International Gymnastics Federation
History
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), known by its French acronym Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, is the governing body for the sport of gymnastics worldwide. Established in 1881, it is the oldest established international sports federation. The FIG was founded in Liège, Belgium, by representatives from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. Over the years, it has grown to include 148 national member federations.
Structure and Governance
The FIG is structured to ensure effective governance and the promotion of gymnastics globally. The highest authority within the FIG is the Congress, which meets every two years. The Congress is composed of delegates from all member federations and is responsible for electing the President, the Executive Committee, and the Technical Committees for each discipline. The Executive Committee, which meets more frequently, oversees the day-to-day operations of the FIG.
The FIG's headquarters are located in Lausanne, Switzerland, a city known for hosting several international sports organizations. The President of the FIG, as of the latest update, is Morinari Watanabe from Japan, who was elected in 2016.
Disciplines
The FIG governs several gymnastics disciplines, each with its own set of rules and competitions:
Artistic Gymnastics
Artistic gymnastics is the most well-known discipline, featuring events such as the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise for women, and the floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar for men. Artistic gymnastics is a staple of the Olympic Games and has a rich history of competition.
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Rhythmic gymnastics is a women's-only discipline that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance, and apparatus manipulation. The apparatus used in rhythmic gymnastics include the hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon, and rope. This discipline emphasizes grace, coordination, and artistic expression.
Trampoline Gymnastics
Trampoline gymnastics includes individual and synchronized trampoline, double mini-trampoline, and tumbling. Athletes perform acrobatic skills while bouncing on a trampoline, showcasing their aerial abilities and control. Trampoline gymnastics became an Olympic sport in 2000.
Acrobatic Gymnastics
Acrobatic gymnastics involves pairs or groups of gymnasts performing routines that include acrobatic moves, dance, and tumbling. This discipline requires a high level of teamwork, strength, and balance. Competitions are held for men's pairs, women's pairs, mixed pairs, women's groups, and men's groups.
Aerobic Gymnastics
Aerobic gymnastics is characterized by high-intensity, continuous movement patterns performed to music. It includes individual, mixed pairs, trios, and group routines. This discipline focuses on aerobic power, strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Competitions and Events
The FIG organizes several major competitions, including:
World Championships
The World Championships are the premier events for each gymnastics discipline, held annually or biennially. These competitions attract the best gymnasts from around the world and serve as qualifiers for the Olympic Games.
World Cup Series
The World Cup Series consists of multiple events held throughout the year, allowing gymnasts to compete for ranking points and prize money. The series includes events for artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, and acrobatic gymnastics.
Olympic Games
The FIG plays a crucial role in the organization and regulation of gymnastics events at the Olympic Games. Artistic gymnastics has been part of the Olympics since the first modern Games in 1896, while rhythmic gymnastics was added in 1984, and trampoline gymnastics in 2000.
Judging and Scoring
The FIG has developed a comprehensive judging and scoring system for each discipline, ensuring fairness and consistency in competitions. Judges are trained and certified by the FIG, and they evaluate routines based on difficulty, execution, and artistry.
Code of Points
The Code of Points is the rulebook used to score routines in artistic, rhythmic, and trampoline gymnastics. It outlines the values of various skills, deductions for errors, and requirements for routine composition. The Code of Points is periodically updated to reflect changes in the sport and to encourage innovation and safety.
Difficulty and Execution Scores
In artistic gymnastics, routines are scored based on two main components: the Difficulty Score (D-score) and the Execution Score (E-score). The D-score reflects the difficulty of the skills performed, while the E-score evaluates the quality of execution, including form, technique, and artistry. The final score is the sum of these two components, minus any deductions for falls or other errors.
Development and Education
The FIG is committed to the development of gymnastics worldwide. It offers various educational programs, workshops, and resources for coaches, judges, and athletes. These initiatives aim to improve the quality of coaching, enhance judging standards, and promote the growth of gymnastics at all levels.
Academy Program
The FIG Academy Program provides structured education and certification for coaches in all gymnastics disciplines. The program includes theoretical and practical courses, covering topics such as technique, biomechanics, psychology, and safety. The Academy Program is designed to raise the standard of coaching globally and to ensure the well-being of gymnasts.
Age Group Development Program
The Age Group Development Program focuses on the training and development of young gymnasts. It provides guidelines for age-appropriate training, competition formats, and skill progression. The program aims to create a safe and supportive environment for young athletes, fostering their long-term development and success in the sport.
Anti-Doping and Athlete Welfare
The FIG is dedicated to promoting clean sport and protecting the health and well-being of gymnasts. It adheres to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code and implements rigorous anti-doping measures, including testing, education, and sanctions for violations.
Anti-Doping Program
The FIG's Anti-Doping Program includes in-competition and out-of-competition testing, as well as education and awareness initiatives. The program aims to deter doping, detect violations, and promote a culture of clean sport. The FIG collaborates with national anti-doping organizations and WADA to ensure compliance with international standards.
Athlete Support and Protection
The FIG has established policies and programs to support and protect athletes. These include guidelines for athlete welfare, safeguarding measures to prevent abuse and harassment, and initiatives to promote mental health and well-being. The FIG works closely with member federations to implement these measures and to provide resources and support for athletes.
Technological Advancements
The FIG embraces technological advancements to enhance the sport of gymnastics. This includes the use of video replay systems for judging, electronic scoring systems, and data analytics to improve performance and training.
Video Replay and Judging
Video replay systems are used in major competitions to assist judges in evaluating routines. These systems provide multiple camera angles and slow-motion playback, allowing judges to make more accurate and informed decisions. The use of video replay has improved the fairness and transparency of judging in gymnastics.
Electronic Scoring Systems
Electronic scoring systems have streamlined the process of scoring and ranking gymnasts in competitions. These systems automatically calculate scores based on input from judges, reducing the potential for human error and speeding up the delivery of results. Electronic scoring systems are used in FIG-sanctioned events and have become standard in the sport.
Challenges and Future Directions
The FIG faces several challenges as it seeks to promote and develop gymnastics worldwide. These include ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes, maintaining the integrity of the sport, and adapting to changes in the global sports landscape.
Athlete Safety and Well-Being
Ensuring the safety and well-being of gymnasts is a top priority for the FIG. This includes addressing issues such as overtraining, injury prevention, and mental health. The FIG has implemented guidelines and programs to promote safe training practices, provide medical support, and raise awareness of mental health issues.
Integrity and Fairness
Maintaining the integrity and fairness of gymnastics competitions is essential for the sport's credibility. The FIG continues to refine its judging and scoring systems, implement anti-doping measures, and address issues such as match-fixing and corruption. The organization is committed to upholding the highest standards of fairness and transparency.
Adapting to Change
The global sports landscape is constantly evolving, and the FIG must adapt to remain relevant and competitive. This includes embracing new technologies, engaging with fans and stakeholders, and promoting the sport to new audiences. The FIG is exploring innovative ways to enhance the spectator experience, increase participation, and ensure the long-term growth and success of gymnastics.