THE WAIS GYMNASTICS PROGRAM REVIEW FINDINGS The findings highlight the importance of having a National Integrity Framework to investigate complaints properly, and independently, in the first instance. Sport Integrity Australia has released its findings from the Review of the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) program at the West Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) between 1987–2016. The Review, conducted at the request of WAIS and Gymnastics Alliance Australia, highlighted historical allegations of abuse, mistreatment and unacceptable conduct which occurred up to 25 years ago in the WAIS WAG program. It concluded that unacceptable conduct perpetuated predominantly due to the lack of an adequate complaints-handling mechanism, safeguarding policies or sufficient oversight. This Review is an important step in improving the integrity of sport in Australia and safeguarding future generations, Sport Integrity Australia CEO David Sharpe said, and is “a wake-up call for all sports” to review their practices with fresh eyes. Mr Sharpe said the findings highlighted the importance of having an independent complaints handling process, such as the National Integrity Framework, for resolving complaints and administering disciplinary action arising from an individual or organisation engaging in prohibited conduct. “Independence is the key for all complaints handling,” Mr Sharpe said. “We now have a system in place giving athletes a voice to ensure mistakes, abuse, misconduct and victimisation are called out and never repeated. “Under the National Integrity Framework we won’t have matters arising 20 or 30 years down the track because matters will be investigated properly, and independently, in the first instance. This strong integrity framework and a desire to protect sport will ensure a safe and positive environment is created.”
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SPORT INTEGRITY MATTERS | ISSUE 9
