Every child deserves to be safe in gymnastics
On 8 August, the Oceania Gymnastics Union will join organisations around the world in recognising International Safe Sport Day.
This year’s theme, Every child means EVERY child, reminds us that safeguarding must protect every child involved in sport, whatever role they play.
Across our Member Federations, children and young people contribute to gymnastics in many ways. They may be participants or developing as coaches, judges, volunteers or representatives within their gymnastics communities. Every one of them has the right to feel safe, respected, included and heard.
Safe sporting environments do not happen by chance. They are created when organisations, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and participants understand their responsibilities, listen to children and young people, and act when something does not feel right.
OGU is supporting International Safe Sport Day as part of our commitment to helping create safe and positive gymnastics environments across Oceania.
We encourage our Member Federations and everyone involved in gymnastics across the region to reflect on the part they can play. This may include reviewing safeguarding policies and practices, ensuring children and young people know where to go for help, or starting a conversation about what feeling safe should look like.
The International Safeguards for Children in Sport provide a practical framework to help sporting organisations strengthen their approach. The eight safeguards cover areas including policies, responding to concerns, advice and support, risk management, acceptable behaviour, recruitment and training, working with partners, and ongoing review.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can help ensure every child can participate in gymnastics with confidence.
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