The Woden Valley Gymnastics Club (WVGC) was formed in 1979 and incorporated in 1995. In the early stages, the Club was small and operated in a variety of school halls, like the Woden Valley High School and the Alfred Deakin High School. This required gymnasts and coaches to set up the equipment before each training session and to pack it away when training was complete. As schools normally use their hall during the day, the Club was restricted to evening training and could not leave the equipment set-up or offer classes during the day, particularly for toddlers with their parents. Furthermore, equipment was damaged in the process and training was restricted because the schools were unable to offer very much storage space for other than basic equipment.
Late in 1994 the ACT Government called for Expressions of Interest for the utilisation of the empty Holder High School. The ACT Gymnastics Association (ACTGA), on behalf of the WVGC, was successful in gaining the lease on the assembly hall area based on the rationale that it would become a permanent home for higher level men’s gymnastics in the ACT. WVGC agreed to refurbish the assembly hall in return for a short rent-free period and after considerable effort by an enthusiastic group of volunteers, WVGC commenced training in this permanent gymnasium in January 1996. The Club has gradually increased its equipment holdings and now has full training and competition equipment for both men’s (MAG) and women’s (WAG) artistic gymnastic disciplines.
While the gymnasium was given to WVGC specifically for the development of higher-level men's gymnastics in the ACT and to allow the ACTGA to present a complete MAG program for the ACT, including the development of an International (Elite) program, the Club also provides gymnastics programs for both boys and girls of all ages, for disabled children and for adults. The Club provides full programs for MAG and WAG as well as Recreational Gymnastics, Kindergym, Trampolining and Sports Aerobics.
WVGC is the third largest gymnastic Club in the ACT and provides the only open-to-the-public training venue for senior male gymnasts in the ACT. The Club is run by an elected, volunteer Committee as a non-profit organisation. Funds from fees are used to pay registration and insurance, to pay coaches, to administer the Club, to maintain current equipment and to purchase new equipment. However, as the Club is still small, it has very limited financial reserves.
The Committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting. It normally meets each month and parents and friends are always welcome. The Club Committee manages the Club administrative processes, the day-to-day training programs within the Club and develops Club policies and procedures.
Minutes of all Club Committee meetings are available in the Office for perusal by Club members, parents and visitors.
Good administration is an integral part of WVGC. We have an Office Manager to help with enrolments, payments and general administration. Committee Members, Program Managers, coaches, judges and other officials are all expected to help with the administrative load. As a result, the Club encourages staff to up-date their skills and qualifications as needed by the Club so that they can provide better support to our objectives. If finances are available, the Committee will consider subsidising the cost of courses, updates and trips for administration staff.
When commencing at the club parents are required to complete an Enrolment Form (Document 10). This Form provides the Club with necessary contact information and includes the following requests for information:
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Parental consents and other undertakings |
Reason |
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I give permission for my child to be photographed or videoed while participating in any Club activities. I consent to these photographs or videos being used for club publicity, if required. |
We often arrange to take photographs and videos of our gymnasts for sale back to the gymnast, for training purposes or to use for promotional purposes for the Club. They are not permitted to be used for any other purpose. |
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I give permission for my child to receive first aid, medical or ambulance assistance in the case of an accident and agree to pay any costs incurred. |
We may be required to treat an injured gymnast or get him/her to medical attention when they are in our care. Parents are required to pay any costs that are not covered by GA insurance. |
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I understand that I may request access to my personal information, including the formal registration information that is held by the Club about my child. |
You can request full access to any information, photographs or reports that are held by the Club, the ACTGA or GA. |
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I have read the information contained on the Enrolment Form and in the Gym Rules (Document no?) (copy is in the foyer) and I agree to the terms and conditions stated therein. |
You are requested to read the notices placed in the Entrance Foyer of the Club and to understand that the Club has rules which everyone is expected to follow. |
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The information provided by me on this form is complete and correct, to the best of my knowledge, and I undertake to advise the Club promptly of any changes that may occur. |
Please ensure that we have correct information so that we are able to act in the best interests of you and your child/children at all times. |
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I understand that fees paid for classes are NOT REFUNDABLE (except at the discretion of the Club Committee), but that make-up classes can usually be done during the term. |
As we have to employ our coaches whether or not your child is actually present, we do not refund fees. You can arrange make-up classes to suit. |
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Parental consents and other undertakings |
Reason |
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I understand that the Club reserves the right to vary the days and times specified for classes when such changes are deemed necessary by Program Managers and/or the Club Committee. |
The Club arranges its programs to suit the number of children enrolled and the availability of coaches. As a result the programs are normally set for at least a term, but variations from term to term can occur. |
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I am prepared to assist in fund raising to support the activities of the Club or I would prefer to pay an additional $20.00 per term per family as our contribution to fund raising. IS THE LATTER ACTUALLY ON OFFER? ?Is this the correct amount? |
The Club needs to raise money through fund raising activities and running major competitions in order to keep our fees low and our service levels high. |
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I would like to be a voting member of the Club ($2.00 joining fee and $2.00 per year) |
For a small fee you can be a voting member of the Club and have a direct say in how you think it should be run. |
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Required Medical Information |
Reason |
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Are there any medical, physical or intellectual conditions (e.g. asthma) that may have a bearing on your child’s ability, safety or behaviour in class? |
We try to provide the best learning environment for all our gymnasts and if we know there is a condition that affects your child, then we can modify our program to help them. |
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Is your child on any medication (e.g. for asthma) or does your child suffer from any allergies (e.g. to bee stings, peanuts, etc.) which the Club should be aware of? |
We need to know what immediate actions are necessary so that our First Aid Officers can render appropriate aid to your child, if necessary. If immediate medication is required we must have it here in the Club, available. |
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Is there any person who should not be allowed to talk to your child or to collect them from the Club? |
We need to know if someone has restricted access to your child so that we may assist in protecting them from unauthorised contact. |
Please note that this Club is a no smoking, alcohol free and peanut free venue.
Our Enrolment Form also includes some specific details from our Privacy Statement (Document 22). This statement relates to all of the personal information that we gather about you or your child/children including photographs or videos the Club may take. We undertake to abide by the statutes of the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988 in managing all personal information that we collect.
Artistic Gymnastics at Woden Valley Gymnastics Club is divided into the following groups:
Kindergym is gymnastics and basic human movement taught to young boys and girls who are under the age of 6.
ACT level gymnastics is taught to boys and girls from Level 1 to Level 6 and allows children to compete within the ACT.
National level gymnastics has the same number levels as the ACT Levels Program (ALP) but requires extra sessions of training and allows children to compete at National or International levels.
Recreational trampolining is also taught at the Club.
Differences in Training Programs
Gymnasts who show the necessary physical attributes as well as the determination to train hard may be invited by the relevant Program Manager to join the National Levels Training Program.
Gymnasts in the National Levels Program are expected to compete in all competitions detailed in the Competition Calendar for the year. This may involve travel interstate with Club or ACT appointed coaches.
All gymnasts in the National Levels Training program take the status of senior gymnasts in the Club and are required to set an example for other gymnasts in the Club. They are expected to act as good role models, work hard and show dedication to their training.
While the Club pays its coaches and judges, volunteers are critical to the smooth and efficient running of the Club and are actively encouraged to participate. Besides being members of the Club Committee which manages the day-to-day running of the Club, volunteers can be:
members of working groups and sub-committees which:
maintain and improve Club equipment and facilities;
support teams travelling inter-State by acting as drivers, support staff or chaperones;
run external fund raising activities;
set-up and pack up competition equipment for National gymnastics events at least twice a year in the AIS Arena;
support National events by in the AIS Arena running the Score Table; announcing; providing meals for officials, etc.
officials, for example, judges, floor manager, competition director, etc, at all competitions which includes local inter Club, State, National and International events.
Induction procedures for new staff members within the Club are detailed in Document 6, Staff Induction, Training and Assessment. The induction process will normally include:
Club administration by the Office Manager;
Club procedures when coaching, judging or traveling with the Club by the Head Coach and/or Program Manager;
Club policies by the Club President or an appointed representative.
Our coaches are usually senior level gymnasts or parents of gymnasts who have been involved in the sport for many years. All new coaches begin as assistant coaches and work alongside a senior coach, being trained until we believe they are ready to coach their own group.
We spend a great deal of time finding, hiring, educating and developing our Club coaches. We aim to provide experienced and highly qualified coaches to all of our classes. We require all of our coaches to have completed an accredited coaching course and be registered with Gymnastics Australia (GA) and with ACTGA. This registration provides them with insurance cover while they are coaching and traveling to and from the Club.
The Club is committed to an on-going education program for our coaches. They are required to attend up-dates run by ACTGA or National Clinics and are also assessed by senior Club staff each year. This ensures that our coaches have their skills refreshed and are kept abreast of the latest coaching techniques in the sport.
Coaches are also required to attend workshops that are run by the Head Coach and Program Managers at the start of each term. Practical coaching methods are covered as well as club policies and procedure.
We like to inculcate a firm-belief in a positive approach to all coaching within the Club.
We try to limit our class size to a maximum of eight gymnasts. Where we have additional gymnasts in a class we will try and provide an assistant coach to help the primary coach.
Except for toddler beginner classes and junior recreational classes, we also try to create classes that have gymnasts of the same sex and similar levels of ability. Details of the classes and the programs that we run are contained in the document titled “Club Programs”.
We encourage all our higher level gymnasts to become judges so that they can contribute to the growth of the sport. We also encourage any parents who want to understand the sport better to try their hand at judging. Judges are required at all gymnastic competitions, starting at the very lowest levels, and courses are conducted regularly in the ACT for all gymnastic disciplines.
The development and education of judges is a very important part of the club. We are required to ‘send’ a judge to all competitions in which Woden Valley gymnasts participate. This includes end-of-term competitions, trials, ACT gradings, ACT State titles, interstate invitational competitions and all national championships. It means that the Club requires judges at all Levels to cover the programs that we offer within the Club.
Judges also assist with the development of the club program in a number of other areas:
Level tests within the Club;
Routine review and composition;
Education and recruitment of new judges;
Assistance in conducting workshops for club coaches; and
Keeping coaches 'up-to-date' with the latest changes to rules and regulations pertaining to competition.
Judges are required to maintain and update their accreditation each year by registering with GA and by attending updates run by ACTGA.
We believe it is important to recognise and honour all our officials’ achievements and results. This is done through the regular Club Newsletter on the Club notice board in the foyer.
A number of incentive awards are given out to coaches, judges and administration staff within the Club:
At the end of each year, we try to recognise those coaches, judges and officials who have made considerable on-going contributions to the way the Club operates. This may take the form of a cash bonus if the Club’s financial position allows.
Each month we try to recognise those coaches, judges and officials who have done an excellent job and have contributed to Club performance.
If in a position to do so, the Club Committee will consider subsidising the cost of courses, updates and competition trips for all coaches, judges and officials.
Due to the nature of the sport the Club Committee believes that gymnasts who do well should be identified and constantly rewarded. The achievements of our gymnasts are recognised in the following manner:
Including details of their achievements in the Club Newsletter or on the Club Notice Board.
Providing a “Gymnast of the Week” award in each class at the end of each weekly training session.
Displaying photographs of the gymnasts in the foyer of the gym.
Providing an award at the end of the year to the “Gymnast of the Year”.
Providing cash incentives for achievement at National Competitions.
Class coaches are responsible for checking equipment for safety before they allow gymnasts to use it. If there is a problem then the coach is required to:
Fix the problem before allowing gymnasts to use it, if possible.
If unable to fix the problem, it should be reported to the relevant Program Manager.
The Program Manger is then to arrange for the problem to be fixed, or removed.
Program Managers are responsible for completing a thorough inspection of all equipment used in their program in the gym before the start of each Term. They will:
Record all details in the Equipment Safety Check folder in the Office.
Report any faults and requirements for repairs to the Club Committee.
On direction from the Club Committee, arrange for repairs to be made.
Follow-up on progress of repairs and/or replacement.
The Club regularly purchases new equipment and replaces old or damaged equipment. We pride ourselves as being the only Club in the ACT to have full competition standard equipment for both male and female gymnasts.
The Club is incorporated under the ACT Clubs Incorporation Act 1991. The Club is managed by a Committee of volunteers elected by the members of the Club. This Committee reports to the ACT Government at the end of each Financial Year as required by the ACT Inspector General’s Office.
You can become a voting member of the Club and have a say in how the Club is run if you:
support the Club’s primary objective and are prepared to further that objective; and
are a technical member registered with the ACTGA as a coach, judge or other official of the Club; or
are a parent or guardian of any gymnast who is registered as a member of the Club with the ACTGA; or
are registered with the ACTGA as a gymnast of the Club and are over 18 years of age.
The joining fee to become a Member the Club is $2.00 and the annual membership fee is only $2.00.
The joining fee is a once only fee payable at the time you pay your registration with the ACTGA or pay tuition fees for your child as a gymnast with the Club.
The annual fee is paid by Members of the Club at the beginning of each year or at the Annual General Meeting each year.
Payment of these fees gives you the right to vote at the Annual General Meeting, to nominate for a place as a Committee Member and to have a say in how the Club is run.
The Club is continually trying to find different ways of raising money so as to keep costs to parents at an affordable level. We have many volunteer parents and friends who raise money by:
Conducting regular sausage sizzles at the gym.
Conducting functions for Club members.
Conducting raffles.
Identifying or becoming a possible sponsor.
The club may also place a fundraising levy on families which indicate that they do not wish to participate in fundraising.
Money raised by fundraising and the fundraising levy is used for:
Subsidising gymnasts’ competition trips away interstate and overseas.
Providing cash incentives for outstanding gymnastics achievement.
Helping to pay for new equipment and upgrade of facilities.
Providing training scholarships.
The following documents, detailing the Club’s policies, procedures and running instructions, are available for perusal from the Office Manager:
Anti-Doping Policy (Document ;
Business Plan (Document 4);
Club Constitution (Document 1);
Club Insurance;
Club Philosophies, Code of Conduct and Goals (Document 11);
Club Programs (Document 61);
Guidelines for Staff (Document 8);
Member Protection Policy (Document 20);
Occupational, Health, Safety and Welfare Policy (Document 32);
Risk Management Policy (Document 7);
Staff Contracts (On request only);
Staff Duty Statements (Documents 2; 40; 41; 41; 43) ;
Staff Induction, Training and Assessment Policy (Document 6);
Strategic Plan (Document 66); and
Minutes of Meetings (On request).
The Term structure for recreational and ACT Levels Program (ALP) classes is based on the ACT School Term. There are normally four Terms of about 10 weeks per year. Classes start on the first Monday in the first week of the School Term and finish on the last Saturday of that Term.
The Term structure for National Levels Program classes is based on five Terms each of 10 weeks so that gymnasts continue working through all School Holidays. There is normally a two-week break at Christmas. Training times may change during School Holidays.
We do not give refunds for missed classes as we are still committed to paying coaches.
However, if your child has missed a class due to illness, a schedule conflict or Public Holiday, you can bring him/her in on another day which has the same level of class in order to make up the lesson. These make-up classes must be taken before the end of Term.
Please book these make-up classes with the Office Manager the date of the makeup class to ensure places are available.
Holiday programs cannot be used as make-up classes.
ONLY parents of gymnasts who are between 2 and 3 are permitted on the gym floor during gym sessions.
Other parents are welcome to observe their children from the waiting area (outside the Office).
Anywhere else in the gym is OUT OF BOUNDS – No one is EXEMPT!!
Please be aware that the correct procedure for contacting your child or the coach is to approach the Office Manager who will pass on any messages. Please do not approach your child or any of the coaches while they are in the gym. This procedure must be followed by ALL parents to ensure everyone’s safety and to ensure that classes run smoothly.
There are strict safety and insurance reasons that compel us to enforce these rules.
We accept payments by Cash, Cheque, Credit Card and EFTPOS.
Term fees, or a minimum deposit of $20.00, should be paid before the commencement of each new Term to ensure your child’s place in the correct class for the new Term.
Term fees are to be paid in Week 1 of the Term.
Fees not paid by the end of Week 3 of a Term:
will attract a $25.00 late fee;
the parent/guardian will be contacted by the Office Manager to arrange prompt payment or else to collect the child.
If the outstanding fees are not paid then the child will not be able to resume participating at the Club and the ACTGA will be informed so that registration with another Club in Australia is not possible. Confidentiality is to be maintained at all times.
Fees are strictly on a “Term basis” and are not refundable.
If these rules cause difficulty, please speak to the Office Manager to negotiate other arrangements for payment of fees, for example, periodic payment.
If a coach has to leave urgently during a lesson or is absent due to sickness or other personal reasons, then that coach will arrange for another coach to take the class and follow the same stipulated program. Where replacement coach can not be found, then the regular coach will notify the relevant Program Manager so that another coach can be found.
The Club reserves the right to discipline a child who is disruptive to the class. The procedures that will be undertaken are:
The child is to be given a warning by the coach.
If the disruption continues, the gymnast will be removed from the class for a short period of time.
If further disruption continues on returning to the class the child will be given a warning warned by the Program Manager.
If disruption continues, the parent or guardian of the child will be notified of the problem..
If disruption still continues, the child may be banned from participating for a period of time and there will be no fees refund.
Girls should wear a leotard and/or bike pants, or shorts and T-shirt for all training classes.
Boys should wear shorts (preferably NOT board shorts) and T-shirt (depending on weather) for all training classes.
Long hair is to be tied back and no jewellery other than studs in ears (not sleepers) is to be worn.
Older gymnasts doing more difficult skills may require grips for Uneven Bars, Horizontal Bar and Rings.
Hand grips, leotards, shorts, and T-shirts are available for purchase from the Office. Sample sizes are available and items should be tried on before purchase. If items need to be ordered payment is required when the order is placed.
State level girls should wear a Club leotard for competitions.
State level boys should wear Club shorts and Club leotard or the Club or a White T-shirt for competitions.
National Levels female gymnasts are to wear the Club leotard, Club tracksuit and Club T-shirt for all State and interstate competitions where they are representing the Club.
National Levels male gymnasts are to wear the Club shorts, Club long pants, Club leotard, Club T-shirt and Club tracksuit for all State and interstate competitions where they are representing the Club.
National Levels and Elite gymnasts are to purchase and wear ACT State leotards, T-shirts and tracksuits when they are representing the ACT in National events.
Pre-loved clothing is available through the Office for purchase. Items for sale should be detailed with Item, Size, Price, Name and Contact Number. Anyone looking for cheap training or competition gear can then use the Register to arrange the purchase.
All purchases of pre-loved clothing are between the Buyer and the Seller – the Club is NOT involved, other than in providing the contact service. Of course, the Club would gratefully receive any donation offered as a result of the sale.
Coaches are not permitted to accept telephone calls during their class times. All messages will be received in the Office and relayed at the end of the class. Only if the message is urgent will it be passed directly to the coach during class time.
If a gymnast receives a telephone call during training a message will be taken and relayed to the gymnast by the Office Manager.
Feedback on any aspect of the Club will be gratefully received, as it should help us to provide a better service. Please provide feedback to our Office Manager, our President or our Program Managers so that our Club Committee can consider it. A suggestion box is also located in the gym next to pigeon holes in the hallway to allow gymnasts and parents to make anonymous suggestions.
We would appreciate it if complaints were not directed to our young coaches. Informing the Program Manager first allows us to investigate the complaint thoroughly and, if necessary, provide junior coaches with positive guidance.
If you have a more formal grievance or complaint about any of our gymnasts, coaches, parents or about the way that we operate, please do not hesitate to get a copy of the Club’s Grievance and Appeals Policy from our Office Manager. It provides details of the Club’s processes and our procedures in this area. Details are contained in Document 60, Grievance and Appeals Policy.
| President |
Bob Morton |
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Vice-President |
Tony Davidson |
| Secretary | Alison Briggs |
| Treasurer | Bernadette MacIntosh |
| Members |
Leanne Egan-Scott Nadia Frankham Claire Major Joanne Maples Renee Pocock Rosetta Schimizzi Sally Thauvette David Tow |
| Staff Members |
Quintin Gravatt Ellen Henderson |