Britain steps up anti-abuse measures in gymnastics

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The Whyte Review recently revealed systemic abuse in gymnastics in Britain, which included physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. As part of the “zero tolerance on abuse”, British Gymnastics is set to adopt several measures including revealing the names of banned coaches, and have an independent expert keep track of the implementation of reforms. Reports of a gymnastics club in Bristol hiring a banned coach to work with children spurred British Gymnastics into action earlier in the year, before the Whyte Review concluded to detail extensive abuse, including athlete testimonials. According to executive Sarah Powell, it is now imperative for all stakeholders in the world of gymnastics to commit to and undertake all possible measures to prevent and rectify instances of abuse.

British Gymnastics has revealed a 40-point action plan to tackle abuse titled “Reform 25”. It includes measures dealing with culture and strategy, welfare and complaints, education, and development and finally, performance. Furthermore, it will work on nurturing a transparent and safe environment with “zero tolerance of abuse”. This also entails prioritizing the development of a positive culture over the winning of medals, the publication of a list of banned coaches, and the hiring of a younger, new generation of coaches. Moreover, parents and gymnasts will be included in the decision-making process, with updates to be published ever 6 months.

The Whyte Review has scrutinized a 12-year period, during which British Gymnastics received many complaints that it failed to act upon, and sometimes condoned, in its bid to continue winning national and international medals. According to Claire Heafford, founder of Gymnasts for Change, the proposed measures signal a positive future but must be accompanied with the involvement of an independent ombudsman, as British Gymnastics hasn’t always kept its word in the past, with only one of 38 gymnast claims resolved so far. UK Sport and Sport England have also voiced support for the measures announced by British Gymnastics, terming them as a necessary precursor to long term change.