We, the undersigned members, parents, and community supporters of Lynx Gymnastics Centre, respectfully request that the Centre consider maintaining its affiliation with the Independent Gymnastics Association (IGA) rather than transitioning to British Gymnastics (BG). Our appeal is motivated by a shared interest in ensuring the Centre's continued alignment with values of safety, financial accessibility, and community inclusion.

Our petition represents a collective belief that this shift may not align with the Centre's values or best interests for the following reasons:

Why We Believe Lynx Should Remain with the IGA

1. Alignment with Charitable and Community Values

• Lynx Gymnastics Centre has been successfully providing the local community with gymnastics for the last 30 years, creating a safe environment for children to thrive.
• Started by Brian and Barbara Adams, Lynx Gym has always been for ‘everyone’, this includes the children, coaches and parents.
• IGA’s values-driven model has fostered an inclusive, safe environment that supports gymnasts of all backgrounds and abilities, in line with Lynx’s community-centered ethos. IGA’s commitment to allowing its member clubs autonomy in governance supports Lynx’s unique culture and enhances our ability to deliver services in a way that aligns with our community’s values and needs.
• British Gymnastics, as the national governing body, has a well-documented focus on identifying and developing elite athletes, which has historically prioritised competitive, high-intensity training environments over recreational and developmental programs. This focus, while beneficial for high-performing gymnasts, does not always serve the best interests of clubs like Lynx, which cater to a wider audience.

2. Financial Accessibility for Members

• Transitioning to BG membership will lead to increased fees for members, which could burden families and reduce accessibility for economically diverse members.
• By continuing its affiliation with the IGA, Lynx Gymnastics Centre can maintain a transparent, sustainable fee structure that prioritises reinvestment into programs, new equipment, better internal facilities, athlete support, and community activities.
• IGA will save the charity around £25,000 per year that could be re-invested into the building. 

Which leads us to ask the question, where we, the members, notified that this was even an option? 

3. Continued High Standards for Safety and Safeguarding

• IGA’s safety policies and standards are well-established and highly effective, supporting Lynx’s dedication to safeguarding every child in our care. Altering these systems could risk potential disruption to practices that the Centre, members, and parents already trust
• In recent years, British Gymnastics has been under scrutiny regarding high-profile cases and allegations of abuse within the organisation. This has led to an independent review, highlighting serious concerns about BG’s safeguarding standards. For parents and supporters, these cases have raised critical questions about the organisation's safety protocols and oversight. You can read the Whyte Review here: (https://www.uksport.gov.uk/resources/the-whyte-review/whyte-review-report)
• BG has also made the local press featuring in an ITV Documentary called ‘Gymnastics: A Culture of Abuse’ You can watch this documentary here: https://www.itv.com/watch/gymnastics:-a-culture-of-abuse/10a4818

If they have allowed these cases to be unheard, how will they handle keeping Lynx safe for our children?

4. Preservation of Lynx’s Community Identity and Charitable Mission

• The independent framework of the IGA enables Lynx to retain a local, family-oriented atmosphere, supporting engagement, inclusivity, and relationship-building that align with Lynx’s mission and charitable goals.
• Lynx has been a renowned Charity putting children first, ensuring that every individual get’s the opportunity to participate, Staying with IGA, who’s prices have remained the same for the past two years unlike BG’s, will stick to the ethos of why the Charity was first built.

5. Balanced Competition Opportunities without Elite Pressures

• IGA offers a variety of competition levels and disciplines that allow gymnasts to gain experience without the intense requirements typically associated with elite-level training. This flexibility is particularly important for Lynx’s mission, as it provides accessible, low-stress competitive experiences that keep gymnasts motivated and engaged
• IGA’s flexible competition opportunities allow all children in Aylesbury to engage meaningfully without restrictive barriers, in alignment with Lynx’s mission to make gymnastics accessible to all. Staying IGA will enable us to enter children into competitions across the UK.
• British Gymnastics’ focus on elite gymnastics often requires athletes to train at high intensity, placing strain on young athletes and sometimes leading to burnout. For clubs aiming to foster a love for gymnastics across ages and skill levels, IGA’s alternative model provides competition in a way that is more in line with recreational and developmental goals.

6. Coach Education and Supporting Young Coaches

• Lynx currently have two IGA Level 5 coaches that provide Tutoring courses for all coaches that work at Lynx, helping them upskill their knowledge and confidence.
• Lynx has been giving young adults the opportunity to work at the Centre and begin their coaching journey with IGA.
• IGA only focuses on face-to-face courses ensuring coaches are able to support safely and understand their roles in the gym, However BG have now decided that their courses are online which will cause gaps in the coaches education and a lack of confidence to keep your children safe in the building.

What would you rather? 

7. Positive Experience Under IGA and Measured Growth

• Lynx Gymnastics Centre has thrived under the IGA, achieving a history of success and positive feedback from our community. This partnership has proven beneficial for our athletes and community engagement, aligning closely with our charitable objectives. 
• The IGA’s model aligns with Lynx’s vision of delivering a well-rounded gymnastics experience, where members can grow, enjoy, and learn in a supportive environment that values personal development over elite achievement.

We respectfully request that Lynx Gymnastics Centre consider these factors and retain its affiliation with the IGA, which best aligns with Lynx’s mission, values, and member needs. This petition represents a shared commitment to preserving Lynx’s welcoming, inclusive culture, which makes gymnastics enjoyable and accessible for all.

Thank you for considering this petition. We appreciate your attention to our concerns and your commitment to the well-being and growth of Lynx Gymnastics Centre and all of its members.