FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT PAY THE FEES IN TIME?

A €20 fee applies to anyone booking after the registration deadline.

WHAT CLASS SHOULD I REGISTER THE PARTICIPANT IN?

All new members start in our recreational programme, which is divided into three different age groups:

Pre-school: 3 to 5 years old
Recreational 1: 6 to 8 years old
Recreational 2: 9 to 12 years old

HOW LONG DOES A TERM LAST?

There is three terms during the year, and each will last approximately three months. When booking your class, please pay attention to the dates for more detailed information.

HOW DO I PAY THE FEES?

The fees need to be paid before the term starts, during the registration openings. It can only be done online, on our service booking section. This ensures your money goes directly to our bank account and helps us focus on your child only once they arrive at the venue, instead of having to manage transactions. Once registrations close, late fees may apply.

DO YOU OFFER TRIAL MEMBERSHIPS?

We will no longer be offering trials but if you are unsure whether you want to commit to a full term there are other ways to try out rhythmic gymnastics via our workshops, camps, and our annual open day.

HOW MUCH DOES THE TERM COST?

Term fees vary depending on training hours, programmes, etc... Check the information of a specific class to see the fees.

WHY CAN'T I PAY ON CLASS TO CLASS BASIS?

We encourage the commitment for one term at least so that the group can progress together. If there's new gymnasts in the class every week, some children get frustrated of doing the basics over and over, and the ones starting late may feel overwhelmed with the difficulty level when they arrive.

WHAT IS RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS?

Rhythmic gymnastics is one of three disciplines in the sport of gymnastics. The others are artistic gymnastics and trampoline. Female athletes perform expressive and acrobatic moves with the aid of handheld apparatus — a hoop, ball, pair of clubs and ribbon. Rhythmic Gymnastics is a symbiosis of art and aesthetic beauty. It is a true women's sport and belongs to the most attractive and beautiful disciplines.

IS GYMNASTICS DANGEROUS IN ANY WAY FOR KIDS?

Gymnastics is a sport where injuries can occur, but it's not dangerous. In fact, it has many scientifically proven benefits in the physical and mental development of children.
However, it's important that coaches are qualified and have an extended knowledge of the sport and the anatomy of children. In Wings, we take this very seriously and the head coach has been instructed in, risk assessment courses, progressive ballet technique and sport psychology to control any potential risks in the different areas that coaching covers.

WHY IS MY CHILD NOT DOING BAR OR BEAM EXERCISES?

Because bar and beam are not part of our sport. These are apparatuses used in artistic gymnastics, a more well-known discipline due to its popularity in the U.S.
Rhythmic gymnastics is an Olympic discipline with a different code of points and different requirements.

WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BRING TO THE CLASS?

We recommend bringing a pair of dark coloured socks for them not to get dirty, and we train without shoes on. We also advise bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated. Kneepads are an item we encourage parents to buy as it protects knees and makes training more comfortable.

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR?

Many kids bring leotards to class, but these are not necessary. Any clothes are suitable as long as it's fitted and preferably black (this helps coaches correct body positioning, preventing injuries and bad habits). Black clothes are more durable too as clothes may get dirty or sweaty during training.

MY CHILD IS VERY TALENTED AND LOVES THE SPORT, CAN I ENROLL HIM/HER TO COMPETE?

Competitive squad places are limited, and they are invitation-only. The head- coach will reach out to the participant and parents. Once offered a spot, gymnasts and parents have to sign a contract to make sure everyone agrees on the requirement of being part of the squad.

WHY DO I NEED TO PAY A GYMNASTICS IRELAND MEMBERSHIP FEE WHEN I JOIN?

Gymnastics Ireland is the official National Governing Body for the sport of gymnastics in Ireland, and it requires all clubs to register their members. With the membership fee you get access to:

Protection and support thorough good governance and policy development covering key areas such as child welfare & anti-doping
Access to competitive system/events through the National Series (Competitive, Student, Adult & Joint members only)
Access to a nationally recognised education system that provides quality coaching qualifications recognised and awarded by Coaching Ireland
Access to publicity opportunities through the Gymnastics Ireland website and social media channels
Access to Gymnastics Ireland participation based events including the GymSTART Challenge and 'The Floor'.
Access to central administrative support
Comprehensive and tailored Insurance cover