WAIS Response to the Australian Human Rights Commission Report into Gymnastics

The following is a statement from the board of the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) in response to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) report commissioned by Gymnastics Australia into allegations of systemic mistreatment of athletes in the sport of gymnastics. The report’s findings were made public on Monday May 3rd.

“We are disturbed and saddened by the contents of this report. The findings show that there has been an historic, systemic failure across the sport of gymnastics to establish and maintain safe and age-appropriate training programs for athletes.

“WAIS operated a Gymnastics program from 1988 to 2016 and in concert with the National Institute Network committed to support the AHRC review into the sport. 

“Many of those in the elite training programs across Australia, and more broadly in recreational programs, were children and adolescents. The power imbalance between coach and athlete must always be managed with care and sensitivity, but even more so when the athletes are children. 

“The report points to a pervasive “win at all costs” mentality. It is a great concern to read of the “costs” paid by vulnerable children and adolescents.

“Participation in sport ought to be a positive and healthy experience that enhances physical and psychological wellbeing. The report’s findings make it clear that this has not always been the case. This should not have been so.

“On behalf of the WAIS Board and management we offer our sincere apologies to any person who has experienced distress or injury associated with their participation in the WAIS gymnastics program. 

“WAIS sets the welfare and wellbeing of our athletes as a priority.  While we are no longer running a Gymnastics program through WAIS, the issues raised through this review process will inform the ongoing review of our policies and practices more broadly to ensure that WAIS athletes train in a physically and psychologically healthy environment. 

“More specifically, we will continue to offer whatever support we can to those former gymnasts and their families who participated in the WAIS gymnastics program and who have come forward with their stories through the process of this review. 

“WAIS earlier this year asked Sport Integrity Australia to conduct an independent review of the issues raised specifically relating to athletes involved in the WAIS gymnastics program.

“We have been working with SIA and the former gymnasts to establish agreement on the scope and process of the review. We remain hopeful that we will reach agreement regarding those terms of reference and look forward to the commencement of the review as a necessary next step in addressing the serious issues raised. 

Any athlete, family member or person who participated in the WAIS gymnastic program and would like support is able to access the AIS Mental Health Referral Network (MHRN). The MHRN provides a national network of mental health practitioners providing confidential support.  It is available via the following link: www.ais.gov.au/mhrn or (02) 6214 1130

If you are experiencing a personal crisis, Lifeline provides a dedicated Telephone Crisis Support and are available 24/7 on 13 11 14.

 

All comments can be attributed to WAIS Board Chair Neil McLean.