Category: safety

Pride Tape

The NHL (National Hockey League) was infamously homophobic and non-diverse.

I know. I’m a Canadian.

That league has improved tremendously in recent years, however. Protecting minority players and taking actions so that all in the sport can be treated equally.

But now …

Rainbow-colored Pride Tape has been part of pro ice hockey for seven years, symbolizing the sport’s pledge to be welcoming and inclusive. But the NHL has banned the athletic tape, quickly sparking a backlash.

Critics say the league’s decision is a step backward.  …

The tape got a big boost in early 2016, when the Edmonton Oilers used it as a way to support young LGBTQ+ athletes who might otherwise quit playing ice hockey in the face of homophobia and discrimination. …

The NHL bans Pride Tape, setting off a backlash from players and fans
Marian Studenic of the New Jersey Devils

One bit of good news where I live …

FIG “Safe Sport Journey” – Antwerp

More than 150 participants attended the first day of the second symposium of “Our Safe Sport Journey” onsite in Antwerp (BEL) and around 130 joined the event online. They benefited from the knowledge and experience of various inspiring speakers, including safeguarding experts, coaches and gymnasts. …

Carrying on the legacy of last year’s first edition in Liverpool (GBR), the different speakers emphasized the importance of establishing a safe environment for athletes and coaches. Donatella Sacchi, President of the FIG Safeguarding Commission, presented the new Safeguarding Certificate for coaches, which was implemented recently. This mandatory course will help improve the education of coaches and their level of knowledge about safeguarding matters. …

Enlightening second symposium of Our Safe Sport Journey ends on encouraging note

The Safeguarding Certificate is only available for coaches in the FIG database.

Recordings of the first day (3 October), co-organised by the FIG and the Royal Belgian Gymnastics Federation, is now available on the FIG Education YouTube Channel, via this link.

Safeguarding athletes in Italy

This video is in Italian. But you can click the CC button to get it translated to other languages.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Girls Talk About Growing Up & Sports

We asked girls and all-star athletes like Jordan Chiles, Rayssa Leal, and Bebe Vio how they tackled obstacles that made them want to quit sport. …

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

IOC bans Russian Olympic Committee

As much as I miss the Russian athletes, I would vote to ban them from competing in Paris under any banner.

This small step is a small step in the right direction. The IOC had the guts to make this move. I commend them.

gymnasts for #WorldMentalHealthDay

Tips for staying mentally healthy while training one of the world’s most difficult sports.

coach fired for calling gymnasts ‘beautiful’

Lindsay Nylund was fired from his role as a high-performance coach … in Sydney (Australia), in May, after he sent an email to parents with a picture of his winning team, describing them as “beautiful”.

“Hi all … Our beautiful FDLC Level 8 Women’s Artistic Gymnasts,” he wrote in the email in February, following a competition win.

… “Parents were outraged [over his termination], the coaching staff were outraged, everyone was outraged … Most people are flabbergasted, they can’t believe it. They think this is ridiculous.” …

Determined to get his job back, Mr Nylund has taken the case to the Industrial Relations Commission. …

According to The Australian, the council listed three other allegations in their termination notice, including that Mr Nylund “showed a lack of respect to management” by allowing a one-week membership fee freeze when it should have been two weeks.

He also allegedly transported athletes without parent consent and attended a social event at a local club, which the council claimed breached Child Safe Practice guidelines. …

A four-day hearing at the NSW IRC has been set for mid-November.

News.com.au

In praise of Gymnastics Unitards

They simply make more sense than the traditional one piece bathing suit.

Read Nancy Armour’s take ➙ How a unitard could help keep women in gymnastics past puberty

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Kyle Shewfelt on Vault spotting

Listen to Kyle.

FIG WTC says it hasn’t yet received a written request to change the rule. IF changed, it wouldn’t be put into the Code until after Paris.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

women’s podium training is DONE

The final flight in the qualifying round will have FRANCE and Mélanie on Floor confirming their qualification to PARIS. At the same time, China will be finishing on Beam. An awesome finish.

I felt there were fewer injuries in podium training this year. Gymnasts healthier on arrival. Better prepared to hit the routines intended.

Watch a montage from WAG day 2 podium on YouTube.