Club Policies

In accordance with British Gymnastics Guidelines, Lancaster and Morecambe Trampoline Club are seeking GymMark Accreditation, and subsequently have produced various policies to ensure the welfare and equal treatment of all existing and potential members of our club.

Click on a link below to view each policy.

• Child Protection Policy

• Club Constitution

• Code of Conduct

• Complaints Procedure

• Equity Policy

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

  This policy must be adhered to by all adult members of Lancaster and Morecambe Trampoline Club in order to protect the children within the club.

Training Sessions

No club member may participate in training sessions until a completed medical form and a Code of Conduct has been returned to the coach in charge of the session. Similarly, all club members must have current British Gymnastics membership.

There should always be at least two adults present in the gym during training sessions, except in unforeseeable circumstances. At least one of the adults in the room should have attended a Child Protection Awareness Course. There should be a minimum of one coach to twelve trampolinists during training sessions. Parents are welcome to watch sessions but must remain at the side of the hall, away from the trampolining area.

No photographic/videoing equipment is to be used during training sessions or competitions, as stated in the Club Code of Conduct. However, parental permission may be sought to use videoing equipment for training purposes, and for photographs for publicity purposes.

 Coach’s Behaviour

Coach’s should act in loco parentis at all training sessions and competitions. Inappropriate behaviour or language should not be used. Additionally, coaches should ensure that they treat all trampolinists equally and do not resort to discrimination of any form at any time.

Coaches should operate an ‘open door’ policy and permit parents to view their coaching. Inappropriate coaching or ‘over-handling’ pupils should be avoided. Non-intentional physical contact, through either the trampolinist’s or the coach’s actions, should be reported to the Welfare Officer and the trampolinist’s parents immediately.

Trampolinist’s Behaviour

Bullying is a form of unacceptable behaviour and will not be accepted within the club. Any member of the club who is seen to be bullying another will be excluded from that session. Persistent  bullying may result in permanent exclusion from the club.

Competitions

No competitor under the age of 16 will be permitted to attend a competition without parental permission. During travel arrangements to competition, a communal drop-off point should be arranged so that no child is left alone with an adult in a car without express parental permission..

 Complaints Procedure

If a member or parent of the club has a complaint they wish to discuss, they should contact the Welfare Officer, Mrs Sandra Crossley, immediately at sandra@crossleyp.fslife.co.uk . Alternatively, the head coach, Miss Zoe Riley, may be contacted at lmc-trampolineclub@hotmail.co.uk .

Concerns about abuse, child welfare and poor coaching practice should be reported to the Welfare Officer in confidence. If abuse is suspected, the Welfare Officer must take appropriate action. If the suspicion is mild, the parents may be consulted. If the Welfare Officer decides more serious action is required, she should contact Social Services or the Police. If in doubt, the Welfare Officer may seek advice from the NSPCC or the British Gymnastics Ethics and Welfare Department.

Where a complaint is made, all information disclosed must be kept confidential. The Welfare Officer should fill in an Incident Report for all levels of concern, and send a copy to the Ethics and Welfare Manager at British Gymnastics within 24 hours. If the concern is very serious, the Welfare Officer should make telephone contact with British Gymnastics as soon as possible.

Recruitment

When recruiting new adult members, either volunteers or coaches, a safe procedure must be adhered to. The applicant must fill in the application form provided by BG and provide two references, one of which should be a previous employer. The applicant should complete the Self Declaration form provided by BG. An enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check should be completed and returned clear before the applicant can become a member of the club.

Upon the new member’s induction to the club, the member should be made aware of the Child Protection Policy and sign the club’s Code of Conduct. The new member should attend a Child Protection Awareness course as soon as practically possible.

 Useful Contact Details

British Gymnastics Child Protection Helpline            0845 129 7129 ext 323

NSPCC                                                                       0808 800 5000 (24hr helpline)

National Centre

42 Curtain Road

London

EC2A 3NH

Child Protection in Sports (NSPCC)                                 0116 234 7278

3 Gilmour Close

Beaumont Leys

Leicester

L4 1EZ

Criminal Records Bureau                                     0870 9090 822

PO Box 110

Liverpool

L3 6ZZ

Social Services                                                 01524 66246

White Cross

South Road

Lancaster

LA1 4XQ

Police                                                                           01524 63333

Thurnham Street

Lancaster

LA1 1YD

 This policy is has been approved by the committee and is thus recognised as being part of Lancaster and Morecambe Trampoline Club rules. Any breaches of this policy will result in action being taken to protect the child involved and other members of the club.

CLUB CONSTITUTION

1.       Name

The club will be called LANCASTER AND MORECAMBE TRAMPOLINE CLUB and will be affiliated to BRITISH GYMNASTICS.

2.       Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the club will be:

·          To offer coaching and competitive opportunities in trampolining.

·          To promote the club within the local community and Trampolining..

·          To ensure a duty of care to all members of the club.

·          To provide all its services in a way that is fair to everyone.

·          To ensure that all current and future members receive fair and equal treatment.

3.       Membership

Membership shall consist of officers and members of the club. All members will be subject to the regulations of the constitution and by joining the club will be deemed to accept these regulations and codes of conduct that the club has adopted.

Members will be enrolled in one of the following categories:

·          Full competitive member

·          Recreational member

·          Associate member

4.       Membership Fees

Membership fees will be set annually and agreed by the Executive Committee. Fees will be paid by a six-weekly subscription for full competitive members and a ten-weekly subscription for recreational members.

5.       Officers of the Club

The officers of the club will be:

·          Chair

·          Club Secretary

·          Treasurer

·          Competition Secretary

·          Health and Safety Officer

·          Welfare Officer

·          Head Coach

·          Children’s Representative

·          Volunteer Coordinator

·          School Liaison Officer

Officers will be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. All officers retire each year but will be eligible for re-appointment.

6.       Committee

The club will be managed through the Management Committee consisting of:

o       Chairman

o       Club Secretary

o       Treasurer

o       Competition Secretary

o       Health and Safety Officer

o       Welfare Officer

o       Head Coach

o       Children’s Representative

 Only these posts will have the right to vote at meetings of the Management Committee.

The Management Committee will be convened by the Secretary of the club and hold no less than FIVE meetings per year.

The quorum required for business to be agreed at Management Committee meetings will be SIX.

The Management Committee will be responsible for adopting new policies, codes of conduct and rules that affect the organisation of the club.

The Management Committee will have powers to appoint sub-committees as necessary and appoint advisers to the Management Committee as necessary to fulfil its business.

The Management Committee will be responsible for disciplinary hearings of members who infringe the club rules / regulations / constitution. The Management Committee will be responsible for taking any action of suspension or discipline following such hearings.

7.       Finance

All club monies will be banked in an account held in the name of the club. The Club Treasurer will be responsible for the finances of the club. The financial year of the club will end on 31^st DECEMBER.

An audited statement of annual accounts will be presented by the Treasurer at the Annual General Meeting.

Any cheques drawn against club funds should hold the signatures of the Treasurer plus either the Chairman or the Competition Secretary.

8.       Annual General Meetings

Notice of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be given by the Club Secretary. Not less than 21 clear days notice to be given to all members.

The AGM will receive a report from officers of the Management Committee and a statement of the audited accounts.

Nominations for officers of the Management Committee will be sent to the Secretary prior to the AGM.

Elections of officers are to take place at the AGM.

All members have the right to vote at the AGM.

The quorum for AGMs will be 25% of the current membership.

The Management Committee has the right to call Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) outside the AGM. Procedures for EGMs will be the same as for the AGM.

9.       Discipline and Appeals

All complaints regarding the behaviour of members should be submitted in writing to the Secretary.

The Management Committee will meet to hear complaints within 10 days of a complaint being lodged. The Committee has the power to take appropriate disciplinary action including the termination of membership.

The outcome of a disciplinary hearing should be notified in writing to the person who lodged the complaint and the member against whom the complaint was made within 7 days of the hearing.

There will be the right of appeal to the Management Committee following disciplinary action being announced. The Committee should consider the appeal within 10 days of the Secretary receiving the appeal.

10.   Dissolution

A resolution to dissolve the club can only be passed at an AGM or EGM through a majority vote of the membership.

In the event of dissolution, any assets of the club that remain will become the property of British Gymnastics or some other club with similar aims and objectives to Lancaster and Morecambe Trampoline Club.

11.   Amendments to the Constitution

The constitution will only be changed through agreement by majority vote at an AGM or EGM.

12.   Declaration

LANCASTER AND MORECAMBE TRAMPOLINE CLUB hereby adopts and accepts this constitution as a current operating guide regulating the actions of members.

CODE OF CONDUCT

GENERAL

1.  The trampolinist should always inform the coach of any medical condition or medication which might affect performance.

2.  The trampolinist should always inform the coach of any accident in the last six months which resulted in unconsciousness from a blow to the head.

3.     Trampolinists under the age of sixteen should never attempt to unfold/fold the trampoline.

4.  The trampolinist should never go or swing under the trampoline or end decks, including mats between trampolines.

5.  The trampolinist should never bounce without wearing socks.

6.  The trampolinist should never use the trampoline unless the coach is present and has given permission for specific skills.

7.  The trampolinist should never attempt difficult skills without progressive training and the specific permission of the coach.

8.  The trampolinist should never get involved in 'Tests of Daring' with others who may be far more capable.

9.  When spotting, attention must be always paid to the person on the trampoline.

10.     The trampolinist must pay attention to the instructions of any coach within Lancaster and Morecambe Trampoline Club.

11.     No food and drink is allowed around the trampolining area.

12.     Permission should be granted by the coach before the trampolinist leaves the side of the trampoline. Over 13s need to advise the coach and ensure sufficient spotters before leaving the side of the trampoline.

13.     No shouting or talking across the trampoline to anybody, especially coaches, as it distracts and may cause accidents.

14.     Every member of Lancaster and Morecambe Trampoline Club is representing the club at all times, both in training and at competitions. They are therefore expected to behave appropriately around the sports centre.

15.     If this is not adhered to the trampolinist will be withdrawn from any club activity, at any time, and may be suspended until further notice, as deemed appropriate by the coach.

16.     Any inappropriate behaviour will be reported fully to parents.

17.     The trampolinist is expected to work hard to achieve their full potential.

18.Trampolinists are expected to arrive on time for their designated sessions. If persistently late without good cause, they will not be able to partake due to the disruption caused.

19.     Due to Health and Safety regulations it is important that everybody around the trampoline has been properly trained. It is for this reason that parents are requested to view their children from the side of the sports hall. The coaches are available to discuss trampolinists progress at the end of the session.

20.     Hard working well-behaved and dedicated individuals will be more likely to be selected for the competition class, teams, special events and displays.

21.     Trampolinists must attend their designated sessions 75% of the time (at least three out of four weeks). If a trampolinist will not be attending a session, the parent should contact the coach either by telephone or e-mail. If three consecutive weeks are missed the trampolinist will automatically lose their place in the club, unless a prior arrangement with the coach is made.

22.     Lancaster and Morecambe Trampoline Club have set criteria for age groups and classes. Trampolinist’s performance will be constantly reviewed to ensure appropriate classes and training.

23.     Trampolinists are expected to wear leotards and shorts for all training sessions. They will NOT be permitted to bounce in tracksuits.

24.     All trampolinists must have up-to-date British Gymnastics insurance before they will be allowed to participate in sessions.

COMPETITIONS

1.     Parents are responsible for the travel arrangements and cost of the trampolinist to and from any training, competition sessions or club activities.

2.  The trampolinist should be dressed in competition attire when competing.

Competition attire:

o       Club leotard

o       White ankle socks

o       Hair tied back securely and neatly

3.     Competitors are expected to wear the club tracksuit throughout the competition whilst not competing and to spot for fellow competitors.

4.  When competing, the trampolinist is expected to perform to the best of their ability - this can only be done through proper training before the event and attending prior to the competition. If this is not carried out the coach reserves the right to withdraw the competition entry.

5.  The trampolinist must stay within the competitor's area for the duration of the competition unless authorised to do so by the Competition Marshall or coach.

6.  No contact should ever be attempted to the judging panels. Therefore the trampolinist should not attempt to enter the judging or recording area as stated by BTF rules.

7.  No contact should ever be attempted to the Competitor or spotters when competing as this will incur the performer a 0.3 deduction. If this occurs the trampolinist may be suspended or expelled from the club.

8.  The trampolinist should obey all instructions from any competition officials and coaches and unless about to compete, should always be willing to help.

9.  At all times the trampolinist should remember they are part of the club team representing Lancaster and Morecambe, and should act as a team supporting one another.

10.     Parents attending competition must NOT enter the competition area and must NOT use still or video photography equipment.

At all times the trampolinist must realise that trampolining is FUN! Therefore the trampolinist must ALWAYS smile and have fun. They must NEVER shout, winge, whine or complain!!

This document is subject to change at any time without prior notice and is to be reviewed regularly.

January 2006

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Child Welfare Complaints

 Concerns about abuse, child welfare and poor coaching practice should be reported to the Welfare Officer in confidence. If abuse is suspected, the Welfare Officer must take appropriate action. If the suspicion is mild, the parents may be consulted. If the Welfare Officer decides more serious action is required, she should contact Social Services or the Police. If in doubt, the Welfare Officer may seek advice from the NSPCC or the British Gymnastics Ethics and Welfare Department.

Where a complaint is made, all information disclosed must be kept confidential. The Welfare Officer should fill in an Incident Report for all levels of concern, and send a copy to the Ethics and Welfare Manager at British Gymnastics within 24 hours. If the concern is very serious, the Welfare Officer should make telephone contact with British Gymnastics as soon as possible.

 Other Complaints

Complaints which are not suitable to be reported to the Welfare Officer should be reported to the Head Coach, Zoe Riley, or the Chairman, Graham Burrell.

EQUITY POLICY

The Lancaster and Morecambe Trampoline Club is committed to exemplary standards of conduct through the principles of equity and good moral and ethical frameworks.

The club will encourage individuals from all communities to become involved at all levels of participation, coaching, officiating and management.

The club will ensure that all members and staff adhere to the following equity principles.

i.                     All persons must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being.

ii.                   All individuals must be treated fairly and equally regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religion or political persuasion or disability.

iii.                  Equity must permeate throughout strategic and development plans.

iv.                 An equal professional service will be provided for all participants and discrimination through race, gender or disability will not be tolerated.