25. April 2003  
Moutier/Switzerland  
Rhythmic Gymnastics

F.I.G.- Judging in Gymnastics: Encouragements and Warnings!

(fig): In a letter recently sent out to its 125 affiliated Federations, the FIG clearly re-stated its elementary rules for conduct in the area of judging, and that based on the qualifying competitions for the 2004 Olympic Games.
The Executive Commission expects exemplary conduct from both its federations and judges, a service free from all suspicion and, above all, a respect for sports ethics of the most elementary kind.

In the case of recognised cheating, the sanctions that will be given will not only affect the judges, but the country they represent. This is new!
A federation may now be prohibited to judge. Such consequences force the national Federations to face their responsibilities and cause those who would be tempted by reprehensible aberration to consider further before acting.

Keep in mind that the FIG sorted out the ranks of Rhythmic Gymnastics following the Saragosse “affair” in 2000, banishing judges from the Olympic Games in Sydney.

Bruno Grandi

In the above mentioned letter, FIG President and IOC Member, Prof. Bruno Grandi emphasised the extreme difficulty of judging within the context of Olympic qualifications. He vehemently repeated that, fortunately, cheating and cases of recognised corruption remain the exception and that he is very pleased with the high level of work put out by the great majority of international judges, whom he trusts completely.
Those concerned will seriously consider this warning.
(Source: fig press release, 2003, April, 25)
F.I.G Press Release - FRENCH VERSION
Jugement en Gymnastique Encouragements et mise en garde!