Information

THE CLUB

Participate, Develop, Excel and Enjoy is at the heart of our club’s core values and our mission is to make the wonderful sport of gymnastics available and accessible to all.

RGC is governed by volunteer Directors with specific knowledge and experience within their roles. The Board of Directors must meet the following criteria: Independence of mind; Impartiality; Proven Business Acumen and Good Judgement.

The Business Manager is responsible for ensuring the efficient and safe day-to-day operations.

Our club has an experienced and committed team of coaches and staff. Working alongside British Gymnastics and statutory agencies, we ensure that safeguarding is prioritised and all our staff meet specific requirements to safeguard and protect. All our coaches have appropriate qualifications in the level they coach, AccessNI, safeguarding and first aid.

Become a Member

RECEPTION

The first point of contact at RGC is reception. We have 2 dedicated staff members that deal with the club’s communication, admin, membership and accounts.

Reception hours are:

Monday’s: 14:30 – 19:30

Tuesday’s: 16:00 – 18:00

Wednesday’s: 14:30 – 18:00

Thursday’s: 15:30 – 18:00

Friday’s: 14:30 – 19:30

Saturday’s: 09:30 – 12:30

(Please note that these hours may vary throughout the year).

You can contact reception: 028 9145 9346 or email: reception@rathgaelgym.org for most queries concerning general information about classes, times, fees, events, etc…

Facilities:

RGC is situated in Bangor Co. Down and at 14,500 square feet, it is the largest self-funded gymnasium in Northern Ireland. Our club has FIG approved apparatus for all gymnastics disciplines:

Beams, Asymmetric bars, Vault, High Bar, Rings, Parallel bars, Pommel horse, Tumble track, Foam pit, Competition floor, Trampoline, Practice floor, Selection of soft play equipment

We have 2 function rooms, 2 changing rooms (male & female), First Aid room, Storage room, 2 Offices and a viewing gallery.

Our facility is used for BG coaching courses & classroom training, birthday parties, private functions and training by other club’s.

MEMBERSHIP & FEES

You are required to fill out a membership form, with relevant information that we require about you and your child (See our Privacy Notice for more information).

RGC has an annual Club membership fee of £20 that is payable when you register. We rely greatly on membership fees which helps towards our admin costs. This fee is due per member and regrettably no discount or refund can be offered.

All members of the club must also have British Gymnastics membership. To register, please go on the British Gymnastics website: british-gymnastics.org and follow the instructions for ‘2022/23 membership Join or Renew’. Once you have registered with BG, you will receive a BG ref no which will link to our club.

BG membership and Club membership fee is due before your child attends a class. Other than the first ‘trial’ session, no child will be allowed to train without having BG membership and Club membership.

Our new gym year will be split into 4 terms of 8 weeks and 1 term of 9 weeks. There are gym closures over Christmas (2 weeks) and Easter (1 week). Please see our gym calendar on the notice boards for all the dates.

Communication:

News and information about the club will generally appear on the notice boards. We send out emails, a note with your child after class and post on Facebook. You can also choose to be part of our WhatsApp group. There are occasions when communication does not get to parents and we ask that you visit reception regularly to keep updated on current news. Please ensure that we have your correct email address and contact number to keep you updated throughout the year. We value our members feedback so please do not hesitate to get in touch via email, a phone call or a chat, should you have any queries, concerns or comments.

PHOTOGRAPHY

We do not publish any images or videos without written consent from the gymnast concerned. This is gained as part of our registration process. Personal information of the individual, other than their name and their club/class will not accompany the image

We have a strict policy of NO photography being allowed in the gym either by camera, mobile phone, video or other devices without permission being sought first. If you wish to take a photograph of your child or video a performance, please see his/her coach and arrangements can be made for this. It is not acceptable to take photographs etc. when other children are visible in the footage.

Speaking to your child’s coach

The coach will normally accompany your child to the Montgomery room after a class. If you need to speak to a coach, please take note that the coaches time is limited as they may have to get to their next class. If you need to have a longer discussion with the coach, please notify reception to arrange a meeting with the coach. We have a WhatsApp group that you can choose to join. Every class/Level will have their own chat where parents can be updated on information regarding their class.

SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN

Supervision of children not participating in gymnastics sessions is the sole responsibility of the parent/guardians. Children within the facility must be supervised at all times. The club will not accept any liability for injury caused to such children.

Parents who are waiting in the viewing gallery/Montgomery room with siblings are reminded to be respectful of others that are watching/waiting. Children may not climb up counters, mess about with the furniture and vending machines, draw on walls/furniture and notices in the waiting rooms. RGC has had some unfortunate incidents of children misbehaving and breaking furniture/fittings under their parent’s supervision. We have no choice but to enforce a strict rule that should your child misbehave, you will no longer be permitted to wait with your child in the viewing gallery/Montgomery room.