HOME OF THE CHAMPIONS
POLICIES & PROTOCOLS
Gymnastics Mississauga (the “GM”, “we”, “our”, “us”) recognizes the importance of your right to privacy and wants you to be familiar with how we collect, use, and disclose any personal information that individually identifies you (e.g. name, phone number, email address).
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our website (the “Site”) and our programs and services (the “Services”). This Privacy Policy outlines the terms and conditions you agree to when using our Site and Services. We will only collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
By using our Site and Services and supplying your personal information, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy, and you agree and consent to the collection, use, disclosure and other processing of your personal information as outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Site or Services or supply your personal information to us.
1. What Personal Information Do We Collect?
Personal information means any information about an identifiable individual. Anonymous Data means data that is not associated with or linked to any individual’s personal information or will not easily permit the identification of individuals. GM does not consider personal information to include Anonymous Data.
The types of personal information that we may collect include, but are not limited to:
- your name;
- your title;
- your address;
- your phone number;
- your email address;
- your IP address; and
- personal information you give us that we did not request (such as personal information you voluntarily put into an email to us).
2. Purposes for Collecting Your Personal Information
We collect, use and disclose your personal information in order to provide you with our Services. We also collect, use and disclose your personal information to comply with legal and regulatory requirements and as otherwise may be permitted or required by applicable laws. We will only use the personal information that we collect for the purposes for which it was collected. Specifically, we collect your personal information for the following purposes:
- to provide you with our Services as requested by you;
- to establish and maintain responsible relationships with our participants, members, donors, parents/guardians, staff and volunteers;
- to manage, develop and enhance GM operations, programs and services;
- to acknowledge gifts, issue tax receipts, and other administrative requirements including information requests;
- to process and collect fees for service;
- to assess participant needs;
- to conduct participant satisfaction research;
- to determine program, service, employment or volunteer eligibility;
- to provide safe and secure GM environments;
- to share impact stories of our participants, members, donors, parents/ guardians, staff and volunteers;
- to collect data for statistical purposes;
- for administration, management, strategic planning, decision-making, research, and allocating of resources within the GM;
- for fundraising and advertising;
- to respond to your questions that you send by email or through our Site;
- subject to applicable law, to provide you with newsletters and articles to notify you about other programs and services provided by GM, which may be of interest to you;
- to customize the appearance of the Site and Services displayed to you;
- to obtain your feedback regarding our Services, including through surveys;
- to track behavioural information on the Site to serve similar content upon future visits;
- to improve the Site and help us develop new services, apps, tools and Site features; and
- to meet any legal or regulatory requirements.
3. When Do We Collect Personal Information?
We may collect your personal information when you voluntarily provide it to us by using our Site or Services. For example, we may ask you to provide personal information if you:
- use our Site or our Services;
- make a donation through our Site or otherwise;
- register, update, create or sign in to an account on our Site and our Services;
- send us a question or comment by email, social media or phone;
- post comments or other content on our Site or Services;
- register to receive newsletters, articles, and updates about our Services; and
- otherwise participate in features of our Site or our Services that ask for personal information.
In the case of donations, personal information is collected to facilitate the recording of your gift. Our on-line donation processing is secure. The security certificate may be viewed by clicking on the security log on the bottom of each secure page.
Any personal information posted, used or disclosed on a Facebook page, Twitter page, LinkedIn page, Instagram page, YouTube page or other social networking page or site is subject to that website’s privacy policy, and is not subject to this Privacy Policy.
4. Limiting Collection of Personal Information
We limit the collection of personal information to that which is necessary to fulfill the purposes identified in this Privacy Policy and we collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
As much as possible, staff and volunteers will collect personal information directly from you. Personal information may be collected from other sources with your prior consent.
5. Use, Disclosure, and Retention of Personal Information
Your personal information will not be used without your consent for purposes other than those for which it was collected or in accordance with applicable laws. From time to time, we may wish to use personal information for new or additional purposes, in which case we will amend the Privacy Policy to include these new or additional purposes and will obtain your consent through your continued use of our Site and Services.
To help safeguard your privacy, we will consider using non-identifiable information, such as coded or Anonymous Data that does not identify you whenever possible. We may generate Anonymous Data from personal information collected through the Site and Services by removing information that makes the data personally identifiable to an individual. We may use this Anonymous Data and aggregated data for any reasonable purpose and disclose such data to third parties in our sole discretion.
We may use and disclose your personal information to service providers, data processors and other third parties (“Third Parties”) under the following limited circumstances:
- to service providers that help with our operations, Site and Services including, without limitation, for customer services, monitoring and analyzing Site activity, and operating and maintaining the Site. Such service providers and partner companies may only use your personal information for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy;
- when necessary to protect our safety, property or other rights, our representatives, customers and users of the Site, including to detect and prevent fraud;
- if we sell or transfer all or a portion of our business or assets to a related company or a third party. Your personal information will remain subject to any pre-existing Privacy Policy unless you agree to the privacy policy of the company or third party that acquires your personal information;
- with your consent; or
- when otherwise required or permitted by law.
In certain circumstances, personal information can be collected, used or disclosed without your consent. For instance, GM may disclose personal information without your prior knowledge or consent:
- to a lawyer or other legal representative of the GM;
- to a government body or agency in certain circumstances;
- to collect a debt, or comply with a subpoena, warrant or other court order; or
- in circumstances otherwise required or permitted by law.
We retain your personal information only for as long as we need it to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected (including as required by contract with a funding partner) or as required by law.
GM will maintain schedules for records retention and destruction, which apply to personal information that is no longer necessary or relevant for the identified purposes for collection, or required to be retained by law or under contract. Such information shall be securely destroyed, erased or rendered anonymous.
6. Data Processors in Other Country
As discussed in Article 5, we may engage Third Parties to perform certain services on our behalf and to otherwise provide the Services. These Third Parties may store, process, and transfer personal information on servers located outside of Canada in jurisdictions whose data protection laws may differ from those of Canada, such as the United States of America. As a result, personal information may be subject to access requests from governments, courts, or law enforcement in those jurisdictions according to the laws in those jurisdictions. For example, information may be shared in response to valid demands or requests from government authorities, courts and law enforcement officials in those countries. Subject to applicable laws in such other jurisdictions, we will use reasonable efforts to ensure that appropriate protections are in place to require our Third Parties to maintain protections on personal information that are equivalent to those that apply in Canada.
7. Links to Other Sites
Our Site may contain links to other sites that are independently owned and operated by third parties. These other sites may have their own privacy policies and are not governed by this Privacy Policy. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of any sites owned and operated by any third parties. Other sites may collect and treat information collected differently, so we encourage you to carefully read and review the privacy policy of each site you visit.
8. Cookies, Web Beacons and Other Similar Technology
As you interact with our Site, we may use automatic data collection technology and services that record and collect information that identifies your computer, tracks your use of our Site and collects certain other information about you and your surfing habits. This data collection technology may include cookies, web beacons and other similar devices on this Site to enhance functionality and navigation for our visitors. This technology does not personally identify you or extract any information from your computer. Data that would personally identify you is known only when voluntarily submitted.
A cookie is a small data file that is placed on the hard drive of your computer so that your computer will “remember” information when you visit a site. Web beacons and tags are small strings of code that are used in conjunction with a cookie and allow us to record activity on our Site. Internet tags, graphic tags, and similar web beacon type functions allow us to count the number of users who have visited a particular web page or to access certain cookies. We may use web beacons on this Site to count users and to recognize users by accessing our cookies. Being able to access our cookies allows us to personalize our Site and improve your experience at our Site. We may also include web beacons in HTML-formatted email messages that we send to determine which email messages were opened.
Information tracked through these mechanisms includes, but is not limited to:
- your IP address;
- the type of web browser and operating system being used;
- the pages of the Site a user visits; and
- other sites a user visited before visiting our Site.
We may also employ cookies and action tags (also known as single-pixel gifs or web beacons) to collect information about your use of, and activities on, our Site for our use but also for use by third parties that serve advertisements about GM on other sites you may visit. For instance, we may use third-party service providers, such as Google AdSense or AdWords, to serve advertisements on our behalf across the Internet. These advertising service providers may collect information about your visits to our Site, and your interactions with our services. In addition to the information about your visits to our Site, such advertising service providers may also use the information about your visits to other sites to target advertisements for services available from GM.
You can set your internet browser up so that you are notified when cookies are stored, you can decide in each individual case whether you want to accept cookies, or you can refuse to accept any cookies. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may be restricted in how you are able to use our Site. You can delete cookies that are already stored on your hard disk at any time. You will find more details on how to do this in the operating guide for your Internet browser program.
As described above, you may be able to set your browser to refuse cookies. If you refuse cookies you may still receive online advertising, but it may be less personalized.
9. Third-Party Analytics
Our Site uses third-party analytics services such as Google Analytics, a web analytics service of Google, Inc. (“Google“).
Google Analytics uses “cookies” to analyze how you use our Site. The information generated by the cookie about your use of our Site (including your IP address) is sent to a Google server in the U.S. and stored there. Google will use this information to evaluate your use of our Site, compile reports on Site activity for our Site operators, and to provide other site activity-related internet services. Additionally, Google may transfer this information to a third party when required by law or in the case of third-party processing information on Google’s behalf. In no case will Google use your IP address in connection with any other information held by Google. You can set your internet browser to prohibit the installation of cookies, although we must point out that some features and functions of our Site will then be unusable. By using our Site, you consent to the processing of data about you collected by Google in the manner described and for the above-mentioned purpose. The consent for collection and storage of data can be withdrawn at any time in the future by clicking on the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en. Given the debate concerning the use of analytical tools using full IP addresses, we wish to point out that our Site uses the “Anonymize IP” function of Google Analytics which works with a shortened form of IP addresses to avoid direct personal identification.
Furthermore, we use the cookies to carry out frequency assessments, page usage assessments, and marketing assessments. For the aforementioned assessments, we utilize this cookie information without a link to your personal information, so it is completely anonymous.
10. Security
All staff and volunteers with access to information are required, as a condition of employment or volunteer role, to respect the confidentiality of personal information and protect personal information in their control (regardless of format) against such risks as loss or theft, or unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, modification or destruction, through appropriate security safeguards.
Safeguards may include physical measures (such as locked doors or locked file cabinets), organizational measures (such as staff training, limited access, and security clearances), and technological measures (such as passwords and anti-virus software for computer systems).
Any personal information that you provide to us through our Site is exchanged on a secure server. Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. As a result, while we are committed to protecting your personal information, we cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you provide to us.
Personal information shared with a third party for processing shall be protected through contractual agreements with requirements for confidentiality and appropriate safeguards.
11. Payment Information
We do not collect any payment information from you. We use commercially reasonable efforts to select an appropriate company to maintain the confidentiality and security of your payment information. When you make a donation on our Site, you will be directed to a third-party provider website. At present we use SafeSave Payment Services
SafeSave Payment Services will collect payment information directly from you, such as your credit card numbers and expiration dates, and any other bank account information and personal information necessary to process your payment (“Payment Information”). GM and SafeSave Payment Services will send emails to you regarding the processing of your online payment. Your use of SafeSave Payment Services is governed by the agreement between you and SafeSave Payment Services. If you have any questions or concerns about your payment information or your agreement, please contact SafeSave Payment Services at 1.800.220.8611 or https://www.safesave-payments.com/.
12. Individual Access and Accuracy of Personal Information
You may request access to your personal information which we may hold by contacting us at the contact information set forth below, and we will respond within the time periods provided for under applicable laws. We will need to verify your identity before providing you with the personal information we hold about you. There is no cost for such access request unless you require copies of records. We may not be able to provide you with access to your personal information if the information cannot be separated from the personal information of others, cannot be disclosed for reasons of security or commercial confidentiality, or is protected by legal privilege. If we cannot provide you with access to your personal information, we will advise you of the reasons access is being denied, unless we are prohibited by law from doing so.
You may request to update and change your personal information at the contact information set forth below. We shall endeavor to correct or complete any personal information which you advise us is inaccurate or incomplete. Where appropriate, the amended information shall be transmitted to third parties having access to such information. A statement of disagreement will be attached to records where a requested amendment cannot be made. If you have any concerns about how your Payment Information is stored, please contact SafeSave Payment Services at 1.800.220.8611 or https://www.safesave-payments.com/.
13. Children’s Privacy
We are committed to protecting the privacy of children and we do not knowingly solicit personal information from children under the age of 13. If a child has already provided us with personal information, their parent or guardian may contact us for the purpose of deleting this information.
14. Electronic Communications
We comply with Canada’s anti-spam legislation (CASL) and we will not send you electronic communications in contravention of this law. As part of signing up to receive our Services, you may have also opted in to receive email communications from us. If you opted-in to receive such communications, we may use the information to communicate with you regarding our Services, provide you with other information that you request, and/or improve our service offerings.
You will always have the opportunity to “unsubscribe” from receiving any of our email or other communications at any time and we will ensure that our emails include instructions on how to unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive future emails from us. We provide an ongoing opportunity to unsubscribe or opt-out of contact by us by accessing our Site or by email to [email protected] or at the following telephone number: (905) 270-6161.
If you decide to unsubscribe, we will only contact you (i) for the purposes allowed under applicable law; (ii) to send you notices of changes to our Privacy Policy; or (iii) to receive Service-related messages.
15. User Content in Comments, Chat Rooms, and Message Boards
If you post comments on the Site (such as commenting on a blog post) that may be available on our Site from time to time, you should know that when you voluntarily disclose your personal information on our comment boxes or other interactive areas where personal information can be posted, the information can be collected and used by other internet users. This may result in unsolicited messages from other posters or parties. We undertake no obligations as to the security of information you voluntarily post in comment sections of our Site or in other interactive features of our Site. Please refer to our Terms of Use to understand your obligations when providing your own content (referred to as “User Content” in our Terms of Use).
16. Terms and Conditions
Our Site is owned by GM. Any images, graphics, multimedia or content is copyrighted by GM and may only be used in the manner provided for in the terms and conditions outlined throughout this Privacy Policy. In addition, our Site contains names, logos, trademarks, service marks, and other intellectual property which are the property of GM and may not be used for any purpose without the express written consent of GM. We will permit you to download or photocopy material displayed on our Site for your non-commercial personal use. However, any content or graphics extracted must prominently display copyright and other proprietary notices.
17. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to change or replace this Privacy Policy at our sole discretion at any time. Please check back from time to time to ensure that you are aware of any updates or changes to this Privacy Policy. We will post the most current version on our Site and we will indicate the date this Privacy Policy was last revised at the top of the page. Your continued access or use of this Site after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the Privacy Policy as revised.
18. Your Consent to the Terms of this Privacy Policy
By using our Services and providing us with your personal information, you agree that we may collect your personal information and you voluntarily consent to the collection, use, disclosure, and transfer of your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Site or our Services or provide us with any personal information. If you do not understand the nature, purpose, and consequences of us collecting, using, and disclosing your personal information, please do not use our Site or our Services or provide us with any personal information, and contact us at the contact information set forth below so that we can address your questions or concerns.
Subject to legal and contractual requirements, you may refuse or withdraw your consent to certain of the purposes identified in this Privacy Policy at any time by contacting us at the contact information set forth below. If you refuse or withdraw your consent, you acknowledge that we may not be able to provide you or continue to provide you with certain services or information which may be of value to you.
20. Accommodations for Disabilities and Special Needs
Please be sure to contact the recreational administrator at [email protected] and advise the of your Child’s accommodation requirements(s) so that the Club can explore what accommodations, if any, may be provided to ensure your child has the best experience possible.
21. How to Contact Us
We welcome your feedback. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about this Privacy Policy, or would like to do any of the following:
- see your personal information that you have already sent us so that you can correct, update or delete it from our files;
- if your child under 13 has used this Site and sent us personal information, delete that personal information from our files;
- ask that we not send you electronic communications or otherwise contact you; or
- report any violation of this Privacy Policy,
you may speak to our staff and volunteers by contacting us by phone or email:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 905-270-6161
If your concern or complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can contact our designated Privacy Officer “‘Mailene Palad'” [email protected], who will investigate your concern and try to resolve it. You will be asked to provide the following information, in writing:
- your name;
- an address, email, phone number or fax number where we can reach you;
- the nature of your complaint, including relevant details and what you would like GM to do; and
- the name of any GM staff or volunteers with whom you have already discussed the issue.
We will endeavour to get back to you promptly.
When you register you are required to enter an e-mail address and password. The combination of that e-mail account and password is used to ensure that you have access to and can modify your personal information through Gymnastics Mississauga’s Members Portal. Gymnastics Mississauga staff will also have access to your personal information to manage, process, administer, and for verification purposes on your account and membership.
Gymnastics Mississauga will access your personal information and/or share it with third parties for the following purposes: (i) to provide, improve or better our services; (ii) to affiliated organizations for competition-related activities; or (iii) if required to do so by law.
Please contact the office if you have any questions or wish to update or remove any of your personal information. Subject to certain restrictions, you may withdraw your consent at any time and, in doing so, you are aware that Gymnastics Mississauga may not be able to provide you with services.
The following are Gymnastics Mississauga’s policies and protocols. It is essential that you read and understand this document as detailed policies and protocols will govern our relationship. References to “I” and “you” mean either yourself or the student(s) you are registering if those student(s) are under the age of 18 years old. By selecting the “I’ve read the above and agree” checkbox, you acknowledge and agree that you are signing this agreement electronically and that this electronic signature is the legal equivalent of your manual signature.
By selecting this checkbox, you are further acknowledging that (1) you have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document and (2) have read and understood it and agree to be bound by its terms.
• To facilitate the enrolment process for our members, we do not have terms or sessions. Enrollment is on-going, year-round.
• AS THERE NO TERMS OR SESSIONS, ONCE ENROLLED WE WILL CHARGE YOU MONTHLY UNTIL NOTIFIED THAT YOU WISH TO UNENROLL. To unenroll, you must email us at [email protected] by the 15th of the month to avoid paying for the following month.
• Please note that for all camps (including Summer, Winter and March) and PA days you will have the ability to register by either the daily, weekly, or monthly term desired.
• You may start or stop at any time or switch classes subject to availability.
• You are financially responsible for your monthly classes until you unenroll, regardless of attendance.
• Tuition is charged monthly on the 20th for the following month of classes.
• The Tuition is based on the number of classes per month.
• Student(s) must be the correct age for the selected program within thirty (30) days before the first class’s start date.
• Class transfers are permitted up to two (2) weeks into the start of the month or registration, provided space is available. Class transfers are not transferrable amongst students and apply only to account holders.
An annual Administration Membership Fee is applied to each student at any class or camp and includes a Gymnastics Ontario Membership Fee.
• Registration is valid between July 1 and June 30 of each calendar year.
• The Membership Fee is non-refundable and is not eligible for pro-ration.
• The Membership Fee must be paid in full at the time of registration.
• We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Debit
Recreational Program(s):$48.50,
Competitive Program(s):
Interclub/Pre-Comp $155.00
Provincial $295.00
National $410.00
• If you are registering for camps/classes that begin after July 1, 2024, the student MUST pay the Membership Fee of $48.50,
forJuly 1,2024 – June 30,2025
• Additionally, a seasonal non-resident of Mississauga fee of $10 is required for every non-resident student. This fee is non-refundable.
• Payment for all programs, classes, camps, or events is to be made in full upon registration. For recreational and competitive programs, payment in full must be made at the beginning of each month.
• Classes/camps are subject to cancellation and/or rescheduling.
• NO REFUND WHATSOEVER WILL BE PROVIDED FOR CLASSES, CAMPS, EVENTS, PROGRAMS OR LESSONS THAT ARE POSTPONED OR CANCELLED. YOU WILL HOWEVER BE ELIGIBLE FOR AN ACCOUNT CREDIT WITH NO EXPIRATION DATE.
• Due to scheduling commitments and limited availability, there are NO REFUNDS once registered for any of our Camps (including Summer, Winter and March) or PA days. You may, however, transfer to another class or program, or request a (non-refundable) credit, but must provide at least two weeks’ notice in writing to the Club prior to the commencement of the respective camp or PA day
• A $25 fee will be charged for each and every NSF, declined or late-payment.
• Any classes are non-refundable.
• GM reserves the rights to cancel your tuition/enrollment at any time. Subject to provision(s) immediately below, in the event of cancellation you shall be entitled to a pro-rated credit or refund.
• GM may also cancel your tuition/enrollment if you engage in any conduct of behavior (including acts and/omissions) that breach GM’s Code of Conduct and/or By-Laws, and/or for inappropriate behavior as determined in their sole discretion (“for cause” cancellation). In such case disciplinary measures may be implemented up to and including cancelation. If GM suspends and/or cancels a membership for cause, you are not entitle to any credit or refund.
• Gymnastics equipment may only be used under coach supervision.
• Food and drink are not permitted in the gym, except for water.
• No food products made of or containing peanuts/nuts are permitted at the gym premises.
• Street shoes must be removed and left in the change room before entering the gym.
• Only students and staff may enter the gym. Parent & tot, tumbling toddlers, and all baby programs are excepted. Viewing areas are available.
• Gymnastics Mississauga reserves the right to terminate membership at any time subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Membership Agreement and Gymnastics Mississauga Handbook.
• There are no refunds or discounts for members vacationing during the season, including during the summer and March break.
• We do not offer makeup classes, refunds, or credits for any missed classes.
• We will apply a fee of $45 for each instance when your children are picked up late, starting from the second occurrence onwards.
• A $10.00 late charge will also be added for every 5 minutes you are late. If you are late more than 30 minutes without notice the Club will contact child services, and regardless of notice, shall suspend your child’s training for 10 days.
• Coaches, class times & age range are subject to change based on availability and demand.
I understand and agree that these procedures will change and evolve over time and that I will follow any new standards required by the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario, and/or Gymnastics Mississauga. I understand that everyone at the gym will make the best efforts to maintain social distancing guidelines. However, despite these best efforts, there may be times when incidental or close contact may occur. I am aware and agree that spotting is an essential part of training and required for the gymnast’s safety to prevent injury. I, therefore, consent to having my child/children be spotted when and where necessary.
Participants/Athletes, Staff and Coaches
• For Recreational Programs and Camps:
o Please do not be late for training. Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled class start time.
o Participants should enter through the main doors according to their assigned times.
o Please wait to ensure that your child/children has/have entered the gym doors before you leave. Please do not drop off and go. Also make sure to pick-up your
child/children at the gym door.
o When entering the Gym the participants will be directed to the change rooms where they will leave their belongings.
NOTE: Parents will not be allowed to come into the gym unless they are a participant of the kinder and/or mini-gym classes.
o Dress Code: T-shirts, Shorts, leggings, sport pants, leotards (optional), athletes will be bear feet inside the gym. We recommend hair in a ponytail, no jewelry for
safety purposes.
o Participants should bring a water bottle.
o A coach/staff will bring the kids to Gym Entrance after the class/camp is finished. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the gate locations. Please note that due
to the heavy traffic in the Paramount Fine Food Centre and for general population safety, we will no longer be able to bring them to the Entrance C, gate 3. The
dismissal will be from the downstairs main Gym Entrance.
• Everyone is encouraged to practicing regular hygiene (e.g., washing hands thoroughly and regularly or using hand sanitizer). The water fountain will be allowed only to fill up your water bottle.
• Practicing respiratory etiquette (e.g. covering your mouth while you cough).
• Snacks and lunches will be done by cohort(s), keeping up with the physical distancing guidelines.
•Athletes will need a cinch bag or a small backpack for snacks and lunch. Kids will be assigned a coach and room for their stay to maintain social distancing.
• Items to include in your bag: extra-masks; hand sanitizer; water bottle; 2 snacks; lunch; change of clothes; and long sleeve shirt or sweater for the movie in the gym.
• Camps will run for a minimum of one week consecutively maintaining consistent cohorts. Cohorts will be to a maximum of 10 campers at one time.
• Please make sure to screen your child/children for Covid-19 symptoms and do not send sick kids to the classes/camps. They will be sent home. Staff will maintain the confidentiality of any person confirmed infected with Covid-19.
• GM will be taking pictures of the participants during classes from time to time. These pictures may be used for promotional material for the club, including but not limited to our website, social media, newletters, etc.
Anti-Bullying and Child Protection Policies
Enclosed within this section is:
i. Definition of Bullying
ii. Policy Statement
iii. Indicators of Bullying
iv. Code of Conduct
v. Reporting Bullying
1.0 DEFINITIONS
Provincial legislation defines bullying as a repeated aggressive behaviour where the behaviour is intended to have the effect of, causing harm, fear or distress to another individual. Bullying can take many forms, including physical, psychological, social or harm to an individual’s reputation or property. The bullying may also create a negative environment for an individual. Bullying may occur in a relationship where there is a real or perceived power imbalance including but not limited to factors such as size, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and religion.
Cyberbullying occurs when a student engages in bullying behaviour electronically, and includes activities such as: creating a web page or a blog while pretending to be someone else; impersonating another person as the author of posted content or messages; communicating material or messages to more than one person intended to cause a person harm; or posting material or messages on an electronic platform (such as but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc) that can be accessed by one or more persons and intended to cause a person harm.
Harassment is any vexatious behaviour that is known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be unwelcome and that:
i. Takes the form of repeated conduct which could reasonably be regarded as intending to intimidate, offend, degrade or humiliate;
ii. Affects the student, athlete or employee’s dignity, or psychological or physical integrity; and/or
iii. Results in a harmful environment.
Examples of bullying/ harassment include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) Berating/belittling an individual;
b) Repeated unwanted criticism;
c) Undermining or deliberately impeding a person’s work;
d) Spreading malicious rumours or gossip that is not true; and/or
e) Physical gestures intended to intimidate, offend, degrade, or humiliate an individual.
Gymnastics Mississauga is committed to fostering an environment free of bullying, harassment, and all intimidating behaviour directed towards its’ students, athletes, staff and visitors. To that end, all guests and employees ought not to be subjected to bullying or harassment based on but not limited to the following: race; nationality; ethnicity; colour; religion; age; sex; sexual orientation; marital status; family status; or disability. Bullying and harassment at Gymnastics Mississauga is not tolerated and strictly prohibited.
Employees or guests of Gymnastics Mississauga who are found to have bullied another individual may be subject to disciplinary action up to an including suspension(s) and termination of services. Disciplinary action(s) may also be taken against any employee who: interferes with the resolution of a bullying complaint; retaliates against an individual for filing a bullying complaint; or files an unfounded bullying complaint intended to cause harm.
The following are indicators of bullying & Harassment:
a) A physical injury where the explanations given are inconsistent;
b) Another person raises concern about the well-being of a child or young person;
c) Unexplained changes in behaviour such as a child becoming withdrawn, quiet , aggressive or verbally violent; and
d) The child, young or adult person discloses a concern and describes what may be an abusive act.
At Gymnastics Mississauga we are committed to providing our employees, program participants and visitors a safe, respectful and courteous environment. We expect the same in return from our guests.
To maintain a safe environment for all, we expect that you do not participate in any behaviour such as swearing, shouting, or physical aggression towards staff or others using the facility.
Conduct of this nature by members and visitors will not be tolerated and will be asked to leave. Refusal to leave may result in staff contacting security and/or police and the issuing of a Trespass Notice prohibiting you from returning to the Club.
Further disciplinary measures may also be implemented, including but not limited to suspension and termination of services.
Thank you for helping us keep our centre a safe and respectful place for all.
Gymnastics Mississauga encourages the reporting of all incidents of bullying, regardless of who the alleged offender(s) might be.
All employees, program participants and visitors ought not be subjected to reprisals or threatened reprisals for refusing to accept bullying in any form or for making a formal complaint or for cooperating in any investigation.
Employees, program participants and visitors can report incidents or complaints of bullying verbally or in writing.
The report of the allegation(s) should include the following information:
1. Name(s) of the person who has allegedly experienced bullying and contact information;
2. Name(s) of (any) alleged bully(s), position and contact information (if known);
3. Names of the witness(es) (if any) or other person(s) with relevant information to provide and contact information (if known);
4. Details of what happened including date(s), frequency and location(s) of the alleged incident(s);
5. Any supporting documents the person who complains of may have in his/her possession that are relevant to the complaint; and
6. List any documents a witness, another person may have in their possession that are relevant to the complaint.
Who to Report Bullying & Harassment To:
An incident or a complaint of bullying should be reported as soon as possible after experiencing or witnessing an incident. This allows the incident to be investigated in a timely manner.
Complainants are encouraged to report any incidents or complaints to their immediate coach or supervisor. If the coach or supervisor is the person engaging in the bullying, contact the Executive Director via [email protected].
The Executive Director shall be notified of the workplace harassment incident or complaint so that they can ensure an investigation is conducted that is appropriate in the circumstances.
The Executive Director will be responsible for investigating, assigning the investigation, or for retaining an external investigator to investigate the specific complaint promptly.
1. Commitment to Investigate
The Executive Director will ensure that an investigation appropriate in the circumstances is conducted when they, or any manager or supervisor receives a complaint of workplace harassment. Complaints or incidents of workplace harassment will be investigated in a fair, respectful and timely manner.
2. Who Will Investigate
The Executive Director will determine who will conduct the investigation into the incident or complaint. Depending on the allegations and the people involved, the investigation may be referred to an external investigator to conduct an impartial investigation. Whether the Executive Director elects to retain an external consultant is in their sole discretion.
3. Timing of the Investigation
The investigation must be completed in a timely manner and generally within 90 days or less unless there are extenuating circumstances (i.e. illness, complex investigation, pandemic) warranting a longer investigation.
4. Results of the Investigation
After an investigation is completed, the parties to a complaint may be informed in writing of the results of the investigation and any corrective action taken or that will be taken. Unless obligated by law, the complainant(s) are not entitled to the full Report prepared by the Executive Director or external investigator.
5. Confidentiality
Information about complaints and incidents shall be kept confidential to the extent possible. Information obtained about an incident or complaint of workplace harassment, including identifying information about any individuals involved, will not be disclosed unless disclosure is necessary to protect employees, to investigate the complaint or incident, to take corrective action or otherwise as required by law.
Enclosed within this section is:
i. Definitions of child, safety and abuse
ii. Policy Statement
iii. Application
iv. Responsibilities
v. Procedure
Child/Minor:
• A minor can be best described as an individual/person under the age of majority (18)
• An infant or person who is under the age of legal competence
Safety:
• Freedom from the occurrence of all unlikely danger, risk, harm or injury
Abuse
Physical Abuse:
o Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, harming with the use of an object or otherwise causing physical harm
Emotional Abuse:
o Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment, such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development
Sexual Abuse:
o Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child, unwanted physical contact or a sexual nature or young person to take part in sexual activities, including prostitution, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening
Neglect:
o Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may involve a parent or caregiver fails to meet basic needs.
Gymnastics Mississauga has an obligation to protect all children/minors who participate in any gymnastics program offered by the gym. To that end, the Club ensures that children/minors have a positive learning experience and that their growth is not stunted by abuse due to a Gymnastics Mississauga employee’s willful actions.
This policy aims to protect all children/minors of Gymnastics Mississauga participating in any programs offered by the gym from all forms of harm and danger that may be inflicted by a person in a position of trust and authority (coaches, and all other employees), as well as their fellow peers.
Employees and visitors of Gymnastics Mississauga who are found to have been in breach of the Child Protection Policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to an including suspension(s) and termination of services. Severe disciplinary action(s) may also be taken against any employee who: willfully physically or verbally abuses a child; fails to report a witnessed case of abuse while on the property of Gymnastics Mississauga; or intimidates a person who files a complaint of abuse.
This Child Protection Policy applies to all employees of Gymnastics Mississauga, volunteers, and guests. This policy also applies to job applicants. This policy applies to all behaviour that is in some way connected to work, including during off-site meetings, training, and on business trips.
Gymnastics Mississauga is responsible for:
a) Enforcing child safety procedures; and
b) Ensure students, athletes, employees and visitors are safe from harm or danger within the Gymnastics Mississauga facility.
Employees are responsible for:
a) Adhering the Child Protection Policy;
b) Protecting all children and athletes from harm or injury; and
c) Reporting any witnessed case of (potential) neglect or (potential) abuse.
Vulnerable Police Check
Gymnastics Mississauga requires that all new employees and volunteers hired on a full-time, part-time or casual basis complete a vulnerable police check before being offered a contract or having the opportunity to work with an athlete.
Once hired employees and volunteers are required to complete an updated vulnerable police check annually. Due to legislative restrictions, for those employees under legal age they are required to sign a contract where they voluntarily release that they do not have a criminal record.
Release/Door Protocol
To ensure the safety of all participating athletes Gymnastics Mississauga utilizes a door protocol. It is a mandatory requirement that after every class a supervisor/coach releases each athlete to the parent on file or to the individual on file that has been authorized by the parent to pick up their child in their absence.
A Parent requesting and giving authorization of another individual to pick their child in their absence is required to sign a permission form provided by Gymnastics Mississauga.
Basic CPR & First Aid Training
All Gymnastics Mississauga senior coaches, Supervisors and Management are required to attend a mandatory, free of charge, two (2) day basic CPR & First Aid Training course provided by Gymnastics Mississauga to educate themselves on basic life-saving skills. All staff are to be re-certified after two years.
Supervision:
Each coach is held accountable for all athletes assigned to them within the Gymnastics Mississauga premises and while participating in events outside of the facility. Coaches are always to ensure the athletes are safe and free from all harm and danger.
5.0 PROCEDURE
All observed and reported breach(es) of Gymnastics Mississauga, Child Protection Policy by staff, volunteers, athletes or visitors will be diligently investigated by the Executive Director, or external investigator at the discretion of the Executive Director. If the Executive Director is the subject of a complaint than an external investigator shall be appointed.