Frequently Asked Questions

Turn up ready to train: all gymnasts work in bare feet and wear a leotard or shorts/leggings and a t-shirt. Other items such as jeans, skirts and school wear aren’t suitable for any part of the session, and socks aren’t suitable as they can slip on the apparatus. All piercings, jewellery and watches need to be removed before the start of class — newly pierced ears can be taped up prior to class for up to six weeks. If jewellery or earrings aren’t removed, your Scottish Gymnastics Insurance is invalid, and it isn’t the coach’s responsibility to look after any valuables. Long hair should be tied back to prevent it interfering with movements, getting caught in equipment, or obstructing a gymnast’s vision.

Our recreational classes are mainly grouped by age, with children grouped by ability within the class where possible. We also understand that friends may want to train together, so we do our best to accommodate this where we can.

Our younger squad classes are generally grouped by age; as gymnasts get older and progress, groups become more focused on their individual level and the grades or competitions they’re working towards, so they can train alongside others at a similar stage of development and work towards appropriate goals.

Yes! Our recreational classes are open to beginners of all ages. Whether your child is completely new to gymnastics or has some previous experience, we have classes to suit different ages and abilities. We now also have an adults class too listed on our Book a Class section

Yes, there is a pathway! We regularly monitor the progress of our recreational gymnasts and hold testing days to identify opportunities for progression. Gymnasts can progress through our recreational pathway, working towards in-house levels and certificates, with opportunities to move into Floor & Vault or our Competitive Squad as they develop their skills and confidence. We aim to make sure every gymnast has the opportunity to progress at a level and pace that is right for them.

There is an increased expectation in terms of commitment to attend sessions, including holiday training where possible. Gymnasts are encouraged to take ownership of their gymnastics development and should also want to actively take part in competitions

For classes costs and booking please follow the link to our booking system Class For Kids – https://agc.classforkids.io/

Yes — there is a £20 club membership fee, and gymnasts are also required to hold Scottish Gymnastics Insurance, which covers them while training in the gym. The Scottish Gymnastics (SG) membership and insurance year runs from 1st September for 12 months; you’re required to register your gymnast via the British Gymnastics gateway (Scottish Gymnastics uses the British Gymnastics registration system): https://register.british-gymnastics.org/gymnet/register/registerstart. The costs are: Pre-school £18, Recreational £24, Competitive £60.

We run 4 terms a year:

Term 1 (August–October): 24th August – 10th October, 7 weeks
Term 2 (October–January): 27th October – 16th January, 10 weeks
Term 3 (January–April): 18th January – 27th March, 10 weeks
Term 4 (April–June): 12th April – 26th June, 9 weeks

Please e-mail auchterardergym@gmail.com and we aim to reply within 3-5 days as the office is staffed on a part time basis

You can park anywhere in the school car park but the easiest is to follow the signs to the overspill carpark at the school and it will bring you to the gymnastics hall. Then walk around the left of the gym building, you will see the door where there is a bell to ring and someone will open the door – if you put the following into the my three words app it will take you right there expiring.wooden.isolated.

We have an open-door policy allowing parents to watch, but this needs to be arranged with the coach in advance as we don’t have space or seating for all parents to stay and watch — an exception is made for children with anxiety during their first couple of weeks. We also hold parents’ open viewing sessions throughout the year.

Turn up ready to train — see “What should my child wear to their first class?” above for full kit details (bare feet, leotard/shorts & t-shirt, no jewellery, hair tied back)

If the School gets closed then this usually means we are also closed. This is announced on social media and local radio station

Yes. All of our coaches hold British Gymnastics qualifications at the appropriate level for the gymnasts they coach. In addition, all coaches hold a valid PVG membership and have completed the relevant safeguarding training, ensuring that our gymnasts are coached in a safe, professional and supportive environment

British Gymnastics membership, registered via the British Gymnastics gateway

We adopt the Scottish Gymnastics Child Wellbeing & Protection Policy and Guidance. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact our Child Protection Officers, Allyson Baird or Nicola Kennedy, at safeguardingAGC@gmail.com

You can read our full safeguarding policy at www.scottishgymnastics.org/policies/safe-sport

Yes please speak to Fiona (head coach) if you are interested in volunteer coaching please note you would require a PVG and safeguarding certificate