Gymnastics Australia (GA) in collaboration with Sports Dietitian and Director of The Mindful Dietitian and Body Positive Australia Fiona Sutherland, have developed the Body Positive Guidelines.
These guidelines aim to set clear boundaries on what is acceptable language and behaviour for coaches, parents, judges, support staff and administrative staff when working with gymnasts of all ages, genders and training levels. These boundaries apply to environments that are inclusive of, but not limited to, the daily training environment, National Training Camps, team travel and whilst at competitions.
The guidelines also aim to encourage gymnastics clubs to ensure adequate and appropriate nutrition education is delivered to their gymnasts, coaches, parents and management team by a qualified Sports Dietitian.
"These guidelines are incredibly important for our sport and show the great importance that we place on the health and well-being of all our athletes. This document, along with other policies under development, will provide the framework for an athlete focused high performance environment that enables a safe, supportive and respectful culture throughout Gymnastics in Australia." - Gymnastics Australia CEO Kitty Chiller AM.
These guidelines are an important tool to facilitate the creation of positive, inclusive and respectful environments for all gymnasts and apply to all gymsports.
Maintaining wellbeing, optimising performance and minimising harm to all gymnasts, staff and the organisation are at the core of these guidelines and all future work in the Body Positive space. GA will continue to provide leadership, education and training for all members of our community, in an effort to align our values and principles with optimal care of our members.
"Gymnastics Australia has shown outstanding leadership in the development of these documents, which are much needed across all sports to support athlete and community wellbeing. All athletes, in all bodies, deserve to be treated with respect and this is a powerful way that organisations can take a clear stand." The Mindful Dietitian and Body Positive Australia Fiona Sutherland.