We are thrilled to launch recruitment today for the Gymnastics New Zealand Athletes’ Council, a new project aimed at amplifying the voices of gymnasts across Aotearoa. This council will serve as a key platform for current and recently retired gymnasts to contribute to the future of gymnastics in New Zealand.
“Join the Gymnastics NZ Athletes’ Council to ensure your voice is heard and help shape the future of our sport. Your participation is crucial in advocating for positive changes and upholding the values of our sport.” Andrea Nelson CEO
Purpose and Objectives
The primary goal of the athletes’ council is to ensure athlete representation and promote the views and interests of participants. The council will play an important role in advising Gymnastics NZ and technical committees on matters concerning athletes. Key objectives of the athletes’ council include:
• Establishing effective communication channels for athletes and participants.
• Ensuring athletes can participate in decision-making and feedback processes.
• Advocating for continuous development and positive changes within the sport.
• Upholding the values of integrity, accountability, respect, and open communication.
Key Functions
The council will:
• Provide athlete representation to Gymnastics NZ.
• Communicate athlete perspectives on wellbeing, performance, and quality of experience.
• Facilitate athlete discussions at national events, encouraging dialogue and information sharing.
• Recommend athlete representation to external organisations like the Athlete Leaders Network and the New Zealand Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.
• Serve as a communication channel for athletes on matters related to their voice and well-being.
• Submit an annual report to the Board with insights on factors influencing athletes.
Council Composition and Meeting Frequency
The athletes’ council will consist of representatives including the athlete advisor from each of the five discipline technical committees, an additional athlete from each of the four largest competitive disciplines (men’s and women’s artistic, rhythmic, trampoline), and a representative from the GfA/parkour community to ensure their voices are heard. The council will strive for diversity in gender, ethnicity, and geographical location. If a discipline has over 300 competitive athletes, they may receive a second representative. The council will meet at least three times annually, with one meeting ideally in person each year.
Application Process
Gymnastics NZ is now accepting applications for council members and the chair position. Interested candidates should:
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for contributing to gymnastics in New Zealand.
• Understand the role and responsibilities of the athletes’ council – read the terms of reference.
• Exhibit high standards of integrity and behaviour.
• Be an active or recently retired gymnast (within the last five years).
• Commit to investing the necessary time to consult and liaise broadly with the athlete community.
• Click here to apply. (https://forms.office.com/r/phxTHs6i5z)
Nomination Process
Nominations must be submitted via the same online form as above. The nominations panel, comprising the Gymnastics NZ CEO, a representative of the Athlete Leaders Network, and an independent retired gymnast, will review the applications and propose preferred candidates to the board of Gymnastics NZ for approval.
Term and Roles
Council members will serve for three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. The first council meeting will establish the chair and vice-chair roles. The chair will lead the council and act as its representative, while the vice-chair will support and perform duties in the chair’s absence. Gymnastics NZ is committed to providing the necessary resources and support for the council to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Timeline
Applications and nominations are now open for the athletes’ council and close on Thursday 15 August 2024.
The nominations panel will meet to consider all applications and make recommendations for preferred candidates to the board of Gymnastics NZ with the aim to have the athletes’ council confirmed by Tuesday 20 September 2024.
It is hoped that the first athletes’ council meeting will take place in October at the XP New Zealand Gymnastics Championships.
Apply Now
We invite interested and eligible gymnasts to apply and be part of this exciting initiative. Join us in shaping the future of gymnastics in Aotearoa!