Dear Parents,
Congratulations to your child upon making the Portsmouth gymnastics squad. We hope your child continues to enjoy and thrive under our squad structure and training.
We are very proud of each and every member of our gymnastics squad and appreciate what the parents and gymnasts give up to train at a competitive level. It is important that the parents encourage gymnasts to prioritise this sport over others as the time involved in gymnastics outweighs most other sports. Our coaches and volunteers put in 100% effort into every squad gymnast and in return we expect commitment back by ensuring training days are rarely missed and family & school holidays are not taken near competitions.
We expect first and foremost that the behaviour of gymnasts and parents, whether it be in the centre or during outside events, that PGC’s reputation is upheld. If any parent has any issues they must speak to their coach directly, head performance coach, Adam, or Director of Gymnastics, Sam. We promote a happy & nurturing environment for the children and a pleasant atmosphere amongst the parents.
We do not encourage parents to sit and watch the gymnasts at sessions as this can sometimes lead to problems. If you would like to watch your child it’s best to come fifteen minutes before the end of the session. Please don’t linger at the beginning of sessions- especially with little ones!
We ask that each session the gymnasts are equipped with the following:
If your child cannot make the session you MUST call 02393 200402 or notify the coach by using your group’s dedicated whatsapp group, if your group has one set up. Please note these groups are used for communication. Any personal matters that you want to discussed should be sent via email to adam.paterson@bhlive.org.uk. If your child continues to miss sessions, commitment is poor and we continue to not be informed you may lose your place in the squad.
It is recommended that gymnasts have a leotard and/or shorts for training although we appreciate that some older squad members will not want to train in a leotard.
All competitive gymnasts will need a competition leotard for competitions. The rules of British Gymnastics stipulate that club members all wear the same. PGC MAG squad competition leotard is currently provided by Quatro gymnastics and is custom made. The coaching team will aim to order new leotards/new sizes twice per year. Please make your coach aware if you do not have a competition leotard - some development age groups may not need them!
All competitive gymnasts will need a competition leotard for competitions. The rules of British Gymnastics stipulate that club members all wear the same. PGC will change their competition leotard either every year or every other year. The price of these usually ranges between £100-150.
The coaches do their best to pick a leotard which suits all ages and sizes.
Our Tracksuits are from Total Gymnastics Direct. These can be ordered direct from the website link below.
https://www.totalgymnasticsdirect.com/gym-club-shops/portsmouth-gymnastics-club
From time to time the coaching team may change groups. Gymnasts can move between groups. This is based on individual circumstances, and these are discussed between the parents and coach before any move takes place. We will always endeavour to do what’s best for the gymnasts long term holistic development.
The PGC squad is overseen by Head Coach, Adam Paterson. All major decisions about the gymnastics programme and the competitive club are made by this person in consultation with the coaching team.
Other areas of management and decision making is vested in a Committee that shall consist of the Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre Director of Gymnastics who shall be the Officers of the Club together with a maximum of ten other members. All the foregoing, except the Director of Gymnastics & secretary, shall be elected at the AGM and remain in office until the conclusion of the AGM of the following year.
Standing Committee Members
We need your help!
Can you be on the committee?
Can you organise company sponsorship?
All the financial support the club gets comes from fundraising which is why we ask all our members to become an active part! Members must attend at least 3 events in the year. We hope parents will also offer help when we need shop brought food donations and raffle prizes.
All members must annually register with the club using a registration form. This also includes permission to film/ photograph, referencing our photo policy.
A membership fee is also agreed at the AGM for the year ahead and all members must pay this membership fee to help the club run financially for the year.
Competition fees are paid to the club. We always add £5.00/£10.00 to competition fee to cover coach’s expenditure (unless the competition is at our own gym).
Our Facebook page is updated regularly with news and results; the name is ‘Portsmouth Gymnastics Club’. We also have Instagram. Email is the clubs main way of communication. We will be sending all communications out by email so please make sure you give your up-to-date email address to the secretary, Lorna – lorna@portsmouthgymnastics.co.uk.
Please speak to your child’s coach about any issues and problems immediately. Please remember, if your coach has given you their mobile number please do not make complaints or send upsetting or questioning texts. Use the head coaches’ email to discuss any issues or speak to our coaches directly.
Please ensure you read our ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Disciplinary Procedures’ with your child and ensure all adults involved in the child’s gymnastics are familiar with what we expect from gymnasts and parents and what you can expect from the PGC team. There is also a copy on the board along with how to contact our Club welfare officer. However if you wish to ever contact the welfare team please email welfare@portsmouthgymnastics.co.uk.
British Gymnastics is our governing body. All gymnasts and coaches must be affiliated. An annual insurance is due for all gymnasts in September but if you join at any time membership must be taken out asap. Membership is paid at the BG website www.british-gymnastics.org.
If you are have moved from another club please ensure you move your BG insurance to our training facility immediately.
The gymnast’s gymnastics training is covered within a monthly payment fee. Monthly fees are paid to BH Live by the beginning of each month. These are paid by Direct debit. Fees are broken down into blocks of training time. There is a 30-day cancellation policy with a minimum sign up of 3-months. There is a 14-day cooling off period.
Any Questions please email adam.paterson@bhlive.org.uk or samantha.maggs@bhlive.org.uk or call 02393 200402.