The results of the study commissioned by the Gymnastics Association are compared to a survey four years ago. It was sent to competitive A or B licensed athletes and coaching licensed coaches who have reached the age of 12.
According to gymnasts and guardians, discrimination and favoritism are the most challenging aspects of the gymnastics coaching culture. This can be seen from the follow-up study commissioned by Voimisteluitsiito’s Taloustuikma.
The first coaching culture survey was conducted four years ago. The now published follow-up study shows that the most challenging aspects of the coaching culture have not developed.
The research shows that shouting at coaches is common. Just under a third of the gymnasts who responded were upset by the coach’s comment. 40 percent of respondents felt that the coach favored some gymnasts.
– The survey shows that the development of coaches’ communication and interaction skills will continue to be at the center of our measures, the Gymnastics Association Maria Laakso commented in the union’s press release.
Among the gymnasts, there is bad talk about others, and in addition, bullying of other gymnasts still happens.
Eight percent of gymnasts have experienced bullying. According to the research report, there has been a negative development in the results across the board compared to 2018.
According to the report, there is very little serious misconduct, sexual harassment or physical violence, and the number has not increased compared to the 2018 survey.
Appearance pressures are common
The report says that more than half of the gymnasts have had pressure related to their appearance. However, the gymnasts feel that most of the coaches have found a way to talk about body-related issues in a constructive way.
The most positive things the gymnasts felt were the friends in their sport and the feeling of success. 74 percent of the gymnasts who responded would recommend gymnastics as a hobby to a friend.
According to the results, the coaches feel tired but motivated. Four out of five coaches have experienced fatigue in the past two years.
The coaches would like more training and financial support from the Gymnastics Association, especially for small clubs, although the majority are satisfied with the support of the Gymnastics Association in developing coaching skills.