Badminton Star Kirsty Gilmour Calls for Menstrual Policy reform After Yellow Card Incident
Scottish badminton player Kirsty Gilmour is advocating for a re-evaluation of sports regulations concerning menstruation after receiving a controversial yellow card at the All England Open in March 2025.the penalty, issued for taking too long of a break to manage her period, has ignited a discussion about the lack of understanding adn accommodation for female athletes’ physiological needs in professional sports.
Yellow Card Sparks Outrage
During her match against South Korea’s An Se-young, the world number one, Gilmour was caught off guard by the sudden onset of her period just moments before stepping onto the court. After struggling through the first set, she requested a brief pause to change, only to be penalized with a yellow card for “delaying the resumption of play.” Current regulations strictly limit toilet breaks to two minutes, regardless of the reason.
While the sanction was later rescinded, the incident left Gilmour feeling humiliated and prompted her to speak out against the inadequate policies that fail to consider the realities faced by menstruating athletes.
Breaking the Taboo: Menstruation in Sports
gilmour’s experience highlights a persistent issue in elite sports: the widespread disregard and stigmatization of menstruation. she argues that the problem extends beyond the single yellow card, exposing a regulatory framework that does not adequately address the physiological needs of women and other menstruating individuals.
“Periods are not an excuse, they’re a reality. We need a better understanding, but also concrete solutions,” Gilmour stated, joining a growing number of athletes who are challenging the silence surrounding menstruation in sports.
Advocating for Policy Changes and Awareness
By publicly sharing her story, Kirsty Gilmour aims to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment for female athletes. She is calling for revised regulations that acknowledge and accommodate the natural biological processes experienced by women, ensuring fair treatment and removing unneeded barriers to their performance and well-being.
badminton Star Kirsty Gilmour Calls for Period-Inclusive Sports Regulations
Scottish badminton star Kirsty Gilmour is urging sports governing bodies to address the challenges female athletes face due to menstruation. Gilmour recently highlighted the issue after receiving a sanction during a competition, sparking a broader conversation about the need for more inclusive and equitable regulations.
More Women in Leadership & Supportive Environments Needed
Gilmour emphasizes two key strategies for creating change:
- Increased Portrayal: Integrating more women into decision-making roles within sports organizations is crucial to ensure that regulations reflect the realities of female athletes. “Women need to be present at all levels of sport, not just on the field,” Gilmour told the BBC Sport.
- Supportive Environments: Encouraging young girls to remain in sports by fostering more welcoming environments that eliminate shame and penalties related to menstruation is essential.
Gilmour also stresses the importance of inclusive education and normalizing discussions about menstruation in the media, schools, and sports clubs. Current rules should not be a barrier, source of embarrassment, or penalty for athletes.
Widespread Issue Drives Athletes Out of Sport
Gilmour’s experience reflects a wider problem. Many female athletes across various disciplines report that competitions frequently enough fail to accommodate their menstrual cycles, impacting uniform choices, event scheduling, and access to technical breaks.A 2023 study by Women in sport revealed that over 40% of teenage girls drop out of sports during puberty, partly due to issues related to menstruation. This statistic underscores the urgent need for collective reflection and reform.
By speaking out against an unjust penalty, Kirsty Gilmour sheds light on a frequently overlooked issue: the role of menstruation in professional sports. Her valiant stance calls for an evolution in attitudes and regulations, aiming for a more inclusive, humane, and truly equitable sporting environment.
Here are two PAA (Purpose, Audience, Approach) related questions for the provided text:
Badminton Star Kirsty Gilmour on Menstrual Policy Reform: Q&A
Following the controversy surrounding Kirsty Gilmour’s yellow card at the all England Open and her call for menstrual policy reform, here’s a Q&A to address the key points:
Q&A: Unpacking the Issue
Q: what happened to Kirsty Gilmour?
A: During a match, Gilmour experienced a sudden period and requested a break to change. She was penalized with a yellow card for taking too long. The penalty was later rescinded, but the incident highlighted the lack of menstrual accommodation in sports.
Q: What specific regulations are being challenged?
A: Current regulations often limit toilet breaks to a set time (e.g.,two minutes),irrespective of the need to manage menstruation. Gilmour and others argue this doesn’t consider the physiological realities of female athletes.
Q: what is kirsty Gilmour advocating for?
A: She wants sports governing bodies to revise regulations to accommodate menstruation,ensuring fair treatment and removing barriers to performance. She also calls for more women in leadership roles and supportive environments.
Q: Why is this issue crucial?
A: It impacts female athletes’ well-being and performance. A study shows over 40% of teenage girls drop out of sports during puberty due to menstruation-related issues. It underscores the need for a more inclusive and equitable sporting surroundings.
Q: What are some concrete actions that can be taken?
A:
- Increase women in leadership roles in sports organizations.
- Create supportive environments that normalize discussions about menstruation.
- Revise rules to allow for necessary breaks.
- Provide educational resources about menstruation in sports.
Q: How can I support this cause?
A: Share this information, support athletes speaking out, and advocate for policy changes within your local sports clubs and communities.
Q: What is the All England Open?
A: The All England Open badminton Championships is one of the oldest and most prestigious badminton tournaments in the world, held annually in England.
Q: Is this a widespread issue beyond Badminton?
A: Yes, many female athletes across various disciplines face similar challenges, including issues with uniform choices, competition scheduling, and access to breaks.
Q: What is the BBC Sport?
A: BBC Sport is the sports division of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), providing sports coverage on television, radio, and online.
Q: What is the Women in Sport?
A: Women in Sport is a UK-based charity focused on transforming sport for the benefit of every woman and girl.
Kirsty Gilmour’s call for reform is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all athletes. Let’s work together to make sports truly equitable.
