Report To USA Gymnastics On Proposed Policy and Procedural Changes For The Protection of Young Athletes

Report to USA Gymnastics
on Proposed Policy and

Procedural Changes
for the Protection of
Young Athletes
SUBMITTED BY
Deborah J. Daniels, J.D.
WITH ASSISTANCE FROM

Praesidium
June 26, 2017

Table of Contents
Introduction Page 1
Executive Summary Page 4
Methodology Page 8
Background on the Environment Page 10
Surrounding Competitive Gymnastics
and the Risk of Abuse
Historical Perspective Regarding Page 13

Competitive Gymnastics in the United States
Overarching Recommendation: Page 23
Cultural Shift Throughout USA Gymnastics
Specific Findings and Recommendations Page 24
Board Structure and Duties Page 25
Administrative Management Page 34
Member Requirements and Enforcement Page 40
Screening and Selection of Coaches, Volunteers and Page 55

Other Adults with Access to Athletes
Process for Filing Reports of Misconduct Page 62
Education, Training and Athlete Support Page 72
Encouraging Reporting of Suspected Violations Page 84
National Team Training Center Page 90
National Team Selection Process Page 97
Conclusion Page 100
Exhibit A - USA Gymnastics Participant Welfare Policy
Exhibit B - USA Gymnastics Code of Ethical Conduct
Exhibit C - USA Gymnastics Bylaws: Articles 9 and 10

INTRODUCTION
BackgroundLeadingtoCommissioningofReview

USAGymnasticsistheNationalGoverningBodyforgymnasticsundertheumbrellaoftheU.S.
OlympicCommittee.Sincethe1980s,basedonreportsofphysical,emotionaland/orsexualabuseof
youngathletesparticipatinginthesport,USAGymnasticshasmadeanumberofsignificantpolicy
changesintendedtoprotecttheyoungathleteswhocompeteinitssanctionedevents,aswellasthose
whoengageinintensivetraininginthehopeofqualifyingforsuchcompetition.

However,inrecentyears,anumberoftroublingreportshavesurfacedofyoungwomenallegedly
abusedbypersonsaffiliatedwithUSAGymnasticsasmembersorcontractorsoveralengthyperiodof
time,includingallegationsthatUSAGymnasticswasnotsufficientlyresponsiveindiscipliningoffenders
andterminatingtheiraccesstoyounggymnasts.WhileindividualUSAGymnasticsstaffmembershave
perceivedthemselvesashavingbeenvigilantinprotectingchildren,withintheboundariesthey
perceivedaslimitingtheirauthoritytocontrolothersbehavior,ithasbecomeclearthatmoreis
needed.

Forthatreason,inlate2016,USAGymnasticsengagedDeborahJ.Daniels,ManagingPartnerof
IndianapolisbasedKriegDeVaultLLPandaformerfederalprosecutor,toconductanindependent
reviewofUSAGymnasticsbylaws,policies,proceduresandpracticesrelatedtohandlingsexual
misconductmatters.

Itshouldbenotedattheoutsetofthisreportthattherearethousandsofgymnasticsclubs
throughouttheUnitedStates,peopledwithtensofthousandsofdedicatedcoaches,staffand
volunteers,inadditiontojudgesandotherswithinandoutsideUSAGymnastics,whoseentirefocusis
onservingandprotectingtheyoungathleteswhoareentrustedtotheircare.

Further,therearetensofthousandsofyoungmenandyoungwomenwhobenefittremendouslyby
theirinvolvementingymnastics.Particularlyinthecaseofyounggirls,gymnasticscontributes
significantlytotheirphysicalandemotionaldevelopmentatayoungage;buildsselfconfidence;and
preparesthemwellforlife.Gymnasticsisawonderfulsport,lovedandsupportedevenbythosewho
havereportedabusesufferedbythemselvesorothersduringtheircareers.Thesportdoesagreatdeal
ofgoodforasignificantnumberofyoungpeoplewhogrowintosuccessfuladultsingreatpartbecause
oftheirgymnasticsexperiencewhileyoung.

Thevastmajorityofadultsassociatedwithgymnasticstrainingandcompetitionarewellmeaning,
supportiveandfiercelyprotectiveoftheyoungathletesintheircharge.However,itisessentialforthe
preservationofthegoodthatgymnasticsdoesthatathoroughanalysisbeconductedand
recommendationsbemadeforimprovementsintheconductoftrainingandcompetitiononthepartof
everyadultassociatedwiththesport.Theseimprovementsareessentialinordertoenhancethesafety
ofthemanyyounglivesinthecareofthoseadults,andtoprotectthem,tothegreatestextentpossible,
fromtheharmperpetratedbyafewpredatorswhohavemanagedtoinfiltratethesportorwhomay
seektodosointhefuture.
PrincipalInvestigator:DeborahJ.Daniels,Esq.
Ms.Danielshasalengthyhistoryinlawenforcementand,morespecifically,asanadvocatefor
children.Inthe1980s,asChiefCounseltotheMarionCounty(Indianapolis,Indiana)Prosecuting
Attorney,shesupervisedtheSexOffenseandChildAbuseDivisionoftheoffice,tryingmanycases
herselfandcontributingtotheworkoftheNationalCenterfortheProsecutionofChildAbuse,a
subsidiaryoftheNationalDistrictAttorneysAssociation.Duringhertenure,shechairedamulti
disciplinaryteamfortheprotectionofchildren,involvingchildprotectionserviceproviders,law
enforcementandmedicalproviders.SheestablishedtheinauguralChildAdvocacyCenterin
Indianapolis,modeledontheoriginalChildAdvocacyCenterinHuntsville,Alabama.

Ms.Danielsservedfrom19881993asthePresidentiallyappointedUnitedStatesAttorneyforthe
SouthernDistrictofIndiana.Shecontinuedtopursuechildprotectionefforts,includingthe
establishmentofaninitiativetoprosecutechildpornographycasesthroughtheU.S.AttorneysOffice.
Severalyearslater,asAssistantAttorneyGeneralfortheOfficeofJusticePrograms,U.S.Departmentof
Justice,shesupervisedtheworkof,amongotheragencies,theOfficeonViolenceAgainstWomen,the
OfficeforVictimsofCrimeandtheOfficeforJuvenileJusticeDelinquencyandPrevention(which
includeswithinitspurviewtheworkoftheDepartmentofJusticeinrelationtochildabuseprevention).
SheworkedcloselywiththeNationalCenterforMissingandExploitedChildrenandservedasthefirst
NationalAmberAlertCoordinator,workingwithmultipleagenciestodevelopastrategicnationalrapid
responseapproachrelatingtochildabduction.HercurrentworkwiththelawfirmofKriegDeVaultLLP
focusesoninternalinvestigations.

Praesidium
Inordertoconductanextensivereviewandanalysisofthegymnasticscommunityandculture,as
wellashowthepoliciesofUSAGymnasticsmightbeamendedinordertoimproveitsabilitytoprotect
youngathletes,Ms.DanielshaspartneredwithPraesidium.1

Praesidiumspecializesinpreventingsexualabuseinorganizationsthatserveyouthandvulnerable
adults.Overaperiodinexcessof25years,thecompanyhasreviewedover4,000casesofabusewithin
organizationstodeterminetherootcausesofsexualabusewithinorganizationalsettings.Praesidium
employsmorethan40staff,includinglicensedsocialworkers,lawyers,psychologists,healthcare
researchersandotherexperts.

Thecompanyhasservedover5,000clientswithabroadrangeofproductsandservicestoaid
organizationsinpreventingabuse,includingonlineandinstructorledtrainings;organizationalrisk
assessments;modelpolicies;incidentinvestigations;andlitigationsupport.

Havingtrainedmorethanonemillionpeopleonlineandhundredsofthousandsin
person,Praesidiumisthelargestandmostcomprehensivesexualabuseriskmanagementfirmglobally.

1
https://website.praesidiuminc.com/wp/.
ConductoftheReview
Themethodologyofthereviewisdescribedherein.Agreatdealofinformationwasreviewed,
notonlydocumentaryinformationbutalsoinsightsobtainedasaresultoforalinterviewsofover160
individuals.Noneofthoseindividualshasbeenquoteddirectlyinthereport,fordeliberatereasons.In
ordertoencouragefrankdiscussion,allintervieweeswerepromisedanonymity,inthesensethatnone
oftheirremarkswouldbeattributedtothem.Theonlyindividualswhosestatementshavebeen
attributeddirectlytothemeithertestifiedpublicly,wrotepubliclyand/orsubmittedtopublished
interviewsabouttheirexperiences.
Thereviewershavedonetheirbesttodeveloprecommendationsthat,whileambitious,are
capableofaccomplishmentbyUSAGymnasticsintheinterestofprotectingchildren.Theroadaheadis
notaneasyone:thereareasignificantnumberofrecommendationsinthisreportthatwillrequirea
greatdealoftimeandcollaborativeefforttoexecuteeffectively.However,thereviewersfeelstrongly
notonlythattherecommendedactionsarecapableofachievement,butalsothattheyareessentialto
theabilityofthemanydedicatedadultsinvolvedinabelovedsporttoprotecttheyounglivestheyhold
sodear.
Executive Summary

EXECUTIVESUMMARY
Inlate2016,USAGymnasticsengagedDeborahJ.Daniels,ManagingPartnerofIndianapolis
basedKriegDeVaultLLPandaformerfederalprosecutor,toconductanindependentreviewofUSA
Gymnasticsbylaws,policies,proceduresandpracticesrelatedtohandlingsexualmisconductmatters,
andtomakerecommendationsforimprovementintheinterestofprotectingyoungathletesfrom
abuse.Forpurposesofthereview,DanielspartneredwithPraesidium,acompanythatspecializesin
preventingsexualabuseinorganizationsthatserveyouthandvulnerableadults.
Beginninginearly2017,DanielsandPraesidiumconductedover160combinedinterviewsofthe
followingindividuals:USAGymnasticsleadershipandstaff,formerUSAGymnasticsleadership,USA
GymnasticsBoardMembers,USAGymnasticsprofessionalandinstructormembers,clubowners,meet
directors,NationalTeamstaffandcoaches,pastathletes,parentsofathletes,UnitedStatesOlympic
Committeeleadership,USCenterforSafeSportleadership,SafeSportadvocates,Congressionalstaff
members,andlawenforcementrepresentatives.Theteamvisitedthefollowinglocations:thenational
officeofUSAGymnastics;25sitevisitstomemberclubs;5gymnasticscompetitions(meets);andthe
USAGymnasticsNationalTeamTrainingCenterattheKarolyiRanch.Throughoutthereviewprocess,
DanielsandPraesidiumconductedathoroughdatacollectionandanalysisofUSAGymnasticspolicies
andprocedures.
USAGymnasticshasahistorydatingbacktothe1980sofimplementingathleteprotection
measures.Infact,USAGymnasticswasoneofthefirstsportstoinitiatepracticeandpoliciesaimedat
protectingitsathletes,itscoachesandtheNationalGoverningBodyasawhole.Forexample,itwas
reportedlythefirstOlympicNationalGoverningBody(NGB)tocreatealistofthosepermanently
ineligibleformembership.However,overtime,thepracticesofUSAGymnasticshavenotkeptupwith
bestpracticesinthefieldofchildabuseprotection,allowingforsignificantgapsandexposures
regardingthepreventionandreportingofchildsexualabusewithinthesport.Recentmediaarticles
describingallegationsofabuseandofinsufficientresponseonthepartofUSAGymnastics;the
allegationsagainstDr.LarryNassarandotherUSAGymnasticsmembersorformermembers;thebrave,
outspokenformerathletesandvictimsofallegedabuse;andproposednewfederallegislationall
suggesttheneedforasignificantculturalchangewithinthesport.Suchachangewouldhighlightwhat
mostindividualswithinthesportalreadyknowandpractice:athletesafetyandathletesuccessare
complementary,notcompeting,demands;andtheprotectionofathletesafetymustbethetoppriority
ofUSAGymnasticsanditsmemberclubs.
Culturalchangeisnotanovernightprocess;itrequiresanintentional,comprehensiveplan
involvingtheorganizationsBoard,leadership,membersandoftenoutsidesubjectmatterexperts.Itis
imperativethatUSAGymnasticscreatesuchaplantoeffectivelyandefficientlyaddressthespecific
findingsandrecommendationsdetailedwithinthisreport.
Praesidiumutilizesthefollowingframeworktoassistorganizationsincreatingaculturewhere
everyday,everyindividualcontributestoabusepreventionandoverallsafety:
Astrongvoicefromthetopoftheorganization
Clearstandardsofcareandbehavior
Provisionofsufficientresourcestoassistinmaintainingthestandards
Accountability

AStrongVoicefromtheTopoftheOrganization:CommittingtoAction
Tosetthetonefortheentiresport,thewordsanddeedsoftheUSAGymnasticsBoardof
Directors(Board)andtheadministrativeleadershipmustembodyacultureofprotection.Inthepast,
theUSAGymnasticscommitmenttoprotectingthesafetyoftheathleteshasbeenquestionedby
varioussourcesthemedia,memberclubs,theUnitedStatesOlympicCommittee,andothers.To
combatthesedoubts,theleadershipmustactswiftly,yetdeliberately.
AppointingaDirectorofSafeSportisonesteptowardsaccomplishingthisgoal,andthatprocess
iscurrentlyunderwaywithinUSAGymnastics.Thisindividual,underthesupervisionoftheUSA
GymnasticsBoardofDirectorsandadministrativeleadership,mustdevelopastrategicplanincluding
specificgoals,objectives,actionsteps,roles,responsibilities,andatimelineforaddressingthe
recommendationslistedwithinthisreport.Inthepast,USAGymnasticshastakenapiecemealand
largelyineffectiveapproachtoabusepreventionbyaddingvariousdocuments,webinars,andpolicy
updatestoitswebsite.Movingforward,USAGymnasticsleadershipmusttakeanactiveroleinensuring
thatallmaterialsdistributedfallwithintheoverarchingframeworkofthenewlydevelopedSafeSport
program,andthatthereisaclearunderstandinginthefieldnotonlyofthepolicies,butalsoofthe
consequences,forfailuretoabidebythem.Further,USAGymnasticsleadershipmustcommittotaking
decisiveactiontoenforceitspolicies.
ClearStandardsofCareandBehavior
USAGymnasticsmustclearlyarticulatemandatorystandardsofbehaviorwithregardtoabuse
prevention,expandtheaudiencetowhichthesestandardsapply,andprovidetheproperreporting
channelsforviolationsofthesestandards.
Inthepast,USAGymnasticshasrequiredthatallmemberclubsadoptaParticipantWelfare
Policy;however,ithasnotmandatedprohibitionsonspecifictypesofbehavior.USAGymnasticshas
providedsuggestedabusepreventionpoliciesandprocedures;however,interviewswithclubsanda
reviewoftheirpoliciesrevealedsignificantdiscrepancyinwhattheyhaveadopted,andsomeclubsdo
notevenhaveapolicy.USAGymnasticsiscurrentlyamendingitsParticipantWelfarePolicy,aligningit
withthepoliciespromulgatedbytheU.S.CenterforSafeSport,andrebrandingittheUSAGymnastics
SafeSportPolicy.Therevisedpolicy,ifadopted,willrequirethatcertainstandardsofconductbe
includedinthememberclubpolicies.
Forindividualmembers,theUSAGymnasticsCodeofEthicalConductisofferedasaguideto
conduct,butnotarequirementformemberstofollow.Inaddition,thisguideonlysuggestspromoting
asafeenvironmentforparticipantsbynotengaginginsexualrelationsorabusewithanathlete.The
CodeofEthicalConductdoesnotofferclearandpracticalguidelinesforhowmembersshouldand
shouldnotinteractwithathletes.Thisresultsinabroadinterpretationofwhatisconsidered
appropriateorinappropriateconductwithanathleteandstiflesthereportingofredflagbehaviors
orwarningsignsofabuse.TheCodeofEthicalConductisnotalignedwiththeproposednewSafeSport
Policyandisnotprescriptivewithrespecttoconductandreportingrequirements.
Inorderbettertoprotectitsyoungathletes,USAGymnasticsmuststrengthenandclarifywhat
isrequiredofindividualandclubmembersbyprovidingsuccinctandorganizedmandatoryabuse
preventionpoliciesandproceduresthatoutlineappropriateandprohibitedbehaviors,evenifthose
behaviorsdonotrisetothelevelofprosecutablechildabuse.TheefforttorevisetheParticipant
WelfarePolicyisanimportantstepinthatdirection.

Itmustbemadecleartowhomreportsofboundaryviolations,misconductandabuseshouldbe
made,whentheyshouldbemade,andhowtheyshouldbemade.Inaddition,thepoliciesmustoutline
howUSAGymnasticswillrespondonceitreceivesareport.Thesepoliciesandproceduresshould
extendtoallmembers(includingtheexpandedmembershipasaddressedbythisreport)andthe
programsgovernedbyUSAGymnastics,includingtheNationalTeamTrainingCenter.
NoteveryonewhointeractswithaUSAGymnasticsathleteataUSAGymnasticsmemberclubis
anindividualmemberofUSAGymnastics.Forexample,therequirementofmembershipdoesnotnow
includethosewithanownershipinterestinamemberclub;coachesatamemberclubwhodonotcoach
athletescompetinginUSAGymnasticssanctionedevents;andvolunteers,eventhosewithreadyand
frequentaccesstoyoungathletes.Inordertoensurethatabusepreventionpoliciesandproceduresare
applicabletothosewhohavefrequentcontactwithathletes,thesegroupsofindividualsshouldbe
includedunderthejurisdictionofUSAGymnastics.
ProvisionofSufficientResourcestoAssistinMaintainingtheStandards
USAGymnasticsmusttrainmembersontherevisedpoliciesandprocedures,expandedabuse
preventiontopics,andreportingprocedures.Thistrainingmustbeconductedmorefrequentlyand
deliveredthroughvariouschannels.USAGymnasticsmustalsoprovideparentsandathleteswith
informationaboutUSAGymnasticspoliciesandproceduresaswellashowtoreportconcerns.
Historically,USAGymnasticshasprovidedrequiredandvoluntaryabusepreventiontrainingfor
itsprofessionalmembersandvoluntarytrainingforathletesandtheirparents.Whileinterviewswith
USAGymnasticsmembersindicatethatthemandatorytrainingisinformative,thisreportwillhighlight
severalareasinwhichthetrainingcanbeimprovedsuchas:requiringadditionaltrainingregardingclub
membership,therevisedabusepreventionpoliciesandprocedures,andrevisedreportingrequirements
inlinewiththoseoftheUSCenterforSafeSportandpendingfederallegislation;providingmembers
withadvancedcoursesinabusepreventionandreporting(includinghiringpracticesandpreventing
youthtoyouthsexualactivity);andrequiringmorefrequenttraining.
ThereiscertainlynolackofresourcesavailablethroughUSAGymnastics;buttheorganization
lacksacomprehensivestrategyforeducationandresourcedelivery.Asaresultofitsscattered
approach,eitherprofessionalmembers,memberclubs,parentsandathletesarenotawareofallthe
resourcesavailabletothem,thevariousgroupsareoverwhelmedanddonotknowwheretobeginor
howtoextracttheknowledgeneededfromthesignificantamountofinformationavailable,orboth.
Inaddition,USAGymnasticsshouldprovidebothathletesandtheirparentswithnon
cumbersomeandnonthreateningmeansofreporting.Thiswillrequirefargreatertrainingaccessibility,
transparency,userfriendlymeansofreportingandfeedback;aswellasmeaningfulmentoringof
athletesbypeoplewhosefirstpriorityistheathleteswellbeing.
Communicationstoparents,ratherthanavoidingthesubjectassooftenhappensnowinsome
clubs,shouldincludedescriptionsofalltypesofsafetyprecautions,includingabuseprevention,
reassuringthemthattheorganization,whetherUSAGymnasticsitselforamemberclub,islookingout
forthesafetyoftheirchildineverypossibleway.

Accountability
Theremustbeaccountabilitythroughouttheorganization,beginningwiththeBoardholdingthe
administrativeleadershipaccountableforprotectingathletes.Thisaccountabilitymustcascade
throughouttheorganization,withtheadministrativestaffholdingnationalteamstaffandindividual
clubsaccountableincludinganauditfunctionperiodicallyreviewingthelevelofcomplianceof
individualclubs.
USAGymnasticscurrentlylackssystemstoensurethatmemberclubsadheretotheir
membershiprequirements.Inadditiontocreatingsystemstomonitorcompliance,USAGymnastics
mustrequirememberstoreportviolations;and,whenUSAGymnasticsdoeslearnofaviolation,itmust
respondswiftly.Specificswillbeprovidedthroughoutthisreport;butoneoftheprimarychangesin
practicemustbethatmembershipinUSAGymnasticsisrecognizedasaprivilegethatcanandwillbe
revokedifthestandards(asrevised)arenotmaintained.
Forexample,thereshouldbestrictrequirementsforthereportingofphysical,emotionaland
sexualabuse.Failurebyaclubowner,aprofessionalmember,oranyotherpersonunderthe
jurisdictionofUSAGymnasticstoreportmisconductasoutlinedbytherevisedreportingguidelines(of
USAGymnasticsandtheUSCenterforSafeSport)shouldbepunishablewithsanctionsranginguptothe
revocationofmembership.Andfailuretoreportsuspectedchildabusepromptlytolawenforcement
authoritiesshouldbepunishablebyrevocationofthenonreportingclubownersmembership.2The
sameshouldbetrueofanycoach,judgeorotheradultmemberwhoisawareofanotherpersons
misconductandfailstoreportit.
Finally,whilememberclubsthatfailtoabidebytherulesofUSAGymnastics,inparticularrules
relatingtochildabuseandviolationsofthenewlycreatedUSAGymnasticsSafeSportPolicy,shouldbe
punished,examplesofsuccessinprotectingathletesshouldbemodeledbyUSAGymnasticsand
celebrated.Clubsthatmodelthecorrectapproachtoathleteprotectionshouldbehelduptoother
clubsasexamples,andserveasmentorstootherclubs.
Conclusion
Webelieve,basedonourextensivereview,thataddressingtherecommendationsinthisreport
throughtheculturalchangeframeworkwillenableUSAGymnasticstoimproveitsabilitytoprotectthe
youngcompetitorsinitscharge,andotheryoungaspiringathletes,fromharm.Thesafetyofcountless
younggymnaststhroughoutthecountryisdependentontheabilityofUSAGymnasticstoeffectthis
culturalchange.
2
Weincludearecommendationinthisreportthatanypersonwithanownershipinterestinamemberclubshould
berequiredtobeamemberofUSAGymnasticsaswell.
Methodology

METHODOLOGY
ThereviewcommissionedbyUSAGymnasticswasconductedoveraperiodofapproximately6
months,fromlate2016throughMay2017.DanielsandPraesidiumconductedover160combined
interviewsofthefollowing:USAGymnasticsleadershipandstaff,formerUSAGymnasticsleadership,
USAGymnasticsBoardMembers,USAGymnasticsprofessionalandinstructionalmembers,clubowners,
meetdirectors,NationalTeamstaffandcoaches,pastathletes(includingsomewhohadallegedlybeen
victimizedphysicallyorsexuallybycoaches),parentsofathletes,UnitedStatesOlympicCommittee
(USOC)leadership,U.S.CenterforSafeSportleadership,SafeSport3advocates,SafeSport
representativesinotherdisciplines,counseladvisingUSAGymnasticsonpolicymatters,UnitedStates
HouseandSenatestaffmembers,andlawenforcementrepresentatives.
Theinterviewsoccurredinpartinconjunctionwithsitevisitsto25memberclubsand
attendanceatfivecompetitionsincludingthefollowingdisciplines:WomensArtisticGymnastics,Mens
ArtisticGymnastics,TrampolineandTumbling,andRhythmicGymnastics.DanielsandPraesidium
soughttovisitarepresentativesamplingofUSAGymnasticsmemberclubs,basedonconsiderationof
thefollowingfactors:clubsize,location,andvaryinglevelsofengagementwithUSAGymnastics.Before
eachsitevisit,eachmemberclubwasnotifiedinadvancethateitherDanielsorPraesidiumwouldbe
visitingthatlocationtodiscussmattersrelatedtoSafeSport.Ifthetimingdidnotworkforasitevisitto
theclub,atelephoneinterviewwasconducted.
Avoluminousnumberofindividualinterviewswasconducted,manybytelephone,including
USOCandU.S.CenterforSafeSportleadership;severalcoachesandgymowners,andformerelite
athletes.AdvocateswhohavespentyearsimmersedintheissuessurroundingSafeSportandUSA
Gymnasticswerealsointerviewed.
DanielsandPraesidiumalsovisitedtheUSAGymnasticsNationalTeamTrainingCenter(NTTC)
attheKarolyiRanchinTexas.WhileattheNTTC,theteamobservedaDevelopmentalCampanda
WomensArtisticGymnasticsNationalTeamCamp,conductingadditionalinterviewsofcoachesandUSA
Gymnasticsstaffmemberswhilethere.
Throughoutthereviewprocess,DanielsandPraesidiumconductedathoroughdatacollection
andanalysisincluding,butnotlimitedto,thefollowingmaterials:
USAGymnasticsBylaws
USAGymnasticspoliciesandprocedures
U.S.CenterforSafeSportgoverningdocuments
USOCgoverningdocuments
USAGymnasticsonlineandinpersontrainingmaterials
SampleabusepreventionresourcesprovidedbyUSAGymnastics
WeCareandClubsCareCampaigns
TogetherWeCanInitiative
SafeSportprogramsforotherNationalGoverningBodies
3
SafeSportisatermcoinedbytheU.S.OlympicCommitteeseveralyearsagotorepresentpoliciesaimedat
protectingyoungathletesfromabuseofvarioustypes,includingbutnotlimitedtosexualabuse.Theentity
createdbytheUSOCtodealwithSafeSportissuesusesthesinglewordversion,SafeSport,initsname.

InternationalGymnasticsFederationpractices
S.534andH.R.1973(legislationpendingintheU.S.SenateandHouseof
Representatives,respectively)
TedStevensOlympicandAmateurSportsAct
MinutesofUSAGymnasticsBoardMeetingsandCommitteeMeetings
Variousarticlespublishedbynewsmedia
Booksbyandaboutformerathletesincluding:
o OffBalancebyDominiqueMoceanu4
o ChalkedUp:MyLifeinEliteGymnasticsbyJenniferSey5
o LittleGirlsinPrettyBoxes:TheMakingandBreakingofOlympicGymnastsand
FigureSkatersbyJoanRyan6
Therecommendationsinthisreportwereinformedbyinformationreceivedfromthemyriad
sourcesdescribedabove.Thisinformationprovidedsufficientbackgroundtocontributetoananalysis
oftheworkingsoftheorganization;ananalysisoftheenvironmentsurroundingcompetitivegymnastics;
ananalysisofthevariousbarrierstoreportingabuseand/orgroomingactivities;andananalysisof
variousprocessesembeddedinthesportandintheabusereportingsystemcurrentlyinplace.The
recommendationsthatfollowstemfromthisreviewandanalysis.
4
DominiqueMoceanu,withTeriWilliams,OffBalance:AMemoir,TouchstonePublishing,2012.
5
JenniferSey,ChalkedUp:InsideEliteGymnasticsMercilessCoaching,OverzealousParents,EatingDisorders,
andElusiveOlympicDreams,WilliamMorrowPublishing,2008.
6
JoanRyan,LittleGirlsinPrettyBoxes:TheMakingandBreakingofEliteGymnastsandFigureSkaters,Grand
CentralPublishing,1995;revisededition,1996.
Background on the Environment

Surrounding Competitive Gymnastics
and the Risk of Abuse

BACKGROUNDONTHEENVIRONMENTSURROUNDINGCOMPETITIVE
GYMNASTICSANDTHERISKOFABUSE
Asignificantamountofresearchhasbeenconductedrelatingtosexualoffenderswhoabuse
youngchildren.Generally,suchindividualsseekcircumstancesaffordingthemreadyaccesstochildren,
privacy,secrecy,andtheopportunitytodeveloparelationshipoftrustwiththechildren.Often,these
offendersarepeoplewhoarewelllikedbythechildrenaswellastheirparentsandotheradultswith
whomtheyinteract.
Organizationsthatservechildrenhavelongbeenawarethat,whilemostadultswhowishto
workintheirenvironmentarewellmeaningandhaveonlythebestinterestsofthechildrenatheart,
thereisadangerofchildsexualpredatorsgainingaccesstochildrenthroughemploymentorvolunteer
servicewithsuchanorganization.Forthatreason,myriadentities,fromschoolstorecreationalclubsto
scoutingorganizations,performcriminalbackgroundchecksonthepeopletheyconsiderforpaidand
volunteerpositions.Manystates,infact,requirecriminalbackgroundchecksinrelationtocertainareas
ofworkforpreciselythisreason.However,onlyaverysmallpercentageofpredatorshasbeen
convictedofacrimeorlistedonasexoffenderregistry,sowhilethebackgroundcheckisessential,itis
notafailsafe.Thus,employersdotheirbesttocheckreferencesaswell;andtheyarewellawareofthe
needforvigilanceinboththeirhiringandmanagementprocesses.
Thisriskofsexualabuseandharassment,aswellastheriskofothertypesofabuse,suchasthe
physicalandemotionalabuseofyoungpeople,isclearlypresentinthehighpressureenvironmentof
Olympicsports.Theathletesandtheircoachesaredriventoachievethelevelofexcellencerequiredto
bedeemedthebestintheworld.Theathleteswhoreachtheelite(highest)levelofcompetitionare
singularlyfocusedonachievingthislevelofexcellence,andgenerallyarewillingtosacrificethekindof
livesotheryoungpeopleenjoyschool,sociallife,normalchildhoodrecreationinfavorofhome
schooling,manyhoursofpracticeeveryday,andalimitedcircleofacquaintancesbasedaroundthe
gym,thepoolortheicerink.Thisallencompassingtrainingregimencanisolateanathletefromtherest
ofsociety,andlimithisorherexposuretoandcomprehensionofthenormalboundariesofadultand
childinteraction;soitcanbehardforayoungathletetorecognizewhatconstitutesacceptableconduct
andwhatdoesnot.
Eveninthehighlycharged,highpressureOlympicenvironment,womensgymnasticsstandsout
asunique.Theathletes,includingattheelitelevel,areveryyoung:itispossibletoreachtheelitelevel
ofcompetitionbyage11,andtopeakinthesportasearlyasage18.Evenmensgymnastics,which
requiresaphysicalmaturitylevelthatyoungmendonotreachuntiltheirlateteens,doesnotinvolve
athletesatsuchayoungagecompetingatthetoplevels;generally,thetopmensgymnastsarecollege
ageratherthanmiddleschoolorhighschoolage.
Further,theyounggirlswhohavegoalstobecompetitiveinthesportusuallybegintheir
intensivetrainingsoearlyintheirlivesthattheyhavelesstypicalornormallifeexperiencethan
theiragegrouppeersoutsidethegym.Astheirdemandsoftheirtrainingincreaseandtheyspendmore
hoursinthegympreparingforcompetitions,theyoftendonotreceivethetypeofsocializationother
youngpeopleexperience.
Thisiscertainlynottrueofeveryyoungtrainee,however.USAGymnasticsoffersastairstep
skilladvancementprogramforgymnastsofallagesandabilities,referredtoastheJuniorOlympic
10

Programandofferinggymnasticstrainingindevelopmental,compulsoryandoptional
programs.7Generally,thoseinLevels1(lowestlevelofskill)to5areunlikelytoexperiencethislackof
socialization.Theycomprisethevastmajorityoftraineesintheclubsaroundthecountry,andtheymay
beinthegymonlytwiceaweekforafewhoursoruptomanyhoursaweekdependingontheirspecific
trainingprogramandskilllevel.Whilethereisalwaysariskofpredatorsinthegymenvironment,and
clubmanagementmustalwaysbevigilant,thispopulationisprobablytheleastvulnerablebecausethey
spendlesstimeinthegymthangymnastsparticipatinginLevel6throughLevel10,duetotheincreased
trainingrequiredtocompeteatthoselevels.Itisthoseapproachingtheelitetraininglevelwhoareless
likelytoreceivethetypeofsocializationotheryoungpeopleexperience.
Prepubescentgirlstendtobeeagerfortheapprovalofadults,andwillseekthatapproval,
particularlyfromsomeonelikeacoach,whoisviewedasfarsuperiortoandmoreknowledgeablethan
they.Further,becauseofthesubjectivityofthescoringingymnasticsandtheevenmoresubjective
methodofteamselection,thecoachesandnationalteamstaffhaveanunusualamountofcontrolover
whetherayoungathletewillbepermittedtoparticipateinacompetition.Andinasportsuchas
gymnastics,inwhichfallsandinjuriesarecommon,theathletesaretaughtatanearlyagetotoughit
outandnottocomplainordemonstrateweakness.Aperceptionofalackofmentaland/orphysical
toughnesscanleadtoanathletesexclusionfromacompetition.Forunderstandablereasons,onlythe
athleteswhoareperceivedtobeabletowithstandthephysicalandemotionalstrainofcompetitionwill
risetothetopoftheircraftandbeselectedforinclusiononateamcompetingwiththetopathletes
fromotherjurisdictions.
Thetrainingenvironmentalone,coupledwiththedevelopmentalstageoftheyoungathletes,
couldleadtoadangerousenvironment,ripeforabuse.Butingymnastics,ascomparedtomoreteam
relatedsports,thereisgreateropportunityforadultstobealonewiththeyoungathletes,forexample,
throughprivatelessons.
Thesportisalsoonethatnotonlypermits,buttoacertainextentrequires,physicalcontact
betweencoachandathlete:thecoachmayberequiredtospottheathleteinordertopreventphysical
injury;stretchtheathletebeforepracticeoracompetition;massagetheathletebeforeanevent;or
touchtheathletetodemonstrateform.Anyoftheseexamplescouldinvolvetouchingtheathletein
areasthatanadultwouldnotnormallybepermittedtotouch.
Thehighstressenvironmentisexacerbatedbycertaincoacheswhoseego,andreputationasa
coach,isintertwinedwiththesuccessoftheirathletesinthecompetitionarena.Thiscanleadto
physicalandemotionalabuseoftheathletes,inparticularin,butnotlimitedto,theelitelevelof
competition.Coacheswilladmitthatthispressureexists.Insome,butnotall,cases,ithasledto
reportedemotionalabuse,suchasfatshamingandotherinappropriatepersonalcriticisms;playing
oneathleteoffagainsttheotheremotionallyasfavoritismisgrantedandwithheld;trainingathletes
throughseriousinjuryandpastthepointofexhaustion;andevendirectphysicalabuse.Choosingto
ignoreanathleteandwehavereceivedmanyreportsofthistypeoftreatmentbycertaincoaches
canhaveassignificantanimpactonayounggirlasshoutingcrueltiesather;this,too,canconstitute
emotionalabuse.
7
Theskilllevelsrangefrom1(lowest)to10;andthosewhoexcelbeyondLevel10arecalledelitegymnasts.
Thesearethegymnastswhocompeteatthehighestlevelandfromwhosenumberthenationalteamisselected.
11

Eveninthecaseofnonabusivecoaches,theruleatthegymisobedience:ifayoungathleteis
tosucceed,shemustlistentohercoachandfollowhis/herinstructionsfastidiously.Thereisnoroomin
thecompetitivetrainingenvironmentforindividualism,disagreementorevenquestioningofthe
coachsinstructions.Thisisnecessaryiftheyoungathleteistobecompetitiveinthesport.
Parentsofathletes,too,cometounderstandthatthecoachisincharge.Helicopterparenting
isdiscouraged,andparentslearnthattheymustturntheirchildsupbringinganddisciplineovertothe
coachduringthetrainingportionsofherday,andevenbeyond.Ifthecoachordersnodesserts,the
parentisdoingthechildadisservicebytakingheroutforicecream.Parentsaretaughttotrustthe
coachesandotheradultsinvolvedintrainingtheirchild,andnottoquestiontheiractionsordecisions.
Parentsare,forperfectlyvalidreasons,keptoffthetrainingfloor,thoughmostgymnasticsclubspermit
andevenencouragethemtoattendtrainingsessions,sittinginbleachersinfullviewofthegymnasts
andcoaches.Andgenerally,theparentsarenotthemselvesgymnasts,sotheyareuncertainofthe
proprietyofactionsthatmaybetakenbycoaches.Theywanttheirchildtosucceed,sotheytendto
defertotheauthorityfiguresinthesportandnotquestionthem.
Everythingaboutthisenvironment,whileunderstandableinthecontextofahighlycompetitive
Olympicsport,tendstosuppressreportingofinappropriateactivity.Theathleteandherparentsare
notcertainwhatbehaviorisinappropriate;theathleteisexpectedtobearpainandemotionalstress
withoutcomplaint;theyoungfemaleathleteinparticularishighlydesirousofgainingtheapprovalof
adultauthorityfigures;andtheathletesopportunityforsuccessincompetitionhingesonpleasingher
coach.Evenfellowathletesareincompetitionwitheachother,furthersuppressingthedesiretoreport
inappropriateactivitybyadults,eventopeers.Elitegymnasticsisnottrulyateamenvironment;while
somefriendshipsform,eachindividualisincompetitionwitheveryotherindividualgymnast.Inthis
environment,itishighlyunlikelythattheathletesthemselveswillreportabusiveactivitytoothers.In
addition,wehavelearnedthatsomeathleteswhodidreportabusewereostracizedbycoaches,fellow
athletesandeventhoseathletesparents,whoeitherdidnotbelievethereportsorsimplydidnotwant
apopularandpurportedlyeffectivecoachsidelined.
Clearly,inordertoprotecttheseyoungathletesfrompredators,theentirecultureofthe
competitivegymnasticsenvironmentmustbefocusedonprotectionofathletesfromharm,including
notonlyphysicalharmbutalsoemotionalandsexualabuse.Whileathletesparticipatinginmanysports
areatrisk,thefocusofthisreportwillbeoncompetitivegymnastics,and,forthereasonsarticulated
above,competitivewomensgymnasticswithaparticularconcentrationon,butnotlimitedto,the
issuesconfrontedbyyoungwomenattheelitelevelofcompetition.
12
Historical Perspective Regarding

Competitive Gymnastics in the
United States

HISTORICALPERSPECTIVE
REGARDINGCOMPETITIVEGYMNASTICSINTHEUNITEDSTATES
USAGymnastics,whilenotbyanymeansaloneamongOlympicsports,hasalongandsuccessful
traditionofwinningOlympicmedals.Particularlysincethe1980s,afterBelaandMarthaKarolyi
emigratedtotheUnitedStatesfromtheirnativeRomaniaandbegancoachinggymnastics,eventually
takingovercoordinationoftheU.S.womensOlympicgymnasticsteams,theU.S.hasattained
dominanceintheOlympicsportofgymnastics.
MaryLouRettonwasoneofthefirstyoungU.S.starsofthesportwhenshewonOlympicgoldin
1984,attheageof16.CoachedbyBelaKarolyi,legendaryintheU.S.forhiscoachingoftheyoung
RomaniangymnastNadiaComaneci,RettonwasthefirstU.S.femaleartisticgymnasttowingoldinthe
allaroundOlympiccompetition.Asameasureofthefamethisaccomplishmentbrought,herpicture
appearedonaWheatiescerealbox,aprivilegeformerlyaccordedonlytomaleathletes.
BeginningwithRettonsvictory,theU.S.overtimedevelopedawinningstreakinwomens
artisticgymnastics.Since1984,severalotherU.S.competitorshavewonOlympicgold,andtheU.S.has
wontheteamcompetitiononthreeoccasionsaswell.Butitcanbesaidthatthecountrysfascination
withwomensgymnastics,andinparticularwomensartisticgymnastics,beganwith14yearold
RomanianNadiaComanecisfirsteverperfectscoreof10in1976,andskyrocketedbeginningwithMary
LouRettonsvictoryin1984.
OtherscameafterRetton,includingDominiqueMoceanu,whowasfirstincludedintheU.S.
womensnationalteamatage10;wontheseniorallaroundtitleattheU.S.NationalChampionshipsat
age13;andin1996,atage14,wasamemberoftheMagnificentSevenwhowonteamgoldatthe
AtlantaOlympics.(YoungwomennowarenotpermittedtocompeteattheOlympicleveluntilage16.)
Itwasduringtheseyearsthatyounggirlsthroughoutthecountrybecameenthralledwith
gymnastics.ManyhadvisionsofbeingthenextMaryLouRettonorDominiqueMoceanu,andthey
flockedtoprivategymnasticsclubsindroves.Thiscreatedasignificantdemandforgymsandcoachesto
trainyounggirlsingymnastics.Asaresultofthisintenseinterest,therearecurrentlyover3,500private
gymnasticsclubsaroundthecountrythatareaffiliatedwithUSAGymnastics,andanunknownnumber
thatdonotchoosetoaffiliate.Someoftheaffiliatedgymsaremajorbusinessconcerns,trainingas
manyas3,000to5,000youngathletes.
Duringthistime,USAGymnasticsalsowentthroughanumberofadjustmentsatthenational
level.AfteradisappointingshowingininternationalcompetitionintheyearsfollowingtheMagnificent
Seven(1996),USAGymnasticsinvitedBelaKarolyioutofretirementandnamedhimasNationalTeam
Coordinatorin1999.Priortothistime,elitegymnastshadtrainedunderadecentralizedsystemwith
theirpersonalcoachesintheirhomegymsandwheretheathletesonlycametogetherasanational
teamforcompetition.However,manyofthemostsuccessfulcountriesatthattimeexistedundera
quasiorfullycentralizedsystem.ItwasundertheleadershipofBelaandMarthaKarolyi(whoreplaced
BelaasNationalTeamCoordinatorin2001,servinguntil2016)thattheUnitedStatesfollowedthis
trainingpathtocreateaquasicentralizedsystem.TheKarolyiRanch,inruralTexas,becamethecentral
locationfortraining.NationalTeamMembersandElitegymnastswouldtraveltotheRanchonaregular
basis(typicallyeachmonth)toliveandtrain.WhileUSAGymnasticshasseengreatsuccessin
internationalcompetitionwiththistrainingmodel,manybelievethatithascreatedanadditionalriskof
13

athleteabuseduetotheintenseenvironmentandculture.Manyofthesefactorswillbediscussedin
detailthroughoutthefollowingsectionsofthisreport.
Overtheyears,USAGymnastics,theOlympicNationalGoverningBody(NGB)forallsix
gymnasticsdisciplines,createdamembershipprogramforprofessionalcoaches,instructors,athletes,
andtheclubsthemselves.Originallycreatedsimplytoprovidebenefitstothemembers,overtime
variouspolicieswereputinplacebyUSAGymnasticsthatitsmemberswereencouragedtofollow.
WhileUSAGymnasticshasnotfeltduringalltheseyearsthatithadtheauthoritytorequirethe
individualsandprivatememberclubstofollowanybutthemostbasicofrequirementsinordertohold
theprivilegeofmembership,itsoughttoprovideinformation,trainingandtemplatestoassisttheclubs
inprotectingyoungathletesfromharm.
Startingintheearly1980s,accordingtothe1995bookLittleGirlsinPrettyBoxes:TheMaking
andBreakingofOlympicGymnastsandFigureSkaters,bySanFranciscoChroniclesportswriterJoan
Ryan8,USAGymnastics(knownatthattimeastheU.S.GymnasticsFederation)institutedwhatone
officialcallsaprettyproactiveprogramintheearly1980stofightsexualabuseafterseveralcoaches
wereaccusedofmolestingtheirathletes.9Othershaveconfirmedthattheorganization,which
recognizedcasesofabuseatleastasearlyasthe1970s,beganrevokingmembershipsinthe1980sfor
sexualabuseconvictions.
From1983to1994,MichaelJacki,aformerAllAmericangymnast,coachandgymnastics
volunteer,servedasPresidentofUSAGymnastics.Heiscreditedbyotherswithhavinginstituted
significantchangesforthebenefitoftheathletes,includinganewsafetyprogram.Jackiisdescribedas
havingbeenpassionateaboutthecauseofprotectingathletesfromsexualabuse.Hebegana
membershipterminationprocessrelatingtoreportsofabuse,andisreportedtohavebeenaggressivein
hisattemptstorevokethemembershipsofmemberschargedwithsexualabuseatthattime,likely
puttinghimandUSAGymnasticsontheleadingedgeofchildprotectioninOlympicsports.
Duringtheseyears,perhapsasgymnastsbegantorealizethatactionmightbetakentoremove
sexuallyabusivecoachesfromtheenvironment,moreathletesbeganreportingabuse.Still,theoverall
trainingatmosphere,aswellastheconcernsofparentsaboutthepotentialconsequencestotheir
childrenofmakingareport,discouragedsuchreporting.
Bythe1990s,USAGymnasticshadbegunanaggressiveseriesofstepstopromoteasafe
environmentforthegymnasticscommunity.AccordingtoinformationprovidedbyUSAGymnastics,
thesestepsweretakenbytheorganizationbetween1990and2017:
1990PermanentlyIneligibleMembershipListEstablished
o Listofpersonswhoarepermanentlybannedfrommembershipand
consequentlyanyroleinaUSAGymnasticssanctionedcompetition
1994BoardofDirectorsadoptsCodeofEthicalConduct
o Generalprinciplesintendedtoguideconductofmembers
1996MemberClubProgramLaunched
1998Safety/RiskManagementCourseMandated
8
JoanRyan,LittleGirlsinPrettyBoxes:TheMakingandBreakingofEliteGymnastsandFigureSkaters,supra
note6.
9
Id.,Chapter5.
14

o Onlinecourseincludingpreventionofchildabuseinstructionaswellasother
safetyissues
o Requiredforprofessionalmembers(coaches,officials)
o Requiredtoberepeatedat4yearintervals
2005VoluntarySafeSportTrainingFirstOfferedbyUSAGymnastics
o Offeredannuallyatregionalandnationalcongresses
2007CriminalBackgroundScreeningFirstRequired
o Mandatedforprofessionalmemberseverytwoyears
2007BylawsAmended
o Expeditedprocessadoptedtoterminatemembershipofindividualsconvictedof
certaincategoriesofcrimes(sexual,againstminors)orlistedonasexoffender
registry
2009ParticipantWelfarePolicyCreated&CodeofEthicalConductUpdated
o TheParticipantWelfarePolicyoutlinedUSAGymnasticscommitmentto
promotingasafeenvironment,aswellastherequirementsandexpectationsof
itsmembers,includingdefinitionsofphysicalandsexualabuse;reporting
proceduresforsuspectedabuse;misconduct/grievanceprocedures;member
obligationsandrecommendations;standardsofbehavior;andeducationand
communicationaboutthepolicy
o CodeofEthicalConductamendedtoaddresssexualmisconductissues
2011MemberClubRequirementsEstablished
o IncludesrequirementthatMemberClubsmusthaveapolicyconsistentwith
USAGymnasticsParticipantWelfarePolicyandnothireorassociatewithany
banned(permanentlyineligible)member
2012ClubsCare/WeCareCampaignsLaunched
o Educationalinitiativestoraiseawarenessregardingsexualabuse,primarilyon
line
o ClubsCarecampaigndirectedatmemberclubs
o WeCarecampaigndirectedtoparentsofathletes
2013Safety/RiskManagementCourseUpdated
o CourseandHandbookincludeanexpandedchapteronsexualmisconduct
prevention
o ChildSexualMisconductEducationOfferedthroughUSAGymnastics(online)
University:StewardsofChildrencourse
2014ProhibitedConductDefined
o Introducedpolicyonprohibitedconducttonationalteamcoaches/staffandUSA
Gymnasticsstaff
2014AthleteParticipationPoliciesStrengthened
o AthletesmustbeaffiliatedwithaUSAGymnasticsmemberclubtoparticipatein
USAGymnasticssanctionedevents
2017RebrandingofClubsCare/WeCare
o USAGymnasticsrebrandsandenhancesClubsCare/WeCaretobecomeUSA
GymnasticsSafeSport,consistentwiththenewU.S.CenterforSafeSport(created
bytheUnitedStatesOlympicCommitteeasastandaloneentitytorespondto
reportsofabusivebehavior)
2017BylawsrevisedtoalignwithU.S.CenterforSafeSportCode
15
Atonetime,manycommentatorsagree,USAGymnasticswasontheforefrontofchildathlete
protection.ItwasreportedlythefirstNGBtocreatealistofpersonsdeemedpermanentlyineligiblefor
futuremembership,andtopublishthatlist,alongwiththereasonforthedecision,representedbya
citationtotheparticularsectionoftheUSAGymnasticsBylawsorCodeofEthicalConductthatformed
thebasisforthedecision.10Asdemonstratedabove,USAGymnasticshasovertheyearscontinuedto
improvethewayithassoughttoprotectyoungathletesthroughitspolicies.
However,asadditionalinformationhasbeenrevealedaboutthevariouswaysinwhichyoung
athletelivesareendangeredbypredatorsandthechildprotectioneffortsofothergoverningbodiesand
industrieshaveevolved,itappearsthatUSAGymnasticshasfallensomewhatbehindthecurve.Some
otherNGBs,suchasUSASwimminginthewakeofsimilarrevelationsofabusein2010,havetaken
significantstepstoprotectminorsintheirchargebeyondtheinitiativesUSAGymnasticshasundertaken
todate.
USAGymnasticshascertainlydevelopedpolicies,which,whilesusceptibletoimprovement,
makeaclearstatementthatabuseofathletesisnottobetoleratedandcanbeaddressedthrougha
formalprocessleadingpotentiallytocriminalprosecutionandexpulsionfromthesport.Agreatdealof
attentionhasbeenpaidtotheprovisionofeducationalmaterialsfortheclubsandcoaches.Butoften,
thepoliciessimplyseemtoappearontheUSAGymnasticswebsiteratherthanbeingadvertisedwidely
tothemembership.Itislikelythatmanysuchpoliciesareoverlookedbymemberclubsandcoaches,as
wellasbyathletesandtheirparents.Andpoliciesandavailableeducation,absentastrongenforcement
effortonthepartoftheorganizationitselfandanotoleranceapproachtoenforcement,areunlikelyto
resultineffectiveprotectionofathletesfromabuse.
Further,theUSAGymnasticspracticeofbanning(addingtothePermanentlyIneligiblelist)
andsuspendingoffendersmaybeflawed.Atleastinpastyears,accordingtoanarticleinThe
IndianapolisStarfollowingthereleaseofvoluminousdocumentsbyacourtinGeorgiainapendingcase,
itwaspossibletobeconvictedcriminallyofchildsexualabusebutnotbannedbyUSAGymnastics.11
DocumentsreviewedbytheStaralsoreportedlyrevealedthatUSAGymnasticshasinthepast
sometimestemporarilysuspendedanoffenderbuthasnotmadethepublicawareofthatfact.12
Anddespiteitseffortstoprovidemoreandmoreinformationandguidancetoclubs,individual
members,andparentsofathletes,theexternalappearanceintheeyesofmanyobservershasbeenthat
theprimaryfocusofUSAGymnasticsisonthecompetitiveside,culminatingintheU.S.winningmedals
attheOlympicGamesandotherinternationalcompetitions.Someofthefocusonwinningrestswith
theverynatureoftheorganization:afterall,itistheNationalGoverningBodyforgymnasticscharged
withpreparingyoungathletestocompeteandwinattheOlympicGameseveryfouryears,aswellasin
otherworldwidecompetitions.Additionally,theU.S.OlympicCommittee(USOC),thegoverningbody
forallOlympicsports,rewardsNGBsmonetarilybasednotentirely,buttoasignificantdegree,ontheir
successinwinningmedals.
10
TheUSAGymnasticsBylawswereamendedeffective2012toincludeacitationtothespecificBylaworpolicy
violated.Entriespriortothatdatedonotincludesuchacitation.
11
USAGymnasticsFilesShedNewLightonSexAbuseScandal,TheIndianapolisStar,March3,2017.
12
Ibid.
16

WhilethereisamechanismwithinUSAGymnasticsforreportingmisconductonthepartof
participantsinthesport,includingcoachesandotheradultsinteractingwithchildren,ithastraditionally
beencouchedasagrievanceprocedure,andwasoriginallyintendedasameansofresolvingdisputes
betweenmembers.Atypicalgrievancemay,forexample,involvetherefusalofacoachtoincludean
athleteonateamincompetitiondespitetheperformanceoftheathlete.
Thisgrievanceprocessisalsousedforreportsofallegedwrongdoingsuchassexualabuse.Itis,
inourestimation,notwellsuitedtothatpurpose;forexample,until2013,awrittencomplaintfrom
eithertheaggrievedpartyor,ifaminor,thepartysparent,wasrequiredinordertoinitiatethe
process.Evensincethattime,whentheBylawswereamendedtopermitUSAGymnasticstofilea
complaintunilaterally,thebeliefinthefield(seeminglynotactivelydiscouragedbyUSAGymnastics)is
thatawritten,signedcomplaintfromtheallegedvictimorherparentisrequired.Asindicatedabove,
youngathletes(intheirteensoryounger)andtheirparentsarehighlyunlikelytoreportongoingabuse
totheauthoritythathassomuchpowerovertheathletessuccessinthesport.
Athletesandtheirparentsarenotwellinformedoftherisksofabuserelatedtotheir
participationingymnastics,andtheremediesavailabletothemifmisconductoccurs.Whileagreatdeal
ofinformationisfoundontheUSAGymnasticswebsite,andsentouttoparentsandclubsinvarious
mailings,thereisstillasignificantinformationdeficitonthepartofathletesandtheirparents,andeven
clubownersandcoaches,intermsofwhattodoiftheysee,experienceorlearnofmisconduct.
OtheraspectsoftheoperationofUSAGymnastics,whichwillbedescribedinthesectionsofthis
reportthatfollow,suggestaprimaryemphasisonwinningmedals.Whilethereisalsoasignificant
emphasisonprotectingchildren,asindicatedinthefollowingsections,mostoftheemphasisappearsto
beoneducatingthefieldandencouragingthemtobevigilant,whiletakingthepositionthatUSA
Gymnasticshasnoauthoritytorequiretheclubstotakespecificactionincludingthereportingof
suspectedchildabuse.Theoverallimpressionreceivedexternallyisthattheathleteprotectionfunction
is,atbest,secondarytotheprimaryfocus:winningmedals.
USAGymnasticshasdualresponsibilities:thoseofwinningcompetitionsandofprotecting
youngathletesfromabuse.Theseresponsibilitiesarenotandneednotbeexclusiveofoneanother,or
seenascompetinginterests.Tobesure,USAGymnasticsmakesitclearinmanyofitspublicationsthat
theprotectionofathletesisaprimaryconcern.Forexample,theintroductiontotheParticipantWelfare
Policy,developedin2009andstillineffectasofmidJune2017,provides:
ConsistentwiththemissionofUSAGymnastics,thewelfareofgymnasticsparticipants,
especiallyminors,isofparamountconcern.Whenanymember,participant,coach,official,
volunteerorstaffmemberissubjectedtoabuse,whetherphysicalorsexual,itunderminesthe
missionofUSAGymnasticsandisinconsistentwiththebestinterestsofthesportofgymnastics
andoftheathletesUSAGymnasticsserves.13
AcopyoftheParticipantWelfarePolicyaseffectiveinmidJune2017isattachedtothisreportand
markedExhibitA.
Nonetheless,theprotectionofathletes,whetherornotbydesign,hasbeenperceived
externallyasadistantsecondtothewinningfunction.
13
USAGymnasticsParticipantWelfarePolicy,asofMidJune2017,
https://www.usagym.org/pages/aboutus/pages/welfare_policy.html.
17

Oneofthemostsignificantriskstotheathletesisaconsequenceofthedecentralized
gymnasticscommunity.Clubshostinggymnasticstrainingareprivatebusinesses,employingcoaches
andotherstaffdirectly;theyarenotsubsidiariesofUSAGymnastics.Whenacoachleavesaclub,even
ifdismissedforreasonsrelatedtosexualabuseorpreabusegroomingofathletes,(s)hecansimply
applyatanotherclub.Ifaclubsmanagementisvigilant,itwillcheckreferencesaswellasconducta
backgroundcheck.However,backgroundchecks,whilecriticallyimportant,onlyrevealcriminal
convictionsortheequivalent;andifthenewclubisnotvigilantortheprioremployerisconcerned
aboutcivilliabilityforsharinginformationaboutthereasonsforthedismissal,thenewclubmaynot
findoutaboutthepriorabuseorgroomingactivity.
AnarticleintheDecember18,2016editionofTheIndianapolisStarexemplifiesthedanger.14
RayAdamsworkedasacoachinatleast12clubsin4states.Firedseveraltimesandevenchargedwith
criminaloffenses4times,hecontinuedtogainemploymentwithotherclubs,coachingpreteenand
adolescentgirls.Heleftatrailofanguishinhispath,intheformofover15abusedgirlswhoselives
wereforeverdamagedbutclubscontinuedtohirehim,eitherbecausetheywereunawareofthe
abuseor,inthecaseofatleastoneclub,reportedlyknewbutpromisedtowatchhim(accordingto
ourinterviewofanotherclubownerwhohadpreviouslyemployedAdams).BecauseAdamshad
threatenedlegalactionagainstprioremployers,somemayhavebeenunwillingtobefullyforthcoming
whencontactedbyapotentialfutureemployerforareferencecheck.Atleastinpartbecausesome
parentsdidnotwanttheirchildrentohavetotestify,employersinsomecasesdidnotreporttheabuse
toauthorities.Andthesignificantdemandforcoachesseemstohaveledatleastsomeclubstobelieve
thehirewasworththeriskaslongasclubmanagementwatchedhim.
Adamsisnottheonlyabusertohavemovedfromoneclubtoanother,buthiscaseisexemplary
oftheproblem.ThesituationisexacerbatedbythefactthatUSAGymnasticscurrentlyhasnosystem
fortrackingthemovementsofmembers,otherthanthefactthateachclubannuallymustfilealistofall
itsprofessionalmembers,andeachprofessionalmemberandinstructormembermustindicatein
his/herannualmembershiprenewaltheclub(s)heisaffiliatedwithasofthattime.Apotentialnew
employerhasnowayoftrackingacoachsmigrationfromclubtoclubunlessthecoachrevealshisfull
employmenthistory.Further,reportsofabuseorinappropriateactivitiesonthepartofadismissed
coachareoftennotforwardedtoUSAGymnasticsorsharedwithpotentialemployers.Often,the
failuretoreportinappropriateactivitytoafutureemployer,toUSAGymnasticsoreventolaw
enforcementauthoritieswhenthereisasuspicionofchildabuseisrelatedtothereasonsrelatedinthe
precedingparagraph.Unfortunately,insomecasesfailuretoreportmayalsoberelatedtoaclub
ownersfearofruiningtheclubsreputationwiththeinferencethatithaspermittedabusivebehaviorto
occurintheclub.Butourreviewalsorevealed,aswillbediscussedelsewhereinthisreport,thatUSA
Gymnasticshasnothistoricallyrequiredmemberclubs,oranyothermembersofUSAGymnastics,to
reportanytypeofabuse,includingsexualmisconduct,toUSAGymnasticsorlawenforcement
authorities.
Aseparateaspectofthisriskisthat,atleastinpastyears,evenaformermemberdeemed
permanentlyineligibleforfuturemembershipduetosexualmisconduct,andsolistedontheUSA
Gymnasticswebsite,couldstillobtainajobcoachingataclub,aslongas(s)hewasnotcoaching
athletescompetingincompetitionssanctionedbytheorganization.Whilethatproblemhasbeen
remediedbyapolicyrevisionatUSAGymnasticsUSAGymnasticshasrequiredsince2011that
14
HeCouldHaveBeenStopped:HowOnePedophileKeptCoachingGymnastics,TheIndianapolisStar,December
18,2016.
18

memberclubsnothireorbeassociatedwithapersonwhohasbeenplacedonthePermanently
Ineligiblelistasuspendedcoachisapparentlyabletoobtainajobcoachinginanonmembercapacity.
Acoachwhoismerelysuspendedforaperiodoftimeisnotprohibitedfromworkingwithathleteswho
arenotengagedinUSAGymnasticssanctionedcompetition.Infact,weunderstandthatUSA
Gymnasticshasnotroutinelypublishedthefactthatapersonsmembershiphasbeensuspended;so
clubshavenotnecessarilybeenawarethatamemberhasdonesomethingseriousenoughtobe
suspendedbyUSAGymnastics;andthesuspensioncannotbeenforcedabsentthisawareness.
Thus,unlesstheoffenderispermanentlybanned(normallyastheresultofanactualcriminal
conviction),theopportunitytoworkinthefield,eventhoughdismissedfromaclubforsexual
misconductorevensuspended,remains.Oneformermembercoach,dismissedfromaclubforsexual
misconduct,wasreportedtohaveobtainedapositioncoachingcheerleadingatamemberclub.Since
cheerleadingisnotanOlympicsport,hewasallegedlypermittedtocoachwithoutbeingamemberof
USAGymnastics.Whetherornotthisreportwasaccurate,itisentirelypossiblethatsucha
phenomenoncouldoccurinthecurrentenvironment.Inaddition,suchapersonwouldtheoreticallybe
permittedtocoachrecreationalgymnastics,availabletoyoungchildrenwhodonotexpecttocompete
butsimplywishtolearntumblingorotheraspectsofgymnastics.Inthatsense,thecoachcouldbecome
evenmoredangerous,permittedtocoachevenyoungerchildrenwhileoperatingoutsidethe
jurisdictionofUSAGymnastics.
AndeventhoughUSAGymnasticstellsmemberclubsthataconditionoftheirmembershipis
thattheynotassociateinanywaywithapersononthePermanentlyIneligiblelist,reportsofviolations
periodicallysurface.TheOrangeCounty(California)RegisterreportedinDecember2011thatDon
Peters,aformercelebratedcoachwhowasdiscoveredtohaveengagedinsexualmisconductwith
underageathletes,convictedofsexualabuseandbannedfromUSAGymnastics,stillmaintaineda
financialinterestintheclubhehadpreviouslyrun.15Wenotethatitwasin2011thatUSAGymnastics
changeditspolicytoprohibitsuchanaffiliation,perhapsinresponsetothisspecificreport.However,
otherreports,unconfirmedbytheauthorsofthisreport,includemorerecentsuggestionsofviolationof
thepolicy,suchasabannedformercoachspendingaconsiderableamountoftimeinherdaughters
memberclub,againstUSAGymnasticspolicy.ThistypeofactivityisdifficultforUSAGymnasticsto
police.
Infact,manypeopleworkingintheclubenvironmentarenotrequiredtobemembersofUSA
Gymnastics.Thisincludesnoncoachingstaffandvolunteers.Noneofthoseindividualsiscurrently
underthejurisdictionofUSAGymnastics.
Developmentsin20162017:
U.S.CenterforSafeSportLaunch(March2017)
Inrecentyears,USOChasrecognizedthatthereisaseriousriskofathleteabuseinmany,most
orallOlympicsports.In2012,USOCfirstformedaworkinggrouptodevelopaSafeSportcode
governingUSOCanditsaffiliatedentities,includingNGBs,aswellastocreateaU.S.Centerfor
SafeSportthatwouldbegivenjurisdictionoverviolationsoftheSafeSportcode,includingbutnot
limitedtosexualabuseallegations.ArepresentativeofUSAGymnasticshasbeeninvolvedasaliaison
tomultiplesuchworkinggroupssincetheoriginalgroupwasformed.
15
ConvictedSexOffenderRegainsControlofColoradoGym,OrangeCountyRegister,December9,2011.
19

TheU.S.CenterforSafeSport(Center)wasofficiallylaunchedinMarch2017.Itisintendedto
beastandaloneentity,operatingindependentlyofUSOC,inmuchthesamewaythattheWorldAnti
DopingAgency(WADA)isindependentof,whileacreationof,theInternationalOlympicCommittee.
TheCenterhasexclusiveauthoritytoresolvereportsofsexualmisconductandotherconductprohibited
bytheSafeSportCodefortheU.S.OlympicandParalympicMovement(Code)16,butrequiresthatall
misconduct,includingphysicalabuse,sexualabuse,emotionalabuse,harassment,hazingandbullying
bereportedtoitbyNGBsandbyallcoveredindividuals,essentiallydescribedaspersonsdeemedby
anyofthe47OlympicNGBstobeunderthatNGBsjurisdiction.TheCenterwillalsoreportallcasesof
suspectedcriminalabusetolawenforcementauthorities.
InordertoobtainjurisdictionoverpersonswhomaynolongerbemembersofanNGB,the
CodedefinesCoveredIndividualsasfollows:
Anyindividualwho:(a)currentlyis,orwasatthetimeofapossibleviolationoftheCode,within
thegovernanceordisciplinaryjurisdictionofanNGBorwhoisseekingtobewithinthe
governanceordisciplinaryjurisdictionofanNGB(e.g.,throughapplicationformembership),(b)
isanathleteorNonathleteParticipantthatanNGBortheUSOCformallyauthorizes,approves
orappointstoapositionofauthorityoverAthletesortohavefrequentcontactwithAthletesor
(c)anNGBdefinesasbeingwithinthe[Centers]jurisdiction.17
Thus,forexample,iftheCenterreceivesareportofallegedabusebyanapplicantformembership,or
allegedabusebyaformermemberthatisallegedtohaveoccurredwhilethatpersonwasamember,
theCenterwillhavejurisdictionoverthatperson.
Inadditiontoclearlystatingthetypesofactionsitprohibitsandhasthepowertosanction,it
encouragesNGBsandtheirmemberorganizations,towhichitrefersasLocalAffiliatedOrganization(s)
(LAO),aswellastheUSOC,todevelopwhatitreferstoasproactivepoliciesapplicabletoCovered
Individualsandsetstandardsforprofessionalboundaries.Itprovidesexamplesofpotential
prohibitedactivity,includingmassagesandrubdowns,socialmediaandelectroniccommunications,
photography,lockerrooms,oneononemeetingsandgiftingaswellasovernighttravelrules.18
Recommendationswillbemaderegardingproposedproactivepoliciesinalatersectionofthisreport.
IndianapolisStarSeriesOnSexualAbuseWithinGymnasticsandUSAGymnasticsResponse(Beginning
August2016)
Anotherseriesofdevelopmentscontributedtothecommissioningofthereviewandevaluation
culminatinginthisreport.Inthelatesummerof2016,TheIndianapolisStarbeganpublicationofa
seriesofarticlesonsexualabusewithintheworldofOlympicwomensgymnastics,reportingmyriad
casesofallegedabusereportedbygymnastsand/orformergymnasts.Inawiderangingstorypublished
inDecember2016,theStarreportedthatovera20yearperiod,368gymnastshadallegedsexualabuse
orexploitationbycoachesandotherauthorityfigures,atleastsomeofwhomwereallegedtohave
beenassociatedwithUSAGymnasticsasmembers;andthatmanyoftheallegationsagainstmembers
hadnotbeenpursued,orhadnotbeenpromptlyreported,byUSAGymnastics.19
16
http://safesport.org/files/details/10.
17
SafeSportCodefortheU.S.OlympicandParalympicMovement,SectionII.E.
18
Id.,SectionIII.B.2.
19
A20YearToll:368GymnastsallegeSexualExploitation,TheIndianapolisStar,December15,2016.
20

Includedinthereportsofabusewastheserialsexualabuseallegedlyperpetratedbylongtime
USAGymnasticsWomensNationalTeamphysicianDr.LarryNassar.Inrecentyears,anumberofadult
womenhavecomeforward,allallegingsimilarsexualabuseperpetratedonthembyDr.Nassarwhile
theywereelitegymnasts.Theallegationscametolightinnewspaperaccountswhenonewomanfileda
lawsuitinAugust2016inCaliforniaandanotherfiledaseparatelawsuitinMichigan.20Sincethattime,
Dr.NassarhasbeenchargedcriminallyintheStateofMichiganforabuseofMichigan State University
gymnasts;andatotalof41womenhavereportedlyfiledorjoinedcivillawsuitsagainstNassaralleging
sexualabuse.21Nassarhasseparatelybeenindictedfederallyforchildpornography;thatcaseisbeing
prosecutedbytheU.S.DepartmentofJustice.22
FederalLegislation(IntroducedinMarch2017)
ThesedevelopmentscametotheattentionofprominentmembersofCongressaswell.Senator
DianeFeinstein(DCA)ledagroupofseveralU.S.SenatorsinfilinglegislationinMarch2017entitledthe
ProtectingYoungVictimsfromSexualAbuseActof2017,underthebillnumberS.534.23The
legislation,ifpassed,willrequirereportingtolawenforcementofsuspectedchildabusebyanyperson
underthejurisdictionofanNGB,andmakesitacrime,punishablebyupto3yearsinprison,tofailtoso
report.ItalsorequiresNGBstodevelop:amechanismmakingiteasyforapersontoreportsexual
abusecommittedbyanypersonunderthejurisdictionofanNGB;procedurestopreventoneonone
contactbetweenanynonparent/guardianadultatafacilityundertheNGBsjurisdictionwithoutbeing
inapositiontobeobservedbyothers;andoversightprocedures,whicharetoincludeindependent
randomauditstoensurecompliancewithreportingandabusepreventiontraining.ForNGBslikeUSA
Gymnastics,withalargenumberofmemberfacilities,thelegislationrequiresthattheNGBdevelopa
processpermittingthesharingofinformationamongtheNGBanditsmemberaffiliatesofinformation
abouttheexpulsionordeparturefromanymemberfacilityofanadultbasedonanallegationofsexual
misconduct.Inadditiontootherprovisions,includinganextensionofthestatuteoflimitations,the
legislationincludesprovisionsintendedtoshieldNGBsfromliabilityforadheringtothetermsofthe
legislation.
Soonthereafter,onApril6,2017,anearlyidenticalbillwasintroducedintheU.S.Houseof
RepresentativesbyRep.SusanBrooks(RIN)andotherRepresentatives,similarlytitledandnumbered
H.R.1973.AftercertainamendmentsintheHouseCommitteeontheJudiciary,H.R.1973passedthe
fullHouseofRepresentativesonMay25,2017byanoverwhelmingvoteof4153.24
ThesetwobillswillbedescribedcollectivelyinthisreportastheFederalLegislation.
20
FormerUSAGymnasticsDoctorAccusedofAbuse,TheIndianapolisStar,September12,2016.
21
GymnasticsDoctorChargedwith22CountsinSexAssaultCase,CNN,February23,2017,
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/22/health/gymnasticsdoctorsexualassaultcharges/;HesaMonster:22New
ChargesAgainstExGymnasticsDr.LarryNassar,TheIndianapolisStar,February23,2017.
22
FBISaysGymnasticsDoctorLarryNassarRecordedAbuseonGoPro,NBC,December21,2016,
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/usnews/gymnasticsdoctorlarrynassarhitnewsexabuseclaimn698741.
23
NewsRelease,SenatorsIntroduceBillRequiringU.S.AmateurAthleticOrganizations,MemberstoReportSexual
Abuse,March6,2017,https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?id=DFAC8B0EAB09
41768D74B9D803CFAB2B.
24
NewsRelease,HouseOverwhelminglyPassesBrooksProtectingYoungVictimsfromSexualAbuseAct,May25,
2017,https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/mediacenter/pressreleases/houseoverwhelminglypassesbrooks
protectingyoungvictimsfromsexual.
21

InternationalGymnasticsFederation(FIG)DutyofCareCodeAnnounced(June2017)
TheInternationalGymnasticsFederation(FIG)isthegoverningbodyovergymnastics
competitionsinallcountries.EachnationalgymnasticsgoverningbodyanswerstotheFIGintermsof
therulesofcompetitions,includingthescoringrules;thissetofrulesisknownastheCodeofPoints.It
alsodeterminestheminimumageforcompetitionintheOlympics;soitwastheFIGthatincreasedthe
minimumageto16from14afterthe1996Olympics.
OnJune4,2017,expressingaforcefulnotoleranceattitudetowardabuseandsexual
harassment,theFIGannouncedthatitwilldevelopacodeknownastheDutyofCareCode.Whilethe
specificdetailsofthecodeareapparentlyyettobedevised,theannouncementbyFIGPresident
MorinariWatanabemadethepointthathavingrules,andeducatingpeopleontherules,isinsufficient
toensureenforcement.Hecalledforseveresanctionsforrulesviolations,onthelevelofthe
sanctionscurrentlyappliedtoantidopingviolations.25
25
InternationalGymnasticsFederationtoDevelopDutyofCareCode,InsideTheGames,June4,2017,
http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1051124/internationalgymnasticsfederationtodevelopdutyofcare
code.
22
Overarching Recommendation:
Cultural Shift Throughout
USA Gymnastics

OVERARCHINGRECOMMENDATION:
CULTURALSHIFTTHROUGHOUTUSAGYMNASTICS
Inordertoprotecttheyoungathletesinitscharge,USAGymnasticsneedstoundergoa
completeculturalchange,permeatingtheentireorganizationandcommunicatedtothefieldinallits
actions.Further,USAGymnasticsneedstotakeactiontoensurethatthischangeinculturealsoisfully
embracedbytheclubsthathostmembercoaches,instructorsandathletes.
TheculturethatmustbeadoptedisthatUSAGymnasticstoppriorityisthesafetyandwell
beingofitsathletes;notjusttheirsuccessonthefieldofplay.Safetyshouldbetheprimaryfocusofthe
organization.Itisimportanttonotethatwinningneednotsufferastheresultofaprimaryfocuson
safetyandabuseprevention.
Praesidiumdescribesthesefouraspectsofeffectingculturalchange:
Astrongvoicefromthetopoftheorganization
Clearstandardsofbehavior
Provisionofsufficientresourcestoassistinmaintainingthestandards
Accountability
Eachoftherecommendationsthatfollowembodiesoneormoreofthesefourcriticalcriteria
foreffectingculturalchange.
Asthefollowingsectionswillrecommend,thefocusonathleteprotectionmustbetruly
paramount.ThewordsanddeedsoftheUSAGymnasticsBoardofDirectors(Board)andthe
administrativeleadershipmustembodythiscultureofprotection.Clearstandardsofconductmustnot
onlybecreated,butalsoenforced.Andthoseinthefieldmustbeprovidedwiththesupportnecessary
tomaintainthestandards;butbeyondthat,everyonefromthetopoftheorganizationdownthrough
thememberclubsmustholdothersaccountabletomeetthestandards.
Individualrecommendationsfocusedonaccomplishingthischangewillbeprovidedthroughout
thisreport,groupedunderthecategorieslistedintheintroductoryportionofthefollowingsectionof
thereport(SpecificFindingsandRecommendations).
Webelieve,basedonourextensivereview,thatonlythiskindofpublicshiftinmindset,
includingchangesinpracticeandacultureofaccountabilitythroughouttheorganization,willenable
USAGymnasticstoimproveitsabilitytoprotecttheyoungcompetitorsinitscharge,andotheryoung
aspiringathletes,fromharm.Thesafetyofcountlessyounggymnaststhroughoutthecountryis
dependentontheabilityofUSAGymnasticstoeffectthisculturalchange.
23
Specific Findings and

Recommendations

INTRODUCTIONTOFINDINGS
ANDRECOMMENDATIONS
TheFindingsandRecommendationsinthisreportspanseveralspecificaspectsoftheoperation
ofUSAGymnastics.Theywillbeaddressedinthisorder:
1. BoardStructureandDuties
2. AdministrativeManagementofUSAGymnastics
3. MemberRequirementsandEnforcement
4. ScreeningandSelectionofCoaches,VolunteersandOtherAdultswithAccessto
Athletes
5. ProcessforFilingReportsofMisconduct
6. Education,TrainingandAthleteSupport
7. EncouragingReportingofSuspectedViolations
8. NationalTeamTrainingCenter
9. NationalTeamSelectionProcess
Thetheoryofchangeweadvocate,asdescribedabove,mustcascadethroughoutthe
organizationinordertobeimpactful.Theserecommendationsarenotnecessarilypresentedinorderof
importance;rather,theorderofpresentationdemonstratesthecascadingaccountabilitythatwe
suggestshouldoccurthroughouttheorganization.
24
Board Structure
and Duties

BoardStructureandDuties
Findings
BoardMembership
TheUSOCintendsthatrecentformerathletesbeactiveparticipantsinNGBgovernance.The
TedStevensOlympicandAmateurSportsAct(theStevensActorSportsAct),enactedin1978to
governthevariousbodiesparticipatingintheOlympicsportsmovement26,requirestheUSOCandeach
NGBtoensurethatthemembershipandvotingpowerheldbyamateurathletesisnotlessthan20
percentofthemembershipandvotingpowerheldintheboardofdirectorsof[USOC]andinthe
committeesandentitiesof[USOC].27Thetermathleteisdefinedaslimitedtoindividualsnomore
than10yearspasttheirretirementfromthesport.Thus,USAGymnasticsincludes5individualsmeeting
thiscriteriononits20memberboard,whoareelectedfromallpersonswhomeettheathlete
representativedefinitionestablishedbytheUSOC.
Inaddition,USAGymnasticsincludesonitsboardatotalof7representativesofthevarious
gymnasticsprogramsthatcomprisetheorganization,whoareelectedbythemembershipofthose
programs.TheyincludetheMensandWomensGymnasticsPrograms(2representativeseach),the
RhythmicGymnasticsProgram,theTrampolineandTumblingGymnasticsProgramandtheAcrobatic
GymnasticsProgram(onerepresentativeeach).
AnAdvisoryCounciltotheBoardelects3memberstotheBoard,withoutinputfromtheBoard.
TheAdvisoryCouncilismadeupofrepresentativesfromthefollowingindependentgymnastics
organizations:
AmateurAthleticUnion
AmericanSokolOrganization
AmericanTurners
CollegeGymnasticsAssociationMen
JewishCommunityCenters
NationalAssociationofCollegiateCoachesWomen
NationalAssociationofGirlsandWomeninSport
NationalAssociationofWomen'sGymnasticsJudges
NationalCollegiateAthleticAssociationMen
NationalCollegiateAthleticAssociationWomen
NationalAssociationofIntercollegiateGymnasticsClubs
NationalFederationofStateHighSchoolAssociations
NationalGymnasticsJudgesAssociationMen
NationalHighSchoolGymnasticsAssociation
SpecialOlympics
U.S.AssociationofIndependentGymnasticsClubs
U.S.CompetitiveAerobicsFederation
26
36U.S.C.220501220529.
27
36U.S.C.220504(b)(2)(B).
25

U.S.EliteCoachesAssociationMen
U.S.EliteCoachesAssociationWomen
U.S.Men'sGymnasticsCoachesAssociation
U.S.RhythmicGymnasticsCoachesAssociation
YMCA
ThisleavesUSAGymnasticswithatotalof5independentmembers:4publicsector
membersplustheboardchair.Allfiveofthesemembers,accordingtotheBylaws:
Shouldmeetthefollowingstandardsofindependenceforaperiod
oftwo(2)yearspriortothedateuponwhichtheDirector'sselection
totheBoardbecomeseffective:
(1)NotreceiveanymaterialcompensationfromUSAGymnastics,directlyorindirectly,
Excludinganycostorexpensereimbursement;
(2)Notbeanowner,executiveofficer,controllingshareholder,
controllingmemberorpartnerofacorporation,partnership
orotherbusinessentitythatconductedbusinesswithUSA
Gymnastics;
orotherbusinessentitythatwasasportfamilyentitywith
USAGymnastics;
orotherbusinessentitythatwasaclubmember,financial
partnerwithorasponsorofUSAGymnastics;
(5)NotbeaffiliatedwithoremployedbyUSAGymnastics
outsideauditororoutsidecounsel;norhaveanyimmediate
familymemberwassoaffiliatedoremployedbysuchoutside
auditororoutsidecounselasanowner,officer,partner,
principalormanager;
(6)NotbeaffiliatedwithanyparticularUSAGymnastics
disciplineasaProgramCommitteeChairorchairofany
standingsubsidiarycommittee;wasanemployeeofUSA
Gymnastics;orhaveanimmediatefamilymemberwhowas
anyoftheforegoingoramemberofanyseniornational
teamofanydisciplineofUSAGymnastics.28
Inrecentyears,atleastoneofthoseselectedtofillthepublicsectorpositionshasbeena
formergymnast.
Thissystem,whilecertainlyaffordingrepresentationtoalargenumberofconstituencygroups
thatareinvolvedwithorinteractwithUSAGymnastics,makesitdifficultfortheBoardtofollowthe
normalcoursegoverningboardcomposition.Inotherwords,itisdifficultfortheBoardtoseekpeople
ofvaryingskillsetstoserveasmembersofawellroundedboard.Itisalsodifficulttopopulatethe
28
Bylaws,Section4.2(c).TheBylawsofUSAGymnasticsarefoundinfullontheUSAGymnasticswebsite,at
https://www.usagym.org/PDFs/About%20USA%20Gymnastics/Governance/usagbylaws.pdf.
26

Boardwithavarietyofperspectivesandviewpoints,includingthosefromoutsidetheworldof
competitivegymnastics,giventheminimalnumberofpublicsectordirectorpositions.
TermsofOffice
ByoperationoftheUSAGymnasticsBylaws(Bylaws),boardmembersmayservenomorethan
two4yearterms.Whentheboardwasreconstitutedin2007,however,certainmemberswhohad
alreadybeenservingforanumberofyearswerepermittedtobeginnewtermsunderthenewsystem,
allowingthemanadditional8yearsofservice.ThereisatleastaperceptionexternallythattheBoard,
duetolengthyserviceonthepartofsomemembers,issomewhatselfperpetuating,leadingto
insularity.ThereisalsoaperceptionthattheBoardmembersdonotthinkindependently,basedinpart
ontheirlongtermservice.
ConflictsofInterest
TheBylawsprovidethatBoardmembersmaynotreceivecompensationfortheirserviceonthe
Board,butmayreceivepaymentfromUSAGymnasticsforotherservicesperformedforthe
organization.Whilethisisnotunusual,andgenerallythecompensationappearstobeminor,thepolicy
couldcreatecircumstancesinwhichBoardmembers,desirousofmaintainingtheiroutsideincome,
wouldnotexerciseindependentjudgmentinBoarddecisionmaking.
TheconcernwithregardtothisissueisthatBoardindependence,anditsabilitytoholdUSA
Gymnasticsmanagementaccountableformeaningfulactionstoprotectchildren,canbethreatened
whenamemberoftheBoardisreliantonUSAGymnasticsforincome.TheindependenceoftheBoard
anditscommitmenttoholdingmanagementaccountableisanimportantaspectoftheprotectionof
youngathletesfromadultswhowouldabusethem.
Lackoftraining
ThemembersoftheBoarddonotreceivetraininginchilddevelopmentissues,orchildabuse
prevention.Intheabsenceofafullunderstandingofthefactorsatplay,commonbehaviorofchild
predators,andthedynamicssurroundingachildvictimofabuse,theBoardcannotbeexpectedtoknow
whatactionstotaketobestprotecttheyoungathletesforwhomtheyareresponsible.
NoBoardHandbook
WehavelearnedthatthereisnoofficialBoardhandbook,somembersmayhavedifficulty
actuallyknowingtheextentoftheirresponsibilities.Thiscanleadtoconfusionandafollower
mentalityonthepartofaboardmemberwhoisunclearabouttheextentofhisorherresponsibilities
andauthority.
LackofAccountability
AreviewoftheminutesofanumberofBoardmeetingsovertimerevealsthattheBoarddoes
notactindependentlytoholdmanagementaccountableforprotectingchildren.Forexample,while
thereisanEthics,GrievanceandSafeSportcommitteeoftheBoard,itappears(basedonminutesof
itsmeetings)tospendmostofitstimereviewingcompensationarrangementsofBoardmembersto
determinewhethertopermitthemundertheBoardsconflictsofinterestpolicy.
27

Infact,theBoardseemstospendverylittletimediscussingSafeSportissues(theterm
adoptedbytheUSOCanditsNGBsforchildabuseprevention)atall.Mostofthediscussionscenter
aroundpreparationforandexecutionofmajorevents,thestatusofthevariousteams,andthelike.
Weseenofocusontheexistenceofreportsofmisconduct,theconductofinvestigationsof
reportedmisconduct,ortheresolutionofsuchinvestigationsintheminutesofeithertheEthics
GrievanceandSafeSportCommitteeortheBoarditself.Further,theredoesnotappear,basedonthe
minutesofBoardmeetings,tobesignificantdiscussionofissuesofconcerntoBoardmembers:no
apparentroutinequestioningofstaffmembers,andnoapparentprovisionofinformationonthese
subjectstotheBoardbytheadministrativestaff.
Indeed,oneformerBoardmemberandformerthreetimenationalchampionrhythmicgymnast,
whohasallegedsexualabusebytheteamphysicianattheNationalTeamTrainingCenter,testified
beforeaU.S.SenatecommitteeinMarch2017thatmostBoarddiscussionsduringhertenurewere
aboutmoneyandmedals.Shetestifiedthatdiscussionsaboutabuseallegations,totheextentthey
occurred,centeredaroundthereputationofthecoachratherthantheallegationsoftheathlete.29This
formerathleteandBoardmemberalsowroteanopinionpiecefortheNewYorkTimesthatsame
month,outliningthemattersaboutwhichshetestifiedandrepeatingthesecomments.30
29
TestimonyofJessicaHowardbeforetheCommitteeontheJudiciary,UnitedStatesSenate,March28,2017.
30
CrackingDownonAbuseinU.S.Gymnastics,TheNewYorkTimes,March15,2017.
28

BoardStructureandDuties
Recommendations
AmendBylawstoClarifyPriorityofAthleteWellbeing
Whilethisrecommendation,standingalone,willnotchangethecultureofUSAGymnastics,itis
animportantstart.ThereareaspectsoftheBylawsthatcouldeasilybeamendedtobeginsendinga
message.Forexample,Section2.3oftheBylawsisentitled,GovernancePhilosophy.Toencourage
participationandthepursuitofexcellenceinallaspectsofgymnastics.(Emphasisintheoriginal.)
Thesectiongoesontoprovide:
(a)TheUSAGymnasticsBoardrepresentsandservesitsathletesand
members,aswellasthepublictrust,toensurethattheorganization
carriesoutthepurposesforwhichitwasestablishedinalegal,ethical
andaccountablefashion.AuthorityandpowerarevestedintheBoardas
awholeonbehalfofthemembers.
(b)Inturn,individualUSAGymnasticsBoardmembersprovideleadership,
vision,independentthinking,theabilitytorallyindividualsandgroupsin
supportofourmission,thewisdomtolistentomembersandconstituents,
andtheforesighttoapproachdiversityasanopportunityandnotasan
obstacle.Wewillworktofulfillourvisionandmissionthroughtheheart
andsoulofourorganizationourmembersinafamilylike
atmosphere.
(c)Wearecommittedtoeffectiveteamgovernanceandanefficiently
managedorganizationthatfocusesitsresourcestoaddresstheneedsof
itsgrowingmembership.Togetherwithourstaff,ourmembership,and
theclubs,organizationsandcommunitiesthatweserve,wewillcontinue
tocreate,supportandfurtheranambitiousagendaforthefuture.To
achieveourstrategicinitiativesandourperformanceplan,effective
governancewillincludeawillingnesstolearn,opennesstonew
possibilities,andanappreciationandrespectfortheachievementsofthe
past.
(d)TheUSAGymnasticsBoarddelegatestheauthorityfororganizational
managementtothePresidentoftheCorporation(President),asitsChief
ExecutiveOfficer,whileretainingultimateaccountabilityforthe
organization.Thisgovernancepartnershipiscriticalandservesasthe
keyrelationshipinthegovernancestructureandoperationsofthe
Corporation.Weguaranteeongoingcommunication,trust,transparency
andrespecttokeepthispartnershipbothviableandstrong.
(e)Wewillcontinuetoexploreinnovativeapproachestostrengthenour
governancestructureandoperationswhichwillenhanceourabilitytobe
responsive,nimbleandflexible.Inaddition,wewillincreaseopportunities
forthosewithaninterestinthegovernanceofUSAGymnasticstobecome
29

activelyinvolvedwithandtoleadtheorganizationintothefuture.31
USAGymnasticscouldeasilyincludeaspartofitsGovernancePhilosophythesafetyandwell
beingofathletes.
Further,Section4.1,entitled,Director,describesthepowersoftheBoard,withcertain
specificfunctionsenumerated.Thesectioncurrentlyreads:
Authority.ThebusinessandaffairsoftheCorporationaretheresponsibilityof
theBoard.TheBoardshalloverseethemanagementoftheCorporationandits
affairs,butshallnotmanagetheCorporation.TheBoardshallselectthe
CorporationsPresidentanddiligentlyoverseehim/herintheoperationofthe
Corporation,empoweringthePresidenttomanageastaffdrivenorganization
witheffectiveBoardoversight.Inaddition,theBoardperformsthefollowing
specificfunctions,amongothers:
(a)ImplementsprocedurestoorientnewBoardmembers,toeducatethem
onthebusinessandgovernanceaffairsoftheCorporationandtoevaluate
Boardperformance;
(b)Selects,compensates,andevaluatesthePresidentandplansfor
managementsuccession;
(c)ReviewsandapprovestheCorporation'sstrategicplanandtheannual
operatingplans,budgets,businessplansandcorporateperformance;
(d)Setspolicyandprovidesguidanceandstrategicdirectiontomanagement
onsignificantissuesfacingtheCorporation;
(e)Reviewsandapprovessignificantcorporateactions;
(f)Overseesthefinancialreportingprocess;
(g)Overseeseffectivecorporategovernance;
(h)Approvesfinancialstrategiesandlongrangefinancialplanning;
(i)Reviewsandapprovesfinancialstatements,annualreports,auditand
controlpolicies,and,upontherecommendationoftheFinance,
CompensationandAuditCommittee,selectsindependentauditors;
(j)MonitorstodeterminewhethertheCorporationsassetsarebeing
properlyprotected;
(k)MonitorstheCorporationscompliancewithlawsandregulationsandthe
performanceofitsbroaderresponsibilities;and
(l)EnsuresthattheBoardandmanagementareproperlystructuredand
preparedtoactincaseofanunforeseencorporatecrisis.
ThissectioncouldbeamendedtoincludethemonitoringofUSAGymnasticscompliancewith
SafeSportrequirements.
ThereareundoubtedlyotheraspectsoftheBylawswhichcouldbeamendedtounderscoreUSA
Gymnasticscommitmenttotheprotectionofchildrenfromharm,whetherphysical,emotionalor
sexual.Again,standingalonetheseamendmentscannotchangethecultureofUSAGymnastics;but
theywouldserveasanimportantsymbolofthatculturalchangeandastatementthattheBoardtakes
itsresponsibilityinthisregardseriously.
31
Bylaws,Section2.3.
30

ReviseBoardSelectionProcess
WerecommendarevisionoftheBoardselectionprocesstobroadentheskillsetoftheBoard,
increasethenumberofindependentBoardmembers,andobtaintothegreatestextentpossiblediverse
perspectivesandindependentinputintoBoarddecisionmaking.
TheBoard,basedonitscomposition,whichisheavilyweightedtowardpeopleactiveinthe
gymnasticsenvironment,givestheappearanceofinsularity.Theselectionprocessdoesnotensurea
broadsetofskillsonthepartofboardmembers;nordoesitensureanindependentBoardfocusedon
oversight.TheBoardhasonly5independentmembersoutof20;andoften,someofthosearepeople
involvedinthegymnasticsworldeitherasformergymnasts,parentsofgymnasts,orothergymnastics
enthusiasts.
TheUSOCprovidesatemplatetoassistNGBswithdevelopingbylawsthatcomportwithUSOC
requirementsandmanagementrecommendations.Inthesectionontheboardselectionprocess,it
encouragesgreatercontrolbytheBoardovertheselectionprocess,evenwhencertainBoardmembers
aretoberepresentativeofconstituencygroups.Forexample,itoffersthissamplelanguageforthe
selectionofacoachmemberofanNGBboard:
TheNominatingandGovernanceCommitteeshallsolicitnominationsofcoacheswhohave
obtainedatleasttwentyfive(25)signaturesofsupporteachfromcurrent[NGB]member
coaches.ThenomineeswillbeconsideredbytheNominatingandGovernanceCommittee.The
NominatingandGovernanceCommitteeshallselectthree(3)individualsfromthosenominated
whoshallthenstandforelection.Allcurrent[NGB]membercoachesshallthenvoteforthe
director.32
Thiskindofapproach,inwhichtheBoardselectsthreeindividualsitdeemsqualifiedfroma
groupofindividualsnominatedbytheconstituentgroup,wouldgivetheBoardincreasedcontrolover
theelectionofmembers,whilealsoallowingtheconstituentgrouptoprovideagroupofnomineesto
theBoardandvoteonthefinalselection.
ItisofnotethatthecommentarytotheUSOCtemplateencouragesthatatleast50%ofthe
boardmembersofanNGBbeindependentmembers:
[Comment:Itisrecommendedthatatleast50%oftheBoardbeindependent
members.Independentmembersbringgeneralbusinessacumenandothervaluable
expertisetotheBoard,withoutbeingburdenedorinfluencedbyinternalsportpolitics.
NGBBoardsthatareprimarilypopulatedwithconstituentmembersoftenencounter
conflictsandpoliticalcontroversiesthatreducetheBoardseffectiveness.]33
WhilewearetoldthateventheUSOCconsidersthe50%goaldifficulttoachieve,USA
GymnasticsBoardiscertainlyalongwayfromthatfigure.
WealsohearfromvarioussourcesthatthePresidentofUSAGymnasticshastraditionallyhad
significantcontrolovertheselectionoftheindependentBoardmembers.Whilepresidentsof
32
USOCTemplateforBylawsofNGBs,CommenttoSection7.6,page14.
33
Id.,CommenttoSection7.5,page13.
31

organizationsgenerallyprovidewelcomeinputintothesedecisions,anindependentmindedBoardwith
astrongNominationsandGovernanceCommitteecanprovideimportantbalanceinthisprocess.
EnsurethatTermLimitationsareConsistentlyEnforced
Whileitmaybethatthereasonsomepeoplehaveservedwellbeyond8yearsonthecurrent
boardhastodowiththereorganizationoftheboardseveralyearsago,itisrecommendedthattheterm
limitsoftwo4yeartermsbehonoredwithoutexception.Todootherwisecreatesaperceptionof
Boardinsularityandgroupthink.
Inmanyboardsettings,amembercanreturntotheboardafterahiatus,perhapsofafullterm
(inthiscase,4years).Werecommendcreatingthatkindofdistancetoencourageboardturnoverand
thusincreasedindependence.
ReduceorEliminateConflictsofInterest
WerecommendthattheBoardconsideramendingtheBylawstoprohibitcompensationbyUSA
GymnasticstoBoardmembersforevennonBoardservicetotheorganization.Itmaybepossibleto
achievethedesiredeffectofminimizingconflictsofinterestbypermittingcompensationforonlycertain
typesofservicetotheorganization,suchasjudgingofcompetitions.
Ataminimum,ifpermittingcompensationofBoardmembersinsomecircumstances,USA
GymnasticsBoardshouldrequirestrictaccountabilityandtransparencyoftheprocess,meeting
industrystandards.
ProvideAbuseTrainingfortheBoardofDirectors
MembersoftheBoardshouldreceiveannualtraininginchildphysicalandemotional
development,thedynamicsofchildabuse,andchildabuseprotection.
Create,MaintainandRegularlyUpdateBoardHandbook
ABoardhandbookshouldbecreated,includingtheBylaws,allpertinentpolicies,andother
documentsthatBoardmembersneedtodotheirjobswell.
CreateAccountabilityforProtectionofChildren,DrivenbyBoard
ThefunctionoftheEthics,GrievanceandSafeSportCommitteeshouldbechanged,tomakeits
focusthatoforganizationalcompliancewithstringentrequirementssetbytheBoardfortheprotection
ofchildren.Thisaccountabilityshouldincludearandomauditofmemberclubstoensurethattheyare
meetingtherequirementssetforthembyUSAGymnastics(seeadditionalrecommendationsbelow
relatingtomembers).SuchauditsshouldbeconductedbytheofficeofthenewDirectorofSafeSport
atUSAGymnastics;buttheBoard,throughitsEthics,GrievanceandSafeSportCommitteebutalsoasa
fullboard,shouldmonitortheauditfindingsandtakeactionasnecessary.Inthealternative,aseparate
committee,withasingularfocusonSafeSportrequirementsandaccountabilityforsame,shouldbe
created.Thecommitteeshouldtakeprimaryresponsibilityforengaginginamoredetailedreviewinto
availableinformationthanthefullBoardhasthetimeoropportunitytoaccomplish.
32

InorderfortheEthics,GrievanceandSafeSportCommitteetotakeonthisrole,itsfunction
wouldneedtobealteredsignificantly.Thecommitteewouldneedtomeet,atleastbyconferencecall,
muchmorefrequently.Wewouldsuggestmonthlydiscussionsbythecommittee,andregularreports
tothefullBoardbythecommitteeatBoardmeetings.
Itshouldbenotedthat,amongotherthingsrequiredbytheFederalLegislation(seepage21),an
annualauditbyeachNGBofcompliancebymemberclubswithSafeSportrequirementswillbe
mandated.Theauditmay,andnecessarilywillinthecaseofUSAGymnastics,bearandomaudit.USA
Gymnasticscannotbeexpectedtoauditthousandsofclubseachyear.
TheEthics,GrievanceandSafeSportCommittee,orsomecommitteeoftheBoard,shouldalso
berequiredtomonitor,andreportregularlytotheBoardon,reportsofabuse(physical,emotional,
sexual)orothercodeofconductviolationsthataremade,timetoresolution,andtheresolutionofthe
reports.TheDirectorofSafeSportshouldberequiredtoprepareandpresentsuchreports,andanswer
theCommitteesandtheBoardsquestionsregardingthereports.
IncreasetheNumberofInPersonBoardMeetings
Currently,theBylawscallforfourtotalmeetingsoftheBoardeachyear,atleasttwoofwhich
aretobeinperson.ItisrecommendedthattheBoardincreasethenumberofinpersonmeetings,for
thepurposeofenhancingitscomplianceeffortsandincreasingaccountabilityoftheorganization.
EnsurethatEachBoardMeetingIncludesaRobustDiscussionofSafeSportMatters
ItiscriticalthattheBoardexerciseitsaccountabilityfunctioninpartbyhavingareportateach
BoardmeetingfromtheDirectorofSafeSport,andfocusingoncomplianceissues.
HoldanExecutiveSessionattheConclusionofEachBoardMeeting
Manyboardsroutinelyconductadiscussioninexecutivesession,outsidethepresenceofthe
chiefexecutiveandallotherstaffmembers,ateachmeeting.Thisenhancestheopportunityfor
independentthoughtonthepartofboardmembers,byencouragingindividualmemberstospeaktheir
mindsinanonstructured,opendiscussionaboutanymattersthatconcernthem.Wearetoldthatthe
USAGymnasticsBoarddoesholdthistypeofexecutivesessionateachmeeting.Itisencouragedto
continuethatpractice,excusingallstaff(includingthePresident);andrecordinitsminutesthatthe
Boardwentintoexecutivesessionwithoutrevealingthespecificsofthediscussion.
ConductanAnnualEnterpriseRiskReviewThatRoutinelyIncludesSafeSportIssues
Currentbestpracticefortheboardsofbothforprofitandnotforprofitboardsincludesregular
analysisofriskstotheorganizationanditsmission.Thus,manyboardsofdirectorsconductanannual
enterpriseriskreviewandanalysis,identifyingrisksrangingfromfinancialriskstoinsurancerisksto
marketshareriskstoriskstotheabilityoftheorganizationtoachieveitscoremission.Theriskstendto
evolvefromyeartoyear,assomeareresolvedorremediedandnewrisksarise.
USAGymnasticsBoardshouldconductsuchareviewonanannualbasis.Whileotherriskswill
beaddedtoorberemovedfromtheagendaastheyevolve,SafeSportissuesshouldalwaysbeincluded
intheriskanalysis.TheoverallreviewandanalysisshouldbeconductedbytheorganizationsGeneral
Counsel(seebelow),reportingtotheBoard.
33
Administrative
Management

AdministrativeManagement
Findings
PremiumSeeminglyPlacedonWinningCompetitionsatExpenseofSafety
Itisfullyunderstandablethatanorganizationwhosefunctionistoserveasanationalgoverning
bodyinthehighlycompetitiveinternationalOlympicGamesenvironmentwillfocusagreatdealof
attentionondevelopingtopteamsthatwillwinmedalsatinternationalcompetitions.Thisfocuson
winningcompetitionsisencouragedbytheUSOCPerformancePartnershipAgreements(PPA)with
NGBs.WhilethePPAsanalysisisnotlimitedtothisfactor,thenumberofmedalsattainedbyateamat
themostrecentinternationalcompetitionisasignificantfactorintheUSOCsdeterminationofthe
amountoffundingtobeprovidedtoanNGBbytheUSOC.
However,NGBsarealsoresponsibleforthesafetyoftheathletes.USAGymnastics,giventhe
agecohortofitscompetitors,particularlythoseintheWomensProgram,aswellasthedangers
inherentinthesportandtheotherfactorsendangeringyoungathletesasrelatedelsewhereinthis
report,maybesaidtohaveagreaterresponsibilitythansomeNGBsinthatregard;andithascreateda
numberofpoliciesandeducationalopportunitiestoenhancethesafetyofyoungathletes.
Manyfactorshaveledobserverstotheconclusion,rightlyorwrongly,thatUSAGymnastics
caresmoreaboutwinningthanaboutthesafetyofitsathletes.Someofthosefactorsaredescribed
below.
LackofFocusonClearJobDescriptions,Qualifications
Historically,USAGymnasticshashiredorpromotedsomepeoplewithintheadministrativestaff
toseniorpositionsbasedonfamiliarityratherthanqualifications,includingassignmentofsignificant
responsibilitieswithrespecttotheactionsoftheorganizationpertainingtothewelfareofathletes.A
lackofclearjobdescriptionsandperformancerequirementsappearstohavecontributedtothis
tendency.Italsodoesnotappearthatanyparticulartrainingwasprovidedfortheseindividualswhen
theyassumedtheirroles.
Excessiveand/orInappropriatePowerintheRoleofPresident
ThegovernancestructuremakesitpossibleforthePresidentofUSAGymnasticstowielda
significantamountofcontrolovertheoperationoftheorganization.WhilethePresidentofany
organizationisexpectedtobealeader,evenintermsofprovidingguidancetotheBoard,theBylaws
bestowconsiderablecontrolonthePresidentofUSAGymnastics.
WhileSection7.1oftheBylaws,describingthepowersanddutiesofthePresident,isfairly
standardfareinthecorporateworld,includingthenotforprofitworld,certainpowers,grantedeither
bytheBylawsorbytheadoptionofpolicyonthepartoftheBoard,seemunique.
AprimecaseinpointisfoundinArticle10oftheBylaws,providingthatallreports(referredto
ascomplaintsinArticle10)mustbefiledinwritingwiththePresident.
34

Further,Section10.5(a)readsasfollows:
UponreceiptofaComplaint,thePresidentwilldetermine(i)whetherthe
ComplaintcomplieswiththerequirementsspecifiedinSection10.02and
10.03;(ii)whethertheComplaintistimebarredpursuanttoSection10.04;
(iii)whethertheunderlyingfactsandcircumstancesreferencedinthe
Complaintgiverisetoanissuethatisappropriateforresolutionunder
theseprocedures;(iv)whethertheComplainanthasstandingtofilethe
Complaint;(v)whethertheCorporationhasjurisdictionoverthematter;
and(vi)whethertheComplaintinvolvesmatterswhichtheCorporation
doesnothavetheauthorityorabilitytoremedy.Inmakingthis
determination,thePresidentmayconsultwithandrelyuponanadvisory
panelselectedbythePresidentwhichconsistsofoneormoreOfficers,
Directorsorattorneys(AdvisoryPanel).IfthePresidentdeterminesthat
theComplaintdoesnotsatisfythecriteriaspecifiedherein,thePresident
shallsoadvisetheComplainant,andtheComplaintshallbedismissed,
andnofurtherprocessingoftheComplaintshallberequiredpursuantto
thisArticle.
Section10(b)givesthePresidentthepowertoselectanemployee,memberoragentofUSA
Gymnasticstoconductaninvestigation.Thatpersonisnottobeapersonwhoisdirectlyorindirectly
involvedinanoccurrencethatisthesubjectoftheComplaint.
Section10(e)providesthatthePresidentalsohasthepowertodeterminetheoutcomeofa
complaint,unlessthecomplainantprefersathreepersonhearingpanel.
Apresidentoftheorganizationthushasconsiderablecontroloverhowcomplaints,ofanykind,
aredisposedof.Apresidentwhowasnotinclinedtotakereportsofmisconductseriously,orwhowas
concernedabouttarnishingthereputationoftheorganization,orwhowasafriendoftherespondentin
thematter,wouldhavetheauthoritytodismissthecomplaint,orchoosenottopursueit,withoutthe
involvementofothers.Thisreportdoesnotintendtosuggestthatanyactionshavebeentakenbyany
currentorformerpresidentatUSAGymnasticsbasedonsuchconsiderations;butitcertainlywouldbe
possibleunderthecurrentBylaws.
Basedoninternalpolicy,thePresidentisalsocurrentlyoneoftwopeopleintheorganization
authorizedtoreceivereportsofallegedabuse.Itisinappropriatetohavethechiefexecutive
performingsuchafunction,particularlycoupledwiththesectionsoftheBylawsdescribedabove.
Overall,therearesimplyinadequatechecksandbalancesintheprocesstoprotecttheintegrityofthe
reportingandinvestigativeprocess.
InsufficientStaffExpertisetoProtectAthletesfromAbuse
Itappearsthatlittle,ifany,formaltrainingofstaffhasbeenprovidedrelatingtochildabuse
preventionandthedynamicsofchildabuse,includingthedevelopmentalandotherfactorsthathinder
reportingofabusebyvictimsandinparticularthosevictimswhoareenvelopedintheenvironmentof
competitivegymnasticstraining.Whileonestaffmember,whocountsamongnumerousdutiesthe
responsibilitiesrelatedtotheU.S.CenterforSafeSportrequirements,hasapparentlyreceivedsome
trainingthroughattendanceatconferencesduringhertenure,shehasapparentlynotbeenimmersedin
35

thetypeofintensivetrainingwithrespecttochildphysicalandemotionaldevelopment,child
protection,properinvestigationofreports,andstatemandatedreportingrequirementsthatshouldbe
requiredinsucharole.
Beyondthat,itdoesnotappearthatanyotherstaffmembers,ofthesome90membersofthe
employedandcontractednationaladministrativestaffandnationalteamstaff,havebeenrequiredby
USAGymnasticstoundergosuchtraining.
NoStaffDedicatedtoChildProtection
Untilveryrecently,USAGymnasticshasnotmadethedecisiontohireanystaffwhosesole
responsibilityistheprotectionoftheathletes.WhentheUSOCbeganataskforcetoconsider
developingwhathasnowbecometheU.S.CenterforSafeSport(Center),anindependentbodywith
jurisdictionoverallNGBsandresponsibleforreceivingandresolvingreportsofphysical,emotionaland
sexualabuse,USAGymnasticsaddedtothedutiesofitsDirectorofAdministrationandOlympic
Relationstheresponsibilityofservingonthetaskforce.AstheCentercameclosertoreality,this
individualwasgivenallSafeSportrelatedduties,includingreceivingreportsofmisconductandassisting
thePresidentindetermininghowtheyshouldberesolved.Thisisapersonwithvariousotherjob
responsibilities,whoisnotandcannotbefocusedsolelyontheprotectionofathletes.
However,inMarch2017,USAGymnasticspostedajobdescriptionandrequestforapplications
foranewposition,theDirectorofSafeSport.Itisexpectedthatanindividualwillsoonbehiredinto
thisposition.Thisisanimportant,positiveandproductivemoveonthepartofUSAGymnastics.
NoOverallGeneralCounselfortheOrganization
USAGymnasticsretainsdifferentattorneystoperformdifferentfunctions.Itsprimaryattorney
isanoutsideattorneywhoworkswiththeBoardandprovidesgenerallegaladvice,includingsuchthings
asgeneralcorporateadviceandcontractnegotiation.Theorganizationseparatelycontractswith
counselinvariousotherstateswhentheneedarisesforservicesinthosestates;theyareoverseenby
separateoutsidecounsel.Currently,thereisanattorneyandformerprosecutortaskedwithreviewing
allreportsofallegedabusethatcomeintotheorganization,andadvisingtheorganizationon
appropriateaction.AnotherindividualwithlegaltrainingadvisesongeneralSafeSportmattersandhas
beenresponsibleforassistinginthedraftingofdocumentssuchastheParticipantWelfarePolicy.
However,thereisnosinglepersonwhoservesinthecapacityofaGeneralCounsel,responsible
foroverseeingalllegalwork,contractingwithoutsidelawyersforvariousservices,overseeingthose
services,conductingperiodicenterpriseriskassessments,andgenerallybearingresponsibilityforand
knowledgeofallmattersrelatingtowhichtheorganizationmightrequirelegaladviceorassistance.
36

AdministrativeManagement
Recommendations
DevelopPositionDescriptionsforAllPositions;IncludeChildProtectionRequirements
WhilepositiondescriptionsdoexistforeverypositionontheUSAGymnasticsstaff,outlining
clearqualificationsandresponsibilitiesfortheposition,theyshouldbecarefullyreviewed.Anyone
currentlyholdingapositionwhodoesnotmeetappropriatequalificationsfortheroleshouldnotbe
grandfatheredintotheposition;carefulthoughtshouldbegivenastowhethersuchanindividualshould
bemovedtoapositionforwhich(s)heisqualified.Further,nopositiondescriptionshouldbewritten
merelytoreflectthequalificationsoftheindividualcurrentlyholdingthepositioninquestion.The
positiondescriptionsshouldreflectcurrentstandardsinthefieldforeachposition.
Further,everypositiondescriptionintheorganizationshouldincludearolerelatedtothe
protectionofyoungathletesfromharm,includingphysical,emotionalandsexualabuse.Aspartofthe
culturalchangerecommendedattheoutsetofthisreport,itmustbeunderstoodbyeveryperson
workingforUSAGymnasticsthattheprotectionoftheathletesisacriticalaspectofhisorherjob.
SeekIndividualsWithExpertiseinChildProtectionforLeadershipTeam
Atleastsomemembersoftheleadershipteam,whohavesupervisoryauthorityoverother
membersofthestaff,shouldhavesomebackgroundinchildprotectionandthedynamicsofchildabuse.
Itiscriticallyimportanttoinfusingtheentirestaffwithanunderstandingofitsobligationsinthisregard
thattherebepeopleinleadershippositionswiththeorganizationwhohavesomebackgroundnotjust
inthegymnasticsworldbutintheprotectionofchildrenfromphysical,sexualandemotionalabuse.
SeekAdministratorsWithFreshPerspective
Toavoidinsularityandgroupthink,itisrecommendedthatsearchesforleadershippositions
intheorganizationreachwelloutsidethegymnasticsworldinordertoatleastconsiderpeopleforthese
roleswhocomefromadifferentbackgroundandcanbringafreshperspectivetotheorganization.
Thesearetheindividualsmostlikelytoaskquestionssuchas,Whydowedothisthisway?always
animportantfunctionwithinanorganization.
ExcludePresidentfromSafeSportDisciplinaryControl
ItisrecommendedthatthePresidentberemovedfromthecurrentroleofnearcomplete
controloverthedisciplinaryprocess.Thecurrentarrangementcreatescircumstancesinwhich
favoritism,personalbiases,orconcernaboutthereputationoftheorganizationhavethepotentialto
taketheplaceofobjectivejudgment.ThenewDirectorofSafeSportshouldberesponsiblefor
developingasindependentaprocessaspossible;seefurtherrecommendationsbelowinrelationtothat
process.
37

EnsureGreaterAccountabilityofPresidenttoBoard
AssuggestedintherecommendationsrelatingtotheBoardofDirectors(seeabove),theBoard
shouldtakestepstoholdthePresidentaccountable.Thesestepsshouldinclude:
o IdentifyingspecificactionstheBoardwishestoseeonthepartofthePresident,in
particularwithregardtotherecommendationsinthisreport,withatimelinefor
completion
o Requiringastatusreportateachmeetingonprogresstowardgoals
o HavingarobustdiscussionofSafeSportmattersateachmeeting
TheSafeSportdiscussionshouldbeinthenatureofahighlevelreviewofsuchmattersasthe
numberofreportsreceivedeachmonth;numberofpendingcases;timetocompletion;reportsmadeto
lawenforcement;andoutcomeofcodeofconductviolationinvestigations.Weusethetermcodeof
conductviolationtorefertoactionsrunningthegamutfromimpropercommunications(e.g.,
prohibitedcommunicationviasocialmedia)toactualabuse;sonotallofthesewillbereportabletolaw
enforcement;andnotallwillbedealtwithbytheU.S.CenterforSafeSport.Seethesectionbelowon
ProcessingAllegationsofMisconduct.
ChangeCultureofEntireStafftoAthleteSafetyFirst
Beginningwiththepositiondescriptionchanges(seeabove),inordertochangethecultureof
anorganizationthewordmustcontinuallyandforcefullycomefromthetop,beginningwiththeBoard
andthePresident,thatathletewellbeingistheprimaryfocusoftheorganization.
Traininginthedynamicsofchildabuse,whatconstitutesabusivebehavior,andthespecificrole
ofstaffmembersinprotectingathletesfromabuseshouldberepeatedlydeliveredtoeveryoneonstaff,
aminimumofonceperyear,inperson(notonline).Everypersoninleadershipmustembraceandhave
responsibilityforimplementingthestrategicplandevelopedbytheDirectorofSafeSportandadopted
bytheBoard(seebelow).
Annualperformancereviewsofallstaffmembersshouldincludeareviewofhowwelleachstaff
memberhasperformedthefunctionsinhis/herpositiondescriptionrelatedtoathleteprotection,
reportingofsuspectedabuse,andotherfunctionsrelatedtoSafeSport.Decisionsregardingsalary
increasesshouldbebased,atleastinpart,ontheindividualssuccessinperformingtheseparticular
functionssuccessfully.
RequireGreaterAccountabilityofChildProtectionFunctiontoBoard
IthasbeensuggestedelsewhereinthisreportthattheBoardtakeonamoreassertiverolewith
respecttoaccountability.ThisshouldincludeamonthlywrittenreportfromstafftotheBoard,evenin
monthswhentheBoarddoesnotmeet,relatingto:
o Executionoftherecommendationsinthisreport
o ExecutionofthestrategicplandevelopedbytheDirectorofSafeSport(seebelow)
o Updatesonnewreportsofallegedorsuspectedabuseandcodeofconductviolations,
ageofreports,resolution
38

AsindicatedintheforegoingsectiononBoardStructureandduties,acommitteeoftheBoard
shouldberesponsiblefordetailedreviewofsuchmatters,withregular,higherlevelreportstothefull
Board.
RequireStrategicPlanfromNewlyAppointedDirectorofSafeSportandProvideforDirect
ReportingtoBoard
TheDirectorofSafeSport,oncehired,shouldbeinstructedtodevelopastrategicplanoutlining
indetailthestepstheorganizationmusttaketoimproveitsperformancewithregardtotheprotection
ofchildren.Ataminimum,theplanshouldaddresstherecommendationsmadeinthisreport.
Thestrategicplanshouldincludeanauditfunctionandproposeaworkablemethodfor
conductingrandomauditsofclubsaroundthecountry.
TheDirectorofSafeSportandthePresidentshouldberesponsibleforexecutionoftheplan,
withacleartimeline,assignmentofresponsibilities,andaccountabilityofindividualsforeachactionto
betaken.Astrategicplan,ifnoteffectivelyexecuted,willnotachieveitsintendedgoals.
TheBoardshouldapprovethestrategicplanandmonitoritsexecution.TheBoardChairshould
bebriefedfrequentlyontheprogresstowardexecution;andtheBoardshoulddiscussthatprogress
withthePresidentandtheDirectorforSafeSportateachmeeting.
BecauseofthecriticalimportanceoftheroleoftheDirectorofSafeSporttotheprotectionof
theathleteswhoareentrustedtothecareofUSAGymnastics,whiletheDirectorshouldbeasenior
officialreportingdirectlytothePresident,(s)heshouldalsohaveadirectreportinglinetotheBoardof
Directors.
CreateGeneralCounselRoleandCentralizeLegalFunctions
Wehaveexpressedinourfindingsthatthelegalworkfortheorganizationissomewhatdiffused,
withdifferentattorneysresponsiblefordifferentfunctionsandwithnosinglegeneralcounsel
overseeingalllegalfunctions.
ItisourunderstandingthatUSAGymnasticshasbeenmovingcloserinrecentyearstowardthe
centralizationofalllegalservicesunderasingleattorney.Werecommendthatthisoccur,sothatthere
willbeonepersonwithoverallknowledgeofandresponsibilityforalllegalmatters,riskassessments,
andothermattersrequiringtheinputofanattorney.Thispersonwouldcertainlycontractwithother
attorneysforvariousfunctions,andwouldoverseetheirwork,reportingtomanagementandtheBoard.
Thegeneralcounselwouldalsoberesponsiblefortheannualenterpriseriskassessmentrecommended
inthisreport.
Wedonotexpressanopiniononwhetherthepositionshouldbeinhouse(i.e.,afulltime
employeeoftheorganization)orintheroleofanindependentcontractor/outsidegeneralcounsel.Itis
thedutiesthatwerecommendbeconsolidated.
39
Member Requirements
and Enforcement

MemberRequirementsandEnforcement
Findings
BeliefByUSAGymnasticsThatItLacksAbilitytoExertInfluenceandControlOverClubs
BecauseofthefactthatUSAGymnasticsmemberclubsareprivate,independentbusinesses,
USAGymnasticshaslongheldthebeliefthatwhileitcanexhortmemberclubstoenforceSafeSport
policies,itcannotrequirethemtodoso.
ParticipantWelfarePolicyasofMidJune2017
Forexample,whileUSAGymnasticstakesastrongstanceinitsParticipantWelfarePolicyin
termsoftheimportanceofprotectingathletesfromabuse,itintroducesthesubjecttothemember
clubsinthismannerintheopeningparagraphsofthepolicy:
ConsistentwiththemissionofUSAGymnastics,thewelfareofgymnastics
participants,especiallyminors,isofparamountconcern.Whenanymember,
participant,coach,official,volunteerorstaffmemberissubjectedtoabuse,whether
physicalorsexual,itunderminesthemissionofUSAGymnasticsandisinconsistentwith
thebestinterestsofthesportofgymnasticsandoftheathletesUSAGymnasticsserves.
USAGymnasticsiscommittedtopromotingasafeenvironmentforitsmembers,
participants,coaches,officials,volunteersandstaffinallgymnasticsdisciplines.While
therearelimitstowhatUSAGymnasticscando,e.g.,atthelocallevelbecauseUSA
Gymnasticsdoesnotown,operateorotherwisecontrolgymsorgymnasticsclubs,USA
Gymnasticshasadoptedthispolicytosetforththeeffortsitwillundertaketopromotea
safegymnasticsenvironment,bothsolelyandinpartnershipwithothernecessary
parties,includingmemberclubs,registeredbusinesses,parents,athletesandthe
gymnasticscommunity.34
Section9ofthepolicyrepeatsthistheme:
RecommendationstoGymnasticsClubs/Businesses.USAGymnasticsdoesnotoperate
gymnasticsclubs,butrathergymnasticsclubs/businessesareoperatedindependentlyatthe
locallevel.USAGymnasticsrespectstheautonomyoflocalclubs/businessestooperateasthey
deemappropriate.EventhoughUSAGymnasticsdoesnotandcannotcontroltheactivitiesor
operationsoflocalclubs/businesses,itinviteslocalclubs/businessestojoinwithUSAGymnastics
intakingaffirmativestepsbeyondthosedescribedinSection8abovetopromoteasafe
environmentforallgymnasticsparticipants,suchasby:
a. Adopting"standardsofbehavior"forstaffandvolunteersworkingdirectlywithminors
tofosterasafegymnasticsenvironmentandtopreventabusivesituations,andby
trainingstaffandvolunteerstoimplementsuchstandards;
34
USAGParticipantWelfarePolicyasofMidJune2017(SeeExhibitA),
https://www.usagym.org/pages/aboutus/pages/welfare_policy.html;italicsadded.
40

b. Implementingathoroughhiringprocessincluding,forexample,referenceandcriminal
backgroundchecks;
c. Encouragingparentstobecomeasactiveasreasonablypossibleinhis/herchild's
gymnasticsactivities;and
d. Otherwiseimplementingpoliciesandprocedurestolessenthelikelihoodthatan
abusivesituationcoulddevelop.35
TherequirementsforclubstomaintaintheirmembershipsarefoundinSection8(referredtoin
Section9,above):
RegisteredBusinessesandMemberClubs.Asaconditiontobeinggrantedtheprivilegeof
membershipinUSAGymnasticsasaRegisteredBusinessorMemberClub,aclub/businessmust
agreetoandcomplywiththefollowingrequirementsfortheentiretyoftheclub's/business'
membershipperiod,certificationofwhichmustbemadeannually:
a. HaveapolicyconsistentwithUSAGymnastics'ParticipantWelfarePolicythataffirms
theclub's/business'commitmenttothewelfareofgymnasticsparticipantsinits
organizationandincludes,atminimum,adescriptionofconductthatwillnotbe
tolerated,standardsofbehaviorforitsstaff/volunteersthatpromoteparticipant
welfare,andaprocessforreceivingandhandlingcomplaintsregardingconductthat
violatesitspolicy.
b. CertifythatnopersonspermanentlyineligibleforUSAGymnasticsmembershipandno
personslistedonafederalorstatesexoffenderregistryareorwillbeassociatedwith
theclub/businessoritsactivitiesinanyway.
c. Maintaincurrentcommercialgeneralliabilityinsurancethatincludesataminimum,
participantliabilityandparticipantaccidentmedicalinsurances.
d. Employatleastonestaffmemberwhois18yearsofageorolderandholdsacurrent
ProfessionalorsafetycertifiedInstructormembershipinUSAGymnastics.
e. HaveamissionstatementconsistentwithUSAGymnastics'missiontoencourage
participationandthepursuitofexcellenceinallaspectsofgymnastics.36
Wefoundnotonlythatsubsectiona.aboveisvagueandnonprescriptive,butalsothatmany
clubownersinterviewedbyourteamwereunawareeitheroftheneedtohavesuchapolicy,whether
theirclubhadsuchapolicy,orboth.Theyweregenerallyawareofrequirementsb.throughd.,butas
indicatedintheGeneralFindings(above),didnotnecessarilyunderstandthesourceofcertainofthe
requirements,anddidnotinallinstancescomply.
BecauseUSAGymnasticshastheabilitytograntordenymembershipprivileges,andclubsthat
wishtocompeteanathleteinaUSAGymnasticssanctionedeventmustbemembers,webelievethat
USAGymnasticshasfarmoreleverageoverthebehaviorofmemberclubs,professionalandinstructor
35
Id.,Section9;italicsadded.
36
Id.,Section8;italicsadded.
41

members,andeventhosenotcurrentlymembersthanitsstaffandboardhavepreviouslyunderstoodto
bethecase.
USAGymnasticsUpdatingParticipantWelfarePolicy
Duringthepreparationofthisreport,welearnedthatUSAGymnasticsisintheprocessof
revisingitsParticipantWelfarePolicytoalignitwiththepoliciesoftheU.S.CenterforSafeSport.The
newpolicywilllikelybemoreprescriptive,requiringtheclubstoadoptcertainspecificprohibitionson
certainconduct;seebelow.
InsufficientDefinitionandEnforcementofAthleteProtectionRequirements
ParticipantWelfarePolicyasofMidJune2017
TheParticipantWelfarePolicy,asofmidJune2017,recommendsbutdoesnotrequirecertain
actions.Itprovidesdefinitionsofabuseanddiscusseslegalreportingrequirements.Underthesection
onReportingSuspectedAbuse,thepolicyprovidesthatanypersonwhoreasonablyandingoodfaith
believesamemberofUSAGymnasticshasabusedanotherperson,whetherphysicalorsexual,such
personmaynotifytheUSAGymnasticsNationalOfficepursuanttoArticles9and/or10oftheUSA
GymnasticsBylaws.37
Thissectionisinsufficienttoachievethegoalofpreventingandsanctioningabuse.First,the
languageispermissive,notmandatoryreportsarenotrequired.Second,ifclubschoosenottoadopt
thepolicy,theymaynotevenbeawarethattheyshouldreportsuspectedabuse,nottomentionother
inappropriateinteractions,toUSAGymnastics.Infact,interviewswithmemberclubsindicatethat
manyclubsdonotreportsuspectedabuseorinappropriateinteractionstoUSAGymnastics.For
example,oneclubreportedthatithadfiredastaffmemberforinappropriatetextswithayouth.This
informationwasnotreportedtoUSAGymnastics.
TheParticipantWelfarePolicyinplaceasofmidJune2017alsoincludeslimitedinformationon
standardsofbehavior.Accordingly,thepolicyaddressesthefollowing:
Avoidbeingalonewithaminor
PhysicalContact
ParentalMonitoring
However,thepolicydoesnotplaceclearproscriptionsonwhatconstitutesunacceptableconduct.
RevisionofParticipantWelfarePolicyJune2017:USAGymnasticsSafeSportPolicy
However,USAGymnasticshasbeenworkingin2017onarevisionandrebrandingofthe
ParticipantWelfarePolicy,inordertoalignitwiththepoliciesoftheU.S.CenterforSafeSport.The
revisedpolicywillbereferredtoastheUSAGymnasticsSafeSportPolicy.Adraftreviewedpriorto
boardapprovalrevealsthatUSAGymnasticsproposestoadoptspecificrestrictionsonbehavior,andwill
requirethatmemberclubsalsoadopt,ataminimum,thosesamerestrictions.Therestrictions,referred
tointhelanguageoftheU.S.CenterforSafeSportasproactivepolicies,include:
37
Id.,Section3.
42

o NooneononeinteractionsbetweenaCoveredAdultandaminorinanysituationnot
observableand/orwithinearshotofanotheradult.
o NolivingarrangementsinvolvingagymnastandanunrelatedCoveredAdult.
o NotravelingalonebyaCoveredAdultwithaminor.
o Restrictionsontheuseofsocialmediaandelectronicandmobilecommunications.
o Restrictionsontheuseofphotography/videography.
o NointeractionsbetweenCoveredAdultsandgymnastsinanyroomwherethereisa
reasonableexpectationofprivacy(e.g.,lockerroom,restroom,changingarea).
o Nogiftgivingorprovisionofspecialfavorsorspecialprivilegestoindividualgymnasts.
o Restrictionsonwhomaymassage,iceortapeagymnastandrestrictionsonthe
methodologyinordertolimitopportunitiesforabuse.
o RestrictionsonthetypesofstretchesandotherphysicalcontactinwhichCovered
Adultsarepermittedtoengagewithathletes.
ACoveredAdultisapersonoverage18andunderthejurisdictionofUSAGymnastics,
includingmembers,applicantsformembership,peoplewhoweremembersatthetimetheyengagedin
prohibitedconduct,USAGymnasticsstaff,boardmembersandothersauthorizedbyUSAGymnasticsto
beinapositionofauthoritywithathletesortohavefrequentcontactwithathletes.
AllCoveredAdultsundertheproposednewpolicy38arerequiredtoreportchildabuseor
neglect,includingsexualmisconduct,toproperauthorities,includingtheU.S.CenterforSafeSportand
lawenforcementauthorities.Theyarealsorequiredtoreportviolationsoftheproactivepolicies
listedintheproposedpolicy,firsttothememberclubatwhichtheactionoccurred.Clubsaretoreport
resolutionsofsuchmatterstoUSAGymnastics.Ifthereportisnotresolvedsatisfactorilybythe
memberclub,thereportingpartymayrequestresolutionbyUSAGymnastics.
ThetermCoveredAdultdoesnotappeartoincludeeverypersonthisreportrecommendsbe
includedunderthejurisdictionofUSAGymnastics.Forexample,itdoesnotincludepeopleauthorized
bymemberclubs(asopposedtoUSAGymnastics)tobeinapositionofauthorityoverorotherwisehave
accesstominorsinthegymsetting.Thiswouldincludevolunteersaswellascoachesatmemberclubs
whocoachnonmemberathletes.However,itisasignificantimprovementoverpriorpolicy.
CodeofEthicalConduct
USAGymnasticshasalsodevelopedaCodeofEthicalConduct(Code)foritsmembers,whichis
foundontheUSAGymnasticswebsite.39TheCodeisattachedtothisreportandmarkedExhibitB.
TheintroductiontotheCodereadsasfollows:
ThemissionofUSAGymnasticsistoencourageparticipationandthepursuitof
excellenceinallaspectsofgymnastics.USAGymnasticsgrantstheprivilegeof
membershiptoindividualsandorganizationscommittedtothatmission.USA
Gymnasticsmay,therefore,withdrawtheprivilegeofmembershipordisciplinea
memberwhereUSAGymnasticsdeterminesthatanindividualororganizationsconduct
isinconsistentwiththemissionofUSAGymnasticsorthebestinterestofthesportand
thosewhoparticipateinit.
38
ItisanticipatedthattheUSAGymnasticsBoardwillvotetoadoptthepolicyatitsJune25,2017meeting.
39
https://www.USAGymnasticsym.org/pages/aboutus/pages/code_of_ethics.html.
43

Thisstatementisunclearastoitscommitmenttoprotectyoungathletesfromabuse,otherthan
inthefinalclauserelatingtoconductinconsistentwiththebestinterestofthesportandthosewho
participateinit.Thislanguageisvagueanddoesnotcreateanimpressionthatathletesafetycomes
first.However,whencoupledwiththelanguageoftheseparateParticipantWelfarePolicy,thestated
missionofUSAGymnasticsbecomesmoreclear.Byfailingtoconsolidatesomeofitsmanyseparate
policiesintoone,USAGymnasticsmissesanopportunitytosendaclearmessagetoallitsconstituencies
ofathletesafetyfirst.
CertainsectionsoftheCoderelatetowhatisdeemedtoconstitutemisconductonthepartofa
member.SectionII.A.provides:
A.ParticipantRelationships
MembersofUSAGymnasticsarechargedwiththeresponsibilityforcontributingtoan
environmentthatmakesparticipationinthesportapositiveandrewardingexperience.To
achievethatresult,eachprofessionalandclub/businessMemberhasaspecialobligationto
makedecisionsbasedonthebestinterestoftheathlete.Itisinconsistentwiththisobligation
foranyMemberto:
1. FailtofollowthesafetyguidelinesestablishedbyUSAGymnastics,orotherwise
knowinglysubjectaparticipanttounreasonablephysicaloremotionalrisk.
2. Engageinconductthatisunfairincluding,inparticular,attemptingtoinjure,disableor
intentionallyinterferewiththepreparationofacompetitor.
3. Engageinconducttowardanotherparticipantinthesportthatisabusive.USA
Gymnasticsrecognizesthattheprocessfortrainingandmotivatingathletesvarieswith
eachcoachandeachathlete,butitisneverthelessincumbentoneveryoneinvolvedin
thesporttosupportthedevelopmentanduseofmotivationalandtrainingmethods
thatavoidconductthatis,orislikelytobeperceivedasbeing,abusive.
4. Attempttointimidate,embarrassorimproperlyinfluenceanyindividualresponsiblefor
judgingoradministeringacompetition.
Point3prohibitsapersonfrom[e]ngag[ing]inconductthatisabusive,andstatesthatitis
incumbentoneveryoneinvolvedinthesport[to]avoidconductthatis,orislikelytobeperceivedas
being,abusive.WhilethetermabuseisdefinedintheParticipantWelfarePolicy,thetermabusive
isnotdefinedintheCode.Evenifitwere,theprohibitiononconductisvague;itwouldbedifficultto
lodgeasustainableaccusationofconductthatmetthiscriterion.
SectionII.H.addressessexualmisconduct:
H.SexualMisconduct.
MembersofUSAGymnasticsareexpectedtopromoteasafeenvironmentforparticipants,
coaches,officials,volunteersandstaffinallgymnasticsdisciplines,whichincludesan
environmentfreefromsexualmisconduct.ItisinconsistentwiththisobligationforanyMember
to:
44

1. Solicitorengageinsexualrelationswithanyminor.
2. EngageinanybehaviorthatutilizestheinfluenceofaprofessionalMember'spositionas
coach,judge,officialoradministratortoencouragesexualrelationswithanathleteor
participant.
3. Engageinsexualharassmentbymakingunwelcomeadvances,requestsforsexualfavors
orotherverbalorphysicalconductofasexualnaturewheresuchconductcreatesan
intimidating,hostileoroffensiveenvironment.
Whilethislanguageismoreclear,itstillwouldbedifficulttoemployittodisciplineaperson
whoisengagedinpotentialgroomingconduct,suchastickling,giftgiving,orfriendingonsocial
media.
SubsectionI.,immediatelyfollowing,discussesthecircumstancesunderwhichsexual
relationshipsbetweenprofessionalmembers,suchascoaches,andathletes,arepermitted:
I.SexualRelationships.
ProfessionalMembersofUSAGymnasticsmustprotecttheintegrityofthesportandthe
interestsoftheathletestheyservebyavoidingsexualrelationshipswithathletesexceptwhere
thecapacityandqualityoftheathlete'sconsenttoenterthatrelationshipisbeyondquestion.
Thislanguageissomewhatconfusingwhenjuxtaposedwiththepriorsection.Itclearlypermits
somesexualrelationshipsbetweencoachesandtheathletestheycoach.Further,thissubsectionisin
conflictwiththenewlypromulgatedSafeSportcodeoftheU.S.CenterforSafeSport(SafeSportCode).
TheconductlabeledassexualmisconductandthusprohibitedbytheSafeSportCodeisdescribedas
follows:
RegardlessofanypurportedConsent,asexualmisconductoffenseinvolvingaMinorincludes:
a. SexualConduct(orattempttocommitthesame)betweenaCoveredAdultandaMinor
wheretheagedifferenceisthreeormoreyears.
b. SexualConduct(orattempttocommitthesame)betweenaCoveredAdultandaMinor
wheretheagedifferenceislessthanthreeyears,butaPowerImbalanceexists.
c. AnIntimateRelationship(orattempttoestablishthesame)betweenaCoveredAdult
andaMinorwheretheagedifferenceisthreeormoreyearsandaPowerImbalance
exists.
d. SexualConductbetweenaCoveredMinorandanotherMinorif:(1)theagedifferenceis
threeormoreyears,or(2)thereisaPowerImbalancebasedonthetotalityofthe
circumstances.40
ThedefinitionofPowerImbalanceiscriticallyimportanttothedeterminationofwhetherasexual
misconductoffensemayhaveoccurred.Thedefinitionisbasedonatotalityofthecircumstances
determination.Ofparticularnotearethesetwosubsections:
40
SafeSportCodefortheU.S.OlympicandParalympicMovement,supranote16,SectionIII.A.2.
45

a. WhethersomeoneoccupiesaPositionofPowersuchthatthereisaPowerImbalancedepends
onseveralfactors,including:thenatureandextentofthesupervisory,evaluativeorother
authorityovertheperson;theactualrelationshipbetweentheparties;thepartiesrespective
roles;thenatureanddurationoftherelationship;theageoftheadult;theageofthepeople
involved.

b. OnceacoachAthleterelationshipisestablished,aPowerImbalanceispresumedtoexist
throughoutthecoachAthleterelationship(regardlessofage)andispresumedtocontinuefor
MinorAthletesafterthecoachAthleterelationshipterminatesandtheAthletereaches20years
ofage.41
WeexpectthatUSAGymnasticswillbeadoptingpoliciesthatalignwiththeCentersSafeSport
policy,andthattheambiguityinitscurrentpolicywillbecorrectedasaresult.
TheUSAGymnasticsCodeofEthicalConductcontainsanenforcementprovision,butitisclearly
primarilyavoluntarysystem,againbasedonUSAGymnasticsbeliefthatitdoesnothavethepowerto
controlmemberclubs.SectionIII.,EnforcementoftheCode,provides:
CompliancewiththisCodedependsprimarilyuponunderstandingandvoluntarycompliance,
secondarilyuponreinforcementbypeers,and,whennecessary,uponenforcementthrough
disciplinaryaction.
AnyMember(Complainant)whobelievesthatanotherMemberofUSAGymnasticshasfailed
tomeetsuchMembersobligationsunderthisCodeis,underallbutthemostegregious
circumstances,encouragedtofirstaddressthatconcerndirectlytothatMember.Ifthataction
doesnotresultinasatisfactoryresolution,theComplainantmayfileawrittencomplaintwith
thePresident,programdirectororotherappropriatestaffmemberofUSAGymnastics.That
complaintmustbesignedandstatespecificallythenatureoftheallegedmisconduct.
Uponreviewandconsiderationofthecomplaint,whichmayincludewrittennoticetoboth
partiesandanopportunityforresponse,and,whereappropriate,additionaldiscussionswith
theparties;thePresidentorhis/herdesigneemay:
1. Determinethatthecomplaintdoesnotmeritfurtheraction,or
2. Referthecomplaint,asappropriate,tothestateorregionalchairs/committeesor
affiliatedorganization.
Ifthecomplainthasnotbeendisposedofasspecifiedin1or2above,then,afterproviding
writtennoticetobothpartiesandanopportunityforresponse,and,whereappropriate,
additionaldiscussionswiththeparties,thePresidentorhis/herdesigneemay:
1. CounseltheMemberwhoisthesubjectofthecomplaintandrecordboththecomplaint
andthenatureofthecounselingintheMember'spermanentrecord,or
2. Imposeanappropriatesanctionoranappropriaterelief,or
41
Id.,SectionII.V.1.
46

3. ProcessthecomplaintunderArticle9and/or10ofUSAGymnastics'Bylaws.42
Thisenforcementmechanismrequirestheathlete,underallbutthemostegregious
circumstances,toaddressherconcerndirectlytotheoffender.Ifthematterisnotsatisfactorily
resolved,sheistofileawritten,signedcomplaintwithUSAGymnastics.Fromthere,theenforcement
mechanismissimilarto,andmayultimatelyconcludewiththeuseof,Article10oftheBylaws(see
above).Requiringanathletetoconfronthercoach,oranotheradultinapositionofauthorityoverthe
athlete(whattheU.S.CenterforSafeSportcallsanimbalanceofpower)wouldbeinappropriateand
counterproductive.Athleteswhoreadthisprovisionwilllikelybedeterredfromreporting.
ClubsAreNotRequiredtoReportPhysicalorSexualAbusetoUSAGymnasticsortoLaw
EnforcementAuthorities
TheParticipantWelfarePolicyineffectasofmidJune2017includesthislanguage:
LegalReportingRequirements.USAGymnasticswillfollowapplicablelawinreportingabusive
situationstotheproperauthorities.If,inUSAGymnastics'reasonableandgoodfaithjudgment,
reportingtotheproperauthoritiesisnecessarytoprotectapersonfromthepossibilityof
furtherabuse,itmaymakesuchreportevenifnotcompelledbylawtodoso.43
ReportingSuspectedAbuse.Anypersonwhoreasonablyandingoodfaithbelievesamemberof
USAGymnasticshasabusedanotherperson,whetherphysicalorsexual,suchpersonmaynotify
theUSAGymnasticsNationalOfficepursuanttoArticles9and/or10oftheUSAGymnastics
Bylaws.44
Underthispolicy,members,whiletheymaynotifyUSAGymnasticsofsuspectedabuse,are
notrequiredtodoso.USAGymnasticsalsodoesnotrequirememberstoreportsuspectedabusetolaw
enforcementauthorities.Membersaresimilarlynotrequiredtoreportanylesserviolations,suchas
sexualcommentsorothergroomingbehavior,toUSAGymnasticsoranyauthority.
Itisourunderstandingthattherevisedandrebrandedpolicywilltakeamuchstrongerposition
intermsofmandatingreportingofmisconduct.
PersonsWithOwnershipInterestInClubsAreNotRequiredToBeMembers
Whiletheclubsthemselves,iftheywishtoenteranathleteinUSAGymnasticssanctioned
competition,mustbemembersofUSAGymnastics,thereisnorequirementthattheownersoftheclubs
bemembers.ThislimitstheabilityofUSAGymnasticstoholdthemaccountableforcompliancewith
SafeSportrequirements.
42
CodeofEthicalConduct,USAGymnastics,https://www.usagym.org/pages/aboutus/pages/code_of_ethics.html.
SeealsoExhibitB.
43
ParticipantWelfarePolicy,Section2;seeExhibitA.
44
Id.,Section3.
47

VolunteersInClubsAreNotScreenedOrHeldAccountableForAthleteProtection
Throughoutthecountry,inmanychildservingorganizationsheavywithvolunteers(e.g.,Boy
Scouts,GirlScouts,BigBrothersBigSisters,Boys&GirlsClubs),criminalhistorychecksarerequiredfor
thosewishingtovolunteertoworkwithchildren.Somestatesrequirethisscreening.
However,USAGymnasticsdoesnotrequirememberclubstoscreenvolunteers,anddoesnot
haveamechanismforholdingvolunteerstothesamestandardstowhichpeopleemployedbytheclubs
tocoachUSAGymnasticsmemberathletesareheld.
ThoseWhoCoachInMemberClubsNotAllUnderUSAGymnasticsJurisdiction
Individualmembershipisrequiredforparticipationasacoach,judge,orathleteinUSA
Gymnasticssanctionedevents.
Coaches,judges,officialsandmeetdirectorsarereferredtoasprofessionalmembers.
Accordingtodocumentreviewandinterviews,USAGymnasticsrequiresprofessionalmembersto
complywiththefollowing:
USAGymnasticsCodeofEthicalConduct
BackgroundchecksthroughtheNationalCenterforSafetyInitiatives(everytwoyears)
USAGymnasticsSafetyandRiskManagementCertification(requiredeveryfouryears
forprofessionalmembersonly,andincludingachapterwithinformationonsexual
abuseprevention)
FundamentalGymnasticsInstructionCourse
Anothertierofmembership,instructormembership,isavailableforgymnasticscoaches,
teachersandinstructorswhodonotparticipateinsanctionedevents.Similartoprofessionalmembers,
instructormemberscompleteaUSAGymnasticsbackgroundcheckthroughtheNationalCenterfor
SafetyInitiatives(NCSI),aprivatecompanyoperatingunderguidelinesestablishedbytheNational
CouncilonYouthSports.Ontheotherhand,instructormembersarenotrequiredtocompletetheUSA
GymnasticsSafetyandRiskManagementCertificationcourse.
OnlythosecoacheswhoareinvolvedinthetrainingofathleteswhocompeteinUSAGymnastics
sanctionedcompetitionsarerequiredtobemembersofUSAGymnastics.Coacheswhoareemployed
bymemberclubs,butwhodonotcoachsuchcompetitors,arenotrequiredtobemembersofUSA
Gymnasticsandthusareabletoescapeitsjurisdiction.Ourresearchrevealedstoriesofcoacheswho,
evenwithahistoryofabusiveorgroomingbehavior,managedtocoachinamemberclubbasedonthis
loophole.
USAGymnasticsDoesNotEnsurethatAllClubsAdheretotheRequiredMembership
Standards
In2001,USAGymnasticsestablishedrequirementsformemberclubs.Accordingly,any
gymnasticsclub,independentorganization,and/orcommitteethatintendstohostUSAGymnastics
sanctionedevents,orregisterorcompeteateamofathletesinaUSAGymnasticssanctioned
48

competition,mustbecomeamemberofUSAGymnastics.Furthermore,organizationsmustcomplywith
thefollowingrequirements45:
AdoptaParticipantWelfarePolicyconsistentwithUSAGymnasticspolicy
Nothireorbeassociatedwithanypersonontheineligiblelistorwhoislistedonfederal
orstatesexoffenderregistry
Maintaincurrentcommercialgeneralliabilityinsurance
Employatleastoneemployeewhoisacurrentprofessionalorsafetycertifiedinstructor
memberinUSAGymnastics
HaveamissionstatementconsistentwithUSAGymnasticsmission
Accordingtointerviewswithvariousprofessionalmembersandmemberclubs,theindividual,
professionalandinstructormembershiprequirementsarestrictlyenforcedbyUSAGymnasticsandthe
memberclubs.Individualmembersareresponsibleforrenewingtheirmembershipandfollowingthe
safetycertificationandbackgroundcheckrequirementsasoutlinedbythemembershiprequirements.
ThememberclubsthenhavetheabilitytoreviewprofessionalmembershipstatusthroughUSA
Gymnasticsonlinemembershipdatabase.Inaddition,USAGymnasticsmembersarerequiredto
presenttheirmembershipnumberormembershipcardwhenparticipatinginUSAGymnastics
sanctionedevents.Ifthemembershipisnotcurrent,thatindividualisnotallowedtoparticipateinthe
event.Memberclubstypicallymonitorprofessionalmembershipclosely,becauseeachmemberclubis
requiredtohaveaprofessionalmember.
WhileUSAGymnasticshasrequirementsfortwolevelsofmembershipandenforcesthese
requirements,noteverycoachorvolunteerwhoworkswithUSAGymnasticsathletesorinaUSA
GymnasticsclubisrequiredtobeamemberofUSAGymnastics.Infact,itisnotuncommoninsmaller
clubsforonlyonecoachtobeaprofessionalmember.Therefore,USAGymnasticshaslittletono
jurisdictionoveralargesubsetofcoachesinthegymnasticscommunity.Whileinterviewsandsitevisits
indicatedthatmost,ifnotallclubs,complywiththerequirementtohaveaminimumofoneinstructor
orprofessionalmember,manyclubownersdidnotassociatethatrequirementwiththeMemberClub
regulations,butinsteadwiththerequirementtohaveacoachonthefloorofaUSAGymnastics
sanctionedevent.
Withregardtocomplianceonthepartofclubs,interviewswithinthegymnasticscommunity
revealedthatmanyoftheclubsdonotstrictlyadheretoallofthememberclubrequirements.For
example,interviewsduringsitevisitsindicatedthatseveralmemberclubsdonothaveaParticipant
WelfarePolicyasrequiredbyUSAGymnastics.Instead,forthoseclubsthathavepoliciesregarding
participantwelfare,thesepolicieswerenormallydevelopedthroughtheclubownerspersonal
experience,legaladvice,orinformationfromotheryouthservingorganizations.Itappearsthatforthe
mostpart,onlytheclubstrainingeliteathleteshaveadoptedtheParticipantWelfarepolicydeveloped
byUSAGymnastics.Further,whilemostclubownersarefamiliarwiththerequirementthattheynot
hireanypersononthepermanentlyineligiblelist,someclubsreportednotactivelycheckingthelist
45
SeeParticipantWelfarePolicy,ExhibitA.Therequirementsareexpectedtobecomemoreprescriptiveand
stringentuponadoptionoftheUSAGymnasticsSafeSportPolicy.
49

whenhiringnewcoaches.Finally,manyclubownerswereunfamiliarwiththemissionstatementand
insurancerequirements.
InterviewsofUSAGymnasticsstaffindicatedthatclubmembershipsarenotasclosely
monitoredorenforcedasindividualmemberships.Infact,USAGymnasticsonlyverifiesacompleted
clubapplicationandpaymentforeachmemberclub.Consequently,USAGymnasticsdoesnothavea
formalprocedureinplaceforsuspendingorrevokingclubmembershipifaclubisnotfollowingtheUSA
Gymnasticsmemberclubrequirements.
ClubsDoNotConsistentlyCheckthePermanentlyIneligibleListWhenHiring;orHire
DespitePriorHistoryofQuestionableConduct
AsindicatedintheGeneralFindings,above,ourresearchrevealedthatclubsareinconsistent
aroundthecountryintermsofcheckinganindividualagainsttheUSAGymnasticsPermanentlyIneligible
list.Thereisalsoevidence(seedescriptionofRayAdamsmultipleemploymentsonpage18)thatclubs
desperateforgymnasticscoachesaresometimeswillingtooverlookredflagsrelatedtoapersonsprior
conductatotherclubs.
50

MemberRequirementsandEnforcement
Recommendations
RequireThatOwnersofMemberClubsAlsobeMembersofUSAGymnastics
Inordertobetterenforcecompliancewiththeenhancedrequirementsrecommended
elsewhereinthisreport,webelieveitisessentialthatanypersonwithanownershipinterestina
memberclubalsobeamember.Thatmembership,andtheabilitytoownamemberclub,shouldbeat
riskiftheclubispersistentlynoncompliant,orfailstobecompliantinanegregiousway,suchasfailing
toreportsuspectedchildabusetotheproperauthorities.
RequireThatEveryPersonWorkingorVolunteeringWithYouthinAnyMemberClubAlsoBea
MemberofUSAGymnastics
AmechanismisneededtoensurethatSafeSportpoliciesareenforcedastoeveryadultinevery
memberclubincludingvolunteersandadultswhodonotinteractwithmemberathletesbutinteract
withotherminors.Wewerepreparedtorecommendeithermembershiponthepartofalladults
workingorvolunteeringintheseclubs,or,shortofthat,requiredenforcementbytheclubsastoall
theiremployeesandvolunteers;butinfact,duringameetingwiththeBoardsPolicyReviewPanel46,it
wasthemembersofthatPanelwhostronglysuggestedthatalladultswhohaveaccesstochildrenin
memberclubsshouldberequiredtobemembers.
Thiswasalsooneoftherecommendationsofagroupofformerelitegymnastsin2012,
accordingtoastoryinTheIndianapolisStaronOctober8,2016.Thosegymnasts,accordingtothe
article,recommendedseveralchangesinthepoliciesandpracticesofUSAGymnastics.Amongtheir
recommendationswasthatthejurisdictionofUSAGymnasticsshouldbeextendedtoincludeall
personnel,includingvolunteers,atmembergyms.47Wefeel,andtheBoardsPolicyReviewPanel
agrees,thatthemosteffectivewaytoobtainjurisdictionoveralltheseindividualsistorequirethatthey
bemembers,regardlessofwhethertheyarecoachingmemberathletes.
Somemayexpressconcernaboutthecostofmembership.Inresponse,wesuggestthatthe
currentcostofmembership,evenformemberclubs,isquitelow.Therecanbecosteffectivemeansof
extendingmembershiptotheseotherparties,includingvolumediscountsforclubsoralesserfeefor
volunteermemberswhilecoveringbasiccostssuchasthebackgroundcheck.
46
InDecember2016,theBoardChairestablishedaPolicyReviewPaneloftheBoard,chargedwithreviewingall
policiesofUSAG,includingpoliciespotentiallyimpactedbythisreport.WemetwithrepresentativesofthePolicy
ReviewPanelinMay2017todiscussourpreliminaryfindingsandrecommendations,andtoseektheirinput
regardingfactualissuesandcurrentpolicyaswellastheirreactionstothepreliminaryfindingsand
recommendations.
47
ProminentGymnastsRenewCallforChange,TheIndianapolisStar,October8,2016,
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/investigations/2016/10/08/prominentgymnastsrenewcall
change/91465112/.
51

StrengthenCurrentCodeofEthicalConductandParticipantWelfarePolicyandRequire
AdoptionInFullbyMemberClubs
TheBoardisintheprocessofrevisingitsParticipantWelfarePolicy(seeabove)tocauseitto
conformmorecloselytothepoliciespromulgatedbythenewU.S.CenterforSafeSport.We
recommendthatamongthoserevisionsbeveryclearandprescriptiverequirementsastowhatmustbe
apartoftheclubsownpolicies.
Itshouldbenotedthatthegroupofformereliteathleteswhodevelopedrecommendationsfor
USAGymnasticsin2012(seepage51)alsorecommended,accordingtoTheIndianapolisStar,that
[c]lubsberequiredratherthanencouragedtoadoptpoliciesandproceduresdesignedtoprevent
sexualmisconductandagreetobesubjecttoUSAGymnasticsjurisdiction.48
InconjunctionwiththerevisionoftheParticipantWelfarePolicy(nowintheprocessofbeing
revisedbytheBoard,renamedtheSafeSportPolicyandalignedwiththeU.S.CenterforSafeSports
policies),werecommendthattheUSAGymnasticsCodeofEthicalConductberevisedsubstantially,
consistentwiththenewSafeSportPolicy,toidentifywithclarityspecificconductthatoftenconstitutes
groomingandthatshouldbeprohibitedbymemberclubsaswellasbyUSAGymnasticsastoitsnational
teamstaff.Theseprohibitions,itshouldbeunderstood,willprotectwellmeaningcoachesaswellas
athleteswhoarethepreyofabusers.Ifspecificactionsareprohibited,andthoseprohibitionsare
enforced,youngathleteswillbebetterprotectedandcoacheswillnotunwittinglyputthemselvesina
positiontobesuspectedofwrongdoing.
Prohibitedconductshouldinclude,butnotbelimitedto,thefollowing:
Anyadultnonparent/guardianbeingalonewithanyminorathleteunderany
circumstances49
Anyathletelivingwithacoachorothernonparentauthorityfigure
Certainstretchesthatinvolveclosecontactbetweenthebodyofthecoachorother
adultwiththeathlete50
Anyrubdownormassagebyanyoneotherthanalicensedmassagetherapist,unless
thereisatleastoneotherpersonpresent51
48
Ibid.
49
Therewillbethosewhobelievethisistooharshduetothefrequencywithwhichasinglecoachandasingle
athletearetravelingtoacompetitionoutsidethestateoreventhecountry.We,andtheBoardsPolicyReview
Panel,areconvincedthatthispolicyisnotonlyentirelycapableofenforcement,butalsonecessaryforthesafety
oftheathletes.Therearetoomanyinstancesofsexualabuseoccurring,forexample,inacoachsautomobile.We
understandthatinthepast,therewasapolicydecreeingthatamalecoachtravelinginternationallywithan
athletewouldberequiredtobeaccompaniedbyafemalecoach.Wedonotknowwhetherthepolicyisstillin
effectorisenforced.
50
ItisourunderstandingthatValeriLiukin,nowNationalTeamCoordinator,hasbannedcertainstretches,atleast
attheNationalTeamTrainingCenter.
51
Ouroriginalrecommendationwasthatnocoachunderanycircumstancesbepermittedtogiveamassageor
rubdowntoanathlete.IndiscussionwithaformerOlympian,wedeterminedthatinanOlympicorother
worldwidecompetition,wherethenumberofcredentialednationalstaffislimited,therearecircumstancesin
whichanathletecannotwaitforordoesnothaveaccesstosomeoneotherthanthecoachbeforehaving,for
example,astrainedmusclemassagedpriortocompeting.Wesettledonanooneononepolicy
recommendationforthatreason.
52

Anyuseofrecordingequipmentinanyrestroomorlockerroom
Anystillorvideophotographyexceptinstrictlycontrolledconditions,includingnoone
ononephotography(photographeralonewiththeathlete)andnosuggestiveposes52
Anygiftgivingtoathletesfromanyadultswhoarenotaparentorguardian
Anyoneononeusageofsocialmedia,includingfriending
Anyoneononetextingofathletesbycoachesorotheradults
Anyicingortapingofanathleteinanintimateareaofthebodybyacoachorothernon
parent/guardianadultotherthanincarefullycontrolledsituations53
Theseshouldbeunderstoodbyathletes,theirparents,coaches,clubownersandallothers
associatedwiththesporttobeprofessionalboundariesthatarenot,underanycircumstances,tobe
crossed.Some,likeabanonanygiftgiving,mayseemtoorestrictive;butasthisisacommonactivityof
predators,itisfarbetterforallconcernedifbothathletesandthosewhocoachorotherwiseinteract
withtheminaclubsettingunderstandthatanygiftgivingisprohibited,andthattheathletesandtheir
parentsunderstandwhy.
DevelopaDisciplinaryProcessforViolationsoftheRevisedCodeofEthicalConductandOther
MemberClubRequirements
Itisessentialthatmemberclubs,theirowners,andalladultsworkingasemployees,contractors
orvolunteersinmemberclubsfacestrictdisciplineforfailingtocomplywiththeSafeSportpolicies
adoptedbytheBoard.Thatdisciplineshouldrangeallthewaytoterminationofmembershipand,for
anindividualmember,placementonthePermanentlyIneligiblelist.
EnsureThatMembersSuspendedorDeemedPermanentlyIneligibleAreBannedfromAll
Clubs
AnypersonwhosemembershiphasbeensuspendedorwhohasbeendeemedPermanently
Ineligibleshouldnotbepermitted,duringtheperiodofsuspensionorineligibility,toworkineithera
paidorvolunteercapacityinanymemberclub.Further,suchpersonshouldnotbepermittedtobe
associatedwithanymemberclubinanywayduringsuchperiod;ortohaveaccesstoanymemberclub
ortheathletesintrainingatthefacility.
Since2011,USAGymnasticspolicyhasrequiredmemberclubstocertifythattheywillnothire,
orinanywayassociatewith,apersononthePermanentlyIneligiblelist.54Thislanguage,whileclearly
intendedtoprohibiteventhepresenceofbannedformermembersataclub,mayallowtheiraccessto
childrenbyfailingclearlytoproscribetheirpresenceinanymemberclubatanytime.Weareinformed
byUSAGymnastics,andhavereadindependently,ofsituationsinwhichapersononthePermanently
Ineligiblelisthasbeenpermittedtobeinvolvedinthefinancialoradministrativemanagementofa
memberclub(thoughthatreportapparentlyprecededthisparticularpolicyofUSAGymnasticsandmay
haveledtoitsenactment);orpermittedtobepresentatamemberclubwithaccesstominorathletes.
Thepolicyshouldclearlyprohibitthis,andtheclubsmembershipstatus,aswellasthatoftheclub
owner,shouldbeatriskforfailuretocomply.
52
ThisproposedprovisionwouldrequirefurtherdefinitionwithinputfromprofessionalsinandoutsideUSA
Gymnastics.
53
Atrainingvideocanbecreatedtodemonstratehowacoachcanhelpanathletetapeherself,toavoidhavingthe
coachtouchherinanyintimatearea.
54
SeeUSAGymnasticsParticipantWelfarePolicy,ExhibitA.
53

DevelopandRequireTrainingforAllMemberClubsonMembershipRequirements
Oncemembershipisexpandedasrecommended,therevisedcodeofconductandother
requirementsarefinalized,andadisciplinaryprocessfornoncomplianceisinstituted,trainingshould
bedevelopedandmademandatoryforallmemberclubs.Theownersandotherleadershipofeachclub
shouldberequiredtoundergothetraining,preferablyinanenvironmentthatpermitsadialogue
betweentrainerandtraineetoensurethattherequirements,andtheconsequencesforfailingtosatisfy
them,areclear.ThetrainingshouldincludethefactthatUSAGymnasticswillbeconductingrandom
auditseachyearofclubsaroundthecountrytodeterminetheirlevelofcompliance.
54
Screening and Selection of

Coaches, Volunteers and Other Adults
with Access to Athletes

ScreeningandSelectionofCoaches,VolunteersandOtherAdultswith
AccesstoAthletes
Findings
USAGymnasticsConsistentlyConductsCriminalBackgroundChecksonMembership
Applicants
USAGymnasticsroutinelyconductsbackgroundchecksonallapplicantsforprofessionaland
instructormembershipovertheageof18.TheorganizationcontractswiththeNationalCenterfor
SafetyInitiatives(NCSI),aprivatecompany,forthepurposeofconductingthesereviews.NCSI,inturn,
representsthatitoperatesconsistentlywithguidelinesestablishedbytheNationalCouncilonYouth
Sports(NCYS).
WehaveexaminedtheNCSIbackgroundcheckprocessandbelievetheNCSIreviewtobe
appropriateandadequateforthepurposeofidentifyingcriminalconvictionsortheirequivalentand
inclusionofanyapplicantinanystateorfederaldatabaseofsexoffenders.Thefollowingdatabasesare
checkedbyNCSI:
o Twoindependentnationaldatabases
o Sexoffenderregistriesofallavailablestates
o SocialSecuritynumbervalidation
o Federalterroristdatabasesearch
Nondatabase(countycourthouserunner)searchesofcountycriminalrecordsofalljurisdictions
ofresidenceinthepastsevenyearsarealsoconducted.
NCSIpresentsitsresultstoUSAGymnasticsintheformofaRedLight/GreenLightfinding.A
greenlightindicatesthattheindividualmeetsthescreeningcriteriaandthattherearenoindications
relatedtohisorhercriminalrecordsuggestingthat(s)heshouldnotbehired.Aredlightisanindication
thatsomethinghasbeenidentifiedintheindividualscriminalhistorythatdoesnotmeetthescreening
criteria.Aredlightfinding,ifnotoverturned(seebelow),willpreventtheapplicantfrombeinggranted
theprivilegeofmembership.
Convictionsorpendingdispositionsforthefollowingoffenses,orinclusiononasexoffender
registry,leadtoaredlightfinding:
o Anyfelony(crimepunishablebyconfinementofmorethanoneyear)
o Anylessercrimeinvolvingforceorthreatofforceagainstaperson
o Anylessercrimeinwhichsexualrelationsisanelement,includingsocalledvictimless
crimesofasexualnature(includingpornography,indecentexposureandlewdbehavior)
o Anylessercrimeinvolvingcontrolledsubstances(excludingparaphernaliaoralcohol)
o Anylessercrimeinvolvingcrueltytoanimals
o Anylessercrimeinvolvingharmtoaminor
55

Inaddition,aredlightfindingisrenderedifNCSIidentifiesanychargeforasexoffenseor
involvingharmtoaminorthatresultsinadispositionfavorabletotheapplicantotherthanacquittal,
includingbutnotlimitedtopardons,dismissalsafterdeferredadjudication,andrestorationofrights.
AccordingtoNCSI,thesecriteriaforaredlight/failuretomeetcriteriafindingareconsistent
withtheNCYSguidelines,andareconsideredbyNCYStobeconsistentwiththeprinciplesofthefederal
PROTECTActof2003.
Certaindueprocessrightsarebuiltinfortheapplicant,includingtherighttoappealaredlight
findingtoaUSAGymnasticsreviewpanel,andtofileagrievanceundertheUSAGymnasticsBylawsif
theappealpanelupholdsthedetermination.Underthecurrentgrievanceprocedure,asindicated
elsewhereinthisreport,thePresidentofUSAGymnasticshasconsiderableauthoritytodeterminethe
outcomeofthegrievance.
USAGymnasticshasalsodevelopedanoverridesystem,permittingUSAGymnastics
managementtooverridearedlightfindingandgrantmembershipwithouttheinterventionofthe
appealspanelprocess.Wearetoldthatthisoverridehasbeenusedonoccasionforexample,with
respecttowhatisseenasaminordrugconvictionatsomepointintheapplicantspast.
AccordingtoNCSIandUSAGymnastics,allmemberssubjecttothebackgroundcheckarere
screenedaftertheinitialscreeningat2yearintervals.Inthefirstyearofmembershipanadditional
screeningisconductedattheoneyearmark.
MemberClubsOftenConductBackgroundChecksandCallReferences,InterviewCandidates
Manymemberclubsconducttheirownbackgroundchecksofapplicantsforcoachingpositions.
However,notallclubsdothis;andasindicatedelsewhereinthisreport,someclubsdonoteven
routinelycheckthePermanentlyIneligiblelistwhenscreeningcoachingapplicants.Almostallclubs
sampledinoursitevisitsdocallprofessionalreferencesprovidedbyjobapplicants.
Mostclubsconductinterviewsofcoachingcandidates,butmostdonotuseanyparticular
interviewtemplateprovidedbyprofessionalsinthehumanresourcesfield.Someobservethe
prospectivecoachinatrainingenvironmentintheirgymbefore(s)heisofficiallyhired,toobtainasense
ofhow(s)heinteractswiththeathletesandwhether(s)hehastherequisiteskills.
USAGymnasticshasprovidedbasichiringprocesstemplatesontheClubsCareportionofits
websitetoassistmemberclubsinconductingappropriatescreeningprocesses;butmostclubs,based
onoursampling,areeitherunawareofthoseorsimplydeveloptheirownprocesseswithoutrelianceon
thetemplates.Thetemplatesthemselvesarehelpful,butthereareadditionaltoolsforinterviewingand
hiringthatarespecifictoscreeningforpotentialabusers.
56

NoOrganizedMethodExistsforaClubtoLearnofPriorDismissals
Thoughthegymnasticscommunityisafairlycollegialworldinthesensethatclubownersfeel
comfortablecontactingeachotherforreferences,therearemanyreasonswhyaclubmightnotlearnof
apersonspotentialforabuse.
Thevastmajorityofabusersofchildrendonothavecriminalconvictionsandcannotbe
identifiedthroughacriminalhistorycheck.Eventhosewhoareengaginginsexualactswithyounggirls,
andmayhavedonesoforyears,areoftennotdiscoveredbecausetheirvictimsaretoointimidated
and/orembarrassedtoreporttheabuse.Inthegymnasticsenvironment,giventhefactorsdescribed
elsewhereinthisreport,itisevenlesslikelythatanathletewillreportabuse.Further,theathletesnot
beingabused,andtheparentsofathletes,arelikelytobesupportiveofthepredator.Partofthe
predatorsaccessanddetectionavoidancemethodologyhastodowithingratiatinghimself/herselfto
theparentsoftheathletes.
Beforegettingtothepointofsexuallyabusingachild,aperpetratormaygroomthechild
throughactivitiesintendedtogainhertrust,anddesensitizehertopersonalcontact.Thesegrooming
activitiescanincludeencouragingtheathletetokeepsecrets;lapsitting;tickling;giftgiving;andother
activitieswehaveelsewheredescribedasboundaryviolationsandredflagactionsthatshouldbe
prohibited.
Manyclubshavedismissedcoachesforthiskindofbehavior,thoughthereisnothingspecificin
theirrulesthatprohibitsit.Acoachmaybefiredforbringingathletesintohisofficealone;tickling;and
otheractionsthattheownerdeemsinappropriate.Often,theclubmanagementdescribestheoverall
behaviorofthecoachascreepy;theclubownercannotclearlystatewhy,buttheactionsofthecoach
givetheownerabadfeeling.Inthesetypesofcases,thecoachmaysimplybeaskedtoleave.
Herethedifficultyarises.Somecoacheswillthreatenlegalactionfordefamationiftheclub
ownerreportstheactivitytoanyoneelse;sowhenaprospectiveemployercallsforareference,the
formeremployermaybehesitanttobecompletelyhonest.Inothercases,theownersimplycannot
articulateexactlywhatconcernedhim/herwhen(s)herequestedthecoachtoleave.
Finally,thereisnodatabasetrackingthemovementofcoachesfromonegymtoanother,other
thanthatmemberclubsarerequiredtolisttheirmembercoacheswithUSAGymnastics;andmember
coachesarerequiredtoreporttheclubwithwhichtheyareaffiliatedeachyearwhentheyrenewtheir
membership.Thus,thereisnoeasywayforaclubownertoconductasearchrelatingtoajob
applicantspastemployment.
ThereAreNoOfficialQualificationstoBecomeaCoach
Anypersonmaydecreehimselforherselftobeagymnasticscoach.Whilesomeclubsinclude
aspartofthehiringprocessatrialruninwhichtheclubownerorothercoachesmayobservethe
prospectiveemployeeactuallycoachingyounggymnasts,othersdonot.Andjustknowinghowto
executeamaneuver,orhowtospotagymnast,isnotsufficienttoprotectchildrenfrominadvertent
abusebyuntrainedcoaches.Dr.LyleMicheli,apediatricorthopaedistatHarvardMedicalSchooland
formerPresidentoftheAmericanCollegeofSportsMedicine,wasdescribedbyJoanRyaninLittleGirls
inPrettyBoxesasconcernedaboutthisissue.AccordingtoRyan,Micheliadvocatedforcertificationof
57

coaches,includingarequirementthattheybeeducatedinbasicchildpsychologyandphysiology,55
suggestingthatwithoutabasiceducationinchildpsychologyandphysiology,acoachcould
inadvertentlyabusechildrenemotionallyorphysically.
55
Ryan,LittleGirlsinPrettyBoxes,supranote6,Chapter7.Dr.MicheliiscurrentlytheDirectorofSports
MedicineatBostonChildrensHospitalandClinicalProfessorofOrthopaedicSurgeryatHarvardMedicalSchool.
58

ScreeningandSelectionofCoaches,VolunteersandOtherAdultswith
AccesstoAthletes
Recommendations
ExpandtheUniverseofThoseSubjectedtoBackgroundChecks
AsrecommendedunderMemberRequirementsandEnforcement,above,asignificant
numberofthoseinvolvedincompetitivegymnastics,nottomentionthosewhoareinvolvedin
recreationalgymnastics,arenotcurrentlysubjecttothejurisdictionofUSAGymnastics.Thus,unlessa
memberclubchoosestoconductbackgroundchecksoneveryoneworkingintheclubwithaccessto
minors,thatwillnothappen.
Wehavepreviouslyrecommended,inthatsamesectionofthisreport,thatalladultsworkingin
amemberclubwithaccesstominors,includingvolunteers,shouldberequiredtobemembersofUSA
Gymnastics.Thiswouldresult,inpart,incriminalbackgroundchecksforeachsuchperson.Aswe
discussedinthepriorsection,affordabilityshouldnotbeasignificantproblem,particularlyifthe
individualsarerequiredtopayenoughtocoverthecostofbackgroundchecks;andthecostiscertainly
worthitintheinterestofprotectingthevaluablelivesinthecareoftheclubs.
Weunderstandthatthereareothergymnasticstrainingsitesaroundthecountrythatdonot
participateinUSAGymnasticssanctionedcompetitions,andthereforearenotmembersofUSA
Gymnastics;noraretheiremployees,includingcoaches,membersofUSAGymnastics.Wewouldhope
thatthosewhomanagesuchfacilitieswouldadoptstrictchildprotectionpoliciessuchasthosebeing
recommendedhere;butthisreportisfocusedonwhatUSAGymnasticscanandshoulddotoprotect
youngathletes.WeunderstandthatUSAGymnasticshasnojurisdictionoverthesenonmember
facilities.
ConsiderRequiringCertificationforCoachesPriortoHiring
AsindicatedintheFindingsofthissection,therearenoprerequisitesforbecominga
gymnasticscoach,eitherwithinoroutsidetheUSAGymnasticsmembershipprogram.Theonlytraining
requirementsplacedoncoachesoccuraftertheybecomemembers:theyarerequiredtotakeoneon
linecourseonceevery4yearsthatincludesinformationaboutSafeSportissues.
AsrecommendedyearsagobyDr.LyleMicheli,thosecoachinggymnasticsshouldhaveatleast
abasiceducationinchildpsychologyandphysiology.USAGymnasticsisencouragedtoconsider
requiringcertification,includingbutnotlimitedtosucheducation,forallcoachesoverwhomithas
jurisdiction.Ratherthangrandfatheringexistingcoaches,requiringtrainingwithinaoneortwoyear
periodoftheenactmentofsucharulemightbeappropriate.
59

ProvideMemberClubsWithaDetailedHiringToolkit
Bestpracticestoolkitsrelatedtoscreeningpotentialemployeesandvolunteersforriskof
abusivebehaviorarereadilyavailablethroughoutthechildservingorganizationscommunity.Itis
recommendedthatadetailedscreeningandselectionbestpracticestoolkitshouldbeprovidedtoall
memberclubs.Thetoolkitshouldinclude,butnotbelimitedto:
o Instrumentsdesignedtoassessriskofabuse
o Applicationpermittingidentificationofinconsistenciesininterviewresponses
o Guidelinesforquestionstoaskinconductingareferencecheck
o Behaviorallybasedinterviewquestions(e.g.,Haveyoueverbeenconfrontedwith
_________situation,andwhatdidyoudo?)
o Bestpracticesfortheproperconductofasocialmediasearchonacandidate
WhileUSAGymnasticsprovidestemplatesandotherassistancetoclubsregardinghiring,this
toolkitcouldbeimproved;andUSAGymnasticsshouldconsiderrequiringtheclubstousethematerials
prescribed.
ProvideClubOwnersandHiringPersonnelWithTrainingonHowtoUsetheScreeningand
SelectionToolkit
Tofullyusetheinformationcollectedinthescreeningandselectionprocess,clubownersand
hiringpersonnelwhomakeselectiondecisionsmustbeproperlytrained.Theyshouldknowhowtouse
behavioralinterviewingmethods;characteristicsofchildmolesters;howtorecognizewarningsignsin
completedapplications,ininterviews,fromcriminalbackgroundandsexoffenderregistrychecksandin
references.Theymustalsoknowwhetherthecollectedinformationdisqualifiestheapplicantor
requirescontinuedinquiry.
ReviewandReconsiderMethodofOverridingRedLightFinding
Assuggestedabove,theoverallcriminalbackgroundcheckprocessissatisfactoryandadequate
foridentifyingatleasttheminorityofpredatorswhohavebeenapprehendedinthepastby
governmentalauthorities.However,itisrecommendedthatUSAGymnasticsreviewthepracticethat
allowssomeoneinmanagementatUSAGymnasticstomakethedecisiontooverridearedlightfinding
suchthatagreenlight(suggestingthatnoissuesaroseinthebackgroundcheck)ispublishedtothe
outsideworld.Whilewehavenoevidencethatthisoverridepracticehasledtoharmfulresultsinthe
past,itposesariskofabuseand,ifnotclearlyconstrainedand/orlimitedtocertainclearlyunderstood
situations,couldenableapredatortoslipthroughthecriminalbackgroundcheckprocess.
Whileexceptionsmayinfactbewarrantedinsomecases,itissuggestedthatUSAGymnastics
consideramoreformalizedpracticesuchasasmallcommitteethatincludes,atminimum,oneBoard
membersothatitisnotlimitedtoUSAGymnasticsstaff;andthatthecommitteehavemeetingsto
makesuchdeterminationsandcreatearecordofeachsuchdecision.
60

CreateDatabaseofPersonsDismissedFromMemberClubs
Oneofthegreatestriskstoyounggymnastsisposedbytheeasewithwhichcoachescanmove
fromoneclubtoanother,evenifdismissedbasedonsuspicionsofabuse.
Otherrecommendationsinthisreportwilladdressrequiringreportingbyallmembersany
suspicionofactualabuse.ArequirementthatallpersonsunderthejurisdictionofNGBsreport
suspectedchildabuse,bothtolawenforcementauthoritiesandtoUSOCrelatedauthorities,including
theU.S.CenterforSafeSport,isincludedinthefederallegislationmakingitswaythroughtheU.S.
Congress.Further,however,thelegislationincludeslanguagemandatingNGBssuchasUSAGymnastics
toestablishamechanismforsharingreportsofsuspectedsexualmisconductbyanadultunderthe
NGBsjurisdiction;anditincludesaprovisionintendedtoshieldNGBsandmemberclubsfromliability
forsharingthatinformation.
Inthecaseofdismissalsforgroomingactivitythatstopsshortofactualsexualmisconduct,the
legislationdoesnot,asofthetimeofthisreport,specificallyprovidesuchprotection.However,ifUSA
Gymnasticsweretoestablishaveryclearcodeofconduct,andapersonweredismissedbasedon
violationofthatcodeofconduct,thatfactualinformationmaybesharablewithmemberclubsand
protectedbycertaingoodSamaritanstatutesatthestatelevel.ItisrecommendedthatUSA
Gymnasticscreateasecuredatabaseaccessiblebymemberclubsandrequirethemtoreport
informationaboutbothsuspectedsexualabuseanddismissalsorrequestedresignationsbasedon
violationsofthecodeofconduct.ItisfurtherrecommendedthatUSAGymnasticsconsultwithlegal
counseltodeterminethebestwaytoprotectitselfanditsmembersfromcivilliabilityintheoperation
ofthisdatabase,keepinginmindthattheprotectionofyoungathletesfromabuseisparamount.
Itisalsorecommendedthatamethodbedevelopedbywhichthemovementofcoachesfrom
clubtoclubistrackedandmadeavailableontheUSAGymnasticswebsite,evenifthecoachisnota
memberofUSAGymnastics.ThiscouldbeaccomplishedbyrequiringmemberclubstoreporttoUSA
Gymnastics,atleastannually,everyindividualworkingasacoachintheclub,withcertainidentifying
informationsuchasdateofbirth,whetherornotthatpersonisalsoamember.56USAGymnastics
shouldseekatechnologyvendortoassistitindetermininghowtousethatinformationtocreatea
databaseofcoaches,includingthehistoryoftheiremployment.Memberclubscouldberequiredto
accessthisdatabasewhenconductingduediligenceandreferencechecksonnewapplicants.
56
Aswehaverecommendedinthisreport,webelieveitcriticaltoenforcementthatallcoachesinmemberclubs,
whethercoachingmemberathletesornot,shouldalsoberequiredtobemembersofUSAGymnastics.
61
Process for Filing

Reports of Misconduct

ProcessforFilingReportsofMisconduct
Findings
OnlyTwoFormalMechanismsExistforProcessingAllegationsofMisconduct
TheUSAGymnasticsBylawsprovidefortwoofficialmethodsofreviewingallegationsof
misconduct.Article9providesforastreamlinedmethodofbanningamemberifthatpersonhasbeen
convictedofacrimeinvolvingchildabuse,orhasbeendeclaredasexoffenderorincludedinasex
offenderregistry.
Ifanyofthesecircumstancesexists,thePresidentmaynotifythememberthatUSAGymnastics
intendstoterminatethemembership,andthemembermayrequestahearing.Thisisintendedto
satisfytheUSOCsrequirementofnoticeandhearing;butthehearing,ifrequested,islimitedto
ascertainingwhetherthememberfallsintooneofthesecategories.Thus,actioncanbetakenquickly
uponconviction.
However,theonlyformalmethodofentertaininganyotherallegationofabuse,i.e.,shortofa
criminalconvictionoritsequivalent,isthetraditionalgrievanceprocessfoundinArticle10ofthe
Bylaws.Thisprocessisusedforallgrievances,andtraditionallyrequiredawrittencomplaintsigned
bytheaggrievedpartyortheparentofaminoraggrievedparty.WhileArticle10hasbeenamended
topermitUSAGymnasticstoserveastheaggrievedparty,itisstillbroadlyunderstoodinthefieldthat
thevictimmustinitiatethecomplaint.
Thisprocessalone,andtheperceptionthatawritten,signedcomplaintfromthevictimisstill
required,issufficienttosuppressmanyreports.
CurrentProtocolforHandlingAllegationsInsufficient
Thereisapparentlynowrittenprotocolforpreciselyhowtohandleallegationsofabuse.
Reportsphonedinaretoberoutedtooneoftwopeopledesignatedtoreceivesuchreports;oneof
thosedesignatedbycurrentpracticeisthePresidentofUSAGymnastics,andtheotherisaseniorstaff
memberwithseveraladditionalresponsibilities.
Therearenoapparentprotocolsregardingthepreferredlengthofaninvestigationpriortoa
hearing,orhowtheinvestigationwillbeconducted,otherthanthatthePresidentmaydesignatea
persontoconductaninvestigation.Atthesametime,iftheallegationisoneofchildabuseasdefined
bycriminalstatute,USAGymnasticspoliciesarebeingrevisedtoprovidethat,unlessitisawarethat
thematterhasalreadybeenreported,USAGymnasticswillreporttolawenforcement.USAGymnastics
hasbeencriticizedpubliclyinrecentmonths,however,forhavingreportedlyspentapproximatelyfive
weeksconductingitsowninternalinvestigationbeforemakingareportofallegedsexualabusetolaw
enforcementauthoritiesin2015.57Whilenotanuncommonerroramonginsufficientlyinformed
organizations,includingschoolsandothersthatarerequiredtomakesuchreportstolawenforcement
57
USAGymnasticsDelayedReportingLarryNassarfor5Weeks,TheIndianapolisStar,February16,2017,
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2017/02/16/larrynassarusagymnasticsfbichildsexualabuse/98002452/.
62

whenchildabuseissuspected,thisisnotapermissibledelay.Reportsaretobemadeimmediately
uponreceiptofinformationthatleadstoasuspicionofchildabuse;andareportfromanypurported
victimthatabusehasoccurrediscertainlysufficienttoestablishthatsuspicionthoughevidenceother
thanareportbythevictimcanalsobesufficienttomeetthisstandard.
Further,atleastinprioryears,itappearstohavebeenbelievedevenbypeopleinsenior
positionsatUSAGymnasticsthatreportswerenotactionableunlessthevictimwasamemberofUSA
Gymnastics.Ifthiswasinfacttheruleatthetime,weunderstandthatthisparticularsituationhassince
beencorrected.
Oneofthedifficultiesinencouragingreportingisthelevelofconfusiononthepartofthosein
thefield,andevensomeontheUSAGymnasticsstaff,aboutexactlywhatoccurswhenapersonmakes
areportofsuspectedabusetoUSAGymnastics.Theuncertaintycanfurtherdepressreporting.For
example:thoughthefactthatUSAGymnasticsitselfmayfileacomplaintunderArticle10theoretically
makesitpossibleforapersontomakeanoralreport,orevenananonymousreport,andseeitblossom
intoaninvestigationandaproceedingagainsttheperpetrator,thebeliefinthefieldandapparently
evenonthepartofsomeUSAGymnasticsstaffisthatthevictimorhis/herparentmustfileawritten
complaintinordertobeheard.
Finally,asindicatedinapriorsectionofthisreport,thePresidentpossessessignificant
discretionindeterminingtheoutcomeofafiledcomplaint.Thiscreatestheriskoffavoritismor
overlookingviolationsinordertoprotectthereputationoftheorganization;orcertainlythepublic
perceptionthatifacomplaintisdismissedbythePresidentunilaterallyorafindingismadeinfavorof
therespondent,itmaybeforoneofthosereasons.
ApparentLackofReviewerExpertise
ThosewhoareassignedtoreceiveandreviewreportsofabuseorsuspectedabusewithinUSA
Gymnasticshavereceivednoformaltrainingintheareasofchildabuse,childprotectionorthe
investigationofsuspectedabuse;norhavetheyreceivedformaltraininginthedynamicsofchild
victimizationandtheemotionalimpactofabuseonitsvictims.
InsufficientAccountability
Asindicatedelsewhereinthisreport,thereappearstobenooversightoftheinvestigative
processwithintheorganization.Thoseresponsibleforreviewinganddeterminingtheoutcomeof
allegationsofabusearenotheldaccountablebytheBoard.
Further,thereisnoapparentauditingoftheprocesstodeterminewhetheritisbeingconducted
appropriatelyandwithdispatch;whetherreportsarebeingmadetolawenforcementwhenthefacts
wouldsuggestthattheyshouldbe;andwhethersanctionsimposedonoffendersarebeingupheld.For
example,whilewearenotawareofspecificsituationsinwhichatemporarilysuspendedcoachwas
permittedtocontinuecoachingduringhissuspension,thereappearstobenomechanismforensuring
thisdoesnothappen.AndweareawareofallegationsthatpersonsplacedonthePermanently
Ineligiblelistwerepermittedtocontinuesomeinvolvementinclubseventhoughtheclubsaretohave
noassociationwithsuchpermanentlyineligiblemembers.
63

CumbersomeProcessforVictimsofAbuse
TheprocessoutlinedinArticle10oftheBylawsisdesignedforthetraditionalgrievanceprocess.
(Articles9and10oftheUSAGymnasticsBylawsareattachedtothisreportandmarkedExhibitC.)58
ToUSAGymnasticscredit,itsegregatesoutcomplaintsofactualsexualabuse,towhichitrefers
inArticle9oftheBylawsasSpecialCategoriesofMisconduct,forpromptaction.Inthelanguageof
Section9.2:
SpecialCategoriesofMisconduct.
(a) IftheCorporationbecomesawarethatanyindividualmember:
(i) IslistedonanyStateorFederalsexualoffenderlistorregistry;
(ii) HasbeendeclaredasexoffenderinanyapplicableStateorFederal
jurisdiction;or
(iii) Hasbeenconvictedoforhasenteredapleaofguiltyornocontest
toacriminalchargeorindictmentissuedbyanapplicableCity,
County,StateorFederaljurisdiction,andsuchchargeorindictment
directlyorindirectlyinvolvedorrelatedtochildabuseorconduct
thatisaviolationofanylaworregulationthatisspecifically
designedtoprotectminors;
(SpecialCategoriesofMisconduct),thePresidentmay,without
conductinganyadditionalinvestigation,relyuponsuchfact,findingor
determinationandmaypromptlynotifythememberthat:
(1)TheCorporationintendstoterminatetheindividual's
membershiporimposeanyotherdisciplineauthorizedin
Article10byaspecifieddate;and
(2)Theindividualmayrequestahearingpriortothetermination
orotherdisciplinebecomingeffective.
Article10,asrecentlyamended,furthersegregatesmisconductfromothertypesof
complaintswhichmaybefiledwithUSAGymnastics.MisconductisdefinedinSection9.1as
o AnyviolationoftheBylaws,ortherules,regulationsorpoliciesofUSAGymnastics,or
causinganotherpersontoviolatethem
o [C]onductwhichisdetrimentaltotheorganizationorwhichisinconsistentwiththe
bestinterestsofthesportofgymnasticsoroftheathletestheCorporationserves;or
o Sexualmisconduct.
Section9.1describesthetypesofsexualmisconductas:
o ASpecialCategoryofMisconduct(seeabove)
o AnyothersexualmisconductdescribedintheCorporationspoliciesorthe[U.S.Center
forSafeSport]Code
58
TheBylawsarefoundinfullontheUSAGymnasticswebsiteat
https://www.usagym.org/PDFs/About%20USA%20Gymnastics/Governance/usagbylaws.pdf.
64

Thefirstbulletpointinthedefinitionofmisconduct(seeabove)wouldseemtoinclude,
shouldtheybeadopted,thepotentialgroomingactivitieswerecommendbeprohibited,suchasbeing
alonewithanathlete,textingtoanindividualathlete,giftgivingandthelike.However,acomplaint
basedonmisconduct,unlessitisreferredtotheU.S.CenterforSafeSport,ishandledundertheterms
ofArticle10.
ThisraisesthequestionofwhatwillbereferredtotheCenter,whatwillnotbereferredtothe
Center,andwhatUSAGymnasticswilldoiftheCenterdeclinestoactonareferral.Itwillbeassumed
forpurposesofthisreport,basedonthefactthatthereare47separateOlympicsportsandthatthe
volumeoftheCentersworkislikelytobehigh,thatanyviolationshortofactualsexualmisconductwill
notberesolvedbytheCenter.
TheUSAGymnasticsprocessforfilingacomplaint,Section10.2,readsinpertinentpart:
FilingaComplaint.Anycurrentmember,currentorformerathletemember,
ortheCorporation(the"Complainant")whobelieveshimself/herself/itselftobe
aggrievedbyanyactionoftheCorporationorbyoneofitsmembers,mayfilea
ComplaintwiththeCorporation.IftheComplainantisaminor,theComplaint
maybeinitiatedbysuchminorsparentorlegalguardian.Tobeconsideredfor
resolutionthroughtheseprocedures,theComplaintmust:
(a)BesubmittedinwritingtothePresidentattheCorporation'sprincipal
placeofbusiness;
(b)BesignedbytheComplainant;and
(c)IncludeaconcisestatementofthenatureoftheComplaint,theindividual
and/ororganizationbelievedtoberesponsiblefortheactsoromissions
describedintheComplaintandthereliefrequested.
Afterthis,thecomplaintisprocessedinthemanneroutlinedinArticle10(seeExhibitC).
Thisprocessisundulyburdensomeforapersonwhofeelsvictimizedinanintimatemanner.
Fewathletes,ortheirparents,arelikelytofileawritten,signedreportofbehaviorthatembarrassesthe
athletes,thattheynotcertainconstitutesanoffense,and/orthattheyareuncertainwillbetaken
seriouslybythereviewers.Ashasbecomeapparentthroughtheyears,evenathleteswhohaveclearly
beenviolatedbypredatorsareuncomfortablemakingreportsdirectly.
Further,thelanguageofArticle10tendstobeunderstoodinthegymnasticscommunityto
requirethatacomplaintbewrittenandsignedbythevictimorherparent,eventhoughthelanguage
providesforacomplaintgeneratedbyUSAGymnastics,assumingUSAGymnasticsbelievesitselfto
beaggrievedbyanactionofoneofitsmembers.Thislanguageissufficientlyvaguethatanathlete,
oranothermembersuchasanothercoachoraclubmemberwhowishestoreportsuspiciousactivity,is
unlikelytoassumeUSAGymnasticswilltakeupthematterheorshewishestoreport.
Theprocesscallsforacopyofthecomplainttobeprovidedtotherespondent.Ifthecomplaint
isfiledbyUSAGymnastics,thatmaynotbeproblematic;butayoungathleteandherparentswillbe
reluctanttofileaformalreportknowingthatitwillbeshared,verbatim,withtheperpetrator
particularlyifthatpersonishercoach.
65

DueProcessPossiblyMoreExtensiveThanNecessary
IfArticle10istobeusedastheprocessforrespondingtoreportsofabusiveorgrooming
behavior,wesuggestthattheextentofdueprocessrequiredisgreaterthanrequiredbylaw.Whilea
DueProcessChecklistdistributedbytheUSOCtoNGBs,describedonlyasaseriesof
recommendations,includesarighttoconfrontandcrossexaminewitnessesadversetoarespondentin
aproceeding,caselawsuggeststhatanentitysuchasanNGB,whichisnotagovernmentactorbut
ratheraprivateentity,maynotberequiredtoprovidethatlevelofConstitutionaldueprocess.Thecase
lawsuggeststhatanNGBneednotpermitapersonaccusedofabuseagainstaminortoeithercross
examinetheminorpersonallyorhavehisattorneydoso.
BurdenofProofNotClear
Article10doesnotindicatetheburdenofproofrequiredtoprevailinahearingonacomplaint.
However,thereareguidelines,includingtheUSOCDueProcessGuidelines,thatsuggesttheburdenof
proofshouldbeapreponderanceoftheevidence;andthatappearstobethestandardthatisused.This
levelofburden,essentiallymeaningmorelikelythannot,isappropriateforthistypeofproceeding.
NoFormalTrainingforHearingPanelMembers
TheprocessforresolutionofcomplaintsunderArticle10requiresdeterminationofthe
resolutionbya3personhearingpanelunlesstherespondent,inthecaseofamisconductcomplaint,
requestsresolutionbythePresident.
Thisreporthasalreadyindicatedproblematicaspectstohavingthechiefexecutiveofficerofthe
organizationresolvingsuchmattersunilaterally.AsecondaryissueisthatneitherthePresidentofthe
organization,noranyofthepanelmembers,haveapparentlyreceivedanytrainingineithertheproper
conductofanadministrativehearingorthedynamicsofchildabuse.
BalancingofRightsofVictimandAccused
Throughoutthisnationshistory,therightsoftheaccusedhavealwaysbeenrespected,andthat
mustcontinue.However,therehasbeenconcernexpressedbycriticsofUSAGymnasticsthatthere
maybeanunnecessaryanddisproportionateconcernthatreportsofabusemightbefiledby
representativesofoneclubinordertodisadvantageaverycapablecoachatanotherclub.Thismayor
maynothaveledtounduecautiononthepartofUSAGymnasticsinreviewingreportsofabuse.We
notethattheformerBoardmemberwhotestifiedbeforetheU.S.SenateJudiciaryCommitteestated
thatBoarddiscussionsregardingreportsofabuse,totheextenttheyoccurredduringhertenure,
centeredaroundthereputationoftheaccusedratherthanthereportoftheallegedvictim.59
USAGymnasticsisrighttoensurethattherightsofanaccused,totheextenttheyareprotected
inthisadministrativeenvironment(seedueprocessissues,above),arerespected.However,itis
importanttorememberthatthesafetyandprotectionofyoungathletesisparamount,andto
demonstratethatinanyprocessdevelopedtorespondtoreportsofconductviolationsinrelationto
potentialabuse.
59
TestimonyofJessicaHowardbeforetheCommitteeontheJudiciary,UnitedStatesSenate,March28,2017.
66

TimeBarinAllCasesOtherthanCriminalConviction,SexualMisconduct
Thereisnotimebar(theequivalentofaninternalstatuteoflimitations)involvedinArticle9
proceedings.Thesearethefasttrackedproceedingsrelatingtothosewhohavebeenconvictedofa
crimeofchildabuseorrelatedtotheprotectionofminors;inclusiononasexoffenderregistry;andthe
like.
However,Article10includesatimebarformostcomplaints.Section10.2readsasfollows:
TimeBar.UnlesstheComplaintisfiledbytheCorporationorinvolves
allegationswhichareofthetypedescribedinoneoftheSpecialCategoriesof
Misconduct,aComplaintmustbefiledwithinone(1)yearoftheoccurrenceof
theallegedincident,violation,grievance,denialorthreattodeny.Intheevent
thattheComplainantwasaminoratthetimeoftheoccurrenceofthealleged
incident,violation,grievance,denialorthreattodeny,theComplaintmustbe
filedwithinone(1)yearfollowingtheminorseighteenth(18th)birthday.
Asindicatedimmediatelyabove,thismeansthatthereisnotimebaronArticle9proceedings,
whichdealwithafindingofpermanentineligibilityforindividualsconvictedofcertaincriminaloffenses,
declaredasexoffender,orincludedonasexoffenderregistry.And,whilethelanguageisnot
completelyclear,itappearsthattheBylawsalsodonotplaceatimebaronanallegationofsexual
abuse,evenifithasnotyetresultedinaconviction.
However,thereisastricttimebarforanyothermatterhandledpursuanttoArticle10,including
thetypesofcodeofconductviolationsthatmayconstitutepredatorgrooming,unlessthecomplaintis
filedbyUSAGymnasticsitself.Therefore,ifanathlete,herparent,oramemberofUSAGymnastics
wishestofileacomplaintrelatingtoacodeofconductviolationthatmayconstitutegroomingactivity,
thecomplaintmustbefiledwithinoneyearoftheallegedincident;or,ifthecomplainantisaminor,
thenwithinoneyearfollowingher18thbirthday.Thislimitationcanendangercurrentandfuture
athletesstillinteractingwiththatadult.
Expertsinthefieldofchildprotectionindicatethatitisnotuncommonforvictimsofabusive
behaviortodelayreporting,sometimesforyears,duetovariousfactors.Thetimebaristhusanother
obstacletoreportinginawaythatwillberespondedtobyUSAGymnastics.Andrecentreportsof
allegedabuseofyounggymnastsfrommorethan20yearsagobearthatout.
67

ProcessforFilingReportsofMisconduct
Recommendations
ErrontheSideofProtectingtheAthleteinAllSituations
PartoftheculturalchangewearerecommendingatUSAGymnasticsmustinvolvea
commitmenttoalwayserronthesideofprotectingtheyoungathletesinitscharge.USAGymnastics
shouldsendaclearmessagethatitsfirstpriorityisthesafetyofitsathletes.Therearewaystobuildin
protectionsforthewronglyaccused,andwebelievethatisappropriate.Forexample,therearecriminal
penaltiesatthestateandfederallevelsforknowinglymakingafalsereportofacrime.Similarly,the
U.S.CenterforSafeSporthasincludedlanguageinitspoliciesprovidingforpunishmentofapersonwho
knowinglymakesafalsereportofaSafeSportviolation.
WeencourageUSAGymnasticstoadoptsimilarpoliciesforpunishmentinthecaseofknowingly
falsereports,buttosendthemessageloudlyandclearlythat(1)ifitreceivesareportthat,assuming
thetruthoftheallegations,wouldconstitutechildphysicalorsexualabuse,itwillimmediatelyreport
theallegationstolawenforcement;and(2)anyreportfromanyminorofacodeviolationonthepartof
anadultmemberwillbetakenseriouslyandtreatedasvalidbyUSAGymnasticsunlessanduntilan
investigationdisprovestheallegations.
OneofthewaysthatUSAGymnasticscanreassurethegymnasticscommunityandthe
concernedpublicofitscommitmentistolendagreatersenseofurgencytotheentireprocess.Reports
shouldbeinvestigatedandresolvedasspeedilyaspossible;reportstotheU.S.CenterforSafeSportand
tolawenforcementmustbemadeimmediatelyuponreceiptofanallegation;andinterimmeasures
shouldbeincluded,muchlikethoseadoptedbytheCenterfortemporarysuspensionincasesinwhichit
isdeemednecessarytoprotectathletespendingtheoutcomeofinvestigations.USAGymnastics
indicatesthatitcurrentlyhasaninformalsysteminplacefortemporarysuspensionspendingafinding
underArticle9oftheBylawsofaconvictionorotherSpecialCategoryofMisconduct,eventhoughthe
USOChascontinuedtorequirenoticeandhearingevenforsuchimmediatesuspension,basedonthe
StevensAct.However,theprocessrecommendedhereisbroaderandwouldencompassinterim
measureswhenviolationsareallegedthatdonotnecessarilyrisetothelevelofcriminalchildabusebut
theallegedactionsoftheperpetrator,iftrue,suggestthatathleteswithwhomhehascontactmaybe
endangered.
CreateaClearProtocolforResponsetoAllegationsMadeOutsidetheFormalGrievance
Process
Aclearprotocolshouldbeadopted,andbroadlysharedthroughoutthegymnasticscommunity,
describingvariousmethodsofmakingreports;welcomingreportsfromanypersonaboutsuspected
abuse;requiringreportingtolawenforcementimmediatelyofanyallegationsthat,iftrue,would
constitutechildabuse;andoutliningtheprocessthatwillbefollowedwhenareportisreceived.
TheprotocolshouldincludeadescriptionoftheactionsthatwillbedeemedviolativeoftheUSA
GymnasticsCodeofEthicalConduct,asrevisedperourrecommendations.
68

TheprotocolshouldmakeclearwhatareportingpartycanexpectfromUSAGymnastics,
includingthepossibilitythatareportmaybekeptconfidential.Itshouldestablishamechanismfor
trackingallreports,theirdispositionandthetimefromreporttoconclusion(andallstepsbetween),and
requireinallbutthemostdifficultreviewsaspecificandambitioustimeperiodfromreportto
conclusion.Itshouldrequiretrainingforallpersonswhomayparticipateinrespondingtoreportsof
abusiveconductorotherconductviolativeofSafeSportrequirements.Itshouldmakeclearwhen
reportswillbeforwardedtotheU.S.CenterforSafeSport,andwhatwilloccuriftheCenterdeclinesthe
matterorfailstoactwithinagiventimeperiod.
Further,theprotocolshouldmakecleartherangeofpenaltiesthatmaybeimposedfor
violations.
RemovePresidentfromControllingRoleinDeterminingDispositionofAllegations
Asindicatedrepeatedlyinthisreport,weconsideritinappropriateforthePresidentofthe
organizationtoberesponsibleforthereceiptofreportsorthedispositionofallegationsofabuse.
ThepotentialappearanceofdismissingacomplaintinordertoavoidpubliccriticismofUSA
Gymnasticsisonlyoneoftherisksleadingtothisrecommendation.Inordertoearnthetrustofthe
athletesandothers,itwillbeimportanttohaveamethodologyforreviewanddispositionofallegations
ofabusethatisasindependentaspossiblefromthehierarchyofUSAGymnasticsadministrationand
board.Itmustbeclearthatnodecisionwillbemadebasedonacquaintancewitheitherthealleged
perpetrator(e.g,hestooniceaguytohavedonethat)ortheallegedvictim(e.g.,shesa
troublemaker).Thedecisionsmustbemadebasedonlyontheevidence,andtheevidencemustbe
followedwhereveritleads.
ProvideforBoardOversightoftheProcess
Asindicatedinpriorrecommendations,thereshouldberigorousBoardoversightofthe
resolutionofreports.AteachBoardmeeting,ahighleveldiscussionshouldoccurrelatingtothe
numberofnewreportseachmonth;thetimetodisposition;andtheresolutionofthecomplaints,
includingdiscipline.AmonthlyreportshouldbesenttoBoardmembersprovidinganupdateon,ata
minimum,thesesameissues.
Tofacilitatethisoversight,itisrecommendedthatasecure,electronicinternaltrackingsystem
ofdisciplinarycomplaintsand/orreportsofviolationsoftheCodeofEthicalConductbecreated.This
systemshouldinclude,ataminimum,thedatereceived,basicallegations,dateresolvedandaction
takenoneachreport.TheBoard,oracommitteeoftheboardperhapstheEthics,GrievanceandSafe
SportcommitteeoranothercommitteecreatedspecifictoSafeSportissuesshouldreviewthedata
routinelyanddiscussitwiththeDirectorofSafeSport.
Eachmattershouldbeassignedauniquecasenumbertoverifythatthereporthasbeenmade
andthedateitwasmade.Thiswouldprotectclubownerswhowillberequiredtomakereportsof
violationstoUSAGymnastics,allowingthemtoprovethattheydidsoinatimelymanner.Inaddition,it
couldpermitreporterstocontactUSAGymnasticstolearnofcasestatusandobtainapromptand
accurateresponse,thoughtheywouldnothaveaccesstothetrackingsystemitself.
ThiscommitteeoftheBoardshouldworkcloselywiththeDirectorofSafeSportandrequire
regular,moreindepthreportsfromthatperson.
69

TheDirectorofSafeSport,aswellasthepersondesignatedtoinvestigateandresolvereportsof
abuseandofviolationsoftheCodeofEthicalConductshouldhavedirectaccesstotheBoard.
RelaxDueProcessRequirementsinCasesofAllegedGroomingorAbuseofaMinor
AsindicatedintheFindingsportionofthissection,caselawsuggeststhattheConstitutionaldue
processrequirementoftherighttoconfrontandcrossexamineonesaccusermaynotberequiredin
thissetting,involvingnongovernmentalactorssuchasNGBs.
Further,theSupplementaryRulesforU.S.OlympicandParalympicSafeSportArbitrations
(Rules)publishedasanappendixtotheSafeSportCodefortheOlympicandParalympicMovement60
suggestsamorevictimfriendlyapproachtoquestioningofanallegedvictiminthecourseofaU.S.
CenterforSafeSport(Center)arbitrationproceeding.TheprocedureoutlinedintheRulesindicatesthat
onlythearbitratormayquestioneitherparty,unlessoneorbothofthepartieselecttosubmittocross
examinationbytheother.However,eachpartymaysubmitproposedquestionsandlinesof
questioningtothearbitratorforconsiderationinhis/herquestioningoftheotherparty.61
Thus,werecommendthatUSAGymnasticsconductalegalanalysisonthisquestionand,tothe
extentpossible,protecttheallegedvictimofabusefromcrossexaminationbythepersonaccusedor
his/herattorney.WewouldsuggestthatthemethodologybeingemployedbytheCenterwouldbe
morevictimfriendlyandwouldencouragereportingbyvictimsofabuseorrelatedactions,whilestill
providingforanobjectiveandfairreviewoftestimony.
WeareawarethattheCenterwillexerciseexclusivejurisdictionoverwhatitdefinesassexual
misconduct,aswellasprohibitedconductunderthe[SafeSportCode]thatisreasonablyrelatedtothe
underlyingallegationofsexualmisconduct.62NGBswillnotbepermittedtoconducttheirown
investigationsintoallegationsofsexualmisconduct;butweexpectthattherewillbeavastuniverseof
allegationsthattheCenterwill,initsdiscretion,declinetohear,andtheNGBswillbeexpectedtohave
aclearprocedureinplacetoprovidehearingsunderthetermsoftheStevensActwithrespecttothose.
ClarifyinBylawstheUseofPreponderanceoftheEvidenceStandard
PursuanttocurrentpracticeandexistingguidancefromtheUSOC,aswellasstandardpractice
insimilartypesofadministrativematters,theBylawsshouldbeamendedsimplytoclarifythatthe
preponderanceoftheevidencestandardwillbeusedinalldisciplinaryreviewsbasedonanyallegation
ofchildabuseoraviolationoftheCodeofEthicalConduct.MembershipinanNGBshouldbe
recognizedbymembersandaspiringmembersasaprivilege,andnotaright,andtreatedassuch.
EnsureThatAllPersonsInvolvedinResponsetoReportsAreProperlyTrained
Trainingshouldbeprovidedforallpersonswhomay:
o Receivereports
o Investigatereports
o Adjudicatereports
60
SafeSportCodefortheOlympicandParalympicMovement,supranote16.
61
Id.,AppendixB,SupplementaryRulesforU.S.OlympicandParalympicSafeSportArbitrations,R.27.d.
62
Id.,SectionIV.A.
70

Thetrainingshouldencompass:
o Childabusedynamics
o Childemotionalandphysiologicaldevelopment
o Forhearingofficers,properhearingprocedures

Inordertoensurethatthoseconductinghearingsarewellversedinproperproceduresand
otherwiseappropriatelytrainedtounderstandthedynamicsofthetypesofmatterstheyarereviewing,
itissuggestedthatUSAGymnasticsconsiderdevelopingawelltrainedpanelofhearingofficers,who
wouldserveinmuchthesamecapacityasanadministrativelawjudge,tohearcasesinvolvingalleged
childabuseandviolationsoftheCodeofEthicalConduct.Caseswouldbeassignedtotheseindividuals
byrotationratherthanthecurrentmethodofaskingtheEthics,GrievanceandSafeSportCommitteeto
identifyandappoint3personpanelsofoftenuntrainedindividualstoreviewgrievances.Thepanel
mightbemadeupexclusivelyofattorneys,butthatwouldnotbeessentialaslongasthehearing
officerswerewelltrainedandtherewerecarefulrestrictionsintendedtoensuretheavoidanceof
conflict.
RemoveorExtendTimeBarforAllegationsRelatingtoAbuseandOtherViolationsoftheCode
ofEthicalConduct
Withregardtothesespecifictypesofmatters,thereshouldeitherbenotimebaratall,ora
greatlyexpandedopportunityforreporting.ThependingFederalLegislation,forexample,callsfora
statuteoflimitationsinbothcivilandcriminalactionsof10yearsafterthevictimreasonablydiscovers
theinjuryorviolationthatgivesrisetothecauseofactionforreportsofchildabuse.Inthealternative,
ifthevictimisunder18atthetimeoftheabuse,thestatuteoflimitationsproposedbytheFederal
Legislationrequiresareportwithin10yearsofmajority.
Manystateshaveextendedoreliminatedtheirstatutesoflimitationforthereportingofchild
abuse.Thishasoccurredfortheobviousreasonthatitisverydifficultforayoungpersontoreport
abuse,andveryoftentheabusewillnotbereportedformanyyearsafteritoccurred;buttheabuser
maystillbecoachinginthesystemandposingatremendousrisktocurrentyoungathletes.
71
Education, Training
and Athlete Support

Education,TrainingandAthleteSupport
Findings
USA Gymnastics Requires All Professional Members to Complete the Safety Certification
Course
AspartoftheUSAGymnasticsprofessionalmembershipcertification,membersarerequiredto
completetwocourses:FundamentalsofGymnasticsInstruction(U100)andSafetyandRisk
Management(U101alsoreferredtoastheSafetyCertificationcourse).
FundamentalsofGymnasticsInstruction(U100)isrequiredforallmembersuponinitial
registration.Thecourseprovidesmemberswithanoverviewoffivekeyareas:theroleofacoachor
instructor,physicalsafety,classandpracticemanagement,athletedevelopment,andteaching
gymnasticsskills.Thisistheonlyrequiredcoachingeducationcurriculumforbothprofessionaland
instructormembersofUSAGymnastics;andthereisnorequirementthatitberepeated.
Beginningin1998,USAGymnasticsbeganrequiringallprofessionalmembers(butnotinstructor
members)tocompleteaSafety/RiskManagementCourseeveryfouryears.In2013,theSafetyandRisk
Management(U101)coursewasupdatedtoincludeanexpandedchapteronsexualmisconduct
prevention:Chapter6,PreventingChildAbuseinGymnastics.TheentireSafetyCertificationcourseis
offeredthroughinpersonsessionsduringselecttimesorevents(suchasaRegionalorNational
Congress)andonline.Thecourseboththeinpersontrainingandtheonlineversiontakes
approximatelyfourtofivehourstocomplete.Atcoursecompletion,allmembersmustpassa25
questionfinalexamwithascoreof75%orbettertoreceivecreditforthecourse.
Thefollowing14chaptersareincludedinthefourtofivehourSafetyCertificationCourse:Risk
Management;AModelofRiskManagement;Facilities;GymnasticsApparatusandEquipment;
SupervisionandInstruction;PreventingChildAbuseinGymnastics;MiscellaneousRiskManagement
Issues;PreparationforGymnastics;SportsMedicine;OtherMedicalConcerns;SpottingandAcrobatic
Devices;TrainingPits;ReboundingDevices;andResponsibilitiesoftheGymnast.
TheSafetyCertificationCourseIncludesOneChapteronChildAbusePreventionChapter6:
PreventingChildAbuseinGymnastics
TheonlychapterintheSafetyCertificationcoursefocusingonthepreventionofchildabuse
includesthefollowingtopics:
Zerotolerance
Thecoachathleterelationship
Physicalabuse
Sexualabuseandmisconduct
Prevention
o Predators:Situationaloffendersandpreferentialoffenders;
o Grooming
72

o Minimizing highrisk opportunities (oneonone situations; overnight travel;
local travel; locker rooms, lavatories or other unmonitored areas within the
facility; closeddoor, unobservable meetings; unsupervised, outofprogram
contact between a coach and athlete, usually at an offsite residence or in a
vehicle;socialevents,especiallythoseinvolvingalcohol;anathletegroupwitha
range of ages and development stages; and employing persons who may be
predators).
Intervention
o Signstolookfor
o Howtointervene
o Howtorespond
o BarrierstoReporting
Inaddition,thischapteremphasizestheneedforclubstohaveaParticipantWelfarePolicythat,
ataminimum,includesadescriptionofunacceptableconduct,standardsofbehaviorthatpromotechild
andparticipantwelfare,andaprocessforrespondingtoconcernsorreportsofconductthatviolatesthe
establishedpolicy.
Thecourseincludesvaluableinformationthattheprofessionalmembersinterviewedatthe
memberclubsseemedtounderstand.Forexample,mostclubsvisitedweredistinctlyawareoftherisks
associatedwithoneononeinteractions.Infact,manystatedthattheyhaveapolicyagainstanyone
ononeinteractionsinsideandoutsideofthegym.However,despiterecognizingthisrisk,someofthe
samegymsstillallowoneononetraveltooccurbetweenacoachandanathletewhendeemed
necessary.Somealsoallowcontactoutsideofscheduledprogrammingincludingbabysittingandprivate
lessonswhereoneononeinteractionsmayoccur.Allowingmemberclubstodecidewhichoneonone
interactionsarepermissibleandwhicharenotleadstoinconsistencyandhighrisksituations.
Anotherdiscrepancyrelatedtooneononeinteractionsoccurswithregardtoelectronic
communicationsbetweenadultsandathletes.Asaresult,coachesarenotallowedtocommunicate
directlywithathletesthroughelectronicmeans.Instead,allcommunicationisdirectedthrough
memberservicesortheclubowner.Parentsdonothavethecoachescontactinformationandcoaches
donothavetheparentscontactinformation.However,severalclubsstillallowathletesto
communicateelectronicallywiththeircoaches.Clubownersandcoachesexplainedthatthisisthe
easiestwayforathletestocommunicatewiththemaboutpractices,meets,andothersimilarmatters.
Additionally,manyclubsallowcoachestorecordortakepictureofathletesontheirmobile
devicesfortrainingpurposes.Someclubshaveapolicyrequiringthatcoachesdeletethepicturesand
videosfromtheirdevicespriortoleavingthegym;butmostdonothaveanyrulesorpoliciesregulating
coachestakingpicturesorvideoofathletes.Oneclubvisitedrequirescoachestosignoutacamerafrom
clubmanagementwhentakingpicturesandvideosofathletesfortrainingpurposes.
TheContentofPreventingChildAbuseinGymnasticsisNotSpecifictoGymnastics
PreventingChildAbuseinGymnasticsprovidesgenericabusepreventioninformation
applicabletoanysport.Whilethechapterincludeswordssuchascoachandathleteandgymnast,
thecontentandexamplesinthecoursearenotnecessarilyspecifictogymnastics.Forexample,the
coursedoesnotincludeinformationaboutwhatmakesgymnasticsaparticularlyhighrisksportfor
sexualabuse,includingtheageoftheathletes;theindividualnatureofthesport;thephysicalcontact
73

involved;formfitting,revealingattire;andthelike.Gymnasticsspecificcontentisimportanttoensure
thatthelearnercomprehendsandcanmitigatethegymnasticspecificrisks;andalsotoencouragethe
engagementofthelearnerandarecognitionthatthecontentappliestohis/herenvironment.
OnlyProfessionalMembersareRequiredtoCompletePreventingChildAbuseinGymnastics
Asdiscussedinprevioussectionsofthisreport,professionalmembersareonlyasubsetofthe
gymnasticscommunitythathasaccesstoyouth.Professionalmembersdonotincludeothercoachesin
memberclubs,allclubowners,orvolunteers.Therefore,eventhoughthecourseprovidesvaluable
informationaboutabuseprevention,theintendedaudiencesoftendonotreceivethetraining.
Forexample,PreventingChildAbuseinGymnasticsincludesthefollowinglanguage:
responsibilityforriskmanagementremainswiththelocalgymnasticsclubs.However,asdiscussedin
MemberRequirementsandEnforcement,currently,theownerofamemberclubisnotrequiredtobea
professionalmemberofUSAGymnastics.Therefore,iftheownerisnotaprofessionalmember,then
theownerwillneverreceivethisrecommendation;norwilltheownerknowwhattherecommendations
areforprofessionalmembersofUSAGymnastics.Iftheclubownerisnotawareofthe
recommendations,theownercannotholdmembersaccountable;andiftheownerisnotamemberof
USAGymnasticsorotherwiseunderitsjurisdiction,USAGymnasticscannotholdtheowneraccountable
todoso.
Preventing Child Abuse in Gymnastics Does Not Clearly Instruct Members to Report All
IncidentsofSuspectedAbuse
The How to Respond section of Preventing Child Abuse in Gymnastics outlines three steps to
considerwhenresponding:
Step1:Interruptordisrupttheconduct
Step2:Reporttothedesignatedadministrator
Step3:Ifonesuspectschildabuse,consultcounselaboutwhetherhe/shehasadutytoreport
totheproperlawenforcementauthoritiesbecauselegalreportingrequirementsvarybystate.
AsreferencedinStep3,mandatoryreportingrequirementsvarybystate.Insomestates,
anyonewhoworkswithachildisrequiredtoreportsuspectedabuse.Inotherstates,onlycertain
individualsarerequiredtoreportsuspectedabuse.Inotherstates,thepersonwithdirectknowledgeof
theabuseisrequiredtoreport;whileinstillotherstates,thereportmaybemadebyasupervisor.
Recommendingthatanindividualcontactlegalcounselbeforereportingmayinsomestatesviolate
mandatoryreportingrequirements.Itisbestforallmemberstounderstandthatbecauseoftheir
positionoftrustandauthoritywithathletes,theyshouldimmediatelyreportallsuspicionsorincidents
ofabuseregardlessofwhethertheyarerequiredundertheirstateslawstoreport.
TheSafeSportCodefortheOlympicandParalympicMovement,thegoverningdocument
publishedbytheU.S.CenterforSafeSport,nowrequiresreportingbyallCoveredIndividualstothe
74

Centerof[c]onductbyaCoveredIndividualthatcouldconstitutesexualmisconduct.63Further,this
sectionprovides:
If an allegation involves child abuse or neglect, the matter should also be referred to the
appropriatelegalauthorities.64
Furthermore,thenewFederalLegislation,onceenactedintolaw,isexpectedtorequirethe
reportingofsuspectedchildabusetolawenforcementbyeverypersonwhoisauthorizedtointeract
withminororamateurathletesbyanNGBorbyanyfacilityoverwhichanNGBhasjurisdiction.Thiswill
includeeveryadultworkingorvolunteeringinanymembercluboratanyUSAGymnasticsfacilityor
sanctionedevent.
USAGymnasticsDoesNotRequireTrainingRegardingtheCurrentCodeofEthicalConductor
theParticipantWelfarePolicy
Asaddressedinothersectionsofthisreport,USAGymnasticshashistoricallyandpurposefully
approachedabusepreventionthroughrecommendationsandnotrequirements.
WhileUSAGymnasticshasintroducedprofessionalmemberstotheParticipantWelfarePolicy,
USAGymnasticshasnotprovidedallmembersormemberclubswithtrainingspecifictorequiredabuse
preventionpoliciesandprocedures(indeed,USAGymnasticshasnotrequiredspecificabuseprevention
policiesandproceduresoftheindividualmembersormemberclubs).Ifmembersandmemberclubsare
nottrainedonstandardizedpolicies,thenmembersandmemberclubscannotknowwhichbehaviorsto
addressandreport.
USA Gymnastics Provides Voluntary Abuse Prevention Trainings/Educational Materials to

Members,ParentsandAthletes
USAGymnasticsoffersavarietyofoptionalinpersonandonlineeducationaltrainingstoits
individualmembers,memberclubs,staff,andthegeneralgymnasticscommunityontopicssuchas
preschoolgymnastics,recreationalgymnastics,programspecificeducation,positivecoaching
techniques,firstaid,businessdevelopment,andjudging.Inaddition,USAGymnasticsprovidesvarying
levelsofoptionalcertificationsthroughtheSchoolofCompetitiveGymnastics,theSchoolof
RecreationalGymnastics,theSchoolofBusiness,andtheSchoolofJudging.
In2012,USAGymnasticspartneredwithanumberofexternalagenciesandorganizationsto
provideadditionaltrainingcontentspecifictoabuseprevention.AreviewoftheUSAGymnastics
websitesuggeststhattheadditionalabusepreventiontrainingsand/orcontentareofferedthrough
DarknesstoLight,ChildLures,TeenLures,StopItNow!,theNationalFederationofStateHighSchool
Associations,NetSmartz,StopBullying,KidPower,thePositiveCoachingAlliance,USOCSafeSport,and
throughUSAGymnastics.
Recently,USAGymnasticsaddedadditionalabusepreventioncontentthroughanewcourse,
U110:USOCSafeSport.Thiscourse,offereddirectlythroughTeamUSAandtheU.S.Centerfor
SafeSport,isprovidedtoallmembersandnonmembersfreeofcharge.Thecourseprovides
participantswithanoverviewofmisconduct(notexclusivetosexualabuse)insports,howtorecognize
63
SafeSportCodefortheOlympicandParalympicMovement,supra,SectionV.A.1.
64
Id.,SectionV.A.2.
75

misconduct,howtopreventmisconductandabuse,andhowtotakeactionwhenmisconductis
suspected,reported,orwitnessed.Additionally,thecourseprovidesinformationspecifictothe
athlete/coachrelationshipacrossallsportsandacrossalllevels.Currently,thiscourseisnotrequiredfor
members.However,interviewswithNationalTeamStaffandsomeUSAGymnasticsemployees
indicatedthattheywererequiredtocompletethecourse,andmanyreportedthattheinformationwas
valuable.
Inaddition,USAGymnasticsnowoffersU301:StewardsofChildrenandU302:Recognizingand
RespondingtoChildAbusethroughapartnershipwithDarknesstoLight.TheStewardsofChildren
courseisofferedatafeetoallmembers($10)andnonmembers($25)andtheRecognizingand
Respondingcourseisfreetoallmembers(nonmemberspay$25).StewardsofChildrenisatwoanda
halfhourcoursethatprovidesuserswithanoverviewofchildsexualabuse,circumstancesinwhichthe
potentialforchildsexualabuseexists,strategiesforprevention,andthesignsofsexualabuse.TheUSA
Gymnasticswebsitestatesthatparticipantscanexpectfourkeyoutcomesfromthetraining:
1. Increased awareness of the prevalence, consequences, and circumstances of child

sexualabuse;
2. Newskillstoprevent,recognize,andreactresponsiblytochildsexualabuse;
3. Proactive,positiveinputtochangeorganizationalpoliciesandprocedures;
4. Individualcommitmenttoactionviaapersonalpreventionplan.65
RecognizingandRespondingtoChildAbuseisaonehourcoursethatprovidesparticipantswith
statespecificreportinglawsandhowtoeffectivelyreportconcernsorabuse.Bothcoursesheavily
emphasizevictimexperiencethroughthepresentationoffirsthanddescriptionsandtestimony.While
bothcoursespresentpotentiallyvaluableinformationtothosewhochoosetoparticipate,thecourses
donotpresentanycontentthatisnotalreadycoveredinthenewlyaddedU110:USOCSafeSport
courseandneitherisapartofrequiredcurriculumforanymemberoremployeewithinthesport.
Additionally,neithercourseprovidesparticipantswithinformationuniquetogymnastics,the
athlete/coachrelationship,orgymnasticsspecifically.Thecoursesareinsteadintendedasgeneral
educationforallaudiences.
USAGymnasticsVoluntaryAbusePreventionMaterialsareNotReachingIntendedAudiences
OneofthemostsignificantabusepreventionactionstakenbyUSAGymnasticswastheoffering
ofClubsCare(professionalmemberandMemberClubsmaterials)andWeCarein2012(athleteand
parentmaterials).Throughtheseprograms,USAGymnasticsprovidedabuseawareness,preventionand
reportinginformationtoprofessionalmembers,MemberClubs,andathletemembersandtheirfamilies.
Specifically,theClubCarecampaignincludessamplepoliciesandproceduresfortopicsincluding:
StandardsofBehavior
GroomingandSignsofAbuse
SafeEnvironment/AthleteProtectionPolicies
MoreEssentialPolicies
65
https://www.usagym.org/pages/education/courses/U301/.
76

o Travel
o ElectronicCommunication
o LockerRoom
Hiring/Screening
Training
Reporting
CommunicationwithParents
Eventhoughthesevoluntaryprogramsincludevaluableinformation,manyofthememberclubs
visitedwereunawareoftheseresources.Infact,mostmemberclubsdonothavewrittenguidelines
regardingappropriateandinappropriatephysicalandverbalinteractions.
Eventhoughthesevoluntaryprogramsincludevaluableinformation,manyofthememberclubs
visitedwereunawareoftheseresources.Infact,mostmemberclubsdonothavewrittenguidelines
regardingappropriateandinappropriatephysicalandverbalinteractions.Interviewsrevealedthat
manyclubsrelyoncoachesandemployeestousecommonsenseandtheirownjudgmentwhile
interactingphysicallyandverballywithathletes.Asaresult,memberclubsacrossthecountryallowa
widerangeofphysicalinteractionsbetweencoachesandathletesincludingmassaging,stretching,and
similaractivities.Mostclubsreviewedonlyhadverbalinteractionguidelinespertainingtoproviding
positiveandconstructivefeedbacktoathletes.
AccordingtotheSafeSportTimeline,USAGymnasticsbeganofferingSafeSporttrainingsat
RegionalandNationalCongressesin2005.However,interviewsindicatedthatoverall,typicallyonlythe
larger,establishedgymssendcoachesorleadershiptoregional/nationalcongressduetothecostfactor;
andthetrainingisoptionalevenforthoseinattendance.Ininterviews,wedidnotencountera
professionalmemberwhocouldrecallattendingabusepreventiontrainingorcurriculumataCongress.
SincethereleaseofthenewSafeSportprogram,USAGymnasticshasprovidedadditional
webinarsandvideoclipsfromDarknesstoLightregardingtheprevention,recognitionandreportingof
sexualabuse,allavailablethroughtheUSAGymnasticswebsite.
Interviewsalsorevealedthatwhileprofessionalmemberscomplywiththetraining
requirements,mostclubsdonotprovideorrequireadditionalabusepreventiontrainingfortheir
employees.Inaddition,manysmallergymscommentedthatthecostofonlinetrainingwasprohibitive
andfeltthatasmemberclubstheyshouldreceiveaccesstokeyadditionaltrainingsasamemberclub
benefit.
LackofAwarenessRegardingVariousAspectsofSexualAbuse
Interviewsindicatethatmostcoaches(membersandnonmembercoaches)viewsexualabuse
asamalecoachtofemaleathleteproblemexclusively.Intervieweesdidnotrecognizetheriskofsexual
abuseoccurringinsamesexpairings,withfemaleadults,orbetweentwoathletes.Forexample,in
certainrhythmicgymnasticsclubs,themembersreportedtheydonotworryaboutsexualabuse
becausetheirgymshaveallfemalestaffandonlyfemaleathletes.
77

USAGymnasticsDoesNotProvideParentswithMandatoryAbusePreventionInformation
AccordingtotheSafeSportTimelineprovidedbyUSAGymnastics,USAGymnasticsrolledout
theWeCareCampaignin2012.Thiseducationalinitiativewastargetedatparentstoraiseawareness
ofsexualabuse.
USAGymnasticsalsoprovidedtheDarknesstoLight:StewardsofChildrenonlineabuse
preventiontrainingtoparents.
Inaddition,USAGymnasticsrecentlyupdatedtheparentportionofitsSafeSportwebsiteto
includeanewonlinecoursetheSafeSportComplimentaryParentCourse,createdbytheUnited
StatesOlympicCommittee.WiththenewSafeSportinformationnowavailable,USAGymnasticshasalso
updateditswebsitewithabusepreventioninformationforathletes.
Interviewsindicatedthatmostclubsdonotutilizetheabusepreventionparentmaterials
providedbyUSAGymnastics.Infact,someclubrepresentativesstatedthattheydidnotfeelthatthe
messagewassomethingtheywantedtodisplaypublicly.Somefeltthatitwouldcausefearandparanoia
amongparentsorcausethemtobelievetheclubhasproblemsrelatedtosexualabuse.Afewclubs
reportedhostingparentmeetingsforteamathletesatthebeginningofameetseasonorwhenan
athletefirstjoinsthecompetitiveteamprogram.However,veryfewclubsreviewedincorporategym
policiesorabusepreventionmaterialsintothosemeetings.Manyclubsalsostatedthattheydidnot
knowhowtotalktoparentsaboutsuchadifficulttopicsotheyavoideditandfocusedoncoaches
instead.Mostbutnotallclubsvisiteddidprovideparentstheopportunitytoviewallclubpoliciesby
placingthematthefrontdeskinanaccessiblearea.
USAGymnasticsDoesNotProvideAthleteswithFormalSafeSportorReportingTraining
TheWeCareCampaignalsoincludesposters,videosandotherresourcesthroughtheUSA
Gymnasticswebsiteaimedateducatingyouthonabusepreventiontopics.However,interviews
indicatedthatmostclubsrevieweddonotprovideathleteswithformalabusepreventioneducationon
anongoingbasis.Severalclubownersandcoachesdiscussedthattheyhaveconversationswiththeir
athletesonwhotoreporttoattheclubifsomeonemakesthemfeeluncomfortableorifthey
experiencebullying.Additionally,noneoftheclubsvisitedarecurrentlyeducatingathletesontheissue
ofpeertopeersexualabuse.Thememberclubsvisiteddidnothaveaformalanonymousmethodfor
athletestoreportconcernsorabuse.Mostclubsexplainedthattheydonothaveananonymous
methodofreportingbecausetheybelieveathletesknowtowhomtheycangoattheclubwithconcerns.
78

Education,TrainingandAthleteSupport
Recommendations
ImplementaStrategic,ComprehensiveAbusePreventionTrainingPlanforMembers,Parents
andAthletes
Havingtheentiregymnasticscommunitywelltrainedinchildabusepreventionisessentialto
creatingasafeenvironmentwithinUSAGymnastics.Themoremembers,parentsandathletesknow
aboutabuseprevention,themorecomfortabletheywillfeelreportinganyconcerns.Abuserisk
managementtrainingsendsapowerfulmessagetoparents,athletes,andtopotentialabusers.Ittells
parents,Wecareenoughaboutthewellbeingandsafetyofyourchildtorequiretraining.Ittells
athletes,Wecareenoughaboutyoutomakesureyouaresafe.Ittellspotentialabusers,Abusewill
notgoundetectedorunreported.
Infrequentlyrequiringabusepreventiontrainingandsimplymakingvoluntaryabuseprevention
resourcesavailablethroughmailingsandthewebsitehasnotresultedintheintendedoutcomeforUSA
Gymnastics.Amorestrategic,comprehensiveplanisnecessarytoensureallaudiencesareeducatedin
USAGymnasticspoliciesandproceduresforabuseprevention.Thefollowingrecommendationsinthis
sectionshouldaidinthedevelopmentofthisplan.
CreateStandaloneCourseinPreventingChildAbuseinGymnastics
ToeffectivelydemonstrateUSAGymnasticscommitmenttopreventingabuseandtoeffectively
traintheadultsinthecommunityonabuseprevention,theabusepreventionmaterialshouldbe
removedfromthelengthySafetyCertificationCourseanddeliveredasastandalonecourse.
Withoutproperabusepreventiontraining,membersofUSAGymnasticscannotcontributetoa
safeenvironmentfortheathletesintheircare.Effectivetrainingcanteachadultstounderstandtheir
roleasprotector,torecognizeandrespondtoinappropriateinteractionsthatmayforetellabuse,to
monitorhighriskactivitiesandlocationsandtoprotectthemselvesandtheircolleaguesfromfalse
allegationsofabuse.Trainingalsocommunicatesthattheorganizationhasshownduediligenceinits
attemptstopreventabuseanditsendsthemessage:Wewillnottolerateanyformofabuseinthis
organization.
ReviseandExpandtheCurrentPreventingChildAbuseinGymnasticsCoursetoIncludethe
Following,ataMinimum:

o Contentandexamplesspecifictogymnastics
Tobeeffective,trainingcontentmustberelevant,timelyandapplicable.Byincluding
gymnasticsspecificcontentintheabusepreventioncourse,thelearnersaremorelikelytocomprehend
andremembertheteachingpointsofthecourse.
79

o UpdatedSectiononReporting
Insteadofinstructingmemberstoconsultcounselaboutwhetherhe/shehasadutytoreport
totheproperlawenforcementauthoritiesbecauselegalreportingrequirementsvarybystate,revise
Step3tostate:Reportsuspectedabusetotheproperauthorities,andclarifythatthismeansthe
designatedlocallawenforcementagencyaswellastheU.S.CenterforSafeSportandUSAGymnastics.
o Informationaboutothertypesofsexualabuse
Abusedoesnotoccursolelyfrommalecoachtofemaleathlete.Abusecanoccurinany
situationwhereonepersonisputinapositionofauthorityoveranotherpersonorisperceivedtohave
greaterpowerthantheotherperson.Forexample,researchhasshownasignificantincreasein
incidentsofyouthtoyouthabuseoverthepastfewyears.Anyenvironmentwhereyouthsarechanging
clothes,traveling,orareunsupervisedforperiodsoftime(suchashotelrooms),presentsthepossibility
ofyouthactingoutsexually.
Ensure That USA Gymnastics Consistently Reinforces the Revised Training Content Through
AnnualTrainingRequirements
Peopletendtoforgetwhattheylearnintrainingespeciallywhenthattrainingisrepeatedonly
onceeveryfouryears.Byrequiringthisrevisedtrainingmorefrequently,membersaremorelikelyto
remembermoreofthetopicsaddressed.
Requiringabuseriskmanagementtrainingannuallyrefresheswhatindividualshavepreviously
learnedwhileprovidingadditionalknowledgeandskillsthatwillfurtherenhancetheirabilitytoprotect
thoseintheircare.Furthermore,boostertrainingkeepssafetyconcernsfrontofmindand
demonstratestheorganizationscommitmenttopreventingabuse.
Create a Required, Annual Safe Sport Training for All Members Regarding USA Gymnastics
RevisedAbusePreventionPolicies,Procedures,andReportingMechanisms.
Organizationalpoliciesandproceduresareessentialtoeffectiveabuseriskmanagement.They
definetheorganizationsphilosophyandoutlinehowadultsandyoutharetooperatewithinthe
organization.Tobecomepartoftheorganizationsculture,everypersonintheentireorganizationmust
beawareofthesepoliciesandunderstandhis/herindividualresponsibilityforimplementingand
enforcingthem.
ThenewSafeSportcourseshouldincludethefollowingcontent:
o TherevisedUSAGymnasticsCodeofEthicalConduct
o TherevisedSafeSportPolicyforUSAGymnastics
o Aclearexplanationofdisciplinarymeasuresapplicabletoviolations
o How to report conduct concerns to the proper law enforcement authorities; USA
Gymnastics;andtheU.S.CenterforSafeSportandtherequirementthatthisbedone
Thistrainingshouldbeavailablebothinpersonatavarietyoftimesandlocationsaswellason
line.Tothegreatestextentpossible,trainingshouldbeprovidedinpersontoenhancethelearningand
recollectionofthosereceivingit.AsUSAGymnasticsupdatespoliciesandprocedures,thetraining
80

shouldreflectthosechanges.Inaddition,USAGymnasticsstaffshouldcreateasystemformonitoring
yearlycompliancewiththisrequirement.
IncludeMandatoryPlenarySessionsforAllNationalCongressAttendeesonSafeSport
RequirementsandAbusePreventionInformation.
TheAnnualCongressisthelargestgatheringofUSAGymnasticsmembersandtherefore
presentstheperfectopportunitytodemonstrateUSAGymnasticscommitmenttoabuseprevention
throughamandatorySafeSportupdatesession.WhiletheAnnualCongresswillnotreachtheentire
universeofmemberswhoneedtoreceivetraining,itreachesasignificantnumberperhaps500
coachesandrequiredparticipationbyallattendeeswillsendanimportantmessageaboutthefirm
commitmentofUSAGymnasticstoprotectionofitsathletes,aswellasitsclearexpectationthat
memberswillsharethatcommitment.
Additionalopportunitiesformandatoryinpersontrainingcanoccuratannualregional
congressesand/ortrainings.
RequireAllMemberClubstoHostAnnualTrainingforCoaches,AthletesandParents(All
Together)RegardingtheRevisedCodeofEthicalConductandRevisedSafeSportPolicy
Reviewingabusepreventioninformationandpoliciesannuallywithcoaches,parentsand
athleteshelpstofostertransparencyandaccountabilityamongallpartiesinvolved.Ifacoachhasbad
intentions,thistrainingputshim/heronnoticethatothercoaches,athletes,andparentareawareofthe
clubsabusepreventionpolicies.Hopefully,suchatrainingwillencourageanoffendertoselfselectout
oftheorganization.Andthefactthatthetrainingincludesparents,athletesandcoachestogetherwill
makeitcleartotheathletesandtheirparentsnotonlywhattheboundariesareandwhatbehavioris
prohibited,butalsothefactthatthecoachiswellawareofthoseboundariesandprohibitions.This
shouldempowerathletesandtheirparentstospeakupwhensomeoneinauthorityengagesin
prohibitedbehavior.
ConsiderCreatingaSafeSportCertificationforClubs
SomeotherNGBsprovideanavenuefortheiraffiliatedmemberorganizationstodemonstrate
theircommitmenttoprotectionoftheathletesandinreturnreceivecertificationasaSafeSport
environment.Thiscertificationcanbefeaturedinsignsintheaffiliatelocationaswellasonthe
organizationswebsitetosignaltoathletes,theirparentsandothersthattheytaketheprotectionof
theirathletesseriouslyandwilltakeactionstoguaranteetheirsafety.
Inaddition,SafeSportcertifiedclubswouldbeinapositiontomentorotherclubsandthusnot
onlyincreasethenumberofcertifiedclubsbutalsospreadthewordthattheprotectionofathletesis
theexpectednorminthesport.
ProvideParentswithInformationaboutUSAGymnasticsAbusePreventionPoliciesand
ProceduresandHowtoProtecttheirChildrenfromAbuseonanAnnualBasis
Byprovidingparentswithinformationabouthowtokeeptheirchildrensafefromabuse,USA
Gymnasticscanenlistparentstoensurememberpoliciesarefollowed.BecauseUSAGymnasticsstaff
andmemberscannotbeeverywhere,parentscanrecognizeinteractionsthatmaybeinappropriateor
thatputtheiryouthsatriskandreportthatinformationaccordingly.Buildingapartnershipwithparents
81

canexpandinformalmonitoringtoincludetheadultsmostinvolvedinthelivesofUSAGymnastics
athletes.
ProvideAthleteswithAgeAppropriateAbusePreventionEducationonanAnnualBasis
Athletescancontributetotheirownsafetyiftheyknowwhatisacceptableandwhattoexpect
fromcoaches,membersandotherprogramparticipants.Ifviolationsoccur,theycanspotthemandlet
othersknow.
Whenathletesknowthepoliciesregardingappropriateandinappropriateinteractionsbetween
adultsandyouth,andthatthosepoliciesaretakenseriouslybytheorganization,theywillbemorelikely
toreportviolations.Athletesshouldknowhowprogramsaregovernedandmonitored,whatcontactis
permittedbetweencoaches/membersandathletes,andhowtocontactatleasttwopeoplewithinUSA
Gymnasticstoexpressconcerns.Keepingathletesinformedandinvolvedmakesthempartoftherisk
managementteamoftheorganization.
Someforwardleaningclubshavediscussionswithparentsandathletes,withcoachespresent,
abouttheconductthatisexpectedofcoachesandotherstaffbytheclubs.Asindicatedonthe
precedingpage,itisrecommendedthatUSAGymnasticsrequireallclubstohaveameetingwithall
athletes,parentsandcoachesattheoutsetoftheathletesinvolvementwiththeclubandatleast
annuallythereafter,tomakeclearexactlywhatkindofbehaviorisprohibitedonthepartofcoaches,
otherstaffandvolunteersasrelatestotheathletes.Iftheathleteandhis/herparentshearthis
informationregularlyandknowthatthecoachheardit,too,theywillbemorelikelytofeelconfidence
inreportingbehaviorviolativeoftherules.
Thistypeofprocessshouldbe,ataminimum,heldoutasabestpracticeandhelptoqualifya
clubforhighachieverstatuswithUSAGymnasticsthatcouldleadtospecialrecognitionamongmember
clubs.
ProvideaStrongerSupportSystemtoAthletes
Asdescribedinothersectionsofthisreport,USAGymnasticsathletesareconditionednotto
complain,nottoreportinjuries,nottoreportinappropriateorquestionablebehaviorofcoaches,etc.
becausereportingmayresultinalostopportunitytocompeteorexcel,aswellasostracismbytheir
peers.Providingtheseyoungathleteswithatrustedsupportsystemmaybreakdownsomeofthose
barrierstoreporting.Ifathletesknowtheirparentsaretrained,perhapstheywillreporttothem.
Inaddition,ifathletesknowtheyhaveaccesstoatrustedadultoutsideofUSAGymnastics,that
mightprovideanotherimpetusforreporting.Wesuggestthatanindependentombudsmanortrusted
mentorshouldbemadeavailabletoeliteathletes.Clearlythereisaconcernonthepartofathletes
aboutreportingtoanyoneinapositiontoimpacttheircompetitiveopportunities;sosome
independent,trustedliaisoniscriticaltoencouragingreporting.
OneofthemembersofthePolicyReviewPanel,theownerofalargegymnasticsclub,suggested
theanalogyofchildactorsinHollywood.Thereisasystemwithinthemovieindustryrequiringanadult
onthesetwhoseinterestispurelyadvocacyonbehalfofthechildactor.Itisrecommendedthata
similarlyindependentadvocatebeavailabletoathletes,particularlyeliteathletesattheNationalTeam
TrainingCenter(seebelow).
82

ConsiderCreatinganAthleteBillofRights
Asindicatedintheinitialsectionsofthisreport,younggymnastsliveshelteredlives,centered
aroundthegymandtheirrigoroustrainingregimen.Themoretheyexcelatthesport,themore
isolatedtheycanbecome;anditisdifficultforthemtoidentifythelinebetweenrigoroustrainingand
abusivebehavior.Theymaynotevenrecognizeinsomecasesthattheyarebeingabused,whether
physically,emotionallyorsexually;andiftheydo,theyfeelpowerlesstodoanythingaboutit.Andthey
certainlyarenotawareofthetypesofbehaviorsthatconstitutegroomingforsexualabuse.
Asapartofthesupportsystemproposedimmediatelyabove,werecommendthedevelopment
ofanathletebillofrightsmakingitcleartoyounggymnastswhattypesofbehaviortheyshouldnotbe
expectedtotolerate,andtheactionstheycansafelytaketoprotectthemselvesandobtainprotection
fromadultsresponsiblefortheirwellbeing.Thisshouldincludeinstructiononalternativewaysto
reportviolationsofconductrulesthattheymayfeelsafeemploying.
83
Encouraging Reporting
of Suspected Violations

EncouragingReportingofSuspectedViolations
Findings
TheOverallEnvironmentSurroundingCompetitiveGymnastics,andinParticularUSA
Gymnastics,TendstoSuppressReporting
Asindicatedthroughoutthisreport,therearemanybarrierstothereportingofabuseby
athletesandtheirparents.Theyinclude:
o Ageandemotionaldevelopmentofathletes
o Lackofcomprehensionbyathletesabout,andrecognitionof,wrongfulacts
o Strongdesiretopleaseauthorityfigures
o Powerimbalanceinherentinthesport
o Cultureofmentaltoughness,nocomplaining
o Lackoftrustrelationships
o Concernaboutimpactofreportingonsuccess(teamselection;futurescholarships)
o Ostracismofthosewhodocomplain
o Perceptionthatanyreportmustbeintheformofawritten,signedcomplaintthatwill
besharedwiththeallegedperpetrator
Forthereasonsoutlinedabove,youngathletes,theirparents,andevensomeclubownersand
coachesarehighlyunlikelytoreportabuse.Inourinterviews,wegatheredthatinsomecases,abused
athletes,feelingtrappedinasituationtheyfeltpowerlesstostop,hopedinvainforanotheradultto
stepinandstoptheabuse.
Further,someclubownersarereluctanttoreportabuse.Thisisnotbyanymeansuniversal,
andthatshouldbeclearlyunderstood.Thevastmajorityoftheadultsinvolvedinthesporthave
nothingbutthebestinterestsoftheathletesatheart.However,somedonotrecognizeabusewhenit
occurs;somearedesperateforcoachestokeepupwiththeinfluxofyoungaspiringgymnasts;andsome
fearthattheclubitselfwillgetabadreputationifitislearnedthatanathletewasabusedbysomeone
attheclub.
Theadultswhowereunawareofabusebyotheradultsinthesportoftenexpresschagrinand
bewildermentthattheywereunabletodetectabusethatwasoccurringevenwhentheywereinthe
vicinityofit.Withoutclearguidelinesforconductforexample,undernocircumstancesisanycoach
evertobealonewithanathleteotherwellmeaningadultscanfallvictimtotheassurancesofa
wrongdoer.Asanexample,oneabusivecoachusedtobringanathleteintohisofficefrequently,and
othercoachesbelievedhimwhenhesaidhewascounselingher.
USAGymnasticsHasNotHistoricallyRequiredReportingofMisconduct,EithertoUSA
GymnasticsortoLawEnforcement
Atthetimethisreportisbeingwritten,USAGymnasticsdoesnotrequirethatitsmembers
reportsuspectedchildabuse.TheParticipantWelfarePolicyineffectasofmidJune2017providesas
follows:
84

AnypersonwhoreasonablyandingoodfaithbelievesamemberofUSAGymnasticshasabused
anotherperson,whetherphysicalorsexual,suchpersonmaynotifytheUSAGymnastics
NationalOfficepursuanttoArticles9and/or10oftheUSAGymnasticsBylaws.66
ThepolicyindicatesthatUSAGymnastics,inturn,willfollowapplicablelawinreporting
suspectedabusetolawenforcement,andmayreporttolawenforcement,evenifnotcompelledby
lawtodoso,ifitbelievesitnecessarytoprotectapersonfromthepossibilityoffurtherabuse.67
Asaresult,clubpersonnelhavebeenuncertainaboutthereportingrequirementsand
processes.Thereisuncertaintyaboutwhatrisestothelevelofareportableoffense;andUSA
GymnasticsmembersarenotrequiredbyUSAGymnasticstoreportabuseorotherwrongdoing.The
processitselfiscumbersomeandsomewhatmysterioustothoseinthefield.
ThelackofanyrequirementonthepartofUSAGymnasticsthatmembersreportsuspected
abuseorothermisconducthasdonenothingtoencouragereporting.Andalackofenforcement
mechanismsingeneralcanmeanthatpolicieswillbeignoredbythosewhoseconducttheyareintended
tocontrol.
USAGymnasticsanditsmemberclubshaveinthepastfocusedonwhetherapersonis
mandatedtoreportsuspectedabusetolawenforcementunderthelawsofthestateinwhichtheabuse
allegedlyoccurred,ratherthanmandatingreportinginallinstances.
Thesepoliciesarelikelytochange,iffornootherreasonduetoexternalforces.TheU.S.Center
forSafeSportnowrequireseverycoveredadult,meaningapersonwhoisunderthejurisdictionofan
NGB,orwasatthetimeofareportedincidentofabuse,orisanapplicantformembership,toreport
suspectedabuse,inparticularsexualmisconduct,totheCenter.TheFederalLegislationwillrequire
reportingtolawenforcementofanysuspectedabuseofaminor.
Asindicatedelsewhereinthisreport,USAGymnasticsisintheprocessofrevisingitsParticipant
WelfarePolicy,aligningitwiththepoliciespromulgatedbytheU.S.CenterforSafeSport,andre
brandingittheUSAGymnasticsSafeSportPolicy.Reportingofsuspectedchildabuseisexpectedto
berequiredunderthenewpolicy,bothtotheCenterandtolawenforcement.
LawEnforcementUnlikelytoProsecuteGroomingBehavior,andLikelihoodofCenter
PursuingitisUnknown
Agreatdealoftheactivitythatishighriskandcanleadtosexualabuse,oftendescribedas
groomingactivity,doesnotfallwithinthedefinitionofchildabuseundercriminalstatutes,and
thereforecannotbeprosecuted.However,interveningduringthegroomingstagecanpreventabuse
fromoccurring;thus,itiscriticallyimportanttostopthisactivityinordertoprotectminorsfromabuse.
WhileitisunknownwhethertheU.S.CenterforSafeSportwillresolvecasesthatfallintothis
category,giventhefactthatthereare47NGBsandwillbemyriadreportsofabuseitissomewhatlikely
thattheCenterwillneedtorelyontheNGBstoenforcetheproscriptionsonsuchbehavior.Thiswill
leaveUSAGymnasticswiththeresponsibilityofdoingso.
66
ParticipantWelfarePolicy,supra,Section3,ReportingSuspectedAbuse.
67
Id.,Section2,LegalReportingRequirements.
85

TheReportingMechanismisCumbersomeandDiscouragesReportingofAbuse
Asindicatedinapriorsectionofthisreport,Article10oftheBylawscallsforagrievancestyle
complaintprocess.Itisperceivedbyathletesandtheirparentsthattheymustfileawrittenreport
withUSAGymnasticsheadquartersinordertoinitiateactionagainstsomeonewhoisabusingan
athlete;andthattheirwrittencomplaintwillbesharedwiththeperpetrator.Hislawyerwillhavethe
opportunitytocrossexaminethecomplainantinahearing.Theentireprocessisforeigntoyoung
athletes,whoknownothingofsuchprocessesandaretaughtthattocomplainisnotencouraged.
86

EncouragingReportingofSuspectedViolations
Recommendations
PermitThirdPartyReportingofPolicyViolationsandAbusetoUSAGymnasticsbyThird
Parties
Thirdpartyreportingshouldbeencouraged,notdiscouragedasitappearstobenow.Ayoung
athletewillnotfeelcomfortabletellinganyoneinauthorityaboutabuse,butmaytellsomeoneelse.
Thirdpartiesmustbeencouragedtoreportsuspectedabuse,notonlytoUSAGymnasticsbutalsotolaw
enforcement.Membersshouldberequiredtoreportanysuspectedabuse;andnonmembersshould
beencouragedtoreportsuspectedabusebyanymemberaswell.
RequireReportingofAbuseandReportingofPolicyViolations
Anymemberwhosuspectsabuseshouldberequirednotjustpermittedtoreporttolaw
enforcement,aswellastheCenterandUSAGymnastics.
Withregardtoreportstolawenforcement,membersshouldberequiredtoreportsuspected
abuseregardlessofwhethertheyaremandatedbythatstateslawstoreport.
OncetheParticipantWelfarePolicyandtheCodeofEthicalConductarerevised,USA
Gymnasticsshouldalsorequirereportingofviolationsofthecodethatfallshortofactualsuspected
abusetoUSAGymnastics,andshouldbepreparedtoactpromptlyonthem.
Itdoesappearthatastomemberreporting,theserecommendationswillbefollowedinthe
revisionandrebrandingoftheParticipantWelfarePolicytotheUSAGymnasticsSafeSportPolicy.
EnforceSeriousConsequencesforFailuretoReportAbuse
Asindicatedabove,thereiscurrentlynorequirementthatmembersreportabuse,muchless
anysanctionforfailuretodoso.USAGymnasticsshouldinstituteanescalatingscaleofsanctionsfor
failuretoreportviolationsoftherevisedCodeofEthicalConduct,rangingallthewayuptolossof
membershipstatusonthepartofaclubanditsowner,oracoachwhofailstoreportsuspected
physical,sexualoremotionalabuse.SanctionsforfailuretoreportisolatedviolationsoftheCodeof
EthicalConduct,asrevisedperourrecommendations,wouldbeexpectedtobeoflessermagnitude;but
afailuretoreportsuspectedabusetolawenforcement,USAGymnasticsandtheCentershouldbe
groundsforterminationofmembership.
Consequencesforfailuretoreportshouldbeclearlydefinedforeachtypeofmember,including
memberclubs,clubowners,otherindividualmembers,andUSAGymnasticsstaff.
FailuretoreportonthepartofamemberwillnotalwaysbereadilyapparenttoUSA
Gymnastics;butwhereitisidentifiedandprovenunderapreponderanceoftheevidencestandard,it
shouldbesanctionedfirmlyandpromptly.Membersshouldalsobeseverelydisciplinedforany
retaliationagainstanypersoninresponsetoareport.
87

Similarly,inordertomaintaintheintegrityoftheprocess,falsereportingshouldbeseverely
sanctioned.Aknowinglyfalsereportofchildsexualabuseshouldbegroundsforterminationof
membership.
ExpandReportingMethodstoEncourageandFacilitateReporting
Assuggestedinourfindings,thecurrentprocessforreportingofabuseisnotonethat
encouragesreportingbyathletesandtheirparents,whoarealreadyloathtostepforward.There
shouldbeadditionalmeansofreporting,beginningwithaclearstatementthatawrittencomplaintby
theallegedvictimorvictimsparentisnotrequiredtoinitiatetheprocess.
ItisalreadypossibletomakereportsbytelephonetotheprimaryofficeofUSAGymnastics,but
itappearstheprocedureisnotwellunderstood.Thosewhohavereportedoftendonothearbackfora
lengthyperiodoftime;failuretoprovideatimelyresponsegenerallydiscouragesreporting.Itisalso
possibletomakeananonymousreport,thoughbothUSAGymnasticsandtheCenterindicatethatit
makesinvestigationmoredifficult.
Thereshouldbemultiplemeansofreporting,includinganonymousreporting.Theyshould
includeathletefriendlymethods,includingonlinereporting;somehavealsosuggestedacellular
telephoneapplication(app),whichwouldbeafamiliarmeansofcommunicationtotodaysyoung
athletes.Theappcouldpotentiallyhavebroaderfunctioning,suchasallowingathletestoreceive
feedback,askquestionsandinteractwithotherathletes.
Itshouldbenotedthatthegroupofformergymnastswhoworkedtogetherin2012tocreate
recommendationsforUSAGymnasticsreportedlyincludedamongthoserecommendationsthatan
abusereportinghotlineshouldbecreatedthatwouldpermitanonymousreportingbyathletesandtheir
parents.68Otherorganizationsusingcurrentbestpracticesoftenusethetermhelplinetodescribe
thismethodofcommunication,asitcanencouragereporting.Suchahelpline,tobeeffective,would
havetobeoutsidethechainofcommandofUSAGymnasticsbuthavetheabilitytoensurethatreports
wouldbeinvestigatedorreportedimmediatelytolawenforcementifthereportprovidedreasonto
suspectabuse.
AcceptandInvestigateReportsRelatingtoMisconductbyaMemberinWhichtheVictimisa
NonMember
Itappearsthat,atleastinpastyears,USAGymnasticsofficialswoulddeclinetoinvestigate
reportsofmisconductbymembersagainstnonmembers,basedontheirunderstandingofthe
limitationsontheirjurisdiction.
Withoutquestion,thefocusshouldbeontheoffenderandnotonthestatusofthevictim.
Thus,anymember,applicantorpersonwhowasamemberatthetimeofanallegedoffenseshouldbe
subjecttosanctionregardlessofwhethertheminor(s)heisaccusedofhavingabusedisorwasa
memberofUSAGymnastics.Theorganizationshouldensurethatareportismadetoappropriate
authoritiesinanycaseofsuspectedabusecommittedbyapersonunderthejurisdictionofUSA
68
ProminentGymnastsRenewCallforChange,TheIndianapolisStar,October8,2016,
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/investigations/2016/10/08/prominentgymnastsrenewcall
change/91465112/.
88

Gymnastics,regardlessofwhotheallegedvictim(s)maybe.Infact,eveniftheallegedabuserisanon
member,suspectedabuseshouldalwaysbereportedimmediatelytolawenforcement.
ProvideTrainingtoAllMembersandStaffRegardingReportingRequirements
Asindicatedelsewhereinthisreport,simplyhavingapolicyinplacedoesnothingtoensurethat
thepolicywillbefollowed.Itiscriticallyimportantthattherebeconsequencesforfailuretofollowthe
policyandthatthepolicyisenforced,asindicatedabove.Itisalsocriticallyimportantthateveryone
expectedtounderstandandabidebythepolicy,includingallmembersaswellasUSAGymnasticsstaff,
receiveperiodictrainingregarding,amongotherthings:
o Whatistobereported
o Reportingrequirements
o Methodsofreporting
o Protectionsforthosewhoreport
o Processfollowingareport
o Consequencesforfailuretoreport
89
National Team
Training Center

NationalTeamTrainingCenter
Background
TheNationalTeamTrainingCenter(alsoreferredtoasTheRanchortheNTTC)isthetraining
facilityforWomensArtistic,AcrobaticGymnastics,TrampolineandTumbling,andRhythmic
Gymnastics.TheWomensArtisticGymnasticsnationalteambegantrainingattheRanchin1999dueto
thecreationofasemicentralizedtrainingsystemundertheleadershipandinfluenceofBelaand
MarthaKarolyi.Itwasnotuntil2010thattheothergymnasticsprogramsbeganutilizingtheRanchas
theirNationalTeamTrainingCenter.
Currently,theNTTC,ownedbyBelaandMarthaKarolyibutleasedbyUSAGymnastics,islocated
inNewWaverly,TexasintheSamHoustonNationalForest.Thepropertyhas3traininggyms,multiple
motels(multiroombuildings,theindividualroomsofwhichsleep14people),acafeteria,and
multiplerecreationareas.Themotelscanaccommodateasmanyas115individuals.Additionally,there
areanumberofdormitorystylecabins,setsomedistanceawayfromthemotelsandgyms,that
historicallyhavebeenusedforsummercamps.However,duetochangestotheproperty,thecabinsare
notcurrentlyinuse.
Eachyear,theNTTChoststwoTOPS(TalentOpportunityProgram)campsforyounggirlsage7
10,multipleDevelopmentalCampsforgirlsapproximatelyage912whoareapproachingtheelitelevel,
andmonthlyNationalTeam(elitelevel)camps.Eachcampusesthemotelsforathlete,coach,and
NationalTeamstaffaccommodations.EachcampisstaffedbyNationalTeamstaffwhoarespecialistsin
events,dance,and/orchoreography.Athletestravelwiththeircoaches(sometimesoneonone)and
trainundertheguidanceoftheNationalTeamCoordinator,NationalTeamStaff,andtheirpersonal
coaches.
ThoughithadpreviouslybeentheintentionofUSAGymnasticstopurchasetheRanchfromthe
Karolyis,itwasannouncedinMay2017thatthiswillnotoccur.USAGymnasticswillcontinuetousethe
Ranchforthedurationofitscurrentlease,buthasalreadybegunsearchingforanewNationalTraining
Centerlocation.ThefollowingfindingsandrecommendationsapplytoboththeRanchandthefuture
NationalTrainingCenter.
90

Findings
CoachesandAthletesReceiveLimitedInformationaboutthePoliciesandProcedures
AssociatedwiththeNationalTeamTrainingCenter
Accordingtointerviews,uponarrivingattheNTTC,athletesandcoachesareprovidedwitha
briefoverviewandareminderoftherulesfortheNTTC.Thesesessionsareofteninformal,andtypically
consistofnecessaryremindersgatheredfrompreviouscamps.Alistofrulesisdistributed,butthelistis
fairlybasicanddoesnotincludemuchinformationrelatingtoathleteprivacyandsafety(SafeSport
issues).
Interviewswithcoachesindicatedthatmanynewcoachesandathletesdonotknowwhatto
expectduringtheirtimeatNTTC;and,areprovidedwithminimaldetailsaboutwhatwilloccurduring
theirstay.Infact,manycoachesrelyonfollowingveterancoachestolearnwhattoexpectedandhow
theNTTCoperates.
ThereisNotaClearPolicyCoveringTransportationToandFromtheNTTC
Whilewearetoldthat,generally,oneononesituationsbetweenathletesandcoachesare
discouraged,thereisnoprohibitiononanindividualcoachandindividualathletedrivinginacar
togethertotheNTTC.Often,onlyoneathletefromaparticularclubisinvitedtoattendacamp,and
thusthatathletescoachwillbeinvitedaswell.Theygenerallytraveltogether;sincetheNTTCissome
distancefrommostclubs,mostwillflytoHoustonandthenmusttraversesomedistancetoreachthe
NTTC.Manycoachesrentcars,andwilloftendrivealonewiththeirathletetothesiteinNewWaverly.
Suchoneononetravelisnotprohibited,thoughitistheoreticallyavoidablewearetoldthattheUSA
Gymnasticspersonnelareabletoprovidebusorshuttleservicefromtheairporttothesite.
NotAllCampsHaveFormalMonitoringPlanforAthleteLodging
Interviewsandobservationsindicatethatoutsideoftheregularlyscheduledtrainingsessionsin
thegyms,thereisverylittlesupervisionstructurefortheathleteswhileattheNTTC.WhiletheTOPs
campsandDevelopmentalcampsincludeanindividualwhoservesasadormormotelmomtothe
athletes,checkingonthemregularlyintheevenings,theNationalTeamTrainingCampdoesnotprovide
anyoneinanequivalentrole,despitethepresenceofathletespotentiallyasyoungas11yearsold.
Furthermore,previousNTTCathletesreportedthatUSAGymnasticsstaffdidnotcheckinontheminthe
eveningswhiletheywereatcamp,regardlessoftheiragewhentheywereinattendance.
Athletesareassignedroomsandareinstructedthattheyarenotallowedtogotocoachorstaff
motels,regardlessofrelationship(evenifanathletesparentisalsohercoach).Inaddition,coachesand
staff,maleandfemale,areprohibitedbypolicyfromgoingtoathleteroomsforanyreason.However,
thereisnotadesignatedstaffmemberorotherpersonwhoensurestheserulesarefollowed.And
basedontheallegationsrelatedtoDr.Nassar(seeabove),itappearsthattherulesarenotonlycapable
ofbeingbrokenbutallegedlyhavebeenonmultipleoccasions.Forexample,theformernational
91

championrhythmicgymnastwhotestifiedbeforeaU.S.SenatecommitteeregardingabusebyDr.
NassartestifiedthattheabuseoccurredinherroomattheNTTC.69
TheAthleteRepresentativeHasConflictingDuties
Basedonhertitle,theAthleteRepresentativeonsiteattheNTTCfornationalteamtraining
campsissomeonewhoshouldrepresentthebestinterestsoftheeliteathletes.ThecurrentAthlete
RepresentativeisaformerOlympicgymnast.Herofficialdutiesdonotappeartoberepresentedinany
positiondescriptionorpolicy.
SomeindividualsinterviewedattheNTTCreportedthattheAthleteRepresentativeis
responsibleforcheckinginwiththeathletes,determiningwhethertheyhaveanyproblemsorconcerns,
andbeinganadvocatefortheirneeds.However,theAthleteRepresentativeisalsoresponsiblefor
selectingathletestoparticipateincompetitions(seebelow).Asaresult,almostallinterviewees
reportedthatathletesdonotreportconcernsorissuestotheAthleteRepresentativeforfearthatthe
reportwillaffecttheirchancestocompeteinameet.Additionally,theAthleteRepresentativeisnot
trainedonherexpectedroleinrelationtotheathletesand/ortheirparents.
AthletesareNotProvidedwithanAccessibleandReliableWaytoContactTheirParents
Communicationwithparentsforeachofthecampshasthepotentialtobeseverelylimited.USA
GymnasticsandtheNTTCtypicallydonotcommunicatedirectlywiththeathletesparentsorguardians.
Instead,allcommunicationisroutedthroughthecoaches,whocanpresentasmuchoraslittledetailto
parentsastheychoose.Further,duetotheremotelocationoftheNTTC,mostindividualsdonothave
anycellulartelephoneservice;andnophonesareprovidedwithintheathleteroomsorcommonareas.
Ifathletesuseacellularcarrierthatservicesthisremotelocation,theymaybeabletocontacttheir
parentsduringfreetime,butiftheyhaveacellularcarrierthatdoesnothaveserviceintheSam
HoustonNationalForest,theymaybecompletelyunabletocontacttheirparentsintheeventofa
concern,problem,orincident.
TheHighSchoolAgedCounselorsintheTOPSProgramAreNotScreenedforAbusePrevention
orTrainedinAbusePrevention
AtaTOPScamp,eachathleteisassignedtoahousinggroupingwithahighschoolaged
counselor.Thisindividualisresponsiblefortheyoungathletesinherchargeatanytimetheyareoutside
ofthegym,andistheonlynonathletepermittedintheroomswiththeathletes.However,interviews
revealedthattheseindividualsarenotscreenedorinterviewed,butinsteadareselectedbasedontheir
relationshipwithoneofthestaffmembers.Inaddition,thecounselorsarenotprovidedwithany
trainingrelatedtoabuseprevention.
TheAthleteRecoveryCenterRoomattheRanchIsNotSuitableforMedicalExaminations
Allathletemedicaltreatmentisperformedinthemedicalofficeinthetraininggymorinthe
AthleteRecoveryCenter(ARC),previouslyreferredtoastheEndRoomduetoitslocationatoneendof
theBeijingMotel.70Thisroomconsistsofaverysmall,enclosedareawithcouches,chairs,massage
69
TestimonyofJessicaHowardbeforetheCommitteeontheJudiciary,UnitedStatesSenate,March28,2017,
supra.
70
EachmotelisnamedafteranOlympicGameshostsite.
92

tables,andothertreatmentandrecoveryequipmentlocatedinfrontofaTV.Thereisminimalvisibility
intotheroomanditisnotinalocationthatlendsitselftoobservationbypassersby.
InterviewswithNTTCstaffindicatethatstaffarenevertobealonewithanathlete.However,
duringthesitevisit,weencounteredmanycircumstanceswhereoneononesituationscaneasilyoccur.
Forexample,ifanathleteisthefirstorlastscheduledformedicaltreatmentintheevening,noother
athletesorcoachesarelikelytobepresentintheARC.Inaddition,previousNTTCathletesreportedthat
noonecheckedinonthemwhiletheywereatcamp,regardlessoftheiragewhentheywerein
attendance.
93

Recommendations
CreateaPolicyHandbookandCodeofConductforAllCoachesBringingAthletestothe
TrainingCenter.
Thelistofrulesprovidedtoathletes,coachesandnationalteamstaffattheNTTCshouldbe
expandedtoincludeformalizedpoliciesonappropriatephysicalinteractions,verbalinteractions,one
ononecontact,andofflimitsareas.Further,USAGymnasticsshouldensurethatparentsofathletes
trainingattheNTTCreceiveacopyofthehandbook,codeofconductandinformationonwhomto
contactwithconcernsofanykind.WesuggestthatUSAGymnasticsconsiderprovidingthisinformation
toparentsatthepointofapplicationtotheNTTC,sothatparentscanreviewitinadvanceandhavea
goodunderstandingoftheapplicablerulesandwhatprotectionsareavailablefortheirchildren.
DevelopaTransportationPolicyforNationalTeamTrainingCenterandIncludethis
InformationintheNewHandbook
Westronglyrecommendthatarrangementsbemadetoensurethatathletesdonottravelalone
withacoachinacarorothermotorvehicletotheNTTC.AthletesshouldbetransportedbyNTTC
personnelbybusorshuttlefromtheairporttotheNTTC.Undernocircumstancesshouldanyathletebe
alonewithanyadultinthissetting.Coacheswouldalsobepermittedtoridethebus,aslongasthere
aremultipleadultsand/ormultipleathletesinthevehicle.
Weunderstandthatmanycoacheswishtorentacarattheairportsothattheywillhave
transportationoffsiteduringeveninghoursaftertrainingisconcludedfortheday.Thereisnoreason
whycoachesshouldbeprohibitedfromrentingacar,butwerecommendthattheynotbepermittedto
transportanathletealonewiththeminthecar.
FormalizetheAthleteandCoachOrientationMeetingsatEachSpecificCamp
Thereisabrieforientationmeetingforathletes,andaseparateoneforcoaches,uponarrivalat
theNTTCforatrainingcamp.Thesemeetingsshouldbeformalized,withaspecificchecklistofissues
tobeaddressedinpersonbyUSAGymnasticsleadership.
Allorientationsshouldincludeareviewofabusepreventionpoliciesandthecodeofconduct.
Inaddition,proceduresforhowtoreportconcernsorperceivedproblemsshouldbediscussed,both
withathletesandcoaches.Reportingoptionsshouldincludetheabilitytoreportanonymously,andthe
procedureforreportingmustbeclearandwelcoming.
Intheathletesmeeting,theAthletesBillofRights,recommendedelsewhereinthisreport,
shouldbeprovidedanddiscussed.
Inthecoachesmeetinginparticular,theorientationshouldincludeadiscussionofindividual
rolesandresponsibilities(individualcoachversusnationalteamcoachversusdirector).
94

TheNationalTeamCoordinatormustprovidevocalleadershipateachcampastothe
commitmentofUSAGymnasticstoprotectingyoungathletes,whatbehaviorwillberequired,andhow
youngathletesareexpectedtobetreated.
CreateaFormalMonitoringPlanforAllAthleteLodging
Werecommendthatthesystemofprovidingadormmom,independentoftheUSA
Gymnasticsemploymenthierarchy,beformalizedforallcamps,andthatmonitoringduringfreetime
andeveningsbefrequent,witharecordmadeofeachroomcheck.Thisshouldapplynotonlyto
DevelopmentalandTOPScamps,butalsotonationalteam(eliteathlete)trainingcamps.
ProvideAthleteswithaReliableandAccessibleWaytoCallHome/Parents.
Amethodshouldbedeveloped,assoonaspossible,toensurethattheathleteshavecontact
withtheoutsideworld,andparticularlywiththeirparents,whentheyareatatrainingcampatthe
NTTC.Ifitisnecessarytoprovideasatellitetelephone,readilyaccessibletotheathletes,thatshould
occurattheearliestpossibletime.Inthelongerterm,itishighlyrecommendedthatawaybefoundto
ensurethatcellularserviceisprovidedtotheNTTCgrounds.Weunderstandthatthepricequotedby
thenearestcellularproviderisexcessive;butthisisalocationwhereathletesareparticularlylikelyto
feelisolatedandalone,andwebelieveitiscriticallyimportanttoprovideawayforthemtocallhome.
FormalizetheRoleoftheAthleteRepresentativeandEnsureThisIndividualDoesNot
ContinuetoSitontheSelectionCommittee.
WerecommendthattheAthleteRepresentativesrolebeclarifiedandformalized,witha
specificpositiondescription.Wefurtherrecommendthatherroleincludethefollowing:
o Meetallparents/guardiansofNationalTeammembers.ExplaintheAthlete
Representativeroleinrelationtomembersofthenationalteam.Providecontact
informationtotheparents,includingawaytheycanreachherbefore,duringandafter
thetrainingcamp.
o Checkinwitheachathleteduringeverycamp,atleastonce,toofferassistanceandask
iftheathletehasanyconcerns.
o Followupwithgymnasts/parentsaftereachcamptoasktheathletesreactiontothe
trainingcamp,whetherthereareanyconcerns,etc.
WealsorecommendformaltrainingfortheAthleteRepresentativeonchildpsychologyand
physiology,thedynamicsofchildabuseandtherisksassociatedwiththecompetitivegymnastics
environment,aswellashowtorespondtoconcernsexpressedbyathletes.Further,werecommend
thatthepositionshouldrotateregularly,whichcanbeaccomplishedwithenforcedtermlimitations.
Finally,theAthleteRepresentative,ifthesearetobeherduties,shouldhavenoroleinteam
selection(seebelow).
FormalizeSafetyProceduresfortheTOPsCamp
WebelievethatadditionalprecautionsshouldbetakenwithrespecttothevolunteerTOPS
campcounselors,whoarenotcurrentlyscreenedortrained.Werecommendthefollowing:
95

o CreateapolicyhandbookforTOPScampcounselors.
o RequireaspiringTOPScampcounselorstocompleteanapplicationdesignedtoassess
forabuserisk.
o RequireaspiringTOPScampcounselorstocompleteaninterviewwithatrained
interviewerwhichincludesbehaviorallybasedinterviewquestionsdesignedtoassess
forabuserisk.TheinterviewmaybeconductedbytheDirectoroftheTOPScamp,but
onlyiftheDirectorhasbeentrainedintheuseofthebehaviorallybasedinterview.
o RequireaspiringTOPScampcounselorstoprovideatleastonecharacterreference,
checkedbytheDirectoroftheTOPSProgram.
o RequireabusepreventionandpeertopeertrainingforallTOPScampcounselors.
RequireallNationalTeamCoachesandStafftoCompleteanIntensiveInPersonTrainingon
AbusePreventionandAthleteSafety.
Withoutaclearunderstandingofthefactorsthatconstituteandcanleadtoabuse,theadults
responsibleforthelivesoftheyoungpeopleintheirchargeattheNTTCcannothopetoprotectthem.
Allnationalteamcoachesandstaff,includingthenationalteamcoordinator,shouldberequiredto
completeintensive,inpersontrainingonabusepreventionandathletesafety,andtorepeatthat
trainingperiodically.Theabusepreventiontrainingshouldincludeallformsofabuseandnotbelimited
tosexualabuse.
DiscontinueUseoftheAthleteRecoveryCenterintheBeijingMotelandConsiderMovingtoa
MoreCentralandOpenLocation
Asindicatedinthefindingsabove,theplacementoftheAthleteRecoveryCenter(ARC)is
potentiallyconducivetoabuse.DuringthetimethattheKarolyiRanchsiteisstillinuseastheNTTC,we
considermovingtheARCtoamorevisibleandaccessiblelocation,suchasthecommonroomintheLos
Angelesmotel.Further,everyathlete,coachandstaffmembershouldbecontinuallyremindedthatno
adultisevertobealonewithanyathleteinanylocation,includingintheARC;andarrangementsshould
bemadeensuringthatthereareneverfewerthanthreepeopleintheroom.
ImprovePhysicalSafetyandEmergencyCommunications
AnewprocessforcommunicationshasbeendevelopedattheNTTC,involvingcommunication
viaradiowalkietalkieavailableineachmotelunit.Theemergencycommunicationsprocedures
shouldbeenhancedandwrittenproceduresupdatedtoreflectthechanges;andUSAGymnasticsshould
ensurethatallathletesandcoachesarewellawareoftheprocedures.
TheNTTC,sitedasitisinthemiddleofanationalforest,isextremelyisolated.Atnight,the
groundsareverydark.MembersofthePolicyReviewPanelrecommendimprovedoutdoorlighting,as
wellastheadditionofsurveillancecameras.
96
National Team
Selection Process

NationalTeamSelectionProcess
Findings
Theselectionprocessforthenationalwomensartisticgymnasticsteamhaschangedoverthe
years.Itwasformerlyobjective,atleasttotheextentpossibleinasportthejudgingofwhichis
necessarilysomewhatsubjective.TheathleteswereselectedfortheOlympicteambasedontheir
scoresatspecificcompetitions:thosewhoscoredhighestintheaggregatereceivedaberthontheteam.
AccordingtoRyan,LittleGirlsinPrettyBoxes,in1992theU.S.GymnasticsFederation
(predecessorentitytoUSAGymnastics)createdaclearlyunderstoodselectionprocessfortheU.S.
Olympicteam:TheU.S.GymnasticsChampionshipswouldcount30percenttowardqualifyingforthe
teamandthe[Olympic]trialswouldcount70percent.Thesevengymnastswiththetopcombined
scoreswouldmakethetrainingteam:sixwouldcompeteintheOlympics,onewouldbethetraveling
alternate.71
Sinceabout2000,theprocesshasbeendifferent,inpartduetoareductionbytheInternational
GymnasticsFederation(FIG)intheteamsizeandthenumberofathletespermittedtocompeteineach
event.Intheinterestofearningteamgoldmedals,itwasdeterminedthattheteamneededtobewell
rounded,andincludeparticipantsthatexcelledineachaspectofthecompetition:vault,floorexercise,
unevenparallelbarsandbalancebeam.Noonepersonislikelytobethebestinallfour;anda
combinationofskillsisdesiredinordertoprovidebackuptoeventhemostaccomplishedgymnast.In
addition,weunderstand,thecurrentanalysisalsotakesintoaccountdrive,commitment,andwhether
theindividualhasthementaltenacitytowithstandthehighpressureOlympicfieldofplayenvironment.
ParticipantsintheselectionprocesshaveincludedtheNationalTeamCoordinator;acoachor
judgerepresentative;andanathleterepresentative.Theprocessisintendedtobeobjective,inthe
sensethattheindividualmembersoftheselectioncommitteeobservetheathletes,discussthem,and
thenvoteonwhichtogetherwouldmakeupthebestteam.Interviewshavesuggestedthattheprocess
canbeundulyinfluencedbypersonalopinion,andthatinyearspast,decisionsmadebythegroup
wouldsometimesbechangedafterthegrouphadmadeacollectivedecision.
Whilethiscanprovideatremendousopportunityforasuperiorathletewhohadabaddayata
competition,italsomeansthatsomeonehastobeleftbehindwhomightdeservetogototheOlympic
Games.Giventhebriefwindowofopportunityforelitecompetitionavailabletomostfemalegymnasts,
asdescribedelsewhereinthisreport,manygymnastsmayonlyhaveonechanceattheOlympics.There
isagooddealoftensionsurroundingthissystem;andthesubjectivityofit,whileinsomewaysfully
understandable,addstothelikelihoodthatanabusedathletewillnotreporttheabuseforfearofbeing
seenasatroublemakerandkeptofftheteam.
AnadditionalissuewasraisedintheprecedingsectionrelatingtotheNationalTeamTraining
Center.ThepersonwhoisofficiallyintheroleofAthleteRepresentative,purportedlyattheNTTC
nationalteamtrainingsessionstolookoutfortheinterestsoftheathletes,alsoservesontheOlympic
teamselectioncommittee.
71
LittleGirlsinPrettyBoxes,supra,Chapter6.
97
GiventhisclearconflictintheAthleteRepresentativesdutiesandloyalties,itishighlyunlikely
thatanyathleteunderconsiderationforinclusionintheteamwillconfideintheAthleteRepresentative,
thusreducingthepotentialforthereportingofabusethroughthisavenue.
98
NationalTeamSelectionProcess
Recommendations
Therearemanycompetingconcernsregardingthegeneralselectionprocess,andwedonot
makearecommendationregardinghowtheteamshouldbeselected.ThisissomethingthatUSA
Gymnasticsshouldcarefullyconsiderwithadvicefromexperts.
However,westronglyrecommendthattheAthleteRepresentative,ifsheistobechargedwith
thedutyofadvocatingforandrepresentingtheinterestsoftheathletesthemselves,shouldunderno
circumstancesbeincludedintheteamselectionprocess.
99
Conclusion

CONCLUSION
AsindicatedintheIntroductiontothisreport,thesportofgymnasticshasprovidedtremendous
benefittotensofthousandsofyoungathletesthroughouttheU.S.A.Ithasthepotentialtoturnashy
preteenintoaphysicallyfit,mentallydisciplined,emotionallystrongandconfidentyoungmanor
woman.But,exposedtothewronginfluencesinthisoranyothersport,ayoungboysorgirlslifecan
bedevastatedandhisorherfuturedimmed.
USAGymnasticshasaproudtraditionofhavingbeenanearlyadopterofpoliciesand
procedurestoprotectyoungathletes.Inrecentyears,ithasunfortunatelyfallenbehindthecurvein
termsofeffectiveinitiativesintendedtoensureathleteprotection.Accordingtopublishedreports,
hundredsofgymnastsoverthelast20yearshavereportedabuseatthehandsofcoachesorother
authorityfiguresinthesport,manyofwhomwereinvolvedwithUSAGymnasticsasmembersor
contractors;andgiventheunderstandablereticenceofthosewhohavesufferedabusetocome
forward,thetruenumberofthosevictimizedoverthatperiodoftimecannotbeestimatedbutissurely
farhigher.
Fortunately,therearemanythingsthatUSAGymnasticscandotoprotecttodaysand
tomorrowsathletes.Indoingso,theorganizationcanalsohelpvictimizedformerathletesregaintheir
faithinasystemthattheysurelyfeelhasletthemdown.Itishopedthatthey,too,willtakesolacein
seeingUSAGymnasticstakeafirmstandagainstabusebyadoptingtherecommendationsinthisreport.
100
Exhibit A
USA Gymnastics Participant
Welfare Policy
Exhibit A
USA Gymnastics
Participant Welfare Policy

Updated December, 2012

Consistent with the mission of USA Gymnastics,1 the welfare of gymnastics participants,
especially minors, is of paramount concern. When any member, participant, coach, official,
volunteer or staff member is subjected to abuse, whether physical or sexual, it undermines the
mission of USA Gymnastics and is inconsistent with the best interests of the sport of gymnastics
and of the athletes USA Gymnastics serves.

USA Gymnastics is committed to promoting a safe environment for its members, participants,
coaches, officials, volunteers and staff in all gymnastics disciplines. While there are limits to
what USA Gymnastics can do, e.g., at the local level because USA Gymnastics does not own,
operate or otherwise control gyms or gymnastics clubs, USA Gymnastics has adopted this policy
to set forth the efforts it will undertake to promote a safe gymnastics environment, both solely
and in partnership with other necessary parties, including member clubs, registered businesses,
parents, athletes and the gymnastics community.

(1) Definition of Abuse. Abuse, including child abuse, is defined in various sources, such as
state statutes, case law, sports organization and professional association codes of
conduct and training manuals, corporate and business workplace documents and
human rights commission materials. USA Gymnastics has not adopted any specific
definition of abuse; rather, it has chosen to defer to such general sources and
definitions for reference and application, depending upon the circumstances.
Nonetheless, in general, the following conduct may be considered abusive:

(a) Physical Abuse.

(i) Any physical contact with a participant that intentionally causes or is
likely to cause the participant to sustain bodily harm or personal injury,
including without limitation, striking, hitting, kicking, biting, shaking,
shoving, forcing an athlete to train or compete when seriously injured or
mandating excessive exercise as a form of punishment;
(ii) Any physical contact with a participant that intentionally creates or is
likely to create a threat of bodily harm or personal injury;
(iii) Giving alcohol or inappropriate drugs to a participant; or
(iv) Any violation of applicable law involving physical contact, or that is
specifically designed to protect minors.

1
The mission of USA Gymnastics is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of
gymnastics.
Physical contact that is reasonably intended to coach, teach or demonstrate a
gymnastics skill or to prevent or lessen injury (e.g., spotting, catching) does not
constitute physical abuse. Infrequent, non-intentional physical contact,
particularly contact which arises out of an error or a misjudgment on the part of
the gymnast, participant or coach, does not constitute physical abuse.

(b) Sexual Abuse.

(i) Rape, incest, fondling, exhibitionism or sexual exploitation;
(ii) Any form of sexual contact or inappropriate touching, unwanted physical
contact, unwelcome advances or requests for sexual favors;
(iii) Any form of wanton or obscene gesturing, lewd remarks or indecent
exposure;
(iv) Sexual abuse of a minor includes, without limitation:
Touching a minor participant for the purpose of causing the sexual
arousal or gratification of either person; or
A minor participant touching any person, if the touching occurs at
the request of or with the consent of such other person, for the
sexual arousal or gratification of either person;
(v) Neither consent of the participant to the sexual abuse or contact, mistake
as to the participants age, nor the fact that the sexual abuse or contact
did not take place at or in conjunction with a gymnastics function is a
defense to a complaint of sexual abuse;
(vi) Sexual abuse also includes sexual misconduct described in the Code of
Ethics, including, but not limited to:
Soliciting or engaging in sexual relations with a minor;
Engaging in any behavior that utilizes the influence of a members
position as coach, judge, official or administrator to encourage
sexual relations with an athlete or participant; or
Engaging in sexual harassment by making unwelcome advances,
requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a
sexual nature, where such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile
or offensive environment; or
(vii) Any violation of applicable law directly or indirectly involving or related to
sexual misconduct or child abuse, or that is specifically designed to
protect minors.

(2) Legal Reporting Requirements. USA Gymnastics will follow applicable law in reporting
abusive situations to the proper authorities. If, in USA Gymnastics reasonable and good
faith judgment, reporting to the proper authorities is necessary to protect a person from
the possibility of further abuse, it may make such report even if not compelled by law to
do so.

(3) Reporting Suspected Abuse. Any person who reasonably and in good faith believes a
member of USA Gymnastics has abused another person, whether physical or sexual,
such person may notify the USA Gymnastics National Office pursuant to Articles 9
and/or 10 of the USA Gymnastics Bylaws.

(a) Telephone Inquiries. At least two USA Gymnastics staff members, one of each
gender, shall be trained to receive telephone inquiries regarding abuse. The
staff members shall:
(i) Inform the caller that a written and signed complaint must be received
for USA Gymnastics to initiate its grievance procedures against a member
of USA Gymnastics pursuant to Articles 9 and/or 10 of the USA
Gymnastics Bylaws and offer to provide a copy of the grievance
procedures to the caller;
(ii) Advise the caller that USA Gymnastics may be legally obligated to report
the allegations to the proper authorities even if no complaint is filed
pursuant to Articles 9 and/or 10;
(iii) Encourage that the victim(s) seek professional help, if appropriate;
(iv) Prepare a written summary detailing the call and submit it to the
Executive Office;
The Executive Office will determine, with the assistance of legal
counsel if necessary, whether USA Gymnastics has a legal
reporting requirement based upon the inquiry and act
accordingly;
Written summaries will be filed and indexed by the alleged
perpetrator and will become a part of any applicable misconduct /
grievance file.

(4) Implementation of the Misconduct/Grievance Procedures. At least two USA Gymnastics
staff members, one of each gender, shall be trained in the proper implementation of the
member misconduct and grievance procedures contained in the USA Gymnastics
Bylaws.

(a) One of the trained staff members will be designated to implement the
procedures for each complaint;
(b) The designated staff member will determine whether the accused is a member
of USA Gymnastics;
(i) If the accused is a member of USA Gymnastics, the matter should
proceed in accordance with the existing applicable policy;
(ii) If the accused is not a member of USA Gymnastics, the staff member
should notify the complaining party of the inability of USA Gymnastics to
pursue the matter internally, as a courtesy to the complaining party;
(c) If not already completed, the Executive Office will determine, with the assistance
of legal counsel if necessary, whether USA Gymnastics has a legal reporting
requirement based upon the complaint and act accordingly;
(d) The designated staff member will shepherd the complaint through the process
set forth in the USA Gymnastics Bylaws.

(5) Confidentiality. Because of legal reporting requirements, USA Gymnastics cannot
guarantee confidentiality in misconduct/grievance matters. However, USA Gymnastics
will treat such matters with as much confidentiality as is possible under the
circumstances and with the sensitivity they deserve.

(6) Criminal Background Checks of Individual Members. As a condition to being granted the
privilege of membership in USA Gymnastics, individuals applying for professional
membership must submit to a criminal background check which is consistent with USA
Gymnastics Background Screening Policy. Individuals given a Green Light consistent
with that policy will not be denied the privilege of membership in USA Gymnastics,
provided all other criteria for that category of membership are met. Individuals given a
Red Light consistent with that policy may be denied the privilege of membership in
USA Gymnastics.

USA Gymnastics will continually monitor and review the individuals that are subject to
criminal background searches, with the primary goal being to safeguard athletes and
other participants with proactive measures while conforming to legal norms and
industry best practices.

(7) Athlete Member Advisement. Upon obtaining membership in USA Gymnastics, an
enclosure will be mailed with the Athlete Membership Card advising athlete members of
his/her role in maintaining the athletes own safety and USA Gymnastics limited role in
local gymnastics clubs, gyms, events and activities.

(8) Registered Businesses and Member Clubs. As a condition to being granted the privilege
of membership in USA Gymnastics as a Registered Business or Member Club, a
club/business must agree to and comply with the following requirements for the
entirety of the clubs/business membership period, certification of which must be made
annually:

(a) Have a policy consistent with USA Gymnastics Participant Welfare Policy that
affirms the clubs/business commitment to the welfare of gymnastics
participants in its organization and includes, at minimum, a description of
conduct that will not be tolerated, standards of behavior for its staff/volunteers
that promote participant welfare, and a process for receiving and handling
complaints regarding conduct that violates its policy.
(b) Certify that no persons permanently ineligible for USA Gymnastics membership
and no persons listed on a federal or state sex-offender registry are or will be
associated with the club/business or its activities in any way.
(c) Maintain current commercial general liability insurance that includes at a
minimum, participant liability and participant accident medical insurances.
(d) Employ at least one staff member who is 18 years of age or older and holds a
current Professional or safety-certified Instructor membership in USA
Gymnastics.
(e) Have a mission statement consistent with USA Gymnastics mission to encourage
participation and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of gymnastics.

(9) Recommendations to Gymnastics Clubs/Businesses. USA Gymnastics does not operate
gymnastics clubs, but rather gymnastics clubs/businesses are operated independently at
the local level. USA Gymnastics respects the autonomy of local clubs/businesses to
operate as they deem appropriate. Even though USA Gymnastics does not and cannot
control the activities or operations of local clubs/businesses, it invites local
clubs/businesses to join with USA Gymnastics in taking affirmative steps beyond those
described in Section 8 above to promote a safe environment for all gymnastics
participants, such as by:

(a) Adopting standards of behavior for staff and volunteers working directly with
minors to foster a safe gymnastics environment and to prevent abusive
situations, and by training staff and volunteers to implement such standards;
(b) Implementing a thorough hiring process including, for example, reference and
criminal background checks;
(c) Encouraging parents to become as active as reasonably possible in his/her childs
gymnastics activities; and
(d) Otherwise implementing policies and procedures to lessen the likelihood that an
abusive situation could develop.

(10) Event Sanctions. As a condition to being granted a USA Gymnastics sanction for an
event, the applicant must certify that no persons permanently ineligible for USA
Gymnastics membership, and no persons listed on a federal or state sex-offender
registry, will be associated with the event in any capacity, including, but not limited to,
volunteers and meet support personnel. Sanctioned events may only be hosted by
Registered Businesses or Member Clubs.

(11) Advertising. As a condition to being permitted by USA Gymnastics to advertise in its
publications, on its web site or through other USA Gymnastics media, advertisers must
certify that no persons permanently ineligible for USA Gymnastics membership are or
will be associated with the advertisers gymnastics-related activities or the position,
activity, or event it intends to publicize.

(12) Hiring/Training of USA Gymnastics Staff/Volunteers.

(a) USA Gymnastics staff members must submit to a criminal background check
consistent with USA Gymnastics Background Screening Policy. Individuals not
given a Green Light consistent with that policy prior to their employment may
not be hired. Individuals not given a Green Light on any subsequent criminal
background check may be subject to dismissal. USA Gymnastics shall also check
at least two (2) references for each applicant who, if hired, would regularly work
directly with minors.
(b) All USA Gymnastics staff members will be informed about the Participant
Welfare Policy, which is included as an appendix in the Employee Policies &
Procedures Handbook, and made aware of its importance to our members and
our organization.
(c) The members of the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors must submit to a
criminal background check consistent with the Background Screening Policy.
Individuals not given a Green Light consistent with that policy may be subject
to removal.

(13) Standards of Behavior. To promote a safe gymnastics environment for USA Gymnastics
activities and events and to lessen the likelihood that an abusive situation could
develop, participants must adhere to the following USA Gymnastics Standards of
Behavior:

(a) Avoid Being Alone with a Minor. Gymnastics is a sport that lends itself to one-
on-one situations between a coach and a gymnast. Avoid being alone with a
child or any group of children in a private setting (e.g., locker room, bathroom,
office, vehicle or residence), and avoid being alone with a child or any group of
children in any place that is inappropriate to the coach-athlete relationship.
When a one-on-one situation is necessary, such as private coaching lessons or
conversations, conduct the activity within the view of another adult.
(b) Physical Contact. Gymnastics is a sport that creates opportunities for physical
contact between a coach and a gymnast. Physical contact is acceptable when it
is reasonably intended to coach, teach or demonstrate a gymnastics skill or to
prevent or lessen injury (e.g., spotting, catching). However, care should be taken
to ensure that such contact is not invasive of sensitive areas of the body.
(c) Parental Monitoring. Parents are encouraged to become as active as reasonably
possible in monitoring the activity/event.

(14) Education of the Gymnastics Community. USA Gymnastics will provide or cause to be
provided education for members of the gymnastics community geared toward
promoting a safe gymnastics environment as follows:

(a) Through a designated section of its website with the content being updated as
necessary;
(b) Through each of its magazine publications with at least one article per year;
(c) At each National and Regional Congress through a live presentation available to
Congress attendees;
(d) Online or electronically through the safety/risk management certification or
other USA Gymnastics University courses;
(e) Through brochures and/or posters available to members and Member
Clubs/Registered Businesses;
(f) At least annually in designated athlete meetings;
(g) At least annually to designated athletes parents;
(h) In its publications such as the Safety/Risk Management Handbook and the Rules
and Policies.

(15) Professional Development. Professional and Instructor members of USA Gymnastics
should strive to increase their level of proficiency and skill by remaining current on
safety, health and training developments relevant to the sport and by seeking advice
and counsel of colleagues and experts whenever such consultation is in the best
interests of the athlete.

(16) Communication. USA Gymnastics will consistently communicate:

(a) Its mission and that physical and sexual abuse are inconsistent with its mission
and the best interest of the sport of gymnastics and its participants;
(b) Its commitment to and work toward a safe environment for all gymnastics
participants.

(17) Document Retention. USA Gymnastics will permanently retain misconduct / grievance
files and materials.

(18) Policy Review. This policy shall be reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary.

Exhibit B
USA Gymnastics Code of
Ethical Conduct
Exhibit B
USA Gymnastics Code of Ethical Conduct
I. Introduction
The mission of USA Gymnastics is to encourage participation and the pursuit of
excellence in all aspects of gymnastics. USA Gymnastics grants the privilege of
membership to individuals and organizations committed to that mission. USA
Gymnastics may, therefore, withdraw the privilege of membership or discipline a
member where USA Gymnastics determines that an individual or organizations conduct
is inconsistent with the mission of USA Gymnastics or the best interest of the sport and
those who participate in it.
To better serve the interests of those who participate in gymnastics, USA Gymnastics
has adopted the Code which follows. This Code is not intended to establish a set of
rules that will, by inclusion or exclusion, prescribe the appropriate behavior for
members in every aspect of their participation in the sport. Rather, the Code offers
general principles to guide the conduct, and the judicious appraisal of conduct, of all
USA Gymnastics members (individuals, organizations and clubs/businesses, which are
collectively referred to as Members and individually as a Member) in situations that
have ethical implications.
This Code cannot further ethical conduct in the sport of gymnastics; that can only come
from the personal commitment of the participants in the sport to behave ethically. This
Code is offered instead to guide and to affirm the commitment of all Members to
safeguard the best interests of the sport by acting ethically at all times.
II. Elements of the Code
A. Participant Relationships.
Members of USA Gymnastics are charged with the responsibility for contributing to an
environment that makes participation in the sport a positive and rewarding experience.
To achieve that result, each professional and club/business Member has a special
obligation to make decisions based on the best interest of the athlete. It is inconsistent
with this obligation for any Member to:
1. Fail to follow the safety guidelines established by USA Gymnastics, or

otherwise knowingly subject a participant to unreasonable physical or
emotional risk.
Updated April, 2016

2. Engage in conduct that is unfair including, in particular, attempting to injure,
disable or intentionally interfere with the preparation of a competitor.
3. Engage in conduct toward another participant in the sport that is abusive.

USA Gymnastics recognizes that the process for training and motivating
athletes varies with each coach and each athlete, but it is nevertheless
incumbent on everyone involved in the sport to support the development and
use of motivational and training methods that avoid conduct that is, or is likely
to be perceived as being, abusive.
4. Attempt to intimidate, embarrass or improperly influence any individual

responsible for judging or administering a competition.
B. Non-Discrimination.
Any USA Gymnastics activity or event should be open to any Member properly qualified
under the rules of that activity or event. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any
Member to:
1. Restrict the ability of a Member to qualify for or participate in competition

because of the Member's association with a particular organization or
individual or because of that Member's race, sex, creed, sexual orientation,
age, national origin or mental or physical disability.
2. Discriminate in the provision of resources or opportunities to any Member or

prospective Member on the basis of race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, age,
national origin or mental or physical disability.
C. Participation.
Every Member participating in a USA Gymnastics activity or event has an obligation to
participate to the best of his/her abilities. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any
Member to:
1. Knowingly participate as a judge, coach, athlete or administrator in any

activity or event where that judge, coach, athlete or administrator is
inadequately prepared, unable to participate or fails to participate to the best
of his or her ability.
2. Engage in behavior that is so disorderly or inappropriate as to interfere with

the orderly conduct of the activity or other Members' participation in, or
enjoyment of, the activity or event.
Updated April, 2016

D. Commitment to Integrity.
A Member of USA Gymnastics has a responsibility to uphold the integrity of the sport of
gymnastics and the rules and regulations that govern it, and to act honestly, openly,
fairly and competently. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any Member to:
1. Knowingly misrepresent the policies or actions of USA Gymnastics or its

authorized representatives.
2. Act on behalf of USA Gymnastics or a Member without appropriate

authorization.
3. Alter, falsify, or omit any information, record or document to intentionally

make a false or exaggerated claim or statement or to mislead.
4. Fail to resort in the first instance to the established procedures for

challenging a competitive result, contesting a team selection decision,
complaining about the conduct of another Member, or attempting to alter or
reverse a policy adopted by USA Gymnastics.
5. Breach the duty to maintain appropriately established confidences of USA

Gymnastics or any Member.
6. Knowingly make false certifications on membership or event sanction

applications or otherwise regarding the involvement of any person
permanently ineligible for USA Gymnastics membership, or any person who is
listed on a federal or state sex-offender registry, with regard to
club/business, event, or advertised activities.
7. Engage in business practices directed toward another Member that are

determined by a court, or other similar adjudicatory body, to be unethical,
illegal or a breach of contract.
8. Incur expenses in furtherance of USA Gymnastics' business that are

unreasonable, unnecessary, or unsubstantiated.
9. Fail to avoid both actual and perceived conflicts of interest in the conduct of
business.
10. Participate in the deliberation or decision-making process about any issue for
which the Member has a direct financial interest, unless full disclosure of
that interest and meaningful consent is obtained prior to participation.
Updated April, 2016

E. Communication.
Members of USA Gymnastics have a duty to communicate honestly and openly with USA
Gymnastics and Members. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any Member to:
1. Misrepresent competitive achievements, professional qualifications,

education, experience, eligibility, criminal record or affiliations.
2. Knowingly disseminate false or misleading information about another

Member.
3. Misrepresent actions taken or not taken in an effort to show compliance with

USA Gymnastics policies or procedures.
4. Withhold from athletes information or resources likely to enhance the

athletes' enjoyment of the sport or reduce their risk of injury or illness.
5. Fail to consult with or inform fully the athlete or the athlete's parents about
opportunities made available to the athlete involving competitions,
commercial activities or recognition.
6. Misrepresent the nature or extent of an injury in order to decline an invitation

to participate in or withdraw from a competition, training camp or other
similar activity.
7. Misrepresent the nature or extent of an injury in order to participate in (or

cause an athlete to participate in) a competition, training camp or other
similar activity when such participation is inconsistent with the appropriate
medical response to the injury.
This section applies to all forms of communication, including social media.
F. Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

Members of USA Gymnastics must ensure that the sport is conducted in an
environment free of drug or alcohol abuse. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any
Member to:
1. Use or provide to a third party any drug proscribed by applicable federal, state
or municipal law.
2. Assist or condone any competing athlete's use of a drug banned by the

International Olympic Committee, United States Olympic Committee,
Federation Internationale de Gymnastique, World Anti-Doping Agency, United
Updated April, 2016

States Anti-Doping Agency, USA Gymnastics, or National Collegiate Athletic
Association, or, in the case of athletes, to use such drugs or refuse to submit
to properly conducted drug tests administered by any of those organizations.
3. Provide alcohol to, or condone the use of alcohol by, minors; abuse alcohol in
the presence of athletes or at USA Gymnastics' activities; or consume
alcoholic beverages while a minor.
G. Criminal Conduct.
Members of USA Gymnastics are expected to comply with all applicable criminal codes.
This obligation is violated by any Member who:
1. Has been listed on any State or Federal sexual offender list or registry.
2. Has been declared a sex offender in any applicable State or Federal

jurisdiction.
3. Has been convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or no contest to a

criminal charge or indictment directly or indirectly involving or relating to
sexual misconduct, child abuse, or conduct that is a violation of a law or
regulation specifically designed to protect minors.
Depending on the nature of the crime, this obligation may be violated by any Member
who has been convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or no contest to any felony
charge or indictment involving conduct other than that specifically described above.
H. Sexual Misconduct.
Members of USA Gymnastics are expected to promote a safe environment for
participants, coaches, officials, volunteers and staff in all gymnastics disciplines, which
includes an environment free from sexual misconduct. It is inconsistent with this
obligation for any Member to:
1. Solicit or engage in sexual relations with any minor.
2. Engage in any behavior that utilizes the influence of a professional Member's

position as coach, judge, official or administrator to encourage sexual
relations with an athlete or participant.
3. Engage in sexual harassment by making unwelcome advances, requests for

sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where
such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Updated April, 2016

I. Sexual Relationships.
Professional Members of USA Gymnastics must protect the integrity of the sport and
the interests of the athletes they serve by avoiding sexual relationships with athletes
except where the capacity and quality of the athlete's consent to enter that relationship
is beyond question.
III. Enforcement of Code

Compliance with this Code depends primarily upon understanding and voluntary
compliance, secondarily upon reinforcement by peers, and, when necessary, upon
enforcement through disciplinary action.
Any Member (Complainant) who believes that another Member of USA Gymnastics has
failed to meet such Members obligations under this Code is, under all but the most
egregious circumstances, encouraged to first address that concern directly to that
Member. If that action does not result in a satisfactory resolution, the Complainant may
file a written complaint with the President, program director or other appropriate staff
member of USA Gymnastics. That complaint must be signed and state specifically the
nature of the alleged misconduct.
Upon review and consideration of the complaint, which may include written notice to
both parties and an opportunity for response, and, where appropriate, additional
discussions with the parties; the President or his/her designee may:
1. Determine that the complaint does not merit further action, or
2. Refer the complaint, as appropriate, to the state or regional

chairs/committees or affiliated organization.
If the complaint has not been disposed of as specified in 1 or 2 above, then, after
providing written notice to both parties and an opportunity for response, and, where
appropriate, additional discussions with the parties, the President or his/her designee
may:
1. Counsel the Member who is the subject of the complaint and record both the
complaint and the nature of the counseling in the Member's permanent
record, or
2. Impose an appropriate sanction or an appropriate relief, or
3. Process the complaint under Article 9 and/or 10 of USA Gymnastics' Bylaws.
Updated April, 2016

Exhibit C
USA Gymnastics Bylaws:
Articles 9 and 10
Exhibit C
USA G Y M N A S T I C S
BYLAWS
Revised March, 2017
i
ARTICLE 9
MEMBER MISCONDUCT
The U.S. Center for SafeSport (Center) has been established by the USOC and is charged
with the responsibility of monitoring and enforcing compliance with the U.S. Olympic and
Paralympic SafeSport Code (SafeSport Code). The provisions of this Article and of
Article 10 of these Bylaws are subject to matters within the jurisdiction of the Center. With
respect to such matters, discipline will be imposed in accordance with the adjudication
and determination by the Center under the provisions of the SafeSport Code.
9.1 Misconduct. In the event a member is alleged to have engaged in any of the
following conduct (Misconduct), the member may be disciplined:
(a) Violation of these Bylaws or the rules, regulations or policies of the
Corporation;
(b) Causing another to violate these Bylaws or the rules, regulations or
policies of the Corporation; or
(c) Engaged in conduct which is detrimental to the Corporation or which is
inconsistent with the best interests of the sport of gymnastics or of the
athletes the Corporation serves; or
(d) A Special Category of Misconduct enumerated below or any other sexual
misconduct described in the Corporations policies or the Centers
SafeSport Code.
(e) Disposition of Misconduct complaints:
(i) Discipline may be imposed in accordance with the procedures
outlined in this Article 9 only if the Misconduct is one of the
Special Categories of Misconduct enumerated in 9.2 below.
(ii) The U.S Center for SafeSport has exclusive authority and
jurisdiction to investigate and manage hearings involving
complaints of sexual Misconduct and certain other complaints that
are related to allegations involving sexual Misconduct as detailed in
9.3 below.
(iii) All other forms of Misconduct will be processed under Article 10 of
these Bylaws.
(f) For the purposes of Articles 9 and 10, a Member is defined as a current
member of the Corporation, or, any individual who was a member of the
Corporation at the time of any alleged Misconduct or possible violation of
the SafeSport Code.
9.2 Special Categories of Misconduct.

(a) If the Corporation becomes aware that any individual member:
(i) Is listed on any State or Federal sexual offender list or registry;
34
(ii) Has been declared a sex offender in any applicable State or Federal
jurisdiction; or
(iii) Has been convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or no contest
to a criminal charge or indictment issued by an applicable City,
County, State or Federal jurisdiction, and such charge or indictment
directly or indirectly involved or related to child abuse or conduct
that is a violation of any law or regulation that is specifically
designed to protect minors;
(Special Categories of Misconduct), the President may, without
conducting any additional investigation, rely upon such fact, finding or
determination and may promptly notify the member that:
(1) The Corporation intends to terminate the individual's
membership or impose any other discipline authorized in
Article 10 by a specified date; and
(2) The individual may request a hearing prior to the termination
or other discipline becoming effective.
(b) The hearing, if requested, shall be:
(i) A telephonic hearing;
(ii) Conducted by the President;
(iii) Implemented on the most expedited basis possible; and
(iv) Strictly limited to the issue of whether the individual falls into one
of the Special Categories of Misconduct.
(c) The decision of the President made pursuant to this Section shall be final
and binding.
9.3 U.S. Center for Safe Sport

The Corporation shall report and refer all allegations of sexual misconduct to the
Center, and all such matters will be within the Centers exclusive jurisdiction.
The Center shall investigate such allegations or reports, issue any interim
suspension or other measures pending the conclusion of the investigation and
any hearing(s), make recommendations of sanctions or disciplinary action as a
result of such investigation, and fully adjudicate such matters. Members have an
obligation to promptly report any possible violations pertaining to sexual
misconduct:
(a) Directly to the Center, or
(b) Directly to USA Gymnastics, who will in turn forward the information to the
Center.
Reporting to the Center and/or USA Gymnastics DOES NOT satisfy any legal
reporting requirements under state or federal law. If the suspected conduct may
also be criminal, persons are required to report to law enforcement. For state-by-
state reporting requirements, see www.childwelfare.gov.
35
9.4 Exclusive Remedy. Any alleged Misconduct by a member that is processed
under the terms of Article 9 of these Bylaws may not also be the subject of a
complaint under the terms of Article 10 of these Bylaws, unless the Ethics,
Grievance and Safe Sport Committee provides its prior approval. Any alleged
Misconduct by a member that is processed under the U.S. Center for SafeSport
may not also be the subject of a complaint under the terms of Article 10 of
these Bylaws.
36
ARTICLE 10
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS AND GRIEVANCES
10.1 Designation of Complaints. The following kinds of grievances may be filed

by the Corporation or with the Corporation under this Article (a Complaint):
(a) Administrative. An Administrative Complaint is one pertaining to any
matter within the cognizance of the Corporation, including, but not limited
to, any alleged violation of or grievance concerning: (i) any of the
Corporations rules, regulations or policies; or (ii) any provision of the
Certificate of Formation or these Bylaws.
(b) Opportunity to Participate. An Opportunity to Participate Complaint is
one pertaining to any alleged denial, or alleged threat to deny, any
member, who is an athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator or
official, the opportunity to compete or participate in a Corporation
sanctioned competition or a competition protected by the provisions of the
Sports Act or the bylaws of the USOC; or
(c) Misconduct. A Misconduct Complaint is one pertaining to Misconduct
other than those within the exclusive authority of the U.S. Center for Safe
Sport or of the Special Categories of Misconduct described in Article 9.
(i) The U.S. Center for Safe Sport will have discretionary authority and
jurisdiction to investigate and manage hearings involving certain
Proactive Policies and Other SafeSport Misconduct (as such terms
are defined in the U.S. Olympic SafeSport Code and/or USA
Gymnastics policies). The Corporation may, in its discretion,
request that the Center accept jurisdiction over other matters in
accordance with such SafeSport Code.
(ii) Misconduct Complaints that are not referred to the Center will be
processed in accordance with the procedures in this Article 10.
10.2 Filing a Complaint. Any current member, current or former athlete member,
or the Corporation (the "Complainant") who believes himself/herself/itself to be
aggrieved by any action of the Corporation or by one of its members, may file a
Complaint with the Corporation. If the Complainant is a minor, the Complaint
may be initiated by such minors parent or legal guardian. To be considered for
resolution through these procedures, the Complaint must:
(a) Be submitted in writing to the President at the Corporation's principal
place of business;
(b) Be signed by the Complainant; and
(c) Include a concise statement of the nature of the Complaint, the individual
and/or organization believed to be responsible for the acts or omissions
described in the Complaint and the relief requested.
37
A complaint that is not filed in accordance with this Section shall render the filing
ineffective.
10.3 Filing Fee. An Administrative Complaint which is filed by a Complainant other

than an athlete or the Corporation shall be accompanied with a $250 filing fee.
10.4 Time Bar. Unless the Complaint is filed by the Corporation or involves
allegations which are of the type described in one of the Special Categories of
Misconduct, a Complaint must be filed within one (1) year of the occurrence of
the alleged incident, violation, grievance, denial or threat to deny. In the event
that the Complainant was a minor at the time of the occurrence of the alleged
incident, violation, grievance, denial or threat to deny, the Complaint must be
filed within one (1) year following the minors eighteenth (18th) birthday.
10.5 Processing the Complaint.

(a) Upon receipt of a Complaint, the President will determine (i) whether the
Complaint complies with the requirements specified in Section 10.02 and
10.03; (ii) whether the Complaint is time barred pursuant to Section 10.04;
(iii) whether the underlying facts and circumstances referenced in the
Complaint give rise to an issue that is appropriate for resolution under
these procedures; (iv) whether the Complainant has standing to file the
Complaint; (v) whether the Corporation has jurisdiction over the matter;
and (vi) whether the Complaint involves matters which the Corporation
does not have the authority or ability to remedy. In making this
determination, the President may consult with and rely upon an advisory
panel selected by the President which consists of one or more Officers,
Directors or attorneys (Advisory Panel). If the President determines that
the Complaint does not satisfy the criteria specified herein, the President
shall so advise the Complainant, and the Complaint shall be dismissed,
and no further processing of the Complaint shall be required pursuant to
this Article.
(b) If the Complaint has not been dismissed, the President shall appoint one
member, employee (other than the President) or agent of the Corporation
to investigate the Complaint (the "Investigator"). The Investigator may not,
however, be an individual who is directly or indirectly involved in an
occurrence that is the subject of the Complaint.
(c) The Corporation shall send to the Complainant a notice acknowledging the
receipt of the Complaint (the Notice to Complainant). The Notice to
Complainant shall include:
(i) The name and contact information of the Investigator;
(ii) The date by which it is anticipated that the investigation will be
completed; and
38
(iii) A copy of these procedures.
(d) The Corporation shall send to any individual and organization whose
conduct is the subject of the Complaint (an "Adverse Party") a notice of the
filing of the Complaint and a copy of the Complaint (the Notice to Adverse
Party). No Notice to Adverse Party need be sent when the only Adverse
Party is the Corporation. The Notice to Adverse Party shall include:
(i) An invitation to respond in writing to the Complaint;
(ii) The name and contact information of the Investigator;
(iii) The date by which it is anticipated that the investigation will be
completed; and
(iv) A copy of these procedures.
(e) If the Complaint is a Misconduct Complaint, the Notice to Adverse Party
shall also allow the Adverse Party an opportunity to request that the
President resolve the Complaint upon the conclusion of the investigation
rather than using a Hearing Panel. If the President chooses to grant that
request and thereafter finds that the Adverse Party has engaged in
Misconduct, the Corporation may discipline the Adverse Party in any
manner consistent with the disciplinary provisions set forth in this Article
without using a Hearing Panel. In any instance where it appears that the
Notice to Adverse Party was received by or was refused by an Adverse
Party, or despite the best efforts of the Corporation, could not be delivered
to an Adverse Party, or an Adverse Party fails or refuses to notify the
Corporation as to which method the Adverse Party would prefer to use to
resolve the allegations, the President may decide which of the two
methods to employ.
10.6 Decisions Made at Competitions. If the incident which is the subject of the
Complaint occurs at an event or competition sanctioned by the Corporation, and
the subject matter of the Complaint could have been the subject of protest
procedures described in any applicable governing rules and policies, then those
protest procedures must be exhausted prior to the filing of a Complaint. The
failure to exhaust those protest procedures precludes the processing of a
Complaint pursuant to this Article. Furthermore, the final decision of an official
during a competition regarding a field of play decision (a matter set forth in the
rules of the competition to be within the discretion of the official) shall not be
reviewable through these procedures for, or the subject of, an Administrative
Complaint or an Opportunity to Participate Complaint unless the decision is:
(i) outside the authority of the official to make, or (ii) the product of fraud,
corruption, partiality or other misconduct of the official. For purposes of this
Section, the term official shall include any judge or other individual with
discretion to make field of play decisions.
39
10.7 Complaints Involving an Opportunity to Participate in a Competition.
With respect to an Opportunity to Participate Complaint, the Complainant shall
include with the Complaint a list of all other individuals, together with their
contact information, that may be adversely affected by a decision rendered upon
the Complaint. The Hearing Panel shall determine which additional individuals
should receive notice of the Complaint and shall provide appropriate notice to
these individuals. Any individual so notified then shall have the right to participate
in the proceeding as a party. If an individual is notified of the Complaint, then that
individual shall be bound by the decision of the Hearing Panel even though the
individual chose not to participate as a party.
10.8 Investigation of the Complaint. The investigation of the Complaint shall

include a collection of relevant documents and interviews (or attempted
interviews) with the Complainant, any Adverse Party and other persons having
information related directly to the subject matter of the Complaint.
10.9 Disposition of the Complaint. The Investigator shall prepare for the
President a written summary of the investigation. If requested by the President,
the Investigator shall also provide a recommendation as to the appropriate
disposition of the Complaint. Without being limited or bound by any such
recommendation, the President may then:
(a) After consulting with any Advisory Panel established by the President,
inform the parties that upon the basis of the investigation, the President
has concluded that the Complaint is devoid of merit or that the underlying
facts and circumstances do not give rise to an issue that is appropriate for
resolution under these procedures, and the Complaint shall be dismissed,
and no further processing of the Complaint shall be required pursuant to
this Article.
(b) Attempt to mediate the dispute to the satisfaction of the parties. If
mediation is successful, the agreed upon resolution must be recorded by
the President in a form which includes the written acknowledgment by the
parties of that resolution;
(c) Inform the Complainant that he/she/it may, at the Complainant's option,
pursue the Complaint through a Hearing Panel under the procedures set
forth herein; or
(d) Inform the Complainant that the Corporation will pursue the matter
against the Adverse Party as a Misconduct Complaint under the
procedures set forth herein.
10.10 Hearing Panel. If a hearing is requested, the President will report that fact to
the chair of the Ethics, Grievance and Safe Sport Committee. The chair of the
Ethics, Grievance and Safe Sport Committee will then appoint at least three (3)
40
disinterested individuals to serve as the hearing panel that will hear the matter
(the "Hearing Panel"). These appointments shall be subject to the following:
(a) The chair of the Ethics, Grievance and Safe Sport Committee may appoint
himself/herself or any other member of the Ethics, Grievance and Safe
Sport Committee to the Hearing Panel.
(b) The appointment of the Hearing Panel will include the designation of a
chair.
(c) The Hearing Panel shall have at least twenty percent (20%) athlete
representation. All athlete members of the Hearing Panel must meet the
standards specified for an athlete representative to a board of directors of
a National Governing Body or a Designated Committee, as that term is
defined in the bylaws of the USOC.
(d) The chair of the Ethics, Grievance and Safe Sport Committee is
responsible for confirming the availability of each appointee to serve on
the Hearing Panel.
10.11 Administration. The Ethics, Grievance and Safe Sport Committee shall be
responsible to ensure that all Complaints proceeding to a Hearing Panel are
heard in a timely, fair and impartial manner and may promulgate procedures in
addition to those set forth in these Bylaws for the effective administration of
Complaints filed with the Corporation.
10.12 Conduct of the Hearing.

(a) The chair of the Hearing Panel will select the time and place for the
hearing so as to have the hearing occur at the earliest convenient date.
The chair may choose to conduct the hearing by conference call or other
similar electronic means.
(b) The chair will communicate the information about the hearing schedule
along with the identity of the other members of the Hearing Panel to the
parties and to the President. Prior to the hearing, the President will
provide to the Hearing Panel copies of the Complaint, any written
response previously submitted by an Adverse Party, and, where
applicable, documents collected by the Investigator and the Investigator's
summary. The Hearing Panel will not receive (and neither party may
introduce or mention) any Investigator's recommendation or any
resolution of the dispute proposed by the President or by any party during
any mediation or any effort to amicably resolve the matter.
(c) Not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing, the chair of the
Hearing Panel shall cause to be sent to the parties a written copy of
the procedures to be followed at the hearing. Those procedures shall
include the opportunity for each party to be represented by counsel, to
present and examine oral or written evidence, to cross-examine witnesses
41
and to present such factual or legal claims and argument as desired,
unless such exhibits pertain solely to possible impeachment matters. The
Hearing Panel shall set such timelines and other rules regarding the
proceeding and the conduct of the hearing as it deems necessary. Either
upon its own initiative or at the request of a party, the Hearing Panel may
direct the production of documents and other information. Further, the
Hearing Panel may require that the parties (i) identify any witnesses the
parties intend to call at the hearing and (ii) exchange copies of all exhibits
the parties intend to submit at the hearing. The Hearing Panel shall set
due dates for the exchange of such information. The Hearing Panel is
authorized to resolve any dispute concerning the exchange of information.
No party and no one acting on behalf of any party shall communicate ex
parte with a Hearing Panel member. The hearing shall be i n f o r m a l ,
except that testimony shall be taken under oath. Members of the Hearing
Panel shall have the right to question witnesses or the parties to the
proceeding at any time. Any party may have a record made of the hearing.
A court reporter may be present at the hearing at the request of a party.
The court reporter shall be paid for by the party requesting the court
reporter, or if mutually agreed, the cost may be equally divided. Any
transcript shall be paid for by the party requesting the transcript.
(d) All procedural and evidentiary decisions shall be made by the Hearing
Panel. The rules of evidence shall not be strictly enforced; instead, the
rules of evidence generally accepted in administrative proceedings shall
be applicable. The Hearing Panel shall determine the admissibility,
relevance and materiality of the evidence offered and may exclude
evidence deemed by the Hearing Panel to be inadmissible, cumulative or
irrelevant.
(e) If the Complaint is not dismissed, decisions about the merits of the
Complaint and the form of any sanction shall be made by majority vote of
the Hearing Panel. The Hearing Panel shall report its decision on the
merits in the form of written findings of fact and conclusions. The
decision shall be sent to the parties and to the President. Subject only to
any right to arbitration as is specified in Section 10.16, the decision of the
Hearing Panel shall be final and binding upon all parties.
10.13 Discipline. The Hearing Panel may impose any of the following discipline:
(a) Reprimand. A communication, either public or private, of the
Corporation's decision to impose a reprimand regarding the Complaint.
Any reprimand may be combined with probation or suspension.
(b) Probation. A ruling that, for a specified time, the subject's
continued participation in the Corporation's activities, sanctioned
competitions or membership programs is conditioned upon the
42
satisfaction of certain conditions. These conditions shall be described
specifically, as shall the consequences of failing to meet them. The
Hearing Panel may order thatnotice of probation be given to appropriate
authorities, such as meet directors.
(c) Suspension or Expulsion. A ruling that (i) either permanently or for a
specified period of time, the subject is prohibited from participating in
sanctioned competitions or other of the Corporations activities, (ii) the
subject is expelled from membership in the Corporation, or (iii) in the case
where the subject has applied for membership, membership is not
allowed and the subject is placed on the permanently ineligible list. The
Hearing Panel may limit the effect of a suspension to certain activities or
competitions, and may establish conditions that, if satisfied, will result in
the lifting of a suspension. The Hearing Panel may order that notice of
suspension, expulsion, or permanent ineligibility be given to appropriate
authorities, such as meet directors.
(d) Other. The Hearing Panel may order such other relief as it deems
appropriate (e.g., letter of apology or restitution, including, for example,
the payment for damaging equipment or the recovery of any financial
benefit improperly derived by an Adverse Party).
(e) Discipline Imposed by the Center. With respect to all matters which are
investigated and adjudicated by the Center, the Corporation shall enforce
any such sanction imposed by the Center.
10.14 Expedited Procedure. With respect to an Opportunity to Participate

Complaint, every effort will be made to expedite the proceedings, including, but
not limited to, modifications made by the President or by the chair of the Hearing
Panel to the procedures set forth above in order to resolve the Complaint prior to
the start of the event.
10.15 General. All notices, reports and decisions under this Article shall be made in
writing and delivered in person by registered or certified mail, or other form of
delivery creating a record of receipt. Participation in these procedures shall be
deemed to constitute agreement to be bound by the provisions of this Article. If,
in the course of an investigation or hearing conducted pursuant to this Article,
the Corporation discovers that an Adverse Party has engaged in one of the
Special Categories of Misconduct specified in Article 9, the resolution of the
Adverse Party's status shall be resolved under Article 9, and the proceedings
under this Article 10 may be promptly terminated by the President or by the
Hearing Panel.
10.16 Publication of Permanently Ineligible Members.

(a) Where a final decision has been rendered in a matter where the discipline
43
imposed is permanent expulsion, or permanent ineligibility for membership
the Corporation shall publish the following information in one or more of
its publications and on the Corporations website: (a) the name of the
individual; (b) the state of residence of the individual where the violation
occurred and/or where the individual resides at the time the discipline is
imposed; and (c) with respect to decisions rendered after the adoption of
this Section 10.16, which of the Corporations Bylaws, rules, regulations or
policies was violated.
(b) In matters that are adjudicated by the Center that result in permanent
ineligibility for membership and are published on the Centers searchable
database, the Corporation will also publish and add information to the
Corporations list of Permanently Ineligible Members as detailed above.
10.17 Arbitration. The Corporation agrees to submit to binding arbitration conducted

under the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association, any
controversy involving (i) an Opportunity to Participate Complaint or (ii) its
recognition as a National Governing Body, as is provided in the Sports Act.
44

Report To USA Gymnastics On Proposed Policy and Procedural Changes For The Protection of Young Athletes

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Report To USA Gymnastics On Proposed Policy and Procedural Changes For The Protection of Young Athletes

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Report to USA Gymnastics

on Proposed Policy and

Deborah J. Daniels, J.D.

WITH ASSISTANCE FROM

June 26, 2017

Historical Perspective Regarding Page 13

Board Structure and Duties Page 25

Administrative Management Page 34

Member Requirements and Enforcement Page 40

Screening and Selection of Coaches, Volunteers and Page 55

Education, Training and Athlete Support Page 72

Encouraging Reporting of Suspected Violations Page 84

National Team Training Center Page 90

National Team Selection Process Page 97

Conclusion Page 100

Exhibit A - USA Gymnastics Participant Welfare Policy

Exhibit B - USA Gymnastics Code of Ethical Conduct

Exhibit C - USA Gymnastics Bylaws: Articles 9 and 10

Background on the Environment

Historical Perspective Regarding

Specific Findings and

Screening and Selection of

Process for Filing

USA Gymnastics Provides Voluntary Abuse Prevention Trainings/Educational Materials to

1. Increased awareness of the prevalence, consequences, and circumstances of child

USA Gymnastics Code of Ethical Conduct

II. Elements of the Code

1. Fail to follow the safety guidelines established by USA Gymnastics, or

Updated April, 2016

3. Engage in conduct toward another participant in the sport that is abusive.

4. Attempt to intimidate, embarrass or improperly influence any individual

1. Restrict the ability of a Member to qualify for or participate in competition

2. Discriminate in the provision of resources or opportunities to any Member or

1. Knowingly participate as a judge, coach, athlete or administrator in any

2. Engage in behavior that is so disorderly or inappropriate as to interfere with

Updated April, 2016

1. Knowingly misrepresent the policies or actions of USA Gymnastics or its

2. Act on behalf of USA Gymnastics or a Member without appropriate

3. Alter, falsify, or omit any information, record or document to intentionally

4. Fail to resort in the first instance to the established procedures for

5. Breach the duty to maintain appropriately established confidences of USA

6. Knowingly make false certifications on membership or event sanction

7. Engage in business practices directed toward another Member that are

8. Incur expenses in furtherance of USA Gymnastics' business that are

Updated April, 2016

1. Misrepresent competitive achievements, professional qualifications,

2. Knowingly disseminate false or misleading information about another

3. Misrepresent actions taken or not taken in an effort to show compliance with

4. Withhold from athletes information or resources likely to enhance the

6. Misrepresent the nature or extent of an injury in order to decline an invitation

7. Misrepresent the nature or extent of an injury in order to participate in (or

This section applies to all forms of communication, including social media.

F. Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

2. Assist or condone any competing athlete's use of a drug banned by the

Updated April, 2016

2. Has been declared a sex offender in any applicable State or Federal

3. Has been convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or no contest to a

1. Solicit or engage in sexual relations with any minor.

2. Engage in any behavior that utilizes the influence of a professional Member's

3. Engage in sexual harassment by making unwelcome advances, requests for

Updated April, 2016

III. Enforcement of Code

1. Determine that the complaint does not merit further action, or