A Message from Singapore Gymnastics (SG) regarding the Appointment of Gerrit Beltman as WAG National Head Coach

There has been a recent article in Dutch media (followed up by Singapore media) regarding Singapore Gymnastics’ former WAG Head Coach. This statement is to clarify the process by which Gerrit Beltman was appointed and left Singapore Gymnastics.

Gerrit Beltman, commenced his position with SG as the National Women’s Artistic Coach in August 2019 and ended his tenure with the organisation in July 2020, with his last day being the 19^th of July.  Gerrit informed SG that it was for family reasons that he wished to return home. He is no longer under contract with SG.  At no time during Gerrit’s tenure with Singapore Gymnastics did he exhibit any behaviour resembling what has been published in the media.  To date, we have received no complaints about his training nor his conduct during his time with SG.

The recruitment process for Gerrit Beltman was no different to the normal rigorous HR processes SG have in place. During the recruitment process, coach Beltman was very open about issues in his past and equally open on what he had learned from these issues - the behavioural changes he had made, and his desire to improve the culture in the sport.  As we would with anyone else, we investigated his past employment history and found that he had been employed without any issue for 9 years after the issues discussed.  Contact was made with referees and other people in the community and no concerns surfaced.  It was assessed during the process that Gerrit was committed to the new norm when it comes to an athlete centric culture for gymnastics and that the health and wellbeing of the athletes come above any results. There was 9 years on record showing a change in behaviour.

We do not condone his previous behaviour in any way. If you or anyone you know needs to report an incident related to this or any other gymnastics coach, the process is at the bottom of this statement. All are taken seriously and will be followed up in the appropriate manner. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all athletes that have spoken up about abuse, we hope that they find closure and through such find some peace of mind in the future.

Over the past two years Singapore Gymnastics (SG), with support from SportSG, has committed to driving cultural change within our sport.  SG understands that this is a long-term commitment as cultural change does not happen overnight and it takes a collective commitment from all the member of our community embedded true change. 

Since 2018, all coach recruitment processes have included thorough checks of the candidates’ experience and history. The coaches code of Conduct and the Child Commitment Statement is discussed during the recruitment process. This is followed by an induction process where ensuring a Child Safe environment is the focus. Lastly, as part of CoachSG accreditation requirements, all coaches are required to complete the CoachSG The Values and Principles in Sports” (VPS) Workshop.

SG has actively worked to start the process of a Child Safe environment by:

1. Adopting a Safe Sport commitment statement;

2. Developing an organisational Child Safe Plan;

3. Conducting engagement sessions with the SG community on Safe Sport;

4. Ensuring there are two Safeguarding Officer’s in place and trained through SportSG’s Safeguarding Officer training;

5. Having an SG staff member who is a member of the Safe Sport Commission; and

6. In 2020, as part of the club re-affiliation standards, all Club members were required to adopt a Club Child Commitment Statement of their own.

More details of the above can be found on our website https://www.singaporegymnastics.org.sg/about/child-safety/

So, change has already started at Singapore Gymnastics. As an organisation, we have a zero-tolerance to behaviour that puts athletes at risk. Safety is not an endpoint, it is a continuous journey. SG remain committed to listening and acting and support everyone for their courage in speaking up.

If you wish to report an incident related to Safe Sport, you may:

• Approach Singapore Gymnastics through the use of the Member Protection Policy,

• Approach SG’s appointed Safeguarding Officer through email sgoffice@singaporegymnastics.org.sg

• Email independent body Sport Singapore safe_sport@sport.gov.sg

• Call 999 only for emergencies that require immediate Police assistance. Otherwise, you may lodge a report at any Police station or Police E-Service page.

• Contact the International Gymnastics Federation https://www.gymnasticsethicsfoundation.org/reporting/