Category: parents

Protect LGBTQ+ athletes

In my long lifetime, I’ve not yet faced an issue regarding a trans athlete. It’s quite rare.

In 2023 the concerns have been exaggerated by right wing politicians as an unethical and dangerous way to gain deplorable votes.

BUT every sport must make decisions on who is allowed to compete in any competitive division. Age. Ability. Gender. Etc.

For me it’s not automatic to disallow males who have transitioned to females.

Saskatchewan’s Gymnaestrada routine

Bringing Truth and Reconciliation to sport.

Canada is a terrific nation. But our greatest crime has been how the First Nations have been treated.

We can do much, much better.

This team will be sharing their message with the world at Gymnaestrada Amsterdam 2023.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (18min)

Paris Olympics – Pride House

The Pride House is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive space and will be in operation throughout the period of next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

… gender equality, diversity and equal opportunities …

Pride House has been launched alongside the Fair-Play Association, which aims to promote fair play, inclusion, equality and respect for people in sport regardless of gender, sexual orientation, expression or gender identity. …

Olympic ideals. Racists and homophobes should stay away.

British Gymnastics calls for a multi-sport SAFEGUARDING organization

GB feels they don’t have the resources to do the kind of job they want to do keeping everyone in the sport safer.

That’s not to mention the backlog of historic complaints that still need be evaluated.

Safer Gymnastics in New Zealand

In 2021 Gymnastics New Zealand was given recommendations from a review.

Here’s where they are at in 2023 at implementing and monitoring that plan.

It’s easy to read. Well presented. But still a work in progress.

shaping-the-future-of-gymnastics-in-aotearoaDownload

Nanci Moore is back in the Gym

Nanci Moore, a gymnastics coach at Bay Valley Academy in Michigan, was suspended for allegations of mistreatment, being forced to compete through injuries, and not following concussion protocols.

Initially, she was suspended by SafeSport. But that 2 year suspension has been lifted. Nanci can coach under supervision.

It’s critical to take every accusation of misconduct seriously. And just as critical to welcome back those coaches found not guilty.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

talking to your young athletes about SPOTTING

Amanda Loudin:

“Talk to your kids about good touch and bad touch and make sure they feel comfortable coming to you if something doesn’t feel right,” she said. “Regularly check in with your kids: Ask them what was good and what was bad about practice and if anything made them feel uncomfortable.” …

… “The highest risk areas are those that allow for one-on-one adult-child interaction, often at the elite level. Those activities that involve body positioning, such as swimming or gymnastics, exacerbate the risk because touching is a part of the training.” …

espnW

A word I like to use with kids is creepy. If anything feels creepy to them, it could be a red flag.

The less spotting in your program, the better.

And be cautious HOW you spot skills. For example, spotting on the sides of the body is safer than a sandwich spot front and back.

Gymnastics sleepovers?

When I was a kid, we had Gym sleepovers at my club. Other clubs. And frequently billeted with the families of other gymnasts when away at training camps.

Not to mention the frequent sleepovers I hosted with my own friends.

But in 2023 there are not many unsupervised sleepovers. Good policy.

 In recent online and media debates about sleepovers, parents have cited big concerns about letting their children sleep at a friend’s house:

  • How much adult supervision will they have?
  • Are there guns in the home?
  • Is the family COVID vaccinated?
  • Are alcohol and drugs sufficiently secure?
  • Will other parents take my child’s allergies/health condition seriously?
  • Will the kids have access to the internet?
  • What other siblings, friends, and adults will be in the home, and do I know them?
  • How do I know my child will be safe from abuse?
  • Who even are these people?

… There are alternatives to the traditional sleepover where young kids can get some of the freedom and novelty without as much risk:

  • Allowing sleepovers with trusted family members or family friends.
  • A “sleep-under” (or half-over or late-over): Allowing your child to play late at a friend’s house but come home for bedtime.
  • Let them go on daytime outings with friends and their families where you can be present and get to know everyone better.
  • Go camping with other families, which gives the kids a sleepover experience but all parents are present for supervision.

source – Lifehacker – Are Sleepovers Finally Over?

social media harming mental health

Sensitive content.

This film features real stories about body appearance that may be upsetting to some viewers. New research by the Dove Self-Esteem Project found that social media is harming the mental health of 3 in 5 kids. Join us, along with Common Sense Media and Parents Together Action, in supporting legislative change to make social media safer. Sign the petition to pass the Kids Online Safety Act …

It’s hard to watch.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.