New Zealand Gymnasts Now Allowed to Wear Shorts Over Leotards
In a groundbreaking move, competitive gymnasts in all codes in New Zealand can now wear shorts over their leotards without facing penalties for issues like visible bra straps. This change comes as part of an overhaul of the sport’s attire regulations aimed at making athletes, especially young females, feel comfortable and safe while competing.
Gymnastics New Zealand chief executive Andrea Nelson emphasized that the changes are about inclusivity and ensuring that all athletes feel at ease in their attire. The decision to allow shorts over leotards was influenced by a research report from Massey University’s School of Sport, Exercise, and Nutrition, which highlighted body image as a significant concern for New Zealand gymnasts when it came to uniform design.
“We surveyed our competitors across all gymnastic disciplines and found that while most girls love wearing leotards, some just don’t feel comfortable in that attire,” Nelson explained. “By allowing competitors to wear shorts, we are ensuring that no one feels excluded or uncomfortable while competing.”
The updated regulations also address issues such as visible bra straps and unclear rules around underwear, with the aim of promoting comfort and safety for all athletes. Nelson stressed that the changes were necessary to remove barriers to participation and make gymnastics accessible to everyone.
The new attire regulations apply to all five gymnastic codes for competitions in New Zealand but do not extend to international competitions governed by FIG regulations. The move has been met with widespread support within the sport, with many seeing it as a positive step towards gender equity and inclusivity.
Overall, the changes to Gymnastics NZ’s attire regulations are expected to have a positive impact on the sport, allowing athletes to compete with confidence and comfort. By providing athletes with more options and flexibility in their attire, the sport is taking a significant step towards creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.