Background

Banks o'Dee Trampoline club was formed in late 1998 by the coaching partnership of John and Tricia Morrison with a view to establishing a club that would cater for all levels of ability, yet strive to develop the members to the best of their abilities. In the initial stages, with a group of eight youngsters, they used a variety of differing sports centers whilst searching for a permanent home.

In early 1999, an approach was made to the recently opened Banks o'Dee Sports Centre for accommodation to run the club, and we were met with a very warm welcome.

Initially the club operated on 3 days per week but this was soon increased to 4 days per week due to the increased demands for places at the club. Currently the club operates for a total of 11 hour per week, catering for all ability levels, and has in excess of 100 members.

Sessions operated at the club currently are:

Saturday

 9.00am - 10.00am Beginners
10.00am - 11.00am Beginners
11.00am - 12.00pm Beginners
10.00am - 12.00pm Improvers

Sunday

10.00am - 11.00am Beginners
11.00am - 12.00pm Beginners
10.00am - 12.00pm Improvers

Monday

6.00pm - 7.00pm Beginners
7.00pm - 8.30pm Advanced

Friday

7.00pm - 9.30pm Advanced

Details of session availability and fees available from John or Tricia.

Equipment

The trampoline equipment in use belongs to the club and not the sports center. As such the club is responsible for the maintenance, repair and renewal as necessary. To ensure that the trampolines are maintained safely, they are subject to an annual inspection and service from the suppliers. We are delighted that when the engineer calls for this annual inspection, he has always reported that the equipment is very well looked after and only needed minor maintenance.

The club operates using 4 Ceetex GMX trampolines, all of which have been purchased in the last 5 years with the assistance of Awards for All Small Grants scheme from the National Lottery. The two newer trampolines, purchased in 2003, are of the same specification as those in use at the Olympics and World Championships. The two older Ceetex GMX trampolines are fitted with slightly less powerful beds. In addition, we have an older Continental trampoline in reserve in case of further growth at the club.

Coaches

The initial coaching team comprised John, Tricia and Diane. They also had access to some other coaches on a casual basis. In 2002, Mike joined the coaching team after gaining his Trampoline Coach Award through British Gymnastics, and in 2003 Diane successfully gained her Senior Club Coach Award. The team has been increased significantly in 2004 with the inclusion of a further 10 parents or club members gaining their Trampoline Coach Award.

The Coaching levels of the team are:

John BG Trampoline High Performance BG Trampoline Special Needs
Tricia BG Trampoline High Performance BG Trampoline Special Needs
Diane BG Trampoline Senior Club BG Trampoline Special Needs
Mike BG Trampoline Coach BG Trampoline Special Needs

Insurance

The club holds membership of Scottish Gymnastics and all club members are required to hold membership of this body, which is arranged through the club. The coaches are also required to be members of British Gymnastics as this provides the necessary Public Liability Insurance cover. This cover provides indemnity up to a maximum of two million pounds per incident claimed.

The club members, through their membership of Scottish Gymnastics are provided with Personal Accident insurance and Public Liability insurance at the club, displays or competitions when representing the club or Association.

Judges

In addition to having qualified coaches at the club, it is a requirement of participating in competition at both local and national levels that we provide an appropriate number of qualified judges.
The club is fortunate to have:

The Coaching levels of the team are:

John International Trampoline Judge
Tricia BG Trampoline National Judge
Diane BG Trampoline Regional Judge
James BG Trampoline Regional Judge
Beth BG Trampoline Club Judge
Sarah BG Trampoline Club Judge

It is the policy of the club to offer parents and those aged 16 years
the opportunity to train as a club judge.

British Gymnastics Courses through the club

The coaching and judging experience of John and Tricia has been recognised by both Scottish Gymnastics and British Gymnastics. They are qualified to tutor and examine the following:

John
BG Trampoline Coach award
BG Trampoline Club Coach award
BG Trampoline Special Needs Coach
BG Trampoline Judge - all domestic levels

Tricia
BG Trampoline Coach
BG Trampoline Club Coach
BG Trampoline Special Needs Coach
BG Trampoline Judge - Club, County,

Achievements

Since the start of the club, the policy has been to encourage and support members to take part in both local, Scottish and UK competitions. However, the objective is for the members to achieve improvements in the scores they have attained rather than target podium placings. This, we believe, allows all members to gain success through participation rather than the pressure of gaining medals. If medals or places are won, then this is seen as an added bonus for both the member and the club.

Notable achievements since the start of the club include:

1999 Scottish Championships
2000 Scottish Championships
2001 British Grade 2 Nationals 2nd Place O 18 Ladies
Scottish Championships
2002 British Grade 2 Nationals Champion Over 18 Ladies
Scottish Championships
2003 British Grade 2 National 9th place in Under 15 Girls
Scottish Championships

However, a smile from someone who masters a new skill is worth as much as a gold medal!

Membership & Ability levels

The club emphasis, as indicated earlier, is based on ability of the individual, and they are offered sessions based on their ability level. Progression to more advanced classes is based on skill progression and competition performance. We do not hold separate classes or sessions for those with a disability or special needs as they are integrated into beginners sessions. In this way, those attending the sessions do not see special needs or disability, but just another member of the club who enjoys the sport. This approach has, we believe has shown benefits to all individuals in their recognition and acceptance of less able members. Club policy is not to accept members under the age of 7 years, except in certain circumstances.

Child Protection Policy

All coaches working within the club are subject to Police Record checks through Disclosure Scotland. In addition, the club has an appointed Child Protection Liaison Officer with Scottish Gymnastics and Club Child Protection Policy.

For further information contact:

John & Tricia Morrison at Banks O' Dee Sports Centre or on 01467 642045.

Alternatively,

e-mail - Click here

Banks o'Dee Trampoline Club
Banks o'Dee Sports Centre
Spain Park
Abbotswell Road
Aberdeen
Telephone: 01224 893333