Know Fall Zones
Don’t sit or stand in potential landing or fall zones.  Too often gymnasts waiting for their turn do not stay enough out of the way of other gymnasts who need adequate room to dismount or a place to fall.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Spot
Ask for a spot if you are doing tricks if you need or want it.  You are the one most likely to know and remember if you need a spot or not and it will be too late if you attempt a skill you are not sure of and fall.  Spotting can protect you and build your confidence in doing the skill until you are ready to do it on your own safely.  Don’t tell a coach that you can do skills if you are not 100% sure you can do them safely.

Make Sure You Understand What to Do
Tell your teacher if you don't understand instructions on what to do.  You should know and understand exactly what skill your teacher expects you to do and how they want you to do it.  If you are not sure, ask.  Understanding will help you learn more quickly and do things more safely.

Being Able to See is Helpful
Keep your hair out of your face and tie back long hair during all gymnastics instruction. Hair can obstruct your vision, get caught on equipment or you can pull it on skills like back extension rolls.

What Not to Wear
Don’t wear hair ties with hard objects, like plastic balls, on them.  Skills, like back extension rolls, or falls can press them painfully into your head.  There is no place during gymnastics instruction in the gym for decorative but dangerous hair ornaments.

This is Not Ballet
Don't wear slippery nylon tights, like you commonly see in ballet classes.  They are not appropriate or safe in a gymnastics gym.  They can cause you to slip on both beam and bars. 

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