Questions over safeguarding as warned coach selected by English Gymnastics for international junior competition

Warning and competition role

The coach, Hague, received a formal warning from British Gymnastics after an investigation into allegations that included fear-based coaching and controlling practices. The outcome letter says several concerns were upheld, and that Hague and Dronfield Gymnastics Academy will face monitoring and development measures during the warning’s two-year term.

Complainants voice concern

People who complained in two separate investigations involving Hague and her club described the selection as a “smack in the teeth” and said it “adds salt in the wound” for those who had spoken up. One complainant said her daughter had wanted to protect other children and feared the outcome might teach her that speaking up achieves nothing.

The complainant also said she had lost faith in the system in 2022, later hoped it had improved, and was disappointed by the result. Hague did not directly respond to a request for comment. Dronfield Gymnastics Academy told the BBC that it had co-operated “openly, fully and with complete transparency.”

Safeguarding and oversight

British Gymnastics introduced safeguarding rules in 2023, including allowing gymnasts to drink water during training and use the toilet at the earliest available opportunity. The measures were intended to prevent practices the governing body described as “on the fringes of abuse.” A review made 17 recommendations covering safeguarding and welfare, complaints handling, standards and education, and governance and oversight. British Gymnastics said the review led it to double annual spending on welfare and safe sport to about £1m.

Questions about sanctions

British Gymnastics said outcomes must follow a fair and thorough assessment that considers relevant information, context and different perspectives. It also said it had received positive reports from Dronfield members and that the club was working with it on improvements.

Claire Heafford, chief executive of Gymnasts for Change, questioned whether repeated complaints over several years should lead to retraining rather than stronger sanctions. She also said parents currently have no way to know whether a coach has faced earlier complaints or sanctions.