Terms and Conditions

Scottish Gymnastics has arranged liability insurance to provide indemnity to affiliated candidates and demonstrators in respect of their activities whilst coaching. This insurance does not provide any indemnity to any candidate or demonstrators who are not directly affiliated to Scottish Gymnastics i.e. does not have the appropriate level of membership. It is the responsibility of any non-affiliated candidate and demonstrators to ensure that they have independently arranged appropriate insurance to cover themselves whilst participating in a course; this should be for the full duration of the course i.e. cover taught sessions, mentoring and assessments. Candidates who are not affiliated to Scottish Gymnastics may be asked to provide proof of adequate cover for them and their demonstrators and failure to do so may result in the candidate being dismissed from the course. No fees will be refundable for any candidate dismissed under this section.

Scottish Gymnastics shall not be liable and expressly excludes responsibility for any loss, cost, expense or damage to personal belongings suffered by the candidate or demonstrators whilst on a course, or for any death or personal injury suffered by the candidate or demonstrators unless caused by Scottish Gymnastics proven negligence or breach of statutory duty.  

Scottish Gymnastics reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses at their discretion if, in the opinion of Scottish Gymnastics, there are insufficient candidates enrolled. In such cases candidates shall be offered a refund of the fees paid or a transfer to an alternative course. 

In such cases Scottish Gymnastics liability shall be restricted to reimbursement of any fees paid to them. In the event of a cancellation for a reason outside the control of Scottish Gymnastics, Scottish Gymnastics shall be under no obligation to provide any reimbursement. In the event of any reimbursement being made it shall be a gratuitous payment made without obligation or liability. 

Upon application to a course organised and delivered by Scottish Gymnastics, candidates acknowledge their understanding of and acceptance of the T&Cs and enter into a legally binding contract with Scottish Gymnastics. Additional course or assessment charges may apply in line with the Education Course and Assessment Payment Policy which learners also agree to on application.  
 
Learners have the right to cancel this contract at no cost within seven days of receipt of application by British Gymnastics or Scottish Gymnastics. Such cancellation must be in writing to the course organiser at coacheducation@scottishgymnastics.org.
 
Once an application has been made a candidate is liable for the fee regardless of whether they later decide to withdraw voluntarily from the course.
 
If a candidate cannot attend their chosen course, notice of cancellation must be received by Scottish Gymnastics, in writing to coacheducation@scottishgymnastics.org by the candidate, whereupon a refund of fees will be given in accordance with the cancellation charges outlined below. If written notice of cancellation is not received the candidate will be liable for the payment of all fees.

Cancellation charges:
• Before the course closing date – no charge
• 30 – 14 days before days prior to the course start date – 50% of the course fee
• 14 days or less prior to the course start date – 100% of the course fee
No refunds of fees will be permitted once the learner has started the course for any reason. 
 
Learners who cancel at any time due to illness or injury must following our extenuating circumstances procedure and provide a medical certificate to receive a full refund or transfer to another course.
 
Any reimbursement approved by Scottish Gymnastics will, wherever possible, be made within 30 days of the date of receipt of the application for such reimbursement.
 
All cancellations must be made in writing to Scottish Gymnastics education team, Caledonia House, 1 Redheughs Rigg, South Gyle, Edinburgh, EH12 9DQ or coacheducation@scottishgymnastics.org.

The copyright in all material provided by Scottish Gymnastics shall (unless expressly stated or otherwise) remain vested in British Gymnastics and may not be reproduced without British Gymnastics’ specific written consent. 
All intellectual property rights derived from any work created by a candidate during or as part of a course shall and hereby vest in British Gymnastics. 

Scottish Gymnastics will not disclose information about candidates to any third party except appropriate education partners and authorities e.g. SQA. 

Upon application to a course, candidates are consenting to Scottish Gymnastics collecting and processing information that may, because of its nature, be classified as Sensitive Personal Data. This data is used for administrative, health, safety and welfare reasons and as such, any candidate not wishing to provide the information as required on the application form will not be accepted onto a course. 
Scottish Gymnastics makes every effort to keep candidates’ personal information secure and accurate. To assist with this, candidates are expected to keep Scottish Gymnastics informed of any changes of address, contact details and/or relevant personal circumstances. 

Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to reside and/or study within the UK in order to study a course with Scottish Gymnastics.
Candidates must be able to evidence that they meet any pre-requisite entry requirements and qualifications. You can find the information on our website.
Full information about coaching courses and eligibility
Full information about judging courses and eligibility
Full information about add-on and CPD modules

Scottish Gymnastics is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all its candidates to ensure that no-one is discriminated against on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. 

All fees are due at time of booking.  For level 1 and 2, Level 3 technical modules and theory courses, instructor, CPD or add on modules, payment should be made through the British Gymnastics online system. Places will not be confirmed without payment; full payment must be made at the time of booking. Full details of payment can be found in the Scottish Gymnastics payment policy.
Candidates who are not members or have the incorrect level of membership at the time of booking will be charged the non-member fee.  The difference will only be refunded if this is resolved before the start date of the course. Fee reductions will only apply to courses where indicated on the Scottish Gymnastics website and where the candidate meets the criteria as laid down and evidence must be provided upon request e.g. Scottish Gymnastics affiliation. 
The candidate shall be responsible for the payment of the fees even if a sponsor has agreed to pay the fees. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the sponsor pays the fees. For the avoidance of doubt, if a sponsor fails to pay the fees as may have been agreed between the sponsor and the candidate, the candidate will remain solely responsible for payment. 
Scottish Gymnastics reserves the right not to accept applications from candidates where fees or other costs from previous courses remain outstanding until such time as all outstanding fees or other outstanding costs are paid. 
Where successful completion of a course results in the award of a certificate, Scottish Gymnastics reserves the right to withhold the issue of certificates where fees or other monies are due to Scottish Gymnastics. In addition, Scottish Gymnastics reserves the right to terminate a candidate’s right to continue a course where fees are outstanding and where any agreed instalment payment defaults. 
Scottish Gymnastics may take legal action for the recovery of monies due and in such circumstances, Scottish Gymnastics reserves the right to recover the cost of such action in addition to the outstanding monies. 
Where a candidate fails to attend an assessment, which forms part of the course, a charge will be made for any further assessment/s. 
All prices in respect of course fees are correct at time of going to press. In the event of an increase candidates will be notified accordingly and those not wishing to pursue courses at the increased fee must notify Scottish Gymnastics in writing, within seven days of receiving notice of the increase and Scottish Gymnastics shall reimburse all monies already paid. 
Candidates must satisfy themselves that the particular course they have chosen meets their requirements before commencing on the course. 

Course fees include: 
• administration cost 
• certificates of attendance and/or award (as applicable) upon completion 
• study/resource materials 

Course fees do not include: 
• insurance 
• travel expenses 
• replacement logbooks, certificates or study/resource materials 
• re-examination fees 
• stationery and materials 

Extenuating circumstances can be applied for if you experience exceptional, unforeseeable, short term circumstances which affect your ability to attend part of, or all of your course or assessment or submit your logbook/portfolio of evidence within the required timeframe. 

Candidates must follow the extenuating circumstances procedure and complete the relevant application form. Application forms must be submitted to Scottish Gymnastics within 15 working days of the course/assessment. 

Charges will be applied for assessment for the reasons stated below, unless extenuating circumstances has been approved or it has been approved by Scottish Gymnastics prior to the candidate booking onto the course. 

• The candidate is not able to attend their course assessment date as advertised in the course calendar at time of booking unless extenuating circumstances are approved,  
• The candidate does not respond to assessment invite or inform Scottish Gymnastics they can no longer attend the assessment date, 
• The candidate withdraws from the assessment date following acceptance of assessment date , 
• The candidate fails to arrive at the allocated assessment, without due cause, at the appointed day/time/venue, without due cause, 
• The candidate’s logbook does not arrive with the assessor by the date indicated on the assessment letter, 
• For candidates third deferral of a coaching assessment and second deferral of a judging assessment. 

Deferrals for coaching and judging differ as described below: 
• coaching – a maximum of two deferrals for any part of the assessments are permitted, where a learner is deemed not competent at the third assessment attempt, they will be required to repeat the course. 
• judging – a maximum of one deferral for any part of the assessment are permitted, where a learner is deemed not competent at the second assessment attempt, they will be required to repeat the course. 

In the event of a third assessment for coaching or second assessment for judging a re-assessment fee will be payable in advance of each re-assessment, details of which can be found in the Scottish Gymnastics education course and assessment payment policy. 

Level 2 and above courses the registration period is 24 months. 

• Judging courses have a registration period of 24 months to complete all aspects of the learning programme and assessment. However, should a judging course be taken less than 24 months prior to the start of a new judging cycle then the course must be completed prior to the start of the new cycle qualifications becoming active. 

If the learner fails to complete all aspects of the course within the registration period a re-registration fee will be charged where an re-registration is possible for the course, except in extenuating circumstances where an extension may be granted at the discretion of Scottish Gymnastics. It is the responsibility of the learner to contact the course organiser as soon as possible with supporting evidence where applicable. 

Fee – £50

Where the learner does not apply for an extension or re-register where an extension or re-registration is possible within a year beyond the registration period, they will be required to repeat the course. 

Scottish Gymnastics shall use its reasonable endeavours to provide the candidate with an education service which may, where appropriate, include a programme of study; classes, tutorials and relevant learning support intended to prepare the learner for examinations and qualifications. 

Scottish Gymnastics reserves the right to make alterations to courses, assessments, tutors, assessors, fees or venues without prior notice provided such alterations shall not substantially affect the course content or qualification and such alterations shall, at best, only entitle the participant to reimbursement of any course fees paid. 

Scottish Gymnastics reserves the right to dismiss any candidate at any time for behaviour, which is deemed to be unprofessional, inappropriate or disruptive to other candidates. No fees will be refundable for any candidate dismissed under this section. 

Scottish Gymnastics reserves the right to dismiss any candidate at any time for cheating in Assessments, assisting others to cheat, falsification of Logbooks and plagiarism. No fees will be refundable for any candidate dismissed under this section. 

Candidates shall meet and comply with the requirements and/or standards set out in these T&C, and Scottish Gymnastics reserves the right to suspend and/or exclude (at its discretion) any candidate failing to meet such standards and/or requirements, including: 

• must attend a course or assessment organised directly by Scottish Gymnastics. Failure to so may result in a candidate’s attendance at a “course” or “assessment” to be deemed as invalid.  
• liaise directly with Scottish Gymnastics  
• comply with all reasonable requests of Scottish Gymnastics staff and authorised contractors or agents 
• behave in a manner, which does not cause injury or damage to other persons, in particular to the property of Scottish Gymnastics, its staff, candidates or visitors and does not impede or prevent the provision of the course or any other course or otherwise harm the standing and reputation of Scottish Gymnastics 
• comply with such special requirements for a course as may be imposed by law or other applicable third party. For clarification such specialised requirements may include criminal checks, health/medical checks or other conditions of conduct 
• attend all classes, tutorials and examinations. If you experience exceptional, unforeseeable, short-term circumstances which affect your ability to attend part of, or all your course or practical/theory assessment or submit your logbook/portfolio of evidence within the required timeframe please refer to our exceptional circumstances procedure. 
• notify Scottish Gymnastics of any specific requirements and/or special needs in advance of the course. 
• undertake the course and all the assessments within the appropriate validation period e.g. 12 for level 1 or 24 months for level 2 and above (as appropriate) from the date of enrolment. 
• late withdrawals from your allocated assessment will result in a re-assessment fee in advance of each additional assessment or re-assessment.  Please see our assessment procedure. 

Candidates need to take personal responsibility for the health & safety of themselves and others; to observe safe standards of behaviour and dress; and to familiarise themselves with the safety requirements of the course and its venue. 

Candidates should not interfere with equipment or materials provided without supervision or authorisation. 

Candidates are responsible for monitoring their own health and medical conditions. Any candidate requiring extra support due to a medical condition is required to declare this prior to the start of the course. 

Candidates have the right to complain about any aspects of course organisation and deliver they feel does not meet Education Departments exacting standards. Candidates may complain if the following occur: 

• ineffective delivery by the course tutor / assessor 
• omission in respect of the syllabus to be covered 
• inappropriate activities by the course tutor / assessor including any behaviour which may cause concern or offence 
• irregularities in the way in which the course is organised, delivered or assessed. 

Complaints may be made during or at the end of the course.  If a complaint is made following course completion it must be in writing to the Scottish Gymnastics office within 14 days of the end of the course.  

Complaints should be made in writing stating clearly the nature of the complaint.  The letter should be dated and signed and a copy sent to the education programme manager at Scottish Gymnastics, Caledonia House, 1 Redheughs Rigg, South Gyle, Edinburgh, EH12 9DQ. The education programme manager is responsible for liaising with appropriate delivery staff, endeavouring to resolve the issue.  

If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint to the course tutor/assessor then they should request that the education programme manager investigates the matter further.  At this point it may be appropriate for the head of education to be notified. If a candidate does not feel they are able to complain directly to the education programme manager then they should put their complaint in writing directly to the head of education.  
The findings of the independent arbitrator will be documented and communicated to the complainant. 

Complaints to SQA 

Candidates of SQA qualifications also have the right to complain to SQA awarding body. SQA will only consider your complaint if you have already gone through all stages of Scottish Gymnastics complaints procedure and remain dissatisfied with the outcome, or the way in which we handled your complaint.  

SQA will deal with complaints about: 
• assessment — in the broadest sense, including the conduct of, preparation for, and environment for, assessment  
• dissatisfaction with the way in which the centre handled the complaint  

SQA will not deal with complaints about:  
• assessment decisions (use appeals or post-results services)  
• the wider experience of being a candidate (e.g. support services, facilities)  

See SQA’s customer complaints and feedback webpage

Scottish Gymnastics will adhere to the following appeals procedure for candidates appealing against an assessment decision: 

• candidates must express any concern regarding the assessment process in the first instance to the assessor. In the case of theory assessments concerns should be raised with the education programme manager directly. 
• in the case where the internal verifier is present at the assessment, the matter can be discussed on the day of assessment. Written documentation of the discussions must be submitted to Scottish Gymnastics by the internal verifier, signed by both assessor and candidate. 
• if the matter has been discussed and no satisfactory outcome has been achieved, (the internal verifier not being present at the assessment), the candidate and assessor must refer the matter in writing to the education programme manager within 14 days of the assessment date. The education programme manager will then pass the matter on to the internal verifier appointed by Scottish Gymnastics for the course. 
• if no satisfactory outcome has been achieved following the above, the candidate has the right to appeal to an independent third party appointed by Scottish Gymnastics to oversee the appeals process.  This will be another internal verifier within Scottish Gymnastics not previously involved in the assessment of the candidate. 
• Scottish Gymnastics will advise the candidate, assessor, and internal verifier of the outcome within 28 days of receiving the original appeal.  

Delivery Personnel Responsibilities and Duties 

Tutors 
The overall purpose of this role is to take a lead to ensure the next generation of coaches are competent, confident and safe.  
• Deliver the whole course at the dates and times agreed with Scottish Gymnastics.  
• Induct candidates in the structure and assessment requirements of the SQA Award.  
• Familiarise course candidates with the resource pack and exclusively use this pack as the basis of course delivery.   
• Advise candidates of the mode(s) of assessment and dates when these will occur. 
• Ensure there is adequate and full communication with both the candidates and the education department on all matters relating to the course. 
• Project a friendly and professional image at all times, including appropriate dress code, utilising Scottish Gymnastics branded clothing where issued. 
• Be familiar with Scottish Gymnastics services and activities, and proactively promote Scottish Gymnastics as part of the programme. 
• Inform candidates of their progress and where appropriate, provide additional help and support. 
• Provide equal access to candidates for guidance or counselling. The scope of this advice should however be confined to coursework, assessment guidance or careers advice. 
• Provide equal access to candidates for their feedback options and comments about the course. 
• Discuss any problems with individual candidates on a one-to-one basis and in private. 

Assessors  
The overall purpose of this role is to take a lead to ensure the next generation of coaches are competent, confident and safe.  
Assessors need to have good technical knowledge in the selected discipline, be confident in giving and receiving feedback and be able to put candidates at ease during the assessment process.  
• To prepare fully for the assessment and provide clarity to each candidate on what is expected. 
• Lead on the implementation of set criteria to ensure assessments are valid, reliable, practicable, equitable and fair. 
• Provide accurate records of assessment outcomes for each candidate, documenting any feedback and action plans given. 

Internal Verifiers (IV)
The overall purpose of this role is to take a lead to ensure all assessments (& course delivery) that contribute to an SQA qualification are valid, reliable, practicable, equitable and fair — and assessors must apply the standards of assessment uniformly and consistently.  The IV will observe the delivery of the course tutor to ensure standards are maintained and the course is being delivered to the set learning outcomes. 
The IV will also contribute to the training of new tutors and assessors. 
• Support the delivery of courses and develop the quality of the workforce standards in relation to SQA guidelines.
• Lead on the implementation of SQA criteria to ensure assessments are valid, reliable, practicable, equitable and fair. 
• Provide monitoring and evaluation reports after each visit in an agreed format to Scottish Gymnastics Education Programme Manager and provide feedback to tutors/assessors. 

External Verifiers 
A team of external verifiers, appointed by the awarding body, supports the internal verifiers. The role of the external verifier supports the internal verifier through observation, monitoring and reporting on the verification of venue standards, course delivery, assessment procedures and decisions and their support to organisers, tutors and assessors. The external verifier checks the quality of the verification on behalf of the awarding body across recognised centres. The responsibilities of the external verifier’s are as following:  
• monitoring the work of the internal verifiers to ensure quality standards are maintained across the Scotland 
• providing support, information and advice to internal verifiers.  
• fulfilling the requirement regarding the number of external verifier visits to be conducted  
• ensuring that the Scottish Gymnastics equality and diversity policy is applied throughout the course and assessment procedures.  
• ensuring that the Scottish Gymnastics course and assessment procedures are being adhered to.  
• monitoring the application of the Scottish Gymnastics health, safety and welfare policy and child protection policy during courses and assessments.  
• providing feedback to internal verifiers.

Conflict of interest  
Scottish Gymnastics education team will ensure that any assessment of learners (including internal quality assurance sampling) is not undertaken by any person who has a personal interest in the result of the assessment. This includes staff who set the assessments, those assessing the candidate’s evidence, those internally verifying the assessment and anyone who may invigilate a written assessment. Any conflict of interest from a member of Scottish Gymnastics workforce must be declared in writing to the education programme manager. Staff must also declare conflict of interest if they are involved in assessment or internal verification of candidates which they hold personal interest in the result. Where an assessment by such a person cannot be avoided, Scottish Gymnastics will make arrangements for the relevant part of the assessment to be subject to scrutiny by another person. 

1  All candidates must attend all dates for the course & assessment.  
2  It is the responsibility of the candidate to bring or organise gymnasts/demonstrators for their sports specific course, (except in the case of preschool courses) minimum of one demonstrator for course.  
3  It is the responsibility of the candidate to bring or organise gymnasts/demonstrators for their sports specific assessment, (except in the case of preschool assessments) minimum of 3 x demonstrators for assessment.  
4  It is the responsibility of all candidates to find a mentor coach to work with following their attendance on the course. It is highly recommended that all candidates try to locate a mentor coach before attending day 1.  
5  When looking for a mentor coach, candidates should consider the following:  
   • be someone you respect and who respects you and is willing to contribute to your long-term development as a coach.  
   • commit to taking responsibility to support you, to finalise your mentored tasks in accordance with the principles and regulations as stated in your logbook.  
   • be an experienced coach who is competent in providing you with feedback and advice throughout your mentored tasks.  
   • be the holder of a recent BG Coach Qualification in the discipline, one level above the level of course level you are attending. 
   • help you with the provision of gymnasts during your course, your mentored tasks and your practical assessment.   
   • ideally be formally recognised and supported by your club for taking up the role as your mentor.  
6  All candidates will be required to work within a club/class situation with their mentor coach during and following the completion of their course and in preparation for their assessment.  
7  It is the responsibility of all candidates to send their logbooks to their assessor a minimum of two weeks prior to the assessment date. Information will be issued to all candidates with all details one month prior to the assessment date.  
8  Re-sits can be undertaken on all parts of the assessment, a maximum of three times. 

The term malpractice means ‘any act, default, or practice (whether deliberate or resulting from neglect or default) which is a breach of SQA requirements including any act, default or practice which:
• Compromises, attempts to compromise, or may compromise the process of assessment, the integrity of any SQA qualification, the validity of a result or certificate; and/ or
• Damages the authority, reputation, or credibility of SQA or any officer, employee, or agent of SQA

Malpractice can arise for a variety of reasons:

• Some incidents are intentional and aim to give an unfair advantage or disadvantage in an examination or assessment (deliberate non-compliance).
• Some incidents arise due to ignorance of SQA requirements, carelessness, or neglect in applying the requirements (maladministration)

Malpractice can include both deliberate non-compliance with SQA requirements and maladministration in the assessment and delivery of SQA qualifications. It is necessary to investigate any suspected instances of malpractice, whether they are intentional or not, to protect the integrity of the qualification and to identify any wider lessons to be learned.

Some instances occur because of ignorance of SQA’s criteria and procedures, or because of carelessness or forgetfulness in applying them. As this may constitute malpractice, this document covers both misconduct and maladministration.

Malpractice by a candidate in internal assessment can occur, for example, in: 

• the preparation and authentication of assessment materials 
• the preparation or presentation of practical work 
• the compilation of portfolios of internal assessment evidence 
• conduct during an internal assessment

Candidate malpractice can include: 

• collusion — working collaboratively with other candidates beyond what is permitted
• copying from another candidate
• frivolous content — producing content that is unrelated to the assessment
• misconduct — inappropriate behaviour in an assessment room that is disruptive and/or disrespectful to others. This includes talking, shouting and/or aggressive behaviour or language in the examination room.
• offensive content — content in assessment materials that includes vulgarity and swearing that is out with the context of the assessment, or any material that is discriminatory in nature (including discrimination in relation to the protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act 2010). This should not be read as inhibiting candidates’ rights to freedom of expression.
• personation — assuming the identity of another candidate, or a candidate having someone assume their identity during an assessment
plagiarism — failure to acknowledge sources properly and/or the submission of another person’s work as if it were the candidate’s own

Centre Malpractice can include:

• The following are examples of centre malpractice (SQA reserves the right to consider other instances of suspected centre malpractice which may undermine the integrity of our qualifications):
• managers or others exerting undue pressure on staff to pass candidates who have not met the requirements for an award
• deliberate falsification of records in order to claim certificates
• excessive direction from assessors to candidates on how to meet national standards
• failure to assess internally assessed unit or course assessment work fairly, consistently and in line with national standards
• failure to comply with SQA requirements in the preparation, quality assurance and submission of estimated grade information
• failure to apply specified SQA assessment conditions in assessments, such as limits on resources or time available to candidates to complete their assessments, including any amendments to permitted conditions
• misuse of assessments, including repeated re-assessment contrary to requirements, or inappropriate adjustments to assessment decisions
• failure to recognise and apply appropriate measures to manage potential conflict of interest in assessment or quality assurance
• failure to apply appropriate processes to ensure fairness in the provision of assessment arrangements
• failure to comply with SQA requirements in relation to appeals processes
• insecure storage, transmission or use of assessment instruments, materials and marking instructions, resulting in a breach of assessment security
• failure to comply with requirements for safe retention of candidate evidence, and safe and accurate maintenance of assessment and internal verification records
• failure to comply with SQA’s procedures for managing and transferring accurate candidate data
• failing to register candidates within a qualification’s accreditation period
• making late registrations to the awarding body for qualifications in their lapsing period
• requesting late certification of learners after the certification end date
• for all SQA qualifications, failure by a centre to promptly notify, investigate and report concerns of potential centre malpractice to SQA
• failure to promptly notify SQA of a finding of centre malpractice, maladministration or an equivalent or similar finding by another awarding organisation
• withholding information about circumstances that may compromise the integrity of any SQA qualification or the credibility of SQA
• failure to notify SQA promptly if another awarding body removes approval from the centre, regardless of the reason given for this withdrawal
• failure to take action required by SQA or to co-operate with an SQA investigation into concerns of malpractice
• for qualifications subject to regulation by SQA Accreditation, Ofqual or Qualifications Wales, failure by a centre to notify, investigate and report to SQA concerns of potential candidate malpractice

Processes for dealing with malpractice

• Ensure all candidates and staff are aware of the policy on malpractice, their responsibilities, and their rights during and following an investigation into alleged malpractice. 
• Conduct an investigation in accordance with internal system and procedures, keeping appropriate records of discussion, evidence and producing a report which may be requested by SQA. 
• Ensure that candidate results are not submitted to SQA during the course of the investigation. 
• Apply an appropriate action/decision when a case of suspected candidate or centre malpractice has been upheld. 
• Review internal quality assurance procedures to minimise the risk of further malpractice. 
• Advise SQA to withhold certification for that qualification where the outcome of the investigation merits it. 
• Report the matter to SQA, and to the police immediately if considered that, before or during the investigation, a malpractice case involves a criminal act. 
• Records of malpractice will be stored for 3 years following the completion of the enquiry or 6 years if the Police are involved.
Sanctions:
• Scottish Gymnastics understands that if the SQA Malpractice Panel has made a finding of malpractice, the range of sanctions include (but is not limited to): 

Candidate Malpractice:

• a written warning 
• revision of marks 
• cancellation of awards 
• disqualification from future entries 

Centre Malpractice:

• a written warning 
• application of requirement actions to enable certification to proceed 
• withdrawal of approval to offer specific qualifications 
• withdrawal of centre approval status 

Appeals against candidate malpractice decisions:

Candidates are made aware of the centre’s internal appeals process on application, and that this includes the right to appeal to SQA after the centre’s internal appeals process has been exhausted. 
Candidates have a right to appeal to SQA where: 

• the centre conducted an investigation and candidate disagrees with the outcome.
• SQA has asked the centre to conduct an investigation and the candidate disagrees with the outcome. 
• SQA conducts its own investigation, and the candidate disagrees with our decision

Centre decision on candidate malpractice:

A candidate appeal against the outcome of a centre investigation into candidate malpractice can be considered by SQA only after the centre’s internal appeals process has been exhausted. At that point, the candidate’s appeal must be submitted, in writing, to an SQA Director within ten working days of being notified of the decision. The letter should be sent to the Corporate Office at SQA’s Glasgow office (see Appendix 3), and should be clearly marked as an appeal. 

The appeal must include a written account of why the candidate thinks that the centre’s decision is wrong, and this account must address the reasons for the original decision given by the centre. Any evidence submitted to support this claim must be relevant to the case being made. 

The SQA Director responsible for considering the appeal may seek additional information to assist their review of the case. They will respond in writing, giving SQA’s decision within fifteen working days of receiving the appeal. SQA will give reasons for this decision. The outcome of this appeal is final.