Gymnastics Australia implements Integrity Framework to ensure future protections within the sport

Gymnastics Australia officially implemented Sport Integrity Australia’s National Integrity Framework on 4th April and adopted a suite of six new policies which establish behavioural expectations for individuals involved in the sport.

Under this new framework, Sport Integrity Australia will assess and manage complaints about potential breaches of those six policies.

By adopting the National Integrity Framework, Gymnastics Australia have committed to protecting the sport through strong policies relating to a range of issues including abuse, bullying, harassment, illicit drug use and competition manipulation.

The Framework was a key recommendation from the Change the Routine Report and was adopted by the Gymnastics Australia Board in November 2021.

Gymnastics Australia Acting Chief Executive, Bradley Low said the adoption of these policies will deliver better outcomes for gymnastics members when disputes arise and reduce the administrative burden for clubs.

“We have been working closely with Sport Integrity Australia, our State and Territory Associations and our affiliated clubs for months now on what the National Integrity Framework means for our gymnastics community and how its application is an important step forward in our efforts to safeguard all members.

“The National Integrity Framework really sets the bar on our expectation of everyone involved in our sport and the role they play in making gymnastics a safe place for everyone to play, learn and work.”

Sport Integrity Australia Chief Executive David Sharpe recognised Gymnastics Australia for their leadership in adopting the Framework, to ensure future protections within the sport.

“Gymnastics Australia has been at the forefront of sport integrity reform in Australia, and their proactive adoption of the National Integrity Framework today is another major milestone for the sport,” Sharpe said.

“In addition, they have demonstrated their commitment to an independent complaint management process, which will ensure that any potential integrity issues will be handled impartially now and into the future.

“I commend the Board and look forward to working with Gymnastics Australia in future to continue to build safe, fair environments for all gymnasts.”