Below is Docksiders Gymnastics plan for re-opening once we are allowed to under governmental regulations. It should be noted that our Phases do not match with that as set by the state and county governments (for example, the state being in Phase 2 does not automatically put us in Phase 2…we will make that determination when we feel the time is right and in compliance with state and local regulations).

Pre-Phase 1

Facilities Prepared

Since the closing, our staff members have worked tirelessly to sanitize the gym, including all mats and equipment throughout. In addition, we have set out numerous new additions to the gym, include hand sanitizing stations, markings on the floors, and rearranging equipment.

Staff Training

Our staff has been in contact with numerous fellow industry professionals and leaders in the gymnastics world, as well as scientists and doctors, to find the safest and best procedures to re-open. We are re-training our staff in order to meet this new world in the best methods that will allow for proper skill progression in a more socially distant environment.

Arrangement of Schedules to Allow New Procedures

We are actively working at re-arranging schedules in the gym to allow gymnasts to train in a socially distant manner, while still trying to allow for all gymnasts who wish to train at our facility to return. We will also be spacing out practices more to allow staff to thoroughly clean each piece of equipment before the next group enters the gym. We also may have to in the beginning practice outside on a limited basis.

Phase 1

Competitive Team Begins Practices

The first group to be allowed to train will be the competitive team. This is not only because they have to start training the more difficult tricks associated with higher level competitive gymnastics to get ready for next season, but also because they are more familiar with being in a gymnastics environment and will most likely be able to adapt to the new procedures better.

Limited Access to Gym and Facilities

In Phase 1, we will be limiting the number of gymnasts, staff and parents allowed into the facilities. Our 12,000 square foot facility allows us to socially distance each athlete and coach, but we will still have to limit access to only those who need to be there. Some of these procedures include temperature checks upon arrival, lowering of number of gymnasts allowed to use the restroom at one time, and restricted use of and numbers in the waiting area.

Use of Masks, Hand Sanitizer, and Other Limiting Measures

All staff and parents will be required to wear masks at all times inside the facility. Gymnasts will be required to wear masks upon arrival, and may only remove them while doing activities where a mask would be a safety issue. Hand sanitizer will be used upon entry and the completion of each event. Chalk buckets and the water fountain will be closed for use (gymnasts will be given a block of chalk that they must keep to themselves in a gallon sized Ziploc bag and may not share, and each gymnast will be required to have their own water bottle at practice that may not be shared).

Phase 2

Limited Recreational Classes Resume

As we enter phase 2, we will begin to start recreational classes on a limited basis. Student-teacher ratios will be lower than previously. All classes will be spaced out across the 12,000 square foot facility to allow for proper social distancing.

Phase 1 Policies Loosened

At this point, we will begin to loosen some of the restrictions that were in place in phase 1. Which policies will be specifically loosened will be dependent upon how things are playing out, both inside the gym and in the rest of the world. For that reason, we cannot list exactly which policies will be loosened and by how much.

Team/Classes on Alternating Schedules

In order for all to train properly and within social distancing protocols, we will be scheduling classes and teams to operate on alternating schedules. Put simply, if classes are in the gym, most teams will not be and vice versa. This will allow each group to space themselves out better than previously.

Phase 3

Resume Regular Programming

At the onset of phase 3, life will be returning to normal both in the gym and outside. We will then return to our life as previous in our usual safe and fun manner, while keeping in mind some of the new norms that we will have at that time.

Restrictions Loosened to New Normal Procedures

We will at this point resume new normal procedures for the restroom and lobby area, and return classes to their previous class sizes. We will of course be cognizant of any new trends and will adapt policies to reflect the new normal.

Resumption of All Programs and Activities

Those programs that have been temporarily suspended, including birthday parties, open gyms, and skills clinics, would resume at this time.