Category: safety

independent review of USA Gymnastics

Nov. 3, 2016 – USA Gymnastics announced today that Deborah J. Daniels, managing partner of Indianapolis-based Krieg DeVault LLP and a former federal prosecutor, has been hired to conduct an independent review of USA Gymnastics’ bylaws, policies, procedures and practices related to handling sexual misconduct matters. …

USAG

They want to get their house in better order before SafeSport launches.

The new U.S. Center for SafeSport in Denver, Colorado is set to open in January 2017, and now the organization has found its new CEO.

Shellie Pfohl, former Executive Director of President Obama’s Youth Fitness Initiative, has been hired to lead the SafeSport center, whose mission is to promote safe, supportive environments for athletes across all sports. …

U.S. CENTER FOR SAFESPORT NAMES NEW CEO

another National Team gymnast sues Larry Nassar

A former member of the United States women’s gymnastics team filed a civil lawsuit Thursday against Dr. Larry Nassar in California Superior Court, claiming the long-time team doctor for USA Gymnastics sexually assaulted her during medical exams and that the legendary former coaches, Bela and Marta Karolyi, failed to protect her and engaged in their own pattern of physical and emotional abuse.

The suit also claims that top USA Gymnastics officials had “wide-ranging knowledge” of the abuse, but for years “concealed and ignored” it, enabling both Nassar and the Karolyi. …

ESPN

elgrip NOT required next Men’s Code

DRAFT FIG Men’s Code of Points 2020 page 135 – Horizontal Bar:

Article 15.2.2 Information about the D score

1. The Element Groups are (EG):

I. Long hang swings with and without turns.
II. Flight elements.
III. In bar and Adler elements.
IV. Dismounts.

Adler is German for “eagle”. An eagle or elgrip swing has always been required in the past. But with the reduction in Special Requirements from 5 to 4, gymnasts will be required to do either an In Bar skill or Eagle skill. An Endo, for example, would suffice.

We will be seeing this skill far less in future.

adler
Adler

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

The classic Stoop Shoot MIGHT damage the shoulders of gymnasts. I’m very happy to see it no longer a requirement. The very few genetically gifted may continue to use it.

Most have been done badly in the past. Flexed feet, bent knees, wide arms, etc.

Congratulations to FIG MTC for this change, something many have been calling for for decades. We’ll have fewer shoulder injuries in future.

Of course gymnasts will continue to use variations of that skill including Adler 1/2 and Adler 1/1, both much less for shoulder injury.

related – TECHNIQUES TO START THE STOOP CIRCLE (ADLER) ON HIGH BAR

protecting gymnasts from predators

Protecting Gymnasts From Predators – Part 1

Protecting Gymnasts From Predators – Part 2

Darkness to Light has a great educational resource called “The 5 Steps to Protecting Our Children”;

Step 1: Learn The Facts: Realities, Not Trust, Should Influence Your Decisions Regarding Children

Step 2: Minimize Opportunity: If you eliminate or reduce isolated, one-on-one situations between children and adults, and children and other youth, you’ll dramatically reduce the risk of sexual abuse.

Step 3: Talk About It: Children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be broken down by (parents) talking openly about our bodies, sex, and boundaries.

Step 4: Recognize The Signs: Don’t expect obvious signs when a child is being sexually abused. Signs are often there, but you have to know what to look for.

Step 5: React Responsibly: DISCLOSURE of sexual abuse means a child has chosen you as the person he or she trusts enough to tell. It is the moment when children learn whether others can be trusted to stand up for them.

Protecting Gymnasts From Predators – Part 3

One more point. Clubs should not discourage parents from watching practice. The more transparency the better.

Our competitive gymnasts are amongst the best protected children. But we could do even better.

On a related topic Nicole Bard has advice for parents in a post titled …

What To Look For In A Good Gym: Abuse Series Part 1

1. Open Floor Plan
2. Cameras
3. Proper Conduct Training and Policies

Stacey Ervin on handling grief & depression

“You don’t have to be sick in order to get better.”

That’s the message that Stacey Ervin, former University of Michigan gymnast, is sending to student athletes. It’s a mantra that helped him to become an All-American and National Champion, all while dealing with the death of his mother and the other demands associated with being a Division I student athlete.

He is sharing his story in the latest video in the Athletes Connected series with the hope that it will help at least one other person who has dealt with a personal struggle, overcome their trials and reach their goals.

Compared to their collegiate peers, student athletes are less likely to seek out mental health services due to a variety of factors, including performance pressures and a culture that promotes not being perceived as weak. Athletes Connected is working to change that. …

Former U-M Gymnast Encourages Fellow Athletes to Seek Help in New Athletes Connected Video

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

16 more women accuse Larry Nassar

… the women’s allegations of sexual abuse span nearly two decades — from 1996 through 2014. Their ages ranged from 13 to 20 when the alleged abuse began. Some continued to see Nassar for treatment for years. …

All five women interviewed by IndyStar said they wondered about the treatment they received from Nassar, but they initially deferred to his reputation and expertise in the field of sports medicine.

“He was like this hero in … sports medicine, especially for gymnastics, because the injuries and type of stress you’re putting on your body are so different than any other sport,” Katherine said. “A trainer and doctor for the U.S. Olympic team accessible in Michigan; it was like, everyone thought it was amazing.” …

Indy Star

The IndyStar USA Gymnastics investigation

Riley Beggin summarizes the story to date.

IndyStar filed records requests in 10 states and reviewed thousands of pages of documents over the course of four and a half months. Their reporting found that USAG, which is headquartered in Indianapolis, has private sexual misconduct files on 54 coaches spanning 10 years. But unless the allegations came to officials directly from the victim or the victim’s parent, the organization wouldn’t take any measures to intervene. …

Indiana law doesn’t require firsthand information to report suspected abuse. It only requires that the reporter has “reason to believe” abuse has occurred. Legal experts told IndyStar that it’s clear USA Gymnastics’ policy violates state law. …

Behind the Story

out-of-balance

former coach William ‘Bill’ McCabe

In 2007 Bill McCabe was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of children.

mccabe_mugshot

The Indianapolis Star posted a timeline of his troubled coaching career.

The question being asked of USA Gymnastics is why Bill McCabe wasn’t placed on the permanently ineligible list until December 2006?

(via otothebeirne)

Vanessa Atler on Larry Nassar

1) First I want everyone to know Larry has never done anything to me. I only really had problems with my ankle and he was always professional and i never had any bad experiences with him.

2) I will be choosing to support these women. …

read more on Facebook

Vanessa was a long time National Team member. (1995-2001)