British Gymnastics BAN coaches from weighing athletes after dozens complained about the ‘tyranny of the scales’ leading to eating disorders, anxiety and depression
- Excessive weight management by coaches was flagged as major issue by report
- New rules say only qualified practitioners will be able to weigh gymnasts
- Gymnasts aged under 10 cannot be weighed at all under the regulations
British Gymnastics have banned coaches from weighing gymnasts in a landmark new rule aimed at tackling abuse.
Excessive weight management came up as a complaint in more than 25 per cent of the 400-plus submissions received by last year’s Whyte Review, which described a ‘tyranny of the scales’ in a damning report.
But British Gymnastics have now introduced a new policy to ‘prevent inappropriate practices’ which they admit had caused ‘mental health problems such as eating disorders, anxiety and depression’ in the past.
Under the new rules, only qualified sports science or medicine practitioners will be permitted to weigh gymnasts.
Those aged 10 or under cannot be weighed at all. Anyone aged between 10 and 18 can only be weighed with the consent of both the gymnast and their parent or guardian.
British Gymnastics have banned coaches from weighing gymnasts under new rules – pictured are the tumbling team who won gold at the recent World Championships in Birmingham
The new rules are designed to prevent the ‘tyranny of the scales’ leading to mental health problems including anxiety, depression and eating disorders
As well as the new weighing rules, British Gymnastics have also introduced a new hydration policy, which states that ‘restricting fluid or toilet access is an example of physical abuse’.
British Gymnastics chief executive Sarah Powell added: ‘Above all else, we care about gymnasts as people. These new policies make clear that what matters most in gymnastics is the welfare of those involved. There is no desire for us to put medals above welfare.
‘While practices have moved on a long way, we know there has been poor practice in these areas. By providing clarity through the statements set out in these policies, it will ensure everyone understands what is OK and what is not OK.
‘The implementation of these policies forms a significant and positive step forward for gymnastics.’
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