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Letter to FIG (rope must be kept)
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Laura96



Joined: 04 Sep 2010
Posts: 2
Location: Britain

PostPosted: Sat, 4-Sep-2010 15:29    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rope should be kept because if rope is causing injuries because of too many jumps and leaps then ball will have to be removed because of too many flexibilities.
Also in Britain Rhythmic is never shown on television, only the Olympics is shown, so why should it matter if it can't be seen cause we never get to watch it anyway.

A scarf should not become a new apparatus because it is a small thin piece of material so how is that ever going to be seen on camera. And finally it will not be a routine because you will not be able to do any handling during elements, we will just spend the whole routine holding it and if you throw it, the scarf will just spend the whole time in the air.
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latvy6



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PostPosted: Fri, 14-Jan-2011 9:47    Post subject: Reply with quote

did anyone actually write a letter and send it off...?
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coolmadgick



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PostPosted: Fri, 14-Jan-2011 10:27    Post subject: Reply with quote

latvy6 wrote:
did anyone actually write a letter and send it off...?


I wrote one, and Johnatan corrects it.....But it was some month ago, so maybe some things have to be add now....


Quote:
Dear Sir or Madam,

The international communities of Rhythmic Gymnastics fans wish to share their opinions about the July newsletter you sent to all member federations.

We would like to address the removal of the rope from the program of Rhythmic Gymnastics and its eventual replacement. In your monthly newsletter it is written that you ask for the approval of Rhythmic Gymnastic circles. However, fans are an integral part of this sport and deserve to be listened to. Without fans, RG would no longer exist. And this you sometimes seem to forget. After all, it is the fans that spend their money on travelling in order to see FIG competitions; it is the fans that spend their entire afternoons studying results, gymnasts' routines, the Code of Points and so on. It is the fans that are the best witnesses to the evolution of Rhythmic Gymnastics, and have the best range of ideas about the route our sport should take. Indeed, if we are invisible for you, we know that journalists, communication specialists, finances specialists, etc are among us; people who know their job as well as those working at FIG organization.

The removal of the rope from the senior apparatus schedule is simply illogical. Granted, occasionally the rope can be difficult to see but it is largely visible – this can be proved by watching any Olympic footage. The fact that sometimes it may not be visible is due to poor lighting, the use of dark-coloured ropes or fluorescent ropes in brightly-lit arenas. By removing this apparatus, one would be rendering the sport ‘easier’ as rope is not a ‘solid’ apparatus like ball and hoop and requires frequent changes of grip and dexterity. Rope is considered one of the most iconic apparatus of Rhythmic Gymnastics, was one of the first used and is therefore anchored in the tradition of the sport.

Furthermore, leaps are considered to be a difficult element. If rope were to be removed, will FIG spend valuable time and money rewriting the Code of Points so that leaps can be made the CAP element for other apparatus? Similarly, we do not consider the damage to gymnast’s health a valid argument. If this apparatus severely harms gymnast’s knees and feet, why will it be kept in the junior program even though such gymnasts are younger and their bodies not fully developed? In addition, the same/similar leaps are performed in all other routines and the removal of the rope doesn’t alleviate the problem of the supposed damage rope causes to gymnast’s joints. Therefore these arguments are not valid and can be resolved by simply advising gymnasts to use ropes that are visible in the conditions of any particular arena and using more padding beneath carpets in competitions and training. What’s more, you announce the removal of rope and the new freehand routines flippantly in the newsletter as if it has been announced and ratified previously.

Moreover, you speak about omitting the World Championship Gala and replacing it with a “Free Program” – we presume this will ring true for other international championships too. Our question is why? The gala is the only opportunity a gymnast has – regardless of where she is from – to truly express herself and not worry about the competition rules and regulations. How can you remove a moment of grace during which a champion, for example, who fought for an entire week to defend her position and the honour of her country can relax and enjoy the freedom of expression for five minutes? How can you remove a moment in which a gymnast can say goodbye to her friends and her fans? How can you remove such moments of emotion, shared between gymnasts and audience alike? And the answer you give to the question we all ask: “why remove the gala and replace it with a competition?” is such a competition would be "encouraging new developmental forms and apparatus for Rhythmic Gymnastics". Do the main figures in the sport agree with this? No, because the question is absurd. Why would it be in your interests to listen to gymnasts if you don't listen to fans? Gymnasts won’t react. If they don't agree, they will simply leave and you’ll have no more problems. Why would you care about the feelings of a gymnast? We believe you when you say that it was "specialists" who declared this for the simple reason it is obvious that people who made this decision are not those who will walk on a carpet equipped with a "scarf", or a "flag". What's more, when you say "new apparatus: scarf, flag, etc", we supppose that "etc" could be anything, what about a newspaper, an umbrella, CDs for example?

Do you need reminding that scarves have already been removed in the past to allow RG to gain some credibility with the media and increase the difficulty of the sport? So why do you plan to replace rope by a ridiculous thing "to make it nice"? Because, the element of "ridiculous" that such a routine would imply removes any credibility the sport may have. Whereas fans, trainers, gymnasts, and, people working at FIG fight every day to ensure that the public respects our discipline as a sport and not a circus. Scarves and flags are already used in galas, which are, as we said before, meant for relaxing and not for competition. Rhythmic Gymnastics needs ‘signature’ apparatus to make it easily distinguishable from other forms of gymnastics. If we use scarves and flags it will make it look like we are part of the circus or drum majorettes. Should the apparatus be turned into a floor exercise for seniors, it will confuse our sport with acrobatics (which isn’t recognised as an Olympic sport).

Since you deleted the word "sportive" from RSG, you have to restore the element of “sport” somehow, as onlookers will no longer be convinced about just how Rhythmic Gymnastics is actually a sport.

Even if you don’t listen to our plea, we will submit it anyway. Instead of looking for new apparatus, whereas every four years, only four out of five are chosen, why don't you want to let four ? Or why not establish a Freehand, which is already present in national competitions of many countries.

In conclusion, fans who constitute a big part of Rhythmic Gymnastics ask that rope is kept and if this is not possible, we do not want a new piece of apparatus. The only way we could reach a compromise is on the introduction of a freehand routine. And finally, with regards to removing galas: You need to consider the future, long-term implications of this decision such as the media deciding that the sport is ‘not sporty or difficult’ enough to bother covering the events anyway. You also need to consider the amount of time and money you will spend on re-writing the code of points yet AGAIN.

Yours sincerely,

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latvy6



Joined: 30 Jan 2009
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PostPosted: Fri, 14-Jan-2011 11:03    Post subject: Reply with quote

I like many of the points of the letter, but I think we should work on the ending a bit more? I feel like it could be worded more effectively.

And I think we should prepare ourselves with letters for the media as well in case our pleas really aren't heard. Even if they go on with eliminating rope completely I'll keep trying to bring it back.
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coolmadgick



Joined: 12 Aug 2008
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PostPosted: Fri, 14-Jan-2011 11:09    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm in !
But I've no idea anymore for the letter....
Except the disaster of Moscow's gala....And I noticed that now, the gala was even not anymore a moment of pleasure for the gymnasts, because in many competition now, the best gala is awarded ! And most of the time, the country who host the competition wins....I have some example in head....
It seems this is the transition to the new competition....

Personally, I drew my best sketches with rope but I don't think they really care !!

We have until 2016 to try to keep rope, let's go !
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Youandi



Joined: 26 Oct 2008
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PostPosted: Fri, 14-Jan-2011 12:17    Post subject: Reply with quote

giving a award to the best gala?
I mean like how stupid is that? the gala isn't even a part from a competition, it is a part BESIDES a competition

Neutral
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coolmadgick



Joined: 12 Aug 2008
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PostPosted: Fri, 14-Jan-2011 13:21    Post subject: Reply with quote

Youandi wrote:
giving a award to the best gala?
I mean like how stupid is that? the gala isn't even a part from a competition, it is a part BESIDES a competition

Neutral


This is what I've said, I think it is a transition to the new type of competition who will take the place of the gala in World Championship...
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Youandi



Joined: 26 Oct 2008
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PostPosted: Fri, 14-Jan-2011 14:36    Post subject: Reply with quote

ah ok, new type of competition, we already have various types of competition so no need of adding another one
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Hoops and Grand Fouettes



Joined: 10 May 2011
Posts: 1847
Location: USA

PostPosted: Sat, 14-May-2011 17:01    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kind of late, but...

1. Rope should be kept because, for a fan, it's a fun piece to watch and it's easily manipulated. There's a ton of really cool elements that gymnasts do with rope.

2. What is this?! Color guard?! Flags would just make RG more like color guard. They're too heavy to throw in the air and do certain elements, like rolls and illusions. They also hurt more.(Believe me, I got whacked in the face with one during marching band practice.) If they really wanted to add another apparatus, use rifles or sabers or have a free exercise.
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Kerstin



Joined: 26 Oct 2003
Posts: 66
Location: Toronto, Canada

PostPosted: Tue, 14-Jun-2011 15:14    Post subject: Reply with quote

From the FIG website:

Please send me your thoughts, opinions, suggestions, feedback, critic, feelings or any ideas you might have about Code of Points in these disciplines and its future development before 15th of June. The e-mail address is:

athletes@fig-gymnastics.org

Didn't see this earlier, unfortunately.
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ybalka_



Joined: 10 Oct 2004
Posts: 1538

PostPosted: Tue, 14-Jun-2011 16:15    Post subject: Reply with quote

coolmadgick wrote:
latvy6 wrote:
did anyone actually write a letter and send it off...?


I wrote one, and Johnatan corrects it.....But it was some month ago, so maybe some things have to be add now....


Quote:
Dear Sir or Madam,

The international communities of Rhythmic Gymnastics fans wish to share their opinions about the July newsletter you sent to all member federations.

We would like to address the removal of the rope from the program of Rhythmic Gymnastics and its eventual replacement. In your monthly newsletter it is written that you ask for the approval of Rhythmic Gymnastic circles. However, fans are an integral part of this sport and deserve to be listened to. Without fans, RG would no longer exist. And this you sometimes seem to forget. After all, it is the fans that spend their money on travelling in order to see FIG competitions; it is the fans that spend their entire afternoons studying results, gymnasts' routines, the Code of Points and so on. It is the fans that are the best witnesses to the evolution of Rhythmic Gymnastics, and have the best range of ideas about the route our sport should take. Indeed, if we are invisible for you, we know that journalists, communication specialists, finances specialists, etc are among us; people who know their job as well as those working at FIG organization.

The removal of the rope from the senior apparatus schedule is simply illogical. Granted, occasionally the rope can be difficult to see but it is largely visible – this can be proved by watching any Olympic footage. The fact that sometimes it may not be visible is due to poor lighting, the use of dark-coloured ropes or fluorescent ropes in brightly-lit arenas. By removing this apparatus, one would be rendering the sport ‘easier’ as rope is not a ‘solid’ apparatus like ball and hoop and requires frequent changes of grip and dexterity. Rope is considered one of the most iconic apparatus of Rhythmic Gymnastics, was one of the first used and is therefore anchored in the tradition of the sport.

Furthermore, leaps are considered to be a difficult element. If rope were to be removed, will FIG spend valuable time and money rewriting the Code of Points so that leaps can be made the CAP element for other apparatus? Similarly, we do not consider the damage to gymnast’s health a valid argument. If this apparatus severely harms gymnast’s knees and feet, why will it be kept in the junior program even though such gymnasts are younger and their bodies not fully developed? In addition, the same/similar leaps are performed in all other routines and the removal of the rope doesn’t alleviate the problem of the supposed damage rope causes to gymnast’s joints. Therefore these arguments are not valid and can be resolved by simply advising gymnasts to use ropes that are visible in the conditions of any particular arena and using more padding beneath carpets in competitions and training. What’s more, you announce the removal of rope and the new freehand routines flippantly in the newsletter as if it has been announced and ratified previously.

Moreover, you speak about omitting the World Championship Gala and replacing it with a “Free Program” – we presume this will ring true for other international championships too. Our question is why? The gala is the only opportunity a gymnast has – regardless of where she is from – to truly express herself and not worry about the competition rules and regulations. How can you remove a moment of grace during which a champion, for example, who fought for an entire week to defend her position and the honour of her country can relax and enjoy the freedom of expression for five minutes? How can you remove a moment in which a gymnast can say goodbye to her friends and her fans? How can you remove such moments of emotion, shared between gymnasts and audience alike? And the answer you give to the question we all ask: “why remove the gala and replace it with a competition?” is such a competition would be "encouraging new developmental forms and apparatus for Rhythmic Gymnastics". Do the main figures in the sport agree with this? No, because the question is absurd. Why would it be in your interests to listen to gymnasts if you don't listen to fans? Gymnasts won’t react. If they don't agree, they will simply leave and you’ll have no more problems. Why would you care about the feelings of a gymnast? We believe you when you say that it was "specialists" who declared this for the simple reason it is obvious that people who made this decision are not those who will walk on a carpet equipped with a "scarf", or a "flag". What's more, when you say "new apparatus: scarf, flag, etc", we supppose that "etc" could be anything, what about a newspaper, an umbrella, CDs for example?

Do you need reminding that scarves have already been removed in the past to allow RG to gain some credibility with the media and increase the difficulty of the sport? So why do you plan to replace rope by a ridiculous thing "to make it nice"? Because, the element of "ridiculous" that such a routine would imply removes any credibility the sport may have. Whereas fans, trainers, gymnasts, and, people working at FIG fight every day to ensure that the public respects our discipline as a sport and not a circus. Scarves and flags are already used in galas, which are, as we said before, meant for relaxing and not for competition. Rhythmic Gymnastics needs ‘signature’ apparatus to make it easily distinguishable from other forms of gymnastics. If we use scarves and flags it will make it look like we are part of the circus or drum majorettes. Should the apparatus be turned into a floor exercise for seniors, it will confuse our sport with acrobatics (which isn’t recognised as an Olympic sport).

Since you deleted the word "sportive" from RSG, you have to restore the element of “sport” somehow, as onlookers will no longer be convinced about just how Rhythmic Gymnastics is actually a sport.

Even if you don’t listen to our plea, we will submit it anyway. Instead of looking for new apparatus, whereas every four years, only four out of five are chosen, why don't you want to let four ? Or why not establish a Freehand, which is already present in national competitions of many countries.

In conclusion, fans who constitute a big part of Rhythmic Gymnastics ask that rope is kept and if this is not possible, we do not want a new piece of apparatus. The only way we could reach a compromise is on the introduction of a freehand routine. And finally, with regards to removing galas: You need to consider the future, long-term implications of this decision such as the media deciding that the sport is ‘not sporty or difficult’ enough to bother covering the events anyway. You also need to consider the amount of time and money you will spend on re-writing the code of points yet AGAIN.

Yours sincerely,


I have a question, has this letter ever been sent off or it was just a draft? We've been given the opportunity to send our complains, ideas, critics...let's gather some ideas up again!
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coolmadgick



Joined: 12 Aug 2008
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PostPosted: Sun, 19-Jun-2011 18:17    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well I did not send anything since no one made critics about the letter, or agree with my letter (corrected by Johnatan). I don't have any other ideas to add in the letter. I asked for some help, but no one answered really.... Confused
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latvy6



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PostPosted: Sun, 19-Jun-2011 21:24    Post subject: Reply with quote

I assumed the letter was a final draft.

I think it's good enough to be sent it...seeing as how I know other people who have sent in letters that aren't quite so eloquent and detailed. Rolling Eyes
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coolmadgick



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PostPosted: Mon, 20-Jun-2011 8:46    Post subject: Reply with quote

thank you....Actually I made it myself and someone corrected my English. But no one told me if it was good enough to be sent.
Maybe I should add a comment about Moscow WC Gala ?
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Youandi



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PostPosted: Mon, 20-Jun-2011 11:45    Post subject: Reply with quote

Imo you should send it now, adding a comment on the moscow gala is a great idea Smile
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