Update from International Gymnastics Camp:
… the current recommendation that campers wear either shorts or leggings with leotards at training sessions is in keeping with IGC’s proactive mission to provide the safest possible training environment for its campers. Contrary to some social media allegations, this recommendation is not intended to somehow victimize or victim shame. Rather this practice insures a greater measure of comfort for many gymnasts.
Thank you for a lot of positive support and vocal negative feedback. We are softening our original policy from a requirement to a recommendation as we want all campers and parents to be comfortable and to ensure the wellbeing for all the gymnasts. …
read the full statement
____
original post from yesterday:
International Gymnastics Camp’s concern with the current issues facing USA Gymnastics drives us to take a pro-active approach to ensure gymnastics is a safe sport when it comes to abuse.
International Gymnastics Camp is advocating that, across the entire nation, shorts or leggings be worn with leotards during both workouts and junior competitions in the women’s programs. In that regard, and to accelerate this trend for change, IGC is requiring our female campers to wear shorts or leggings during workouts at camp.
Thank you for your cooperation.
This is similar to those Gyms who require boys and men not to train shirtless.
Though I love freedom, and prefer it be optional, I can live with this restriction. Especially at Camp.
Another good option is training in unitards.
related – World of Gymnastics – pros and cons of bike shorts
Update – Aly Raisman feels any ban of leotards from gymnastics to prevent abuse is a form of ‘victim shaming’. There are many reasons for training dress codes in Gyms. Preventing possible abuse has never been one of them in any Gym I can recall.
full disclosure – International Gymnastics Camp is a sponsor of this site.
(via Chalk Bucket)
Gymnastics Coaching.com 
I agree with Raisman
LikeLike
And further to that…how about those Cheer costumes? Now there is something that needs a serious review…talk about sexualizing kids.
LikeLike
Linking attire to molestation misses the point entirely and actually sends the message to young girls that there is something shameful about their bodies. That message only compounds feelings of shame and disgust victims of child molestation can sometimes feel. And you know what happens when a child feels ashamed and disgusted? When they think there is something wrong with them? It makes it even harder for them to tell what a trusted adult is doing to them. An adult who victimized a child doesn’t do it because a child is wearing a leotard. It has zero to do with what the child is wearing. Measures like this that are not based on the realities of child molestation make people feel good. They can say “see we are doing something!” But if you just implement reactive, potentially counter-productive policies you can pat yourself on the back without actually helping and without actually having to implement effective policies. This is a misstep. I hope IGC talks to some real experts in the field.
LikeLike
All of this. Cover up to avoid abuse is an incredibly twisted and dangerous message. It’s telling children their bodies are shameful and tempting to adults; that abuse is their fault and can be prevented if they’re just “good” enough; A grooming mentality that actually fosters and enables abuse! So-called “modesty” rules do nothing to prevent assault of any kind and perpetuate stereotypes that the victim is to blame. The only cause of sexual assault are sexual assaulters. Empower our children to know that no matter what they wear, who they talk to or how friendly they act, NO ADULT HAS THE RIGHT TO TOUCH OR VERBALLY SHAME you and, if they try, it is the adult at fault, not the child, 100% of the time. No exceptions. There is nothing you can do, say, wear or think that makes you “deserve” sexual assault, at any age and it’s disgusting and dangerous to pretend otherwise.
LikeLike
Ideas like this come close to legitimising sexual abuse. Hiding our bodies is not the solution… And it’s bad for gymnastics.
LikeLike
This is not a good idea. I understand the concept, but it is misguided. I am a male (mostly MAG) coach. I coach young girls who wear leotards, and yes, I am in a position to see a lot of skin, but it is MY JOB to do the right thing- look away, spot and coach in a respectful manner, and allow girls to just be girls. It is NOT their job to dress up more to prevent perverts from looking at them.
BTW- I fully encourage the boys I coach to train shirtless for much the same reasons. They should feel comfortable and confident about their bodies, not be told to wear a shirt for the adults’ benefit.
LikeLike