Who handles a concern about apparatus or warm-up safety?

Question

Accepted Answer

Equipment and setup are the Meet Director's responsibility. They must check that all equipment meets specifications and is properly installed, that competition areas don't overlap, that the floor exercise area has no obstructions, and that there's enough room for mounts, dismounts and vaulting. Coaches raise apparatus issues through the Meet Referee or Meet Director. A coach's actions putting an athlete at risk (for example, risk of catastrophic injury or a possible concussion): any member should report it to the Meet Director. The Jury of Appeals then decides by majority vote, and its decision is final. Suspected abuse must be reported immediately to local authorities, plus a Safety and Response Report to USA Gymnastics or the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Limits on judges: You can't demand a last-minute change or hold up the competition unless the Rules & Policies have been violated. If the Meet Director doesn't comply with the sanction or the Rules & Policies, judges may refuse to judge. Both sides must try to resolve it immediately, and no action may put athlete safety at risk. Supervising gymnasts' conduct in warm-up or training isn't a judge's job. Talk to an athlete only if the coach or athlete asks.