Gymnastics

Gymnastics is back!

We’re pleased to announce that our gymnasts are now able to make their return to Derby Active Gymnastics from Tue 29 Sept, at Springwood Leisure Centre. 

We haven't forgot about trampolining and Springtots, we are working with and being advised by British Gymnastics on how we can re-introduce this sport in the future. We will be in contact with you once we have more information. Don't forget to visit our gymnastics at home web page for video's, activities and information. 

To begin with we will only be able to operate on a limited timetable due to number restrictions inside the gym. Please do bare with us on this – we are so excited to get everyone back in the gym, but we also must ensure we do this as safely as possible.

New Time Table 

It’s important that we enjoy our return to gymnastics in a Covid-secure environment and we continue to follow the recommended guidance that has been implemented for everyone's safety.

Gymnastics returns - please watch the video

Information for booking

• General gymnastics restarts week commence Tue 29th September
• Springtots & Trampolining to follow at a later date
• Bookings can be made over the phone or in person
• Customers that pay in 12 week blocks will automatically have credit on their account to re-book
• Customers that pay by direct debit will pay £10 for the month of October and full price for November on-wards (£22.05)
• Any direct debit customers that have cancelled their direct debit at the bank will need to come in to complete a new direct debit form
• Customers will have until 25th September to re-book with their live direct debit. After this date we will cancel their direct debit so no future payments will be taken
• Current Derby Active Gymnastics customer will be given priority booking from 10th
• New customers will be able to book from 20th September
• A new medical questionnaire must be completed for all gymnasts before their first session

Parent information 

It’s important that we enjoy our return to gymnastics in Covid-secure environments and we continue to follow the recommended guidance that has been implemented to combat the Coronavirus.

There will be new procedures and guidelines in place; therefore, we strongly recommend referring to the Derby Active website or social media pages to ensure that you are kept up to date with the most current information in relation to your child’s gymnastics sessions.

We are working to get all gymnastics provisions up and running to ensure that everyone can enjoy our sport again.

Early communication with your child’s gymnastics facility/coaches prior to returning is important to make them aware of or to discuss:

• any additional support required  
• any new additional needs
• change of circumstances 
• new or existing medical issues that you or your child are concerned about, including storage of medication
• general concerns or worries
• if your family has been directly affected by Covid-19, for example a bereavement

Informing or requesting a meeting will help the coaching team plan to support your child and risk assess, ensuring that planned activities are suitable, and everyone who wants to enjoy gymnastics can do so safely.

If you would like to discuss any of the above then please contact lauren.talbot@derby.gov.uk.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the new safe measures in place at Springwood Leisure Centre?

We have a range of safe measures in place:

• Please help us to protect you and our team by maintaining social distancing at all times
• Please utilise our sanitation stations and hand washing facilities
• Please follow our signage and one way systems around site on your visit 
• We kindly ask all adults attending site to wear a face covering
• What are the new cleaning measures in place for Gymnastics Lessons?
• Sanitisation stations on entry
• Lesson equipment minimised and cleaned between classes
• Hand sanitiser used during the session
• Increased cleaning of touch points 
• Regular deep cleans of equipment 

What are the new safe measures in place for Gymnastics lessons? 

Amongst our safety measures for gymnastics lessons, below are key highlights: 

• We are limiting the number of classes and participants in each session at any one time
• We are removing the general use of handheld equipment during a gymnastics lesson, very limited use will be permitted if necessary
• We are removing access to our changing rooms to limit touch points and time spent in the centre

What is the format of Derby Active's gymnastics lessons during Covid-19?

• All of our Gymnastics Lessons will now operate for 60 minutes with 5 minutes reserved for entry/exit, and 5 minutes for administration
• A safety briefing will be given by our coaches at the start of every lesson for the first four weeks to ensure gymnast safety
• Our coaches will focus on refreshing gymnasts core skills during lessons as this provides the foundations on which to build progress
• Where handheld equipment is needed it will be issued per gymnast for the duration of the lesson, no shared handheld equipment will be used
• Where bigger pieces of equipment are used, such as beams and bars, gymnasts will be asked to sanitise their hands before and after use

Will I be able to use the changing rooms before and after lessons?

• We are asking all gymnasts to arrive ready with correct clothing on, or leotards under clothing before lessons as changing rooms will not be available.
• Any clothing that is removed before the lesson starts must not be taken into the main hall, instead be taken by a parent or carer.
• Each gymnast will be permitted to take only a water bottle into the main hall

Can parents / guardians spectate?

Spectators will not be permitted during this time to help us keep you and our team safe.

Why are coaches coaching from the side?

It is important to minimise the number of people on the equipment to ensure social distancing is maintained as much as possible, which is why our coaches are coaching from a distance wherever possible.

Is it feasible to teach smaller groups to make more use of hall space to allow for social distancing?

Yes, our full programme has been reviewed and sessions allocated to appropriate locations in the main hall to allow a safe and enjoyable lesson. Our coaches have also undertaken pre-opening training days to cover coaching in different areas and utilising equipment that can be used to support gymnasts.

Why is my child spending more time off the equipment?

Your child’s safety is our priority and they have been away from our sessions for a significant amount of time where their ability may have regressed.

Your session may include more time stretching and conditioning or suitable aids may be utilised by your coach to ensure your child is safe once they return to the gymnastics, particularly in the first few weeks where our safety briefings will also be given as part of returning to lessons.

Why are there different ratios for different activities?

Maximum occupancy cannot be determined by just using a single number and applying that to all lessons.
The activity being undertaken has an effect on how you control distance and time, therefore a minimum of 1m+ would be in a setting where you can control distance and limit the time at which participants come close.

Are you sure that your cleaning of equipment is sufficient?

Research has been carried out on this subject British Gymnastics/Government have published the cleaning parameters - find out more here.

Additionally, in between sessions we are cleaning equipment to limit the risk of transmission. We are also removing shared equipment to further minimise risk of transmission.

Can I shower/toilet at the leisure centre?

Our showers will not be available for use. All our changing rooms will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Our toilets will also be closed, with only one available upon request.

We advise all members to use toilet facilities before attending a coached session, this will also help will reduce the time lost by toilet trips during sessions.

Can I use lockers at the leisure centre?

Lockers will not be available for use, please arrive “session ready”.

What does “session ready” mean? Do I have to go home in my leotard?

What we mean by “session ready” is that we ask you to arrive at the centre already wearing suitable clothes, or your gymnastics leotard under your clothes. We are asking gymnasts to do this to minimise the time spent in the centre. Similarly we are encouraging gymnasts to use the toilet at home before attending the centre, again to minimise the time spent in the centre.

However, toilet facilities will still be available for customers on request.

Should people with health conditions/disabilities return to lessons?

Absolutely, we know that exercise is a fantastic activity for people with a range of health conditions / disabilities. However, those in the high risk and moderate risk groups should consider the latest government advice before returning to lessons.

People categorised as “high risk” or who have concerns may wish to consult with their medical practitioner before returning to sessions.

Can people who are shielding return to gymnastics?

People who are shielding should follow the latest government guidance. 

Information for our gymnasts 

We want you to be as safe as possible during your gymnastics sessions so your coaches will be reminding you of things needed that keep everyone safe.

Washing your hands

You will need to make sure you wash your hands before arriving for your session, and you must follow instructions from your coach on hand sanitising throughout your gymnastics session. It is important to regularly wash your hands before, during, and after your gymnastics session to keep them clean.

What should you do if you feel unwell?

If you feel unwell before or after the session let your parent/guardian know. We know you won’t want to miss a session, but it is much better to stay at home to keep you and everyone as safe as possible. If you start to feel unwell whilst taking part in a session let your coach know straight away. They may take you to a separate room whilst you wait for someone to collect you, but it is important not to worry, your coach is just trying to keep you and everyone else safe.

Social distancing

We know how hard it is going to be when you see your coaches and friends not to give them a hug, but it is important that you always keep a safe distance from other people. Why not give them a wave instead or make up a cool new dance greeting! Your coach will remind you about keeping a safe distance and they may even set out markers on the floor to help you.

Listen to instructions

It is very important that you listen to and follow all instructions given by your coaches, such as where to put your belongings, where they would like you to stand and what equipment you can use. These instructions are to help keep you and the other gymnasts safe. If you don’t understand something or have a question, don’t be afraid to ask! Your coaches are there to help you and to make sure everyone stays safe whilst having fun!

My gymnastics session

It’s exciting to be back in the gym but things may look and feel a bit different. Your coach will explain these changes and show you how to move around the gym. If you are worried about anything in your session speak to your coach. Their job is to keep you safe and make sure everyone has fun!

Only bring what you need

When you come to your gymnastics session only bring with you what you need, leave anything that you don’t need at home. You may bring a bottle of water with you. Shoes will be placed on a storage rack in the main hall. If you need to come in a jumper or coat, we will ask your parent or guardian to take this away with them and bring it back at collection. Follow instructions from your coach as they will let you know where to put your belongings whilst you take part in your session.

Group changes

Your gymnastics group might have changed. Group sizes may now be smaller and some of your gymnastics friends might now be in another session. When in the gym it is important to remember to stay in the area that your coach has told you to. Remember to keep a look out for signs and floor markers and not to hug and high five your friends, instead use a fun wave or dance!

Getting ready for your gymnastics session

It is important that you arrive ready for your session before you enter the gym. This includes making sure you have been to the toilet before you arrive and that you have your gymnastics clothing on as the changing rooms will not be open. Make sure you don’t have too many other pieces of clothing on so you can remove them easily when it’s time to start. Being ready also includes having long hair tied up so it won’t get in your way and removing any jewellery. Your coach won’t be able to help you with this as they might have done before. At the end of your session remember to collect all your belongings. Your coach will direct you on how to leave the gym.

Activity & equipment

Your gymnastics and the activities you take part in may be different from when you were last in the gym. Your coaches will plan fun sessions to get you back into gymnastics. Don‘t worry about not being able to do activities that you could before, it’s the same for everyone.

Coaches will be following the same social distancing guidelines as you, so will not plan activities where they need to support. Some equipment may be set lower, or you may not be able to be quite as adventurous in trying new skills. This is necessary to keep you safe and avoid injury. Your coach will show you what equipment can be used, and how and when to use it. You might be asked to complete activities at home to help you gain more strength or flexibility.  

If you have any questions, or concerns please just ask a Coach - we are here for you all!

Welcome back from the Coaches

Interested in gymnastics - enquire below