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We understand that these are unprecedented and hugely challenging times for our gymnastics community – but we are here to support you in every way we can.

To do so, we will continue to regularly update this section that is dedicated to offering help and guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the sub-sections below, you will find more information about our Step Forward Plan as we prepare for the return of the sport, in line with Welsh Government guidelines. We have also developed a Step Forward Checklist in order for clubs to return.

During Phase 2, it is our responsibility to produce guidelines that ensure a safe return to the sport and therefore at this time all gymnasts and coaches will be required to social distance. Cleaning and hygiene measures communicated as part of the Step Forward Plan must also remain. 

1. Anyone aged 11 and over must wear face coverings until they are taking part in exercise or strenuous activity. For exemptions please review the following https://gov.wales/face-coverings-guidance-public  

2. Coaches must wear face coverings unless completing exercise or strenuous activity; it is particularly important to avoid wearing a mask whilst performing activities that will cause perspiration (exemptions above).

3. Anyone can play sport in a group of 15 people indoors (over 18), if this is part of an organised activity managed for example by a gym, a leisure centre or a sports club. Coaches and match officials would generally be regarded as participants and the 15 should include them. However, anybody who is there to organise or support the activity, if they are working or providing a voluntary service, can also attend and do not need to be considered within the limit of 15.  

4. Simultaneous gatherings of groups and individuals are also allowed, both indoors and outdoors, where there is sufficient space to do so safely and independently. This should only be considered where space is sufficient to allow 100sqft per person as set out in UKactive guidance, where entry and exit for individuals and groups can be managed, and where the space can be partitioned so individuals and groups do not interact, without limiting the ability to allow appropriate ventilation and control environmental factors such as humidity in each space.

5. Unlimited numbers of children under the age of 18 can gather if the purpose is for the development or well-being of children and the number who can be involved is constrained only by the boundaries of the setting and the need for sufficient adults to be present to facilitate and supervise the activity. In practical terms, gatherings for those under 18 for sport are only limited by the number of adults who must be present (which cannot be more than 30 outdoors/15 indoors) and available space for safe physical distancing. 

6. Clubs must continue to utilise existing coach to gymnast ratios.

7. Social distancing must be maintained at all times. For under 11's the guidance highlights that it is not always possible for the age group to rigidly social distance at all times, but it should be adhered to and all effort to do so where possible. 

Our progress along the Step Forward Plan will be reviewed in line with the next Welsh Government announcement.

There is also some useful information around financial support and grants, resources available to clubs and coaches, FAQs (coming soon) as well as advice around well-being and mental health.

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

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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. It is still too early to say when steps two and three in the plan will happen, and we are concentrating on step one 'prepare' for now.

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 

Financial Support

 

 

Where to find more information or apply

Funding Amount

Sport Wales - Be Active Fund

https://www.sport.wales/beactivewalesfund/

Protect - Grants of £300-£5,000 are available for emergency support.

Prepare - Grants of £300-£50,000 are available to prepare your club or organisation. You will need to make a 15% contribution for grants over £5,000, which could be from the club's own funds, or grants from elsewhere.

Local Authority Non Domestic Rates(NDR) grant

https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/support/financial-support-and-grants

 

Grant 1: A grant of £25,000 is being made available for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses occupying properties with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £51,000.

Grant 2: A £10,000 grant to all businesses eligible for small business rates relief (SBRR) in Wales with a rateable value of £12,000 or less.

Welsh Government accessed through local authorities

https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/start-grant-–-support-welsh-businesses 

To be eligible for the ‘Start Up Grant’ of  £2,500 businesses must:

  • not have received funding from the Economic Resilience Fund or the Non-Domestic Rates grant
  • have been set up between the 1 April 2019 and 1 March 2020 and not qualify for Self Employment Income Support Scheme
  • have turnover less than £50,000 
  • have a drop of more than 50% income between April-June 2020

The Start Up Grant will be administered by local authorities and accessed through the Economic Resilience Fund eligibility checker on the Business Wales website: https://fundchecker.businesswales.gov.wales/.

Local Authority Economic Resilience 

https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/support/financial-support-and-grants

 

£10000 for micro businesses

£100000 for SME’s

£690000 for large businesses

The Fund is open to applications until 10 July 2020 (or until the fund is fully committed).

WCVA

Third Sector Resilience 

https://wcva.cymru/funding/social-investment-cymru/third-sector-resilience-fund-for-wales/

 

Up to £75,000

WCVA

Voluntary Sector Emergency fund

https://wcva.cymru/funding/volunteering-wales-grants-scheme/

 

Between £10,000 – £100,000

Just Giving

2.6 Challenge UK / Individual club page

https://www.justgiving.com/

 

ANY

Easy Fundraising

Club fundraising page

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/

 

ANY

Sport Wales

Emergency Relief Fund

https://www.sport.wales/content-vault/emergency-relief-fund/

 

Up to £5,000

UK Government Job Retention Scheme

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme#how-to-claim

 

 

Claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions. The scheme will close to new entrants from the 10th June.

https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/job-retention-scheme-calculator/?_ga=2.179617389.819917206.1587229939-1716842865.1587229939

UK Government Statutory Sick Pay Support

https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/how-to-claim

 

 

 

Cover up to two weeks’ SSP per eligible employee who has been off work because of COVID-19 

UK Government Self Employed Income Support Scheme

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme#claim

 

 

 

80% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £7,500 in total. To claim the first grant. you must make your claim on or before 13 July 2020. You’ll be able to make a claim for a second and final grant in August 2020.

Awards for All Voluntary & community organisations

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/under10k

 

 

Up to £10,000

Charities Fund

 

Funding Amount

Awards for All

Voluntary & community organisations

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/under10k

 

 

Up to £10,000

Moondance

Covid 19 support for charities

https://www.moondancecovid19relieffund.com/

 

 

Organisation type dependant. Need to fill out an application online to find out how much your eligible for. 

Waterloo Foundation Caring, Educating Wales

 

http://www.waterloofoundation.org.uk/ WalesAboutTheProgramme.html

 

Between £5,000 - £25,000

 

Simon Gibson Trust

Supports Glamorganshire, Gwent, Powys and Carmarthenshire in Wales

https://www.sgctrust.org.uk/eligibility/

 

 

Organisation type dependant. Need to fill out an application online to find out how much your eligible for. 

Community Aid Foundation

Support charities

https://www.cafonline.org/

Up to £10000

Community Foundation Wales Third sector

https://communityfoundationwales.org.uk/grants/wales-coronavirus-resilience-fund/

 

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for groups with an annual income of up to £200,000. Grants of up to £10,000 are available for groups with an annual income of between £200,001 and £500,000

Loans 

 

Funding Amount

British Business Bank

Business Interruption Loan

https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ourpartners/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils/

Based on annual turnover of the company. Up to £5million in value.

Government and Business Bank

Future Fund Loan

https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/apply-coronavirus-future-fund

Between £125,000 to £5 million

Business Wales

Bounce Back Loan

https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-support-businesses#section-38225

Up to £50,000

Business Wales

Small business loan

https://developmentbank.wales/small-business-loans-wales

From £1,000 to £50,000

WCVA

Emergency Fast Track Loans

https://wcva.cymru/emergency-fast-track-loans/

Based on each applicant’s individual needs in terms of amount, term and repayment profile.
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. 

Sport Leader Online Sessions

A number of online sessions ran through the Summer of 2020 for Welsh Gymnastics affiliated Sport Leaders. Lead by a Welsh Gymnastics Tutor, sessions were based on a variety of topics; each previously requested by the community. The sessions were a great opportunity for leaders to learn new skills and engage with others from across Wales. Session information can be downloaded here. 

  1. Sport Leaders: The "New Normal" - Content
  2. Being a role model: Roles & Responsibilities - Content
  3. Covid-19 How has it affected your gym and coaching - Content
  4. Warm Up & Cool Down Games: For zoom and socially distanced sessions - Content 
  5. Effective Communication - Content

Online Workouts 

Session Plans 

Warm Up & Cool Down Activity Cards

Workout Cards 

Outdoor Activity

Outdoor Activity Checklist

Outdoor Risk Assessment

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

Forums

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 wellbeing 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

 

Program Updates

Elite Plan  

Following Welsh Government guidance on the return to training for our elite athletes, our Performance team are developing a very specific Elite Plan in partnership with British Gymnastics. This will be communicated directly to the athletes and their coaches. Only gymnasts identified by Sport Wales as elite may be given exemptions during local lock downs.

Competition and Events

Please find the current list of event postponements or cancellations until December 2020 below.

Men’s Artistic 

Welsh Regional Grades (12/09/20) – Event cancelled

Northern Europeans (02/10/20) – Re-scheduled for Autumn 2021. 

Dragon Cup (13/12/20) – The Technical Panel are looking at the potential for this to be repurposed to another competitive event. Details to follow.

Women’s Artistic 

Voluntary Levels (26/09/20) – Event cancelled  

Challenge Cup (26/09/20) – Event cancelled 

Northern Europeans (02/10/20) – Re-scheduled for Autumn 2021 

Teams Competition (10/10/20) – Event cancelled 

Level 5/6 Finals (01/11/20) – Finals event cancelled. However, areas may be able to hold an area event if safe and appropriate to do so before the end of 2020. These events will be under strict WG guidance and sign-off.

Rhythmic 

Welsh Group Invitational (18/10/20) – Event cancelled. However, the date will potentially be used to hold the Star Cup, if safe and appropriate to do so. 

Star Cup (12/12/20) – Provisional new date 18/10/20  

Welsh Open for individuals (12/12/20) – The Technical Panel will aim to run this one-event dependent on restrictions and if safe and appropriate to do so.

Trampoline 

Trampoline Schools (22/11/20 – Potentially postponed to early 2021 dependent of BSGA qualification event schedule.  

Welsh Open Championships (05 & 06/12/20) – Event cancelled

Acrobatics 

FIG Championships (11/10/20) – Event cancelled

Aerobics 

Cardiff Open / Welsh Open Championships (10/10/20) – Event cancelled 

Newport IAC (06/12/20) – The Technical Panel are looking at the potential for this to be repurposed to another competitive event.  Details to follow.

Tumbling 

Welsh Championships (19/09/20) – Event cancelled 

Tumble League (13/12/20) – The Technical Panel are looking at the potential for this to be repurposed to another competitive event.  Details to follow.

GFA 

South Central Gymspire (31/10/20) – Event cancelled 

South East Gymspire (31/10/20) – Event cancelled 

West Gymspire (07/11/20) – Event cancelled 

North Gymspire (07/11/20) – Event cancelled 

Gymspire National (20/11/20) – Event cancelled

Schools 

Novice Final (03/12/20) – Event cancelled 

WG will liaise with the regional school coordinators to determine whether they are able to hold an area event before the end of 2020. These events will only be considered if safe and appropriate to do so and be under strict WG guidance and sign-off.

We understand and share the disappointment of all the gymnasts, coaches and clubs that would have been involved but the health and wellbeing of our members is our main concern.

We would also like to take this opportunity to make our community aware that we are continuing to work with British Gymnastics, the Technical Panels and our Performance teams to look at options for each discipline for reviving their competition programmes later in the year. We will make further announcements about these plans in due course.

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

 

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.

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