INDIANAPOLIS, June 21, 2019 – After an extensive review of past selection procedures, USA Gymnastics has modified the components of the selection process used for naming teams for the World Championships, Pan American Games and Olympic Games. The 2019 selection procedures for artistic and rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling have been modified. The 2020 World Championships and 2021 World Games selection procedures for acrobatic gymnastics will undergo a similar review process.
All procedures going forward offer more transparency, defined discretionary criteria, the addition of an independent observer to the final selection committee meeting, and a process for removal of selection committee members should a conflict of interest exists.
Effective immediately, an independent observer, appointed by a committee of the Board of Directors, will be present during the final selection committee meeting for the Pan Am Games, World Championships, and Olympic Games. The independent observer, who does not have a voice or vote, will be there to ensure that the selection procedures are followed. After the respective teams have been selected, each discipline head will write a brief report that outlines the work and decisions of the selection committee. The report will be shared with the athletes and coaches who were involved in the selection process, as well as posted on the website.
The selection procedures for the U.S. Teams for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, are available online, as well as for the 2019 Pan American Games and the 2019 World Championships. . All of these procedures include the new modifications except for the men’s Pan Am Games Team, which was chosen prior to the Board’s adoption of the updated procedures.
“Based on feedback from members, the Board looked into the selection procedures for major international events like Worlds and the Olympics,” said Li Li Leung, president and CEO of USA Gymnastics. “Our athletes and their coaches deserve a more clearly defined process and more transparency. Refining the team selection process was a collaborative effort between members of the Board and program representatives. Thus far, feedback on the changes has been positive.”
Paul Ruggeri, who is the men’s athlete representative on the Board and the Athletes’ Council chair, said, “On behalf of the athletes, we appreciate the Board and the programs working together to make the selection process more clear and easier to understand. Representing your country at the Pan Am Games, the World Championships or the Olympics is the dream for many of us. I believe the modifications are a step in the right direction for leveling out the playing field for the athletes involved.”
All of the selection procedures are available online: women’s gymnastics, men’s gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling.
Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. The organization is committed to creating a culture that encourages and supports its athletes and focuses on its highest priority, the safety and well-being of the athletes. USA Gymnastics has taken specific, concrete steps to strengthen its athlete safety policies and procedures. Former gymnast and business executive Li Li Leung is the new president and chief executive officer of USA Gymnastics. The organization’s disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics and gymnastics for all (formerly known as group gymnastics). For more complete information, visit usagym.org.