Category: ethics

Kerry Perry message

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.

Read an expanded version online: Finances, Sponsors, Litigation, National Team Training Center.

If USAG is to be saved, I’d call this a small step forward. The words are good if not yet backed up with enough action.

There are doubters. John Nichols points out Perry attended only a portion of one day of victim statements.

related – Jessica O’Beirne from GymCastic was invited to LSU for Elite verification. She’s been the most vocal critic of USAG through the Nassar scandal. I see this as real evidence of transparency. An even bigger step forward.

 

U.S. National Team contenders are worried

From the biggest sexual abuse case in sports, the institution of U.S.A. Gymnastics has emerged tattered and disgraced: censured for systematically failing to report predators, accused of fostering abusive training environments and condemned by many of its own stars.

But there are still gymnasts training 30 to 40 hours a week in pursuit of lifelong dreams …

U.S. Gymnasts Worry That Program’s Chaos Will Ruin Their Chances

first male victim to join lawsuits against Nassar

Jacob Moore, who competes for University of Michigan, is joining federal civil suits against Nassar, Michigan State and USA Gymnastics.

how to warn kids about sexual predators

A good word to mention is creepy.

If something seems creepy to you, that’s a red flag. Tell your parents.

If a spotter makes you feel uncomfortable, tell them not to spot you. Do progressions and conditioning instead.

… “One of the biggest misconceptions is that these conversations are too advanced or harmful for children to hear about,” Ms. Palumbo said.

“In reality, the more information that we can give children from an early age about understanding your bodies and your boundaries and what types of touch are appropriate — not only does it give your child that information, it also lets them know that these are safe topics to talk to you about.”

NYT – The Nassar Case Presents Difficult Parenting Questions

Eddie Van Hoof may sue for wrongful dismissal

Five months after he was suspended by British Gymnastics, former men’s coach Eddie Van Hoof says he may go to court after he was fired last week by the federation over what it calls “irreconcilable differences.” …

According to The Guardian, Van Hoof stated that British Gymnastics told him he was being terminated because of insubordination toward British Gymnastics Performance Director James Thomas, “bullying” against an unspecified employee and “combative language or behavior” toward unspecified gymnasts. Van Hoof, 61, said he believes the real reason for his dismissal was because of his stance during the athlete contract dispute last year. …

“The concerns began to surface last August,” Van Hoof stated, “shortly after I raised objections to the new world-class performance athlete agreements, which have rightly been a cause of widespread concern for leaving our leading British athletes open to exploitation. I stand by my support of our athletes on the issue of contracts, and I stand by my own conduct and professionalism during my time with British Gymnastics.” …

‘Shocked’ Van Hoof Mulls Options After Dismissal from British Gymnastics

Brent Klaus on USA Gymnastics

Brent and his family run International Gymnastics Camp, a sponsor of this site.

At the 2017 USA Gymnastics Congress IGC set up this display.

Now in February 2018, Brent talks about the reaction their display got last August. Particularly comments from USAG staff and Board members.

USA Gymnastics Predicament

Thanks Amanda.

Aly Raisman nude for ‘SI’ swimsuit issue

… For the shoot, the women pose completely naked, with empowering messages written across their bodies. The idea of the shoot is to prove that women are free to speak about who they truly are and want to be. …

Aly Raisman Writes ‘Survivor’ Across Her Chest for In Her Own Words

More photos.

Aly is now in Australia, speaking on the issue of sexual abuse. She’s really been our most effective advocate.

transparency at Gym Clubs

Recall the BAD OLD DAYS when parents were not allowed to watch training?

Those are gone forever.

Swing open the front door beneath the tin roof at Achieve Gymnastics, and the first thing you see are rows of chairs in front of a glass wall.

The design is intentional.

Viewed through the glass is a large arena where the daughters of more than 800 families train and compete. At least two staff members must be on watch at all times. Security cameras blanket the facility. …

Every door, except for a restroom in use, is left open and unlocked. …

Why the need for so much transparency?

“We can’t afford not to,” said Alan Herron, Achieve’s operations manager. …

Athlete abuse: How local sports organizations are taking charge to protect kids

Inside the walls of Achieve Gymnastics, the staff works daily to bolster the morale of the young athletes.

At my home Gym for some years we had one way mirrors between the spectator areas and the Gym. That worked well. Parents could see in. Kids couldn’t see out.

These days you can put colourful graphics on the Gym side of the mirror.

#SheCanCoach #SheCanCoachBARS

#SheCanCoach campaign aims to fight idea that women can’t coach

Only 30% of all coaches in Ontario are women, according to the Coaches Association of Ontario

We need encourage women to spot Bars, in particular.

#SheCanCoachBARS

Thanks Kim.

 

spotting is not illegal … yet

Still, the less spotting the better in my opinion. Assign more physical and technical progressions. Wait longer before doing the full skill with spot.

😁