POLICY FOR APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL CONTACT IN DANCE AND GYMNASTICS

Physical Contact in Coaching Rhythmic Gymnastics is a physical activity and appropriate physical contact between Gymnasts and Coaches in Sports Hall is essential to Gymnastic training. Coaches can make physical contact with a student to illustrate a concept or to adjust a Gymnast’s alignment (especially

with the younger gymnasts).

Via Ballet sessions ballet posture often requires adjustment of the rib-cage and the buttock area simultaneously and it is sometimes necessary to touch the inner thigh (especially with the younger gymnasts). In pas de deux classes,

Teachers will be demonstrating with gymnasts in ways which will involve supporting and lifting.

In choreographic teaching, ballet teachers demonstrate positions and movements to the Gymnasts by moving parts of the gymnast’s bodies and by moving dancers in relation to each other: this often involves a considerable amount of physical contact with Gymnasts.

The Basildon Gymnastics Academy recognises that such physical contact is a potentially complex area; and the Club also fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding Gymnasts and Coaches (teachers) and for protecting their Welfare.

The following principles and procedures are in place to fulfil the Club’s obligations:

a) Contact by the Coach(teacher) is ever done to assist The Gymnast with correcting placement, and

always with an awareness of everyone’s needs at that moment.

b) All Coaches(teachers) will treat any physical contact with relevant sensitivity and care, and with due

regard for the wishes of the Gymnast.

c) Contact will not involve force or the use of any instrument.

d) Coaches(teachers) will be mindful of location and avoid situations where they are isolated with a Gymnast.

The all Groups should be held in Sports Hall (studios and dance areas) with windows.

e) Gymnasts should be encouraged to discuss any worries with their Head Coach or any member of staff Basildon Gymnastics Academy.

f) Both Gymnasts and Coaches (teachers) should feel free to report any concerns to the Head Coach Rebecca Bunce, or the Designated Safeguarding Lead.