Protect LGBTQ+ athletes

In my long lifetime, I’ve not yet faced an issue regarding a trans athlete. It’s quite rare.

In 2023 the concerns have been exaggerated by right wing politicians as an unethical and dangerous way to gain deplorable votes.

BUT every sport must make decisions on who is allowed to compete in any competitive division. Age. Ability. Gender. Etc.

For me it’s not automatic to disallow males who have transitioned to females.

Fujitsu Judging Support System

Perhaps we’ve reached the end of the beginning.

Certainly Artistic Gymnastics needs more objectivity. Trampoline is much fairer as time of flight and ability to stay in the middle of the bed is measured by machine.

The FIG has approved the official use of the Judging Support System (JSS), developed by Fujitsu, at the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp (BEL) for all apparatuses. …

Furthermore, the Superior Jury will have the possibility of using the outputs provided by the JSS, as well as the IRCOS video replay system, in cases of inquiries or blocked scores. The use of cameras instead of 3D sensors means that the body data measurements that were carried out during podium training days will no longer be necessary. …

FIG

Saskatchewan’s Gymnaestrada routine

Bringing Truth and Reconciliation to sport.

Canada is a terrific nation. But our greatest crime has been how the First Nations have been treated.

We can do much, much better.

This team will be sharing their message with the world at Gymnaestrada Amsterdam 2023.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (18min)

Paris Olympics – Pride House

The Pride House is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive space and will be in operation throughout the period of next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

… gender equality, diversity and equal opportunities …

Pride House has been launched alongside the Fair-Play Association, which aims to promote fair play, inclusion, equality and respect for people in sport regardless of gender, sexual orientation, expression or gender identity. …

Olympic ideals. Racists and homophobes should stay away.

British Gymnastics calls for a multi-sport SAFEGUARDING organization

GB feels they don’t have the resources to do the kind of job they want to do keeping everyone in the sport safer.

That’s not to mention the backlog of historic complaints that still need be evaluated.

FIG running out the clock on RUS

I don’t want Russian gymnasts competing in the Paris Olympics.

YES it’s rotten for Russian athletes who don’t support Putin’s war, if there are any.

But banning Russia totally is the least bad scenario for 2024.

FIG President Morinari Watanabe echoed the IOC position that Russians should be allowed to compete as independents, as they did in Tokyo. I disagree.

If any Russians compete in Paris all headlines will be about that controversial decision, degrading the actually Olympic ideals for the nations of the world that did not invade their neighbours.

AND it looks like FIG will continue to delay a final decision until it’s too late for them to be included.

International Gymnastics Federation postpones decision on re-admitting Russia until July

Anastasia Bachynska’s father killed

Anastasia Bachynska is the 2019 European Games floor exercise champion, the 2021 European balance beam bronze medalist, and the 2018 Youth Olympic all-around and floor exercise bronze medalist.

She was also a member of the gold medal-winning team at the 2020 European Championships.

HOW does FIG expect Ukraine to compete against independent Russian athletes at the Paris Olympics?

I support a ban on all RUS athletes in FIG and IOC events until Putin withdraws his army. Russia invaded Ukraine. Ukraine did not invade Russia.

Safer Gymnastics in New Zealand

In 2021 Gymnastics New Zealand was given recommendations from a review.

Here’s where they are at in 2023 at implementing and monitoring that plan.

It’s easy to read. Well presented. But still a work in progress.

Nanci Moore is back in the Gym

Nanci Moore, a gymnastics coach at Bay Valley Academy in Michigan, was suspended for allegations of mistreatment, being forced to compete through injuries, and not following concussion protocols.

Initially, she was suspended by SafeSport. But that 2 year suspension has been lifted. Nanci can coach under supervision.

It’s critical to take every accusation of misconduct seriously. And just as critical to welcome back those coaches found not guilty.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

talking to your young athletes about SPOTTING

Amanda Loudin:

“Talk to your kids about good touch and bad touch and make sure they feel comfortable coming to you if something doesn’t feel right,” she said. “Regularly check in with your kids: Ask them what was good and what was bad about practice and if anything made them feel uncomfortable.” …

… “The highest risk areas are those that allow for one-on-one adult-child interaction, often at the elite level. Those activities that involve body positioning, such as swimming or gymnastics, exacerbate the risk because touching is a part of the training.” …

espnW

A word I like to use with kids is creepy. If anything feels creepy to them, it could be a red flag.

The less spotting in your program, the better.

And be cautious HOW you spot skills. For example, spotting on the sides of the body is safer than a sandwich spot front and back.