The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) has threatened athletes with automatic disqualification for late arrival and a ₦100,000 fine for misconduct as it rolls out strict regulations ahead of the 23rd National Sports Festival in Enugu State.
Key Highlights
- Gymnasts who arrive after an event has started will be disqualified from that event.
- Fighting, abuse, threats or harassment will attract a ₦100,000 fine and possible further sanctions.
- Dress-code breaches, non-compliant music and extra coaches will cost gymnasts 0.50 to 1.00 point.
- Petitions and protests will cost ₦500,000 each.
- The 23rd National Sports Festival, The Coal City Games, runs from November 27 to December 11, 2026.
The federation also introduced score deductions for dress-code violations, non-compliant music and breaches of coaching rules, warning athletes, coaches and other accredited officials against ignoring its directives.
The 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged The Coal City Games, is scheduled for November 27 to December 11, 2026.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chinasa Ugochukwu, the GFN said the regulations were designed to enforce discipline, fairness, professionalism and compliance with technical standards throughout the gymnastics competitions.
Dress Code and Music Rules
Under the rules, gymnasts competing in team events must wear identical competition leotards, while male athletes are required to wear appropriate outfits for their respective apparatus.
Failure to comply with the prescribed dress code will attract a 1.00-point deduction.
Female gymnasts wearing leggings or shorts must also ensure that the colours match their leotards, with violations attracting a 0.50-point penalty.
The federation further warned female competitors against using music that violates applicable technical requirements, particularly tracks containing prohibited vocal elements.
“Failure to provide acceptable music, or using music that does not comply with the regulations, will attract a 1.00-point penalty,” the statement said.
Female gymnasts were also directed to keep their hair properly and securely packed throughout the competition.
Late Arrival, Misconduct and Protests
On punctuality, the GFN declared that any gymnast who arrives after an event has commenced will be disqualified from that event, placing responsibility on coaches to ensure their athletes are ready at the scheduled time.
The federation also made it compulsory for medal winners to attend award ceremonies in their respective state tracksuits or official uniforms and maintain proper conduct.
In a further crackdown on indiscipline, the GFN prohibited fighting, abusive language, intimidation, threats, harassment and confrontations involving judges, technical officials, coaches, athletes and other accredited participants.
Any established violation of the conduct regulations will attract a ₦100,000 fine payable to the federation, alongside possible additional disciplinary measures.
The rules also impose a ₦500,000 fee on petitions and protests submitted through the recognised National Sports Festival procedures, with participating states required to observe the stipulated channels and deadlines.
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Coaches and Judges
Coaches are not exempted from the restrictions, as the federation has limited accreditation to one coach per gymnast per event in each discipline.
Any breach of the provision will cost the affected gymnast 1.00 point in the final score.
The GFN also directed participating states and gymnasts to comply with approved competition formats, technical requirements and eligibility provisions for mixed-pair events.
On officiating, the federation said states whose judges have completed previous or current GFN or International Gymnastics Federation (FIG)-approved training programmes and obtained the required certifications may nominate them for the Games.
However, the federation retained exclusive responsibility for verifying qualifications, recognising and accrediting eligible judges, and making final appointments for the competition.
The GFN urged all participating states, athletes, coaches, judges and other stakeholders to study the regulations and comply fully, warning that violations could affect individual scores, participation and financial obligations during the Enugu Games.
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