In response to the independent review conducted by David Howman, Gymnastics NZ has embarked on a transformative journey to ensure the safety, well-being, and positive experiences of all our athletes. We are dedicated to implementing the recommendations from the review and fostering a culture of respect, support, and excellence.

Our journey is ongoing, and we are committed to continuous improvement. We will regularly update our community on our progress and any new initiatives we undertake to ensure the well-being of our athletes.

Below are the key initiatives driven by the recommendations so far.

1. New Training Guidelines
We have introduced comprehensive training guidelines that prioritize the physical and mental well-being of our athletes. These guidelines balance the demands of the sport with the need for long-term athlete welfare, considering factors such as age, athlete stages, and the New Zealand setting.

2. Complaints Policy Refresh
We have revamped our complaints policy to streamline the management of complaints and concerns within the gymnastics community. The new policy includes an online form, clear explanations, and a tier system to guide the process, ensuring transparency and accountability.

3. Competition Attire Review
In response to feedback from our athletes, we have updated our competition attire regulations to allow athletes to wear shorts or leggings over their leotards and to stop penalizing athletes for visible underwear. These changes aim to make athletes feel comfortable and safe.

4. Coach Development Framework
We have launched a new coach development framework to support the holistic development of coaches. This framework includes continuous education and support, focusing on creating athlete-centered coaches who prioritize the well-being and development of their gymnasts.

A full list of projects, with regular progress updates, is available here.

For those interested in the background and detailed findings of the independent review, you can access some historic content below:

• The review
• The workplan
• The Steering Committee
• Other news articles