Change the Routine: Report on the Independent Review into Gymnastics in Australia (2021)
07 May 2021
Author - Australian Human Rights Commission
Gymnastics Australia engaged the Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) in August 2020 to conduct an independent review of culture and practice at all levels of the sport of gymnastics in Australia.
The Independent Review into Gymnastics in Australia (the Review) was requested by Gymnastics Australia following the release of the documentary ‘Athlete A’. The documentary sparked a global sharing of experiences of abuse in the sport, via social media, with several former athletes and parents of former athletes coming forward in Australia.
The key finding: Current coaching practices create a risk of abuse and harm to athletes. Additionally, hiring practices for coaching staff lack accountability and there are inconsistent policies and systems to regulate their behaviour.