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Parents and Carers

Gymnastics is a fantastic way for your child to develop and learn skills for life. Taking part in activities in a Scottish Gymnastics member club means that you can expect an inclusive, supportive, and fun environment where your child can thrive. 

A parent cheers on her gymnast at the 2023 Scottish National TeamGym Championships

About Gymnastics

What better way to improve their balance and co-ordination. Watch your child grow in confidence as they interact with others their own age and explore movements that are key in their growth and development.

Your child’s ability to cope with complex movement patterns increases as they grow bigger and stronger. They can refine basic motor skills and start developing strength, flexibility and spatial awareness. They will quickly be able to participate in group classes and follow instructions from a fully trained coach or instructor.

If your child moves on from gymnastics, the skills they learn will ensure a solid foundation to participate in any sport.

Did you know?

A sportscotland survey of 648 gymnastics club members aged eight to 18, found that 100% of them said sport and physical activity has helped them to feel happy and healthy, and 98% said it has helped them feel confident, make friends, and feel included.

Contributing to the Active Scotland Outcomes Framework June 2020
Authors: Patricia Horton, sportscotland; Iain McLaurin, Union Data
62% of respondents were aged eight – 12 years.

More Information

Starting your journey

We encourage you to only send your child to clubs registered with Scottish Gymnastics. All our member clubs must meet minimum operating standards and maintain strict child wellbeing and protection standards and systems. 

When you are looking for a club for your child, we recommend you ask the following questions:

• Is your club registered with Scottish Gymnastics?
• Are all the coaches, helpers and officials working with children and young people members of Scottish Gymnastics? 
• Have all coaches and helpers working with the children and young people been recruited using Scottish Gymnastics safe recruitment procedures?
• Have all coaches and helpers working with the children and young people attended Scottish Gymnastics safeguarding training?
• Does your club have a named and trained safeguarding officer, whose role it is to co-ordinate the protection of children?
• Are there procedures in place for reporting any issues or concerns about the wellbeing of children and young people?
• Are all the coaches qualified and insured to the appropriate level?
• Does the club have a safeguarding policy which reflects Scottish Gymnastics guidelines? 
• Does your club operate a sign out register for the children?
• Does your club hold relevant medical and special requirement information on each child as well as parent/carer emergency contact details?

> Find out more about wellbeing and safe sport
> Find out more about My Voice Matters and what safe sport looks like and feels like

Finding a Club

You can look for your nearest Scottish Gymnastics member club in our club finder, either searching by location, or by gymnastics activity or discipline. The clubs will appear in a list and on a map. Each has information on what activities or gymnastics disciplines they offer and their contact details. 

Here are some questions you can ask to help you choose a club:

•  Do you take beginners?
•  Do you offer recreational gymnastics?
•  I’m a disabled person, can I take part?
•  Do you offer a free taster session to try out gymnastics?
•  Do I need to book, is there a waiting list?
•  How much does it cost?
•  What should I wear?
•  What will my first session be like?
•  What recreational gymnastics programmes do you offer, for example Rise Gymnastics?
•  Can I bring someone to watch/wait for me?
•  Do you have parking?

> Find a gymnastics club near you

What else you need to know

Membership of Scottish Gymnastics offers opportunities and benefits for you and for your child.
There are many ways you can be involved as a volunteer at your club or Scottish Gymnastics events. These include becoming a helper in the gym, a safeguarding officer, or being involved in club fundraising activities. You can also learn to be a judge for events at any level or take on different roles at events. And many clubs offer adult beginner classes so you can experience the joy of gymnastics too!

> Find out more about different roles in gymnastics

Your child can enjoy participating in recreational gymnastics and can also progress through our pathway into competitive and performance programmes.

> Find out more about the pathway
> Find out more about Scottish Gymnastics membership
> Find out more about the benefits of being a Scottish Gymnastics member

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