or email development@welshgymnastics.org 

 

Home Activities

Looking for our Gymnastics Home Activities? You have come the right place! 

The team at Welsh Gymnastics want to ensure the Welsh Gymnastics community have access to a range of fun filled gymnastics and gymnastics themed activities.

In addition to the British Gymnastics resources, accessed through your Club Log In, Welsh Gymnastics have an array of downloadable resources and live sessions on offer; many of which are bilingual. 

Share your work with Welsh Gymnastics via the Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts with the #KeepYourPassion and you could be featured on our page.

Activity Cards

Books 

The Greatest Gymnast of All https://youtu.be/wNR5Nks684g Read by Sydney Davies

Downloadable Activities, Games & Puzzles  

Healthy Eating Recipes 

LIVE Sessions & Discipline Masterclasses

A number of discipline specific online sessions took place through the Summer of 2020 for members of the Welsh Gymnastics community. These sessions can be viewed at our You Tube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9hWs65FyddgaF1fflrDcvA/featured.

Keep a look out for more LIVE sessions available soon

Online Workouts 

Session Plans 

Warm Up & Cool Down Activity Cards

Workout Cards 

Outdoor Activity

Outdoor Activity Checklist

Online and Outdoor Activity Skills List.

Outdoor Risk Assessment

 

Program Updates

Elite Plan  

Following Welsh Government guidance on the return to training for our elite athletes, our Performance team have developed a very specific Elite Plan in partnership with Sport Wales and British Gymnastics. This will be communicated directly to the athletes and their coaches. 

Competition and Events

We are currently reviewing our events list for the remainder of 2021 and beginning of 2022. The dates along with protocols will be communicated shortly. 

We are continuing to work with British Gymnastics, the Technical Panels and our Performance teams.

Education

Digital courses and assessments
 
Working with BG we have adapted Level 1 course and assessment protocols and setting up a digital platform, linking in with 1st4sport to ensure any adaptations we make are compliant and qualifications awarded during this time are valid. 
 
Please visit our course section for the currently available dates. If you hae any queries please contact coaching@welshgymnastics.org.
 
Course dates coming soon
 
We are currently re-organising our Level 2 course structure. Dates and protocols will be released shortly.
 
 
 
Covid Officer

Club Covid-19 Officer

As part of the Welsh Government return to sport and leisure guidance, organisations and clubs have been asked to nominate a Covid Officer. 

The Covid Officer will be a key resource for clubs in all matters of Covid-19 and ensuring a safe environment for gymnastics activity. They will promote clear and effective communication channels to ensure all members feel supported and have someone to go to should they have any questions or concerns. 

Welsh Gymnastics Covid Officer is Siwan Davies (Head of Development)

The responsibilities will include:

  • To act as a main point of contact for all members with regards to Covid-19
  • To oversee the implementation of the relevant risk assessments
  • To keep up to date with the latest Government advice and guidelines on Covid-19
  • To regularly review the clubs risk assessments and safety documents and recommend changes when necessary.
  • To support the Chair, Directors, Welfare Officer and/or coaches with any related Covid-19 issues.
  • Liaise with the Welsh Gymnastics Development Officer

Covid Officer - Job Description

Training

Well-Being and Mental Health

These are unprecedented times for us as a society and whether you are self-employed or a business owner, gymnasts or parent COVID-19 will be causing a level of uncertainty. However, now more than ever, we should take steps to take care of our mental health and those of our employees. 

There is a wealth of support available to you online:

British Gymnastics

DAS Law operate a free 24-7 counselling helpline for all members over 18. Any information shared will remain strictly confidential between DAS Law and the member.

0117 934 2121


NHS 5 ways to Wellbeing

The NHS lists five simple things we can all do to give our wellbeing a boost.

The Five ways to wellbeing are a set of evidence-based messages aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of the whole population. They were developed by the New Economics Foundation from evidence gathered in the Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing project (2008).
The five ways are:

C.A.L.L Helpline

C.A.L.L offers emotional support and information/literature on Mental Health and related matters to the people of Wales. Anyone concerned about their own mental health or that of a relative or friend can access the service. C.A.L.L. Helpline offers a confidential listening and support service.

Telephone: 0800 132 737


The Samaritans

Samaritans offer a plethora of help and support via their call centre and email provisions.

Telephone: 116 123
Telephone Welsh Language service: 0808 164 0123
E-mail: jo@samaritans.org

Write a letter:
Chris 
Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK 
PO Box 9090 
STIRLINGFK8 2SA

Website

Rethink mental illness: https://www.rethink.org

Every mind matters:  https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters

Young minds:  https://youngminds.org.uk

Support tools

Setting goals with young people:  https://7mindsets.com/smart-goal-setting-for-students/

Mindfulness:   https://www.mindfulfamilies.co.uk/

https://www.sfwales.org/

http://www.valleyssteps.org/

Meditation:   https://www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/

https://www.headspace.com/meditation-101/what-is-meditation

https://www.headspace.com/meditation/sport

Infographics

Setting Goals

What can I control?

5 ways of well-being

Self care for sleep

 

Webinars and Resources

This section aims to support the people who deliver gymnastics, run clubs and participate in our sport, including a focus on protecting the health and well-being of coaches, gymnasts and their families.

Welsh Sports Association

Covid-19 Online Awareness Course for the Sports and Recreation Sector

The web-based course aims to give confidence on Covid-19 matters and provides transitional information to support the return to sport and recreation across the home nations.

To book the online course please click here

British Gymnastics

For all British Gymnastics webinars please enrol via https://www.british-gymnastics.org/courses/search/club-roles 

Coach Support

 Introduction to Mental Health Awareness Webinar

https://www.welshgymnastics.org/courses/2020/08/26/introduction-to-mental-health-awareness-webinar/

Good Governance: Policies & Procedures Webinar

This webinar will provide an insight into the policies and procedures that each club should have in place to adhere to. It will look at what policies British Gymnastics has, and what policies clubs should have. Following guidance on how to enforce policies, some scenario-based examples will illustrate how to embed good governance into club operations. This webinar is an opportunity for clubs to review their policies and procedures and refresh these documents ready for a safe return to gymnastics. 

Inclusion

This one hour webinar is designed to increase your knowledge of inclusive gymnastics & terminology around inclusion as well as helping you build an awareness of how to create an inclusive club environment.

Health and Safety:  Reopening your facility safely in partnership with Agility UK

This webinar will give clubs a better understanding of what is needed to be considered with regards to general health and safety within your premises or activity area, following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Following the completion of the club support webinars, a recording will be placed on the BG Club Support page.

UK Coaching Resources

Pre-Recorded- Requires an account to login

https://www.ukcoaching.org/resources/topics/search?query=Register%20%2F%20Login%20to%20access&order=relevant

Delivering Great Coaching Online

Pre-recorded

  • Podcasts
  • Infographics

Online Workshops

  • How to build a volunteer family at your sports club
  • How to keep your members happy
  • How to get your club into shape
  • How to manage your clubs money
  • To enrol onto any of these workshops please follow this link
    •  

https://www.sportstructures.com/education-training/book-onto-a-course/club-solutions-workshops/

Sport and Recreation Alliance

Various Webinars  https://www.sportandrecreation.org.uk/events/catchacoffee

Better Sports Coach

69 free instruction videos on a broad range of topics covered within and beyond sport and exercise science. Topics include but not limited to: Muscle contractile properties, energy systems, skeletal systems, mental health, diet and nutrition, emotional intelligence, coaching philosophy in sport, social media in sport, confidence. https://www.bettersportscoach.com/videos/free

Open University

Free Sport and fitness courses https://www.open.edu/openlearn/body-mind/free-courses/?filter=date/grid/562/all/all/all/

Youth Sports Trust

Resources for coaches, parents and young people- https://www.youthsporttrust.org/coronavirus-response-and-support

Club Solutions Online Workshops

Club Solutions are providing online two hour workshops. The short training sessions will seek to improve your knowledge, build your skills and ultimately help you to develop your club. Click on the headings below for more information

How to build a Volunteer family

How to keep your members happy

How to manage your clubs money

How to get your club into shape

 

Keeping Safe

Welsh Gymnastics encourage our community to follow our safety reminders while keeping active for gymnastics at home.

We want you and your gymnasts to be protected whilst interacting from home, so it’s important to remember the following: 

  • Welsh and British Gymnastics members in a position of trust and/or responsibility, including coaches and welfare officers (as defined in the British Gymnastics Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy) should not be in contact with any young people under 18, through any social networking sites whether the young person is a member of their club or any other club unless parents give consent for such activity to take place. So, as long as a parent is involved, consents, and is aware of such coaching activities taking place over social media channels then that is acceptable.
  • You should always ensure that another adult such as a parent or another club official is included in an online conversation with a member who is under 18 or is an adult at risk.
  • There are some very helpful resources available online to help you safeguard children and protect yourself online. Here are some we’d recommend:
    - The NSPCC have produced guidance for remote teaching
    - The CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) Education team have launched - #OnlineSafetyAtHome and provide information on how to support children online

Key points to remember when conducting online meetings

The Key points are:

  1. Do not advertise any meeting publicly.
  2. Only invite people that are known to the host.
  3. All meetings must have an ID and Password – Do not advertise these.
  4. Only send the Meeting ID and Password to the intended recipients just before the meeting.
  5. The host is to ensure that they control/lock the meeting to prevent unauthorised access.
  6. The host should be the only person able to share material during the meeting.

We hope that you are able stay connected with your participants during this difficult time and are able to continue playing your part in encouraging the importance of exercise on their physical and mental well-being.

© Welsh Gymnastics, 2017
Designed & Developed by Spindogs