Ice Hockey Fed Slaps Russia with Fine -- Federations Focus

(ATR) The Russian Hockey Federation was fined $85,000 on Monday for leaving the ice before the Canadian national anthem following Canada's gold medal victory at the world championships.

The International Ice Hockey Federation says the Russian national team deliberately left the ice before Canada’s national anthem was played following a signal by captain Ilya Kovalchuk.

Russia defended the action saying there was confusion regarding a gate that was left open on the rink which many players took as a sign to leave. The incident occurred after Canada beat Russia 6 to 1 in the gold medal game.

The IIHF says video evidence reveals there was an "unmistakable head gesture" given by captain Kovalchuk to leave the ice after the team received their silver medals.

"This was exceptional as no other team has ever left the ice before the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship medal ceremony was completed," the IIHF said.

The federation continued saying the Russian team should have known better given their vast experience at these events.

The Russian Hockey Federation will not appeal the fine but is sticking to their defense of confusion leading to the mistake.

"The decision to leave the rink was not linked to ill intent and disrespect to the opposing team. The federation will carefully ensure that players and team representatives comply with all details of event protocol both at international and domestic competitions," the federation said.

FEI Holds Surface Forum

(ATR) Three dozen specialists convened at FEI headquarters in Lausanne last month for a two-day equine surfaces forum last month.

The specialists came from the United States, Belgium, Canada, Malaysia, the Netherlands and others to weigh in on standards for arena surfaces in jumping.

FEI president Ingmar De Vos opened the forum which was held a little over a year the federation published an extensive study on surfaces called the Equine Surfaces White Paper.

"Everyone attending the forum has practical experience of events from all over the world, and everyone voiced the need by equestrian sport to demonstrate commitment to consistent footings at major events," said Dr. Mick Peterson, executive director of a racing surfaces testing laboratory at the University of Maine.

Dr. Lars Roepstorff, a professor from Sweden, called the discussions "extremely constructive."

Six years of research funded by FEI were presented at the forum.

U-18 Baseball World Cup Opening

(ATR) A premier event for the World Baseball Softball Confederation opens on Friday.

The U-18 Baseball World Cup will be played from August 28 to September 6. Osaka, Japan is hosting the 12-team field with the top four seeds being Japan, the United States, Cuba and Chinese Taipei.

All twelve teams play on each of the tournament’s first five days before reducing the field. The U.S. has won each of the last two editions of the tournament, played in 2012 and 2013.

Written by Kevin Nutley and Nick Devlin

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