Three months ago, we got the news that our doors would close indefinitely. No one really knew what that would mean for Twisters, the sport of gymnastics and our own day-to-day lives. There have been a lot of adjustments over the past three months and so much learning!
No doubt as you are thinking about returning to gymnastics and other ‘normal’ type activities in your life, you are having a multitude of feelings including excitement, anxiety and possibly apprehension. All very understandable given we have been in lockdown for three months and the COVID19 pandemic is not yet over. However, at Twisters we have put in place several measures to ensure that we all stay safe and can return to the sport we love.
You can expect energised coaches that are very excited to see you and your gymnasts back in the gym. In fitting in with the expectations of social distancing and keeping each other safe there will be some noticeable differences to the way we operate. These include:
- Coaches and gymnasts washing hands before and after classes.
- Coaches cleaning apparatus and equipment between classes, and during classes if required.
- Coaches will have individual bum bags which will contain cleaning and basic first aid equipment to ensure easy and quick access to anything required during a class.
- For at least the first few weeks, there will be fewer classes running in the gym at a time. This means that most coaches will be working less days than usual. Gymnasts could possibly have a different coach than they had prior to lockdown. All of our coaches understand that change can be difficult and will do their best to make everyone feel comfortable.
- Classes will be spaced out and activities carefully planned to ensure limited contact. For our Tiny Tornadoes 2-3 year old classes, gymnasts will continue to be supported by their individual adult carer. Gymnasts will be supported by their coach but spotting will be limited, and activities have been designed to not required assistance. Of course, safety of the gymnast will always be our top priority.
- Gymnasts are not required to socially distance (although it will be encouraged), but adults are. For any parents who are involved with their Tinies gymnast, there are velcro dots throughout the gym where you can wait at an appropriate distance for your gymnast’s turn.
- There will be no foam pit or ropes for the time being. We will still have fun activities up at the pit with mats on top of the foam which can be easily wiped down after each class.
- For the first time ever, Northcote classes will run as normal through the school holidays. This will give us all a good chance to settle back in rather than coming back for one week and then having another two-week break.
- Anyone – gymnast, carer, or coach – MUST stay home if they are feeling at all unwell.
Three months is a long time to be out of the gym so the first three weeks will be about remembering and practising our basic skills, as well as learning some new things. The focus will be on fun and settling in. We understand that some gymnasts might have big feelings about coming back after such a long break too, so whatever they are willing to have a go at will be good enough for us!
