Non approved landing mats SANCTIONS RELEASED & Judging

Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, May 8, 2012: SANCTIONS RELEASED, On March 3, 2012, American apparatus manufacturer American Athletic, Inc. was reported for having supplied non-approved landing mats to the Visa American Cup in Madison Square Garden, New York (USA), an event that counts for the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup.

Referred to the FIG Disciplinary Commission, the case was discussed at Federation headquarters on May 1, 2012, led by President Paul Engelmann (SUI) and in the presence of members Mr Nihad Hagverdiyev (AZE) and Rached Gharbi (TUN). At the close of the hearing with AAI representatives, the FIG Disciplinary Commission adjudicated.

The manufacturer will pay a 4,000 USD fine and cover the cost of the proceedings, bringing the total to 9,500 USD. In addition, AAI will donate 60,000 USD worth of new gymnastics apparatus selected by the FIG Foundation.

These decisions will be made public via FIG official publications. The manufacturer has the right to appeal within 21 days of receipt of the decision.

FIG clarifies that as a FIG-certified manufacturer, AAI is an official supplier handling all apparatus used in Artistic Gymnastics. With an official diploma, AAI operates as an official partner of the FIG. Its status as such is and has not been questioned.

Judging at the artistic world championships 2011: SANCTIONS RELEASED BY FIG.

Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, May 8, 2012: Following an in-depth analysis of judging at the 43rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Tokyo (JPN), October 7 – 16, 2011, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) lodged disciplinary proceedings against two female judges on the judging panel.

In keeping with procedure, the FIG Disciplinary Commission met on April 9 and 10, 2012 at Federation headquarters in Lausanne (SUI), led by President Marc Schoenmaekers (BEL) and in the presence of Paul Engelmann (SUI) and Rached Gharbi (TUN).

The two judges were found guilty of negligence in the line of duty as well as violation of article 3, paragraphs 1 and 5 of the FIG Disciplinary Code, and were issued an official warning. In addition, the judges were banned from judging the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games in London this July. A 1,000 CHF contribution to the legal fees was also imposed.

The defendants may appeal to the FIG Appeal Tribunal within 21 days of receipt of the sanction.