GFN Cracks Down On Indiscipline Ahead Of Enugu Sports Festival
Our Correspondent
For gymnasts heading to Enugu for the 23rd National Sports Festival, winning medals will require more than skill, strength and determination.
Strict dress codes, punctuality and zero tolerance for misconduct are among the rules they must observe to avoid costly penalties.
The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) has issued a fresh set of competition directives ahead of the National Sports Festival, tagged The Coal City Games, scheduled for November 27 to December 11 in Enugu State.
The guidelines are designed to enforce discipline, fairness and professionalism while ensuring compliance with approved technical standards throughout the competition.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chinasa Ugochukwu, the federation warned that gymnasts who violate competition dress codes could lose points, with a 1.00-point deduction for failure to comply with prescribed attire.
Female gymnasts wearing leggings or shorts must ensure they match their leotards, while violations will attract a 0.50-point penalty.
The GFN also prescribed strict music requirements for female gymnasts, warning that unacceptable music or prohibited vocal elements would attract a 1.00-point deduction.
Athletes are equally required to keep their hair properly secured throughout their events.
Punctuality is another major requirement, as the federation declared that any gymnast arriving after an event has commenced will be disqualified from that event.
Coaches have consequently been reminded to ensure their athletes are competition-ready and available at the scheduled time.
The federation further directed medal winners to appear at award ceremonies in their respective state tracksuits or official uniforms and maintain proper conduct.
In a strong warning against misconduct, the GFN outlawed fighting, abusive language, intimidation, threats, harassment and confrontations involving athletes, coaches, judges and other accredited officials.
Any established breach will attract a fine of ₦100,000, payable to the federation, in addition to possible further disciplinary action.
For states seeking to challenge competition decisions, the federation directed that petitions and protests must follow recognised procedures and be submitted within the stipulated timeframe. The prescribed petition fee is ₦500,000, payable to the National Sports Festival under approved arrangements.
The GFN also limited coaching representation to one accredited coach per gymnast per event in each discipline, with violations attracting a 1.00-point deduction from the athlete’s final score.
Participating states and gymnasts are also expected to comply with approved formats, technical requirements and eligibility provisions for mixed-pair events.
On officiating, states may nominate judges who have completed GFN or International Gymnastics Federation (FIG)-approved training and obtained the required certifications.
However, the federation retains the authority to verify qualifications, recognise and accredit judges, and make final appointments for the competition.
With the Enugu Games approaching, the GFN says strict adherence to the regulations will be essential to ensuring a fair, orderly and professionally conducted gymnastics competition.
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