The publication cited a lawsuit filed in 2013, which claimed that two former officials admitted that USA Gymnastics "routinely dismissed sexual abuse allegations as hearsay unless they came directly from a victim or victim’s parent".

They also reported that USA Gymnastics had compiled complaint dossiers on over 50 coaches, claiming they failed to investigate or report allegations.

The Star wrote that they had uncovered four cases of the organisation failing to report coaches after allegations were received about suspected sexual abuse by the officials.

“Those coaches went on, according to police and court records, to abuse at least 14 underage gymnasts after the warnings,” the Indianapolis Star reported.

Penny has responded to the allegations by asserting that USA Gymnastics were “committed to promoting a safe environment for its athletes”.

He also claimed they had reported Marvin Sharp, 2010 national women’s coach of the year, to police after receiving a complaint in 2015.

The Star had claimed the organisation had previously received a detailed complaint about the coach back in 2011, with Sharp one of the four cases investigated by the paper.

“USA Gymnastics has been proactive in helping to educate the gymnastics community over the years, and will continue to take every punitive action available within our jurisdiction, and cooperate fully with law enforcement,” Penny said.

“USA Gymnastics believes it has a duty to report to law enforcement whenever circumstances warrant, as was the case when I initiated the report of Marvin Sharp.

“USA Gymnastics has been assured by law enforcement that it went above and beyond its legal obligations to report on this matter."

Penny added: "USA Gymnastics has, in the strongest terms, encouraged anyone who believes abuse has occurred to contact law enforcement and frequently works with law enforcement on these matters.

“USA Gymnastics seeks first-hand knowledge whenever allegations of abuse arise as the most reliable source to take action and as outlined in its bylaws and policies.

"The organisation has continually reviewed its best practices on how it addresses these issues and has been among the first to initiate new policies and procedures including publishing a list of banned coaches and instituting national background checks."

Regarding the lawsuit, which was filed in Georgia, the Star claimed USA Gymnastics had “received at least four complaints about coach William McCabe as early as 1998”, but he was allowed to continue to coach children for nearly seven more years.

McCabe was charged and pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children and making false statements in 2006, according to the newspaper.

“With the judge considering whether to dismiss the pending lawsuit in Georgia, there are limits on what the organisation can say publicly during litigation,” Penny said, in reference to the lawsuit.

“Nonetheless, USA Gymnastics provided the Indianapolis Star with substantial information on its policies and procedures to demonstrate the organization's commitment to the safety of its athletes within the scope of its jurisdiction and governance structure.

“We feel the Star left out significant facts that would have painted a more accurate picture of our efforts.”