A portable defibrillation machine must now be present at all gymnastics events, the FIG has ruled

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) is instituting a rule requiring defibrillators to be present at all of its competitions.

The rule, established at the recent FIG Congress in Helsinki and announced Monday, will be in place for all FIG events, including World Cup competitions.

Defibrillators send electrical jolts to the heart, potentially saving the life of someone who is in cardiac arrest.

"The equipment will be compulsory for FIG events," said Philippe Silacci, FIG press officer. "The FIG cannot impose to member federations but will recommend."

The new rule is unrelated to the Oct. 13 death of Russian hockey player Alexei Cherepanov, Silacci said. Cherepanov, a first-round NHL draft pick for the New York Rangers, collapsed and died during a game in Moscow. There have been accusations of negligence in the case because reportedly no defibrillator was available at the ice rink.

However, the FIG's new rule is not just for the safety of its athletes, Silacci said.

"In a competition hall there are not only gymnasts!" he told IG. "Think of coaches, judges, officials and journalists, who are older than gymnasts and sometimes smokers."

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