INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 2, 2014 – As part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to promote a safe environment for athletes, USA Gymnastics has strengthened its policy regarding athlete participation in USA Gymnastics-sanctioned events. Effective Sept. 15, 2014, all athlete members must be affiliated with a USA Gymnastics member club to participate in USA Gymnastics-sanctioned events.
As of Sept. 15, 2014, unaffiliated athletes may no longer compete in USA Gymnastics-sanctioned events. All athletes participating in USA Gymnastics-sanctioned events must be affiliated with a USA Gymnastics member club. Only member clubs may apply for membership in USA Gymnastics on behalf of an athlete and/or register a team of athletes into sanctioned events. All member clubs agree to follow a number of registration requirements, including implementing recommendations from the Participant Welfare Policy; certifying that no persons permanently ineligible for USA Gymnastics membership – which includes convicted sex offenders and/or persons on the permanently ineligible for membership list – are or will be associated with the club or its activities in any way during the club’s membership period; and employing at least one staff member who holds a current, certified professional membership (or a certified instructor for a recreational facility).