BRITISH GYMNASTICS PAIN AND INJURY POLICY

We understand that from time to time gymnasts will be injured or experience chronic pain. British Gymnastics released their latest policy in June 2024 on the subject which can be found at the bottom of this page. SAADI always take the BG policies as a foundation and then align our own club’s expectations and values to it. This policy is no different and we believe as a club we need to go further to protect both the gymnast and the coaches.

SAADI GYMNASTICS INJURY, PAIN AND CHRONIC PAIN POLICY

It is our club’s policy that our gymnasts should only train if a medical professional or parent/guardian has signed them off in writing as being fully fit and recovered from injury (**unless exceptional circumstances are agreed with the Head Coach).

3 STEP POLICY

  1. REPORT: All injuries should be communicated to the Head Coach by the parent/guardian in writing so that they are aware of any absences. If an injury occurs at training, or a gymnast says they can’t take part in an exercise because of injury/pain, medical attention will be given and the parent called to collect their child.

  2. ASSESS: In all instances of injury SAADI gymnastics will ask the gymnast to be referred to a medical professional for a diagnosis. The gymnast will not be able to continue training until either the medical professional or the parent communicates to the Head Coach that they are fully fit to do so in writing. In the case of chronic pain, the gymnast should only train when they are completely pain free. Gymnasts will not be able to attend training and then pick and choose what they do.

    3. RETURN: When the gymnast is fully fit and can train on all pieces then the medical professional or parent/guardian needs to put in writing to the Head Coach that they are fully fit. If they return and are still experiencing pain or saying they can’t do certain things the club moves back to step 1 of the policy.

** Exceptional Circumstances: In exceptional circumstances, and with clear instructions from a medical professional, the Head Coach may agree to the gymnast attending training when they are recovering from injury. This is entirely up to the discretion of the Head Coach and would be based on a clear plan detailing skills that can and can’t be done. At any point the Head Coach may decide that it’s best for the gymnast not to train until fully fit. In this instance final signoff will still need to be given by a medical professional or the parent to give the all clear for full training.