Gym rules singling out Down’s syndrome children, parents say

Mr Barnes and Ms Pedelty believe the children were targeted because of visible disabilities.

Both feel they should not have to “jump through hoops” to gather medical evidence before their children can attend sessions that do not involve gymnastics.

A spokesman for the South Durham Gymnastics Club said there were inaccuracies in some of the claims, but declined to detail what they were.

He said the club had referred recent complaints to BG “as it is they who are responsible for the policy the club followed”.

In response, BG said its policy has been adopted by organisations beyond its membership and is being used “outside of the scope of activities it was developed for” due to limited resources and guidance for venues such as soft play centres and trampoline parks.

Where the policy is applied by clubs, a spokesman said, it is most often “from a starting point of caring for the safety of those taking part in activities and trying to do the right thing”.

Highlighting its “commitment to be relentless in pursuit of inclusion and accessibility in gymnastics”, he said BG was working with the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) to review and improve the policy and approach currently in place.

A DSA spokeswoman said it was pleased that BG had “recognised a need to review and improve the policy and approach currently in place” regarding AAI screening.

She said the association was working with BG, leisure providers and insurers to ensure unnecessary barriers were removed to allow people with Down’s syndrome to participate.

“The current situation can cause people who have Down’s syndrome and their families unnecessary distress and upset,” she added.