Athletes' Commission

What is the Athletes' Commission?
Gymnastics Australia established an Athletes Commission with the view to providing a process to promote open communication with and feedback from, athletes. GA believes, like most other sports, that athletes, present and past, can make a very valuable contribution to our sport.

In 2001, the GA constitution was changed to include the chairperson of the Athletes' Commission as a Board Member. The chairperson is Ian Bartlett.

The Athletes Commission is:-

• A non-political group which can offer advice and assistance to the AGF on matters and issues of relevance to athletes.
• A promotional tool available for the purposes of promoting the sport to sponsors, the media and the general public.
• A resource for the AGF to enable athletes to be drawn on to provide advice and feedback on matters relevant to athletes.
• A group that can facilitate and promote high standards of sportsmanship and ethical performance when competing/participating at the national or international level.
• A group that can relate immediately to athletes competing at the highest level and establish relationships to promote feedback to the AGF on matters concerning elite athletes.This group will have a national focus and deal with national and international matters.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Athletes' Commission
The roles and responsibilities of the Athletes Commission are:

• Establish open lines of communication with athletes to identify issues relevant to the various gymsports that need to be addressed by the Commission.
• Examine the AGF Business Plan and give feedback to the Board on areas of improvement and/ or concerns that require input from athletes.
• Assist in the formulation of policy for athlete support programs.
• To provide support for athletes to achieve their personal best.
• Assist athletes in their retirement from competition/participation in the sport and ensure that they receive the appropriate recognition and assistance through this stage.
• Ensure the Roll of Honour is maintained.
• Provide regular reports and recommendations to the AGF Board on issues of relevance to athletes.
• Assist in promoting and delivering the Ambassador Program.
• Undertake special projects that may be relevant to the Commission and their Terms of Reference.

Note: This is not a conclusive list and roles and responsibilities may be changed from time to time as determined by the Board.

Operating Guidelines

• The Commission will consist of a maximum of four (4) members comprising the Chairperson and three (3) ordinary members.
• The term of office for Commission members will be four (4) years.
• One formal meeting per year, other meetings to be called on a needs basis; and
  Meetings on an informal basis when the opportunity arises.
• The Commission will have access to the following communication tools:
• The AGF Web site will include a special page on the Athletes Commission with an ability for athletes to e-mail the Commission with any of their concerns and/ or view points;
• Commission members to receive the GA Board minutes, technical bulletins and events/team reports; and
• Chairperson of the Athletes Commission will be a Board member.

Click here to view current Athlete Commission Member information.