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Establish Independent Oversight for British Gymnastics

Background:
British Gymnastics plays a crucial role in nurturing young talent and promoting the sport of gymnastics across the United Kingdom. However, recent revelations have shed light on concerning issues within the organization, particularly regarding the safety and well-being of gymnasts, especially minors. The lack of independent oversight and accountability within British Gymnastics has allowed instances of abuse to go unreported and unaddressed, posing significant risks to the athletes involved.

Proposal:
We, the undersigned, call upon the UK government to establish independent oversight for British Gymnastics by appointing an independent sports ombudsman. This independent body would be tasked with overseeing the governance and operations of British Gymnastics to ensure the safety, well-being, and rights of gymnasts are protected.

Rationale:
The current lack of independent oversight within British Gymnastics has contributed to a culture of silence and non-reporting of abuse. Despite numerous allegations and concerns raised over the years, the organization's internal mechanisms have failed to adequately address these issues, leading to a lack of accountability and justice for victims.

Statistics:
Since 1994, a total of 37 British gymnastics coaches have been convicted of various offenses, with an average of 1.23 coaches convicted per year. However, the alarming trend is the increase in convictions in recent years, with 19 convictions recorded since 2013, equating to an average of 1.72 coaches convicted per year during this period. These statistics highlight the urgent need for independent oversight to address the systemic issues within British Gymnastics and protect the athletes under its care.

Call to Action:
By establishing independent oversight through the appointment of an independent sports ombudsman, we can ensure that British Gymnastics is held accountable for its actions and decisions. This independent body would provide a safe and confidential avenue for gymnasts, coaches, and other stakeholders to report concerns, seek redress, and hold the organization accountable for any wrongdoing.

Conclusion:
The safety and well-being of gymnasts, especially minors, should be paramount in British Gymnastics. By establishing independent oversight, we can create a safer and more transparent environment for gymnasts to thrive and fulfil their potential without fear of abuse or exploitation. We urge the UK government to take action and prioritize the establishment of an independent sports ombudsman for British Gymnastics without delay.

Yours Sincerely

Gymnasts' Voice
Nicky Webster Dino Nocivelli Nikki Claire O'Donnell Janet Allabush Jill Simmons-Temple Paul Hurd

petition.parliament.uk