Fort Erie's Fantastic Gymnastics
Policies, Procedures, and Participant Agreement
Payments & Cancellations
Program Enrollment
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Enrollment is for a ten-month recreational season.
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Fees are pro-rated for athletes who join after the season has begun.
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Once enrolled, monthly fees will continue to be charged until a withdrawal request is received. Withdrawal requests MUST be received before the 15th to avoid paying the next month’s class fees, no exceptions.
Withdrawal Policy
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To withdraw from a program, a Withdrawal Form must be submitted on or before the 15th of the month; otherwise, they are still financially responsible for the next month’s class fees.
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Families remain financially responsible for all fees until the withdrawal process has been completed, regardless of attendance.
Payment Requirements
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Class fees are charged on the first day of each month. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that valid payment information is maintained on their account and that sufficient funds are available for processing.
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If a payment is declined, returned, or otherwise unsuccessful, the athlete is not permitted to attend classes, camps, training sessions, or other Club programs until the outstanding balance has been paid in full and the account has been brought into good standing.
Accounts in Arrears
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Outstanding balances will be communicated by email.
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Accounts with overdue balances will be suspended and athletes will be unable to participate in classes, camps, or programs until the balance is paid in full.
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This policy applies to balances from previous seasons, camps, or programs.
Third-Party Funding
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Families receiving third-party funding (e.g., Jumpstart) are required to make payment at the time of registration according to program requirements.
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Funding will be applied to the account once received.
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Families are responsible for any remaining balance not covered by funding.
Financial Responsibility
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The parent or guardian who registers the athlete is legally responsible for all fees associated with the account.
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Overdue accounts may be subject to interest charges at a rate not exceeding the maximum Annual Percentage Rate (APR) permitted by applicable law, currently capped at 35% per annum. If the maximum legal rate permitted under federal or provincial legislation is amended in the future, Fort Erie's Fantastic Gymnastics reserves the right to apply interest charges up to the revised maximum rate permitted by law at that time.
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Interest may be charged on all outstanding balances until the account is paid in full.
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Accounts that remain unpaid will be referred to a collections agency.
Missed and Cancelled Classes
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No refunds, credits, or make-up classes will be provided for missed classes, camps, or training sessions due to illness, vacation, school commitments, family events, or any other personal reason.
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No refunds, credits, or make-up classes will be provided for cancellations due to inclement weather, power outages, or other circumstances beyond the Club's control.
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Program fees are calculated to exclude known closures, including statutory holidays, winter break, spring break, and scheduled club events.
Athlete Supervision
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Fort Erie's Fantastic Gymnastics provides supervision for athletes only during their scheduled class, training session, or program time. Athletes who arrive before their designated class time are not under the direct supervision of Club staff and remain the responsibility of their parent or guardian until their class begins.
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The Club is not responsible for athletes who are left unattended before or after their scheduled program time.
Gymnastics Ontario Insurance
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Gymnastics Ontario membership insurance will automatically be added to participant invoices and submitted according to Gymnastics Ontario policies.
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Gymnastics Ontario Insurance is required for all programming: drop-in, camps, classes, etc.
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Insurance fees are non-refundable.
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Insurance coverage is valid from July 1 to June 30 each year.
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Insurance fees are not prorated for athletes registering later in the season.
Participant Agreement
1. Binding Agreement
This Agreement is a legally binding contract between Fort Erie's Fantastic Gymnastics, the Participant, and/or the Participant's Parent/Guardian. Any questions regarding this Agreement should be addressed prior to registration.
2. Disclaimer
Fort Erie's Fantastic Gymnastics, including its directors, officers, employees, coaches, contractors, volunteers, officials, participants, sponsors, facility owners, and representatives (collectively referred to as the "Organization"), shall not be held responsible for any injury, illness, property damage, loss, expense, loss of income, disability, or death arising from participation in any program, activity, service, or event.
3. Acknowledgement of Risk
The Participant and Parent/Guardian acknowledge that gymnastics and related activities involve inherent risks that cannot be eliminated, including but not limited to:
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Minor injuries
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Serious bodily injury
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Permanent disability
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Paralysis
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Death
4. Voluntary Participation
The Participant voluntarily chooses to participate and understands the risks associated with gymnastics activities, including but not limited to:
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Gymnastics skill training
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Dryland conditioning, running, strength training, and stretching
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Vigorous physical activity and cardiovascular exercise
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Falls from equipment or apparatus
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Contact with equipment, mats, walls, floors, or other participants
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Improper use or failure of equipment
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Participation beyond one's physical abilities
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Spinal cord injuries or other catastrophic injuries
5. Participant and Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
The Participant and Parent/Guardian agree:
a) The Participant is physically capable of participating in gymnastics activities.
b) The Participant will follow all Club rules, policies, and instructions.
c) Any unusual hazards or unsafe conditions will be reported immediately to a staff member.
d) The Organization does not provide personal health, accident, disability, hospitalization, or property insurance beyond required Gymnastics Ontario coverage.
e) The registering parent or guardian is financially responsible for all fees associated with the Participant's account. Overdue accounts may incur a 4% monthly finance charge and may be referred to collections if unpaid.
6. Photo and Media Release
By registering, participants and their parents/guardians grant permission for Fort Erie's Fantastic Gymnastics, Gymnastics Ontario, Gymnastics Canada, media representatives, coaches, and visitors to photograph, video record, or digitally capture images of participants and use such materials for promotional, educational, or marketing purposes in print, digital, and social media formats.
7. Club Policies
All participants must comply with the Club's Code of Conduct, including anti-bullying and harassment policies. Copies of these policies are available upon request from Club management.
When possible, replacement classes or prorated adjustments may be offered for cancellations resulting from Club-hosted events. However, no refunds, credits, or make-up classes will be provided for cancellations resulting from weather, facility issues, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances.
8. Release of Liability
The Participant and Parent/Guardian freely accept and assume all risks associated with participation in Club activities and travel to and from those activities. The Participant and Parent/Guardian release and hold harmless the Organization from any claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from participation in Club activities, except where prohibited by law.
9. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
10. Acknowledgement and Acceptance
By registering for programs offered by Fort Erie's Fantastic Gymnastics, the Participant and Parent/Guardian acknowledge that they:
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Have read and understood this Agreement in its entirety
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Accept all terms and conditions outlined herein
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Understand the risks associated with participation
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Agree to be bound by this Agreement on behalf of themselves, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.
ANTI-BULLYING & HARASSMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE
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
Bullying
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
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.
2.0 BULLYING & HARASSMENT POLICY STATEMENT
We are 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 Fort Erie Fantastic Gymnastics is not tolerated and strictly prohibited.
Employees or guests of Fort Erie Fantastic Gymnastics 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.
3.0 INDICATORS OF BULLYING
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.
4.0 CODE OF CONDUCT
At Fort Erie Fantastic Gymnastics 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.
5.0 REPORTING BULLYING & HARASSMENT
Fort Erie Fantastic Gymnastics 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.
How to Report Bullying & Harassment:
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.
Whom 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. Complaints 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 Manager via forteriegymnasticsclub@outlook.com. The Manager 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 Manager will be responsible for investigating, assigning the investigation, or for retaining an external investigator to investigate the specific complaint promptly.
INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS
1. Commitment to Investigate
The Manager 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 Manager 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 Manager 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 Manager 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.
GO Assumption of Risk
1. This is a binding legal agreement. Clarify any questions or concerns before signing. As a participant in the sport of gymnastics and the spectating, orientation, instruction, activities, competitions, programs, and services of Gymnastics Ontario and Fort Erie Fantastic Gymnastics (collectively the “Activities”), the undersigned, being the Participant and the Participant’s Parent/Guardian (if Participant is under 18 years old), (collectively the “Parties”), acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this document.
2. Gymnastics Ontario, Fort Erie Fantastic Gymnastics, and their respective Directors, Officers, committee members, members, employees, coaches, volunteers, officials, participants, agents, sponsors, owners/operators of the facilities in which the Activities take place, and representatives (collectively the “Organization”).
Description and Acknowledgement of Risks
3. The Parties understand and acknowledge that:
a) The Activities have foreseeable and unforeseeable inherent risks, hazards, and dangers that no amount of care, caution or expertise can eliminate, including without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury.
b) The Organization may offer or promote online programming (such as webinars, remote conferences, workshops, and online training) which have different foreseeable and unforeseeable risks than in-person programming.
c) The Organization has a difficult task to ensure safety and it is not infallible. The Organization may be unaware of the Participant’s fitness or abilities, may give incomplete warnings or instructions, may misjudge weather or environmental conditions, and the equipment being used might malfunction.
d) The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization and COVID-19 is contagious. The Organization has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, the Organization cannot guarantee that the Participant will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, participating in the Activities could increase the Participant’s risk of contracting COVID-19.
4. The Participant is participating voluntarily in the Activities. In consideration of that participation, the Parties hereby acknowledge that they are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards and may be exposed to such risks, dangers, and hazards. The risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to:
a) Privacy breaches, hacking, technology malfunction or damage.
b) Executing strenuous and demanding physical techniques and exerting and stretching various muscle groups.
c) Vigorous physical exertion, strenuous cardiovascular workouts, and rapid movements.
d) The failure to properly use any piece of equipment or from the mechanical failure of any piece of equipment or apparatus.
e) Failure to follow instructions or rules.
f) Serious injury to virtually all bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and other aspects of the Participant’s body or to the Participant’s general health and well-being.
Terms
5. In consideration of the Organization allowing the Participant to participate in the Activities, the Parties agree:
a) That when the Participant practices or trains in their own space, the Parties are responsible for the Participant’s surroundings and the location and equipment that is selected for the Participant.
b) That the Participant’s mental and physical condition is appropriate to participate in the Activities and the Parties assume all risks related to the Participant’s mental and physical condition.
c) That the Participant may experience anxiety while challenging themselves during the Activities.
d) To comply with the rules and regulations for participation in the Activities.
e) To comply with the rules of the facility or equipment.
f) The risks associated with the Activities are increased when the Participant is impaired, and the Participant will not participate if impaired in any way.
g) That COVID-19 is contagious in nature and the Participant may be exposed to, or infected by, COVID-19.
6. In consideration of the Organization allowing the Participant to participate, the Parties agree:
a) That the Parties are not relying on any oral or written statements made by the Organization or their agents, whether in brochure or advertisement or in individual conversations, to agree to participate in the Activities.
b) That the Organization is not responsible or liable for any damage to the Participant’s vehicle, property, or equipment that may occur as a result of the Activities; and
c) That this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law of the Province of Ontario and if any portion thereof is held invalid, the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
Jurisdiction
7. The Parties agree that in the event that they file a lawsuit against the Organization, they agree to do so solely in the Province of Ontario.
Acknowledgement
8. The Parties acknowledge that they have read this Agreement and understand it, that they have executed this Agreement voluntarily, and that this Agreement is to be binding upon themselves, their heirs, their spouses, parents, guardians, next of kin, executors, administrators and legal or personal representatives.
Concussions
Under Rowan’s Law, all athletes and parents must review one of the Concussion Awareness Resources on the website provided in the following link:
Click the link that applies to your athlete:
10 and under
11 – 14
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-government-concussion-awareness-resource-e-booklet-ages-11-14
15 and up
The material on this link has age appropriate information that you can review with your athlete and read yourself. No athlete will be allowed to train effective July 1st 2024, unless their parents have reviewed this information and provided Fort Erie Fantastic Gymnastics with this confirmation form signed upon registration.