#BeTheChange – promoting a safe and fair sport for everyone

Do you want to help keep gymnastics safe and fair for all? Home Nations and British Gymnastics unite to launch the #BeTheChange campaign to show that, together, we can

• Titled #BeTheChange, the campaign sees Welsh Gymnastics, English Gymnastics, Gymnastics Northern Ireland and Scottish Gymnastics unite with British Gymnastics to promote a safe and fair sport for everyone
• The campaign has been developed to build on the new vision for gymnastics across the UK, ‘Leap Without Limits’ that was launched earlier this year – to create an uplifting gymnastics experience for all
• The campaign will highlight that it’s OK to not know the answers all of the time, encourage people to ask for help if they are unsure, and will signpost new resources, policies, best practice and learning opportunities as well as how to raise concerns

A major long-term campaign has been launched for gymnastics to promote a safe and fair sport. The first phase, #BeTheChange, encourages people to think about positive changes they could make, highlighting that as a gymnastics community, we need to support and challenge one another to be better to make our sport safer.

There will be much more support for parents and carers, gymnasts, coaches and people working in the sport around what is OK and what is not, to create a shared understanding of good practice and what isn’t acceptable, with messaging to encourage people to ‘see something, say something’, if something isn’t right.

Building on the launch of a new vision for gymnastics earlier this year, to deliver an uplifting experience for all, the campaign has been shaped by input from gymnasts, coaches, clubs and parents to ensure it can help keep everyone safe in gymnastics through education, support and empowerment.

A small change can make a huge impact. Whether it’s a coach taking more time to reflect or investing in regular learning and development, a parent raising a concern they have been holding on to, a gymnast speaking up if they are unhappy, clubs sharing best practice with one another or governing bodies providing more clarity and support in this space – everyone has a part to play.

It will also highlight that it’s OK to not know the answers all of the time and encourage people to ask for help if they are unsure.

The campaign has been brought to life with a #BeTheChange film featuring members of the gymnastics community and encouraging everyone to get involved.

Development of the campaign has been a collaborative approach with Welsh Gymnastics, English Gymnastics, Gymnastics Northern Ireland and Scottish Gymnastics working together with British Gymnastics. Over the coming months, regular updates and resources will be provided by the governing bodies to support members to play their part in helping to keep gymnastics safe and fair for all, including new toolkits, resources and learning opportunities.

Speaking about the launch of the campaign, Lisa O’Connell, Executive Director for Safeguarding at Welsh Gymnastics, said: “Welsh Gymnastics are excited to be working in collaboration on the new #BeTheChange campaign for gymnastics. We want the sport of gymnastics to be safe and fair for everyone and we look forward to working with our members to help support them and our community.”

If you would like to raise a concern about something you have seen or experienced in gymnastics you can do so via the Welsh Gymnastics website HERE or you can contact Welsh Gymnastics on safeguarding@welshgymnastics.org