USA Gymnastics alters sex offender regs

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - USA Gymnastics, the national gymnastics governing body, is making it tougher for coaches on its banned list to participate in the sport.

The new policy, which is listed on its website, requires "gymnastics clubs and event organizers to become a member club or registered business of USA Gymnastics to receive a USA Gymnastics event sanction, effective January 2012."  

The policy change may have repercussions for one Grand Rapids gymnastics coach.

Target 8 discovered that coach Paul Hagan -- a registered sex offender -- is still able to coach by law because he is no longer on probation.

Under the new policy, Hagan's gym, Aerials and Baranis in Plainfield Township, will no longer be able to host USA Gymnastics events or competitions.

He will still be able to coach USA Gymnastics member gymnasts.

But the governing body of USA Gymnastics, Target 8 discovered, is also considering solutions to close that loophole.  

One West Michigan legislator is also working to change state laws to create stricter rules for sex offenders who coach.