Dronfield Gymnastics Academy’s head coach Clare Hague has been named to coach England’s junior squad at the Horizon Cup in Greece, despite receiving a formal two-year warning from British Gymnastics over fear-based and controlling coaching allegations.
The governing body launched an investigation into coaching practices at the academy that led to the disciplinary sanction against Hague. The warning represents a significant finding regarding her methods, yet she has retained her position to represent England at the junior artistic gymnastics competition.
Safeguarding Concerns Raised
The selection has drawn criticism from former gymnasts and advocates for athlete welfare. Claire Heafford, Chief Executive of Gymnasts for Change, emphasized the fundamental principles at stake in coaching environments. “We tell our kids to tell a trusted adult when something’s wrong,” Heafford stated, highlighting the expectations placed on young athletes to report concerns.
The decision to include Hague in the England coaching setup for the Horizon Cup raises questions about the implementation of British Gymnastics’ disciplinary findings. The formal warning issued against her specifically addresses fear-based and controlling coaching practices—areas that fall directly within safeguarding protocols designed to protect junior competitors.
Competition Context
The Horizon Cup is a junior artistic gymnastics event that brings together young talent from multiple nations. England’s participation at the competition involves selecting coaching staff deemed appropriate to work with elite junior athletes, a responsibility that typically involves rigorous safeguarding assessments.
The contradiction between the formal warning and Hague’s selection for international representation underscores ongoing tensions within British gymnastics regarding the implementation of disciplinary outcomes and their relationship to athlete protection measures.