Covid-19

Guidance Notes for Parents & Gymnasts

September 2020

Contents: 

Covid-19 Return to Brighton gymnastics club

Objective of the Guide

In preparation for our return to our new normal, this guide sets out our plan to reopen and rebuild our club in a world with COVID-19. It is not a quick return to ‘normality’ and inevitably, over the coming months, parts of this plan will have to adapted and updated in line with Government and British Gymnastics guidance.

This document aims to provide guidance and information on health and safety practices and approaches on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at BGC safely, while keeping the risk of contamination as low as possible.

Until the development of a vaccine or medicine, the COVID-19 virus is likely to continue circulating in our community. Physical distancing measures, increased hygiene and other precautions will therefore, have to be maintained for the foreseeable future.

Our priority is managing a safe return, physically and mentally, for all coaching staff and BGC members

General Understanding of Covid-19 in Returning to Brighton gymnastics club

Symptoms of COVID-19

Infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 can cause illness, ranging from mild to severe, and, in some cases, can be fatal. It can take anything from 2 days up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear. Common symptoms include:

• Fever (high temperature) - 38 degrees Celsius or above
• A cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
• Sore throat
• Head cold e.g. runny nose or sneezing
• Loss of sense of smell &/or taste

Some people infected with the virus, (asymptomatic cases) have experienced no symptoms at all.

How COVID-19 Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 disease is spread from people in fluid and in droplets scattered from the nose or mouth of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, speak or breathe harder during exercise. The fluid or droplets land on objects and surfaces around the infected person. Other people contaminate their hands by touching these objects or surfaces and then bring the virus into contact with their eyes, nose or mouth by touching them with their contaminated hands. COVID-19 can also spread if droplets from an infected person land directly on the mucous membranes of the eye, nose or mouth of a person standing close to them. 

It is still not fully understood how long the virus survives on surfaces in different conditions but studies indicate that it can remain for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, less than 4 hours on copper and less than 24 hours on cardboard. The period of survival may also vary under different conditions (e.g. temperature or humidity of the environment) and in the absence of effective cleaning. While people are most likely to pass on the infection when they have symptoms, current information suggests that some infected people spread the virus to others prior to developing or displaying symptoms themselves.

Actions to Consider Before Travelling to BGC

Anyone with any even mild symptoms of COVID-19 must stay at home. DO NOT ATTEND CLASSES.  Contact their GP, or call NHS 111 / emergency services and follow their guidance. Also contact the Head of Administration, Sandra on enquires@brightongymnastics.co.uk and the club manager on 0742103900 at the earliest possible time and notify them about this situation so we can implement NHS track and trace procedures. In such situations you are likely to be requested to stay at home and quarantine following Governmental self-isolation rules.

 If a family member shows symptoms of Covid-19 you all will be required to self-isolate according to government guidelines and gymnasts MUST NOT ATTEND SESSIONS.

In the Case of Someone displaying Symptoms during Gymnastics session

The club manager or lead coach will assess whether the symptomatic individual can immediately be directed to go home and call their doctor / NHS 111 and continue self-isolation at home. 

The following procedure will take place in suspected cases of a person being symptomatic with COVID-19 whilst at BGC and who cannot leave the facility immediately and risks Infecting / transmitting the virus to others:

• The unwell person will be isolated to an area which is away from other people (designated area- upstairs classroom). The gymnast will be escorted by a coach to the isolation room where they will maintain a

2 metres social distance the gymnasts will never be left alone.

• A face mask, tissues, hand sanitiser, disinfectant and/or wipes will be provided. Advice should be given to the person presenting with symptoms to cover their mouth and nose with the disposable tissue provided when they cough or sneeze and put the tissue in the waste bag provided. They should avoid touching people, surfaces, and objects.
• A member of staff will locate their parent/carer by phone/ or emergency services as appropriate.
• The isolation room and all other areas / touch points involved are to be thoroughly cleaned once the unwell person has left. Where a case is confirmed it may be necessary to close off specific areas and to undertake a deep clean in accordance with the government guidance and our risk assessment and club manager will report it to school site manager ASAP. Our ongoing thorough cleaning (with evidence of this) should also be considered. Disposal of waste following contact with, or cleaning areas that have been contaminated by a suspected Covid19-sufferer should follow the government guidelines of double-bagging, storing safely away from human contact for 72 hours or until a negative test result, after which time, the waste can be added to the general waste.
• BGC will carry out an assessment of the incident which will form part of determining follow-up actions. In the event of the unwell person being diagnosed with Covid-19 those who have been in contact will follow the government guidance on self-isolation / be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.

Making Our environment Safe and identifying risks

We hope that the following measures we are implementing will reassure you that BGC is doing all we can to open in a safe working environment, seems like a lot of rules but the following should ensure a reduced risk of spreading covid-19.

Detailed risk assessments have been carried out to identify what risks are posed by the layout of the facility, our activities to ensure we take reasonable steps to minimise those risks. As you may be aware, the Health and Safety Executive, Local Authority, British Gymnastics, and our insurers are entitled to conduct checks at any time therefore it is important that we as a club including all our members follow Government and British Gymnastics guidance.  This will be displayed on the board outside for parents to see along with availability of all new policies and procedures sent to each parent via email and available to view online at our website wwwbrightongymnastics.co.uk under policies.

Note: that this document will work alongside our existing policy documents / RAs which continued to operate

How we will be Implementing the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Measures to Minimise Risk to all BGC members

The team here at BGC are prioritising health and safety along with staff and members well-being. We will be putting together a full training, induction and orientation day for our coaches and support staff prior to our return.

It will cover:

• health, safety, well-being
• addition to current policies and procedures
• changes to work duties or tasks
• priorities safety and welfare of gymnasts along with the new normal.
• details of how the facility is organised to address the risk from COVID-19 and specific information regarding the necessary controls identified in the risk assessment to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our club.
• addition of a Covid-19 Monitor for each session
• orientation of building one-way systems
• socially distance coaching guidelines.

In addition to an extended staff training day:

We will be implementing a New COVID-19 policy (see appendix 3)

Staggered start times – working a new timetable, allowing for one-way systems, and cleaning

Mental health & wellbeing awareness will be promoted and there will be an open-door policy for all who need additional support for both coaches and gymnasts alike.

Lead coach and club manager are charged with ensuring that COVID-19 measures are strictly adhered to and key information will be reinforced by on a weekly basis.

Staff will be encouraged to undergo Coronavirus testing as and when it is widely available and necessary when travelling from abroad.

What is required of parents prior to returning to sessions at BGC

How you can help reduce the risk.  As numbers are limited and to work in line with our new

Covid-19 policy, we will need you to do the following.

1. return your reply slip confirming that your child will or will not be taking their space in September
2. payment for a full terms session paid by BACS (in rare cases an alternative method of payment can be agreed with admin when necessary) no later than 3 days prior to first session
3. complete a screening checklist form on behalf of your gymnast and return via email 3 days before first session
4. have a good understanding of the covid-19 policy and have purchased the following items for your gymnasts use during the session: hand sanitiser, gym shoes, small wipeable bag labelled with the gymnast’s name.
5. to ensure all family members are well and show no symptoms of Covid-19

It is understood that for some who have been away from the gym for months, returning to the club may feel unsettling and much has changed in the interim.  For gymnasts with an underlying health condition that we are aware of (stated on enrolment form), an individual risk assessment will be completed based on personal circumstances and a copy emailed to parent of said child.  If anyone would like to discuss any of the above privately please request a one on one meeting with club manager and or welfare officer via email enquiries@brightongymnastics.co.uk.

What to expect On Arrival at BGC for our ‘New Normal’

Whilst adhering to Government and British Gymnastics policies on Covid-19 it is important to put things in perspective.  The list of things below may seem daunting but once we have had a chance to get use to the new way of working, gymnasts, parents and coaches will all be rising to the challenge and enjoying our live in-person sessions once more.

One-way systems, gymnast drop off and collection points:

Taking into consideration the results of the survey where it was deemed that the largest concern for everyone was the busy sports foyer and in-line with Brighton Girls GDST new school regulations of  limited adults inside school buildings there will be NO PARENTS ALLOWED INTO THE BUILDING unless in case of an emergency and NO WAITING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS, so we have implemented a gymnast drop off and collection system, this will also mean no parking.

Please see Appendix 1 at the end of the document for access route.

OUR NEW GYMNAST ENTRANCE

As all main doors to the foyer will be closed and all school hires must have a separate entrance and exit, we have been given gymnast access door to the back of girls changing rooms (please refer to Appendix 1)

This is where we will be implementing our Symptom Screening - temperature check in line with our new Covid-19 policy. This check will be carried out for all coaching staff and members of BGC.

NOTE: In case of fever access will be refused. This screening is not intended to be, nor is it a substitute for, a clinical diagnosis. Hand sanitiser will be applied for all gymnasts. During this meet and greet to protect our staff and yourselves by limiting face to face contact the coach doing temp checks will be wearing a face clear visor, this will be removed once in the foyer and will not be worn within the session, unless necessary to do so.

• Those waiting to enter the facility will queue outside on the black walkway entrance at 2m intervals. The girls changing room door entrance will be a one-way flow into the facility to minimise cross-contamination, with the doors remaining open to reduce contact with the door handles.
• A designated member of staff will be at the entrance to limit the number of people entering the facility to gymnasts only, informing everyone of social distancing requirements. Signage will reinforce social distancing guidelines and one-way systems.
• GYMNASTS will enter the building through the girls changing room door and be asked to change into their gym shoes, place all items including outdoor shoes into their own wipeable bag. Hand sanitise and follow the coach at a 2m distance up into the gymnasium adhering to the one- way systems within the foyer

(appendix 2)

• All GYMNASTS PERSONAL BELONGINGS should be kept to a minimum water bottle, gym shoes, hand sanitiser, any medical requirements e.g. inhalers which should be kept in a wipeable bag labelled with their name. These bags will be taken into the gymnasium and placed in individual baskets which will be cleaned after every session to avoid cross contamination, however due to space the baskets are small and only have space for the items listed above. Please ensure that no unnecessary items are brought into the gym.

It is really important to familiarise your gymnast with the new Covid-19 policy, and appendix so that they know what to expect on arrival, please visit our website www.brightongymnasticsclub.co.uk  for orientation video the first week in September this may help gymnasts have a look as to how it will work, reassuring them that although the entrance and exits to and from gym may be different, we will still have equipment out and sessions will be fun and we want all gymnast to feel at ease when returning.

Other General information

• There will be only one other centre user at the same time, and they will enter and leave the building via different exits:

- dance studio users – boys changing room entrance

exit back door of dance studio,

parent entrance and exit car park gate

NOTE: The weights gym will be closed to the public for the foreseeable future.

It is important not to cross with any other hires on arrival or exit to prevent unnecessary contact

• If you have Paperwork that needs to be posted to admin, this is to be placed in a designated box on desk at the gymnast drop off point, please note due to restrictions it will take a week to process as it will be boxed for 3 days before opened it is very important that all correspondence moving forward to be online via email direct to admin and all payments are now paid by BACS.
• We will not accept poor behaviour of 3^rd parties and there will be zero tolerance of ignoring guidelines to protect staff / members and avoid staff / members feeling unprotected. The Club Manager will reinforce best practice guidelines with staff and deal with any unnecessary behaviour. The club manager reserves the right to exclude members and coaching staff if poor behaviour continues to be displayed.

Cloakrooms and Toilets

• The changing rooms will be out of bounds as it is used as an entrance and cordoned off, but access will remain to the toilet facilities. The door to the girl’s changing room is to remain open to reduce hand contact with door handles.
• Participants will be asked to come to the facility changed, ready to participate. Coats should be left with the parent. Shoes must be kept in a named wipeable bag which will be left in a designated basket area within the gym along with any personal items (e.g. water bottle/mobile/inhaler)
• Participants will use hand sanitiser before they go into the toilet areas then use sanitiser again on leaving the toilets having first washed their hands as per guidance provided at the sinks. All toilets will be sanitised each time they are used, and a deep clean will take place before we enter the facility and at the end of the day. The number of people allowed into the toilets at any one time will be limited to 2. There may need to be a greater staff presence around the toilet areas.
• There will be 2 toilets allocated for gymnasts and 1 separate toilet allocated for coaches all clearly labelled
• There is a one-way system out of the gym which will need to be followed when gymnasts or coaches wish to go to the toilet see appendix 2 – purple arrows
• Please make sure that your child has been to the toilet before coming to gym!!

This will ensure that they have much time as possible within the session, as with the new one-way systems and cleaning regime the gymnast will have to walk further and then wait until coach has effectively cleaned toilet are ready for next person which all takes time so they will miss out on fun gymnastics.  

Foyer

• All members must keep to the left at a 2m distance when walking through the foyer, head for the stairs and make their way up to the gym- following the one-way system displayed on Appendix 2.
• School site staff member will still be available for assistance should they be needed and to implement new cleaning regium outlined by the school

Gymnastics Sports Hall – what will be expected

A pre-training equipment inspection and thorough cleaning will be carried out in each session. Certain pieces of equipment such as canvas safety mats and soft hand apparatus have been stored out of use.

• The re-starting of each session will require that we stick to the maximum number of participants per session this has been calculated according to the square footage of the gym and divided by social distancing rules. The total number of gymnasts in our gym will be 27 which will allow 6 coaches who will all work in pre-determined groups (‘bubbles’) which will not change. This will stay the same up until end of Autumn term when all guidelines will be reviewed.
• Sessions will be planned effectively to ensure social distancing coaching measures whilst ensuring delivery in a fun and effective way. Activity areas will be clearly marked out, 3 pieces of apparatus will be used each week like before, side stations and key skill conditioning will be used so gymnast can optimise their time in the gym.
• At the start of session gymnast will place their belonging into the designated basket provide as directed by the coaching staff, The gymnast then will be guided to a floor marker which allows the 2meter social distancing rule to be adhered to during warm up activity,
• There will be two floor areas to allow for more space one red one blue the gymnasts will use the same floor area each time they come into the gym
• Gymnasts will be asked to use hand sanitiser on entering and gym halfway through session and before they go home.
• Session goals and new ways of working i.e. One-way systems will be communicated effectively from the coaching teams to the gymnasts this will be key to the success of the session being carried out safely. However, if a gymnast is unsure, they must be encouraged to speak up so we can all move forward into the new normal as a team and everyone feels at ease when in the gym.
• Gymnast must be, as before, accompanied out of the gymnasium in any other part of the building to ensure one-way systems are adhered too.
• British gymnastics guidance does not make face masks mandatory and will not be worn in the gym, but if coaches feel for theirs and their family safety they would like to wear a face shield they will be allowed to do so. Clear visor face shields will be worn for cleaning, first aid and on entrance temp check where lots of face to face contact necessary.
• Supporting /spotting will be carried out only if necessary or if a gymnast is in danger of a move failing which might result in injury.

Control / Reduce the Spread of Infection through People’s Hands and Surfaces

Cleaning -

Undoubtedly, you as our members will have high expectations of cleanliness once we re-open. It is important to reassure you that we are doing all we can to ensure the facility is being cleaned frequently and thoroughly.

All staff who are participating in cleaning of any kind will be wearing clear face visor, gloves, and where necessary a face mask covering if they feel the need to do so.

Who will do the deep cleaning? – School site team. This will be done before school opens in the morning

Then again at the end of the school day before we as a hirer can enter the facility.

Who will carry out cleaning of equipment in the gyms before/ after use?  - coaching teams.

Staff will be scheduled to assist with cleaning tasks before/after and during sessions when necessary and in accordance with the relevant checklist. There will be staff training for new cleaning regimes and new cleaning products. PPE is available for staff to use for cleaning. Cleaning materials will include disposable wipes, cleaning agents, disinfection products, paper towels and waste bins/bags. Staff will be made aware of any risks from cleaning products.

Touch surfaces - Frequently touched surfaces including light switches, door handles, music centre/iPad, heating controls etc will be wiped regularly and before / when used / when visibly dirty. These will be wiped by school site cleaning team at morning break, lunch and in all deep cleans, along with BGC coaches between each session and at the end of their day.

Toilets- these will be part of the school deep clean and cleaned after every use by BGC covid-19 monitor throughout each session and deep cleaned at the end of the day.

Who will (constantly) check and monitor standards, ensure compliance and review effectiveness? – club manager and designated senior coaches. A cleaning record will be placed in each room detailing what is to be cleaned and all cleaning must be recorded.

What gets cleaned? All main floor surfaces moped twice daily during schools deep clean , vinyl and all touch surfaces wiped or moped after each session, carpet areas hoovered at end of day and all equipment during each session when used and then at the end of the day

• The number of waste bins will be increased and emptied regularly at the end of each day.
• Older Gymnasts will be encouraged to share responsibility by ensuring that any equipment they use is cleaned after use.

Every member must become a part of our cleaning/housekeeping team and every staff member must become a friendly compliance ambassador! Provided we are all seen to be doing the right thing, members will be our advocates and encourage one another to be the same.

Hand Hygiene

All gymnasts and coaches must ensure they are familiar with and follow hand hygiene guidance and advice:

• Wash hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub regularly and in particular:
• before and after being on public transport (if using it)
• when arriving and leaving the gym
• before and after preparing food
• before and after eating
• before and after each class and if possible before and after each rotation. Before and after planned support of a skill
• after coughing and sneezing
• when hands are dirty
• after toilet use
• if in contact with someone who is displaying any COVID-19 symptoms
• Avoid touching eyes, mouth, or nose
• Don’t share objects that touch your mouth e.g. bottles / cups /food

Respiratory Hygiene

In addition to hand hygiene, good respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette is also necessary.

Tissues are provided throughout the facility as well as bins for their disposal. Bins are emptied daily.

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing is recommended to reduce the spread of infection. The current recommended distance to be maintained between people to minimise risk of transmission is 2 metres although in some settings is 1 meter. Physical distancing may be achieved:

• one way system for entry/exit
• sign-in/sign-out system adapted
• no-contact greetings
• direct contact minimised
• working areas rearranged
• small teams who consistently work together
• reduced numbers of participants
• maintaining a distance of 2m / 1 m+ as is reasonably practicable when coaching
• limited toilet facilities
• meetings conducted via online when possible. Where face to face meetings are necessary participants must maintain physical distancing at all times. Meeting rooms should be well ventilated.
• gatherings at the beginning and end of dropping off of gymnasts are discouraged

A contact log will be established - a list (date/ name of colleague/member) of anyone that a member of staff has come into contact with over the course of a shift without being able to observe the minimum distance rules for longer than 15 minutes. Each person will be responsible for the contact log and notifying the club manager that this has been completed. The log can then be used to establish a list of tasks that cannot be achieved using physical distancing – these tasks can be reviewed, and alternative control measures can be put in place for these tasks.

First Aid and Safeguarding

• First aiders must be aware the symptoms of Covid-19
• The first aider will aim to maintain social distancing if possible
• Hands must be washed / sanitised prior to administering first aid and washed thoroughly afterwards. Gloves are available for use when carrying out first aid.
• Following the administration of first aid, all areas contacted must be cleaned thoroughly
• Safeguarding Policy and Procedures remain in place and any concerns must be reported to the welfare officer
• There should always be 2 adults present who should always have sight of the activity in the gym.
• In the event of an emergency evacuation it will not be necessary to remain 2m/1m+ apart if unsafe to do so.
• A register of who has contracted or thinks they have contracted the Covid-19 virus will be set up.

Monitoring of all policies and information within this document 

The effectiveness of the policies and procedures put in place will be constantly monitored and adapted / revised as necessary. The plan will also be reviewed in the light of further government guidance.

Every member plays a crucial role in making this work therefore all are encouraged to make suggestions for improvements and/or to raise concerns.

Appendix 1 –

One-way systems entrance and exit to grounds – Gymnasts drop off and collection

 Appendix 2:

One-way systems for sport building foyer – Gymnast entrance to building and gymnasium

Appendix 3: Covid-19 policy

 Covid-19 Policy 2020

Appendix 4 – FAQ’s ?