Supervision

• Constant visual supervision is required when students are attempting roll, tuck, and tumble moves for the first time.
• On-site supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.

NB: The Kids CanMove program promoted a non-spotting approach. Skills which require spotting should be left out of school gymnastics classes.

Instructional Considerations

• Headstands should not be performed, and minimals time on heads is recommended by the Kids CanMove program.
• Students must be instructed on safety related to gymnastics and associated apparatus prior to use.
• It is essential that mats on gym floors be placed as securely as possible and that students are aware the mats may slip.
• Emphasize teaching the fundamentals of agility, balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility.
• A teacher that is spotting on an apparatus is not providing adequate supervision to the rest of the class. Teachers should be free to observe the entire class to ensure that students display proper and safe conduct.
• The single most important gymnastic skill is the ability to fall and land safely.
• Encourage students to work within their own comfort zone.
• Teach students to be aware of personal and general space for activities space, and to watch for others at all times.

Skills that should not be performed:

• Inverted skills, without support. No saltos (flips).
• Hanging on bars without hand support. No hanging by knees only.
• Inverted skills from a springing device. No dive rolls from a mini trampoline.
• Vaults using mini trampolines.
• No headstands, very minimal time on heads is recommended.

Equipment/Facilities

• Appropriate gym attire should be worn. Students should be barefoot, or in indoor running shoes when acceptable.
• Under no circumstances should socks alone be worn during participation.
• Gymnastic mats should be used for floor work, tumbling and landing on feet from a controlled height.
• Encourage students to check mats regularly during activities.
• General utility mats should be placed to designate landing area.
• Equipment should be properly secured to floor/ceiling.
• Teacher should ensure sufficient space between each apparatus to allow free movement and sufficient space to dismount.