Category: safety

human rights in Qatar

GymCastic asked FIG about how they plan to protect participants at Worlds 2018 in Doha.

The official response from the FIG regarding LGBT gymnasts and staff in Qatar for the world championship:

“We understand your concerns with regards to LGBT gymnasts and staff at the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Doha.

However, as a FIG member and by hosting the championships, the Qatar Gymnastics Federation adheres to the FIG Rules that does not allow any kind of discrimination or any violation of human rights as per Article 2.2 of the Statutes and Article 1. of the Code of Ethics.

During the last ten editions of the Doha World Cup no incident has become known, where a gymnast, coach, official or fan has faced any mistreatment in this regard.

The same applies to World Championships of other sports that have been held in Doha, including the 2015 IHF Handball World Championships, the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships and the 2016 UCI Road World Championships as well as the annual ATP and WTA Qatar Open tennis tournaments.

As long as the participants, coaches, officials and staff, irrespective of their race, sex, language or religion, respect the law of the host country and abide by the rules, there is no reason to fear imprisonment.”

(via GymCastic #292)

Qatar talks about a commitment to human rights, but homosexuality is still illegal.

Richard de Mos, a member of the Dutch Parliament for the Freedom Party (PVV), has proposed that the Dutch football team play ( the 2022 FIFA World Cup) in pink, instead of the country’s national colour, orange, to protest the gay rights situation in Qatar.

I’m planning on going. I’ve found Qatar surprisingly tolerant in the past. 88.4% of the population is non-Qatari. It’s a very cosmopolitan place. Rapidly changing.

With Saudi Arabian finally liberalizing I expect we’ll one day see Gay marriage in Qatar.

Canadian Coaching Code of Ethics

1. Physical safety and health of athletes
2. Coaching responsibly
3. Integrity in relations with others
4. Respect of athletes
5. Honouring sport

It’s a simplified version of the COACHING ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (CAC) CODE OF CONDUCT with DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES.

Canadian coaches do some online courses on ethics, as well.

When it comes to coaching ethics Keith Russell recommends: Educate, Educate, Educate, Legislate. 

Canadian Coach Education 2018

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.

 

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

BEFORE you teach flyaway

Visiting 40-50 gyms a year I see a common dynamic. Young girls doing tucked flyaway with spot off the low rail of Bars.

Fun. Easy. Seems, at the time, to work.

But that’s not the best way to teach flyaway. Instead use a wide range of drills that don’t require spotting. Here’s one set-up I like, appropriate for kids as young as age-5.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

If you don’t have Rings, I’d highly recommend you buy a set. Fitness Rings are very inexpensive. Hang those on a rail at just the right height for your kids.

 

ADHD medication and Gymnastics

Recall that Russian hackers first revealed that Simone had been on ADHD medication since childhood. Ritalin.

Read a discussion on Chalk Bucket:

Questions for parents of kids with ADHD

how much sleep does a gymnast need?

It’s not easy for gymnasts to get enough sleep.

Here are the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatricians and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine:

  • Children 3 to 5 years of age should sleep 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
  • Children 6 to 12 years of age should sleep 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
  • Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

The key here is regular sleep to promote optimal health of your gymnast. Good sleep should be every night and not just on weekends. …

Dr. Joshua Eldridge

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.