The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) recognised the excellent work of a total of 26 judges at the 2014 World Championships and Youth Olympic Games across all disciplines (FIG reported).
However, in the context of the thorough review of the judging at last year’s Aerobic and Acrobatic World Championships, a number of judges had to be referred to the FIG Disciplinary Commission.
The commission states that “it is crucial for the sport of Gymnastics that judges are at all times acting and seen to be acting in an independent and unbiased manner. This is reflected in the Judges Oath (as set out in Reg. 7.12.1 TR) which states: ‘In the name of all the Judges and officials, I promise that we shall officiate in these World Championships with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them in the spirit of sportsmanship.’ Any judge who fails to act in this manner damages the image of Gymnastics both in the eyes of the public and, also importantly, in the eyes of the gymnasts, coaches and other judges upon whose continuing participation the sport of Gymnastics and therefore the future of the FIG itself is dependent.”
In this matter, the FIG Disciplinary Commission has given warnings to five judges (two AER; three ACRO) for biased judging and has excluded six judges (two AER; four ACRO) from participating in any FIG activities or other international events for periods ranging from six to 12 months.
The sanctioned judges have the right to appeal the decision rendered by the FIG Disciplinary Commission to the FIG Appeal Tribunal.
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