Skateboarding body accused of changing rules, timekeeping irregularities at Hong Kong Games
- World Skate rules require three 45-second runs, with timers used, but Hong Kong event gave some skaters less time
- Government department says skaters were consulted about late changes, but coach says, ‘Some were only 10 years old. How can they make such a decision?’
The integrity of skateboarding events at the ongoing Hong Kong Games has been questioned after organisers were accused of changing the rules and providing inaccurate timekeeping, leaving some competitors at a disadvantage.
Rules set by World Skate, the sport’s governing body, had either not been properly implemented by the organisers or were altered at the last minute, according to local skateboarding coach Reeve Tsui Yin-lung.
The Games, held biennially, are contested by Hong Kong’s 18 districts and consist of eight competition sports along with skateboarding, breaking and sport climbing as demonstration disciplines.
The ninth edition, which runs until June 9, was classified as a major sports event by the Hong Kong government. Its website stated it would follow rules and judging criteria set by world governing bodies.
“There’s no timer, there’s not even a countdown or a stopwatch,” said Tsui, who had two skaters competing at the Games. “Some had 42 seconds, some 38 seconds. And they were cut by the MC.”
According to World Skate rules, skaters have three 45-second runs to perform tricks, and timers must be used.