January 30, 2018
Gymnastics Canada statement in response to the charges against Scott McFarlane
Gymnastics Canada – OTTAWA, ON (January 30, 2018) — Gymnastics Canada has been made aware that Mr. Scott McFarlane, a gymnastics coach registered with Gymnastics Ontario, has been charged today with numerous sex related offences and as a result, he has been suspended indefinitely from both Gymnastics Canada and Gymnastics Ontario as per our policies.
“Gymnastics Canada has a zero tolerance policy for any type of behaviour that puts the safety and well-being of our participants at risk,” said Richard Crépin, Chair of the Board of Directors at Gymnastics Canada. “More than words though, it’s actions that count. Our top priority is building a safe environment for our participants by enhancing the policies and mechanisms we have in place so that our athletes and coaches are safe and secure and so parents feel confident that their children are safe. Our hearts go out to the victim in this case, and we want her, and the rest of our community to know that we will not rest until this type of behaviour no longer finds a home in the sport of gymnastics.”
Gymnastics Canada’s risk management approach, which follows the direction of the Coaching Association of Canada’s Responsible Coaching Movement, requires all national team participants, and participants at national-level competitions, to have completed enhanced background checks and training on ethical behaviour (Respect in Sport).
We are also working in close collaboration with our provincial partners to develop updated policies and to ensure alignment in key areas such as background screening, conduct, and the development of a safe sport framework that will focus on policies, procedures, education, and alignment throughout the system.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact investigators at the Special Victims Unit from the Peel Regional Police at 905-453-2121, ext. 3460. Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca or by sending a text message to CRIMES (274637) with the word “PEEL” and then your tip.
ABOUT GYMNASTICS CANADA
First established in 1969, Gymnastics Canada is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. Gymnastics Canada works closely with the twelve Provincial Federations and the 700 local clubs to provide a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of all participants. From athlete development, to coaching and judging education, Gymnastics Canada sets the operating standards and practices for the sport in Canada. Our mandate is to promote and provide positive and diverse gymnastics experience through the delivery of quality and safe gymnastics programming. Visit www.gymcan.org for more information, or follow us @CDNgymnastics.
“Gymnastics Canada has a zero tolerance policy for any type of behaviour that puts the safety and well-being of our participants at risk,” said Richard Crépin, Chair of the Board of Directors at Gymnastics Canada. “More than words though, it’s actions that count. Our top priority is building a safe environment for our participants by enhancing the policies and mechanisms we have in place so that our athletes and coaches are safe and secure and so parents feel confident that their children are safe. Our hearts go out to the victim in this case, and we want her, and the rest of our community to know that we will not rest until this type of behaviour no longer finds a home in the sport of gymnastics.”
Gymnastics Canada’s risk management approach, which follows the direction of the Coaching Association of Canada’s Responsible Coaching Movement, requires all national team participants, and participants at national-level competitions, to have completed enhanced background checks and training on ethical behaviour (Respect in Sport).
We are also working in close collaboration with our provincial partners to develop updated policies and to ensure alignment in key areas such as background screening, conduct, and the development of a safe sport framework that will focus on policies, procedures, education, and alignment throughout the system.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact investigators at the Special Victims Unit from the Peel Regional Police at 905-453-2121, ext. 3460. Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca or by sending a text message to CRIMES (274637) with the word “PEEL” and then your tip.
ABOUT GYMNASTICS CANADA
First established in 1969, Gymnastics Canada is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. Gymnastics Canada works closely with the twelve Provincial Federations and the 700 local clubs to provide a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of all participants. From athlete development, to coaching and judging education, Gymnastics Canada sets the operating standards and practices for the sport in Canada. Our mandate is to promote and provide positive and diverse gymnastics experience through the delivery of quality and safe gymnastics programming. Visit www.gymcan.org for more information, or follow us @CDNgymnastics.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Julie Forget
Director, Communications and Marketing
Gymnastics Canada
Tel: 613.748.5637 x 233
Cell: 819.210.2064
Email: jforget@gymcan.org