USA Gymnastics cuts ties with Aurora gym

Athletes at an Aurora gym can no longer compete in USA Gymnastics meets, after associating with someone who presented a "concern for athlete safety," USA Gymnastics representatives say.

The organization revoked its membership with American Institute of Gymnastics in Aurora on Oct. 11 after the gym violated USA Gymnastics' Safe Sport policy by having contact with someone on the group's "permanently ineligible" list, said Toby Stark, director of Safe Sport.

"They are unable to represent gymnasts at any USA gymnastics-sanctioned events," Stark said. "Any gymnast in the community who intends to compete at USA Gymnastics-sanctioned competitions will need to affiliate themselves with members in good standing."

The decision was made after a man attended a class at the gym with his child, an American Institute of Gymnastics representative said in an emailed statement Tuesday.

"USAG decided on their own with no legal right, to revoke our current USAG competitive status," the statement said. "This specific status in no way shape or form interferes with the running of American Gymnastics."

Stark declined to provide further details on the man's identity or why he had been added to the organizations permanently ineligible list.

"It is a firm decision based on the severity of the gym's violation of our safety code," Stark said.

Representatives of the gym at 881 Shoreline Drive said they have hired legal counsel.

"Not only has this individuals rights been violated but they have interfered with 45 team kids and their present season," the statement said. "The current team now has the opportunity to choose another fabulous team who has decided to open a second location within this facility."

Katiesmithdh@gmail.com