Gymnastics In Ipswich
Policies

Behaviour Policy
for Participants

Introduction

Gymnastics In Ipswich operates a Code of Conduct which is in line with the British Gymnastics suggested guidelines. The procedure that follows is a disciplinary procedure that supports the Code of Conduct for Participants.

Purpose

The main purpose of the behaviour procedure is to prevent:

• Inappropriate behaviour by participants (rudeness, being disrespectful, physical or verbal abuse etc).
• Inappropriate language (swearing or inappropriate innuendo).
• Bullying (physically, mentally or verbally, either in person or via electronic media, inclusive of social networking sites).
• Any other breaches of the Code of Conduct.

Procedural Stages

Stage One: Should the Code of Conduct be breached, a coach will remind the gymnast and the parent/ guardian/ carer of the Code of Conduct and inform them of where their behaviour is in breach of this, checking that they fully understand. The coach should then inform the gymnast of the procedure which will follow if the negative behaviour continues.

Stage Two: Should the Code of Conduct be breached again, a senior coach (with a witness, preferably a Welfare Officer) will reprimand the participant appropriately by issuing a first strike system, whereby a record will be kept of the incident. The reprimand will be signed and kept on a secure file at the Gym with a copy passed to the parent/ guardian/ carer. This first strike will be live on the gymnast's file for 6 months.

Stage Three: If the participant is in breach a third time, a meeting will be called between the participant, the coach, the parent/ guardian/ carer, and a Welfare Officer to discuss the issues and a plan will be put in place to help combat the participant's negative behaviour. A second strike will be issued and minuted. This reprimand will be signed by the gymnast and the parent/ guardian/ carer and kept on a secure file at the Gym with a copy passed to the parent/ guardian/ carer. This second strike will be live on the gymnast's file for 6 months.

Stage Four: If there is another breach, a third strike will be issued and the participant suspended for a period of time (to be determined in agreement with the Head Coach, Welfare Officer, and/ or other parties involved). Notification will be given in writing to the participant’s parent/ guardian/ carer.

Stage Five: The participant will only be allowed to return in agreement that a further breach of the Code of Conduct will result in permanent exclusion.

Appeal

Should the gymnast or parent/ guardian/ carer feel that the disciplinary action taken by the Club at any time leading up to and including stage five is unreasonable, the process of appeal is to be made in writing to the Directors who will respond within five working days.