Club Policies

Health & Safety Policy

Sapphire Gymnastics Club regards the health and safety of all members as being of paramount importance and is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone using our facilities.

Our Commitment

Sapphire Gymnastics Club regards the health and safety of all members to be of paramount importance and something which should not be compromised.

It is Sapphire Gymnastics Club's policy to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that procedures are in place to maintain a safe and healthy environment not only for its members, but also for others who may be affected by the activities of other clubs and organisations using the club's facilities.

Purpose

This policy sets out Sapphire Gymnastics Club's responsibilities and the minimum standards required of registered clubs, affiliated associations and members, in line with health and safety law.

Sapphire Gymnastics Club aims to promote a positive health and safety culture and to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in the sport.

We endeavour to provide safe, positive and effective environments for activity to take place within our facilities.

Scope

Everyone involved in gymnastics has a responsibility to help maintain a positive health and safety culture across the sport.

All registered clubs have a common law duty of care to those who may be affected by their activities and have a responsibility to implement relevant statutory health and safety legislation.

Gymnastics is a complex sport with inherent risks. Anyone providing gymnastics activities should take all reasonable steps to minimise these risks and reduce the likelihood of harm.

This policy and the associated guidance should be read and understood by club members and any member of staff given responsibility for the implementation of health and safety measures.

All those involved in operating the club – including employees, contractors and volunteers – should be aware of these documents and encouraged to familiarise themselves with the guidance.

Relevant parties should be given appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision in relation to health and safety.

Registered clubs and affiliated associations are responsible for introducing appropriate health and safety measures. However, the application and day-to-day operation of these measures largely depends on the individual workers involved.

Definitions

Gymnastics

Any form of gymnastics that is governed in any way by British Gymnastics (BG) as the authorised National Governing Body for the sport.

Safe

The term "safe", as used in this document, means a situation where, so far as is reasonably practicable, all reasonable steps have been taken to understand the nature of the risks involved and suitable steps have been taken to control those risks and keep them to a minimum.

Affiliated Associations

Affiliated Associations means any Home Country Gymnastics Associations and other gymnastics organisations which administer, deliver, promote and encourage the development of and participation in gymnastics.

Related Policies & Guidance

The following related policies and guidance should be used in conjunction with this policy:

Safe Coaching Practice
Safe Participation
Safe Trips
Health and Safety Management System

Safety is everyone's responsibility. The right to take part in gymnastics activities in a safe environment and remain free from harm applies to everyone. All members must take reasonable steps to ensure they are aware of and compliant with the relevant aspects of this policy.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

Sapphire Gymnastics Club, its members and relevant individuals should:

Identify significant risks and plan the work of the organisation to minimise all risks in respect of health and safety.
Ensure responsibilities for health and safety are designated to individuals with the appropriate skills and experience.
Ensure there are adequate training opportunities for staff, coaches, instructors, officials and other volunteers.
Ensure reporting procedures are followed for any accidents or incidents.
Inform British Gymnastics of any serious allegations or concerns of poor practice.
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of other people whom their acts or omissions may affect.
Conduct activities in line with training and British Gymnastics policy and guidance.
Co-operate with British Gymnastics, the appropriate Home Country or Regional affiliated associations and the club on issues relating to health and safety.

Accident & Incident Reporting

Reporting procedures must be followed for any accidents or incidents, including compliance with British Gymnastics insurers' requirements for injury and incident reporting.

An Incident Report Form (IRF) must be completed via the club section of the British Gymnastics membership system within 7 calendar days of any incident or injury that requires the administering of first aid, with the exception of the application of a plaster or temporary ice pack for the treatment of very minor injuries, or where any medical intervention or treatment is required either at the time or later.

Completion of an Incident Report Form is in addition to any internal incident or injury reporting forms that the club may complete in-house, in accordance with British Gymnastics Membership Rules.

Compliance

Sapphire Gymnastics Club will, when requested, cooperate fully and promptly with any investigation and provide comprehensive, honest and accurate information and responses.

A failure or refusal by the club to cooperate with such investigations may itself constitute misconduct under the relevant Disciplinary Regulations and may result in referral to the Registered Club Assessment Team.