What do you do when you have an unsafe coach in your gym?
This is a more difficult question than it may seem on the surface. You obviously need to deal with the situation before someone gets hurt. Sometimes you are out in gym in the middle of your own group of gymnasts and can not get away. Deal with this as soon as you can.
Here are some basic rules
#1- The situation needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. No exemptions, no exceptions, no excuses.
#2- Bring this to the attention of your supervisor. Be specific. I have a rule in my gym, don’t come to me with a problem with out a potential solution. PROBLEM: A coach is being unsafe. POTENTIAL SOLUTION: Offer to show the coach better/safer ways to do it.
#3- Be nice. Explain why their situation is unsafe and how to correct it.
#4- Follow through. Next class or practice, see if this coach took your corrections. If they did, make sure you compliment them! If not- Go back to #1. Safety is everyones job.
WHAT MAKES A COACH “UNSAFE”?
There are eight basic duties that every coach must do.
1. Plan the activity
2. Supervise the activity
3. Provide proper instruction
4. Use proper apparatus and equipment
5. Provide appropriate emergency assistance
6. Know the gymnast!
7. Keep adequate records
8. Keep Informed and Educate yourself regularly
Every coach has an obligation to remove any hazard in the gym. Taken to the extreme- that hazard may be another coach.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF A COACH POINTS OUT A SAFETY ISSUE TO YOU ABOUT YOUR COACHING OR SET UP?
– BE A PROFESSIONAL. We all make mistakes and sometimes things slip through the cracks. Don’t take it person. Thank them, fix the situation, and move on.
