USAG against Sexual and Physical Abuse – Policy Changes to tackle Loopholes
Aimed at upholding the integrity of the sport and separating it from the plague of sexual harassment and physical abuse, the governing body, USA Gymnastics (USAG), has initiated policy changes that ensure that trainers banned for such criminal acts are kept
completely out of the sport.
The USAG seems to be heading in a reassuring direction for gymnasts across the United States. The change was triggered by the disturbing results of the investigation carried out by the Register in October this year.
More than a dozen of women courageously came forward to expose the grim conditions of sexual and physical assault surrounding young female gymnasts for years, through painful recounts of their own unfortunate experiences.
"This is a start, we've got more to do," Peter Vidmar, Chairman USAG, said with reference to the policy changes announced on November 10, 2011.
He added that the new rules tackle the previously unattended loophole, thus making it even harder for anyone part of the banned list to enter the sport in any capacity.
Doug Boger, former U.S. National Team Coach, is an example of the kind of exploitation the loophole had left room for.
Former gymnasts, Charmaine Carnes and Denise Gallion, came forward and reported they had been sexually abused by Boger, at ages as young as 12 and 13 years, respectively.
The two belonged to Flairs, a Pasadena gymnasts club, just like the ten other women who had been victims of Boger’s physical abuse in the 1970s and ‘80s and reported the crime to the Register.
Following USAG investigations triggered by the repeated allegations, all of which were denied by him, Boger’s name landed on the permanent ineligibility list in June last year.
However, this did not stop Boger as he cleverly worked around the gaps in USAG policy.
The banned list had limited effectiveness as it extended to only “member clubs”. A non-member gym, such as ArtSports World in Colorado Springs where Boger then started coaching underage athletes, was impervious to the rules.
Boger was fired from ArtSports only after the Register investigation was published, two days later if we go into specifics.
As for the club, despite being associated with Boger, it has been doing well for itself, and there is news of the owner planning to sell it soon.
With that, at least one example of heinousness was closed, hoping the new rule spells doom for more offenders across the U.S.
Under the new rule, any individual or organization that is involved in holding USAG events cannot employ person(s) on the list of the banned people. The rule stands for all events that match the said criteria regardless of scale or type.
According to officials, the initiative entails further broadening of scope, so as to bring 300 more clubs, gyms and businesses across the country in compliance with the new USAG standards.
"Even if a (banned coach) chooses to go to a club like the one in Colorado that club will (now) find itself more alienated from the sport," Vidmar said.
Former gymnasts and victims have been expressing their appreciation for USAG for ‘standing by their word’ and making immediate changes.
The policy reforms have introduced a new category by the name of “registered businesses” covering non-member clubs and businesses that are allowed to host or organize USAG events and need to comply with their established rules and regulations.
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