The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has adopted a new code of conduct to protect gymnasts against abusive practices, in a sport shaken in recent years by numerous abuse scandals.
“This new version of the code outlines the standards of behavior expected of everyone involved in gymnastics and draws a clear line between what is considered good practice and what is not tolerable,” explains the FIG.
Quoted in the press release, the president of the body Morinari Watanabe recognizes that the discipline has been marked by “years of bad practices”.
“Abusive training methods still prevail in some places, with the firm belief that this is part of the path to success,” he laments.
“As a governing body, (we must) put in place standards applicable everywhere and, in doing so, remind everyone that they have rights, duties and responsibilities”, adds the Japanese.
With this new regulation, the FIG hopes to change mentalities. In the United States, Great Britain, Australia or recently in Canada… The world of gymnastics has been marked for several years by cascading revelations denouncing decades of physical and psychological violence.
The case that has most upset the gym recently is undoubtedly the huge scandal Larry Nassar, named after the former doctor of the American team.
In 2018, this former osteopath and therapist was found guilty of sexually assaulting at least 265 top gymnasts and received cumulative sentences of at least 140 years in prison.
Since this unprecedented affair, gymnasts around the world have spoken out to denounce abusive practices, exposing a toxic culture within their discipline.