A former high profile Sarnia gymnastics coach is permanently banned from any future involvement with Gymnastics Canada and his wife's suspension has been extended.
The findings of an independent discipline panel that examined formal written complaints against Dave and Elizabeth Brubaker were released Friday.
In a statement, Gymnastics Canada said the panel ruled that Dave Brubaker is permanently banned and prohibited from any future application or attempt to gain reinstatement, membership, or any other status with Gymnastics Canada member associations or clubs. The panel also ruled that Liz Brubaker's suspension is extended until January 18, 2024 pending the completion of imposed reinstatement conditions.
"The discipline panel for this case, chaired by Mr. Daniel Ratushny, held that Dave and Liz Brubaker did breach the relevant organizational Code of Ethics and Conduct policies that were in effect during the time frame when the events occurred (1996-2017)," the statement read.
Gymnastics Canada said there is a 15-day appeal period and it will not be commenting further on the details of the decision until the appeal process is complete.
“On behalf of Gymnastics Canada, I want to thank the panel for their detailed and diligent work to prepare their decision, and I want to express my gratitude to the athlete complainants for their cooperation, patience, and bravery throughout this very arduous process,” said Ian Moss, CEO of Gymnastics Canada. “Gymnastics Canada will provide more details surrounding this investigation once the appeal process is complete.”
Dave Brubaker was formerly the National Team Director for Gymnastics Canada's women's artistic gymnastics national team. He was suspended December 15, 2017 after being charged by police. Brubaker was found not guilty of sex-related charges related to a female gymnast, but despite the criminal acquittal, his suspension was extended and an internal investigation launched into written complaints received by the sport's national governing body.
Liz Brubaker was provisionally suspended on January 18, 2019 after written complaints were received relating to her time as an elite coach at Bluewater Gymnastics Club in Sarnia.
In a statement on its website, Bluewater Gymnastics said it is aware of the decision, the matter is in the hands of Gymnastics Canada and no further comment can be provided at this time.
Gymnastics Canada's full statement can be viewed here.