Covid19 – Frequently Asked Questions (updated 22.07.2020)

• Arabian will reopen on Monday 3rd August for our squad gymnasts.
• Arabian will reopen on Monday 10th August for our recreational gymnasts.
• We are in the process of implementing an online member registration and booking system to allow online booking for all recreational parents.
• Effective immediately all recreational classes will need to be paid for online via card payment.
  ALL RECREATIONAL MEMBERS SHOULD CANCEL THEIR EXISTING STANDING ORDER.
• Parents will be able to register and book classes online next week and you will receive emails directly for this.

• All parents and gymnasts will receive and need to sign a 1-page agreement that summarises and details the commitments and undertakings required of all parties.
• Parents are expected to notify Arabian if their children show/have any signs of COVID-19 (temperature, new or continuous cough, loss/change to smell/taste) and not bring them to the gym.
• Parents should educate their children to follow good respiratory hygiene: coughing and sneezing into elbow or tissue (catch it-bin it-kill it)
• All ‘Baby Gym’, ‘Open Gym’, Parties and Choreography sessions are currently cancelled.
• The changing facilities will be closed and locked with no access to staff or gymnasts, gymnasts are expected to arrive at the gym wearing their training kit and we suggest easy to remove shoes, such as sliders or flip flops
• We ask parents to take their children’s hoodies, jumpers and coats with them after dropping off.
• The reception area will not be open to parents – the doors to reception will remain closed.
• The chalk bowl will be removed from the gym – squad parents will be given a list of items required.
• The reception area has protective shielding installed and social distancing markers.
• Gymnasts will be collected / returned to parents at specific drop-off / collection points.
• Bletchley Leisure Centre have informed us that the viewing area will be closed. If access to this area changes, we are very happy for parents to view.
• There is a dedicated one-way entry and exit route into/out of the gym.
• All areas of the gym will have had all unnecessary equipment removed and have been deep cleaned and ‘fogged’ by a specialist cleaning company. The gym will be fogged every two weeks for the immediate future. The cleaning certificate will be available to parents electronically.
• Extensive work has been carried out in the gym to facilitate social distancing and for our recreational classes, the gym has been split into 7 distinct training zones, 4 for recreational gymnasts and 3 for squad gymnasts. Each zone has clear floor markings and separate entry and exit areas.
• Each zone is clearly marked on the floor and each zone has different coloured plastic floor mats to encourage separation. Each floor mat will be cleaned between classes.
• There will be a maximum of 4 gymnasts in each zone with their designated coach.
• Preschool classes (3- and 4-year olds) will have a maximum of 7 people in each zone (3 children each with one parent and their designated coach)
• Automatically dispensing hand sanitisers will be provided in reception for use prior to entry to the gym and in each of the gym zones. All staff, gymnasts (and parents in Preschool classes) will be expected and directed to use these prior to entry, throughout the classes and when finished.
• Where possible Arabian will try to schedule classes so that siblings can attend as part of the same group – this will not be used to increase the number of gymnasts within each zone.
• Class arrival and departure times will be staggered by 15 minutes, and strictly adhered to. This will reduce traffic in and out at any one time and remove ‘mingling’ with other groups.
• All coaches will be trained and educated on these procedures.
• Everybody entering the gym (gymnasts, staff and parents of toddlers) will be temperature checked on arrival at the gym and any with abnormally high readings will managed as per the separate FAQ on temperature checks.
• Face masks are not currently mandatory for anybody and anyone is welcome to wear these if they wish. Government guidance on this may change and face masks may become compulsory.
• Gymnasts and staff are welcome to wear ‘gym friendly’ gloves and socks if they wish but gloves are not mandatory as the World Health Organisation (WHO) advice is that it is preferable not to wear gloves but to regularly wash hands.
• Arabian will display Public Health England (PHE) or equivalent posters in the reception area and gym to inform gymnasts and staff of social distancing and cleanliness and hygiene protocols.
• Due to risks of cross contamination Arabian will not be selling water and each gymnast is expected to bring their own clearly labelled water bottle, for the same reason we will not be selling any goods during this time including leotards, clothing or hair scrunchies.

• Parents are expected not to bring their child to the gym if they show / have any signs of COVID-19
• In the event of any doubt as to the above, the ultimate decision to allow access to the gym will be at the sole discretion of the senior coach on duty at the time – and they will always err on the side of caution and act with the safety of the majority in mind.
• Given the need for social distancing and one-way traffic at the leisure centre and gym, arriving on time is critical.
• Parents (and ideally one parent) must arrive no more than 5 minutes prior the scheduled class time and wait with their child in the ‘drop-off’ area. This drop off area will be outside of the main turnstile to the leisure centre and parents and their children will be expected to socially distance.
• A parent / carer must wait with the gymnast until they have been collected by the coach – this is critical as their temperature will be taken prior to the coach escorting them to the gym. We understand this some gymnasts and parents are old enough to normally drop their children at the bus-stop/car-park and leave them, however in the event that gymnast shows a temperature and is not allowed access – we don’t want to have to call you back to collect them.
• At the designated class start time the coach will arrive at the ‘drop-off’ area to collect the gymnasts.
• Prior to escorting the gymnasts into the gym, the coach will be responsible for taking the temperature of each gymnast. Only gymnasts with temperatures lower than 38 will be allowed access.  (see separate procedure for temperature checking below)
• Parents will be able to view readings as they are taken (socially distanced in line with guidelines) and actual temperatures recording will not be retained or recorded.

• As per arrival, it is critical that parents arrive on time to collect their gymnasts. We are staggering class start and end times but also have to clean equipment between classes, so delays cause issues and waiting for parents to collect gymnasts isn’t fair on following groups.
• Parents must arrive no more than 5 minutes prior the scheduled class end time and wait for their child in the ‘collection’ area. This collection area will be located on the opposite entrance to the car park (near the rear main doors of the building, lift and multi-story car park).
• The coach will sanitise their hands and ensure all gymnasts do the same prior to leaving the gym for the collection point.
• Normally we would encourage parents to talk to their coach if they have any concerns, however talking in an open space that isn’t private means this isn’t possible. As our coaches have specific time slots to work with, even a 5-minute conversation has an impact on them cleaning the area for the next class.  If you are concerned about anything, please email the Reception@ArabianGym.com

in the first instance who will look into this for you and be in touch.  We will continue to record and are able to review CCTV footage where necessary to investigate any issues.

• Coaches already often stand at a 2m distance when observing a gymnast’s skills in order to analyse from different angles and to provide as much feedback as possible.
• The beam can be a more challenging piece for gymnasts and rather than the coach supporting the gymnast or holding their hand etc, we will use a large hoop held at arm’s length that goes around the gymnast’s waist for them to hold on to and feel supported balance. The hoops are wipeable.
• On bars, there is potential for older gymnasts to use gloves and straps (they will have to purchase and bring their own) to help physically keep their grip on the metal bars we will be using. This will be harder to implement for the younger children as the coach needs to be satisfied that the gymnast has attached their straps correctly, however younger gymnasts can work on more static strength skills on bars that will be invaluable to their skill progressions later on.
• Reduced gymnast to coach ratio means increased individual attention and skill steps and progressions have been broken down further than they would be with coach supporting.
• Reduced number of gymnasts allows time for more repetitions and therefore increased practise of individual skill elements.
• Progression through a skill is done at a steadier rate, so despite new skills taking a longer to learn, the end result of confidence and safety is the same as it would have been with physical support.
• We will continue and increase our use of suitable, cleanable training aids e.g. mats, blocks, wipeable hand apparatus (balls/hoops/poles), visual aids/cues, picture cards and increased verbal instructions, demonstrations from other gymnasts where appropriate and available and positive reinforcement.

• In the event that an emergency evacuation is required all coaches and gymnasts will exit in single file 2m apart (and in an orderly fashion), starting with gymnasts in zones closest to the fire exits, through the fire doors at the rear of the gym without collecting belongings including shoes.
• The receptionist will check that there is nobody in the toilet or ‘party’ / coach rest areas (the changing room will have been locked) before exiting.
• The normal fire evacuation procedure is to gather outside the front of the leisure centre at the front of the building and this will not change.
• Coaches will ensure gymnasts continue to socially distance whilst outside and if this requires ‘spreading out’ then we will do so as there is plenty of additional car parking space adjacent to the front of the building (near the offices / rear of the pub) and this space will be used if required, although it’s unlikely this will be necessary due to the reduced number of gymnasts.

• Our toilet facilities will remain open – but will only be used when gymnasts cannot wait!
• We encourage all parents to ensure their children go to the toilet prior to leaving for the gym.
• As the majority of classes are 45 minutes in length, it is hoped most children will be able to wait until they return home, however, we understand that some will inevitably be ‘caught short’ and in these instances the coach will send the gymnast via the 1-way system, through the rear of the reception desk, to the toilet.
• When the gymnast has finished, they will go to the gym door where they will be collected by their coach and rejoin their group.
• The toilet will then be cleaned and disinfected, including all hand and sink surfaces, by a dedicated member of the coaching staff. This dedicated member of staff will not go within 2m of the gymnast and will have no contact with them unless absolutely necessary.
• Whilst the gymnast goes to the toilet they will under the responsibility of the receptionist until they return into the gym.

• Arabian will continue rigorous cleaning procedures after each class. This will be the responsibility of the coach and all work areas will be left clean and tidy for the next class.   Coaches will be given training on how to clean equipment properly and this will be monitored by the senior coach on duty.
• Only equipment that is 2m apart will be used – this has been achieved by moving equipment to facilitate social distancing.
• Where equipment is cleaned after use this the date/time will be recorded on the ‘cleaning sheet’ by each work area by the coach who carried out the clean.
• Arabian will carry out ‘fogging’ of the entire gym on a two-weekly basis.
• If there is a COVID-19 case in the gym, Arabian will follow the PHE Guidance – COVID-19 –Cleaning in non-healthcare settings while deep cleaning all areas of the facility.
• Staff will carry out regular cleaning of high-contact touch points throughout the gym.
• All cloth mats within the gym have been covered or replaced with gym-safe plastic covers to facilitate easier wipe down.
• The trampette and beams also have protective covers that allow cleaning materials to be used effectively without this seeping into the material and damaging them.
• Touch points of equipment will be cleaned after use – this will be done by the coach using spray and cloths provided, this cleaning is in addition to the normal cleaning schedule.

• All staff are expected to remain socially distant at all times, including from each other, but also during lunch and breaks.
• All staff are not required to wear face coverings unless they wish to do so (or regulations change)
• Coaching staff are not required to clock in and clock out using the fingerprint reader.
• All staff will have their temperature checked on arrival at the gym for work.
• All staff will be given training on the new processes and procedures, where there is any form of uncertainty or situations not catered for, they must seek guidance from the Head Coach.
• The party area of the gym has been made available for coaches to rest, eat and drink.
• Coaches are also able to eat out where timing permits, including the leisure centre café if it is open or the downstairs office if they wish.
• When not eating out, coaches are expected to bring their own lunch and eating utensils (including knives/forks/spoons/plates etc) and take this home when finished to avoid all possibility of cross infection. All cutlery has been removed from the gym.
• Tap water and paper cups will be made available and are to be disposed immediately after use.
• The kitchen facilities in the gym or office cannot be used for any kind of food preparation.
• Coaches are expected to clean all areas and surfaces thoroughly and immediately after use.

• The current advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) dated 5th June 2020 recommends that non-medical, fabric coverings should be worn by anyone aged under 60 on public transport and in some enclosed work environments.
• The advice says face covering could provide “a barrier for potentially infectious droplets” in areas where “physical distancing of at least one metre is not possible”
• The WHO recommends people aged over 60, or anyone of any age with an underlying health condition, should wear a medical-grade mask in those environments.
• As all of Arabians gymnasts are under 60 and we will be adhering to social distancing, gymnasts and staff are not required to wear face coverings.
• Where parents request that their child wears a face covering this will be respected however the child will be required to wear the covering throughout the class and take it home with them for disposal.
• It is also important to note that WHO also state that there are increased risks even when wearing a face covering including, but not limited to:
  Potential of increased risk of self-contamination due to the manipulation of a face mask and subsequently touching hands and eyes with contaminated hands.
  2. Potential headache and/or breathing difficulties
  3. Potential development of facial skin lesions, irritant dermatitis or worsening acne.
  4. Difficulty communicating.
• Arabian may decide that children who wear masks may not be able to participate in all elements of the class – particularly because of the increased risk of the mask slipping and causing impaired vision or the risk of the mask being caught in apparatus.

• Although there may be heightened concerns around first aid, this will continue as normal with full PPE including gloves and masks are available to First Aiders for the provision of emergency first aid.
• Face masks will be provided to first aiders for all general first aid.
• Arabian now use ‘crackable’ single use ice packs replacing the reusable ice packs which risk cross contamination, gymnasts will apply these themselves.

The Resuscitation Council UK has provided specific guidance on CPR delivery, the full document can be found here: https://www.resus.org.uk/covid-19-resources/covid-19-resources-general-public/resuscitation-council-uk-statement-covid-19.  They provide the following statement for anyone performing CPR/defibrillation in an out-of-hospital setting.

“Whenever CPR is carried out, particularly on an unknown victim, there is some risk of cross infection, associated particularly with giving rescue breaths. Normally, this risk is very small and is set against the inevitability that a person in cardiac arrest will die if no assistance is given. The first things to do are shout for help and dial 999.”

Because of the heightened awareness of the possibility that the victim may have COVID-19, Resuscitation Council UK offers this advice:

• Recognise cardiac arrest by looking for the absence of signs of life and the absence of normal breathing.
• Do not listen or feel for breathing by placing your ear and cheek close to the patient’s mouth.
• If you are in any doubt about confirming cardiac arrest, the default position is to start chest compressions until help arrives.
• Make sure an ambulance is on its way. If COVID 19 is suspected, tell them when you call 999.
• If there is a perceived risk of infection, rescuers should place a cloth/towel over the victims’ mouth and nose and attempt compression only CPR and early defibrillation until the ambulance (or advanced care team) arrives. Put hands together in the middle of the chest and push hard and fast.
• Early use of a defibrillator significantly increases the person’s chances of survival and does not increase risk of infection.
• If the rescuer has access to any form of PPE this should be worn.
• After performing compression-only CPR, all rescuers should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water; alcohol-based hand gel is a convenient alternative. They should also seek advice from the NHS 111 coronavirus advice service or medical adviser.

• The purpose of temperature checking is to proactively identify anyone wanting to enter the gym with a high temperature reading which could indicate they are suffering from Covid-19 symptoms.
• Temperature checking will apply to all staff and gymnasts and prior to them entering the gym.
• Arabian will use a non-contact measurement device to complete temperature checks. Backup devices will be kept within the gym in the event of failure.
• The initial gymnast reading will be taken by the gymnast’s coach at the point the coach collects them from the ‘drop-off’ point prior to escorting them through the barriers and into the gym. Similar to the procedure for staff, if this reading is above 38 the parent and gymnast will be asked to remain in the drop off area for a further 5 minutes after which a second temperature reading will be taken.  If the second reading is also > 38 the gymnast will not be allowed enter through the turnstiles and will be sent home.  (We allow 5 minutes for the gymnasts to cool down as we understand they tend to run everywhere and warm up!)
• Parents will be able to view readings as they are taken (socially distanced in line with guidelines).  Actual temperatures are not retained or recorded.
• Details of those gymnasts or staff sent home will not be recorded on any system.
• The initial staff reading will be taken on arrival at work in the corridor directly outside the reception area by the receptionist on duty, if this reading is above 38 the staff member will wait in the corridor outside the gym for a further 5 minutes after which a second temperature reading will be taken. If the second reading is also above 38 the staff member will be sent home.
• Arabian have not previously taken temperature readings, however, the general practice of taking temperatures via a temperature gun is not novel and is well established.  In taking temperatures we have the wider global, public concern around Covid-19 issues factored into our approach. Temperature readings are solely intended to enable us, as far as we are reasonably able, to protect the health and safety of our gymnasts and staff.

• On the 18^th February this year we announced a price increase for all classes from 1^st April.
  This increase covered the increased labour costs due to the minimum wage as well as increased transaction costs for processing payments through GoCardless.
• What we have all experienced this spring has been unprecedented, and as a charity we must balance our need for funds with our responsibility to you – our members.
• Arabian will not be increasing the fees previously announced on the 1^st April
  Arabian are not recovering our significant reopening expenditure by increasing fees but hope to achieve this through fundraising when feasible.
• All fees are to be paid for in advance and online, there will be no cash or cash handling facilities.
• Although 1-hour class timings have reduced by 15 minutes and 2-hour classes have reduced by 30 minutes, all classes will have half the number of children per coach. Gymnasts will therefore receive double the individual coaches time.  As we’re running double the number of classes to cater for everybody our salary costs have effectively doubled.
• All recreational gymnasts will need to rebook their classes on the new club booking system, this will involve setting up a new direct debit and those that have not already cancelled their standing order will need to do so.
• All squad gymnasts will also be transferred to the new booking and payment system later this year, the exact date is yet to be determined but certainly prior to Christmas.
• The new booking system integrates with our accounting packages and this should lead to a significant reduction in administration time which ultimately will help offset some of these increased transaction/labour costs.

• All members are required to pay an annual membership of £30.00.
• As the club has been closed from March 20^th, depending on your renewal date some members will have paid for months they couldn’t use and will receive up to four months free to allow for this.
• For clarity see the membership fees payable table below.
• All members also pay a BG Block Registration or BG membership fee, due in October.
• The Arabian membership fee will now be charged annually in April.
  This is six months apart from the BG fees, our hope is this staggering makes it more affordable and as it’s all payable once per year it will reduce our administration.
• Membership will be charged per calendar month and commence on the first day of the month and expire on the last day of the month.
• There was previously a discount on the annual membership for those with siblings in the club and this was to be removed in stages commencing this April, given we were closed in April this has now be deferred to April 2021 to bring everything in line with the April renewal date.
• Sibling discounts have been removed with immediate effect to all new members.