Embarking on a Progressive Journey:

Since 2018, Singapore Gymnastics (SG) has been steadfast in its commitment to enhancing judging protocols in Rhythmic Gymnastics, marking a transformative journey in the world of gymnastics. The recent proposal for an RG Judges' Review Committee stands as a testament to SG's strategic moves aimed at fostering fairness and accountability in rhythmic gymnastics competitions.

Building on the Momentum from 2023:

SG builds upon the momentum initiated in 2023 when the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) dedicated February to address intentional biases and judging errors, unveiling 13 key strategies. This dedication continues in the pursuit of excellence in judging.

Summary of Progressive Strategies:

1. Scoring System Evolution (2018-2020): The implementation of a new scoring system in 2020 served as the foundation for tracking judges' scores, trends, and quality. In 2024, this evolution continues with the establishment of the Judges Review Committee, reinforcing the commitment to scrutinise judging decisions transparently. This scoring system is the foundation to enable a thorough analysis of judges scores against athletes competing which acts as a deterrent and can be used in details should the need arise.

2. Judge Education Framework Enhancement: Ongoing efforts to review and enhance the judge education framework align with SG's commitment to ensuring appropriate levels of judges and increasing their overall numbers.

3. Transparency in Allocation (2018-2024): Strategies such as transparency in the allocation of judges, initiated in 2018, persist in the pursuit of fairness and integrity. The addition of international judges since 2018 at National Championships and Selection events further enhances the global perspective, a trend set to continue in 2024, when these panels will be bolstered by additional international judges.

4. Transparent Evaluation (2019-2020): The inquiry process for all SG events in 2019 and routine videoing for score inquiries from 2019 onward aim at enhancing transparency and accuracy in judging.

5. Conflict of Interest Mitigation (2022): Strategies like prohibiting phones on the judge stable, signing Conflict of Interest declarations, and live judges' draws for FIG events in 2022 minimise external influences and ensure unbiased judging.

6. Continuous Refinement (2023): Initiatives like displaying the Judges' oath, introducing dividers, and implementing the Superior Jury concept in 2023 further refine the judging process, creating a fair competition environment.

7. Judges Review Committee (2024): The establishment of the Judges Review Committee in 2024 institutionalizes analysis and accountability in live judging. Adding international judges and implementing a policy against Conflict of Interest for selection events strengthens the commitment to fairness.

Future Focus in 2024:

1. Community Education: The emphasis on educating coaches, clubs, and parents on how judges score and operate, initiated in 2023, continues with a proposed strategy for clubs to develop judges and work towards equal representation on judging panels.

2. Professional Development: The encouragement of judges to attend professional development workshops and participate in on-the-job training, initiated in 2023, remains integral to improving judging competency.

Collective Commitment and Appreciation:

These strategies collectively underscore SG's commitment to continuous improvement, education, transparency, and fairness in gymnastics judging. The proposed RG Judges' Review Committee aligns with SG's proactive stance, ensuring a fair and accountable judging process for gymnastics competitions in Singapore. SG extends appreciation to the RG TAC for their pivotal role in these developments, anticipating a future marked by an even more accountable, fair, and collaborative judging system within the gymnastics community.

The Judges Oath

“In the name of all the judges and officials, I promise that we shall officiate in the competition with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship”.