tumbling, tramp, diving, acrobatics, circus, cheer, dance, martial arts, X sports … and more
In her fight to end sexual abuse, the Olympic champion is challenging the very institutions she led to glory.
related – Sister survivors: 12 women, part of the army that brought down Larry Nassar, share their story
I remain so impressed that it’s the athletes pushing this issue forward. Not USAG, not the American Medical Association, not the NCAA, not IOC. Not coaches.
I don’t think so. They are not always correct. Not always up-to-date.
For example …
When (Jonathan) West began teaching private lessons at New Orleans Outlaws, last year, (owner) Bonewitz said she conducted a background check and had him take a drug screening. Both came back clean despite the fact that New Orleans police arrested (coach “Johnny”) West in 2011 on suspicion of the alleged rape of a woman.
West also faced a 2012 complaint of sexual abuse involving a 3-year-old in Kenner. But both charges were refused by prosecutors for insufficient evidence, according to authorities. …
‘He was like a part of their family’: Gymnastics community reels after coach’s sex abuse arrests
Both those previous charges were refused by prosecutors for insufficient evidence, so did not show on his background check.
related – Uber is rolling out ongoing background checks for its drivers
In Canada 10 Steps of Screening are recommended:
Kerry Perry … announced five members of the organization’s newly created Athlete Task Force: Shenea Booth, acrobatic gymnastics; Ivana Hong, women’s gymnastics; Jazzy Kerber, rhythmic gymnastics; Steven Legendre, men’s gymnastics; and Leigh Hennessy Robson, trampoline and tumbling.
Spencer is not convinced.
News from Alberta, Canada.
Insurance costs may drive the pay for play warehouses out of business.
Red Deer’s indoor trampoline park has closed its doors.
… owners of Jump 360 say insurance rates “quadruple what we were paying” and higher employee wages have made it too costly for them to continue operating. …
Jump 360 had been open since May 2016 …
Indoor trampoline park closes citing higher insurance costs, wages
related – Insurers jumping out of the trampoline business
I’d love to see those dangerous parks close.
The downside for Alberta clubs with qualified, certified Trampoline coaches is a new limitation which states that only competitive gymnasts and trampolinists are insured to use tramps, tumbling trampolines, mini-trampolines, etc.
Recreational kids, birthday party kids, Parkour and drop-in participants are not covered for negligence. … I feel this goes too far. Alberta clubs should look for a new insurance agency.
Father of three dies at Richmond’s Extreme Air Park trampoline facility
“supporting, protecting and empowering”
The United States Olympic Committee on Thursday named a new chief executive to succeed Scott Blackmun, who stepped down under pressure in February as the organization faced escalating pressure in the aftermath of the Nassar gymnastics sex abuse case.
The group’s new leader is Sarah Hirshland, an executive with the United States Golf Association. …
The guys at Phoenix Gymnastics use Lyle’s Golden Syrup instead of honey. That’s a British thing that has caught on in some Gyms around the world.
You put a small dab on your hands before chalking up.
It does work.
Dvora Meyers linked to a video from Kamerin Moore, former elite gymnast and Larry Nassar survivor.
It’s very emotional.
Click PLAY or watch it on Instagram.
The goal of the Rule of Two is for organizations to always have two screened and National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) trained or certified coaches with an athlete, especially a minor athlete, when in a potentially vulnerable situation. Vulnerable situations can include closed doors meetings, travel, and remote training environments.
Implementing the Rule of Two means that any one-on-one interaction between a coach and an athlete, both on and off of the field of play, must take place within earshot and view of the second coach, with the exception of medical emergencies.
One of the coaches must also be of the same gender as the athlete. …
Tony Retrosi is on the road. A long series of Congress events, Camps and competitions.
Talking to many coaches here’s one of his observations:
Because of the current climate of fear within the gymnastics community many new coaches with energy and ideas are NOT getting involved and many experienced coaches are getting out of the sport early.
Read more on GymMomentum.
I’m sensing some of that same doom and gloom in western Canada regarding the future of our sport, but it’s not nearly as severe.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 