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At North East London Gymnastics Club, we are proud of every gymnast. Being part of a competition team is about much more than performing. It is about developing confidence, resilience, independence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of gymnastics.

The welfare, safety, enjoyment, and long-term development of every gymnast are at the heart of everything we do. We believe gymnasts achieve their best when they feel supported, valued, and encouraged within a positive environment.

These expectations are designed to help create the conditions that allow every gymnast to train safely, enjoy their gymnastics, develop to their full potential, and thrive both within and beyond the sport. We believe the strongest outcomes are achieved when gymnasts, parents, and coaches work together in partnership to support each gymnast's individual journey.

Attendance

Regular attendance plays an important role in a gymnast's development and wellbeing within the sport.

To ensure gymnasts receive the coaching, support, and consistency they need to progress safely and confidently, competition team gymnasts are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of their training sessions.

If your child is unable to attend due to illness or another unavoidable reason, parents must:

• Record the absence on the club app as soon as possible.

• Follow this up with an email to Alex explaining the reason for the absence.

Consistent attendance helps gymnasts build confidence, maintain physical readiness, develop skills safely, and feel connected to their teammates and coaches. Where attendance becomes irregular, coaches may need to review competition participation or team placement to ensure the gymnast is training in an environment that best supports their development and wellbeing.

If a gymnast misses training immediately before a competition or event, coaches may decide that participation is not in the gymnast's best interests from a safety and preparation perspective.

Gymnasts are continually assessed to ensure they are training in the group that best supports their individual needs and development. Competition team placements may change throughout the year based on factors including progress, attendance, commitment, attitude, wellbeing, and readiness.

Behaviour & Team Spirit

We are proud of the positive, respectful, and supportive culture within our competition teams.

Gymnasts are required to:

• Show respect towards coaches, teammates, volunteers, judges, and facilities.

• Listen carefully and follow coaching instructions.

• Demonstrate a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

• Encourage and support fellow gymnasts.

• Celebrate the achievements and successes of their teammates.

Creating a positive team environment helps every gymnast feel safe, included, confident, and able to enjoy their gymnastics experience.

Communication

We value open, respectful, and professional communication between parents, gymnasts, and coaches.

To support the safe and consistent development of every gymnast:

• Coaches will make decisions regarding training groups, progression, and competition participation based on what is in the gymnast's best interests and supports their long-term development and wellbeing.

• New skills should only be taught and developed under the supervision of NELGC coaches to ensure safe and appropriate progressions.

• Questions regarding progress should be raised during designated viewing weeks or via email and the club portal.

• Parents should avoid interrupting coaches during training sessions unless there is an urgent matter requiring immediate attention.

Our coaching team is committed to making decisions that prioritise gymnast welfare, safety, confidence, and sustainable development over short-term outcomes.

Parent & Guardian Support

Parents and guardians play a vital role in their child's gymnastics journey, and we greatly value your support.

We ask parents and guardians to:

• Encourage excellent attendance and punctuality.

• Support coaching decisions and club policies.

• Trust the coaching team to guide their child's development safely, appropriately, and at a pace that is right for them.

• Avoid teaching gymnastics skills at home, which can create safety concerns and may interfere with established coaching progressions.

• Communicate respectfully through the club's designated communication channels.

• Help us maintain the welcoming, supportive, and positive culture that makes NELGC such a special place to train.

By working together, we can provide every gymnast with an environment where they feel safe, supported, challenged, and able to enjoy the process of learning and developing.

Working Together

Our competition programme is built on partnership. When gymnasts, parents, and coaches work together, gymnasts are given the best possible opportunity to grow, develop, and enjoy their gymnastics experience.

Every decision made within the competition programme is guided by what we believe is in the best interests of the gymnast. Our priority is to provide a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment where every gymnast feels valued, develops confidence, learns important life skills, and reaches their individual potential.

Thank you for being part of our competition programme and for supporting your child's gymnastics journey.