Since USAG seems unable to bring themselves to reach out to parents for input on the current disaster enveloping gymnastics, it seems there is a role to create a list of specific suggestions for USAG.
Hopefully, those with connections to administration and leadership can take these ideas back for discussion.
The parents and great coaches on ChalkBucket all have a significant, vested interest in the health and well-being of our children / gymnasts: physically, mentally, and emotionally both short term and long term. We also recognize how great this sport can be, and the life skills and long-term benefits it can offer. We would like to see the sport of gymnastics successfully navigate through this very dark part of its history: acknowledge it, learn from it, and come through it stronger and changed for the better.
For this list, the suggestions need to be positive, constructive, specific, and realistic. Something that you truly believe would be both effective and able to be implemented. These would either be ways to address the current abuse tragedies and / or suggested changes to implement.
My first suggestion:
For those gymnasts attending training camps, to actively support gymnasts staying off-site with their parent (or teammate’s parent). This is especially important for the 13 and under age group. If children are to be optimally ready to learn in the intense environment of the National Team Training Gym, this means supporting their emotional needs, and not training them to deal with the pressure alone – especially at such a young age.
Physical proximity of a parent (or teammate’s parent) would also facilitate requiring a 3rd party presence whenever a physician, PA, or athletic trainer evaluates and treats the gymnast.
I would be interested to hear other suggestions.
Hopefully, those with connections to administration and leadership can take these ideas back for discussion.
The parents and great coaches on ChalkBucket all have a significant, vested interest in the health and well-being of our children / gymnasts: physically, mentally, and emotionally both short term and long term. We also recognize how great this sport can be, and the life skills and long-term benefits it can offer. We would like to see the sport of gymnastics successfully navigate through this very dark part of its history: acknowledge it, learn from it, and come through it stronger and changed for the better.
For this list, the suggestions need to be positive, constructive, specific, and realistic. Something that you truly believe would be both effective and able to be implemented. These would either be ways to address the current abuse tragedies and / or suggested changes to implement.
My first suggestion:
For those gymnasts attending training camps, to actively support gymnasts staying off-site with their parent (or teammate’s parent). This is especially important for the 13 and under age group. If children are to be optimally ready to learn in the intense environment of the National Team Training Gym, this means supporting their emotional needs, and not training them to deal with the pressure alone – especially at such a young age.
Physical proximity of a parent (or teammate’s parent) would also facilitate requiring a 3rd party presence whenever a physician, PA, or athletic trainer evaluates and treats the gymnast.
I would be interested to hear other suggestions.