Parent's Guide

Welcome to Waihke Gymnastics. This guide will assist in the smooth running of the programme.

What to Wear

BOYS: Tracksuits, shorts and T-shirts are appropriate for gymnastics. Baggy beach/board shorts and jeans are not.

GIRLS: Leotard . One-piece swimsuits, tracksuits, shorts and T-shirts are also acceptable. Dresses, skirts, two-piece swimsuits and jeans are not.

All children may not have buckles, buttons or zippers on their clothing. Long hair must be tied up. We recommend two `pigtails' rather than a single `ponytail'. No baubles please. They hurt when the child is rolling.

Club  leotards are available from Michelle  Ph 372 9225

Safety

Only children enrolled in the class may be on the gym floor. Please accompany your child into and out of the building. We do not advise having children wait outside to be picked up.

Jewellery - especially watches, rings, necklaces (includes plastic neck chokers) and earrings - may not be worn during class. These are a hazard to the child. Please see me if your child has jewellery of religious significance which may not be taken off.

The entry and exit to the building is through the main doors in the foyer.

All observers and non-enrolled children are to remain at the side of the gym. Please consider others and supervise these children accordingly. We ask that parents stop children from running around the gym as this is very distracting and can be unsafe.

Health
Please ensure that your child is suitably clothed for the season. Keep children who are ill or contagious at home until they are fully recovered before returning to class. All open cuts and wounds must be dressed or covered.

Eating is not allowed in the gym. There are drinking fountains in the foyers for gymnasts to re-hydrate during class. Children may bring their own sipper drink bottle - these must be labelled with their names.

Your child may have had a long day at school before arriving to the gym. Please make sure that they have some afternoon tea, especially a drink - no fizzy drinks or greasy food please.

The Centre has a No Smoking and No Chewing gum policy. This applies to everyone in the building.

Appreciating What You See

Waiheke Gymnastics is a registered member of Gymsport Manukau and New Zealand Gymnastics. Our coaches are mainly volunteers who are trained or are currently in training through the National Coach Education Programme with New Zealand Gymnastics.

The club is a not-for-profit organisation run by members. The Waiheke Recreation Centre manages the operational business while the club manages all gymnastic business.

The Gymfun class is geared towards teaching children the fundamentals of gymnastics in a fun and active way. The teaching philosophy is simple. Children learn through moving and they need to move and have fun. In Gymfun, gymnasts are kept active for the majority of the time.

The class is planned to minimise queuing and `hanging around' while waiting for turns. Gymnasts have equal time at all the activities. We do not `drill' children. Practice is more effective when done `little and often'.

Please refrain from `coaching' your child from the `sidelines'  This distracts and confuses your child who may find it hard to focus on a coach. At a young age, your child's attention span may be short. If your child looks to you, a nod or a smile from you can be encouraging.

If you wish to coach, there is a training procedure which we are happy to guide you through. If you have any comments or concerns, please see me after class or call me later so we can talk at length.