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 identified as a major problem in the report
- New rules say only qualified practitioners can weigh gymnasts
- Gymnasts under the age of 10 cannot be weighed at all according to the regulations
British Gymnastics has banned coaches from weighing gymnasts in a groundbreaking new rule aimed at tackling abuse.
Excessive weight control emerged as a complaint in more than 25 per cent of the more than 400 submissions received by last year’s Whyte Review, in which a damning report described a ‘tyranny of the scales’.
But British Gymnastics has 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 scientists or doctors are allowed to weigh gymnasts.
Persons 10 years or younger cannot be weighed at all. Anyone between the ages of 10 and 18 can only be weighed with the permission of both the gymnast and his/her parent or guardian.
British gymnastics has banned coaches from weighing gymnasts under new rules – pictured is the tumbling team that won gold at the recent World Championships in Birmingham
The new rules are intended to prevent the ‘tyranny of the scales’ from leading to mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
In addition to the new weighing rules, British Gymnastics has also introduced a new hydration policy, which states that ‘restricting fluid or toilet access is an example of physical abuse’.
British Gymnastics CEO Sarah Powell added: “Above all, we care about gymnasts as people. This new policy makes it clear that the well-being of those involved is the most important thing in gymnastics. We are not supposed to put medals above well-being.
‘While practices have come a long way, we know there have been bad practices in these areas. By providing clarity through the statements in this policy, it ensures that everyone understands what is and is not okay.
“The implementation of this policy represents an important and positive step forward for gymnastics.”