COVID-19 Policy
o The Neepawa Gymnastics Club takes the health and safety of our coaches, members and families very seriously. We are following all guidelines set in place by the Government of Manitoba and the Manitoba Gymnastics Association. We will continue to monitor and adjust our policies in response to COVID parameters.
o Please review our COVID-19 Policy which is located on our website - www.neepawanovas.ca

Philosophy

The club's main focus is to provide an opportunity for kids of all ages and athletic abilities to participate in a gymnastic program that encourages gymnasts to reach their full potential through fun activities, hard work, and positive reinforcement.

Neepawa Gymnastics Club Will Operate In Accordance With the Following Principles:
1. Show respect to the coaches and all other gymnasts.
2. All gymnasts will receive fair treatment by coaches.
3. No unbecoming conduct such as arguing and rudeness to coaches and fellow athletes will be tolerated.
4. Emphasis is on safety in the gym.
5. Encourage an atmosphere in which all participants may achieve their goals.

Code of Conduct for All
o All policies and procedures of Neepawa Gymnastics Club must be followed at all times.
o Conduct of members (coaches, athletes, board members and parents/guardians) will at all times reflect honesty, courtesy, good sportsmanship and respect towards others.
o All will work cooperatively toward the betterment of the club and the sport of gymnastics.

Responsibility
o Every member will adhere to the Code of Conduct.
o Every member who is in a position of authority is responsible to guide those under their jurisdiction both by setting an example and by instruction.
o It is the responsibility of all individuals to report any violations of the Code of Conduct in writing to the board.

Class Procedures
DUE TO COVID-19, THE CLASS PROCEDURE POLICY HAS CHANGED. ENTRANCE AND EXIT PROTOCOLS WILL BE EMAILED OUT TO ALL CLASS REGISTRANTS AFTER REGISTRATION.
o Please enter through the west Yellowhead Hall doors.
o Gymnasts must arrive dressed and ready for class.
o Gymnasts must bring their own labelled water bottle.
o Screening process for all coaches and members will take place upon arrival. Screening will involve a no touch temperature scan and the completion of a self-screening questionnaire.
o Gymnasts, in both Recreational and Competitive programs, must arrive 5 minutes prior to the commencement of class and remain under parent/guardian supervision until the screening processes is completed.
o Gymnasts must wear a mask when entering and exiting the Facility. Gymnasts are not required to wear their mask during gymnastics classes, but are welcome to do so if it makes them more comfortable.
o The seating area is only open for parents/guardians of preschool aged children. Only one parent/guardian is permitted to accompany their child.
o During class children are not allowed to leave the gym area without notifying the coach.
o The use of electronic devices is not permitted in the gym.

Appropriate Clothing & Appearance
o All gymnasts must show up in their gymnastic attire prior to entering the gym.
o Hair must be tied back away from the face.
o Do not wear rings, watches, necklaces, or dangling earrings.
o Body suits, t-shirts and shorts are appropriate clothing to be worn. T-shirts must be able to be tucked into shorts. Shorts are not to be cut-off jeans, skorts or sweat pants rolled to the knees.
o Absolutely no socks are to be worn on the equipment, for safety reasons.
o If a gymnast shows up for class wearing inappropriate clothing or not following the appearance guidelines, the coach will ask the gymnast to change or sit out for the class. Parents will be notified. If it occurs again, the parent and gymnast will be notified by the president of the board.
These guidelines are put into place for safety reasons and should be taken seriously!!

Club Clothing
o We want everyone to have the opportunity to wear "NOVAS" clothing. Check our website for details on the Club Clothing Sale.
o The Club Clothing Sale will be online.
o When the clothing arrives, it will be distributed to the gymnasts after their gymnastics class, unless other arrangements have been made.

Coaches
o A yearly contract is drawn up between the board and the coaches before the season begins. The main duty of the coaches is to be in full charge of the class operation.
o Coaches have to complete the "Respect In Sport" program, complete a Criminal Record check and have a Child Abuse Registry check completed. The club will reimburse fees associated to these checks or pay directly for the checks to be completed.


Equipment Crew
o Their duty is to set-up and take down the equipment appropriately when classes are finished.
o They are responsible for finding replacements and informing the Head Coach when they are not able to do complete their job.

Harassment Policy
o This policy applies to all employees, board members, athletes and parents or guardians. Each individual has the right to participate and work in an environment which promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices. This environment should be free of harassment on the basis of race, nationality or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or disability.
o Every person who experiences harassment has the right to seek assistance from an adult, whether it is a coach or parent/guardian.
o Harassment behaviour definitions:
o Behaviour which is intimidating, hostile, abusive and/or abuse of power and authority.
o Unwelcome remarks, jokes, innuendoes or taunting about a person's body, attire, age, marital status, ethnic or national origin, religion, etc.
o Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment.
o Undermining self-respect
o Unnecessary physical contact
o Physical assault
o Verbal abuse or threats
o Social media misuse/cyberbullying

Behaviour Management Policy
o If the principles of the club are not being followed, the following procedures will take place:
o Ater the first warning the gymnast will be asked by the coach to take a time out, for the remainder of the class, along the side of the gym. The parent will be spoken to by the coach after class.
o If it happens for the second time, the gymnast will be excused from gymnastic classes for the week. Cost for the missed time is not refundable. The coach will speak to the parent.
o If the gymnast continues to ignore the principles and rules, the board will be notified and will determine the outcome of the gymnast and whether they will continue with the club.
o More serious offenses will be discussed on an individual basis with the board and/or in consultation with the MGA.
o MGA policies will also act as a resource in regards to policy and procedure.

Transportation Policy
o Parents are responsible for transporting or finding transportation for their kids to and from classes, competitions and camps.


Weather (and other unforeseen circumstances) Cancellation Policy
o Use your discretion when travelling to and from classes. Please inform a coach if your child will not be attending coaches@neepawanovas.ca
o Please check the website (www.neepawanovas.ca) or our Facebook page for any classes that may be cancelled.
o You will be personally notified if class is cancelled due to weather or any other unforeseen circumstances.

Emergency & Injury Plan
In the event of an accident incurring injury to a gymnast the following procedure will be followed:
o The gymnast's coach will swiftly and calmly assess the situation for the risk of further damage or injury.
o If the injury is minor, the coach will instruct the other group members to stop the activity and summon an assistant to supervise the remaining group members. The gymnast's coach will than take appropriate action required for the injury.
o If the injury is serious, the coach will instruct the other group members to stop the activity and summon an assistant to supervise the remaining group members. The coach will then call the Head Coach and First Aider to decide whether the child can be moved safely.
o The child will not be moved if there are suspected major injuries and the head Coach will call the emergency medics (911). The Head Coach will the arrange for the injured child's parents to be contacted while the gymnast's coach remains with the child providing reassurance until the paramedics arrive.
o If the gymnast can be moved safely, the Head Coach and First Aider will help the child to sit comfortably in the reception area and telephone the emergency medics (911) and the child's parents.
o The gymnast's coach must complete the incident report form as soon as possible and the Head Coach must sign the report for all serious injuries.

Medical Information
o Parents/guardians must provide information on any prescription drug requirements so that appropriate treatment can be provided in case of an emergency. Upon written request of the parent/guardian a coach may dispense life-saving medication to an athlete, such as insulin, ventolin or epinephrine.
o If gymnasts are attending class, they should be willing and ready to participate. If they are not attending due to an injury, please contact the coach.

Evacuation Procedure
In the event of a fire, explosion or any other emergency requiring evacuation of the building, the procedure described below will be followed:
o The Head Coach or Coach in Charge of the session, will instruct all gymnasts to stop what they are doing.
o The gymnasts and spectators will be instructed to remain calm and to walk to the assembly point via the nearest exit, leaving their clothes and possessions in the building. The assembly point is the Yellowhead Sign in the South West Corner.
o First Aid Kit will be carried out by the Assigned Coach. The Assigned Coach will call 911 when they reach the assembly point.
o It is the responsibility of the group coach(s) to ensure they carry out the class register and assist with the evacuation process.
o The Head Coach or Coach in Charge will leave the building last, making a quick check of the west washrooms during the evacuation process and grabbing the contact information sheets/black box.
o At the assembly point, the gymnasts and coaches/helpers present will be checked against the class register.
o All coaches will reassure gymnasts while phone calls are made to parents to arrange the collection of their children.
o Do not re-enter the building until you are informed by fire or police, that it is safe to do so.
o Head Coach or Coach in Charge needs to fill out an incident report as soon as possible.

Competitive Gymnastic Suits
o Club body suits are required for all Regional Stream Gymnasts in levels JO1 & Up. Other levels may purchase these suits as well, by option.
o Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to sign up for a measurement time, where they will be required to size their gymnast for a competitive club suit.
o The competitive club suits cost approximately $180-$200 varying with shipping costs.

Competitions
DUE TO COVID-19 THERE WILL BE CHANGES TO THE COMPETITIONS POLICY THAT WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.
o Once the calendar of gym meets is set by the Manitoba Gymnastics Association, the coach will choose which competitions the competitive gymnasts will be attending that year. A detailed schedule will be sent to competitive parents with their registration information in August.
o The number of competitions a gymnast can attend is based off of their Skill Level Test, which takes place in March of the previous year and reviewed in October. The coach will assess number of additional competitions each individual gymnast is allowed to attend during the competitive season.
o The Neepawa competition is mandatory.
o The fee per individual competition is $90. This fee will be collected in August during online registration.
o Post-dated cheques for competitions can be handed in at the 1st competitive class.
o When competition waivers become available, they will be emailed out to parents. Parents need to print them off, fill them out and return them to the Coach on the specified date. If you are unable to print off the forms, please message competitioncoordinator@neepawanovas.ca
o If the waiver is not collected by the specified date, the gymnast will not be registered and therefore will not attend that competition.
o If a gymnast has had an injury before the competition and cannot compete, the parent can provide a doctor's note and possibly receive a partial refund on the registration fee for that particular competition.
o The coach must be notified if a gymnast cannot attend a competition that they have signed up for.

Competition Clarifications & Rules
DUE TO COVID-19 THERE WILL BE CHANGES TO THE COMPETITION CLARIFICATIONS & RULES THAT WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.
o Hair must be neatly tied back, away from the face.
o No finger nail or toe nail polish should be worn.
o Gymnasts must arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled "warm up" time.
o During the competition, parents are not allowed to approach their child. If there is a situation, the coach will get the parents and let them know what is going on. Gymnasts are also not allowed to leave the competition floor, for any reason.
o JO1 gymnasts will receive an envelope at the end of the competition that will have four ribbons in it, one for each event competed - either gold, silver or bronze. Their scores determine what ribbon they receive. They will also receive a gold, silver or bronze for their All Around award.
o JO 2 - JO4 gymnasts will be awarded ribbons for all four events and All Around if they qualify.
o If a parent has a discrepancy with the awards or anything else that has occurred during the competition, they are not to approach the hosting club or the judges. They can call their coach after the competition has been completed or talk to them after the next practice about their issues or concerns.
o If a parent or gymnast shows any inappropriate behaviour at the competition, they will be contacted by a board member and the board will decide on how to deal with what occurred.
o Specific competition rules and regulations for the competitive season will be distributed to the parents during the Mock Meet in December. The coach will then review all rules and regulations after the Mock Meet, with the parents.

Competitive Year End Party
DUE TO COVID-19, ALL COMPETITIVE GATHERINGS HAVE BEEN POSTPONED.
o Year End Parties occur after Provincials (April). The gymnasts receive their certificates and any/all awards on this night.
o Cost for the Year End Party is included in the registration fees.
o If you cannot attend the year end party, please advise the coach ahead of time.

Membership Fees
o Membership fees are set by the Manitoba Gymnastics Association on an annual basis. Every child participating in gymnastics must pay a membership fee that will cover any liability issues that could occur.
o A gymnast will either pay a recreational MGA fee or a competitive MGA fee.
o MGA Membership fees are non-refundable.
o Membership fees are included in the club's registration fees.

Registration & Registration Fees
o Our club uses an online registration form that can be accessed at our website www.neepawanovas.ca
o Registration for recreational programs will occur in August and November each calendar year.
o Registration for competitive programs will occur in August only.
o Registrations are to be fully completed with payment/payment schedule PRIOR to your child beginning class.
o Waiting lists may be available.
o KidSport funding is accepted by the club. Please inform the Treasurer in the "comment section" on the online registration form, that you are applying for KidSport- no fee is collected. The club and the parent/guardian are both notified of acceptance or not. Parents/guardians must send a copy of the "notice of assessment" of their income tax along with a completed form to KidSport themselves.
o All parents registering a child with the club must complete a registration form and necessary waivers.
o You will receive your receipt online at the time of payment.
o Special arrangements can be made to pay in person; however all inquiries of this nature are to be given to the treasurer at treasurer@neepawanovas.ca. No forms will be accepted without payment.
o Once a parent/guardian has an NSF cheque with the club, they will no longer be able to write cheques to the club and the parent/guardian will be responsible for the NSF fee.
o Cheques can be made payable to the Neepawa Novas Gymnastics Club.
o Please be aware cheques may be kept up to 3 weeks for possessing.
o Outstanding fees and payments must be paid before your child's class begins. Gymnasts are only able to register for the next session if all previous payments are up to date.
o Fees are set by the board on an annual basis.
o Contact the treasurer at treasurer@neepawanovas.ca for payment options.
o A communication board will be located at the west doors during gym classes.

Refunds of Registration Fees
(For All Programs)
o If a child gets injured and cannot continue the rest of the session, they will be refunded the remaining class fees minus the MGA insurance fee. A doctor's note will be required. The fees will be refunded from the time the doctor's note is received by the board.
o If a child moves away, they will be refunded the remaining class fees minus the MGA insurance fee.
o There will be no refunds or make up classes if your child misses due to illness.
o Registration fees will not be refunded after three scheduled gymnastics classes have taken place.
o If you would like to withdraw your child from their classes prior to the third scheduled class, an administration fee and the MGA insurance fee will not be returned.

Parent Involvement
o If you are interested in volunteering with your child's class, please email coaches@neepawanovas.ca to discuss opportunities.
o The Neepawa Gymnastics club has several fundraisers throughout the year according to club requirements.
o The largest fundraiser that the club hosts is the Neepawa Gymnastics Competition. Every competitive family must participate in this fundraiser. It takes a lot of volunteers and hard work to have a successful competition and we appreciate everyone's cooperation. Both recreational and competitive gymnasts benefit from the funds raised at this event.
o Competitive parents will give a refundable $300 cheque per family, that must be submitted the 1st day of practice. This money will only be cashed if mandatory volunteer time is not contributed. Competitive parents are expected to work a minimum of 6 hours, the day of the Neepawa Competition.
o This competition allows us to purchase new equipment, update and repair old equipment, and keep our operating costs as low as possible. It allows the gymnasts an opportunity to compete in their home town, where their family and friends can cheer them on and it also lets the other recreational gymnasts that are a part of our club, the chance to see what they can aspire to.

Parent Notifications
o Any changes to the initial schedule received at registration will be relayed to children and parents through the coaches and communications board as soon as they are aware of the said changes.
o All newsletters and competition information, will be placed on the communication board. Please be sure to check the board on a regular basis.
o The Neepawa Novas website and Facebook page will be updated regularly.

Parent View Nights
DUE TO COVID-19, THE PARENT VIEW NIGHT POLICY HAS CHANGED. PLEASE VIEW THE COVID-19 POLICY.
o Parents are allowed to watch the class on this designated night. See your calendar and newsletter for more details.
o The end of the session is designed for the kids to have fun with their fellow gymnasts in their program, and show off their newly developed gymnastic skills.
o They receive their certificates and enjoy a treat to celebrate on the Last Class/Parent View Night.