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LAWRENCE SMITH / things
Seven former New Zealand gymnasts have spoken out on alleged abuses in sport
An independent review by Gymnastics New Zealand (GNZ), published after allegations of abuse within the sport, found that “scars exist and the damage that has caused those scars needs to be repaired.”
The 60-page document, released Wednesday morning, was produced after gymnasts, past and present, coaches, officials and parents consulted with reviewer David Howman, who was assisted by former Dr. Silver Fern Lesley Nicol and former gymnast Rachel Vickery.
Over 200 submissions were received, with lengthy interviews or discussions conducted with around 100.
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Gymnastics executive director Tony Compier said the report was crucial to helping the sport repair past pain and suffering.
Ten main themes were identified within the review, including negative effect on athletes ‘health and well-being, gymnasts’ ‘lack of voice’, fear of retaliation when speaking about alleged abusive practices, unrealistic expectations, power imbalances and lack of confidence. within the community and “insufficient education”.
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“A reboot is required to create junction,” the review read.
The review was established following an investigation by Stuff into the normalized ‘insidious culture’ within the sport, which uncovered allegations of psychological, physical and emotional abuse, fat embarrassment and athletes expected to compete for serious injuries. Several of the topics covered by Stuff have been analyzed in the independent review.
Gymnastics NZ CEO Tony Compier said the report would be crucial in helping the sport repair past pain and suffering and ensure positive change.
STUFF
The accusations are similar to many made throughout the gymnastics world.
It recognized the “courage shown by those who came forward” and participated in the review.
As a consequence, Gymnastics NZ has created a statement of commitment to publicly commit to implementing the report’s recommendations.
A steering committee, which would include survivors, athletes, industry experts and others who are an integral part of the gymnastics community, was expected to be in place by the end of March to oversee the implementation of the recommendations.
The review notes that the implementation of “some” of the recommendations would require financial and / or human resources and the lack of resources would have to be addressed, not only by Gymnastics NZ but also by the broader sports community in New Zealand.
“The recommendations have been written not only to correct ‘breaks’, but to help stimulate the sport to align with best practices, from grassroots to high performance sport; to create a sports community and culture that prepares all participants for success and a rewarding experience, regardless of their level or role. ”
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David Howman led the in-depth review of Gymnastics NZ, with the help of Dr. Lesley Nicol and Rachel Vickery.
Some recommendations were the following:
1 WELLNESS / HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Provide a formal apology and an acknowledgment of harm to people affected by physical, emotional, psychological and other abuse afflicted by or through the inappropriate and unacceptable behavior of other members of the gymnastics community during the last 4 decades; particularly highlighting the damage suffered by the young gymnasts.
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Create and implement a process of restoration for all survivors of abuse.
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Seek continuation of counseling services currently available to all gymnastic community abuse survivors through Sport NZ.
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Incorporate cultural diversity and understanding into your panel and guidelines.
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Request clubs that allow parents to observe training where there is a suitable viewing area.
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Have a greater respect for the mental health of all those involved in the gymnastics community, especially competitive gymnasts. This involves changing the cultural mindset from unrealistic perfection to “pursuing excellence.”
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Consider an additional review of competition and training apparel to address the safety, physical, psychological and holistic well-being of gymnasts.
2 GYMNAST
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Establish or support the establishment of a group / commission of athletes to participate in political decisions for the sport, among other activities.
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Create a confidential path between current elite athletes and former athletes, to ensure that issues and concerns can be shared and then move forward without fear.
3 COACHES
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Promote and support the establishment of a national association of coaches to provide support, advice and professional development.
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Seek collaboration with other sports and Sport NZ’s guidance on ways and means to deliver educational courses on child development, human behavior and understanding the human stress response for all coaches.
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Create a national coach registry with content including coach qualifications, current level of coaches, and club name. Monitor trainer certification annually at all levels.
4 JUDGES
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Increase the transparency of scoring, particularly in national championships and competitions that impact selection.
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Recognizing the need to respect judgment, but that this respect is reciprocal for everyone in the community.
5 COMPETITIVE ROADS
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Examine nationally and internationally the age at which competency emphasis begins to determine if it is appropriate.
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Determine the age (s) at which international competition is suggested as appropriate for New Zealand gymnasts to aspire to.
6 EDUCATION
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Take advantage of the 2019 Athlete Wellness Survey and canvas, as separate groups, judges, coaches, and parents to better understand the community’s wants and needs for future gymnastics-specific education.
7 GYMNASTICS NEW ZEALAND
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Review communication protocols for communicating with member clubs and other community members to ensure participation.
8 CLUBS
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All clubs will require considerable assistance with many of the recommendations, but the core is acceptance of the limited resources available to many clubs to implement and practice the revised rules, policies, and programs. Look for ways that gym clubs can share resources, knowledge, and experiences.
9 COMPLAINTS
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With the understanding and recognition that the adversarial legal approach is more of a deterrent than an encouragement for people to report abuse or other inappropriate behavior, in part due to a deep-seated fear of others, as to how they Potential whistleblowers may be able to remain anonymous while reports are investigated.
10 FINANCIAL RESOURCES
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Examine ways and means of addressing financial scarcity, including discussion of resource sharing by NSOs, and collective ways with other NSOs to respond to cases of misconduct.
11 MONITOR
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Designate an independent monitor to oversee the implementation of these recommendations, and for that person / body to inform the gymnastics community and the public about such implementation.
