Badminton star Calls for Period-Friendly Rule Change After On-Court Mishap

Top badminton player Kirsty Gilmour is advocating for a rule change in her sport to accommodate athletes who unexpectedly start ⁤their periods during competition.‍ Her call to action follows‌ a personal incident where she unexpectedly started menstruating mid-match against the world’s number‌ one player.

Unexpected Start⁣ Leads to On-Court Urgency

Gilmour ⁢recounted how ⁢she was playing ⁢against the world’s‌ top-ranked player when she ⁢unexpectedly got her period. While initially managing⁤ the situation, she soon realized her clothing was visibly ‌affected and requested a bathroom break‌ from the umpire.

Penalty Reversed,⁣ Advocacy Ignited

Upon returning to the court, Gilmour received a yellow card​ for “delaying the game”​ becuase she exceeded the allotted time. Even though the yellow card and ​subsequent fine where⁢ rescinded by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the⁢ experience motivated Gilmour to push⁣ for ‍revised regulations. She wants to ensure that there’s consideration for athletes who may need extended breaks due to menstruation.

Avoiding Exploitation: A Rare Occurrence

Addressing potential‌ concerns about athletes exploiting such a ​rule change to gain ​an advantage, ‍Gilmour emphasized the rarity of ⁤these situations. ‍”I’ve ⁢been playing for‌ thirteen years, and I’ve never been caught short on‍ court,”​ she stated.She believes the focus should⁣ be on supporting athletes, not policing them⁣ for potential abuse of ⁣the system.

Protocol Needed for Dignity and Support

Gilmour believes a formal protocol is needed to handle such situations ‌with​ dignity and prevent‍ embarrassment for athletes. “There isn’t a person who menstruates in the world who⁤ wants to stand in front of a few thousand spectators‍ and tell a person with a microphone that they’re bleeding,” ⁣she explained. She envisions a discreet and supportive process⁤ for athletes managing their periods during competition.

More Women in Leadership: ⁤A Broader Perspective

Gilmour also underscored the​ importance of having more women in leadership positions ​within sports organizations. She ‌noted that men predominantly hold positions of power and that increased female ‌portrayal would bring ​a broader understanding⁤ of⁤ the unique challenges faced by female athletes.

What specific action does Kirsty Gilmour want⁢ the Badminton World ⁣Federation (BWF) to⁤ take, and how does she believe this will benefit​ female athletes competing in badminton?

Badminton Star Calls for Period-Kind Rule Change ⁤After On-Court Mishap

Top badminton player Kirsty Gilmour is ⁣advocating for a ​rule change in her sport to accommodate athletes who unexpectedly start their periods during competition. Her call to action follows a personal incident where she unexpectedly started menstruating​ mid-match against the world’s number one player.

Unexpected Start leads to On-Court Urgency

Gilmour ‌recounted⁤ how she was playing against ⁣the world’s top-ranked player when she unexpectedly got her period. While⁤ initially managing the ⁢situation, she soon realized her clothing was visibly affected and requested a bathroom break from the umpire.

Penalty Reversed, Advocacy Ignited

Upon returning to ​the​ court, Gilmour received a ⁣yellow card for “delaying the game” becuase she exceeded the allotted time. Even though the yellow card and subsequent fine where rescinded by the Badminton World Federation (BWF),the experience ⁢motivated Gilmour to push for⁣ revised regulations. She wants to ensure that there’s consideration for ⁤athletes who may​ need extended breaks due to menstruation.

Avoiding Exploitation: A Rare occurrence

addressing potential concerns about athletes exploiting such a​ rule change to gain an advantage, Gilmour emphasized the rarity of these situations.”I’ve been playing for thirteen years, and I’ve never been caught short on court,” she ‍stated. She believes the focus should be on supporting athletes,⁤ not policing them for potential abuse of⁣ the system.

Protocol Needed for Dignity and Support

Gilmour believes a formal protocol ‍is‍ needed to handle such situations with dignity and prevent embarrassment for athletes. “There ‍isn’t a person who ‍menstruates in the world who wants to stand⁣ in front of ⁣a few thousand spectators and tell⁢ a person with a microphone⁤ that they’re bleeding,” she explained. She envisions a discreet and supportive process for athletes managing‌ their periods during competition.

More​ Women ⁤in ⁤Leadership: A Broader Perspective

Gilmour also ​underscored the importance‌ of having more women in leadership⁤ positions‌ within sports organizations.She noted that men predominantly hold positions ⁤of power and that increased female portrayal would bring ‍a broader understanding of the unique challenges faced by female athletes.

Q&A: Period-Friendly Rules in⁤ Badminton

Why is Kirsty Gilmour advocating for this rule change?

Following an on-court incident where she unexpectedly started ⁣her period, Gilmour wants to ensure athletes receive⁢ proper ​support⁢ and avoid embarrassment during competitions.

What ‍happened to gilmour during the match?

She unexpectedly started her‌ period mid-match, which led​ to the ⁤need for a​ bathroom break.⁣ Upon her return, she was initially penalized for delaying the game.

What was ⁤the penalty, and what happened afterward?

Gilmour received a yellow card⁢ for delaying the game. ‍However, the Badminton ​World Federation (BWF) later rescinded the card and fine, highlighting their understanding of the situation.

Is there a concern about athletes‌ exploiting such a rule?

Gilmour believes it would be⁣ a ‌rare occurrence and emphasizes the focus should be on supporting athletes, not policing them.

What kind of protocol⁢ does Gilmour propose?

She envisions a discreet and supportive process to handle⁢ such situations with dignity,preventing embarrassment for athletes.

Why is having more women in leadership positions important?

It would bring⁢ a broader understanding of the challenges female athletes​ face and lead to more inclusive policies.

Trivia: Have other sports addressed this issue?

Yes, some sports, such as surfing and soccer, have started to implement period-friendly policies, including allowing longer breaks or providing access to necessary supplies.

Advice: What can​ athletes do to prepare?

athletes can consult with their doctors, and‌ consider pleasant period ‍products, and familiarize themselves with the sporting federation’s rules.

Kirsty Gilmour’s initiative highlights​ a critical need for sports to adapt and support female athletes. Let’s hope her advocacy sparks positive change within badminton and beyond, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment for⁤ all athletes.