U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland:

… the next step in the Section 8 process is for me to select an independent, three-person hearing panel with representatives from the USOC board of directors, the NGB Council and the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

The panel will next review my complaint and USAG’s response, hold a hearing, create a report and recommendation for the full USOC board and then the board will take an action.

A formal timeframe is not described in our bylaws, so I don’t know exactly how long this process may take. At minimum, we expect it will take several weeks, perhaps a few months.

It is important to note that during this process – and per our bylaws – USAG will continue to operate as a fully recognized member NGB of the USOC.

We are not shutting down USAG. Nor is the USOC taking over USAG. In the immediate term there are no changes for USAG members or clubs. …

USOC Statement Regarding Latest Developments To Section 8 Complaint Against USA Gymnastics

While it might be rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, no doubt some future organization replacing USAG can use some of the existing policies and procedures.

USA Gymnastics Karen Golz, Board chair:

Top Priorities for the next CEO:

• Work to ensure the safety of athletes.
• Lead an organizational transformation to rebuild trust and move the organization forward in a positive and inclusive manner.
• Ensure transparency in USA Gymnastics operations to build organizational and public trust.

Key Experience

• Experience leading cultural change, organizational transformation or turnaround in a complex setting.
• Experience in gymnastics, either as an athlete, coach, parent or administrator.
• Proven stakeholder management skills; history of working effectively with a board and a diverse constituent base or membership organization.

Personal Characteristics

• Unquestioned integrity, credibility and character.
• Strong, transparent communicator and motivator.
• Knowledgeable about gymnastics and USA Gymnastics as an organization.
• Team-oriented and collaborative.

Read the full statement.

It seems inevitable that the current USAG will be disbanded.

Some organization will (eventually) replace it.

No former USAG Board members will be returning. But personally I’d like to see Tom Forster — for example — stay on in his current role. Perhaps some others.

Many in the burn it all down camp assume that everyone currently involved is responsible. That things will be better if everyone is new.

Why? There’s no logic to that. A brand new group of volunteers and staff will stumble and bungle until they get experience.

Tony Retrosi:

We must look for ways to FIX the problem. Not the blame. Fixing the problem is good for all of us. Not one side or the other.

I truthfully believe the best days of gymnastics lay ahead of us. We have great things to accomplish in all disciplines and aspects of the program.

We can work to protect ALL participants while remaining dominant at international competitions. Look at the genuine smiles from the gymnasts at World Championships in Doha and Russia. …

End the Tribalism In Our Sport BEFORE It Ends Us.