Club Handbook
2016
Welcome!
Welcome to Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club!
Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club Inc. is a not for profit, gymnastics organisation run entirely
by parents and volunteers. We currently have over 150 members, aged between 18
months and 16 years, and ten coaches. We offer WAG artistic and MAG artistic
gymnastics classes from levels 1-7 plus a Recreational Gymnastics program open to all
children from 18 months old. We are a member of the North West Regional Gymnastics
Association (NWRGA) and are affiliated with Gymnastics WA.
Fun, Fitness and Friendship
At Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club we strive to provide a love of gymnastics to all who attend.
Through fun, fitness and friendship we aim to give all gymnasts the opportunity to develop
new skills, gain strength, and participate in fun activities all in a safe and secure
environment.
For the more serious gymnast we aim to provide the best in coaching staff, the opportunity
for self-development and personal bests in competition results, all in an environment
where
the
gymnast
feels
they
belong.
Laughter, music and noise will always be heard throughout any training session at the
gym as we feel these are fundamental factors that enhance the overall experience that
the gymnast gains when they enter the club.
Our club currently operates out of the
Broome
Senior
High
School
Gymnasium but we have set our sights
on our ultimate goal – our own
gymnasium!
We are all looking forward to another
fun and successful year in 2016.
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Our Sponsors
As a not-for-profit club, we are always chasing sponsorship, but our main sponsors for
2015 / 2016 are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ray White Broome (our major sponsor)
The Department of Sport and Recreation
Broome Shire
Gymnastics WA
Clark Rubber Broome
Office National Broome
We will acknowledge all new sponsors for the year in our newsletters and on Facebook.
Many of Broome’s small businesses help support our fundraising efforts and events
throughout the year. We also acknowledge these businesses in our newsletters and social
media, so please support them, knowing that they are supporting your gymnast(s).
raywhitebroome.com.au
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A Bit of Information About Gymnastics
Gymnastics is one of the most fundamental and exciting of all physical activities. It makes
your muscles strong, improves your coordination and builds self-esteem. There are eight
different Gymsports available Australia wide:
 Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG)
 Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG)
 Rhythmic Gymnastics
 Gymnastics For All
 Aerobic Gymnastics
 Trampoline Sports
 Acrobatic Gymnastics
 Cheerleading
To read more about these Gymsports go to the Gymnastics Western Australia website at
the below link:
http://www.gymnasticswa.asn.au/default.asp?MenuID=Gymsports/20121/0
Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club currently offers instruction in Recreational, WAG and MAG
Gymnastics.
Recreational Gymnastics (Non-Competitive)
The Recreational Program (Gymnastics For All) is a non-competitive program aimed at
providing an environment where people of all ages and abilities can learn and enjoy
gymnastics in a fun, friendly and safe environment. Our Recreational Program includes
Play Gym (18 months to 3 years), Kindy Gym (3 to 5 years),
Gym Fun (5-12 years)
WAG & MAG (Competitive)
The WAG and MAG Gymnastics Programs are traditional,
competitive programs that follow the Australian Levels
Program (ALP).
Gymnasts are eligible to enter a competitive program at the
beginning of the calendar year they turn six years old.
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Gymnastics Competitions
WAG and MAG gymnasts have the opportunity to compete in up to four gymnastics
competitions per year.
1. The PCGC Club Competition is usually held around the end of May and is an
excellent first competition for new gymnasts. The Club Competition is an “in club”
competition so gymnasts only compete against their
class mates and are judged by club coaches.
Although the Club Competition is a relaxed
competition we ask that gymnasts still dress and
behave appropriately and that audience members
observe the competition code of conduct.
2. The North West Regional Competition is an
interclub competition arranged by the North West
Regional Gymnastics Association (NWRGA). This
competition takes place during the July school
holidays, usually in Karratha. Regionals are open to
gymnasts from around the North West of WA.
3. The North West Invitational Competition is an
interclub competition arranged by the NWRGA. This
competition takes place during the October school
holidays and is usually hosted by Pearl Coast
Gymnastics Club. Unlike the North West Regional
competition, gymnasts from outside the region may
be invited to compete.
4. WAG & MAG State Competitions are held in the second half of the year in Perth.
Individual gymnasts will be invited to attend State Competitions based on
performance at the North West Regional Competition.
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Day to Day Classes
Gymnastics classes are run Monday to Friday from 3pm until
745pm and on Saturdays from 830am until 1pm.
Parents/carers are required to accompany gymnasts to and
from the gym and to sign the “Sign In/Sign Out” book for
each class (except Kindy/Play Gym Classes as
parents/carers must remain in the gym).
We ask that parents drop their gymnasts off at least 510mins prior to the lesson beginning to ensure that classes
can begin on time and so that our coaches can direct their
full attention to the whole group instead of trying to warm up
gymnasts that arrive late.
There are to be no parents, siblings or other visitors on the
gym floor and no equipment is to be played with. We also
ask that gymnasts waiting for their lesson to begin, wait inside the gym away from the
floor, so as not to cause disruption to the set up staff.
Children who are not participating in classes must not be left unsupervised in the gym. If
you arrange for a friend or relative to drop off or pick up your gymnast on your behalf,
please ensure that they are aware of the spectator boundaries.
Please send all gymnasts to class with a bag containing:
 A water bottle
 Spare hair elastics and clips
 Strapping tape
 Any medication they may require (please inform your gymnast’s coach of this)
Gymnasts should be encouraged to go to the toilet before class. As our toilets are located
outside the gym, gymnasts are required to go to the toilet in pairs. Constant toilet breaks
are disruptive to classes and coaches prefer to avoid them where possible.
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Set Up and Pack up
As we are currently utilizing the facilities at Broome
Senior High School, we are required to set up and
pack up the entire gym, each day. On Friday
evenings we are able to leave some equipment set
up but there is still plenty to be put away.
A team is employed by the club to set up the gym
each afternoon. The cost of this arrangement is
covered by the Set Up Levy payable by gymnasts
each term.
Parental assistance with pack up is no longer a club
expectation but no gymnast is to leave class until pack up is complete and the coach has
formally dismissed the class.
There may be times when your gymnast needs to be dismissed prior to the completion of
pack up:
1. If you are aware ahead of time that you need to take your gymnast early please
inform the coach so he/she can allow for this. Gymnasts who arrange to leave class
early will still be expected to pack some equipment away.
2. If there is an emergency and you need to take your gymnast without warning we
ask that you and your gymnast approach the coach and ask to be excused.
Please do not ever remove a gymnast from class early without informing the coach. During
class time coaches are responsible for your gymnast’s whereabouts and doing so may
cause panic.
Parents are welcome to jump in and assist with pack up to speed the process up but
please be aware that this is no longer an obligation.
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Club Rules
Broome Senior High School Rules
 The Broome Senior High School grounds and property are out of bounds to all
gymnasts, coaches and spectators – this includes storerooms and sporting equipment
 Nobody is permitted in the gymnasium without a club representative present
 No food or drink in the gymnasium – water is the only exception
 No dark soled shoes or high heeled shoes to be worn in the gymnasium - socks or
white soled and non-marking shoes only
 Smoking is NOT permitted on school grounds or inside gymnasium (Department of
Education regulation)
 The speed limit in the car park is 2km per hour
 Parking behind the gym is reserved for BSHS staff
Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club Rules
The Authority of Staff Members
Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club pays a venue hire fee to Broome Senior High School for the
hours the gymnasium is utilised each term and is responsible for the safety of all gymnasts,
staff and spectators during this time.
We ask that all gymnasts and spectators make themselves familiar with the club rules and
respect the authority of staff members at all times.
Gymnasts
Enrolled gymnasts are only permitted to occupy the floor or to use gymnastics equipment
during their designated class time, while being supervised by a qualified member of the
coaching team. Outside of class times, enrolled gymnasts must remain in the spectator
area.
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Spectators
All spectators (including children) must
remain the spectator area and are not
permitted to:
 Occupy the floor area
 Use gymnastics equipment
 Enter the office or stockrooms
At pack up time any adults kind enough to
assist are always welcome on the floor.
Kindy and Play Gym Classes
Kindy/Play Gym Classes (“Parent & Me” Classes)
Gymnasts enrolled in Kindy/Play Gym classes may be accompanied on the floor by one
parent or guardian per child. Siblings of gymnasts enrolled in “Parent & Me” classes are
not to utilise the equipment. We prefer additional family members remain in the spectator
area whenever possible. We understand some siblings may be too young to be left alone
in the waiting area however if accompanying their parent/guardian on the floor during a
“Parent & Me” class they are not permitted to use any equipment. This is due to public
labiality as well as to ensure the smooth running of the class for enrolled gymnasts.
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Equipment
 Equipment must only be used by registered gymnasts, during class time, under
direct supervision of a qualified coach – please DO NOT encourage/allow
children in your care to use the gymnasium as a playground
 Gymnasts participating in classes must stay with their class at all times – please
do not encourage/allow your child to leave their group to use a piece of equipment
“while it is quiet”
 Only coaches are permitted to operate the stereo equipment
Gymnasts’ Behaviour During Class
 Gymnasts must behave appropriately and follow the rules of participation as set
out by the coach – disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated
 Acts of bullying, bad language or disrespect towards a coach or other member of
the club will NOT be tolerated
 Gymnasts must ask permission to leave class for any reason
 Gymnasts must go to the toilet in pairs
 No mobile phones or electronic equipment to be used during class time – please
note that PCGC takes no responsibility lost or stolen items
 Gymnasts must actively participate in pack up
 Gymnasts must be dropped off and collected by parents/guardians from inside the
gym
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Safety
Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club takes safety VERY
SERIOUSLY. Besides the obvious stress and
discomfort that an injury can cause to an individual,
a serious injury or a series of small accidents has the
potential to close down the club.
For this reason, we INSIST that all gymnasts and
spectators make themselves familiar with the rules
of the club and respect the authority of the Coach at
all times.
Please be aware that even the most trivial of acts
(e.g. allowing your toddler to jump on the trampoline
while they wait for their sibling to finish class) puts
the club in an extremely vulnerable position.
All injuries that occur during class must be reported to the coaching staff. Coaches are
trained in first aid and will manage injuries in accordance with this training.
Should a more serious injury
occur our coaching staff will
call an ambulance then
notify parents or guardians.
If an injury is discovered
after class, off PCGC
premises, we advise that
you seek medical attention
and ask that a medical form
is filled out and submitted to
the club at your earliest
convenience.
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Photographs and Video
Most people taking photos of children at sporting events are doing so for acceptable
reasons and are using appropriate methods, for example, a parent videoing their child at
a sports presentation or photographing their child on the field during play or a professional
photographer taking photos for a club.
In Australia, generally speaking, there is no law restricting photography of people
(including children) in public spaces as long as the images are not indecent, defamatory,
being used for commercial purposes or of a subject who is protected by a court order (e.g.
child custody or witness protection).
As Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club Inc. operates out of a government owned facility the club
is unable to restrict, ban or require permission of photography anywhere in the venue.
Parents/Guardians are permitted to take photographs providing:
 Photographs are only taken of YOUR CHILD
 Photographs are taken from the spectator areas only
 Flash photography is not used during classes or events
IF YOU NOTICE SOMEBODY TAKING INAPPROPRIATE
PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE ALERT A MEMBER OF STAFF
Photographs for Marketing Purposes
Occasionally club representatives will take photographs of gymnasts for marketing
purposes (use in brochures or for posting on Facebook). You have the opportunity to
decline permission for this at enrolment. If you do not give your consent please inform your
child so he/she knows they are not to be in photos that are taken for marketing.
Photographs/Video for Coaching Purposes
It is not unusual for coaching staff to take photographs/video of gymnasts during class.
Images are generally used for coaching purposes. Please inform your child’s coach if you
do not wish for this to happen.
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Behavioural Management Policy
Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club enforces a behavioural policy
based on four key principles:
 Cooperation – we value cooperation, as we believe it
is far more productive to work together with each other
 Courtesy – we are all entitled to polite, courteous
consideration
 Integrity – we value honesty, trust and respect for
others and their property
 Behavioural beliefs – all members must accept
responsibility for their own behaviour, as all behaviour
has a consequence
Managing Disruptive or Inappropriate Behaviour
 Gymnasts behaving inappropriately will be informed that their behaviour is not
acceptable and reminded of the rules
 If the behaviour continues the gymnast will be sent to the bench for five minutes –
after their time out, the coach will tell the gymnast they can re-join the class only if
they behave appropriately
 If a coach has continuous problems with the same gymnast they are encouraged
to speak with the gymnast’s parent/guardian
 For serious acts of misconduct (e.g. theft, graffiti, physical violence), a
parent/guardian will be contacted immediately to collect their gymnast and an
appointment will be made with the
immediate coach, senior coach and a
parent/guardian to discuss the
behaviour at a later date
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Club Uniforms
Club Uniforms/Merchandise
Most club uniforms and merchandise are available directly through Pearl Coast
Gymnastics Club. Please refer to the uniform catalogue for further information.
Dress Code
Training
At Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club, we don't have a strict training uniform; however to ensure
suitable clothing is worn to class the Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club dress code must be
adhered to.
We request that gymnasts DO NOT wear uniforms from other clubs/organisations
for training.
 It is preferred that your gymnast wears a leotard or a slim- fitting t-shirt, singlet or
crop top with leggings, bike pants or shorts.
 Please do not allow your gymnast to wear any loose, baggy clothing or leotards
with skirts attached as these clothing items may cause coaches to slip when
spotting gymnasts
 Gymnasts with long hair must have it tied away neatly from face and eyes
 Jewellery (with the exception of stud earrings) is not be worn during class, for the
protection of participants and equipment (this rule also applies to body piercings) please tape up for your protection if you cannot remove your jewellery
 Nails must be kept short and make up (if worn), must be kept minimal
Competitions and Badge Testing Events
Gymnasts are required to wear to full competition uniform for displays, competitions and
badge testing events UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
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Lost Property
Lost property will be collected by coaches at the end of
each day and placed in the purple bin.
Labelling your gymnast’s clothing and ensuring they are
always sent to gym with a bag to place their belongings
in (even if it’s just a plastic bag) are ways to reduce lost
property.
At the end of each term the purple bin will be emptied.
Unclaimed PCGC merchandise will be sold as second
hand items and the proceeds will be used for
fundraising purposes. Unclaimed general items will be
donated to charity.
Fun Fact:
The majority of people who find their gymnast’s
belongings in the Lost Property bin have
commented that they had no idea the item was missing.
Please check the bin regularly as you might be surprised what you find…..
Second Hand Uniforms/Gymnastics Attire
If you are interested in buying or
selling second hand gymnastics
attire please see our Buy Sell Swap
catalogue under the Uniforms tab
on our website.
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Registration, Fees and Timetable
Registration
Registering with the club at the end of each registration period will ensure a place is saved
for your gymnast/s. Registration is offered to existing club members before it is offered to
the general public. If you are unsure whether or not your gymnast/s will be returning to the
club it is better to register and save your place.
If you register and change your mind please inform the club IN WRITING
([email protected]) that you will not be returning. If a place is saved for
your gymnast in a class that has a waiting list (i.e. other gymnasts are turned away) you
will be liable for fees.
Registration reserves a place for your gymnast in the club for a period of twelve months.
If you choose to cancel your registration please inform the club in writing (as above).
Fees
Club fees are made up of the following payments:
 Registration fee to Gymnastics WA (a one off annual fee for insurance purposes)
 Fee for gymnastics tuition
 Set-up levy (to cover the cost of outsourcing the daily set up of the gym)
Fees for tuition are based on the number of class hours per term and may vary due to
length of term, public holidays and No Go Days (see below).
Missed classes do not entitle gymnasts to a discount on fees. Fees pay for your gymnast's
place in the class and the cost to the club remains the same whether your gymnast attends
or not.
Invoices/Statements will be emailed to your nominated email account.
Fees must be paid to the club each term by the end of week three.
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Reduced Fees
No Go Days
As we are currently utilising the facilities at Broome Senior High School, there are days
when we are unable to access the gym. We refer to these days as “NO GO Days”.
BSHS is very good at notifying us at the beginning of term so NO GO Days are usually
taken into account when calculating fees. Should an additional NO GO Day be required
after term fees have been paid, gymnasts will be offered a “make up class” at a later date
or a credit.
If Your Class Is Cancelled
Unfortunately, from time to time classes are cancelled, usually due to coach illness. If your
class is cancelled your coach will offer a “make up class” at a later date. If the coach is
unable to offer an additional class you will be issued a credit.
If you are concerned that you are owed an outstanding credit due to class cancellations
please speak to your coach before approaching club admin staff. Club admin staff may
not be aware of classes cancelled due to coach illness.
If Your Gymnast is Unwell or Injured
If your gymnast is sick or injured and misses a minimum of three
consecutive weeks of class you may apply to the Club Committee
for a credit. Credits will be assessed on a case by case basis and
will only be considered on presentation of a medical certificate.
If You Know In Advance You Will Not Be Attending
If you know in advance you will not be attending class for a minimum
of three consecutive weeks (e.g. you may be going away on a
holiday) you may apply to the Club Committee for reduced fees.
Reduced fees will be considered on a case by case basis, prior to
the payment of term fees. Reduced fees will not be considered if
the class has a waiting list (i.e. we save a place for your gymnast
while turning others away).
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If You Are Experiencing Financial
Difficulties
Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club is a small organisation and we
rely heavily on the timely payment of accounts in order to
meet our overheads.
We are aware, however, that sometimes our customers face
unexpected circumstances that can affect their financial
position.
If you are having trouble paying your account it may help to
set up a payment plan and smooth out your payments over
the term, instead of trying to pay it all in one go.
If you wish to set up a payment plan please contact he club
treasurer at [email protected]
We request that all outstanding accounts be settled by the
END OF TERM. If you are unable to meet the financial requirements of tuition on an
ongoing basis the club will have to take the unfortunate action of withdrawing your
gymnast’s registration.
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Timetable
The timetable is completed at the beginning of the year
based on the number of enrolled gymnasts.
Although we do prefer the timetable remain the same for
the calendar year there are often times when timetable
alterations are unavoidable.
Timetable alterations usually arise from one of two
scenarios:
1. A class coach is no longer able to honour their
commitment to PCGC and a replacement coach
is appointed
2. Class numbers reduce to a point where it is no longer financially viable to run the
class – this is often a problem in term four
We understand that alterations to the timetable can be disruptive. Should a timetable
alteration be necessary PCGC will endeavour to accommodate all enrolled gymnasts’ to
the best of our ability.
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Communication
Email
As Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club does not have a full time receptionist, email is our main
method of contact with our gymnasts’ parents and guardians.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you provide us with an accurate email address and that you
check it regularly for communication from the club.
To be kept up to date with events, no go gym days, closing dates
and all the exciting activities of which our club is involved in we
recommend you “like” the Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/PearlCoastGymnastics
Thank you for supporting Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club.
Team App
Team App is a platform that allows teams and groups to improve communication by
creating their own smartphone App. Team App can be downloaded to your smartphone or
tablet from the App Store or Google Play. For those who do not have access to an iOS or
Android device, Team App can also be viewed online at https://www.teamapp.com/
To access Team App:
1. Download the app to your smartphone/tablet (ensure you select to receive
notifications) or access the website
2. Search for Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club
3. Create an account (this takes a few minutes and sometimes puts people off but
remember that it is for SECURITY REASONS)
4. Request membership to relevant groups and wait for your membership to be
approved
Newsletter
The PCGC newsletter is published quarterly. For additions to the newsletter contact
Carmen Standring ([email protected]).
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Getting Involved
Club Committee
We have a great team dedicated to ensuring that a quality-driven, professional and safe
gymnastics program is delivered and that every gymnast can access every possible
opportunity to shine. Like all committees in regional towns, people come and go, so please
consider coming on board our committee…..we also have lots of fun! Anyone is welcome
to attend our monthly meetings, so please don’t hesitate to ask when the next meeting is
by emailing [email protected]
Coaching
The Club Committee would love to hear
from anybody who may be interested in
becoming a member of the coaching staff.
Coaching staff receive a discount on their
children’s gymnastics fees. Please be
aware that coaches must be able to obtain
a WA Working With Children Check and are
required to undergo basic training through
Gymnastics WA to obtain accreditation (we
will help with this). Please contact Carmen
Standring
([email protected])
for more information.
Fundraising
Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club relies heavily on donations and fundraising. There will be
opportunities to get involved with fundraising activities throughout the year such as cake
stalls and raffles. Some fundraising activities may be just for general fundraising, others
may have a specific target such as helping the gymnasts who are competing at states or
reducing the amount we pay towards the set up levy.
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