Well you should be. It seems since the Magnificent Seven “won the Gold there are clubs everywhere. Many parents are not sure what to think. Which club is right for my child? Is gymnastics safe? Parents are concerned about the safety of the sport. Perhaps we can give the parents some insight, and a better perspective in choosing a safe gymnastics school that will most benefit their child. In general the public is not very knowledgeable about the sport of gymnastics, all they know is what they see on T.V. However, the gymnasts they see are World-Class athletes. The skills that they perform are done by a handful of people. The risks at that level are certainly far greater than those of the average and even advanced gymnasts. A great percentage of our highest level gymnasts do come out of local clubs. Much of their success is attributed to the basic skills taught by their gymnastics program. Remember its not the what it’s the how, quality over quantity.

   So what does a parent look for in a club? The first thing is to ask questions. Does your local club have a good reputation- ask your friends. What kind of program is provided? Is there a program. Do the teachers teach or are they just baby-sitters. What are the qualifications of the instructors as well as the directors. we would like to quote the USAG Safety manual in the definition of a coach “is a teacher or instructor, trained in the scientific, technical, psychological, and conceptual dimensions of gymnastics, and responsible for guiding participants in the learning of gymnastics skills in a safe manner. Professional preparation, attendance at clinics, workshops and seminars, practical teaching and coaching experiences and former participation as a gymnast are some of the more common avenues for teacher training.” How does a parent know if the instructor is teaching in a “safe Manner? One way is to see if the staff is USAG Safety certified, are the instructors safety aware. What is a “safety aware” coach-it is a professional that promotes reasonable and prudent actions relative to safety measure in gymnastics. The two foremost responsibilities of a coach is 1. Education 2. Safety

   Is the coach teaching skills in a logical and progressive sequence, assuring mastery of skills before moving on to more advanced skills. Is the coach safeguarding the health and welfare of the gymnast? These are important factors in your child safely learning the sport. Gymnastics is not learned overnight, it’s a step by step process, give your child time-help teach them patience. As a parent be your child’s best advocate take the time to get information by asking questions.

   Also, visit and see the gymnastics facility, does it provide a safe environment. Some areas of concern should be : a) is equipment and matting properly spaced. B) How is the traffic flow is it chaos, or is it organized. C) Are there other activities going on simultaneously within the facility? D) Is the equipment appropriate for the level of gymnastics being taught. Although equipment selection is important, “it must never be considered a substitute for proper teaching and supervision of the program itself”

   There are many reputable gymnastic clubs throughout Long Island, but unfortunately there are some who seem to think you can open a gym-no experience necessary. Be careful, safety is important to your child’s development and well being.

   We hope some of these tips will help you choose the right school . after all gymnastics is a specialty, put your child in the hands of true professionals. Associate yourself with the best, come see us at Nassau Gymnastics Center.

Please feel free to contact us at :

Directors: Ruth and Karl Kopecky
Nassau Gymnastics Center
USAG Professional Members
USAG PDP II Accreditation
USAG Safety Certified
ASEP Certified
Former:
National USGSA Safety Certifiers
USAIGC Nationally certified
Coaches and Administrators