Report a Concern or Submit a Complaint
Gymnastics BC welcomes open communication and takes every concern seriously. This is an essential process that ensures the safety, integrity, and quality of experiences within gymnastics, and reflects our approach reflects the our dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all participants in the world of gymnastics.
Completed complaint submission forms will be submitted to the following GymBC personnel:
Chief Executive Officer
Jennifer Keith
Safety Officer
Justin Schubert
Good Faith Reporting
A reporting person who files a GymBC Complaint Submission Form must do so with no malice and/or information known to be false, fabricated or retaliatory in nature. Complainants must have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed does indeed indicate a violation. Knowingly submitting a false or malicious report will be considered harassment.
There will be no retaliation of good faith reports that turn out to be unsubstantiated. No complainant shall suffer retaliation or harassment as a result of their report.
Response to Reports & Complaints
Initial Response — Severe
Reporting to Law Enforcement or Other Agencies
In instances where the alleged misconduct is severe, complainants should not hesitate to report misconduct to their local police department, their RCMP detachment, or another relevant agency or organization. Additional processes specific to your gymnastics club and GBC may follow.
In BC, if you have reasonable grounds to suspect that an individual is or may be suffering from emotional abuse, physical abuse, and/or sexual abuse, you should report the information on which it is based to the local child protection agency and/or the local police department. In British Columbia, call the Ministry of Children and Family Development has a helpline available 24 hours per day: 1-800-663-9122
Initial Response
Direct Communication
In instances where the alleged misconduct is less severe, and/or may not give rise to a risk to the safety, health or well-being of an athlete or member, GymBC strongly encourages all members (athletes, coaches, parents, club administrators, judges, volunteers etc.) to first try and respectfully address the issue with the person directly.
Secondary Response
Complaint Reporting at the Club Level
If the first response approach listed above is unsuccessful or inappropriate, individuals with complaint information should contact their club’s leadership personnel, President or a member of its Board of Directors. If the club does not have a Board of Directors, individuals with concerns should contact the owner(s) of the club. If you are unsure how to proceed at the club level, please refer to your club’s Policies and Procedures or speak with your club’s leadership personnel (President, head coach, club owner(s), or Board members) for more instructions.
Tertiary Response
Complaint Reporting at the Provincial Level (to GymBC)
GymBC should receive communication from individuals who have already unsuccessfully attempted to address concerns at the club level or if the concerns are not related to club operations (e.g. allegations occurred during an GymBC related trip). Complaints must be submitted in writing by an individual with actual knowledge of the allegations and signed by the complainant or the individual acting on behalf of a minor. Upon receipt of a complaint, GymBC will follow the procedures outlined in its Complaints, Hearings, and Discipline Policy and Procedure, outlined in the Complaint Management Handbook linked above.
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