OTTAWA, ON (April 13, 2021) – Gymnastics Canada (GymCan) acknowledges the receipt of a formal Notice of Appeal from David (Dave) Brubaker and Elizabeth (Liz) Brubaker on Monday, March 29, 2021. This appeal is related to the decision by a discipline panel, received on March 12, 2021, that determined that both coaches did breach the relevant organizational Code of Ethics and Conduct policies that were in effect during the time frame when the events in the various complaints received occurred (1996-2017).
The discipline panel for this case, chaired by Mr. Daniel Ratushny, ruled that Dave Brubaker is permanently banned and prohibited from any future application or attempt to gain reinstatement, membership, or any other status with Gymnastics Canada member associations or clubs, and further, that Liz Brubaker’s suspension is extended until January 18, 2024, pending the completion of imposed reinstatement conditions.
As per the Gymnastics Canada Complaints & Discipline policy, the Respondents have the right to appeal any decision that limits or removes the Respondents access to program or committee activities, removes or expels the Respondents from registered participant status with Gymnastics Canada or its member associations, or if the Respondents feel that the complaint process did not properly follow the procedures set out within the policy. As such, the respective parties will be informed of the appointment of an external Appeal Manager who will now manage the appeal process in a timely fashion.
Dave Brubaker was formerly the National Team Director for GymCan’s women’s artistic gymnastics national team and was suspended on December 15, 2017 after being charged by the police with multiple offences. While he was acquitted in the criminal process, his suspension was extended and an internal investigation commenced in light of written complaints received by GymCan. Liz Brubaker was provisionally suspended on January 18th, 2019 following the receipt of written complaints by GymCan while she was an elite coach at Bluewater Gymnastics Club in Sarnia, ON.
GymCan recognizes that ensuring a fair, neutral, and thorough process takes time and we thank all parties for their patience, cooperation, and engagement in this process. To respect the privacy of all parties involved, Gymnastics Canada will not make any further statements until the completion of the appeals process and ask that the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals involved be respected.
GymCan embraces our responsibility to take a leadership role in fostering positive, healthy, and fulfilling gymnastics environments. Together with our provincial members, we continue to implement Safe Sport policy, education, and advocacy initiatives with the safety and well-being of all participants at the forefront. For more information, please visit: http://gymcan.org/programs/safe-sport/overview.
ABOUT GYMNASTICS CANADA
First established in 1969, Gymnastics Canada has been supporting the mastery of movement in Canada for five decades as the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. We work closely with the twelve provincial federations and 700 local clubs to provide a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of all participants. From athlete development, to coach and judge 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 experiences through the delivery of quality and safe gymnastics programming. Visit www.gymcan.org for more information, or follow us @gymcan1. From here, we soar.
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For more information, contact:
Julie Forget
Director, Communications and Marketing
Gymnastics Canada
Cell: 819.210.2064
Email: jforget@gymcan.org