The rule changes themselves are an indication of the fact the sport is growing and evolving faster than the Federation can keep up! Perhaps even that the sport is leaning towards incorporating rules that will make BJJ more attractive to Olympic commitees and sponsors.
On the cards to change as of 2012:
1. Competitiors bringing both blue and white gis to competitions to change according to their opponent's colour gi making life easier for the referee and reducing mistakes (reported by GracieMag)
2. Anti-doping procedures to be adopted (reported by GracieMag)
3. New kids belt system to standardise promotions and motivate the little ones
I'm particulary interested to see how the anti-doping and uniform rules pan out. I suspect education is going to be a huge problem, with athletes needing to be told what is illegal, and held accountable for the substances that enter their body. I wonder how penalties will be enforced? Most competitors in Australia struggle to organise one gi that's competition legal, let alone two. Maybe demand for reversible gis will go up!
Looking at the kids belt system, the suggested stripes just blows me away. As if the kids and parents weren't confused enough, now there are a number of double-coloured belts and up to 11 stripes! When they compete, kids will only be separated by the main colour on their belt. Hmmm...I guess we'll have to see how this one works out, but I suppose anything to motivate the future stars of jiu jitsu is worth a try!
Ahem, what?? Blue AND white gi to make it easier on the referee? How does that agree with forcing everyone to wear belt-coloured rashies and black shorts? So after making it more difficult for no-gi, they are now trying to make it easier for gi comps? Totally makes sense. Oh yeah.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure everyone will be over the moon being forced to buy another comp quality gi.
Oh, and what about the schools which only allow white gis or white gi while someone is white belt. Should these people buy a comp-only blue gi as well?
I haven't looked at the kids belt/stripe system, though I can't see what is wrong with the current system. I guess that will mentally prepare us for a future increase in belts and stripes for the adults. What a load of...
With the anti-doping stuff, I totally agree with you. Need more info.