(Reuters) – After being rocked by a sexual abuse scandal, USA Gymnastics on Wednesday released an updated Safe Sport Policy designed to provide clearer guidelines to protect those involved in the sport.
The policy, posted on its website, lists seven categories of reportable misconduct: sexual, emotional, physical misconduct, stalking, bullying behavior, hazing, and harassment.
It links to a page where misconduct can be reported online.
The policy overhaul comes in the wake of a sexual abuse scandal involving former national team doctor Larry Nassar.
He was sentenced to up to 300 years in prison in two different trials in Michigan last year after more than 350 women, including Olympic champions Aly Raisman and Jordyn Wieber, testified about abuse at his hands.
USA Gymnastics CEO Li Li Leung said the updated policy clarifies what constitutes misconduct.
“(It) more clearly defines misconduct, the behaviors that need to be prevented, and the responsibilities for members and those involved in member clubs,” she said.
Among other things, the policy outlines “mandatory reporting and where the different types of misconduct and policy violations should or must be reported.”
It also lists five categories of misconduct related to reporting and process: aiding and abetting, failure to report, intentionally filing a false allegation, abuse of process, and retaliation.
There are 10 prevention policies that set boundaries between professionals and athlete members.
These include one-on-one interaction, social media and electronic communication, photography and videography, locker room and changing areas, massaging, taping and icing.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Toby Davis)
