FLEXIBILTY AND STRETCHING EXERCISES
British gymnastics has received a number of enquiries from concerned parents,
regarding the techniques and types of exercises that BG promotes as correct
practice. Concerns have been expressed about the coaches using their full body
weight or excessive force during flexibility training. There are also concerns about
the close proximity of the coach’s body and hands to sensitive areas on the
gymnast’s body.
Coaches are encouraged to be mindful of these factors and to protect themselves
against allegations of poor practice should heed the following good practice
guidelines:

Use slow, progressive and prolonged stretching exercises, within the
“discomfort zone” rather than what might be considered to be excessive force

Avoid exercises that place the coaches and gymnasts body in “close
proximity” and might be seen as unnecessary by the less-informed parents or
observer

Be sensitive to how the exercise might be perceived by the parents and
children

Consider holding a parents forum to explain the flexibility training techniques,
so that the parent is more aware and therefore less likely to misinterpret the
techniques being used

Use partner exercises with more experience gymnasts where possible