PHOENIX - A Valley gymnastics academy owner is calling for a change to the culture of competitive gymnastics that has come under intense fire after more than 100 female athletes have come forward claiming they were sexually assaulted by for USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
"The biggest thing that needs to change is it should be open," said Maria Lawrence, owner of Impact Gymnastics Academy in Phoenix. "Parents should be able to watch their children and understand what's going on."
Officials in Texas have confirmed there is an open investigation into the Karolyi Ranch, which is owned by former USA Gymnastics coaches Bella and Martha.
The organization had planned to purchase the property to continue utilizing the facility as a national training site, but backed off those plans after several athletes came forward claiming they were abused at the camp. Some described an environment with very little adult supervision that did not allow parents.
USA Gymnastics provided 12 News with a statement:
"USA Gymnastics has and will continue to take specific and concrete steps to promote athlete safety, health and well-being and prevent future abuse by adopting and vigorously enforcing the USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Policy, which requires mandatory reporting, defines six types of misconduct, sets standards to prohibit grooming behavior and prevent inappropriate interaction and establishes greater accountability."
The statement goes on the detail a new hotline (1-833-844-SAFE) that promises to simplify the reporting process and hiring a new president and chief executive officer who they say will emphasize empowerment throughout the organization.
"We've been very proactive from the beginning from opening our gym," said Lawrence. "We have policies and procedures in place."
Lawrence said her gym has security cameras throughout the facility, with exception to the bathroom, a safe touch policy and utilizes positive coaching techniques
Her gym also welcomes parents to sit and watch the practices.
"We want them to come here and sit through their two or three hours practices," she said. "I think that the culture needs to change a little bit and be more open and honest and have room for these people to have these kinds of discussions."