Gymnastics coach stood down in Brisbane over alleged assault

A gymnastics coach has been stood down after an alleged physical assault of a child at a gymnasium in Brisbane.

Queensland police said they were investigating an allegation of assault at Splitz Gym in Sumner Park.

After receiving information alleging a "serious child safeguarding breach by a coach", gym officials escalated the matter last week to Gymnastics Australia and the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

A spokesperson from QPS confirmed that an investigation was ongoing "following reports of an alleged assault" on a child, but no arrests or charges had been made.

"Officers from the Inala Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) received a report of an assault at a business address on Jijaws Street on 5 October," the spokesperson said.

Gymnastics Australia and Gymnastics Queensland confirmed an investigation of a "serious child safeguarding allegation involving a coach" at a club was ongoing.

"As soon as the club became aware of the allegation, they correctly followed strict mandatory reporting requirements and the matter was quickly escalated," a spokesperson from Gymnastics Australia said.

In an email sent to parents of children who attended the gym, Gymnastics Australia said the full facts of the incident were under review, and at this stage it was an allegation.

"It is a serious allegation, and the issue has the full attention of Gymnastics Australia, Gymnastics Queensland and Splitz Gym," the email said.

Splitz Gym has suspended the coach allegedly involved immediately, pending the investigation, the email added.

It also made clear that Gymnastics Australia had placed "a provisional suspension on coaching" at any other affiliated clubs until the allegations could be fully investigated.

The spokesperson from Gymnastics Australia said it had "zero tolerance for any behaviour that places members or children at risk".

"Gymnastics Australia and Gymnastics Queensland remain firmly committed to ensuring gymnastics is a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants, and we are focused on supporting the local community through this challenging period."

Sport Integrity Australia was contacted; however, they advised they could not comment. Splitz Gym has also been contacted.