Badminton Star Calls for Rule Changes After Period Leads to On-Court Penalty
April 12, 2024
Scottish badminton player Kirsty Gilmour is advocating for changes to sports regulations to better accommodate female athletes’ menstrual cycles after receiving a yellow card for taking too long of a bathroom break during a recent tournament.
Unexpected Start Leads to On-Court Delay
Gilmour recounted an incident at the All England Open where she unexpectedly started her period just 30 minutes before facing the world’s top-ranked player,An Se-young. After playing through the first set, which she lost, Gilmour requested a break to manage the situation.
Yellow Card Controversy
Upon returning to the court, gilmour was penalized with a yellow card for “delaying the resumption of play.” Tournament rules stipulate a strict two-minute limit for such breaks. Although the penalty was later rescinded after Gilmour lost the match in three sets, the experience prompted her to speak out about the need for greater understanding and flexibility regarding menstruation in sports.
Advocating for Change
Gilmour, a participant in the Paris Olympic Games, is urging sports organizations to adapt their regulations to address the challenges female athletes face due to menstruation. She suggests increasing the number of women in leadership positions within sports organizations and encouraging more girls and women to participate in sports.
Broader Conversation About Menstruation in Sports
Gilmour’s experience highlights a growing conversation around menstruation and its impact on athletic performance, with many calling for increased awareness and policy changes within the sports world.
How might stricter time limits for breaks disproportionately affect female athletes experiencing menstruation?
Badminton Star Calls for Rule Changes After Period Leads to On-Court Penalty
April 12, 2024
Scottish badminton player Kirsty Gilmour is advocating for changes to sports regulations to better accommodate female athletes’ menstrual cycles after receiving a yellow card for taking too long of a bathroom break during a recent tournament.
Unexpected Start leads to On-Court Delay
Gilmour recounted an incident at the All England Open where she unexpectedly started her period just 30 minutes before facing the world’s top-ranked player,An Se-young. After playing through the first set, wich she lost, Gilmour requested a break to manage the situation.
Yellow Card Controversy
Upon returning to the court, gilmour was penalized with a yellow card for “delaying the resumption of play.” Tournament rules stipulate a strict two-minute limit for such breaks. Although the penalty was later rescinded after Gilmour lost the match in three sets, the experience prompted her to speak out about the need for greater understanding and flexibility regarding menstruation in sports.
Advocating for Change
Gilmour, a participant in the Paris Olympic Games, is urging sports organizations to adapt their regulations to address the challenges female athletes face due to menstruation. She suggests increasing the number of women in leadership positions within sports organizations and encouraging more girls and women to participate in sports.
Broader Conversation About Menstruation in Sports
Gilmour’s experience highlights a growing conversation around menstruation and its impact on athletic performance, with many calling for increased awareness and policy changes within the sports world.
Q&A: Menstruation and Sports
Q: What exactly happened to Kirsty Gilmour?
A: Gilmour, a badminton player, started her period unexpectedly shortly before a match and needed a longer bathroom break to manage it. She received a yellow card for exceeding the standard two-minute break time, highlighting the conflict between existing rules and the needs of female athletes.
Q: Why is this a problem?
A: Current sports regulations often don’t adequately consider the impact of menstruation on athletic performance and needs. this can lead to unfair penalties or put female athletes in arduous situations.
Q: What specific changes is Gilmour advocating for?
A: She’s calling for sports organizations to adapt regulations to accommodate menstruation-related needs, increase female representation in leadership roles, and encourage more women and girls to participate in sports.
Q: Are there any other athletes speaking up about this?
A: Yes! This is part of a growing conversation.Athletes across various sports are sharing their experiences and advocating for change, including discussions about period products and training adjustments.
Q: What can athletes do to manage their periods during competitions?
A: Athletes can work with medical professionals to explore options such as period tracking,hormonal birth control,and managing symptoms through medication or specific training plans. They can also advocate for better access to resources and support from their teams and sports organizations.
Q: Is there any good news?
A: Increasingly,sports organizations are becoming more aware and open to discussing the issue. Some leagues and teams are also starting to provide better support, including access to appropriate facilities and menstrual products.
Kirsty Gilmour’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the need for a more inclusive and supportive sporting habitat. let’s support the call for change and help create a better experience for all athletes!
