Club policies

Safeguarding

Every child has the right to take part in sport safely. Our coaches hold appropriate DBS checks and safeguarding training, and we follow British Gymnastics safeguarding guidance.

Code of conduct: gymnasts

• Be kind and respectful to other gymnasts, coaches and parents.
• Listen to your coach and follow their instructions.
• Only use equipment when a coach says it's OK.
• Try your best, encourage others, and cheer each other on.
• Tell a coach straight away if you're hurt, feel unwell, or are worried about anything.
• No bullying, unkind words or leaving people out.
• Wear the right kit: fitted clothes, hair tied back and no jewellery.

Code of conduct: parents & carers

• Encourage your child to do their best, and celebrate effort as much as results.
• Respect coaches' decisions, and bring any concerns to them calmly and privately.
• Be positive and polite to everyone at the club, in person and online.
• Drop off and collect your child on time, and keep us updated on medical needs and contacts.
• Don't take photos or videos of other people's children, and follow our photography policy.
• Stay in the viewing area unless a coach invites you in.

Code of conduct: coaches

• Put the safety and wellbeing of every gymnast first.
• Treat every child fairly and with respect, whatever their ability or background.
• Teach skills progressively, and never push a gymnast beyond what's safe for them.
• Keep appropriate boundaries. Never be alone with a child out of sight of others, and only make physical contact when needed to teach or support a skill safely.
• Keep qualifications, DBS checks and safeguarding training up to date.
• Report any safeguarding concern to the Welfare Officer straight away.
• Communicate with parents, not directly with children, about club matters, and never through personal social media.

Anti-bullying

Bullying of any kind is not accepted at Oak Tree, whether physical, verbal, online or leaving someone out on purpose. If a gymnast is being bullied, they or their parent should tell a coach or the Welfare Officer. We'll listen, take it seriously, and act to stop it. That might mean talking to those involved, involving parents, and, if it continues, removing someone from the club.

Changing rooms

• Gymnasts should arrive ready to train where possible.
• Coaches and adults won't go into changing areas while children are using them, except in an emergency.
• Phones and cameras must not be used in changing areas.
• Parents of younger children may help them change in the space provided.

Transport & collection

• Parents are responsible for getting their child to and from the gym.
• Children will only be handed over to a parent, carer or adult you've told us about. Let us know in advance if someone different is collecting.
• Coaches will not give children lifts in their own cars.
• If a child isn't collected on time, two adults will stay with them while we contact you and your emergency contact.

Photography & social media

• We only share photos or videos of gymnasts whose parents have given consent on the registration form. You can change your answer at any time.
• We never publish a child's full name alongside their picture.
• Parents may photograph their own child at shows and events, but please don't post pictures of other children without their parents' permission.
• No photos or filming during normal training without the club's agreement, and never in changing areas.
• Coaches won't contact gymnasts through personal social media or messaging apps.

Accidents & first aid

• A qualified first aider is present at every session.
• All accidents and injuries are recorded, and we'll tell you about anything that happens to your child.
• In an emergency we'll call 999 and contact you straight away, using the consent you gave on the registration form.
• Please make sure any medication your child needs, such as an inhaler or EpiPen, comes with them to every session.

Last updated: 25 October 2026