Women Whistleblowing

[GymParent0]

Just circling back to this topic because it’s really stayed with me, how incredibly difficult it is for someone to step up as a whistleblower. It’s not just about calling out wrongdoing; it’s the emotional toll, the risk of retaliation, and the isolation that often follow. I came across some info from Oberheiden P.C. on how national security complaints are handled, and it really highlights how complex and high-stakes it can be, not just legally, but morally too.

I just went through this and a Board used terms such as "we had complaint about you by a parent" when really, they had a complaint by their close friend about nonsense and wanted to create problems because I had asked the board to follow their NPO laws and procedures. Boards are protected by the GAG order in the contracts, and the governing body isn't independent nor do they have the jurisdiction to take issue with the NPO or Business. Of course the Government won't care much either.

So here's the issue in a nutshell:

-Comp contracts don't allow you to speak about the club with other parents.
-Boards are made up of non-athletes and power thirsty parents (usually moms)
-They employ friends and family, build up votes to remain in power this way
-Whistleblower can be burnt to crisp and the entire surrounding region will add gasoline because coaches and board members build relationships with the surrounding clubs

So, if people aren't happy with their Board or Coaches, they can't complain to anyone except the Board or Coaches themselves. It defeats the whole premise of NPO elections. Getting removed from a club is simple as a few of the Board Members/Coaches friends in the club make complaints, they keep it anonymous and kick your family out, notify clubs they are friends with to not invite you and tada..

I bring all of this up because if a Coach or Board member abuses your child, those coaches and board members have the ability to end your kids gymnastics journey if they don't allow it to continue. Worse off at higher levels, it puts the Provincial and National Organizations at risk if it goes public, and you can say good-bye to ever being able to compete in that province/state or nation again.