Does my child need a medical check before starting gymnastics?

Q: Does my child need a medical check before starting gymnastics?

Not usually, but British Gymnastics recommends getting medical advice before taking part for these conditions: Detaching retina: some activities could cause the retina to fully detach. Confirmed Atlanto-Axial Instability (AAI): British Gymnastics' AAI form must be completed by a medical professional and checked by the club. Rodded back: mobility may be restricted, which can affect some activities. Brittle bones: higher risk of fractures, so high-impact activities need to be considered and risk assessed. Certain types of dwarfism may also need medical approval. Pregnancy: some activities (such as lying on the stomach or core work) aren't suitable. Clubs must risk assess activities and consider adaptations before your child attends. Talk to the club before the first session about any impairment or condition and the support your child needs. After a debilitating injury, British Gymnastics' guidance is that medical approval should be sought before a gymnast returns to training or competition.

Question

Accepted Answer

Not usually, but British Gymnastics recommends getting medical advice before taking part for these conditions:

Detaching retina: some activities could cause the retina to fully detach.
Confirmed Atlanto-Axial Instability (AAI): British Gymnastics' AAI form must be completed by a medical professional and checked by the club.
Rodded back: mobility may be restricted, which can affect some activities.
Brittle bones: higher risk of fractures, so high-impact activities need to be considered and risk assessed.
Certain types of dwarfism may also need medical approval.
Pregnancy: some activities (such as lying on the stomach or core work) aren't suitable.

Clubs must risk assess activities and consider adaptations before your child attends. Talk to the club before the first session about any impairment or condition and the support your child needs.

After a debilitating injury, British Gymnastics' guidance is that medical approval should be sought before a gymnast returns to training or competition.