Welcome to Scottish Gymnastics Web Information Portal

Gymnastics is a wonderful sport for children, and can help them develop coordination, strength, balance, flexibility and so much more. It can also build self-esteem, and improve skills such as self-discipline and concentration. Plus, being a gymnast is a lot of fun!

Gymnastics evolved from exercises used by the ancient Greeks, which included skills for mounting and dismounting a horse, and from circus performance skills, much the same way as rodeo cowboys and bank robbers with no cars do today.

When to Start

Children can start in gymnastics as young as 18 months in a "Gym Ted’s" type of class with a parent. If your child is older (usually around age three or four), they are ready to be enrolled in a beginner gymnastics class. Gymnastics clubs vary, but usually classes are grouped by age, and as your child progresses in the sport, they will later be grouped by ability level.

10 Questions Parents / Guardians should ask before enrolling in a club

1. Are all of the coaches qualified and insured to the appropriate level?

2. Does your club have a child protection policy in place?

3. Does your club have a Child Protection Co-ordinator in place?

4. Has your club obtained the minimum recruitment checks for all those working with children? (i.e. self declaration & Criminal Records Check)

5. Have all coaches / helpers working with the children and young people attended child protection awareness training?

6. Does your club hold relevant medical information on each child and parent/guardian/emergency contact details?

7. Are there trained first aiders in place during training sessions?

8. Does your club provide adequate level of insurance for all members?

9. Does your club operate a sign in/out register for the children?

10. Are there procedures in place for reporting any issues or concerns?