coaches, club owners, judges, and other instructors who take part in that process must do so with
and sensitivity. 
For gymnastics to continue to grow and thrive, we must focus on providing a safe, clean, and

environment for young people. Parents must have the highest degree of con?dence that their children
are not only receiving good care and proper instruction, but also are safe from negative and improper
conduct. These basic tenets are paramount to maintaining a positive image in the community and a
good reputation, both in local communities and as an activity nationwide. Con?dence builds as the
word spreads that gymnastics clubs are a good place for children.

Being a professional member of USA Gymnastics should be the gold standard in our industry, an
indicator that the person or organization has committed the time, interest and hard work into being
the best they can be. This membership should be a distinction that parents look for and depend
upon to know that they are placing their children into well-trained and
professional hands. What that standard requires has changed over the years
to include most recently safety certi?cation and ongoing education. We are
now raising the bar to include mandatory background screening.

USA Gymnastics will begin requiring mandatory background checks
for all professional members within the next month. The USA Gymnastics
Board of Directors and staff already have completed background checks as
a pilot program with our partner, the National Center for Safety Initiatives
(NCSI). Through NCSI, all professional members will have the endorsement
of completing a successful background check for previous criminal behavior
which may be inappropriate for contact with children. Background checks
Gam'mmund are becoming commonplace with many youth organizations and institutions
?mum? 'usa? and is endorsed by the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Within the near future, you will receive more information about the



USA Gymnastics
Background

 
   
   
   

 

lu?l?JL VVKMIULIUKI

The number one priority must be to provide a fun and safe environment for children. This
includes a thorough approach to safety and education; coaching certi?cation; background
checks. and other impartant safety nets for club owners and professional members. USA
Gymnastics is committed to providing leadership in these areas and we encourage the entire
community to join us in this effort. these need to be addressed to protect our athletes
and your businesses at the same time. USA Gymnastics Member Clubs must subscribe to the
highest level of participant welfare and set a gold standard for our sport.