Body Piercing and Adornments British Gymnastics believes that jewellery and adornments worn in body piercing are inappropriate for safe practice in gymnastics and trampolining.

This policy applies to all participants and coaches in training and in events at home and abroad.

Participants

A person participating with body adornments or jewellery MUST inform the coach and also remove the relevant items to reduce the risk of injury to the participant, the coach and others.

Coaches

Whilst a coach is carrying out a spotting or gymnast supporting role; all jewellery must be removed. However if the coach is evaluating performance or giving instruction only; (by this we mean coaching whilst not in direct physical contact with the gymnast or gymnastic equipment), jewellery may be worn.

Exceptions to the above policy may be applicable in special circumstances which are outlined below:

* Jewellery that cannot be removed:- It is acknowledged that in some circumstances, it may be impossible to remove a ring and/or dermal piercings. Should this be the case; the ring must be sufficiently covered with protective tape; and the piercings covered sufficiently in order to eliminate any risk.

* Newly pierced ears.  Newly pierced stud earrings need to be covered with protective tape but must be removed as soon as possible (normally after six-weeks). For the avoidance of doubt; any jewellery which can be removed, must be removed.

* Religious and Medical jewellery:- With regards to the wearing of jewellery; sensitivity to religious beliefs and medical requirements/reasons should be afforded, but safety is paramount and any jewellery that is considered by the coach to be a safety hazard, should be changed or participation may be prohibited. Any concessions on religious or medical jewellery must be within the bounds of reasonable safety.

The element of risk should be explained to the coach/participant (parent or guardian) and every attempt to control the risk should be adopted.

Examples include the following:

* 10 Diabetes Bracelet can be worn; but whilst participation is taking place a sweatband or similar must cover the item in order to eliminate any risk. The coach in charge must also be advised that a participant is wearing the bracelet for medical emergency reasons.

* Sikh Kara - Bracelet worn in the Sikh religion; can be worn, but whilst participation is taking place a sweatband or similar must cover the item; in order to eliminate any risk.

* Religious Necklaces – Examples are; the Crucifix necklace for Christians or the Mangalsutra necklace as a symbol of marriage for Hindu women.

On safety grounds, no coach or participant should be permitted to participate whilst wearing necklaces, be they religious or other.

NB: if a sweatband is used to cover up an item of jewellery when doing vigorous activity, the sweatband should be taped in place to minimise the risk of the sweatband slipping and exposing the item of jewellery.

In all instances above; it is the responsibility of the coach in charge of the session to ensure a sufficient risk assessment has been carried out. If the coach identifies a significant risk to the participant, coach or others, which cannot be controlled satisfactorily, then within the bounds of reasonable safety, the coach MUST prohibit participation.

Legitimate health and safety concerns which contra-indicate participation, will supersede any other considerations, be they religious, medical or other. Failure to conform will prohibit the individual’s participation on the grounds of reasonable safety and may render the individual’s insurance invalid should an accident result directly from noncompliance.