Please attribute to USA Gymnastics
Recently, certain media outlets and other entities have raised questions regarding the use of non-disclosure agreements related to abuse claims by USA Gymnastics. As we have said previously, USA Gymnastics will not endorse, agree, enforce, propose or otherwise support the use of non-disclosure or other similar forms of agreements that are intended to prevent survivors from speaking about their experiences in conjunction with any claims of abuse. USA Gymnastics is committed to do everything it can to support its athletes and others, who want to tell their stories without restraint, and these types of agreements can undermine confidence in our commitment. The policy of USA Gymnastics is to encourage an open and transparent discussion of these issues, recognizing that only through such openness can perpetrators be identified, and potential victims of abuse be protected.
To reiterate the organization’s policy, no member of USA Gymnastics’ staff, board or other professionals working for the organization is permitted to offer, promote or suggest any terms that would prevent survivors of abuse from speaking about their experience. Our announcement of this policy is to emphasize our commitment to ensuring that USA Gymnastics is focused every day on creating a highly empowered culture where athlete safety is our priority.
Commitment to athlete safety
USA Gymnastics is committed to creating a culture that empowers and supports our athletes. The organization has and will continue to take specific and concrete steps to promote athlete safety and prevent future abuse by adopting and vigorously enforcing the USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Policy, which requires mandatory reporting, defines six types of misconduct, sets standards to prohibit grooming behavior and prevent inappropriate interaction, and establishes greater accountability. Other efforts taken to strengthen that commitment include establishing a dedicated, toll-free number (833-844-SAFE), the safe sport email address ([email protected]), and online reporting to simplify the process for reporting; building a safe sport department that is developing a comprehensive education plan for members; and adopting bylaw amendments to provide the basis for further developing our safe sport programs and governance. The Athlete Assistance Fund, established by the National Gymnastics Foundation, provides access to counseling services for any current or former gymnast who was a member of USA Gymnastics and suffered sexual abuse within the sport of gymnastics. Eligible athletes may apply for assistance by visiting phpAAFund.org. PHP Management Systems, an independent third party, is administering the Fund, managing enrollment requests and connecting athletes to service providers in a strictly confidential manner.