01
Abuse
Physical, emotional or sexual harm, exploitation, coercion or grooming.
Lebanese Gymnastics Federation
Safeguarding in Gymnastics
Safe sport starts with listening
Notice concerns. Respond with care. Speak up early.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. A concern may involve something you experience, witness or hear about. You do not need to investigate it yourself before asking for help.
Athlete-centred
Listen without judgement
Act with care
Recognise a concern
Safeguarding can take different forms.
These examples are not exhaustive. If something feels unsafe, inappropriate or harmful, it is appropriate to seek advice.
02
Harassment
Bullying, threats, intimidation or unwanted conduct in person or online.
03
Discrimination
Unfair treatment linked to identity, background, disability or personal status.
04
Neglect
Failure to provide appropriate care, supervision, protection or medical support.
05
Retaliation
Pressure, punishment or exclusion after someone raises or supports a concern.
Trust your concern
You can ask for help even when you are unsure.
Share what you know with an appropriate safeguarding contact. They can help decide the next safe step.
What to do
A simple reporting pathway
Focus on immediate safety, record the facts you know and pass the concern to people trained to respond.
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1
Make safety the priority
If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first. Do not put yourself or anyone else at further risk.
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2
Listen and record facts
Stay calm, avoid leading questions and write down what was seen, heard or disclosed as soon as possible.
-
3
Report through the right channel
Contact your national federation, National Olympic Committee, local safeguarding authority or the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation.
Need to report a concern?
Use an independent safeguarding channel.
The Gymnastics Ethics Foundation provides information about reporting concerns related to gymnastics.
Open reporting guidanceImmediate danger
Contact local emergency services or the relevant local authority before using a sport reporting channel.
Handle information with care
Respect privacy without promising secrecy.
Share information only with people who need it to keep someone safe or manage the concern. Explain that details may need to be passed to safeguarding or emergency professionals.
Support is available
You do not have to manage a concern alone.
Ask for guidance, keep clear records and continue to treat everyone involved with dignity.
Official guidance
Policies, codes and practical resources
Use the official source and check its publication date before relying on a saved or printed copy.
FIG · Official resource
Safeguarding Policy and Procedures
The core policy for preventing and responding to safeguarding concerns.
Open official sourceFIG · Official resource
Safeguarding During Events
A practical framework for safe planning and delivery at gymnastics events.
Open official sourceFIG · Official resource
Code of Conduct
Expected standards of behaviour across the gymnastics community.
Open official sourceFIG · Official resource
Code of Ethics
Ethical principles that support integrity, dignity and responsible conduct.
Open official sourceFIG · Official resource
Code of Discipline
The current disciplinary framework and procedures for alleged misconduct.
Open official sourceIOC · Official resource
Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration
A clear overview of fundamental athlete rights and responsibilities.
Open official sourceIOC · Official resource
Safe Sport Assistance
Guidance and practical tools for organisations across the Olympic Movement.
Open official sourceSafeguarding archive
Community updates
Selected milestones from World Gymnastics safeguarding work.