Important Announcement
Due to changes in the insurance coverage for gymnastics activities, Gymnastics BC insurance will no longer permit the use of trampolines during unstructured programs. As of July 1st, 2019 there will be no use of trampoline products, including but not limited to, trampolines, tumble track and mini-trampoline's during drop in and birthday parties
All trampoline apparatus will be closed during drop in and birthday party times with mats and signage, and this rule will be strictly enforced by supervising staff. Our air track and air spot devices will be set up and have been a great addition to the gyms equipment collection.
Trampoline products will still be open in all structured classes where proper safety and usage can be better monitored. We encourage everyone to take a class to stay bouncing and learn the amazing skills that bouncing teachers :)
Thank you for your corporation and understanding
Trampoline, Tumble Track and Mini Tramp Usage
As of July 1st, 2019 the following rules will be strictly enforced regarding usage of trampoline products:
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Use of trampoline, tumble track and mini tramp products will be prohibited in all birthday party and drop in
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Trampoline and all trampoline products may be used under the direct supervision of a certified trampoline coach, by registered members who are being taught trampoline in a controlled and structured class setting only
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Sport groups may be exempt with proof of additional trampoline insurance and permission of our insurance agent
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A trampoline liability sub-limit is in place for all structured recreational class use. Registration in Polarettes programming requires the acknowledgement and agreement to the following insurance liability sub-limit: Structured recreational programs (considered regularly scheduled programs over multiple weeks or multiple days in one week that teach progressive skill development) may use trampoline devices, however this area of programming comes with a liability sub-limit of $500,000 per occurrence with an annual total combined limit across all Gymnastics BC member clubs (Including Yukon and NWT) of $1,000,000.
During classes, the following rules are in place during use of trampoline products:
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Always listen to the safety instructions and rules set forth by the certified coach
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One at a time on the trampoline(s), including parents with children and young babies. Coaches may use spotting techniques that they have been professionally trained to perform to assist children
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Always safety stop and walk off the trampoline to exit the trampoline
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Absolutely no double flipping elements forward, sideways or backwards unless registered in a competitive trampoline program and supervised by an NCCP Level 3 Certified coach
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Follow all guidelines laid out in safety signs
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If the coach has closed the trampoline for any reason, please respect that the apparatus is closed unless the coach says otherwise
Behaviour Expectations at Gymnastics
Our club culture is safe, respectful training. All participants are expected to follow the rules of the club, respect themselves and others, and respect the facility. Our environment is open to mature and responsible adults, youth and families who do not put themselves or others at danger.
We have a zero-tolerance policy for unnecessary risk; There is a strict no double-flipping policy at drop in, parties or recreational programs. Those chucking skills, double flipping, or exhibiting dangerous or disrespectful behaviour will be asked to leave. Those appearing to be under the influence of any prohibited substance will be asked to leave and not return.
These rules are strictly enforced and we ask that all participants play a role in helping to keep our space safe and welcoming.
Common Questions
General Trampoline Rules
When did the limitations on trampoline usage go into effect?
The insurance limitations on trampoline usage went into effect on July 1st, 2019
Will there be an option to buy additional insurance for the use of trampoline at birthday parties, drop in or drop-in day camps?
No, there will not be an option to purchase additional insurance coverage for the use of trampolines in drop in, birthday parties, or drop-in day camps.
Does the limitation affect one-time non-members?
One-time non-members are not permitted to use trampolines.
What types of trampoline activities are now limited in gymnastics clubs?
What types of trampolines are subject to the insurance limitations?
Trampolines are defined as any rebounding apparatus that uses any form of bed-type surface, attached to a frame by springs or bungee cords; this includes, but is not limited to, competition trampolines, backyard trampolines, mini-trampolines, double-mini-trampolines, tumble tramps and fitness trampolines.
Are clubs allowed to use air tracks and bouncy castles?
Yes, inflatable devices (such as ‘air tracks’) are permitted.
Can we place safety mats on the trampolines and use them that way?
When the trampoline limitations apply, covering a trampoline device with a mat or air track still does not permit you to use the trampoline device, for rebounding or non-rebounding activities.
What is the liability sub-limit for structured recreational programs using trampoline devices?
Structured recreational programs (considered regularly scheduled programs over multiple weeks or multiple days in one week that teach progressive skill development) may use trampoline devices, however this area of programming comes with a liability sub-limit of $500,000 per occurrence with an annual total combined limit across all Gymnastics BC member clubs of $1,000,000 (recommended coverage is minimum $5,000,000).
Supervision
Who can teach on, or supervise trampoline activity?
This includes coaches who are Artistic Foundations, Comp 1, Comp 2, Level 3 or Level 4.
What is the minimum NCCP certification to teach trampoline?
Programming
What is the difference between a "structured" program and an "unstructured" program?
Are we liable if a drop in/birthday party participant disregards the rules and steps onto the trampoline and injures themselves?
Yes, clubs are liable if an above noted participant uses the trampoline. It is the duty of the club to make sure that these areas are off limits to participants and to ensure proper safety is met and protocol is being followed.
If the birthday participant is a registered member of the club, are they permitted on the trampoline?
No; if they are attending the facility as a birthday party participant, the insurance limitations on trampoline usage still apply. s.
Why are drop-in day camps included in the limitation?
A drop-in day camp is unstructured and does not teach progressive skill development
Are we allowed to use trampolines in school field trips?
Yes, if the field trip is run as a structured recreational program and all requirements are met, then use of trampoline devices is permitted. A field trip is a group that attends a GBC member club facility to receive introductory gymnastics training.
What is considered a cross training activity?
A cross-training activity involves sporting user groups such as skiers, hockey players, snowboarders, wake boarders, divers, etc. that utilize the facility of a full member club by way of a gym facility rental to enhance their training. GBC full member club coaches are not permitted to deliver any instruction.
What is the difference between a drop in camp and a gymnastics camp?
Drop In
How do I use my drop in punch pass?
Can I return my drop in punch pass?
No, all punch cards are final sale - no refunds or exchanges on punch cards. Punch cards do not expire. Punch cards cannot be replaced if lost or stolen
I forgot my punch pass, can I get into drop in anyway?
No, punch cards must be presented in person. Even if we know you have one, unfortunately the nature of a punch card is that we must physically punch it.
What are the behaviour expectations of drop in?
We have a zero-tolerance policy for unnecessary risk; There is a strict no double-flipping policy at drop in. Those chucking skills, double flipping, or exhibiting dangerous or disrespectful behaviour will be asked to leave. Those appearing to be under the influence of any prohibited substance will be asked to leave and not return.
What are the main rules of drop in?
All safety rules will be strictly enforced by our NCCP certified coaching staff.
May I use the trampoline at drop in?
No, use of trampoline devices is not permitted at drop in.
May I work on double salto/flips at drop in?
No, we do not permit practice of any double flips off rod floor, air devices or otherwise at drop in.
May child is 10 years old, are they permitted at family drop in?
No, for safety our family drop in is capped at an age limit of 9 years old.
Why was youth drop in cancelled?
Due to the new insurance limitations on trampolines, we determined that the risk to youth 10 to 17 was too high for us to continue to offer this service.
We are currently exploring options to continue a youth drop in in the future.
What age is pre-school drop in?
Children under 6 are welcome at pre-school drop in.
How many people are allowed in a drop in?
We cap drop in at a 25 child limit; additional children may be allowed if we have multiple supervising coaches staffed.
Birthday Parties
How many people are allowed at our birthday rental?
We can insure up to a maximum of 25 participants; this includes all parents or siblings who may go out onto the floor. We cannot accept more than that and they cannot "alternate" turns to exceed the limit.
Starting December 1st, all insured participants will be granted a wrist band upon their waiver entry. Only people with wristbands will be allowed on the equipment and this will be strictly enforced by our coaching staff.
How long is a birthday rental?
All birthday rentals are 2 hours long, please arrive a maximum of 10 minutes prior to your party
Who is responsible for cleaning up the kitchen area?
You are 100% responsible for ensuring you leave a clean space when you leave; our coaches will help whenever possible but they are primarily staffed to monitor the safe pratice of gymnastics activities.
Can I have extra time after my party for clean up?
No, all parties must be packed up and leaving the gym at the end of their 2 hour time slot.
Can we use the trampoline during party rentals?
No, use of trampolines is not permitted during birthday rentals. Our air track will be set up whenever possible for bouncing fun!
We want to have a pinata? Is this allowed?
No, pinatas are not permitted.
We are hosting a green event, can we use glass cups/containers?
No, we are sorry but glass items are not permitted due to the risk of shattering & our facility being a barefoot facility.
Can we have peanuts or nuts in the gym?
No, Polarettes is a nut-free facility.
Can we leave our decorations at the gym for the next people to use?
No, please take all decorations with you when you leave, it's unlikely "Susie, John and Alex" all want the same decor
We don't want to follow the rules, can we assume the risk and not follow them?
No. You will be asked to leave immediately and not refunded for your party if you fail to follow the gymnastics rules or coaches instructions.
Polarettes is a non-profit facility with the goal to provide a safe, respectful environment for our community to train at.
Participants who are disrespectful of others or our facility will be prohibited from renting our facility. We reserve the right to refuse service on the grounds of disrespectful behavior.
Can we work double flips at birthday parties?
No, double flipping forward, backward or sideways is NEVER permitted at Birthday Parties
Can I work wall flips at Polarettes parties?
No, Wall flipping is NEVER permitted in our club. Our walls are very thin and you WILL put a hole in the wall if you try a wall flip. Please respect this rule and our facility.
May we build forts with the equipment?
No, fort building or misuse of equipment is not permitted
Can we play soccer in the gym?
No, use of exercise balls or soccer balls is not permitted; objects flying through the air uncontrolled pose risk to people working on their gymnastics skills
Can we bring toys and nerf guns into the gym for parties?
No, misuse of the equipment and small objects are risks to people training in barefeet.
I have a child who's parent will not consent to their name being put on the waiver, can they still participate?
No, we require a waiver listing the names and emergency contract information of each participant to participate
What are the behaviour expectations at parties?
Can I reserve a party time and pay later?
No, all fees are due at the time of booking. Please ensure you are confident with your party date and time before proceeding with your booking.
I need to cancel my party, can I get a refund?
I need to switch my party date, how do I do that?