Pole Fitness Instructors: Your Questions Answered

Over the last few weeks, we have received multiple questions from pole fitness instructors requesting clarification about the specific rules around pole fitness and pole dancing classes during the lockdown.

Below is a list of questions we’ve received and an outline of our full criteria for holding remote pole fitness and pole dancing classes.

Inverting is covered, as long as the below criteria are followed. It is important to stress that these measures are not to replace any other controls that you already have in place, but are to supplement these existing measures in order to provide you with the maximum protection under our insurance.

What are the rules when conducting pole fitness classes online?

1. Coaches are only allowed to instruct existing students who have completed face to face training up to the relevant level for the activity being undertaken.
2. Coaches must hold a completed Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) for each participant on file.
3. The live streaming ratio is limited to one instructor to 10 participants – where inverted manoeuvres are being instructed, the ratio must not exceed 1:6.
4. The participant’s lowest part of the body must be no more than 1 metre above the floor at any time.
5. The poles being used must be purchased from a professional manufacturer and installed as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. The instructor does not accept any responsibility for faulty/defective equipment or incorrect installation.
6. All participants are to conduct ALL movements within view of the camera lens.
7. Heels/Exotic classes are only allowed where the participant holds a valid certification or has a minimum of five years’ experience. The instructor does not accept any responsibility for injuries caused by defective footwear.
8. You need to conduct an online risk assessment EVERY session, ensuring the following:

• You must record each lesson from start to finish (and notify participants before the lesson of this). All recordings must be kept on file for 30 days assuming the class ran smoothly with no incidents, falls, or injuries. If any such incident occurs, then recordings should be kept for a minimum of 24 months from the date of recording.
• The participant needs to have removed all jewellery/watches and be wearing appropriate activewear.
• All lessons must include a warm-up (including mobility, stretching and injury-prevention exercises) relating to the level of the class.

9. Any pre-recorded video footage must meet the above criteria and can only be shared privately with existing customers.

Do I need to have a disclaimer in place?

Yes. All participants need to have read and agreed to the below disclaimer before their first or next class, and you need to keep a record of this.

“I accept that I am responsible for providing all of my own equipment including but not limited to the pole (which must be purchased from a professional manufacturer and installed as per the manufacturer guidelines), safety mat, clothing and footwear and the instructor will not accept any liability arising out of defective equipment. I acknowledge that the instructor is not present with me and cannot make an adequate assessment of the area where I am exercising and it is my responsibility to ensure the area is clear, safe and free from any hazards which may cause injury to me or to others.

I acknowledge that I am responsible for exercising within my own skill and fitness levels. If at any time I feel the moves I am completing are above my current skill level I will cease immediately. Likewise if I feel any discomfort, pain, sickness or dizziness I will immediately stop the activity.”

Who needs to sign the disclaimer?

This disclaimer must be signed by a new participant before their first class. Participants already enrolled in your class must sign it immediately, before taking part in any further classes. It must then be signed again if the participant begins a new area of coaching.

All that would be required is for the participant to copy the above text into an email and send it to you. You must keep a copy of this email for your records.

If you have any other questions

Call us on 0333 400 9429 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5:30pm), or email us at admin@insure4sport.co.uk.

If you’re not an Insure4Sport policyholder

1. You can build your own quote in a few minutes here. As you build the quote, it will explain to you what you’re covered for.
2. If you have any questions about what we’ll cover you for which you’d rather discuss over the phone, you can call us on 0800 158 5530.