Twisters Gymnastics Health & Return-to-Practice Guidelines

At Twisters, we care deeply about the health and well-being of every gymnast, coach, and family member. To keep our gym a safe and healthy place to train, please review the following guidelines before returning to practice after illness. These policies are based on CDC and pediatric health guidance.

General Rule

If your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or a contagious illness, please keep them home until they meet the return-to-practice criteria listed below.

Colds, Coughs, and Respiratory Illness

Stay home if:
- Fever is present (100.4°F or higher)
- Cough is persistent or disruptive
- There is colored nasal discharge, fatigue, or general malaise

Return when:
- Fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication
- Symptoms are mild, and energy level is normal for safe participation
- Able to cover coughs/sneezes and wash hands regularly

Flu (Influenza) or Other Viral Infections

Stay home if:
- Fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue are present

Return when:
- Fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
- Cough and congestion have improved
- Athlete feels well enough to fully participate

Flu can spread easily — please notify the gym if your child is diagnosed so we can take appropriate cleaning measures.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Stay home if:
- There is an active fever
- Blisters or sores are open or weeping

Return when:
- Fever-free for 24 hours
- All blisters are dry or scabbed over
- Athlete feels well enough to participate

Strep Throat

Stay home if:
- Fever, sore throat, or confirmed positive test

Return when:
- After 24 hours of antibiotics
- Fever-free and feeling better

Stomach Bugs (Vomiting or Diarrhea)

Stay home if:
- Vomiting or diarrhea occurred within the last 24 hours

Return when:
- No vomiting or diarrhea for at least 24 hours
- Able to eat and drink normally

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Stay home if:
- Eye is red, draining, or crusted shut

Return when:
- After 24 hours of antibiotic drops (if bacterial)
- Drainage has resolved and eye is clear

Head Lice

Stay home if: Live lice or nits (eggs) are present.

Return when:
- After the first treatment is complete
- After the first treatment is complete and no live lice or eggs are visible. Hair and scalp have been carefully checked and cleared before returning to the gym.

Please notify the gym discreetly so we can take cleaning precautions.

Rashes or Skin Infections (Ringworm, Impetigo, etc.)

Stay home if:
- Rash is contagious, spreading, or open/weeping

Return when:
- Cleared by a healthcare provider or after 24 hours of prescribed treatment
- Rash can be securely covered during participation

If You’re Unsure

When in doubt, err on the side of caution — or check with your pediatrician before returning to class. You can always email or call us with questions. Our staff disinfects high-touch surfaces, mats, and shared equipment daily. We rely on open communication and family cooperation to keep everyone healthy and training strong!

Thank you for helping us protect the health of our Twisters family!